In January, Nat Hentoff, a syndicated columnist and writer noted for his jazz criticism and attention to First Amendment issues, died at the age of 91.
His daughter, Jessica Hentoff, is a St. Louis resident and will pay tribute to her father’s work in an upcoming performance featuring Circus Harmony, the organization of which she is executive director.
The event, which is planned for March 17 at the .ZACK Theater, will feature current and former Circus Harmony performers and proceeds from the event will benefit the organization.
Hentoff said her father had a profound impact on those who knew him, including herself.
“To me it was the inspiration to make a difference, because his life certainly did,” Hentoff told St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh. “It is what I try to do with my work. What he did with writing, I try to do with circus arts and the kids at Circus Harmony. He wrote stories and he told stories of his subjects so well. I try to help young people write their own stories instead of having their stories written for them because of where they live, the color of their skin or their religion.”
On Wednesday’s St. Louis on the Air, Jessica Hentoff joined the program to talk about her father and the role circus can play in social good:
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
