Kansas City Jazz

Jazz music has been a part of Kansas City since the 1930s, when black musicians like Count Basie and Charlie Parker added a special something to the Kansas City jazz scene. Characterized by a unique style, Kansas City jazz is characterized by a smooth sound, frequent riffs and extended solos. Kansas City had no liquor laws and no closing hours in the 1930s, so often musicians would jam throughout the night after playing in the clubs.

The city later earned the nickname "The Paris of the Plains," in reference to the over 100 clubs and speakeasy's operating at the time. Areas like 18^th and Vine and 12^th Street were filled with jazz clubs and nationally known musicians. Joe Turner, Ben Webster and William Page all performed at these clubs and became the developers of the Kansas City style jazz.

Today, people can still attend all night jam sessions at the Mutual Musicians Foundation, housed in a historic landmark. The Gem Theater, once a movie house, is now a performing arts venue that hosts "Jamming at the Gem," a jazz concert series. Everyone goes to the Blue Room to hear not only the best jazz in Kansas City, but new experimental jazz as well. Sit at a table, and notice that under the glass are treasures from jazz history such as sheet music and reeds. The walls are also a history display, with pictures from the past. Voted one of the Top 100 Jazz clubs in the world, the Blue Room never ceases to entertain.

The Blue Room is part of The American Jazz Museum. The American Jazz Museum pays homage to the past players in Kansas City Jazz, with a Charlie Parker Memorial and a John Baker film collection. The museum also features educational programs and memorabilia. The Studio allows players to experiment with jazz sounds and styles.

Jazz is heard today at places like Jardine's at the Country Club Plaza, south of downtown. Jardine's is where many jazz legends come to play, and host jazz concert series and an All Star Jazz Review. The Phoenix Jazz Club has live jazz and blues five nights a week with top local acts. The Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors host jazz events all over the Kansas City area, and promote jazz education as well.

The Kansas City jazz scene is alive and well on 18^th and Vine in Kansas City. Visit any of the clubs or the American Jazz Museum and you will see why this style of jazz stayed popular for so long.