JAM Magazine: June/July 1997 Issue: Hot Summer Jazz

HOT SUMMER JAZZ!

Summer is a great time to be in Kansas City. Especially if you're big on music. Several notable jazz-related events are on tap for the summer of '97. Here's a look at what's in store.

The Corporate Woods Jazz Festival
WHEN: Friday-Sunday, June 13-15
WHERE: Corporate Woods Park North (Bldg 40)
TICKETS: Free admission
INFO: 491-3271

For the past seven years, one weekend each June, the hustle and bustle of an urban office park has been transformed into one of the summer season's most entertaining and well attended jazz events: the Corporate Woods Jazz Festival.

Situated on the banks of Indian Creek in Corporate Woods Park, the site provides for a comfortable expanse that can accommodate a large crowd. Only the weather poses a potential drawback, which, of course is a risk with any outdoor event. (I remember one year the Sivils/Metheny Trumpet Summit valiantly slogged through their set during a pouring rain before this patron was eventually chased from the scene -- carrying not one, but two saturated umbrellas.) When the weather is good, however, the crowd often spills over onto nearby Indian Creek Parkway; it's the perfect setting for an afternoon or evening of Kansas City jazz.

The lineup at Corporate Woods has always reflected an allegiance to the local jazz scene. That tradition continues in 1997. Kicking things off on Friday, June 13 (5:30-11:00 p.m.), will be the Dunn/Freeman Mix (with saxophonist Gerald Dunn and keyboard man Everette Freeman), followed by the Pete Eye Trio (with vocalist Rob Richardson) then Claude "Fiddler" Williams and Queen Bey (backed by Paul Smith, Bob Bowman and Vince Bilardo). On Saturday, June 14 (3:30 to 11:00 p.m.), the Milt Abel Quartet opens, followed by Max Groove, the Sonny Kenner Little Big Band, and the Everette DeVan Trio with Lori Tucker. And on Sunday, the 15th (2:30-9:00), look for the talented Overland Park South Rotary Youth Jazz Band, the Luqman Hamza Trio (and the Elder Statesman Jam), Stan Kessler and the Sons of Brasil, and Tim Whitmer & the KC Express. All told, the CWJF provides three nights and two afternoons of some of the best jazz music Kansas City has to offer.

So, put together a survival pack of sunscreen, something to sit on, and plenty of cash for the myriad of vendors. Enjoy the food and drink. Sit back, relax and enjoy. --William Buchanan III

The Jazz & Fine Arts River Jam
WHEN: Saturday-Sunday, June 21-22
WHERE: English Landing Park (Parkville)
TICKETS: Free admission
INFO: 505-2227

Now in its second year, Parkville's "Jazz & Fine Arts River Jam" has expanded from one day to two. At last year's event, Angela Hagenbach and Tim Whitmer appeared; both will be back this year for a River Jam encore.

Like many area KC jazz festivals, Parkville spotlights local talent. And in '97, there will be plenty. On Saturday, June 21 (noon to 9), the Parkville Community Big Band, the Little Boulevard Big Band, Dan Doran, Tim Whitmer, and Karrin Allyson will perform. Then on Sunday, June 22 (noon to 7:30 p.m.) listeners will hear the sounds of Stan Kessler and the Sons of Brasil, the Pete Eye Trio with Rob Richardson, Pat Morrissey and the Shakehouse Horns, and Angela Hagenbach and her quartet.

The River Jam is free and open to the public. And be sure to bring a favorite lawnchair and/or blanket for seating. No alcohol is permitted in English Landing Park (located just south of the railroad tracks in downtown Parkville), but an exception is made for beer and wine purchased from the festival Beer Garden.

Also, don't forget about the dozen or so booths displaying the work of local artists (booths open at 11:00 a.m.). The Jazz & Arts River Jam not only features some of the area's finest jazz talent, but the creative output of many outstanding artists as well. -- MM

The 16th Annual Jazz Lover's Pub Crawl
WHEN: Thursday, June 26, 8:00 p.m. to midnight
WHERE: 21 different venues around the metro (see ad on p. ??)
TICKETS: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call Ticketmaster at 931-3330 or visit a participating club.
BUS INFO: They start rolling at 8:00 p.m. from designated clubs.

The Jazz Lover's Pub Crawl is one of the major jazz events of the year. 20-plus clubs swing with the sounds of live Kansas City jazz, one ticket gets you into all participating venues, and, as you hop (or crawl) from one club to the next, you can "leave the driving to us."

Pub Crawl XVI promises to be one of the best, what with a good cross section of local jazz and blues talent playing right up to the midnight hour. In addition to an evening of good music and good times, the Jazz Lover's Pub Crawl has also become a major fund raiser for various jazz-related causes. Last year, the KC Jazz Ambassadors (in cooperation with the 18th & Vine Authority) were able to donate $14,000 to the area jazz community. 1996 beneficiaries were: the Kansas City Jazz Workshop, the Folly Theater, Unity Temple on the Plaza, the Gem Theater, the Mutual Musicians Foundation, the 18th & Vine Heritage Jazz Festival, the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival, the UMKC School of Jazz Studies Scholarship Fund, the Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund, and the 18th & Vine Authority. In 1997 proceeds will once again be shared, a radical departure from past years when, prior to KCJA control, such altruism was not always the case.

The main thing on June 26, however, will be the music. And a jam-packed evening of music it promises to be. Buses leave designated stops at regular intervals (starting at 8:00 p.m.), then it's just a matter of letting the sounds do the rest. -- MM

The 1997 Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival
WHEN: Friday-Sunday, July 18-20
WHERE: Liberty Memorial Grounds/Penn Valley Park
TICKETS: $10 per day ($7.50 in advance), $16 for all three days (in advance), kids under 10 free
TO ORDER TICKETS: Call 800-530-KCMO

On the third weekend in July, the seventh annual Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival will showcase more than 50 blues and jazz artists as well as area high school music groups from the metro area. Festival attendance for this event was over 100,000 in 1996; with the 1997 lineup shaping up to be one of the most eclectic in recent memory, that number is sure to be equaled if not surpassed.

The list of performers at past Blues & Jazz festivals is a "who's who" of jazz and blues music, both of local and international repute. Kevin Mahogany, Pat Metheny, Eric Marienthal, Bob James, Boney James, Stanley Turrentine, Karrin Allyson, Bela Fleck, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, McCoy Tyner, the Boulevard Big Band, Sam Johnson, Simplexity, Angela Hagenbach... and that's just the tip of the iceberg. This year's lineup is just as diverse. And exciting.

On Friday, July 18, the Jazz Stage (sponsored by Piggly Wiggly) will feature KC drummer Matt Kane and his quartet, trumpeter Chris Botti, and the renowned guitarist George Benson. On Saturday, July 19, there's Dave Stephens and his Swing Septet, followed by the Doug Talley Quartet, Michael Ray & the Cosmic Krewe, organist extraordinaire Jimmy Smith, KC's own Jay McShann with the Duke Robillard Band, and finally, the always-exciting Jerry Gonzales & his Fort Apache Band. And wrapping things up, Sunday, July 20, will be area pianist Luqman Hamza, Straight Ahead, the Dirty Dozen, Roy Ayers, and the festival closer, the Yellowjackets.

(At press time there were still a few TBAs on the festival jazz schedule. And, as always, things can change after they appear set. A final announcement of artists and times is scheduled for the second week in June; up-to-the-minute info can be found at the Blues & Jazz Festival web site at: http://www.unicom.net/kcbluesjazz/)

Of course not all who read this magazine are limited to an enthusiasm for great jazz. Blues fans will be glad to know that the (CGI) Blues Stage is also featuring a diverse lineup of local and national talent. There's Big Babe Martin & Chump Change, Kelley Hunt, Luther Allison, and Tower of Power (Friday); the KCBS Talent Competition Winner, Millage Gilbert, Brody Buster & the BWB Band, Lil' Brian Terry & the Zydeco Travelers, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Corey Stevens, and Etta James & the Roots Band (Saturday); and Fast Johnny Ricker, Linda Shell & the Blues Thang, the Boneshakers, the James Harman Band, Bobby Rush, and Dr. John (Sunday).

All this -- plus an ample lineup of fine local talent in the festival's Heritage Tent, one of the more popular hangouts in previous years -- and you have what promises to be another memorable Blues & Jazz Festival. See you there. -- MM

Summit Fest '97
WHEN: Friday, August 8
WHERE: William B. Howard Park (Lee's Summit)
TICKETS: Free Admission
INFO: 525-5777

Downtown Lee's Summit may seem an unlikely place for a jazz festival, even if it is a one-evening affair. But after the roaring success of last year's inaugural event, "Summer Fest" has taken its place among the many area events that showcase Kansas City jazz talent.

"We had hoped for 500 or 600 people last year," says festival co-chairperson Marilyn Gorman, "but the police department estimated that, by 11 p.m., we had 5000 people! We were just astonished."

Summer Fest is sponsored by the Lee's Summit Parks & Rec Department, and is planned and overseen by local citizens who make up the Lee's Summit Visionary Task Force. Summer Fest '97 is being preceded in July by an evening of bluegrass music, and both events will be held at William B. Howard Station Park next the old downtown railroad depot.

Seating for the evening concert will be a mix of bleachers and tables and chairs (already set up), but, according to Gorman, people are encouraged to bring their own lawnchairs and/or blankets. Food and beverages will also be available at neighboring restaurants (downtown Lee's Summit is currently experiencing a notable rebirth), but if you bring your own, there is a "no coolers" request.

And of course, there is the music! Beginning at 6:00 p.m. listeners will hear the sounds of Tim Whitmer & the KC Express, Diane "Mama" Ray and the Everette DeVan Quartet (with special guests Lisa Henry and Sharon James), and the Zoe Burns Band. And here's a good Summit Fest idea: there will be a mini-stage next to the main stage where local Lee's Summit jazz talent will be showcased. Continuous music. No boring intermissions!

Parking will be free, and, according to Gorman, the weather "will be perfect. We hope everyone will come to Lee's Summit on August 8th for a wonderful evening of music." -- Carol Heizman

The 18th & Vine Heritage Jazz Festival
WHEN: Saturday-Sunday, August 23-24
WHERE: 18th & Vine District
TICKETS: Free Admission
INFO: 474-1080

The 18th & Vine Heritage Jazz Festival will celebrate its 15th year in 1997. The festival is considered to be a major component of the 18th & Vine Historic District's commercial industry (especially regarding tourism), and with the scheduled openings of the Gem Theater, Jazz Museum, and Negro Baseball League Museum slated for late summer, the timing of the '97 Heritage Jazz Festival couldn't be better.

Admission is free and the program diverse with an emphasis on family-oriented events as well as shows aimed at the hardcore jazz and blues enthusiast. Performers the Festival hopes to present (and not confirmed at press time) include Bobby Watson (both Jr. and Sr.), Mike Metheny, Ronnie and Lonnie McFadden, Karrin Allyson, Claude "Fiddler" Williams and Norman Brown.

The Festival is presented by the Black Economic Union (BEU) of Greater Kansas City, a 29-year-old, non-profit community development corporation. Support for the event comes from several sources including KCPL, Central Brochure Distributors, DST Systems, Inc., the Missouri Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance. Local jazz venues such as Club 427 and Unity Temple on the Plaza (among many others) are also adding their support to artist sponsorship for this 15th anniversary celebration.

As they are confirmed, schedules and artists will be announced. For additional information, contact Pat Jacobs-McDonald at 816-474-1080. -- Bill O'Connor

The Annual KC Spirit Festival
WHEN: Friday-Sunday, August 29-31
WHERE: Liberty Memorial Grounds/Penn Valley Park
TICKETS: $10 per day at the gate ($7.50 in advance); children 12 and under, adults 65 and older, free
INFO: 221-4444

With twelve stages and 250 bands covering every musical style under the Missouri sun, the Kansas City Spirit Festival, now in its 14th year, has to rank as one of the most inclusive music events in the country. Add food, fireworks and a carnival midway, and it becomes the Mother of All Midwestern Music Parties.

"We attempt to provide the broadest spectrum of musical genres so as to appeal to all of Kansas City," says executive director Timothy Smith. "While other events tend to appeal to a niche market, Spirit appeals to everyone. And I think we provide a service to the other festivals by promoting so many different kinds of music."

The various pavilions and stages at Spirit Fest are housed in different tents, some circus-sized, complete with table and chair seating and a full compliment of sound and lighting. Jazz fans, of course, will find themselves drawn to both the Jazz Pavilion and the Showcase Stage where they will hear everything from bebop and cool to straight ahead, Latin and fusion. And while it's still a bit too early to know the complete '97 lineup, rest assured that the city of 'Bird and Basie will be well-represented on the Spirit Fest Jazz Stage. (In 1996, Queen Bey, Sonny Kenner and Simplexity appeared.)

"Spirit's ultimate goal is to showcase a variety of national artists without compromising the rich tradition that is our local talent," says Smith. "And we will continue to focus on the jazz heritage that is uniquely Kansas City."

The Spirit Festival is truly an all-encompassing event. And it continues to enjoy increased corporate sponsorship, media support and attendance (this year's total is expected to reach 250,000). For the jazz crowd, it continues to be a good opportunity to hear local talent. But come to the Spirit Festival with more than just jazz on your mind. Rarely will you have the chance to sample so many varieties of music, all in one 35 acre park. -- J.P. Makus

The Kansas City International Jazz Festival
WHEN: Friday-Saturday, September 19-20
WHERE: Starlight Theater (Swope Park)
TICKETS: $18, $27 and $50 per day (group ticket rates are available); to order, call 363-7827
GENERAL INFO: 444-4558

What good news it is that the Kansas City International Jazz Festival is back for a second year. As most will recall, attendance at the '96 event fell short of expectations, but that has not discouraged festival organizers Steve Irwin and Jo Boehr. Says Boehr, "If (putting on a jazz festival) were an easy thing to do, everybody would do it! We realized going in that it takes three to five years to get any kind of event up and running. And even though last year's attendance was disappointing, Sprint very graciously agreed to get behind us again as did many of last year's sponsors."

The 1997 event will be similar to last year's in that it will be a classic blend of local and international jazz talent. Kicking things off on Friday, September 19, will be bari saxophonist Kerry Strayer and his group. Then comes Kansas City pianist Pete Eye. "We're so excited that Pete will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of his trio with us," says Boehr. Drummer Leon Parker follows and, as Boehr says, is "the Bobby McFerrin of percussionists; he can play your kitchen table!" Closing the show on Friday will be singer/pianist Shirley Horn whose intimate style will surely convert Starlight Theater into a smoky, pin-drop-silent nightclub.

On Saturday, September 20, two popular local performers will open things up. First saxophonist Kim Park and his sextet (featuring Joe Cartwright on piano and Danny Embrey on guitar) , then flugelhornist Mike Metheny with a quartet featuring Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass), and Todd Strait (drums). Next comes organist (and sometimes trumpeter) Joey DeFrancesco, KC's own Lisa Henry ("a fine person and a great singer" says Boehr), the trombones of Wycliffe Gordon and Ron Westray, and a guaranteed festival highlight, pianist Herbie Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter in a unique duo setting.

"We know this is a good idea," says Boehr. "And I know we have to prove ourselves. But if we stick to our guns, and if we can hang in there, five years from now Kansas Citians won't be able to imagine there not being an International Jazz Festival." -- John Leisenring

RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1997 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		HOT SUMMER JAZZ! Summer is a great time to be in Kansas City. Especially if you're big on music. Several notable jazz-related events are on tap for the summer of '97. Here's a look at what's in store. The Corporate Woods Jazz Festival WHEN: Friday-Sunday, June 13-15 WHERE: Corporate Woods Park North (Bldg 40) TICKETS: Free admission INFO: 491-3271 For the past seven years, one weekend each June, the hustle and bustle of an urban office park has been transformed into one of the summer season's most entertaining and well attended jazz events: the Corporate Woods Jazz Festival. Situated on the banks of Indian Creek in Corporate Woods Park, the site provides for a comfortable expanse that can accommodate a large crowd. Only the weather poses a potential drawback, which, of course is a risk with any outdoor event. (I remember one year the Sivils/Metheny Trumpet Summit valiantly slogged through their set during a pouring rain before this patron was eventually chased from the scene -- carrying not one, but two saturated umbrellas.) When the weather is good, however, the crowd often spills over onto nearby Indian Creek Parkway; it's the perfect setting for an afternoon or evening of Kansas City jazz. The lineup at Corporate Woods has always reflected an allegiance to the local jazz scene. That tradition continues in 1997. Kicking things off on Friday, June 13 (5:30-11:00 p.m.), will be the Dunn/Freeman Mix (with saxophonist Gerald Dunn and keyboard man Everette Freeman), followed by the Pete Eye Trio (with vocalist Rob Richardson) then Claude "Fiddler" Williams and Queen Bey (backed by Paul Smith, Bob Bowman and Vince Bilardo). On Saturday, June 14 (3:30 to 11:00 p.m.), the Milt Abel Quartet opens, followed by Max Groove, the Sonny Kenner Little Big Band, and the Everette DeVan Trio with Lori Tucker. And on Sunday, the 15th (2:30-9:00), look for the talented Overland Park South Rotary Youth Jazz Band, the Luqman Hamza Trio (and the Elder Statesman Jam), Stan Kessler and the Sons of Brasil, and Tim Whitmer & the KC Express. All told, the CWJF provides three nights and two afternoons of some of the best jazz music Kansas City has to offer. So, put together a survival pack of sunscreen, something to sit on, and plenty of cash for the myriad of vendors. Enjoy the food and drink. Sit back, relax and enjoy. --William Buchanan III The Jazz & Fine Arts River Jam WHEN: Saturday-Sunday, June 21-22 WHERE: English Landing Park (Parkville) TICKETS: Free admission INFO: 505-2227 Now in its second year, Parkville's "Jazz & Fine Arts River Jam" has expanded from one day to two. At last year's event, Angela Hagenbach and Tim Whitmer appeared; both will be back this year for a River Jam encore. Like many area KC jazz festivals, Parkville spotlights local talent. And in '97, there will be plenty. On Saturday, June 21 (noon to 9), the Parkville Community Big Band, the Little Boulevard Big Band, Dan Doran, Tim Whitmer, and Karrin Allyson will perform. Then on Sunday, June 22 (noon to 7:30 p.m.) listeners will hear the sounds of Stan Kessler and the Sons of Brasil, the Pete Eye Trio with Rob Richardson, Pat Morrissey and the Shakehouse Horns, and Angela Hagenbach and her quartet. The River Jam is free and open to the public. And be sure to bring a favorite lawnchair and/or blanket for seating. No alcohol is permitted in English Landing Park (located just south of the railroad tracks in downtown Parkville), but an exception is made for beer and wine purchased from the festival Beer Garden. Also, don't forget about the dozen or so booths displaying the work of local artists (booths open at 11:00 a.m.). The Jazz & Arts River Jam not only features some of the area's finest jazz talent, but the creative output of many outstanding artists as well. -- MM The 16th Annual Jazz Lover's Pub Crawl WHEN: Thursday, June 26, 8:00 p.m. to midnight WHERE: 21 different venues around the metro (see ad on p. ??) TICKETS: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call Ticketmaster at 931-3330 or visit a participating club. BUS INFO: They start rolling at 8:00 p.m. from designated clubs. The Jazz Lover's Pub Crawl is one of the major jazz events of the year. 20-plus clubs swing with the sounds of live Kansas City jazz, one ticket gets you into all participating venues, and, as you hop (or crawl) from one club to the next, you can "leave the driving to us." Pub Crawl XVI promises to be one of the best, what with a good cross section of local jazz and blues talent playing right up to the midnight hour. In addition to an evening of good music and good times, the Jazz Lover's Pub Crawl has also become a major fund raiser for various jazz-related causes. Last year, the KC Jazz Ambassadors (in cooperation with the 18th & Vine Authority) were able to donate $14,000 to the area jazz community. 1996 beneficiaries were: the Kansas City Jazz Workshop, the Folly Theater, Unity Temple on the Plaza, the Gem Theater, the Mutual Musicians Foundation, the 18th & Vine Heritage Jazz Festival, the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival, the UMKC School of Jazz Studies Scholarship Fund, the Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund, and the 18th & Vine Authority. In 1997 proceeds will once again be shared, a radical departure from past years when, prior to KCJA control, such altruism was not always the case. The main thing on June 26, however, will be the music. And a jam-packed evening of music it promises to be. Buses leave designated stops at regular intervals (starting at 8:00 p.m.), then it's just a matter of letting the sounds do the rest. -- MM The 1997 Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival WHEN: Friday-Sunday, July 18-20 WHERE: Liberty Memorial Grounds/Penn Valley Park TICKETS: $10 per day ($7.50 in advance), $16 for all three days (in advance), kids under 10 free TO ORDER TICKETS: Call 800-530-KCMO On the third weekend in July, the seventh annual Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival will showcase more than 50 blues and jazz artists as well as area high school music groups from the metro area. Festival attendance for this event was over 100,000 in 1996; with the 1997 lineup shaping up to be one of the most eclectic in recent memory, that number is sure to be equaled if not surpassed. The list of performers at past Blues & Jazz festivals is a "who's who" of jazz and blues music, both of local and international repute. Kevin Mahogany, Pat Metheny, Eric Marienthal, Bob James, Boney James, Stanley Turrentine, Karrin Allyson, Bela Fleck, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, McCoy Tyner, the Boulevard Big Band, Sam Johnson, Simplexity, Angela Hagenbach... and that's just the tip of the iceberg. This year's lineup is just as diverse. And exciting. On Friday, July 18, the Jazz Stage (sponsored by Piggly Wiggly) will feature KC drummer Matt Kane and his quartet, trumpeter Chris Botti, and the renowned guitarist George Benson. On Saturday, July 19, there's Dave Stephens and his Swing Septet, followed by the Doug Talley Quartet, Michael Ray & the Cosmic Krewe, organist extraordinaire Jimmy Smith, KC's own Jay McShann with the Duke Robillard Band, and finally, the always-exciting Jerry Gonzales & his Fort Apache Band. And wrapping things up, Sunday, July 20, will be area pianist Luqman Hamza, Straight Ahead, the Dirty Dozen, Roy Ayers, and the festival closer, the Yellowjackets. (At press time there were still a few TBAs on the festival jazz schedule. And, as always, things can change after they appear set. A final announcement of artists and times is scheduled for the second week in June; up-to-the-minute info can be found at the Blues & Jazz Festival web site at: http://www.unicom.net/kcbluesjazz/) Of course not all who read this magazine are limited to an enthusiasm for great jazz. Blues fans will be glad to know that the (CGI) Blues Stage is also featuring a diverse lineup of local and national talent. There's Big Babe Martin & Chump Change, Kelley Hunt, Luther Allison, and Tower of Power (Friday); the KCBS Talent Competition Winner, Millage Gilbert, Brody Buster & the BWB Band, Lil' Brian Terry & the Zydeco Travelers, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Corey Stevens, and Etta James & the Roots Band (Saturday); and Fast Johnny Ricker, Linda Shell & the Blues Thang, the Boneshakers, the James Harman Band, Bobby Rush, and Dr. John (Sunday). All this -- plus an ample lineup of fine local talent in the festival's Heritage Tent, one of the more popular hangouts in previous years -- and you have what promises to be another memorable Blues & Jazz Festival. See you there. -- MM Summit Fest '97 WHEN: Friday, August 8 WHERE: William B. Howard Park (Lee's Summit) TICKETS: Free Admission INFO: 525-5777 Downtown Lee's Summit may seem an unlikely place for a jazz festival, even if it is a one-evening affair. But after the roaring success of last year's inaugural event, "Summer Fest" has taken its place among the many area events that showcase Kansas City jazz talent. "We had hoped for 500 or 600 people last year," says festival co-chairperson Marilyn Gorman, "but the police department estimated that, by 11 p.m., we had 5000 people! We were just astonished." Summer Fest is sponsored by the Lee's Summit Parks & Rec Department, and is planned and overseen by local citizens who make up the Lee's Summit Visionary Task Force. Summer Fest '97 is being preceded in July by an evening of bluegrass music, and both events will be held at William B. Howard Station Park next the old downtown railroad depot. Seating for the evening concert will be a mix of bleachers and tables and chairs (already set up), but, according to Gorman, people are encouraged to bring their own lawnchairs and/or blankets. Food and beverages will also be available at neighboring restaurants (downtown Lee's Summit is currently experiencing a notable rebirth), but if you bring your own, there is a "no coolers" request. And of course, there is the music! Beginning at 6:00 p.m. listeners will hear the sounds of Tim Whitmer & the KC Express, Diane "Mama" Ray and the Everette DeVan Quartet (with special guests Lisa Henry and Sharon James), and the Zoe Burns Band. And here's a good Summit Fest idea: there will be a mini-stage next to the main stage where local Lee's Summit jazz talent will be showcased. Continuous music. No boring intermissions! Parking will be free, and, according to Gorman, the weather "will be perfect. We hope everyone will come to Lee's Summit on August 8th for a wonderful evening of music." -- Carol Heizman The 18th & Vine Heritage Jazz Festival WHEN: Saturday-Sunday, August 23-24 WHERE: 18th & Vine District TICKETS: Free Admission INFO: 474-1080 The 18th & Vine Heritage Jazz Festival will celebrate its 15th year in 1997. The festival is considered to be a major component of the 18th & Vine Historic District's commercial industry (especially regarding tourism), and with the scheduled openings of the Gem Theater, Jazz Museum, and Negro Baseball League Museum slated for late summer, the timing of the '97 Heritage Jazz Festival couldn't be better. Admission is free and the program diverse with an emphasis on family-oriented events as well as shows aimed at the hardcore jazz and blues enthusiast. Performers the Festival hopes to present (and not confirmed at press time) include Bobby Watson (both Jr. and Sr.), Mike Metheny, Ronnie and Lonnie McFadden, Karrin Allyson, Claude "Fiddler" Williams and Norman Brown. The Festival is presented by the Black Economic Union (BEU) of Greater Kansas City, a 29-year-old, non-profit community development corporation. Support for the event comes from several sources including KCPL, Central Brochure Distributors, DST Systems, Inc., the Missouri Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance. Local jazz venues such as Club 427 and Unity Temple on the Plaza (among many others) are also adding their support to artist sponsorship for this 15th anniversary celebration. As they are confirmed, schedules and artists will be announced. For additional information, contact Pat Jacobs-McDonald at 816-474-1080. -- Bill O'Connor The Annual KC Spirit Festival WHEN: Friday-Sunday, August 29-31 WHERE: Liberty Memorial Grounds/Penn Valley Park TICKETS: $10 per day at the gate ($7.50 in advance); children 12 and under, adults 65 and older, free INFO: 221-4444 With twelve stages and 250 bands covering every musical style under the Missouri sun, the Kansas City Spirit Festival, now in its 14th year, has to rank as one of the most inclusive music events in the country. Add food, fireworks and a carnival midway, and it becomes the Mother of All Midwestern Music Parties. "We attempt to provide the broadest spectrum of musical genres so as to appeal to all of Kansas City," says executive director Timothy Smith. "While other events tend to appeal to a niche market, Spirit appeals to everyone. And I think we provide a service to the other festivals by promoting so many different kinds of music." The various pavilions and stages at Spirit Fest are housed in different tents, some circus-sized, complete with table and chair seating and a full compliment of sound and lighting. Jazz fans, of course, will find themselves drawn to both the Jazz Pavilion and the Showcase Stage where they will hear everything from bebop and cool to straight ahead, Latin and fusion. And while it's still a bit too early to know the complete '97 lineup, rest assured that the city of 'Bird and Basie will be well-represented on the Spirit Fest Jazz Stage. (In 1996, Queen Bey, Sonny Kenner and Simplexity appeared.) "Spirit's ultimate goal is to showcase a variety of national artists without compromising the rich tradition that is our local talent," says Smith. "And we will continue to focus on the jazz heritage that is uniquely Kansas City." The Spirit Festival is truly an all-encompassing event. And it continues to enjoy increased corporate sponsorship, media support and attendance (this year's total is expected to reach 250,000). For the jazz crowd, it continues to be a good opportunity to hear local talent. But come to the Spirit Festival with more than just jazz on your mind. Rarely will you have the chance to sample so many varieties of music, all in one 35 acre park. -- J.P. Makus The Kansas City International Jazz Festival WHEN: Friday-Saturday, September 19-20 WHERE: Starlight Theater (Swope Park) TICKETS: $18, $27 and $50 per day (group ticket rates are available); to order, call 363-7827 GENERAL INFO: 444-4558 What good news it is that the Kansas City International Jazz Festival is back for a second year. As most will recall, attendance at the '96 event fell short of expectations, but that has not discouraged festival organizers Steve Irwin and Jo Boehr. Says Boehr, "If (putting on a jazz festival) were an easy thing to do, everybody would do it! We realized going in that it takes three to five years to get any kind of event up and running. And even though last year's attendance was disappointing, Sprint very graciously agreed to get behind us again as did many of last year's sponsors." The 1997 event will be similar to last year's in that it will be a classic blend of local and international jazz talent. Kicking things off on Friday, September 19, will be bari saxophonist Kerry Strayer and his group. Then comes Kansas City pianist Pete Eye. "We're so excited that Pete will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of his trio with us," says Boehr. Drummer Leon Parker follows and, as Boehr says, is "the Bobby McFerrin of percussionists; he can play your kitchen table!" Closing the show on Friday will be singer/pianist Shirley Horn whose intimate style will surely convert Starlight Theater into a smoky, pin-drop-silent nightclub. On Saturday, September 20, two popular local performers will open things up. First saxophonist Kim Park and his sextet (featuring Joe Cartwright on piano and Danny Embrey on guitar) , then flugelhornist Mike Metheny with a quartet featuring Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass), and Todd Strait (drums). Next comes organist (and sometimes trumpeter) Joey DeFrancesco, KC's own Lisa Henry ("a fine person and a great singer" says Boehr), the trombones of Wycliffe Gordon and Ron Westray, and a guaranteed festival highlight, pianist Herbie Hancock and saxophonist Wayne Shorter in a unique duo setting. "We know this is a good idea," says Boehr. "And I know we have to prove ourselves. But if we stick to our guns, and if we can hang in there, five years from now Kansas Citians won't be able to imagine there not being an International Jazz Festival." -- John Leisenring RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1997 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.