JAM: April/May 2003 Issue: Blues News

Stan Koron

A Festive Time of the Year
This is the time of year when things start getting exciting for blues and jazz lovers in KC. There just seem to be more music events now than at any other time. Many of these events are outdoors, and there really is something about mixing music with nature that gives these sounds a whole new life.

Before we talk about outdoor activities, however, check this out. Mo Paul, one of Kansas City's finest blues musicians, is also an amazing artist. (See "Blues News" in the Feb./Mar. JAM.) Many of his works feature musical themes and musicians from Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Ma Rainey to Jimi Hendrix. Mo Paul's art will be featured in a show to be held at Sidney's Restaurant, 3623 Broadway, on Saturday, June 7, from noon until 8:00 p.m.

Also on June 7, King Alex & The Untouchables will be performing for a "Blueberry Breakfast Dance" at the Union Hill Veteran's Hall located at 3027 Walnut. The party starts at 8:00 a.m. Sounds like a good time to me! King Alex will also receive the Living Heritage Tribute award from the KCK Street Blues Festival on June 28. In its fourth year, the festival is free to the public and features local as well as national blues talent. The festival takes place on 3rd Street between Garfield and Parallel from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Gladstone and Parkville will be holding their annual music festivals the weekend of June 20-21. The Parkville festival will have crafts for sale along with live jazz, while Gladstone is all blues music with great food. Both are fun events.

The July 4-5 weekend will see the return of the KC Spirit Festival to its original summer holiday slot. The KC Blues Society will have a beverage booth at the festival, so come on over and buy your drinks from us. The Spirit Fest will feature the city's largest fireworks display on the 4th and will present blues entertainers like Buddy Guy (Saturday, July 5).

On Sunday, July 6, there will be the first of six free concerts that the KC Blues Society will produce at Washington Square Park. The concerts run for six Sundays in a row through August 10 and are presented in cooperation with the KC Parks and Recreation Dept. Washington Square Park is located at the intersection of Pershing and Grand, across the street and north of Crown Center. Each concert will be held from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. and will feature local and national talent. Come on down to the park this summer!

September will see the return of the 2nd Annual KC Blues & Heritage Festival to be held September 5-6. The following week, on September 13, the KCBS will produce our 6th Annual Acoustic Blues Showcase. Last year's Showcase was fantastic and this year's event will be just as great.

Enjoy your summer.

And remember to support live music in Kansas City!