JAM: December 2002/January 2003 Issue: Coda

by Mike Metheny

Here's to Long-term Success at 18th & Vine...
For Everyone
"Frankly I am amazed that a restaurant in the 18th and Vine district or anywhere else would be named after Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit.' ...How can such a stark metaphor be missed or ignored?" (From a letter to the editor, The Kansas City Star, Oct. 10, 2002)

"...the image that will pop into many minds will be that of black men hanging by nooses from trees... Certainly not the image that I would want for a restaurant where people expect to eat and have a good time!" (From a letter to the editor, The Kansas City Star, Oct. 12, 2002)

"(The restaurant owner) should have known that the name, taken from the Billie Holiday song 'Strange Fruit,' was ill-advised and would cause embarrassment." (From a letter to the editor, The Kansas City Star, November 6, 2002)* * *In this line of work (editing and assembling a magazine), I've been told that for every one person who sends in a "letter to the editor," there are 100 others who agree with the letter writer's intent. It's an unscientific theory, but still a general rule of thumb.

When applied to the controversy surrounding a new eating establishment at 18th and Vine, the question then becomes: Can the resurrected Jazz District so many of us continue to pull for afford the luxury of alienating hundreds of potential patrons?

The good news is that, at long last, new businesses -- including restaurants -- are moving into the Jazz District. It's just the kind of courageous investment 18th and Vine needs in order to continue its ongoing revitalization, now entering year six.

But why give the skeptics another reason to roll their eyes? Why provoke criticism and invite division? And most of all, why put off many of the very people who want 18th and Vine to succeed?

The return of the Historic Jazz District at 18th and Vine is one of the best things to happen to Kansas City jazz in decades. And for a variety of reasons, it is imperative that it take hold and prosper. But it is still a work in progress with years to go before the vision is fully realized. The Jazz District needs, and will continue to need comprehensive community support. Otherwise, this uplifting cause will always face an uphill climb.

So, to the staff of "Strange Frut" (their spelling), all the very best of luck to you, and thanks for taking a chance.

But, please reconsider your name. It's still early enough in the game to do so, and a change now will increase the chances of long-term success for everyone.

Mike Metheny is a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors at the American Jazz Museum, 18th & Vine.

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2002. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		by Mike Metheny Here's to Long-term Success at 18th & Vine... For Everyone "Frankly I am amazed that a restaurant in the 18th and Vine district or anywhere else would be named after Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit.' ...How can such a stark metaphor be missed or ignored?" (From a letter to the editor, The Kansas City Star, Oct. 10, 2002) "...the image that will pop into many minds will be that of black men hanging by nooses from trees... Certainly not the image that I would want for a restaurant where people expect to eat and have a good time!" (From a letter to the editor, The Kansas City Star, Oct. 12, 2002) "(The restaurant owner) should have known that the name, taken from the Billie Holiday song 'Strange Fruit,' was ill-advised and would cause embarrassment." (From a letter to the editor, The Kansas City Star, November 6, 2002)* * In this line of work (editing and assembling a magazine), I've been told that for every one person who sends in a "letter to the editor," there are 100 others who agree with the letter writer's intent. It's an unscientific theory, but still a general rule of thumb. When applied to the controversy surrounding a new eating establishment at 18th and Vine, the question then becomes: Can the resurrected Jazz District so many of us continue to pull for afford the luxury of alienating hundreds of potential patrons? The good news is that, at long last, new businesses -- including restaurants -- are moving into the Jazz District. It's just the kind of courageous investment 18th and Vine needs in order to continue its ongoing revitalization, now entering year six. But why give the skeptics another reason to roll their eyes? Why provoke criticism and invite division? And most of all, why put off many of the very people who want 18th and Vine to succeed? The return of the Historic Jazz District at 18th and Vine is one of the best things to happen to Kansas City jazz in decades. And for a variety of reasons, it is imperative that it take hold and prosper. But it is still a work in progress with years to go before the vision is fully realized. The Jazz District needs, and will continue to need comprehensive community support. Otherwise, this uplifting cause will always face an uphill climb. So, to the staff of "Strange Frut" (their spelling), all the very best of luck to you, and thanks for taking a chance. But, please reconsider your name. It's still early enough in the game to do so, and a change now will increase the chances of long-term success for everyone. Mike Metheny is a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors at the American Jazz Museum, 18th & Vine.* RETURN TO DECEMBER 2002/JANUARY 2003 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2002. All rights reserved.