Blue Room Adds New Photos of KC Jazz Legends
In December 2003, a resolution was passed by the AJM board -- and signed by Chairman Emanuel Cleaver -- to mount new photos in the Blue Room of Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams, Coleman Hawkins, Frank Trumbauer, Jay McShann, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Bob Brookmeyer, Marilyn Maye, Carmell Jones, Pat Metheny, and Bobby Watson.
New pictures have recently been added to the Blue Room wall, securing well-deserved recognition for these great musicians and their enduring contributions to Kansas City's rich jazz heritage.
Spring and Great Music are in the Air
The Friday in the Park Concert Series and Saturday Jazz Jams are ready to strike up beginning in May. The Saturday Jazz Jam uses Town Square, 321 Armour Rd., as the venue for local and national artists, who create a spontaneous mix of jazz from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Friday in the Park Concert Series features top area bands at the Macken Park Gazebo (800 Clark Ferguson Dr.) each Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. May through September.
The performances are hosted by jazz artists Mike Ning and Sherry Jones, who lead the stage of performers through a wide variety of jazz progressions. Both aspiring and accomplished guest musicians are welcomed to bring their instruments and join in.
At the Friday concerts, free prize drawings and other fun activities complement music, fresh air and the stage's backdrop of scenic Missouri River bluffs. The Friday in Park Series is sponsored by area businesses in conjunction with the Federation of Musician's Trust Fund and the City of North Kansas City. Call 816-274-6000 or visit www.nkc.org for more information.
Signing and Jazz Entertainment Planned for Haddix Book
Be sure to come to the Unity Temple on the Plaza for a book signing and talk with local jazz historian Chuck Haddix, which will also feature a Kansas City jazz all-star band led by Tim Whitmer, and Myra Taylor will play a short set. (For more information on the book, please see page 14 this issue.) The event is co-sponsored by the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors and Rainy Day Books, and will be held on Wednesday, June 8, starting at 7 p.m.
KCRR Brings Norway to the Gem
Kansas City Ragtime Revelry (KCRR) is bringing Ophelia Ragtime Orchestra with Morten Gunnar Larsen (pianist/leader) from Oslo, Norway to the Gem Theater on Thursday, June 9th at 7:30 p.m. Ophelia is a premier 10-piece orchestra that was voted "Best ragtime and early jazz orchestra in the world" in 1999 by The Mississippi Rag (The Voice of Traditional Jazz and Ragtime). Tickets are $25 and are available from KCRR by mailing checks made out to KCRR to 3535 Genessee St., KC MO 64111. For more info, call 816-691-8781.
Jazz in the Woods
Come experience jazz in the open air at Jazz in the Woods, an annual, three-day long jazz concert to raise money for charities. This year's event will take place on June 10th-12th, in Corporate Woods in Overland Park. It is a free event, and no tickets are required. The lineup includes Heat Index, the Candace Evans Quintet, Lao Tizer, Spyro Gyra, Blvd. Big Band, the Hal Melia Quartet, Marilyn Maye, New Red Onion, Grady Nichols, and Roomful of Blues . See www.jazzinthewoods.com for more information.
Harvesting the Blues
B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ will host a "Harvest the Blues" concert and live auction to benefit Harvesters - The Community Food Network on Sunday, June 12th from noon until 7 p.m. All of the donations received at this event will help Harvesters' network feed those in need in Kansas City. The bands that are donating their time to Harvesters are Levee Town, Lonesome Hank and the Heartaches, Camp Harlow, Four Fried Chickens and a Coke, Shannon and the Rhythm Kings, Shinetop Jr. and Trashmouth, and Blue River Ordonnance. Advance tickets go on sale at B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ on June 3 for a $6 donation. If you prefer to donate in kind, admission is 6 non-perishable items; visit www.harvesters.org to find out what items are most needed (no glass please).
KCK Street Blues Festival
The Kansas City Kansas Street Blues Festival, "celebrating a thriving heritage of Kansas City blues music while promoting positive community support," is scheduled for June 24th-26th, in front of Club Paradox on 3rd Street between Garfield and Parallel. Events include a Living Heritage Tribute Show and Gospel Sunday, featuring many of Kansas City's best jazz performers. Frankly, the acts are way too numerous to list here, but you're almost guaranteed to find some of your favorites on the roster. Go to www. kckstreetbluesfest.com for complete information. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
Aladeen CD Release Party
Renowned saxophonist, award-winning ASCAP composer, and educator Ahmad Alaadeen announces the completion and public release of his latest recorded work for the ASR RECORDS jazz label. There will be a CD release party at the Mutual Musicians Foundation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26th; for more information, visit www.alaadeen.com..
