JAM: February/March 2006 Issue: Club Profile

Jardine's
4536 Main Street

Up the hill on the west side of Main Street , just a block east of the Country Club Plaza, is a unique wedge-shaped brick building. Built in 1931, it features an arched stone surround entrance and several cross-gables that punctuate the roof line with half-timbering on the gable wall surface.

Tucked into the northern end of the building is Jardine's. As soon as you enter you know that you are in a “jazz club.” The large stage at the front of the room with the grand piano, drums, and sound equipment tells you that “things are happening here.”

As you look around the room and see the pictures of Ella Fitzgerald, Marilyn Maye, Karrin Allyson, Danny Embrey, Stan Kessler, and many more, along with the saxes, trombones, and trumpets hanging from the walls, you know, even without the music, that “what's happening” is jazz.

The low ceiling, black and coral color scheme, black curtain covering the kitchen glass and front windows, plus the ceiling and bar accent lights, provide an intimate atmosphere that says “sit down and listen to some jazz.”

Greg Halstead opened Jardine's in June 1992. It was named after Greg's closest friend, John Jardine, who died in 1989. Three months later, out of economic necessity, Jardine's added jazz, when on the first Saturday in September, Pat Morrissey on trumpet and Everette DeVan on piano hosted an afternoon jam session. That day a legendary Kansas City jazz venue was born.

In the next couple of years the music was extended to six nights a week—Sundays and late-night jam sessions. Jardine's now offers about 155 hours of live jazz each month—seven nights a week plus Saturday afternoons.

In February 2003, Beena Brandsgard, former general manager of Jardine's, bought the club from Halsted. Beena embarked on some significant improvements of the premises. She removed the booths on the south wall, closed off the kitchen, reconstructed the stage, installed a new sound system, and had a new heating and air conditioning system installed—all of which greatly enhanced the viewing and listening experience.

Pat Hanrahan bought an interest in Jardine's in November of 2004. He's an ex-computer geek who used to hang out at the club because he loved the music and ambiance. Pat had the piano rebuilt and increased the comfort of, and service to, the customers by upgrading the restrooms and installing a modern and more efficient cash register system.

Jardine's manager, Armida Orozco, is a jewel in Jardine's crown. She originally came on board in 1997 as a part-time server on the weekends. Seeing the innate talent she possesses, Beena made her the manager in October 2004. She is a vocalist and holds a degree in Commercial Music from Missouri Western University .

Beena has had to spend a lot of time with her family in India during the last year or so. Thus, Pat has been running the club.

Lunch and dinner are both served with an array of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees including pastas, fish, chicken, pork, and beef, plus desserts. When I asked Pat if he considered Jardine's to be a jazz club with food or a restaurant with jazz, he said, “We're a struggling jazz club serving food.”

I asked Pat what his philosophy was about which artists to book and when. He pointed out that they have their steadies: Angela Hagenbach on Friday nights, Ida McBeth on Saturday nights, Tommy Ruskin on Saturday afternoons. The also have various groups spread throughout the month: Sons of Brasil, Wild Women, Jazz Babies, Stan Kessler, and others.

Jardine's does offer a few special shows with nationally known artists throughout the year, e.g., Marilyn Maye. In addition, many CD release parties are held each year at the club.

Also, Pat likes to provide new artists and groups with an opportunity to show off their chops. Some recent examples would be the Jake Blanton Quartet, Ken Lovern's OJT (Organ Jazz Trio), Aurora Consort, the Mark Lowrey Quartet, and others. Pat said that every week he gets several demo tapes from around the country. He said that there are so many good musicians available; unfortunately some he can only book every two months or so.

I then asked Pat what new things are on the horizon, if there were some trends we should look forward to in the future.

He told me that, starting in January, Joe Cartwright is bringing his “The Best of Kansas City Jazz Concert Series” to Jardine's and will be featured one Thursday of every month.

Another breakthrough is live recordings at Jardine's. This is something that Pat would like to do more of in the future. He likes, as do I, the warmth and spontaneity of a recording with a live audience. The first two live recording CD release parties are coming up soon. Dave Stephens 5 “Live at Jardine's” will be the late night gig Saturday, March 4th, 11:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The New Red Onion Jazz Babies “Live at Jardines” will be in April.

Pat also wants to get involved in more fundraising events. Currently on tap is the Tribute to Steve Patke Fund Raiser for Pancreatic Cancer, hosted by Dave Stephens, to be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on March 5th.

Then, on Tuesday, March 28th, from 7:00-11:00 p.m. , there will be a fundraiser for the UMKC Conservatory of Music Concert Jazz Ensemble directed by Bobby Watson. The band has been honored with an invitation to perform at the 2006 North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam , Holland —the largest jazz festival in the world. From there they will go to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland , and then on to Paris .

Another area that Pat wants to expand is Special Events, including bringing in nationally known artists. In that category, several events are planned.

Angela Hagenbach's “Poetry and Jazz” featuring poets Phylliss Becker and Mark Schroer will be held on Sunday, February 26, 4:00- 6:00 p.m. On Monday, March 13th, Nancy Van Fleet will have a performance. Don't miss this, in case it is her last.

Mathew Peake will be showing his “Jazz Emotions” Jazz Photography Exhibition on Wednesday, March 22, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. . A jam session will follow until midnight . On Monday, March 27th, Gary Foster brings his sax with him from LA to appear with the Kerry Strayer Quarter from 6:30-10:30 p.m. .

Jardine's is located at 4536 Main Street , Kansas City , MO 64111 . Phone is 816-561-6480. Catch their Web site at www.jardines4jazz.com to get the latest schedules, menus, etc.

When I asked Pat what he liked most about his job, he answered, “How lucky I am to be in a place two blocks from my house, with all of these great people, listening to the best musicians in the world.” Isn't that the truth?






	Search our site:		Jardine's 4536 Main Street Up the hill on the west side of Main Street , just a block east of the Country Club Plaza, is a unique wedge-shaped brick building. Built in 1931, it features an arched stone surround entrance and several cross-gables that punctuate the roof line with half-timbering on the gable wall surface. Tucked into the northern end of the building is Jardine's. As soon as you enter you know that you are in a “jazz club.” The large stage at the front of the room with the grand piano, drums, and sound equipment tells you that “things are happening here.” As you look around the room and see the pictures of Ella Fitzgerald, Marilyn Maye, Karrin Allyson, Danny Embrey, Stan Kessler, and many more, along with the saxes, trombones, and trumpets hanging from the walls, you know, even without the music, that “what's happening” is jazz. The low ceiling, black and coral color scheme, black curtain covering the kitchen glass and front windows, plus the ceiling and bar accent lights, provide an intimate atmosphere that says “sit down and listen to some jazz.” Greg Halstead opened Jardine's in June 1992. It was named after Greg's closest friend, John Jardine, who died in 1989. Three months later, out of economic necessity, Jardine's added jazz, when on the first Saturday in September, Pat Morrissey on trumpet and Everette DeVan on piano hosted an afternoon jam session. That day a legendary Kansas City jazz venue was born. In the next couple of years the music was extended to six nights a week—Sundays and late-night jam sessions. Jardine's now offers about 155 hours of live jazz each month—seven nights a week plus Saturday afternoons. In February 2003, Beena Brandsgard, former general manager of Jardine's, bought the club from Halsted. Beena embarked on some significant improvements of the premises. She removed the booths on the south wall, closed off the kitchen, reconstructed the stage, installed a new sound system, and had a new heating and air conditioning system installed—all of which greatly enhanced the viewing and listening experience. Pat Hanrahan bought an interest in Jardine's in November of 2004. He's an ex-computer geek who used to hang out at the club because he loved the music and ambiance. Pat had the piano rebuilt and increased the comfort of, and service to, the customers by upgrading the restrooms and installing a modern and more efficient cash register system. Jardine's manager, Armida Orozco, is a jewel in Jardine's crown. She originally came on board in 1997 as a part-time server on the weekends. Seeing the innate talent she possesses, Beena made her the manager in October 2004. She is a vocalist and holds a degree in Commercial Music from Missouri Western University . Beena has had to spend a lot of time with her family in India during the last year or so. Thus, Pat has been running the club. Lunch and dinner are both served with an array of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees including pastas, fish, chicken, pork, and beef, plus desserts. When I asked Pat if he considered Jardine's to be a jazz club with food or a restaurant with jazz, he said, “We're a struggling jazz club serving food.” I asked Pat what his philosophy was about which artists to book and when. He pointed out that they have their steadies: Angela Hagenbach on Friday nights, Ida McBeth on Saturday nights, Tommy Ruskin on Saturday afternoons. The also have various groups spread throughout the month: Sons of Brasil, Wild Women, Jazz Babies, Stan Kessler, and others. Jardine's does offer a few special shows with nationally known artists throughout the year, e.g., Marilyn Maye. In addition, many CD release parties are held each year at the club. Also, Pat likes to provide new artists and groups with an opportunity to show off their chops. Some recent examples would be the Jake Blanton Quartet, Ken Lovern's OJT (Organ Jazz Trio), Aurora Consort, the Mark Lowrey Quartet, and others. Pat said that every week he gets several demo tapes from around the country. He said that there are so many good musicians available; unfortunately some he can only book every two months or so. I then asked Pat what new things are on the horizon, if there were some trends we should look forward to in the future. He told me that, starting in January, Joe Cartwright is bringing his “The Best of Kansas City Jazz Concert Series” to Jardine's and will be featured one Thursday of every month. Another breakthrough is live recordings at Jardine's. This is something that Pat would like to do more of in the future. He likes, as do I, the warmth and spontaneity of a recording with a live audience. The first two live recording CD release parties are coming up soon. Dave Stephens 5 “Live at Jardine's” will be the late night gig Saturday, March 4th, 11:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The New Red Onion Jazz Babies “Live at Jardines” will be in April. Pat also wants to get involved in more fundraising events. Currently on tap is the Tribute to Steve Patke Fund Raiser for Pancreatic Cancer, hosted by Dave Stephens, to be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on March 5th. Then, on Tuesday, March 28th, from 7:00-11:00 p.m. , there will be a fundraiser for the UMKC Conservatory of Music Concert Jazz Ensemble directed by Bobby Watson. The band has been honored with an invitation to perform at the 2006 North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam , Holland —the largest jazz festival in the world. From there they will go to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland , and then on to Paris . Another area that Pat wants to expand is Special Events, including bringing in nationally known artists. In that category, several events are planned. Angela Hagenbach's “Poetry and Jazz” featuring poets Phylliss Becker and Mark Schroer will be held on Sunday, February 26, 4:00- 6:00 p.m. On Monday, March 13th, Nancy Van Fleet will have a performance. Don't miss this, in case it is her last. Mathew Peake will be showing his “Jazz Emotions” Jazz Photography Exhibition on Wednesday, March 22, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. . A jam session will follow until midnight . On Monday, March 27th, Gary Foster brings his sax with him from LA to appear with the Kerry Strayer Quarter from 6:30-10:30 p.m. . Jardine's is located at 4536 Main Street , Kansas City , MO 64111 . Phone is 816-561-6480. Catch their Web site at www.jardines4jazz.com to get the latest schedules, menus, etc. When I asked Pat what he liked most about his job, he answered, “How lucky I am to be in a place two blocks from my house, with all of these great people, listening to the best musicians in the world.” Isn't that the truth? 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