Benton 's On Top of the World

From the moment you enter Benton 's Steak & Chop House on the top floor of the Westin Crown Center , it's clear that you're in for a very different experience than you'll find at most local jazz hot spots. The view alone is unmatched on the Kansas City music scene, but then no other club has the benefit of being on top of an 18-floor hotel in the middle of downtown. While the outside panorama creates a mood of urban sophistication, the club itself is both modern and comfortable. The lounge, which hosts musical acts two nights a week, is separate from the restaurant, and serves drinks, appetizers, and desserts. Seating up to 40 patrons, it's an ideal place to sip a well-mixed Sidecar—or enjoy a scrumptious dessert and coffee drink—in relaxed style.

Benton 's, named for local painter and sculptor Thomas Hart Benton, has been a jazz venue since the club underwent a $360,000 renovation that was completed in spring of 2003. The restaurant and lounge had not been renovated since 1974, and saw an update of flooring, furniture, and décor. The floor plan was also opened up to create an expansive environment where every seat has a great skyline view. Club manager Rodman Cruse, who oversaw the renovation and has managed the club since, explains the ambiance that the club endeavors to create. "We wanted to do something different musically than other jazz clubs," he says. "We thought, let's build our own sound."

Aiming to draw a crowd by hiring musicians who already had a local following, Cruse hired the Kerry Strayer Jazz Quartet to perform on Friday and Saturday evenings. Strayer has performed with and led various groups in the Kansas City area for about 20 years, and his rich baritone and soprano saxes are supported by Aaron Sizemore on guitar (Fridays only) Greg Richter on keyboards (Saturdays only), Craig Aiken on bass, and Tim Cambron on drums. "Kerry really is a leader," Cruse says. "He makes sure everyone is on the same page."

This spirit is evident throughout the shows at Benton 's: The bartenders and Cruse get involved in the show from time to time, encouraging a familiar feel despite the swanky scene. "We all try to play off of each other," says Cruse, and his efforts are not wasted. Even if when the crowd is comprised of largely hotel patrons who are passing through, they tend to be involved and attentive. And contributing in large part to this atmosphere is Stephanie Laws, a doctoral student of voice performance at UMKC who moonlights with the quartet on Saturday nights. Stephanie expands the act into more eclectic territory, including jazz-inspired interpretations of pop and show tunes, and her banter with audience and band member alike is almost as entertaining as her polished vocal stylings.

So what's next for the ritzy little jazz club atop downtown Kansas City ? According to Cruse, "With all the expansion downtown, we're looking to become one of the premiere venues for jazz in the community. We'd love to expand to late-night shows, perhaps with a dance floor and larger bands." Jazz fans should also look for Benton 's to increase its number of shows to a minimum of four per week, as early as the start of 2005.

Benton 's is open for dinner on Monday through Saturday nights from 5:30 to 10 pm , with a brunch on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. Musical performances are currently on Friday and Saturday nights, from 8 to 11 pm . For more information and restaurant reservations, call (816) 391-4460.

--Judy Katz

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