JAM: February/March 2003 Issue: News & Notes

It's Official!
After briefly serving as the American Jazz Museum's interim Executive Director (following the departure last year of Dr. Rowena Stewart), Juanita Moore has been officially named to the post by the museum's Board of Directors. Ms. Moore has been with the AJM from the start, joining the staff in 1997 as a consultant. In 1999 she was promoted to Director of Operations. For a complete Q&A interview with the new Executive Director, go to www.jazzkc.org, and click on June/July 2002 under "Past Issues."

Duck Warner

To Japan with Jazz
...And you thought the KC Blues and Jazz Festival was dead and gone. Not for our own "Duck" Warner, who appeared at "The Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival" in Kurashiki, Japan last October. "It turns out that Kurashiki is Kansas City's Sister City in Jazz," the singer and multi-instrumentalist told us recently. "The promoter of the festival stayed in touch with me after we met at the Blue Room in 1999. I was then invited to be on their first festival last year, and will be returning for the next one this year." Warner was one of three U.S. headliners, along with trombonist Benny Powell (formerly of the Basie band) and saxophonist T.K. Blue. "The festival is built around the sister city connection between Kurashiki and Kansas City," Warner says. "I'm very proud to be part of it, and proud to represent Kansas City!"

Nice Changes
As far back as we can remember, the UMKC Jazz Festival has been held in the spring. But beginning this year the event will be combined with the annual George Salisbury Cabaret Concert forming the first ever UMKC Jazz Weekend, Friday, January 31 through Sunday, February 2. A non-competitive festival (sponsored by Down Beat) will take place on the 31st and 1st and will include performances by junior high, high school and college bands. There will be clinics by adjudicators and guests John McNeil, Andy Green, Tom Hubbard and Ron Vincent. UMKC's 11 O'clock Jazz Band (Hal Melia, director; UMKC jazz faculty members Paul McKee and Mike Metheny, guests) and Concert Jazz Ensemble (Bobby Watson, director; Paquito D'Rivera and Alon Yavnai, guest soloists/clinicians) will also perform.

Then on Sunday, the 2nd, the Salisbury concert, running from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Pierson Auditorium and emceed by Marr Sound Archives curator Chuck Haddix, will feature the Conservatory Student Jazz Combo, Tim Whitmer & The KC Express (with Lucky Wesley, Rusty Tucker and Myra Taylor) additional UMKC jazz faculty (including Rod Fleeman, Gerald Spaits and Tommy Ruskin), and Bobby Watson's Concert Jazz Ensemble, with special guest Marilyn Maye. It should be quite a weekend of jazz at UMKC. Call 816-235-6222 for tickets and 816-235-6078 for additional details.

Speaking of UMKC...
Bobby Watson, UMKC's Director of Jazz Studies, along with Hal Melia, Assistant Director (and new KCJA president), have been invited by Missouri Partners of the Americas to head the "Best of Missouri Amazon Jazz Tour" in South America, March 22 through April 2. Prof. Watson plans to field an eight-student all-star ensemble to make the tour. They will perform in four Brazilian cities.

"I played in Brazil years ago," Watson says. "I'm excited about the possibility of touring with our students in the Amazon, Rio and Sao Paulo. Getting a close look at the international jazz scene this way is a priceless opportunity."

Tour plans include performances with local musicians at the historic Teatro Amazonas in Manaus, the Binational Center in Belém, Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, and the Cantareira Jazz Fest in Sao Paulo. FYI, Missouri Partners of the Americas, a statewide all-volunteer international service organization, is actively seeking volunteer participation and financial support for student scholarships toward the "Best of Missouri Amazon Jazz Tour." For more information, call 913-915-4989, or go to the 'net at: amazonjazztour.com, email: info@amazonjazztour.com.

Word Jazz
Jazz and the spoken word will combine on Thursday, February 6, when acclaimed poet Dan Jaffe and the Dunn/Freeman Mix present "Playing the Word" at the Blue Room, 18th and Vine. Also appearing will be Milwaukee poet Dasha Kelly and the host of the evening, Glenn North. Jaffe, now a resident of Florida, has a decades-old association with the Kansas City jazz scene and is the author of more than a dozen books. His recent collection of jazz poetry, Playing the Word, was reviewed in the February/March 2002 JAM. Showtime on the 6th is 7:00 p.m.

Designed to introduce young children to the concepts of jazz in the relaxed environment of the American Jazz Museum, the AJM's Jazz Storytelling sessions are "a unique blend of learning and fun," according to Director of Public Relations, Allison Gallaway. The gatherings take place two Fridays a month, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the museum's atrium. Past sessions have been presented by series host Brother John and guests such as Millie Edwards and "Duck" Warner. Next up: "Make Me Wanna Shout!: Gospel" (February 7 & 21), "Queens of Jazz: Women in Jazz" (March 7 & 21), and "Do Watcha' Like: Jam Session" (April 11 & 25). For more information call 816-474-8463, ext. 208.

"One Mic, Two Rhythms and Poetic Pieces," the American Jazz Museum's free open mic jazz poetry series for teens, has become one of the most popular platforms for Kansas City's growing spoken word community. Aspiring poets can spend the third Saturday of every month at the Blue Room spittin' rhymes with their friends and a Master Poet from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The series, which continues through March, culminates with a midnight Grand Slam event in April after the following remaining sessions: "Divine Rhymes: Spirituality" on February 15, and "Spittin': Performance" on March 15. The finale, "Roc, Rule & Pass the Mic," will be at the Gem Theater on April 19. Like to know more? Call 816-474-8463, ext. 221.

A Good Cause
On Sunday, February 16, The Majestic Steakhouse, 931 Broadway, will present a special Jazz Jam to benefit the programs and services offered by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Greater Kansas City. It's the fourth time The Majestic has supplied the venue for this event. The host band will be led by vocalist Julie Turner and drummer Tommy Ruskin, and the hours are from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Bring your axe. "Doug Barnard and his crew at The Majestic truly are helping us make a difference in the lives of those we serve," says Bob Kelly, NCADD vice president. "All proceeds from these Jazz Jams continue to support the programs and services we provide to those individuals and families who have been impacted by the devastating effects of substance abuse." For more information, call 816-361-5973, ext. 107, or email robertk@recoverycentral.org.

Kathleen Holeman (pictured) joins fellow vocalists Angela Hagenbach and Sharon Thompson on Feb. 20 for "Ladies Sing the Blues."

A Grand Night for Singing
The new year gets off to a rousing start for the Jazz Ambassadors when the KCJA hosts a special edition of "Ladies Sing the Blues" on Thursday, February 20. Featured at this unique dinner-and-jazz event at The Club at Plaza III, 4749 Pennsylvania, will be vocalists Angela Hagenbach, Kathleen Holeman and Sharon Thompson backed by the all-star trio of Paul Smith (piano), Steve Rigazzi (bass) and Ian Sikora (drums). Also featured will be singer/pianist Luqman Hamza and bassist Lucky Wesley, who will provide the dinner music starting at 6:30 p.m. The show itself begins at 8:00, and selected UMKC jazz students will perform during the breaks. Seating is $100 per person (which includes dinner), there will be a cash bar, and reservations are now being taken. (Members of the Jazz Ambassadors will be able to purchase standing room only tickets for $5.) Call 913-649-7320 to reserve dinner seating for this special KCJA event.

More AJM News
The 2003 "Jammin' at the Gem" concert series, now in its fifth year, continues on Saturday, February 22 with the award-winning trumpeter and film composer Terence Blanchard. Blanchard is a dazzling instrumentalist and has written the scores for Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" and "Mo' Better Blues."

Then on Saturday, March 22, acclaimed alto saxophonists Sonny Fortune and Frank Morgan will come to town for the American Jazz Museum's "Charlie Parker Memorial Concert." Fortune and Morgan are true exponents of Bird's timeless legacy.

And on Thursday, April 3, the always-exciting Latin percussionist Poncho Sanchez will heat up the Gem Theater stage with the same scorching rhythms that have earned him three Grammy nominations. All shows begin at 8:00 p.m.; the Gem Theater is located across the street from the Jazz Museum in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District; call 816-474-VINE (8463) for tickets and additional info.

Alaadeen In Residence
Fresh from being honored last fall by Missouri Governor Bob Holden "for his outstanding achievements in the musical art form of jazz," KC saxophonist, recording artist and bandleader Ahmad Alaadeen has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support a Bi-State partnership with the Oregon Trail and Santa Fe Trail Junior High Schools in Olathe and the Paseo Academy in Kansas City. The grant makes possible a residency and associated performances by Alaadeen that began on January 1 and will conclude with a final Bi-State concert on Saturday, March 1 at the Ozborn Auditorium, 311 East Park in Olathe. There will be an additional performance on Saturday, April 12 at the Penn Valley Jazz Festival, Penn Valley Community College, 3201 SW Trafficway. For more information about these and other Alaadeen endeavors, visit the web site at www.alaadeen.com, or call 913-831-4396. Email: fanny@alaadeen.com.

Jammin' for Hope
On Sunday, March 2, six local bands and plenty of special guests will pool their talents at B.B.'s Lawnside Bar-B-Q, 1205 E. 85th St., to raise money for Hope House, a provider of comprehensive services for battered women and their children. This 8th Annual "Have A Heart for Hope House" benefit jazz and blues concert, hosted by singer/bandleader Diane "Mama" Ray, runs from noon until 7:00 p.m. There will be back-to-back bands, and a live auction that will include various collectibles and CDs. (To donate items for the auction, call Mama Ray at 816-836-3706.)

Tickets for the event are $10 at the door, and $8 in advance at B.B.'s, or Harling's Upstairs on Saturdays at the weekly jam, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. You can also call 816-461-4188 (ext. 334) for tickets and additional information.

Jazz Cabaret II
An all-star KC jazz lineup is set to swing at the Second Annual Plaza Rotary Jazz Cabaret, Sunday, March 2, at the American Heartland Theater, 2450 Grand at Crown Center. Headliners scheduled to appear are Max Groove, Kim Park and Tim Whitmer. This worthy cause will help raise funds for the Bridge Home for Children, founded in 1991 by Jesse and Beverly Watson. "The Bridge Home of Kansas City houses and cares for 8 to 18-year old boys and girls who are victims of parental neglect or abuse," says Plaza Rotary Club president, Elizabeth Usovicz. "Its goal is to enable each child to succeed in life as a responsible and contributing member of the community." Also contributing to the musical festivities will be Rusty Tucker, Stan Kessler, Millie Edwards, Rod Fleeman, Gerald Spaits, Ray DiMarchi, Pete Cole and Kenny Hudson. "It's a win-win event," says Usovicz. "It appeals to strong supporters of the Bridge Home and to avid fans of Kansas City jazz"

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a reception, including a cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and the All-Stars perform from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $50 each (seating at the Heartland Theater is limited) and are available from any Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club member or by calling 1-800-492-4926.

Jazz Outreach 2003
On Sunday, March 16, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Beaumont Club, 4050 Pennsylvania in Westport, Swope Parkway Health Center will sponsor Jazz Outreach 2003, the Center's annual all-star jam featuring a stellar lineup of area jazz and blues musicians. As in past years, Jazz Outreach raises funds for Swope's Outreach Department, a nationally recognized program that serves over 7,000 homeless men, women and children, and HIV/AIDS patients each year.

On tap this year is yet another excellent variety of KC talent including Everette DeVan, Millie Edwards, Brian Harman, Kent Means, Ann Kelly, Lori & James "Ham" Strawn, "Cotton Candy" Washington, Julie Turner, Tommy Ruskin, The Wild Women of Kansas City, The Soul Cats, Rajean, Steve Rigazzi, Kevin Frazier and many more.

General admission is $25 per person (which includes complimentary cocktails, courtesy of the Beaumont Club), and $65 for VIPs ($60 in advance), which includes cocktails and a buffet. For tickets and more information about Jazz Outreach 2003, call 816-922-7606. Seating is limited.

Tiger Okoshi:
Coming to Topeka

TJF: Coming Soon!
Last summer Topeka Jazz Festival Artistic Director Jim Monroe has wasted no time booking the talent for this year's Memorial Day weekend event, May 24-26. As always, Monroe has invited the cream of the straightahead jazz crop. Here's a preview.

Headlining bands: Frank Capp & Juggernaut, Banu Gibson & Topeka Hot Jazz, the Eldar Djangirov Trio, the Jay Leonhart Trio. Piano: Derek Smith/Joanne Brackeen, Jerry Wiggins/Mike Wofford (duos), David Boeddinghaus, Joe Cartwright, Eldar Djangirov, Ted Rosenthal. Bass: Bob Bowman, John Clayton, Jay Leonhart, Lynn Seaton, Gerald Spaits. Drums: Joe Ascione, Frank Capp, Sylvia Cuena, Tommy Ruskin, Todd Strait. Guitar: Joe Cohn, Rod Fleeman. Vibes: Peter Appleyard. Trombone: Jim Cann, Andy Martin, David Newberry, Paul Roberts. Reeds: Claire Daly, Gary Foster, Bob Kindred, Ken Peplowski, Gene Redman, Craig Treinen. Trumpet: Jerry Herring, Danny Jackson, Bill Liefer, Fred Mulholland, Tiger Okoshi. Flute: Holly Hoffman. Vocals: Banu Gibson, Tierney Sutton.

As Monroe explained to JAM readers in the August/September issue ("Correspondence") it's crunch time for the festival. Give Jim a call at 785-267-1315 for advanced ticket reservations and additional information.

Farewells
Replacing Charlie Parker would have been a daunting task for any successor waiting in the wings, but that's exactly what saxophonist Rudolph "Rudy" Dennis did when Bird left the Jay McShann Band in the early 1940s. Dennis, who died last November 20 at age 76, was a KC original, performing with, writing and arranging for McShann, Fiermon Prymus and the Kings of Jazz, and appearing at such legendary haunts as Club Mardi Gras and the Mutual Musicians Foundation. He was also an Elder Statesman of Kansas City Jazz (class of 1988), was honored in 1999 at the American Jazz Museum along with such luminaries as Orville "Piggy" Minor and Ben Kynard, and in 2001 at the Blue Room was presented with a plaque by R.T. Coles alumni for "Outstanding Jazz Musician." (It should also be mentioned that, when it came to funeral arrangements for Mr. Dennis, The Kansas City Star's "Coda Jazz Fund" came forward with needed assistance. "Coda" was launched last May for this very purpose and so far has raised $45,000.)

On November 22 the jazz world lost another prominent musician with KC ties when trombonist Taswell Baird, Jr. died at the age of 80. On November 5 Mr. Baird, a resident of Oakland, California, was assaulted, thrown from his motorized wheelchair, and robbed of $80. He remained hospitalized from his injuries until his death. Baird was born in Kansas City and began playing trombone at 12. In 1940 at age 19 he appeared at Carnegie Hall with Jay McShann. He also performed and/or recorded with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Billy Eckstine, Fats Navarro, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne. Taswell Baird was widely regarded as one of the most respected trombonists in jazz, and clearly with the credentials to back it up. (Note: at last report, a possible assailant had been captured in Oakland.)

The holiday season took on an air of sadness for the Kansas City jazz community when word went out that bassist and longtime KC jazz musician Samuel Johnson, Sr. passed away on December 22 at the age of 79. Mr. Johnson -- father of drummer and Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz president Sam Johnson, Jr. -- was a graduate of Sumner High and a World War II veteran. He joined the AFM's KC local #627 in 1947, toured with Amos Milburn, recorded for the Decca label with Dusty Barron and Larry Cummings (Luqman Hamza) in 1950, and by 1951 was the house bassist at KC's famed Orchid Room. There Johnson backed such greats as Arthur Prysock, Sarah Vaughan and Della Reese. He also appeared with Jimmy Witherspoon, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Jay McShann, and The Scamps. In more recent years Mr. Johnson (a 1983 inductee into the Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz) had performed with a "who's who" of Kansas City jazz including Arthur Jackson, "Coots" Dye, Jackie Anderson, Frank Smith, Eddie Baker, "Delightful D" Bartee, "Step-Buddy" Anderson, Donald Parson, Joe Thomas, Henry Hoard, Calvin Whitmore, Jr., Wallace Jones, "Rusty" Tucker, Queen Bey, Fred Chism, Lorenzo Manley, Ben Kynard, Elmer Price and Oliver Todd. A long list, indeed, and a long and productive life as well.

95 Candles!
Another milestone is approaching for the ageless, amazing, and always-swingin' Claude "Fiddler" Williams. On February 22 this bona fide jazz treasure who calls KC home will mark his 95th birthday, and plans are in place to begin the celebration a week early. On Sunday, February 16, the Mutual Musicians Foundation, Friends of The Fiddler, and the American Jazz Museum will pool their talents for a day (and evening) of revelry beginning at the Blue Room, 18th & Vine, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The festivities will continue afterward with a traditional jazz jam at the Foundation, 1823 Highland. There is no admission for either the party or the jam session. Call 816-474-VINE (ext. 221) for additional information.

Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month.