2023 Spotlight : Charlie Parker #BirdLives

Thanks to the numerous individuals and organizations for the photos and videos.

BIRD BOOT CAMP began in 2014 as part of the original Charlie Parker celebration that was initiated (Spotlight: Charlie Parker) by the Jazz catalyst nonprofit organization, Kansas City Jazz A.L.I.V.E. The originator of the Boot Camp program idea was Greg Carroll, who partnered with Clarence Smith and they successfully modeled their one-day educational (Charlie Parker Student Music Boot Camp) event after some of the premier jazz camps and other music education programming they’d developed or initiated at various points in their respective professional careers over the years.

🔗 Jazz Brunch at The Phoenix

Opening Jazz Brunch with Millie Edwards & Dan Sturdevant with special appearance by 2023 Spotlight Charlie Parker Artist in Residence, Grammy-Nominee Tia Fuller.

🔗 Chaz on The Plaza

Peter Schlamb is a vibraphonist and pianist based in Kansas City, Missouri. He released his second album “Electric Tinks” and maintains a busy schedule performing locally, nationally and internationally. Peter spent several years in New York City where he attended and graduated from New School University.

🔗 The Blue Room

Named after the famed 1930s Street Hotel club in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, The Blue Room simultaneously honors the past and showcases the present names in jazz.

🔗 Downtown Branch Kansas City Public Library in Helzberg Auditorium

This Opening Panel discussion features panelists Deborah Brown, Carolyn Glenn Brewer and Tia Fuller, and moderated by Lisa Hittle, for a conversation about Women in Jazz: Charlie Parker’s influence.

🔗 KC Bier Co

Musicians include: Bram Wijnands, Lucy Wijnands, Kadesh Flow, and special guest Tia Fuller!

2023 Spotlight Charlie Parker TIA FULLER (AIR) from KC Bier Co Marketing.

🔗 Logan Richardson & Blues People featuring Marquis Hill

Known for his adventurous, genre-bending jazz, Logan Richardson is an American-born, Paris-based alto saxophonist. He has been a professional musician since he was 16, and came to wider recognition after moving to New York and issuing his 2007 debut, the post-bop-influenced Cerebral Flow. He has performed with a variety of jazz musicians including Joe Chambers, Billy Hart, Butch Morris, Greg Osby, Stefon Harris, the World Saxophone Quartet, Arthur Blythe, and Jason Moran. He is also a member of the Next Collective.

🔗 Lonnie’s Reno Club

Visit Lonnie’s Reno Club for an upscale dinner show experience featuring Lonnie McFadden and his band! The club is an authentic KC jazz club with ties to the history of Midwest music. With a simple delectable menu and prohibition era cocktails, music lovers and foodies will enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. We are proud to announce: August 25 will be the first day of our “Charlie Parker Celebration” at Lonnie’s Reno Club! Thanks to “KC Jazz Alive” Tia Fuller stopped by and played a couple of songs with us that night 😃👍🏽

🔗 Curated 18th & Vine Walking Tour

Photo of the "Bird Lives" statue of Charlie Parker

Young Charlie Parker came of age as a man and musician in the 18th and Vine area. After Charlie’s parents separated in 1930, he and his mother Addie moved to a two-story brick house at 1516 Olive Street just blocks away from 18th and Vine. Addie worked nights and after she left for work, Charlie began his nightly rounds of the night clubs dotting 12th and 18th streets. While on tour later in his career, Charlie often stopped off in Kansas City to visit Addie, play gigs in the clubs on 18th street and renew old acquaintances.

🔗 GRAND FINALE: “Bird” Tribute Concert at The Folly Theater

Photo of the outside of the Folly Theater

Now in its 10th year, the festivities will include more than 25 jazz showcase performances, educational events, a “Bird” musical salute, and jazz history tours. The week culminated with this exciting “Bird” Tribute Concert featuring Grammy-nominee Tia Fuller with, Kansas City jazz all-stars plus a special partnership with Youth Symphony of Kansas City selected string students performing an exclusive reimagining of the famed “Bird” With Strings recording!

SOUND CHECK