Spotlight 2019: Charlie Parker features a series of spotlight events in Kansas City throughout August. We are excited to continue showcasing Kansas City jazz while highlighting our hometown legend, Charlie “Yardbird” Parker. Mark your calendars for the dates below!
Moderated by Mitch Butler, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies for UMKC, will moderate an engaging panel discussion in conjunction with Nelson-Atkins Museum’s Third Thursday event.
This event will kick off “Spotlight 2019: Charlie Parker”, a multi-day event dedicated to elevating jazz in Kansas City. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
A discussion concerning the state of music and jazz with the millennial generation and their relationship to the musical innovations of Charlie Parker. The focus will range from the subject of jazz education of young musicians to the influence of Parker’s music on current and future performers of jazz and other styles of music. The panel will investigate these topics from a local, national, and international perspective.
Panelists:
Mitch Butler – Moderator
Bobby Watson – Saxophonist and Legendary KC Musician and Recording Artist
Tia Fuller – Saxophonist and International Touring Musician and Recording Artist
Eddie Moore – Pianist, recording Artist, Producer, and KC Musician
Tickets for this event are FREE, but they are required.
While you are here, be sure to check out the latest exhibition, 30 Americans. Drawn exclusively from the acclaimed Miami-based Rubell Family Collection, 30 Americans features 30 of the most significant African American artists of the past four decades. Together, their art resonates with celebration and critique, reckons with triumph and tragedy, and offers an exploration of what it means to be American.
EXHIBITION TICKETS:
Members and Youth under 12 FREE
Adults: $18
Seniors: $16
Students: $10
Kansas City saxophonist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born August 29th, 1920. To celebrate his legacy, AJM has free events throughout the month of August!
“Bird’s the Word” features poetry and a beatbox performance and workshop by local Kansas City artists.
Click HERE for full schedule of “Bird’s the Word” and additional details.
This performance, featuring the Marty Morrison Trio, ft David Valdez is one of many “spotlight” events. Each event highlights local venues and musicians. This special event will take place just outside of Kansas City in Leavenworth Kansas. 424 Lounge is a new venue you definitely need to check out!
What: Charlie Parker Student Music Boot Camp
When: Saturday, August 17, 2018 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: GEM Theater | 1615 E 18th Street, Kansas City, MO
*** Limited Tuition Waiver Scholarships: Our generous donors allow us to offer a limited number of scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need.
Kansas City Jazz ALIVE, in partnership with the Kansas City Jazz Academy and KC Area Youth Jazz, present this year’s popular Charlie Parker Student Music Boot Camp.
The Charlie Parker Student Music Boot Camp is a jazz immersion program for middle school and high school students with at least one year of music experience. Spend the day learning about jazz music, improvisation, and the music and genius of Charlie “Yardbird” Parker from the Kansas City music scene’s top musical talents! We will close the camp with a mini-concert performance featuring YOU!
Download your Charlie Parker Student Music Boot Camp Guidebook HERE!
JOIN US FOR:
- Jazz Lessons with our great Boot Camp Faculty
- Masterclasses and Clinics
- Lunch with friends & faculty
- FREE Jamey Aebersold Jazz Play-Along
- FREE Jamey Aebersold Jazz Handbook
- Mini-concert performance
- And door prizes!!
YOUR CAMP FACULTY:
- Christopher Burnett, Director
- Stanton Kessler, Trumpet
- Bill Crain, Saxophone
- Jason Goudeau, Trombone
- Charles Gatschet, Guitar
- Roger Wilder, Piano
- Bill McKemy, Bass
- Greg Carroll, Vibraphone
- Clarence Smith, Drum Set
- Queen Bey, Vocalist
JAZZ ARTIST TALKS AND CLINICS:
- Queen Bey interview by Greg Carroll
- Dan Thomas, “Charlie Parker”
- Dr. Ryan Heinlein, “Jazz Improvisation”
Camp tuition is:
$30/ Early “Bird” Rate: Now through July 30th
$45/ Regular Rate: July 30 – August 17
Christopher Burnett Quartet: Burnett, alto saxophone and compositions; Roger Wilder; piano, Bill McKemy, Bass; Clarence Smith, drums are performing at Soirée Steak & Oyster House August 17. The quartet will perform a set dedicated to Charlie Parker’s music along with masterworks from the middle and late 20th Century’s modern jazz canon and original compositions. As a member of the official touring roster for the state of Kansas, Mr. Burnett’s is an eclectic instrumental jazz ensemble comprised of accomplished professional artists who are also experienced music educators.
Stan Kessler is a jazz stalwart on the KC scene, leading several working bands. Kathleen Holeman is one of the swinginest singers and pianist on the planet. Together, they make music that is delightful, memorable and entertaining in any setting.
This performance, featuring Gerald Spaits & Charles Perkins is one of many “spotlight” events. Each event highlights local venues and musicians.
The Kansas City Jazz Meetup group has been a fun way for us to get out to local venues and meet others in KC who love jazz!
On August 22nd, join us for an evening of live jazz at one of KC’s best breweries, KC Bier Co. What better way to celebrate jazz in KC than with a party and delicious German Bier?!
Enjoy live music by Bram Wijnands, Pat Adams along with special guest, Hal Melia. This is a performance that will surely have you up and out of your seat!
This event features “Mr. Kansas City” himself, Lonnie McFadden! This event is one of many spotlight events included in “Spotlight 2019: Charlie Parker”. Come on by and kick off the weekend with some energetic live jazz by Lonnie McFadden!
Join us for an exciting VIP reception & live performance highlighting the music of Kansas City’s greatest jazz legends including: Charlie Parker, Count Basie, “Big” Joe Turner, Mary Lou Williams, and more! Plus, a portion of all proceeds will benefit Liberty North & Liberty High jazz programs. Come out for a swinging good time!
Feature performers: Midnight Blue Jazz Quintet, Kansas City’s Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra, Liberty North & Liberty High School Jazz All-Stars.
Host: Bryan Busby, KMBC9 Chief Meteorologist
This performance, featuring Dan Thomas Quintet, is one of many “spotlight” events in August 2019. Each event highlights local venues and musicians. This special event will take place just outside of Kansas City in Leavenworth, Kansas. In the heart of the historic jazz district, The Blue Room is a great venue to enjoy live jazz!
Tour Guides:
Chuck Haddix – Director of UMKC Marr Sound Archives, host of KCUR 89.3 “Fish Fry” on Friday and Saturday nights, author of “Bird – The Life and Music of Charlie Parker” and “Kansas City Jazz – From Ragtime to Bebop“.
Jacob A. Wagner – Associate Professor, UMKC Department of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, Director of Urban Studies, and faculty founder of the UMKC Center of Neighborhoods.
Charlie Parker spent many meaningful hours in and around the area known as 18th and Vine. Join tour guides Chuck Haddix and Jacob Wagner from UMKC on a walking tour of the Jazz District to learn more about the historical context in which Charlie Parker developed as a young musician. 18th and Vine – African American business district during the time of segregation – provided all of the necessary services for Kansas City’s black community at the time. This “city within the city” is known as the Black Metropolis – and Charlie Parker’s creative genius was one of many artistic innovations that grew from this vibrant corner of the world. Tour the jazz district and learn about the remaining historical buildings and places where Charlie Parker lived and worked – from the Lincoln Building to the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
We will meet at the American Jazz Museum between 9:30am and 10am. Walking tour starts promptly at 10am. Tickets are required.
CLICK FOR TICKETS!
On August 24th, B.A.C. Musical Instruments will host an event with Boy Scouts of America. Scouts will learn about music and there will be a live band and plenty of games to keep scouts entertained, including a musical instrument petting zoo! Musicians will be working directly with kids. Merit Badge Counselors will be present so Scouts can earn the Music Merit Badges. Stay tuned for more details.
Kansas City saxophonist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born August 29th, 1920. To celebrate his legacy, AJM has free events throughout the month of August!
“Expectations of Bird” is an art showcase by Ron Chaney, owner of Ethnic Art Gallery, and artist Alexander Austin. Artwork will be for sale.
Join the Jackson County Historical Society and Mutual Musicians Foundation to celebrate Charlie “Bird” Parker’s 99th Birthday!
The evening will include food, drinks and jazz. Guests will enjoy the atmosphere of the historic Mutual Musicians Foundation, where legendary jazz greats jammed together. Enjoy live performances with original and contemporary arrangements and their classics. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door (plus fees). Your ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a couple drinks. There will also be a small silent auction to benefit JCHS and MMF. The evening celebrates the history of Kansas City jazz and such jazz greats as Bennie Moten, Charlie Parker and Count Basie – all who played and jammed at the Mutual Musicians Hall.
This event featuring Millie Edwards & Dan Sturdevant is one of many spotlight events included in “Spotlight 2019: Charlie Parker”. Join the fun for Sunday Brunch at the Phoenix on August 25th!
This event featuring Millie Edwards & Dan Sturdevant is one of many spotlight events included in “Spotlight 2019: Charlie Parker”. Special guests include students from UMKC Jazz Studies program, you won’t be disappointed! Come on by, enjoy live jazz and a cold beverage!
Join us for a swingin’ good time at Westport Coffee House!
Brad Gregory sextet is a local sextet featuring many fine trumpet players in KC. They often play original arrangements of jazz classics not heard elsewhere.
Kansas City saxophonist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born August 29th, 1920. To celebrate his legacy, American Jazz Museum has free events throughout the month of August!
In partnership with Marr Sound Archives and the Miller Nichols Library at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, “Bird’s Fixings” features a panel discussion and tribute jam for Kansas City saxophone legend Charlie “Yardbird” Parker! There will be a cash bar at this event.
See full schedule for Bird’s Fixings and more details HERE.
The Reserve inside the Ambassador Hotel in Downtown KC is a great spot for live jazz and a great atmosphere. The Reserve brings some of the best Kansas City musicians to accompany the swank vibes and outstanding cuisine with some sweet melodies and contagious rhythms. Join us on Charlie Parker’s Birthday for a live performance by David Basse and special guest.
This performance, featuring Dan Thomas Quintet, is one of many “spotlight” events in August 2019. Each event highlights local venues and musicians. This special event will take place just outside of Kansas City in Leavenworth, Kansas. 424 Lounge is a new venue you definitely need to check out!
An evening of live music in tribute to Kansas City’s greatest legend of jazz music, Charlie Parker. Featured musicians are David Valdez (alto saxophone), Seth Lee (bass), Brian Ward (piano) & John Kizilarmut (drums) with special guests throughout the night playing and celebrating the music and life of Charlie Parker. Guests will be able to enjoy fine food and drinks from the incredible menu at Soiree Steak and Oyster House in the Historic 18th & Vine District! More information at https://www.facebook.com/events/332708530726335/ or https://www.livejazzkc.com/special-events/charlieparker
Walk ins are welcome
Exhibit Curators: Chuck Haddix & Geri Sanders. Partnership with American Jazz Museum, University of Missouri-Kansas City and Mid-America Arts Alliance.
For Charlie Parker’s centennial year, please join us for a special preview reception and tour of our newest temporary exhibition.
The evening’s experience will include:
– Welcome from American Jazz Museum Executive Director Rashida Phillips
– Remarks from exhibit co-curators Geri Sanders and Chuck Haddix.
– Music from the Kansas City Jazz Academy and special guest Bobby Watson
– Viewing of the special exhibit in three timed shifts
– A cash bar and refreshments available
You MUST register for this event in order to attend.
Reserve your tickets HERE
In compliance with the Mayor’s ordinance, masks will be required. Social distancing is strongly recommended for this event. Areas of the Museum including the permanent exhibition, atrium, and back patio will be open to promote health and safety practices.
More information about Saxophone Supreme: The Life and Music of Charlie Parker HERE
Jazz storytelling to assist children with celebrating the life of Charlie Parker. The event will take place at the American Jazz Museum outside on the Jay McShann Pavilion. RSVP is required, https://americanjazzmuseum.org/event/jazz-storytelling-charlie-parker-birthday-celebration
The ARC Student Jazz Jam Session program realizes the integration of Kansas artists into a music fieldwork educational setting in an actual working community jazz venue – the family-friendly and superbly appointed, 424 Lounge in Leavenworth, Kansas. The ARC Student Jazz Jam Session program features a 12-month annual residency and professional development collaborations that feature partnerships among our artists, schools, arts organizations, and arts programs of non-arts organizations to provide a learning environment where students of jazz can be mentored on the bandstand. The ARC Student Jazz Jam Session program is also a creative collaboration that integrates jazz music into the areas of functional business practices; helps participants interpret the performance and presentation during the sessions; and supports regional arts programming and community development goals and objectives as well. The ARC Student Jazz Jam Session program is a collaboration and partnership with 424 Lounge. A primary feature of this program is ARC artist interaction with both students and community members. This event features learning and playing several of the compositions written by the famous Kansas City native and jazz icon, Charlie Parker.
Charlie “Bird” Parker was born in Kansas City, Kansas and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri – his artistic innovations would ultimately lead him to worldwide musical acclaim. This undisputed and universal acknowledgement as an innovator and musical genius continues to the present.
“Bird” Boot Camp is an applied jazz education experience that immerses participants into the theory and practice of jazz music on several levels. Performance. Compositional Theory. Improvisation.
Following Bird Boot Camp on August 22nd, students will take to the streets of the Jazz District for a sax salute to Charlie Parker! Guests are invited to the Jazz District to enjoy the performance. Masks are required where 6 feet social distancing is not an option.
Black Dolphin Covid Rules & Schedule:
1. Masks must be worn at all times at tables and everywhere within the building. No Exceptions.
2. Briefly lift mask to drink then immediately replace mask.
3. $5 Entry Fee at all times
4. 40 patrons occupancy
Every August, local jazz advocacy organization KC Jazz Alive celebrates the life of Charlie Parker, the pioneering jazz saxophonist who called Kansas City home. This year we celebrate the 100th Birthday of Charlie Parker and Kansas City Jazz.
Join us at KC Bier Co. for a night of Jazz in the Bierhalle on August 24th featuring live performances by Bram & Lucy Wijnands and Kadesh Flow. We will have a 5:30 p.m. showing and 8:00 p.m. showing with assigned seating indoors and outdoors to ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines. Tables will be available for parties of 2, 4 and 6 guests. Masks are required and will be allowed to be removed once you are seated at your table. In the event of rain or excessive heat the show will be cancelled and guests will be issued a full refund.
Black Dolphin Covid Rules & Schedule:
1. Masks must be worn at all times at tables and everywhere within the building. No Exceptions.
2. Briefly lift mask to drink then immediately replace mask.
3. $5 Entry Fee at all times
4. 40 patrons occupancy
Poetry event hosted by Glenn North, Director – Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. Special guest, Yusef Komunyakaa will be doing a poetry reading as well. This will be an online event.
Guests will assemble at 6:15am at the Charlie Parker Memorial Statue. Sunrise will take place at 6:45am. African drumming will be performed to bring up the sun on Parker’s 100th Birthday. Music will be led by the Traditional Music Society, Bird Ellington Fleming, http://www.
Get your tickets TODAY for a walking tour of one of Kansas City’s most historic neighborhoods; 18th & Vine Jazz District! August 29, 2020 is the 100th Birthday of Kansas City jazz legend, Charlie Parker. Celebrate by touring Bird’s old stomping grounds and feel his tunes run through you!
Please note, in an effort to minimize the number of people gathered in one space, we have split this tour into two with two different start times. The first tour will run from 9:30am – 10:30am and the second tour will be held from 10:30am – 11:30am. Each tour is limited to 26 people.
Tour Guides:
Chuck Haddix – Director of UMKC Marr Sound Archives, host of KCUR 89.3 “Fish Fry” on Friday and Saturday nights, author of “Bird – The Life and Music of Charlie Parker” and “Kansas City Jazz – From Ragtime to Bebop”.
Jacob A. Wagner – Associate Professor, UMKC Department of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, Director of Urban Studies, and faculty founder of the UMKC Center of Neighborhoods.
Charlie Parker spent many meaningful hours in and around the area known as 18th and Vine. Join tour guides Chuck Haddix and Jacob Wagner from UMKC on a walking tour of the Jazz District to learn more about the historical context in which Charlie Parker developed as a young musician. 18th and Vine – African American business district during the time of segregation – provided all of the necessary services for Kansas City’s black community at the time. This “city within the city” is known as the Black Metropolis – and Charlie Parker’s creative genius was one of many artistic innovations that grew from this vibrant corner of the world. Tour the jazz district and learn about the remaining historical buildings and places where Charlie Parker lived and worked – from the Lincoln Building to the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
Attendees for the 9:30am tour will meet outside behind the American Jazz Museum in the Jay McShann Pavilion at 9:15am to be checked in. Attendees for the 10:30am tour will meet behing the American Jazz Museum in the Jay McShann Pavilion at 10:15am to be checked in. Please be sure to bring your tickets with you.
Following the walking tour, you are invited to tour American Jazz Museum’s latest exhibition, “Saxophone Supreme: The Life & Music of Charlie Parker”.
Charles Parker™ is a trademark of the Estate of Charles C. Parker, Jr.
The American Reserve brings you some of the best Kansas City musicians accompanied by soulful cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Bask in the refreshing weather as you relax and enjoy the romantic ambiance brought to you by The American Reserve. Because of limited seating and social distancing, reservations are required. Choose ‘outdoor seating’ when you do. Click here to make a reservation.
There will be a Charlie Parker-themed show on KCUR from 12am – 1am on Sunday, August 30th. This will feature Bobby Watson. The broadcast is from 2017.