NEWS AND NOTES
Metheny Foundation Awards First Scholarships
The newly developed Metheny Music Foundation has awarded its first two scholarships to Ryan Lee and Zachary Sanders. Lee and Sanders received grants to attend the UMKC Summer Jazz Camp this past June. Lee and Sanders are recent graduates of the Paseo Academy and Raytown South High School , respectively. Congratulations, Ryan and Zachary!
 Pictured (L to R) are Michael Pagan, assistant director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri/Kansas City; Bobby Watson, director of jazz studies at UMKC; Ryan Lee and Sachary Sanders, recipients of grants to attend the UMKC Summer Jazz Camp, June 24 - 29; Mike Metheny, representing the Foundation; and Jim Widner, camp director. |
Foster to Open 2007-2008 KCJA Concert Season
Alto saxophonist Gary Foster will be returning to Kansas City to open the new season of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors Concert Series. Joining Foster will be Kerry Strayer on baritone and soprano sax, and a rhythm section with Paul Smith , Gerald Spaits, and Tommy Ruskin. The concert will be one of the highlights of the season, and will be at the downtown Marriott on Monday, September 18. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. For further details, please see the ad in this issue.
And Don't Forget Peter Appleyard, August 6
A carryover from the 2006-2007 KCJA Concert Series, Canadian vibes master Peter Appleyard will take the stage on August 6 at the downtown Marriott. Appleyard was a delight on his last appearance in the series. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.
Blue Room Highlights
The August/September Blue Room lineup is fitting for the 10 th Anniversary of the American Jazz Museum . Two organ legends will be in town, Lonnie Smith on August 23, and Mel Rhyne (remember those Wes Montgomery records on Riverside ?) will join Will Matthews on September 21. Bobby Watson will be wearing a path to 18 th and Vine, as he has several dates: August 11 with trumpeter Valery Ponomarev, who was in the same edition of the Jazz Messengers with Bobby; Watson hosts VandoJam on September 13; and returns September 15 as part of the 10 th Anniversary Jam with Lisa Henry and Darryl White. September 8 brings us trombonist Arch Martin , who will be joined by Mike Metheny. And, tenor saxophonist Rob Scheps returns and will finish the month of September with his quintet, undoubtedly with Roger Wilder on piano. You'll like the rest of the schedule, too.
Spirituality and All That Jazz Series Continues
Tim Whitmer has announced the fall lineup of the continuing Spirituality and All That Jazz Series:
All concerts are at 7:00 p.m. at Unity Temple , 47th and Jefferson . Tickets are $7, and those under age 16 are free.
Jazz & Beyond presents An Evening of SNUFF JAZZ
On Saturday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m. , Jazz & Beyond and All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church present An Evening of SNUFF JAZZ . Reedman/leader Mark Southerland, with Snuff regulars Bill McKemy on bass and Arny Young on drums, will bob and weave their way through two sets, with the help of Jeffrey Ruckma on "percussive piano" and Alonzo Conway on reeds/percussion, along with the All Souls Handbell Choir. Snuff Jazz has previously worked with Indonesian Gamelan instruments and Tango musicians, and now, we'll have "Snuff Handbells"! For more information, contact series director Tom Buck at 816-931-6415. All Souls is located at 4501 Walnut in KCMO, one block east of 45th and Main .
Jazz Service at Central United Methodist Church
The 3 rd Annual celebration of Jazz in Worship with Tim Whitmer, his consort, and vocalist Millie Edwards will be held Sunday, August 12. Sing along with Tim Whitmer, Millie Edwards, and Barry Wenger on the pipe organ. The Jazz Service will be at 10:50 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church , 5144 Oak Street . Contact: Dr. Barry Wenger (Email: barry@centralcares.com , phone: 816-753-1844).
Kevin Cerovich Wins Award
Trombonist Kevin Cerovich has won this year's J. J. Johnson Jazz Competition, held this year in Las Vegas . This is one of two such annual events sponsored by the International Trombone Association. The event's co-sponsor is the Rath Company, British brass instrument makers. Winner Kevin received a new Rath trombone of his choice, and Mrs. J. J. Johnson presented the award. Kevin's win was a special satisfaction for Paul McKee, his UMKC teacher, because Paul was winner of the 1983 ITA competition, at that time titled in honor of Frank Rosolino.
Brady to Receive Pinnacle Award
The 2007 Pinnacle Award, sponsored by the Johnson County Library Foundation, will be presented to Leon Brady at their annual fund-raising event, Rare Conversations , on Saturday, October 20. The event will be held at the Sheraton Overland Park Convention Center and will feature eight authors. The authors will be available to interact with guests in discussing their books which will be displayed in unique salons created by 8 area interior designers. For information about Rare Conversations or to purchase tickets, please visit the JCLF website at www.jocolibraryfoundation.org .
Jazz at Truman Medical Center
Take in the First Friday jazz concerts at Truman Medical Centers, always from 2 to 3 p.m. , in the main lobby at 2300 Holmes (entrance on the north side of the building). This is just one the arts events and exhibits happening all the year ‘round at the TMC, with the public always welcome. Upcoming concerts:
Local Filmmaker Brings the Legends of Kansas City Jazz & Blues to the Silver Screen
Sue Vicory, the founder and president of Heartland Films, Inc. is teaming up with ArtsONE.org to capture the rich tradition of jazz and blues in Kansas City . This 60-minute documentary entitled “Kansas City Jazz & Blues: Past, Present & Future” is scheduled for release in 2009. The film is a love story about jazz and blues that have a rich history in Kansas City starting in the early 1920's when we added our own upbeat swingin' touches. This music is enjoyed around the world to this day. This documentary also shows that it's not all ancient history but that there is a vibrant jazz and blues scene in Kansas City now. The film features great musicians playing in concerts, intimate venues and, great joints. The future is bright, too. You'll get a peek at the youth, high school and university programs and camps that are t akin g place right here year round.
A documentary of this nature is no small undertaking. Vicory and her crew have already been hard at work for months and plan to continue filming well into 2008. She anticipates an impressive 150 hours of raw footage by the time shooting is complete including other Jazz and Blues hotspots like New Orleans , Chicago and New York City . The film features original music composed for the film that will be performed at the red carpet premiere proposed for fall 2008.
Vicory founded Heartland Films, Inc., a non-profit independent film company with the purpose of developing and producing films with lasting social value. She is already an award winning filmmaker having won the prestigious General Motors/Women in Film Emerging Filmmaker award in 2006 for her documentary, “Homelessness and the Power of One”.
We're sure you'll be hearing and seeing more about this project soon. In the meantime, check out a local jazz or blues jam, concert or performance to see why it's so easy to fall in love with Kansas City Jazz & Blues.
To find out more about the film, go to the website at www.filmsfromtheheart.com .
Got News? Got
Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181.
Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month.