JAM: April/May 2004 Issue: Off The Vine

by Juanita Moore

It's Summertime – Just Kick Back & Relax!
WOW, what a wonderful spring we enjoyed! Everything seemed to turn green over night. Although we said goodbye to some of the world's musical greats here in Kansas City and elsewhere – Rosetta Robinson, Claude Fiddler Williams, Elvin Jones, Marcellus Lee, Jay Hearne and others we experienced the wonderful successes of the Newport Jazz Concert, the GALA, the CODA Fund Concert, and the NEA Jazz Masters' visit to KC. Karrin Allison filled the Blue Room and thrilled the audiences with special homecoming performances and Kevin Mahogany came home to serve as host MC as we honored Nancy Wilson and Abbey Lincoln at our Fascinatin' Rhythms GALA. This is certainly even more proof that this is - “Where It Lives”!.

Since the spring was our time of reflection and renewal, the summer must be our time to just kick back and relax! The American Jazz Museum has just the fare to help you enjoy some hot fun with a myriad of activities guaranteed to quench your thirst for cool breezes and great jazz.

Kick off the summer with some jazz and poetry outside under the big sky surrounded by the Kansas City skyline and the sweet smells of a Kansas City summer as Jazz Poetry Jam conducts its 2004 series finale in the Jay McShann pavilion starting May 18 th .

If toe-tapping and finger snapping aren't enough for you, then you'll welcome the opportunity to showcase your dance skills when the American Jazz Museum salutes the famous Kansas City Two-Step, in its screening of All about Two Steppin' a video production by the Reel Images Film and Video Group on June 26, followed by a series of workshops, contests, and demonstrations of this world-renowned dance style. You are invited to show your stuff during the dance celebration in these historic streets between 9 pm – 1 am .

The Blue Room, on the heels of being named by Downbeat Magazine as one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world will, continue to feature top notch entertainment throughout the summer with special appearances by Kevin Mahogany in June; the McFadden Brothers in an Independence Day celebration on July 3; the Terrel Stafford Quintet on June 26; Son Venezuela on July 22; and a live recording of the Darryl White Quintet with Bobby Watson on July 29. This is all accentuated by performances by other Blue Room regulars - Ida McBeth, the Jazz Disciples, Lisa Henry, and Ahmed Alaaden.

The summer months will also feature special musical tribute performances to commemorate some historically significant events such as the “Desegregation of the Armed Forces” (July 22 , at the GEM Theater in collaboration with the Truman Library); Count Basie's 100 th Birthday (August 21 at the GEM in collaboration with American Century Investments); and “ Through the Eyes of York” (June 25 at the Gem Theater), the story of Ben York, the slave who was a key crew member on the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

On July 19, the Changing Gallery will open the Raices exhibit , a tribute to Latin Musical Roots. The exhibit will showcase Latin music growing from its African roots--the early collaboration of Afro-American and Puerto Rican musicians in New York City , circa 1900--to Cuban son, and it's passage into the mainstream as "rumba." In the early 1950s in New York City at the Palladium Ballroom, Mambo, a glorious dance, created a dance revolution. Salsa is its direct result. The exhibit traces the roots of this marvel through photographs, musical instruments and costumes. Included in the exhibit are five costumes of great Latin artists who were pioneers in their field: Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Machito, Celia Cruz and “Cuban Pete.” Latin, Cuban, and Puerto Rican instruments are included along with record albums, posters, and a rendering of the Palladium Ballroom.

Juanita Moore

In late summer, the Jammin' at the Gem series will launch with a concert by the Roy Haynes Quartet on September 18 at the Gem Theater. We expect this year's series to match or exceed previous year's standards as we feature performances by Randy Weston (January 15); the Jazz Crusaders (February 19 ); Herbie Hancock (March 2); and the series culmination with the Charlie Parker Memorial Concert featuring the Heath Brothers and Barry Harris on March 26. Reserve your tickets now.

Well so much for just sitting back and taking it easy this summer. It looks like my calendar has just filled up…So mark your calendars and get ready for some hot summer fun! Let's have a jazzy summer. Photos: 18 th Street Blue Room @ Night Changing Gallery