Jazz — Kansas City’s world-famous cultural contribution — isn’t relegated to titans of yesteryear such as Charlie “Bird” Parker, Count Basie and Jay McShann. Vibrant Kansas City jazz is still simmering, swinging and jamming in venues throughout the city. 🎙️
Unlike the big-band era of swing heard in the 1930s and 1940s, the Paris of the Plains gave birth to a looser, rhythmic style of jazz that led to bebop. Today, local music fans and tourists can still explore the ever-evolving sound of jazz emanating from Kansas City clubs and restaurants. 🎵
Note: If you're not entirely comfortable heading to a jazz club right now, you can add this to your post-COVID to-do list. Or, save it for later when you're looking for the best places to take out-of-town visitors in Kansas City.
| |
Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, The Majestic Restaurant and Jazz Club is a prime destination to catch live jazz. After indulging in a meal and cocktails at the steakhouse, you can hear the musicians who keep the city’s music heritage alive.
Each night, the Majestic features live music from artists such as pianist Matt Villinger and pianist and vibraphonist Peter Schlamb, a Missouri native who performed in New York City for several years before landing here in Kansas City. 🎹
Pianist Bram Wijnands, who hails from Holland, made his local debut as a hard-driving swing jazz artist in 1991. Wijnands is a can't-miss artist who's performed with local and national jazz luminaries. Check the calendar for current show listings at The Majestic.
| |
In the Historic Garment District, near the Majestic, The Phoenix is home to a restaurant and jazz and blues club. The venue's modern incarnation has been located on the first floor of the historic Phoenix Hotel since 1990.Â
Catch live music six days a week and a live jazz brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kansas City artist Talya Groves performs jazz and pop on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Millie Edwards, one of the Wild Women of Jazz, performs with Dan Sturdevant during brunch. Drop in and listen to a jam session with Tim Reid Jr. and friends on Wednesday, and hear Lee Langston’s multi-genre crooning on Friday nights. 🎤
| |
If you're looking for a hip, happening spot to catch evening and late-night jazz sessions, head to Green Lady Lounge in the Crossroads. The dark, cozy lounge provides an intimate space to see, hear and experience jazz from both established and up-and-coming artists.
Arrive early to secure a seat, especially on weekends, as many late sessions attract a standing-room-only crowd. Stylish attire isn't required, but musicians and staff are dressed to the nines — making guests feel snazzier as they sip on cocktails and sit mere feet away from the action on stage. 🍸
Don't miss the Orion Room, a downstairs hideaway with a grand piano and drum kit, where other musicians perform on a second stage. Trios of artists abound here, led by Danny Embry, Rod Fleeman, Ken Lovern, Jeff Shirley, Tyrone Clark and more.
Black Dolphin — a club with the same owner-operator located next to Green Lady Lounge — also packs in guests for evening and late-night sessions. Here you’ll find luminaries such as pianist Tim Whitmer’s Quartet with Jim Mair, the Matt Villinger Trio and the Leslie McLean Trio.
And of course, The Blue Room, part of the American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, brings Kansas City’s storied jazz past to the present. The club is named after a famed 1930s hotel club that once held court in the district. Take time to explore the museum, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant in the district and slip into the club for evening entertainment.
Check the Blue Room's calendar for current listings. 📅 You’ll find fresh faces like Delynia Jannell at early evening Indigo Hour sessions. Kansas City local Clint Ashlock — artistic director and conductor of the esteemed Kansas City Jazz Orchestra — also helms a jazz quintet. And another must-see act is Jazz Disciples, a quartet featuring saxophonist Gerald Dunn, pianist Everett Freeman, drummer Michael Warren and bassist DeAndre Manning.
| |
Johnnie’s Jazz Bar and Grille in Liberty, Missouri, plans to open a second location in Kansas City's Power and Light District. Until then, you can still catch shows at the original location.
Tim Reid, Jr., a soul-jazz vocalist, pianist and songwriter, performs jazz standards and soul spanning several decades on Friday, Sept. 10. The next week, step back in time and let your hips sway to the swingin’ sounds of Baby J Jazz Trio’s take on classic jazz from the 1920s through the '40s. 🎶
See Johnnie's entire lineup here, which includes performances by Havilah Bruders Trio and Millie Edwards, as well as Brian Ruskin — the son of local jazz pillars Tommy Ruskin and Julie Turner.
| |
Today's Creative Adventure email was written by Pete Dulin.
| |
| Â More Adventures in Kansas City
| |
|  | Black Box Jazz Series
This Friday, Sept. 10, enjoy an evening of Neo-Soul jazz at the Black Box in Kansas City's West Bottoms. Bring a lawn chair and be ready to provide proof of vaccination, which is required of all attendees and staff. ✅ Tickets are $20 and available now.
| |  |
| | |
|
