JAM: October/November 2006 Issue: Off The Vine

Dancing to a New Rhythm This Fall

Hey, Kansas City Jazz Lovers!
I'm Carol Rhodes Dyson, a hometown girl! It is with great honor that I have accepted the position as interim executive director of the American Jazz Museum .

As many of you are aware, Juanita Moore started a new position as president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit . Juanita has been here since the Museum's opening in 1997 and provided sound leadership and expertise for the organization for nearly ten years, serving as the Executive Director for four years.

Juanita, on behalf of the American Jazz Museum staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, partners, local jazz supporters, and the Kansas City community, we thank you and wish you good luck in your endeavors!

Back home on Vine Street . Wow!!! I grew up on 9th Street in the ‘50s, located a few blocks to the north. I remember lots of stories about the history of Vine Street that my father, Roland Rhodes, Sr., would share with me about its heyday. My mother, Jacquelyne, and I would get our hair curled at a beauty salon on Vine.

I left Kansas City , MO , in 1989 to attend Howard University in Washington , DC , finally receiving a BA in Art History in 1998. Currently I am in the midst of writing my MA thesis in Art History. My career has taken me on a journey through national museums, galleries, and several other visual and performing arts organizations. I have met wonderful people whose lives and art inspired and encouraged me. They taught me to appreciate those who came before me and that I stand on the shoulders of previous generations who lived, worked, created, loved, wept, survived, thrived, and accomplished.

I love 18th and Vine, its history, its people—what was and what will be. It is now a time of great change and potential. We are on fertile ground here at 18th and Vine, and I look forward to continuing to rebuild the legacy that was once here.

Our Education Staff has prepared many wonderful programs for the fall, including Jazz Storytelling, which exposes young children to the sounds of jazz, exploring different topics twice a month.

This year's season returned in September with two lessons about the life and music of Louis Armstrong. October's sessions will explore Duke Ellington, and in November, we'll learn about Ella Fitzgerald. On December 1, the life of Charlie Parker will be celebrated with a program titled “Bird Lives.” The season will be concluded with a special holiday-themed Jazz Storytelling event on Saturday, December 16.

Things really get cookin' in October with Jazz Poetry Jams, which is held the third Tuesday of each month through May, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Blue Room. Featuring special guest poets, an open mic competition, and live music, Jazz Poetry Jams is Kansas City 's hottest spoken word competition. Upcoming sessions include “The Recipe” on October 17 and “Bonafyde G” on November 21.

The Rob Scheps/Hadley Caliman Quintet kicks off a phenomenal October in the Blue Room on October 7 ($10 admission). Palmetto Recording Artist and saxophonist Javon Jackson follows on October 14. His quartet includes pianist George Cables, bassist Nat Reeves, and the legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb ($20 admission). Other acts scheduled to appear include the Michael Carvin Quintet with Bobby Watson on October 21 ($20 admission), the Jazz Disciples with Lisa Henry on October 27 ($10 admission), and the McFadden Brothers on October 28 ($15 admission).

Ida McBeth will release a new recording at her annual birthday party on November 24. Tentatively titled Live on 18th & Vine , the songs were recorded last November during her birthday celebration at the Blue Room. American Jazz Museum members are invited to join Ida McBeth in this unique celebration.

The Nazi Olympics: Berlin 1936 traveling exhibit now on display in our Changing Gallery has been extended through December 9, 2006 .

In support of the exhibit, a program titled “The Black Athlete and the 1936 Olympics” will take place on Wednesday, October 4, at the Gem Theater. This will feature the film “The Journey of the African-American Athlete” as well as guest speakers former Kansas City Chief Pellom McDaniels and noted author Larry Moffi.

The Community Commemoration of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”) will take place on Thursday, November 9, at the Gem Theater. This program features a panel discussion, “ Germany in the 1930s,” with four local scholars.

And don't forget about our annual Jammin' at the Gem concert series. On October 21, NEA Jazz Master McCoy Tyner will kick off the season, followed by Ramsey Lewis on November 18. The Tribute to Josephine Baker featuring Nnenna Freelon and the Alvin Ailey Dancers will take place on December 16, and Pieces of a Dream will appear on February 10. The SFJAZZ Collective will perform on March 18, and Dianne Reeves will close out the season on April 14.

American Century is the presenting sponsor of this year's concert series. We're also thankful for the generous underwriting support of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation.

Step into 2007 at the Blue Room's annual New Year's Eve Party, featuring a delectable buffet, party favors, a champagne toast, and a performance by the McFadden Brothers. Call the American Jazz Museum Box Office for reservations.

A complete calendar of events can be found at www.americanjazzmuseum.org .

I'm reminded of a statement from a children's book written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. He said, “Sometimes one has to travel far to discover what is near.” That is certainly true of my own life. I am truly honored to be here, back in Kansas City at 18th and Vine. It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I promise to help continue the mission and vision of the American Jazz Museum : that jazz is alive and well—and this is “where it lives.”

I look forward to seeing you at 18th and Vine!

Carol Rhodes-Dyson is the Interim Executive Director of the American Jazz Museum .






	Search our site:		Dancing to a New Rhythm This Fall Hey, Kansas City Jazz Lovers! I'm Carol Rhodes Dyson, a hometown girl! It is with great honor that I have accepted the position as interim executive director of the American Jazz Museum . As many of you are aware, Juanita Moore started a new position as president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit . Juanita has been here since the Museum's opening in 1997 and provided sound leadership and expertise for the organization for nearly ten years, serving as the Executive Director for four years. Juanita, on behalf of the American Jazz Museum staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, partners, local jazz supporters, and the Kansas City community, we thank you and wish you good luck in your endeavors! Back home on Vine Street . Wow!!! I grew up on 9th Street in the ‘50s, located a few blocks to the north. I remember lots of stories about the history of Vine Street that my father, Roland Rhodes, Sr., would share with me about its heyday. My mother, Jacquelyne, and I would get our hair curled at a beauty salon on Vine. I left Kansas City , MO , in 1989 to attend Howard University in Washington , DC , finally receiving a BA in Art History in 1998. Currently I am in the midst of writing my MA thesis in Art History. My career has taken me on a journey through national museums, galleries, and several other visual and performing arts organizations. I have met wonderful people whose lives and art inspired and encouraged me. They taught me to appreciate those who came before me and that I stand on the shoulders of previous generations who lived, worked, created, loved, wept, survived, thrived, and accomplished. I love 18th and Vine, its history, its people—what was and what will be. It is now a time of great change and potential. We are on fertile ground here at 18th and Vine, and I look forward to continuing to rebuild the legacy that was once here. Our Education Staff has prepared many wonderful programs for the fall, including Jazz Storytelling, which exposes young children to the sounds of jazz, exploring different topics twice a month. This year's season returned in September with two lessons about the life and music of Louis Armstrong. October's sessions will explore Duke Ellington, and in November, we'll learn about Ella Fitzgerald. On December 1, the life of Charlie Parker will be celebrated with a program titled “Bird Lives.” The season will be concluded with a special holiday-themed Jazz Storytelling event on Saturday, December 16. Things really get cookin' in October with Jazz Poetry Jams, which is held the third Tuesday of each month through May, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Blue Room. Featuring special guest poets, an open mic competition, and live music, Jazz Poetry Jams is Kansas City 's hottest spoken word competition. Upcoming sessions include “The Recipe” on October 17 and “Bonafyde G” on November 21. The Rob Scheps/Hadley Caliman Quintet kicks off a phenomenal October in the Blue Room on October 7 ($10 admission). Palmetto Recording Artist and saxophonist Javon Jackson follows on October 14. His quartet includes pianist George Cables, bassist Nat Reeves, and the legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb ($20 admission). Other acts scheduled to appear include the Michael Carvin Quintet with Bobby Watson on October 21 ($20 admission), the Jazz Disciples with Lisa Henry on October 27 ($10 admission), and the McFadden Brothers on October 28 ($15 admission). Ida McBeth will release a new recording at her annual birthday party on November 24. Tentatively titled Live on 18th & Vine , the songs were recorded last November during her birthday celebration at the Blue Room. American Jazz Museum members are invited to join Ida McBeth in this unique celebration. The Nazi Olympics: Berlin 1936 traveling exhibit now on display in our Changing Gallery has been extended through December 9, 2006 . In support of the exhibit, a program titled “The Black Athlete and the 1936 Olympics” will take place on Wednesday, October 4, at the Gem Theater. This will feature the film “The Journey of the African-American Athlete” as well as guest speakers former Kansas City Chief Pellom McDaniels and noted author Larry Moffi. The Community Commemoration of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”) will take place on Thursday, November 9, at the Gem Theater. This program features a panel discussion, “ Germany in the 1930s,” with four local scholars. And don't forget about our annual Jammin' at the Gem concert series. On October 21, NEA Jazz Master McCoy Tyner will kick off the season, followed by Ramsey Lewis on November 18. The Tribute to Josephine Baker featuring Nnenna Freelon and the Alvin Ailey Dancers will take place on December 16, and Pieces of a Dream will appear on February 10. The SFJAZZ Collective will perform on March 18, and Dianne Reeves will close out the season on April 14. American Century is the presenting sponsor of this year's concert series. We're also thankful for the generous underwriting support of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation. Step into 2007 at the Blue Room's annual New Year's Eve Party, featuring a delectable buffet, party favors, a champagne toast, and a performance by the McFadden Brothers. Call the American Jazz Museum Box Office for reservations. A complete calendar of events can be found at www.americanjazzmuseum.org . I'm reminded of a statement from a children's book written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. He said, “Sometimes one has to travel far to discover what is near.” That is certainly true of my own life. I am truly honored to be here, back in Kansas City at 18th and Vine. It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I promise to help continue the mission and vision of the American Jazz Museum : that jazz is alive and well—and this is “where it lives.” I look forward to seeing you at 18th and Vine! Carol Rhodes-Dyson is the Interim Executive Director of the American Jazz Museum . RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2006 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2006. All rights reserved.