JAM: August/September 2004 Issue: Off The Vine

by Juanita Moore

Spend Some “Cool” Time on the Vine
As the summer continues to sizzle, I am compelled to borrow from one of Harry Truman's most notable expressions; namely, if you can't stand the heat, why not come into the museum and experience (or re-experience) one of the coolest places in town?

Jay McShann will participate in Count Basie's Birthday Celebration, August 21.

I know … I am preaching to the choir. Most of the readers of this publication are considered the aristocrats of jazz. But when was the last time that you actually visited the American Jazz Museum? When did you last explore our interactive displays for those hidden bites of information that might otherwise be difficult to uncover? Indeed, once you consider that we are the only museum in the world devoted exclusively to jazz, you begin to appreciate the many treasures held within the confines of our facility at 18 th & Vine.

Of course, a visit to the historic jazz district embraces much more than the heritage of jazz. You also will have the opportunity to hear living jazz masters who continue to “spread the good news” about this distinctively American musical genre. Therefore, don't miss our upcoming Jammin' at the Gem series aptly entitled “The Mastery of Jazz.” Six artists who have been deemed Jazz Master Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts -- Roy Haynes, Herbie Hancock, Randy Weston, the Heath Brothers and Barry Harris – will be featured during the season. Also included on the series are Wayne Henderson and the Jazz Crusaders, as well as Eddie Palmieri – the unofficial ambassador of Latin jazz.

Another reason to come “down to the Vine” is to view artifacts and memorabilia from our permanent collection. Just a few weeks ago, the American Jazz Museum received on long-term loan one of the few and rare clarinets played by Woody Herman during his illustrious career. The museum also received Herman's 1987 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Board of Trustees and approximately ten photos highlighting various stages of his career. These gifts, which should be on display within the near future, are extremely important as historical references to Woody Herman's expertise and to his role in the continuum of jazz and its popularity throughout the world.

Juanita Moore

If you need any further reason to venture downtown, the museum will be celebrating the birthdays of Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie during the month of August. In fact, on August 21 st , we will host a special 100 th Birthday Celebration for the Count at the Gem Theater , in conjunction with American Century Investments and National Public Radio. Perhaps more than anyone else, Count Basie put Kansas City on the map as one of the major crossroads of jazz. Our festivities will begin at 7:30 PM and will feature James Carter, Jay McShann, Clark Terry and the Kansas City 18 th & Vine Big Band, directed by Bobby Watson. Avery Brooks, star of stage, screen and television, will be our host for the evening. Finally, let's not forget the Blue Room -- always a reason to visit the American Jazz Museum regardless of the season. Over the next month, we will enjoy special appearances by Mark Pender (a Kansas City native and trumpeter from the Conan O'Brien Show ), the McFadden Brothers and the annual Battle of the Saxes, featuring Bobby Watson, James Carter and Logan Richardson. Stay cool – and see you at the American Jazz Museum!