Wiegand Foundation Hosting Jam with Carl Jackson

The Chesterfield-based non-profit the Wiegand Foundation is partnering with the Mark Twain Museum and Boyhood Home to host a jam session with Grammy-winning bluegrass musician Carl Jackson tonight. 

The event, called "Gumstock" (a reference to the Gumbo Flats area of Chesterfield), also features The Weldon Springs Atomic Waste band. The public is invited to bring their own instruments or just sit back and enjoy the music, which will begin at 6 p.m. 

The Wiegand Foundation is the creation of life-long Chesterfield resident and sculptor Don Wiegand. According to the organization's website, its mission is to foster patriotism through works of art and recognize the achievements of leaders in the fields of national defense, science, technology, and health and human services. 

Gumstock will be held in Wiegand's home and studio, the former Kroeger Slaughterhouse located across the street from Annie Gunn's. Wiegand said the idea for the concert come from the jam sessions he already holds on Sundays, which attract 25-30 friends and musicians. 

The building housing the Wiegand's studio was constructed in 1926 and is one of four to be on the Chesterfield Historic Register. Wiegand has added it to it over the years, and he called the striking structure his largest work. 

The aim of tonight's event, Wiegand said, is to raise awareness of the work the two organizations do. The Mark Twain Museum has long featured a scupltor of the famous author crafted by Wiegand. 

The Spirit of Hope

Wiegand will also be holding another fundraising for the foundation Sunday, Oct. 7. The event is an effort to support one of the organization most visible missions, the "Spirit of Hope" award. 

Commissioned by the USO in 1997 and sponsored by the Wiegand Foundation, the award is named after comedian and frequent USO performer Bob Hope. Each year, the various branches of the armed services nominate one individual deemed to epitomize the spirit and values of Bob Hope. 

Wiegand casts a bronze replica of his bas-relief, the "Spirit of Hope," which is presented to the nominees at a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

To help the foundation continue to sponsor the award, Wiegand is holding a wine and cheese party from 4-7 p.m., Oct. 7 at his home, Wiegand Studios, at One Wiegand Drive. 

Those interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP by calling (636) 532-3228.