JAM Magazine: December/January 1998 Issue: Club Profile- The Blue Room

THE BLUE ROOM
After completing an overview of the new 18th and Vine District (JAM, August/September '97), it seemed only natural to pay a follow-up visit to a "working part" of the Jazz Museum, the Blue Room.

This trendy, well-designed jazz room is a veritable feast for the eyes. And ears. As soon as you enter, you are immediately taken by the room's interesting design, which is accented by lighting that enhances both warmth and ambiance and prepares you for the reason you came in the first place: good music.

The Blue Room is a split level venue that has seating on both tiers. And the stage area is properly located to give maximum projection to the entire area. As you glance around, you are immediately taken by the emphasis on a thriving period in the jazz history of 18th and Vine. On the upper level there is an entire wall filled with pictures of prominent artists from the District's heyday. If you were lucky enough to have been a part of that era, these photos will bring back many fond memories. According to Rochelle Bright, the Jazz Museum's Public Relations Coordinator, the wall "contains pictures of musicians, singers and dancers who are either from Kansas City or have played here." Miles, Duke, the Count, Milt Abel... They're all there. Plus many others who gave this city its well-deserved status as an important jazz center.

Another area on the same upper level is devoted to a lively jazz mural. And below that is a display of definitive album covers from the 1920s through the 1960's. These albums represent the best of the music of each of the periods noted. In addition to the wall of photos and featured albums, there are also glass-topped circular tables filled with jazz memorabilia. A nice touch.

We spent some time talking with Dave Winslow, manager of the Blue Room. Winslow has done a masterful job of bringing new life to the City Market with his Club 427, and he has just as much of a desire to see similar success come to 18th & Vine. Along with continued growth.

"We need some more clubs in the area," he says. "Five would be nice, with one, even two true supper clubs so people could pass from one place to another, giving the area a cohesive feeling. It is important that this area not be isolated, but part of the entire city scene. Of course, the music must be good and represent what made the district great in the beginning."

Yes, the music. The Blue Room is booked by Gerald Dunn, a fine local saxophonist. The night we visited, the Louis Neal Big Band -- four trumpets, three trombones, five saxophones, rhythm guitar, piano, bass and drums -- filled the club with great sounds. The acoustics were marvelous and the music drew favorable applause. (The band was later joined by the very talented singer/pianist Luqman Hamza, who brought the house down with his version of "Sophisticated Lady.")

The club seats from 75 to 100, and there's talk of additional seating if increased traffic demands. At present, hours are 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. on "Blue Monday," Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, hours are 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The overall feeling of the Blue Room is very relaxing and well suited for good listening. Check it out soon and begin to enjoy one of the nicer features of the new 18th and Vine District.

-- John Encell

RETURN TO DECEMBER/JANUARY 1998 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		THE BLUE ROOM After completing an overview of the new 18th and Vine District (JAM, August/September '97), it seemed only natural to pay a follow-up visit to a "working part" of the Jazz Museum, the Blue Room. This trendy, well-designed jazz room is a veritable feast for the eyes. And ears. As soon as you enter, you are immediately taken by the room's interesting design, which is accented by lighting that enhances both warmth and ambiance and prepares you for the reason you came in the first place: good music. The Blue Room is a split level venue that has seating on both tiers. And the stage area is properly located to give maximum projection to the entire area. As you glance around, you are immediately taken by the emphasis on a thriving period in the jazz history of 18th and Vine. On the upper level there is an entire wall filled with pictures of prominent artists from the District's heyday. If you were lucky enough to have been a part of that era, these photos will bring back many fond memories. According to Rochelle Bright, the Jazz Museum's Public Relations Coordinator, the wall "contains pictures of musicians, singers and dancers who are either from Kansas City or have played here." Miles, Duke, the Count, Milt Abel... They're all there. Plus many others who gave this city its well-deserved status as an important jazz center. Another area on the same upper level is devoted to a lively jazz mural. And below that is a display of definitive album covers from the 1920s through the 1960's. These albums represent the best of the music of each of the periods noted. In addition to the wall of photos and featured albums, there are also glass-topped circular tables filled with jazz memorabilia. A nice touch. We spent some time talking with Dave Winslow, manager of the Blue Room. Winslow has done a masterful job of bringing new life to the City Market with his Club 427, and he has just as much of a desire to see similar success come to 18th & Vine. Along with continued growth. "We need some more clubs in the area," he says. "Five would be nice, with one, even two true supper clubs so people could pass from one place to another, giving the area a cohesive feeling. It is important that this area not be isolated, but part of the entire city scene. Of course, the music must be good and represent what made the district great in the beginning." Yes, the music. The Blue Room is booked by Gerald Dunn, a fine local saxophonist. The night we visited, the Louis Neal Big Band -- four trumpets, three trombones, five saxophones, rhythm guitar, piano, bass and drums -- filled the club with great sounds. The acoustics were marvelous and the music drew favorable applause. (The band was later joined by the very talented singer/pianist Luqman Hamza, who brought the house down with his version of "Sophisticated Lady.") The club seats from 75 to 100, and there's talk of additional seating if increased traffic demands. At present, hours are 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. on "Blue Monday," Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, hours are 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The overall feeling of the Blue Room is very relaxing and well suited for good listening. Check it out soon and begin to enjoy one of the nicer features of the new 18th and Vine District. -- John Encell RETURN TO DECEMBER/JANUARY 1998 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.