JAM DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008 Issue: Feature Story

by Ed Fenner – KC JAZZ VOICE, LLC

She took the stage. She tilted her head and gave us all that coquettish smile of hers. She looked over and gave me a wink. I brushed back a tear. She opened her mouth – but not without pain and restriction. And then she sang. The notes poured out of her deteriorating mouth with that distinctive sultry style that we have come to love as we have followed her rising singing career over the last few years – a new star on the Kansas City Jazz Scene following, and filling, the footsteps of some of our great Kansas City jazz vocal legends.

It's Megan Birdsall and she was singing for more than her supper. She was singing to help raise the $150,000 needed to get her the surgery required to correct the condition that is eating away at her jawbones and constricting her ability to breathe. But there she was, singing her heart out, knowing that she was on the threshold of 7 hours in the operating room, 3 months of having her mouth wired, eating blended foods and then starting all over again with a new mouth.

Jardine's was packed with well-wishing contributors to help Megan pay her medical bills. As yet, there was no word if insurance would cover any of the costs. The night's festivities included the release of her new CD, Megan Birdsall – Little Jazz Bird (reviewed in this issue). Backing her up that night, and on the CD, were pianist Paul Smith, bassman Bob Bowman, saxophonist Bill Caldwell and Tim Cambron on drums. Megan alternated between her sweetness and “belting it out” as she treated us to tracks from the CD plus other offerings. We had some munchies and it was a happy occasion during a sad time.

By the time you read this Megan will have had her implant surgery - November 27 - to correct this rare TMJ condition, and for which she must travel to Dallas . This is a highly specialized procedure that only a limited number of physicians are capable of performing. After four or five days in the hospital, she must remain in Dallas for two weeks of post-op monitoring. Then it's home for the months of recovery.

Megan still needs our financial support. The Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, has established a Megan Birdsall Fund so that any contributions you make will be tax deductible. Just make your check payable to the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors and send it to: Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, PO Box 36181 , Kansas City , MO 64171-6181 . On the Memo Line on your check simply write Megan Birdsall Fund. Thank you. You can keep up to date on Megan's progress by going to www.caringbridge.org and then type in the box: meganbirdsall. You can purchase her CD by going to her website: www.meganbirdsall.com.

I look forward to the day that Megan can take the stage, look over and give me a wink, tilt her head, smile coquettishly, and I brush away a tear of joy.