SAINT LOUIS, MO.- The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum will launch its spring 2009 concert series, "Kemper Presents," on Feb. 27 with Theodore, a foursome that creates a rootsy, familiar yet completely fresh sound with instruments as diverse as the trombone, glockenspiel, accordion and lap steel guitar.

Designed to highlight the talents and diversity of contemporary St. Louis musicians, the series will feature local artists working in a variety of genres from ambient jazz and soul to punk rock and American roots music.

"We hosted our first Kemper Presents series in spring 2008 and received tremendous community response," says Kimberly Singer, the museum's manager of marketing, visitor services and events. "We are very excited about our lineup for this music series this spring and are hoping for a second smashing success."

All concerts are performed at 6 p.m. in the Kemper Art Museum and are free and open to the public. Complimentary refreshments will be available.

The series continues March 6 with Mmmelt, which fuses ambient, punk, world beat, jazz, electronics, avant-garde and spoken word into an eclectic, sonic landscape.

A Bit Shifty, a male-female duo combining vocals, guitar and drum, will perform March 13, followed by singer-songwriter Tonya Gilmore, whose voice and haunting lyrics will mesh with keys, guitar and cello on March 20.

On March 27, Brothers Lazaroff take the stage with a diverse lineup of musicians who offer a unique blend of laid-back, soulful roots music. Illphonics follows on April 3 with a mix of hip-hop, rock, jazz and blues.

The series continues April 10 with FIRE DOG, an indie pop trio with a catchy sound full of optimism and fun. A night of punk rock on April 17 features two bands: the 75s and Left Arm. The 75s play pop with a girlie twist while Left Arm garage-band musicians produce tight, gritty riffs.

Brotha'D and the WOO-Daddies will conclude the series April 24 with their distinctive, self-described sound: "Rockabluesabilly with a twist of swing."