Watch a stream long enough and you'll see how it changes. As it flows over a rock-strewn river bottom, it bubbles and swirls over the stones. But as the riverbed evens out, the stream quiets.

            That's the best way to describe the music of the trio performing at Jacoby in November: alternately upbeat and bubbly and silky smooths.

            Local pianist Gigi Darr teams up with vocalist Jessica Butler and bassist Rich Mendoza to play jazz standards, pop music and French songs from 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Nov. 11. Jacoby Arts Center is located at 627 E. Broadway in Alton.

            Artists ranging from Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keyes to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley could be on the playlist. It will depend on the mood and the moment.

            “We’ll be going with the flow of the evening,” said Darr. “That’s how a lot of musicians work.”

Darr is a classically trained pianist since age 7. In 2009, she decided to branch out and began adding R&B, jazz and pop to her repertoire. She’s performed with Ralph Butler a number of years and during one collaboration, she heard Butler’s daughter sing.

            “It’s so fun performing a variety of styles and genres. And Jessica is amazing. She’s so eclectic. She can adapt and change her sound to sing anything from Sinatra to Santana,” said Darr.

            And, of course, French tunes. Butler spent several years in France. 

Butler begged for piano lessons when she was 8 and later picked up the guitar, French horn and saxophone. She says music is something she can’t live without.

“It’s always a gift, every time I play. I get a chance to make people feel good. If you’re in a bad mood, music will put you in a good mood,” she said.

Granite City native Mendoza has played jazz and pop in St. Louis for more than 20 years. His rich jazz and easy groove vocabulary, Butler’s sultry voice and Darr’s versatility means the audience will enjoy an evening filled with music that will flow easily throughout the evening.