Photo gallery: JigJam | 07.09.25, Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Photo of JigJam by Rachel Hopson

Thousands of St. Louis Locals gather in the Missouri Botanical Gardens each Wednesday night of the summer for a night of free picnicking and music, courtesy of the Whitaker Foundation. The performing act at the Whitaker Music Festival the evening of July 9, 2025 lived up to their name, offering an outdoor jam session worthy of any St. Louisan’s best attempt at an Irish jig. JigJam describes their music as the product of “when virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide-open fields of bluegrass/Americana.”

With three of the four-part band’s members hailing from Offaly and Tipperary in Northern Ireland, the “i” in their “iGrass” music is as authentic as any in the Midwest. The band has an array of songs referencing the city of St. Louis, now their home, and surrounding areas. The display of hometown nods, outstanding musicianship, and witty banter gained JigJam the undivided attention, reciprocated energy, and playful responses from all in attendance. | Rachel Hopson