A Tour of the
KANSAS CITY JAZZ MUSEUM


The entire panorama of the new 18th & Vine Historic District successfully replicates a bygone era -- an era of good times, and an era that saw an explosion of jazz. The Museums at 18th & Vine across from the newly renovated Gem Theater are an integral part of this sparkling resurrection. And one important part of the complex, the Kansas City Jazz Museum, is a jazz lover's delight.

A beautiful glass-enclosed foyer leads to the entrance of the Jazz Museum (as well as the recently opened Negro Leagues Baseball Museum). As you enter, you quickly realize that vibrant hues of color will accompany the enjoyment of learning more about America's true art form. Hanging tapestries of such jazz greats as Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie line the passageway to the "Jazz Is" theater where a fascinating film about jazz is shown continuously.

It is difficult not to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of clothing, photos and other memorabilia skillfully displayed for the pleasure and contemplation of the visitor. One special item, of course, is the white plastic alto saxophone once played by Charlie Parker. And the main part of the museum houses state-of-the-art audio-visual displays that will draw even the novice jazz student into the basics of this musical form.

American Jazz Museum

The personal and interactive aspect to many of the museum's exhibits is no accident. Dr. Rowena Stewart, Executive Director of the 18th & Vine Authority, wanted visitors "to have the opportunity to touch and feel" the fabric of the art.

"The interactive, hands-on experience makes the Jazz Museum very friendly," she says.

There is a "mixing board" in the Jazz Museum that allows one to "engineer" a recording session. Faders controlling melody, harmony and rhythm are at the visitor's fingertips, and instructions via headphones serve as an informative guide.

There is another area featuring many of the stars of brass, reed and rhythm sections. And there's the "Jazz Plaza" which displays a variety of original outdoor marquees of historic Kansas City jazz clubs, including that of the legendary "Milton's Tap Room."

"Wee Bop," a jazz discovery center, has been created to offer a place for young people to appreciate the music. And the nearby "Jazz Central" offers visitors access to the Internet and to a growing jazz reference library.

A highlight of the Jazz Museum is the "Blue Room," technically a wing of the museum, but also a fully functioning jazz club. It not only offers a nostalgic tribute to Kansas City's rich array of jazz artists, but several nights a week it is transformed into a venue for many of today's area jazz musicians. Of particular note is the club's video juke box that plays jazz shorts from the John Baker Collection. It's a rare opportunity to see jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane in action.

Admission to the Jazz Museum is $6.00. An $8.00 ticket provides admission to both the Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. There is also a special group rate of $5.00 per person for groups of 25 or more.

Hours at the Jazz Museum (phone 474-8463) are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday; noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

-- John Encell


RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 1998 MAIN INDEX

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