JAM: June/July 2004 Issue: Summer Festival Guide

Summer Festival Guide

Festivals Celebrate Coleman Hawkins 100th Birthday
When Coleman Hawkins was born, the saxophone was primarily a marching band or novelty instrument. It was the clarinet that played prominently in the jazz bands.

Now, a hundred years later, the saxophone is a standard fixture in jazz, while the clarinet has all but disappeared.

We have Coleman Hawkins to attribute that to.

This summer, two cities celebrate the “Father of the Saxophone.” On June 5 and 6, Topeka features the Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival. And on June 18 and 19, Hawkin's birthplace, St. Joseph , Missouri , celebrates with the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival.

Hawkins was born November 21, 1904 , in St. Joseph . At the age of five, his musically inclined mother taught him to play the piano. Two years later, he was playing cello. And at the age of nine, he was introduced to the saxophone.

Realizing her son's gift, his mother sent him to Topeka to continue his education. He lived with his aunts in Topeka at 603 W. 8 th St. (The house still stands and is a meeting place for the festival committee.) There he was able to attend an integrated high school and receive private musical tutoring from Washburn College . He was the only African-American in the high school band.

At the age of 14 he was performing around the eastern Kansas and the St. Joseph/Kansas City areas. While playing in a Kansas City pit orchestra the 12 th Street Theater at age 17, he was discovered by Mamie Smith who was performing there. He began touring with her Jazz Hounds in 1922 and ended up in New York City a year later.

There, he became friends with Fletcher Henderson and joined his newly formed orchestra, which also consisted of Louis Armstrong. It was with Henderson that he honed his skills on the saxophone and took the instrument to new heights.

Hawkins had a monopoly on the sax until he sat in on a cutting session at the Cherry Blossom Club in Kansas City in 1933 and performed against Lester Young. According to accounts from jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams and others, Young had outperformed him. He had finally met a rival.

In 1934, he moved to Europe where he earned more money and a superstar status. He recorded extensively there, including the most famous session with Django Reinhart and Benny Carter.

He returned home in 1939 and a few months later recorded “Body and Soul” which became a hit and popularized him among millions.

Hawkins loved music and was open to any style. To his credit, he embraced the new bop style that grew from the late 40s and was one of the first to employ Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach and Thelonius Monk.

Until his death in 1969, Hawkins performed and recorded extensively, appearing in most major jazz festivals. A heavy drinker all his life, Hawkins died of liver disease.

Both festivals boast a great line-up, including a few national performers.

Topeka 's headliner on June 5 is the Seattle group Living Daylights which features dynamic saxophonist Jessica Lurie. Traveling from Oregon is Jim Beatty who will play clarinet with Ben Lifer. On June 6, Angela Hagenbach headlines the night.

In St. Jo, Etta Cox will headline the June 19 performaces with Joe Cartwright, Gerald Spaits and Ray DeMarchi. Voted Pittsbugh's Top Jazz Vocalist eight years in a row, Cox is originally from St. Joseph . The Kansas City Slide Show will the Friday shows.

Topeka 's festival takes place at the Gage Center at Huntoon and Gage. A late night jam session will follow the festival at Jeremiah Bullfrogs across the street. The event is free. For more information , go to www.hawkfest.org or call 785-234-0430.

St. Joseph 's festival takes place at Coleman Hawkins Park on Felix Street . The event is free. For more information , call 816-271-8570.

Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival
Topeka , KS

Saturday, June 5
10 am Dan Kozak
11 am Henry Miller Quartet
noon Irving Curtis
1 pm The Unit
2 pm Eric Sheets and Audio Fiction
3 pm The Scamps
4 pm Rick Bruner (solo guitar)
5 pm Mike Metheny w/ Topeka Jazz Workshop Band
7 pm Angela Hagenbach

Sunday, June 6
Noon Jim Beatty
3 pm Gospel Jazz
4 pm Krystle Warren
5 pm Jessica Lurie & Living Daylights

Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival St. Joseph , MO

Friday, June 16
6 pm Missouri Western State College Jazz Camp All Stars
7:15 pm Kathleen Holeman & Combo
8:30 pm KC Slide Show

Saturday, June 19
noon Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society High School All Stars
1 pm Missouri Western State College Jazz Camp All Stars
2:15 pm Paul Montemurro combo
3:30 pm Max Groove
4:45 pm Ray's Alburn's Big Band
6 pm Mike Matthews' Mini-Big Band
7:15 pm Millie Edwards, Sharon Thompson
and Duck Warner with Everette DeVan
8:30 p.m. Jazz singer Etta Cox & Joe Cartwright

St. Louis Jazz Guitarist at Weston Music Fest
Dave Black emphasizes he can play any style of music on his guitar—rock ‘n' roll, blues, jazz. “I don't want to be pigeon-holed,” says the 47-year-old guitarist. “But I do love jazz.”

He should. Black is a faculty member of St. Louis ' Webster University Jazz Department. He teaches jazz guitar, jazz history, and jazz improv at the university as well as at a community school. Two years prior to that he taught jazz guitar at Washington University for five years.

With all that expertise, it's no wonder he was voted Best Jazz Guitarist in St. Louis .

On Saturday, June 5, Black will perform at the Weston Music Fest at O'Malley's Irish Pub on 540 Welt St. in Weston. It is his second appearance in Kansas City . He once performed with a Chicago artist at the former 427 Club.

Black will perform solo at 4 and 8:30 pm on the upstairs Pub Stage. He expects musicians to join in during the night in something of a jam session. He is preceded by Dan Bliss who performs at the same stage at 3 and 5 pm .

The Music Fest has three stages and will feature such top acts as Chubby Carrier, Anthony Gomes and Larry Garner. The music starts at 11 am . Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information , visit www.westonmusicfest.com or call 816.640.5235.

Weston Music Festival
Saturday, June 5
Courtyard Stage
noon Bob Walkenhorst
1:30 pm Larry Garner
3 pm Mem Shannon
4:30 pm The Cate Brothers
6 pm Chubby Carrier
8 pm Anthony Gomes

Hall Stage
1 pm Dan Bliss
2:30 Scotty & The Soul Tones
4 pm Bob Walkenhorst
5:30 pm Mem Shannon
7 pm Larry Garner
8:30 pm The Cate Brothers
10 pm The Blues Notions

Pub Stage
3 pm Dan Bliss
4 pm Dave Black
5 pm Dan Bliss
8:30 pm Dave Black PHOTO OF Greg Adams Photo caption: The catalyst for this year's changes at the festival: Former Tower of Power jazz trumpeter Greg Adams.

Jazz in the Woods
After 15 years of showcasing local talent, Jazz in the Woods is making some changes.

“We decided, based on feedback, that we're going to make this a special year by securing some acts that were a little well known,” says Bob Flohrs who is responsible for booking the festival's talent.

This year, Kansas City 's largest jazz festival will feature such well known names as Blues vocalist Marcia Ball, Zydeco accordionist C.J. Chenier, and smooth jazz artists Greg Adams and Brian Hughes. Popular local artists include Ida McBeth, Mike Metheny, Heat Index and the Rotary Club Youth Jazz Band. Other bands include Ashanti , a Latin jazz band from central Iowa and smooth jazz saxophonist Grady Nichols from Tulsa .

“The jazz festival generally has had very traditional jazz acts,” says Flohrs. “It also stuck to local jazz. Now, people say we don't have enough local jazz acts in this year. That's a valid statement.”

The Overland Park Rotary Club chose to include more national talent after seeing the positive response to Greg Adams last year, according to Flohrs. The feedback they received from those attending was to bring in more of the same.

Festival organizers decided that the cause of the festival--children's charities—might benefit from a larger and more varied audience.

In the past, the festival has generally brought in about 40,000 people over a 3-night period. The event is free.

Jazz in the Woods will take place June 11, 12 and 13 on the lawn in front of Building 40 at Corporate Woods Office Park off I-435 and I-69. Proceeds from the festival benefit Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center , SafeHome, TLC for Children & Families and OP South Rotary Foundation. For more information , go www.jazzinthewoods.com or call 816-777-2851.

Jazz in the Woods Line-Up
Friday, June 11
5 pm Heat Index
7 pm Brian Hughes
8:30 pm Greg Adams

Saturday, June 12
5 pm Mike Metheny
7 pm Grady Nichols
8:30 pm Marcia Ball Sunday, June 13 4 pm Youth Jazz
5 pm Ashanti
6:30 pm Ida McBeth
8 pm CJ Chenier

Gladstone Refines Festival Setting
This year, the artists performing at the Gladstone Summertime Blues Fest will have something to crow about. A brand new amphitheatre built in Oak Grove Park , 76 St. and North Troost . And Blues fans will enjoy the upgrade.

The festival takes place Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12. It will feature a host of Blues bands including W.C. Clark, Smokin' Joe Kubek and Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers.

The event has been going eight years strong. Last year it attracted 8000 people. Admission is free. Parking is $3. Food and beverage are available.

For more information , visit www.gladstonechamber.com or call (816) 436-4523.

Gladstone Summertime Blues Fest
Friday, June 11
Music starts at 6 pm
Tyrin' Benoit & Too Fish
W.C. Clark Blues Revue
Joanna Connor Band

Saturday, June 12
Music starts at 5 pm
Levee Town
Scottyboy's Steady Rollin' Band
Smokin' Joe Kubek featuring Bnois King
Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers

Jazz on the Riverside at Parkville
Imagine walking along the Missouri River on a warm summer evening with live jazz playing in the background.

Bill Quitmeier, one of the organizers of the Parkville Jazz, Blues and Fine Arts Festival which takes place on the riverfront June 18 and 19 continues with the scenario.

“You have the cottonwood trees growing along the river, the power plant is glowing in the night, Parkhill University is sitting like a castle above the Rhein River , kids are playing on the playground, and lots of art tents,” he says.

“It is absolutely the best festival in Parkville of the year,” he exclaims.

Quitmeier highly recommends the Friday night line-up, which features Parkville vocalist Angela Hagenbach who will start the evening with her relaxed, romantic jazz sounds. And the evening ends with a bang with the group Levee Town . “Last year they knocked the sox off the crowd!” says Quitmeier.

The festival is free. For more information , visit www.parkvillemo.com/jazzfest/jazz2003 or call 816-880-9026.

Parkville Jazz, Blues and Fine Arts Festival
Friday, June 18
5 pm Blue River Ordinance
6:30 pm Camp Harlow
8 pm Angela Hagenbach
9:45 pm Levee Town

Saturday, June 19
noon Parkville Community Band
1:30 pm Hal Wakes
3:30 pm Gary ( Alaska ) Sloan
5:30 pm Scotty & the Soul Tones
7:30 pm Max Groove
9:30 pm The Blues Notions

Westport Jazz Lovers Pub Crawl Provides More Choices
Last year when the Jazz Ambassadors held the 22 nd Annual Jazz Lovers Pub Crawl in the Westport district for the first time, it was a hit. They decided to do it again, this year. “It's all in a very confined area,” explains Bram Wynands, Programs Chairman with the organization. “You can walk in and pick and choose.

People really enjoyed it because you could get from here to there in no time to hear jazz.”

In the past, busses transported crawlers to different jazz clubs around town. This year, pub crawlers only need to transport themselves to the Westport area on Thursday, June 24, at 7 pm . A dozen Westport clubs will have a dozen bands.

“We have a good variety of bands, some fun stuff,” crows Wynands. His own band, Majestic 6, will alternate with the Wild Women of Kansas City at Californo's. “That will be one serious swing venue,” he says.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door. They can be purchased at any participating club or through TicketMaster, 816-931-3330. For more information , visit www.jazzkc.org.

Westport Jazz Lovers Pub Crawl
Thursday, June 24
Kelly's -- The Scamps
Hurricane -- Oscar Polk Allstars
Tizers -- Macusa Latin Jazz
Beach Club TBA
Blayneys – Stan Kessler
Harry's – Craig Smith Trio
Porters TBA Meza Wraps
McCoys -- Greg Meize Trio
Harpos – Westport Art Ensemble
Buzzard Beach – David Moore Trio
Cactus Cafe – MO City Jumpers
Californos -- Majestic 7/Wild Women of KC Run photo of Jay McShann or Scamps

McShann/Scamps Honored at KCK Street Blues Fest
Kansas City , Kansas'tribute to Jay McShann is titled “88 years at the 88s.” It honors McShann's 88 years of age and his talent with the 88 keys on the piano.

“I came up with that [slogan] two years ago,” boasts KCK Street Blues Fest organizer Dawayne Gilley. “I've just been waiting.”

McShann will perform in Charlie Parker's old neighborhood at 3:30 pm , Saturday, June 26, at 3 rd and Parallel in Kansas City , Kansas .

In addition, the festival will celebrate the 70 th Anniversary of the Scamps by having all previous living members jam together. This includes Eddie Saunders, Lucky Wesley, Luqman Hamza, Rudy Massingale, Arthur Jackson, Rusty Tucker, and Wallace Jones. Tim Whitmer will fill in. They perform at noon on Saturday at the stage at 3 rd and Parallel.

“They are the only group in town that plays the original Kansas City jazz sound,” says Gilley. He believes the group holds the world record for continuity as a band. Gilley is counting the days when the Scamps were a kids gospel singing group in the 30s. Of course, they eventually grew to a highly recorded and emulated jazz vocal group with a popular recording “Red Hot.” Others performing for the festival include Millie Edwards, Linda Shell and her Blues Thang, Millage Gilbert, Danny Cox, D.C. Bellamy and more.

The festival has expanded to two days this year, June 25 and 26, with two stages—one inside Plub Paradox at 3 rd & Parallel and one outside. The event is free. For more information , visit www.kckstreetbluesfest.com or call 816-247-2316.

KCK Street Blues Fest
Friday, June 25
Main Outdoor Stage
1:45 pm Blue River Ordonnance
2:45 pm Levee Town
3:45 pm Green Card
4:45 pm Andy Cohen
5:15 pm Lawrence Wright and the Starlighters Memorial Allstars Show including Lester "Duck" Warner, Marcus Wright, Rick Hendricks Steve Shoemaker, LC Gant, James "Spoon" Wilson, King Alex, Everette DeVan, and Donovan Bailey
6:30 pm D.C. Bellamy , with special guest Ernie Johnson

Saturday, June 26
Inside Club Paradox
1 pm Andy Cohen
2 pm Danny Cox
3 pm Andy Cohen
5 pm Bob and Diana Suckiel
6 pm Bob's Allstars Outdoor stage
11 pm Jaisson Taylor
12 pm The Scamps " 70th Anniversary Celebration"
1:30 pm Linda Shell's Blues Thang , With KC Kelsey Hill and Richard Townsend
3:30 pm Jay McShann "88 years at the 88s"
4:15 pm Danny Cox
5 pm "Tuttie" Gadson , with Eugene Smiley and Frank "Iron Jaw" Oakley 6:45 pm Millage Gilbert " Living Heritage Tribute Show" Photo of Norman Brown from file Norman Brown performs at the Omaha Jazz & Blues Festival.

Omaha fills a Kansas City void
Kansas City may have lost its Blues and Jazz Festival a few years ago, but Omaha seems to have found it.

In its third year, the Omaha Jazz & Blues Festival will be held July 9 and 10 at a different location: the newly developed Lewis and Clark Landing on the Missouri River .

“Our theme this year is ‘Taking it to the river!'” says festival organizer and founder Tim Clark. Previously, the festival had been held at the Durham Western Heritage Museum .

The outdoor event boasts a stellar line-up including Robert Cray, War, Najee and Kansas City 's own Norman Brown.

“We hope to make this the premier event of the year for downtown Omaha ,” says Clark . “We want to make it a great experience, not just an event.”

In addition to the scenic river view, festival goers can experience Omaha 's Old Market nearby which features an array of bistros, boutiques, and bars along with street entertainers, horse-pulled carriages and pedaled carts. And of course there's the internationally haled Henry Doorly Zoo. “ Omaha is turning into a destination people are interested in visiting,” reports Clark .

The festival costs range from $15 per night in advance to $20 per night the day of the event. There are two-day and VIP specials. For more information , visit www.omahajazzandblues.com or call 402-884-1214.

Omaha Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival
Friday, July 9
5:30 pm Brad Cordle & the Las Vegas All-Star
6:30 pm Nick Colionne
8 pm Robert Cray Band
10 pm War, The Band

Saturday July 10
6:30 pm Buddy Miles & the Omaha All-Stars
8 pm Norman Brown
10 pm Najee






	Search our site:		Summer Festival Guide Festivals Celebrate Coleman Hawkins 100th Birthday When Coleman Hawkins was born, the saxophone was primarily a marching band or novelty instrument. It was the clarinet that played prominently in the jazz bands. Now, a hundred years later, the saxophone is a standard fixture in jazz, while the clarinet has all but disappeared. We have Coleman Hawkins to attribute that to. This summer, two cities celebrate the “Father of the Saxophone.” On June 5 and 6, Topeka features the Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival. And on June 18 and 19, Hawkin's birthplace, St. Joseph , Missouri , celebrates with the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival. Hawkins was born November 21, 1904 , in St. Joseph . At the age of five, his musically inclined mother taught him to play the piano. Two years later, he was playing cello. And at the age of nine, he was introduced to the saxophone. Realizing her son's gift, his mother sent him to Topeka to continue his education. He lived with his aunts in Topeka at 603 W. 8 th St. (The house still stands and is a meeting place for the festival committee.) There he was able to attend an integrated high school and receive private musical tutoring from Washburn College . He was the only African-American in the high school band. At the age of 14 he was performing around the eastern Kansas and the St. Joseph/Kansas City areas. While playing in a Kansas City pit orchestra the 12 th Street Theater at age 17, he was discovered by Mamie Smith who was performing there. He began touring with her Jazz Hounds in 1922 and ended up in New York City a year later. There, he became friends with Fletcher Henderson and joined his newly formed orchestra, which also consisted of Louis Armstrong. It was with Henderson that he honed his skills on the saxophone and took the instrument to new heights. Hawkins had a monopoly on the sax until he sat in on a cutting session at the Cherry Blossom Club in Kansas City in 1933 and performed against Lester Young. According to accounts from jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams and others, Young had outperformed him. He had finally met a rival. In 1934, he moved to Europe where he earned more money and a superstar status. He recorded extensively there, including the most famous session with Django Reinhart and Benny Carter. He returned home in 1939 and a few months later recorded “Body and Soul” which became a hit and popularized him among millions. Hawkins loved music and was open to any style. To his credit, he embraced the new bop style that grew from the late 40s and was one of the first to employ Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach and Thelonius Monk. Until his death in 1969, Hawkins performed and recorded extensively, appearing in most major jazz festivals. A heavy drinker all his life, Hawkins died of liver disease. Both festivals boast a great line-up, including a few national performers. Topeka 's headliner on June 5 is the Seattle group Living Daylights which features dynamic saxophonist Jessica Lurie. Traveling from Oregon is Jim Beatty who will play clarinet with Ben Lifer. On June 6, Angela Hagenbach headlines the night. In St. Jo, Etta Cox will headline the June 19 performaces with Joe Cartwright, Gerald Spaits and Ray DeMarchi. Voted Pittsbugh's Top Jazz Vocalist eight years in a row, Cox is originally from St. Joseph . The Kansas City Slide Show will the Friday shows. Topeka 's festival takes place at the Gage Center at Huntoon and Gage. A late night jam session will follow the festival at Jeremiah Bullfrogs across the street. The event is free. For more information , go to www.hawkfest.org or call 785-234-0430. St. Joseph 's festival takes place at Coleman Hawkins Park on Felix Street . The event is free. For more information , call 816-271-8570. Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival Topeka , KS Saturday, June 5 10 am Dan Kozak 11 am Henry Miller Quartet noon Irving Curtis 1 pm The Unit 2 pm Eric Sheets and Audio Fiction 3 pm The Scamps 4 pm Rick Bruner (solo guitar) 5 pm Mike Metheny w/ Topeka Jazz Workshop Band 7 pm Angela Hagenbach Sunday, June 6 Noon Jim Beatty 3 pm Gospel Jazz 4 pm Krystle Warren 5 pm Jessica Lurie & Living Daylights Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival St. Joseph , MO Friday, June 16 6 pm Missouri Western State College Jazz Camp All Stars 7:15 pm Kathleen Holeman & Combo 8:30 pm KC Slide Show Saturday, June 19 noon Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society High School All Stars 1 pm Missouri Western State College Jazz Camp All Stars 2:15 pm Paul Montemurro combo 3:30 pm Max Groove 4:45 pm Ray's Alburn's Big Band 6 pm Mike Matthews' Mini-Big Band 7:15 pm Millie Edwards, Sharon Thompson and Duck Warner with Everette DeVan 8:30 p.m. Jazz singer Etta Cox & Joe Cartwright St. Louis Jazz Guitarist at Weston Music Fest Dave Black emphasizes he can play any style of music on his guitar—rock ‘n' roll, blues, jazz. “I don't want to be pigeon-holed,” says the 47-year-old guitarist. “But I do love jazz.” He should. Black is a faculty member of St. Louis ' Webster University Jazz Department. He teaches jazz guitar, jazz history, and jazz improv at the university as well as at a community school. Two years prior to that he taught jazz guitar at Washington University for five years. With all that expertise, it's no wonder he was voted Best Jazz Guitarist in St. Louis . On Saturday, June 5, Black will perform at the Weston Music Fest at O'Malley's Irish Pub on 540 Welt St. in Weston. It is his second appearance in Kansas City . He once performed with a Chicago artist at the former 427 Club. Black will perform solo at 4 and 8:30 pm on the upstairs Pub Stage. He expects musicians to join in during the night in something of a jam session. He is preceded by Dan Bliss who performs at the same stage at 3 and 5 pm . The Music Fest has three stages and will feature such top acts as Chubby Carrier, Anthony Gomes and Larry Garner. The music starts at 11 am . Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information , visit www.westonmusicfest.com or call 816.640.5235. Weston Music Festival Saturday, June 5 Courtyard Stage noon Bob Walkenhorst 1:30 pm Larry Garner 3 pm Mem Shannon 4:30 pm The Cate Brothers 6 pm Chubby Carrier 8 pm Anthony Gomes Hall Stage 1 pm Dan Bliss 2:30 Scotty & The Soul Tones 4 pm Bob Walkenhorst 5:30 pm Mem Shannon 7 pm Larry Garner 8:30 pm The Cate Brothers 10 pm The Blues Notions Pub Stage 3 pm Dan Bliss 4 pm Dave Black 5 pm Dan Bliss 8:30 pm Dave Black PHOTO OF Greg Adams Photo caption: The catalyst for this year's changes at the festival: Former Tower of Power jazz trumpeter Greg Adams. Jazz in the Woods After 15 years of showcasing local talent, Jazz in the Woods is making some changes. “We decided, based on feedback, that we're going to make this a special year by securing some acts that were a little well known,” says Bob Flohrs who is responsible for booking the festival's talent. This year, Kansas City 's largest jazz festival will feature such well known names as Blues vocalist Marcia Ball, Zydeco accordionist C.J. Chenier, and smooth jazz artists Greg Adams and Brian Hughes. Popular local artists include Ida McBeth, Mike Metheny, Heat Index and the Rotary Club Youth Jazz Band. Other bands include Ashanti , a Latin jazz band from central Iowa and smooth jazz saxophonist Grady Nichols from Tulsa . “The jazz festival generally has had very traditional jazz acts,” says Flohrs. “It also stuck to local jazz. Now, people say we don't have enough local jazz acts in this year. That's a valid statement.” The Overland Park Rotary Club chose to include more national talent after seeing the positive response to Greg Adams last year, according to Flohrs. The feedback they received from those attending was to bring in more of the same. Festival organizers decided that the cause of the festival--children's charities—might benefit from a larger and more varied audience. In the past, the festival has generally brought in about 40,000 people over a 3-night period. The event is free. Jazz in the Woods will take place June 11, 12 and 13 on the lawn in front of Building 40 at Corporate Woods Office Park off I-435 and I-69. Proceeds from the festival benefit Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center , SafeHome, TLC for Children & Families and OP South Rotary Foundation. For more information , go www.jazzinthewoods.com or call 816-777-2851. Jazz in the Woods Line-Up Friday, June 11 5 pm Heat Index 7 pm Brian Hughes 8:30 pm Greg Adams Saturday, June 12 5 pm Mike Metheny 7 pm Grady Nichols 8:30 pm Marcia Ball Sunday, June 13 4 pm Youth Jazz 5 pm Ashanti 6:30 pm Ida McBeth 8 pm CJ Chenier Gladstone Refines Festival Setting This year, the artists performing at the Gladstone Summertime Blues Fest will have something to crow about. A brand new amphitheatre built in Oak Grove Park , 76 St. and North Troost . And Blues fans will enjoy the upgrade. The festival takes place Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12. It will feature a host of Blues bands including W.C. Clark, Smokin' Joe Kubek and Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers. The event has been going eight years strong. Last year it attracted 8000 people. Admission is free. Parking is $3. Food and beverage are available. For more information , visit www.gladstonechamber.com or call (816) 436-4523. Gladstone Summertime Blues Fest Friday, June 11 Music starts at 6 pm Tyrin' Benoit & Too Fish W.C. Clark Blues Revue Joanna Connor Band Saturday, June 12 Music starts at 5 pm Levee Town Scottyboy's Steady Rollin' Band Smokin' Joe Kubek featuring Bnois King Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers Jazz on the Riverside at Parkville Imagine walking along the Missouri River on a warm summer evening with live jazz playing in the background. Bill Quitmeier, one of the organizers of the Parkville Jazz, Blues and Fine Arts Festival which takes place on the riverfront June 18 and 19 continues with the scenario. “You have the cottonwood trees growing along the river, the power plant is glowing in the night, Parkhill University is sitting like a castle above the Rhein River , kids are playing on the playground, and lots of art tents,” he says. “It is absolutely the best festival in Parkville of the year,” he exclaims. Quitmeier highly recommends the Friday night line-up, which features Parkville vocalist Angela Hagenbach who will start the evening with her relaxed, romantic jazz sounds. And the evening ends with a bang with the group Levee Town . “Last year they knocked the sox off the crowd!” says Quitmeier. The festival is free. For more information , visit www.parkvillemo.com/jazzfest/jazz2003 or call 816-880-9026. Parkville Jazz, Blues and Fine Arts Festival Friday, June 18 5 pm Blue River Ordinance 6:30 pm Camp Harlow 8 pm Angela Hagenbach 9:45 pm Levee Town Saturday, June 19 noon Parkville Community Band 1:30 pm Hal Wakes 3:30 pm Gary ( Alaska ) Sloan 5:30 pm Scotty & the Soul Tones 7:30 pm Max Groove 9:30 pm The Blues Notions Westport Jazz Lovers Pub Crawl Provides More Choices Last year when the Jazz Ambassadors held the 22 nd Annual Jazz Lovers Pub Crawl in the Westport district for the first time, it was a hit. They decided to do it again, this year. “It's all in a very confined area,” explains Bram Wynands, Programs Chairman with the organization. “You can walk in and pick and choose. People really enjoyed it because you could get from here to there in no time to hear jazz.” In the past, busses transported crawlers to different jazz clubs around town. This year, pub crawlers only need to transport themselves to the Westport area on Thursday, June 24, at 7 pm . A dozen Westport clubs will have a dozen bands. “We have a good variety of bands, some fun stuff,” crows Wynands. His own band, Majestic 6, will alternate with the Wild Women of Kansas City at Californo's. “That will be one serious swing venue,” he says. Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door. They can be purchased at any participating club or through TicketMaster, 816-931-3330. For more information , visit www.jazzkc.org. Westport Jazz Lovers Pub Crawl Thursday, June 24 Kelly's -- The Scamps Hurricane -- Oscar Polk Allstars Tizers -- Macusa Latin Jazz Beach Club TBA Blayneys – Stan Kessler Harry's – Craig Smith Trio Porters TBA Meza Wraps McCoys -- Greg Meize Trio Harpos – Westport Art Ensemble Buzzard Beach – David Moore Trio Cactus Cafe – MO City Jumpers Californos -- Majestic 7/Wild Women of KC Run photo of Jay McShann or Scamps McShann/Scamps Honored at KCK Street Blues Fest Kansas City , Kansas'tribute to Jay McShann is titled “88 years at the 88s.” It honors McShann's 88 years of age and his talent with the 88 keys on the piano. “I came up with that [slogan] two years ago,” boasts KCK Street Blues Fest organizer Dawayne Gilley. “I've just been waiting.” McShann will perform in Charlie Parker's old neighborhood at 3:30 pm , Saturday, June 26, at 3 rd and Parallel in Kansas City , Kansas . In addition, the festival will celebrate the 70 th Anniversary of the Scamps by having all previous living members jam together. This includes Eddie Saunders, Lucky Wesley, Luqman Hamza, Rudy Massingale, Arthur Jackson, Rusty Tucker, and Wallace Jones. Tim Whitmer will fill in. They perform at noon on Saturday at the stage at 3 rd and Parallel. “They are the only group in town that plays the original Kansas City jazz sound,” says Gilley. He believes the group holds the world record for continuity as a band. Gilley is counting the days when the Scamps were a kids gospel singing group in the 30s. Of course, they eventually grew to a highly recorded and emulated jazz vocal group with a popular recording “Red Hot.” Others performing for the festival include Millie Edwards, Linda Shell and her Blues Thang, Millage Gilbert, Danny Cox, D.C. Bellamy and more. The festival has expanded to two days this year, June 25 and 26, with two stages—one inside Plub Paradox at 3 rd & Parallel and one outside. The event is free. For more information , visit www.kckstreetbluesfest.com or call 816-247-2316. KCK Street Blues Fest Friday, June 25 Main Outdoor Stage 1:45 pm Blue River Ordonnance 2:45 pm Levee Town 3:45 pm Green Card 4:45 pm Andy Cohen 5:15 pm Lawrence Wright and the Starlighters Memorial Allstars Show including Lester "Duck" Warner, Marcus Wright, Rick Hendricks Steve Shoemaker, LC Gant, James "Spoon" Wilson, King Alex, Everette DeVan, and Donovan Bailey 6:30 pm D.C. Bellamy , with special guest Ernie Johnson Saturday, June 26 Inside Club Paradox 1 pm Andy Cohen 2 pm Danny Cox 3 pm Andy Cohen 5 pm Bob and Diana Suckiel 6 pm Bob's Allstars Outdoor stage 11 pm Jaisson Taylor 12 pm The Scamps " 70th Anniversary Celebration" 1:30 pm Linda Shell's Blues Thang , With KC Kelsey Hill and Richard Townsend 3:30 pm Jay McShann "88 years at the 88s" 4:15 pm Danny Cox 5 pm "Tuttie" Gadson , with Eugene Smiley and Frank "Iron Jaw" Oakley 6:45 pm Millage Gilbert " Living Heritage Tribute Show" Photo of Norman Brown from file Norman Brown performs at the Omaha Jazz & Blues Festival. Omaha fills a Kansas City void Kansas City may have lost its Blues and Jazz Festival a few years ago, but Omaha seems to have found it. In its third year, the Omaha Jazz & Blues Festival will be held July 9 and 10 at a different location: the newly developed Lewis and Clark Landing on the Missouri River . “Our theme this year is ‘Taking it to the river!'” says festival organizer and founder Tim Clark. Previously, the festival had been held at the Durham Western Heritage Museum . The outdoor event boasts a stellar line-up including Robert Cray, War, Najee and Kansas City 's own Norman Brown. “We hope to make this the premier event of the year for downtown Omaha ,” says Clark . “We want to make it a great experience, not just an event.” In addition to the scenic river view, festival goers can experience Omaha 's Old Market nearby which features an array of bistros, boutiques, and bars along with street entertainers, horse-pulled carriages and pedaled carts. And of course there's the internationally haled Henry Doorly Zoo. “ Omaha is turning into a destination people are interested in visiting,” reports Clark . The festival costs range from $15 per night in advance to $20 per night the day of the event. There are two-day and VIP specials. For more information , visit www.omahajazzandblues.com or call 402-884-1214. Omaha Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival Friday, July 9 5:30 pm Brad Cordle & the Las Vegas All-Star 6:30 pm Nick Colionne 8 pm Robert Cray Band 10 pm War, The Band Saturday July 10 6:30 pm Buddy Miles & the Omaha All-Stars 8 pm Norman Brown 10 pm Najee RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 2004 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2004. All rights reserved.