Artist Series Concerts: The 442s

A genre-defying acoustic quintet that blends virtuosic musicianship, group singing, and inventive improvisation while breaking down barriers between jazz, classical, folk, and pop music. These St. Louis-based musicians will present a program of original compositions from their upcoming album and holiday favorites including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” and others.

Combining three members of the world-class St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and two of the St. Louis region’s finest jazz musicians, The 442s are a genre-defying acoustic quintet named for the modern standard tuning of 442 Hz! Brought together by the innovative and inspired compositions of Adam Maness, who plays piano, guitar, accordion, melodica, and glockenspiel in the group, The 442s features Shawn Weil on violin, Michael Casimir on viola, Bjorn Ranheim on cello and Bob DeBoo on bass. Formed in 2012, this unique ensemble blends virtuosic musicianship, group singing, and inventive improvisation, all while breaking down barriers between jazz, classical, folk, and pop music.

The 442s were born of a common musical inquisitiveness and a search for new and exciting musical possibilities and collaborations. This search has taken them to venues and concert series throughout the Midwest; including Powell Symphony Hall, Jazz Saint Louis, and The Sheldon Concert Hall. They have appeared as soloists with The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis.

The 442s have released three albums to date; their 2014 self-titled debut album has been featured on radio stations worldwide. Relay and Home for Christmas, both released in 2016, feature collaborations with celebrated musicians from across the musical spectrum.

The 442s have been profiled on the nationally syndicated television program, Arts America, and their music serves as the soundtrack for the 2016 Emmy Award-winning documentary film, Show Me 66: Main Street Through Missouri, which was produced by the Missouri History Museum. In the summer of 2016, The 442s were named the first-ever Artists-In-Residence at Forest Park in St. Louis and embarked on a unique public commissioning project in collaboration with the people who love and use the park. The culminating multi-media work premiered in 2016.