Join us as we celebrate the life,
the music, and the iconic legacy
of Kansas City’s own:
Charlie “Yardbird” Parker!
Here are the 2023 Events!!!
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. https://birdbootcamp.org/
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
Mayor Quinton Lucas will read the official proclamation of Charlie Parker Day on August 27th at 3pm. This will be live streamed through KCMO’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na_tBfzGSbw
The Museum Sessions is a digital series of music that explores the sounds and stories of Kansas City one song at a time. Tune in at https://www.facebook.com/kansascitymuseum/
The series is presented and produced by UNESCO Creative Cities – Kansas City and the Kansas City Museum, in collaboration with One Kansas City Radio. All recordings take place at the Kansas City Museum.
Featuring Aryana Nemati Trio: Aryana Nemati (Alto sax), Jackie Meyers (Keyboard) and Carly Atwood (Upright bass). For additional details, visit https://kansascitymuseum.org/initiativescollaborations/themuseumsessions/
Event will be streamed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BRWCHC/
Poetry event hosted by Glenn North, Director – Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. Featuring Yusef Komunyakaa with Sascha Feinstein and Glenn North.
Sponsored by the African American Artist Collective, Bruce R Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, UNESCO Creative City Network, and UMKC Center for Neighborhoods. Produced by Miles Brown.
Yusef is considered to be the foremost Jazz Poet writing today who gave special attention to Charlie Parker, Jr. and the influence of jazz on the American experience. Sascha Feinstein is a well-known poet, author and critic. He has published two definitive works on jazz and poetry, including Jazz Poetry: From the 1920s to the Present and a Bibliographic Guide to Jazz Poetry.
Poet Glenn North is the 18th and Vine Jazz District Poet Laurate and a Cave Canem Fellow. Glenn has contributed to the UNESCO Creative City Network through his work with Tyehimba Jess in 2019.
Mr. North is Director of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. https://www.facebook.com/BRWCHC/
More about the African American Artists Collective: https://www.facebook.com/aaacollective/
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.
Celebrate Bird’s birthday with a 12-hour jam session in the Gem Theater!
You must register, even for the free sessions. Social distancing will be required between parties. Masks will be required.
Session 1 (free)
7:00am – 11:45am
Matt Otto Quartet, Bryan Alford Quartet featuring Amber Underwood, Andrew Ouellette trio
Reserve your tickets here
Session 2 (free)
12:15pm – 3:15pm
James Ward Band, Peter Schlamb Quintet
Reserve your tickets here
Session 3 ($15)
3:45pm – 7:00pm
Eclipse featuring Lisa Henry, Bobby Watson
Purchase your tickets here
Self-guided Walking Tour Descriptions
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.
This interview was recorded on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Charlie Parker, Jr. Steven Graham, son of the late sculptor Robert Graham, joins Anita Dixon and Jacob Wagner for a conversation about the sculpture and its significance. Robert Graham designed the Charlie Parker Memorial – Bird Lives! Sculpture at 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Missouri.
Steven shares stories about his father and the monumental sculpture created to memorialize Charlie Parker Jr. Interviewed by Anita Dixon and Creative City KC, Kansas City’s City of Music organization representing the UNESCO Creative City Network, with Jacob A. Wagner, Associate Professor of Urban Planning & Design.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network includes 246 cities around the world who recognize the importance of creativity and culture as drivers of sustainable urban development and design. Kansas City Missouri is a UNESCO City of Music.
Tune in at 1pm! https://www.facebook.com/creativecitykc
https://www.kansascitypbs.org/local-shows/bird-not-out-of-nowhere/
As the world celebrates the centennial of Charlie “Bird” Parker’s birth, this film looks back at the twenty-one years Charlie spent at home in Kansas City and on his long-lasting impression on Kansas City Jazz.
Luckily, for the musical world, Charlie Parker grew up in Kansas City during the ’20s and ’30s. A destination for a low-moral character, Kansas City had an un-quenching lust for booze, women, drugs, and the music that accompanied such vices. Jazz. It was from that music scene where Charlie Parker cut his chops in late-night jam sessions. Most famously at the Reno Club on 12th where Jo Jones, disgusted with 16-year-old Charlie’s inability to keep up, threw a cymbal at his feet. Prompting an embarrassed young Charlie to sulk back home determined to one day “show those cats.” It was his elementary school music teacher calling him and his friends “Yardbirds” that set in motion what would one day become his famous moniker “Bird” and it was a car accident on a Missouri backroad that gave Charlie both a new horn and a taste for heroin. Before he ever played bebop on New York’s famed 52nd Street, Charlie Parker was Bird.
On the centennial of Charlie “Bird” Parker’s birth, KCPT presents a documentary that looks back at the twenty-one years Bird spent in Kansas City and his lasting impression on present-day Kansas City Jazz. NOT OF OUT NOWHERE will feature rarely seen historical archived footage of Charlie Parker and include interviews with musicians and historians with live performances from some of Kansas City’s most talented jazz musicians.
Charlie “Bird” Parker was a musical gift to the world from Kansas City. A gift that will continue giving because “There is music before Charlie Parker… and then there is music after Charlie Parker.”
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.
Please join KCJO5, a small group from the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, as we bring some great music to you: Drive-In style! You might be aware that Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Bobby Watson all have birthdays within a week of each other the last part of August, so we thought it’d be fun to celebrate these legendary representatives of Kansas City jazz history. Performing will be: David Chael, Clint Ashlock, Eddie Moore, Andrew Stinson, and John Kizilarmut. Please check us out LIVE on Bird’s birthday: Saturday, 8/29 at 8:00pm for this drive-in concert at at Plexpod Westport Commons, 300 E. 39th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64111. For more information, visit KCDriveInConcerts.com
How It Works:
- Buying a “ticket” reserves one parking space (one ticket per car) – Meaning if you wanted to buy a space and bring your partner along – or the two of you wanted to bring another couple you feel safe with, you could, no extra charge
- You may not bring drinks or food. There will be vendors at the event providing both refreshments and food.
- You may choose your parking spot when you arrive, day of the event – first come, first served.
- Doors (or shall I say driveway entrance) opens one hour before showtime.
- You must wear a mask should you decide to leave your car/parking space to visit vendors or use the facilities
- KC Drive-In Concerts will be emphasizing safety, respect and mindfulness. Thanks for helping us create a safe space to create live music!
- Stay at least 20 feet from the stage
The Museum Sessions is a digital series of music that explores the sounds and stories of Kansas City one song at a time.
The series is presented and produced by UNESCO Creative Cities – Kansas City and the Kansas City Museum, in collaboration with One Kansas City Radio. All recordings take place at the Kansas City Museum.
Featuring Aryana Nemati Trio: Aryana Nemati (Alto sax), Jackie Meyers (Keyboard) and Carly Atwood (Upright bass).
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.
Live jazz at The Phoenix!
View full Virtual exhibit here –> https://library.umkc.edu/exhibits/saxophone
A partnership between the American Jazz Museum and UMKC Libraries, the exhibit Saxophone Supreme celebrates the Centennial of Charlie “Bird” Parker, one of the most influential musicians and composers of all time. Born and raised in the Kansas City area, alto saxophonist, Parker pioneered Bebop a revolution in jazz. Throughout his career, Parker continued to innovate and explore new musical vistas. He influenced ensuing generations of musicians across a broad range of styles. His genius also inspired writers, artists, dancers and filmmakers.
This centennial exhibition features groundbreaking research, album covers, sheet music, photos, memorabilia and rare audio clips drawn from the collections of the American Jazz Museum, LaBudde Special Collections/Marr Sound Archives at UMKC, the Institute for Jazz Studies at Rutgers University–Newark, Norman Saks and Brian Johnston. Chuck Haddix, the Curator of the Sound Archives and Geri Sanders, Director of Collections for the American Jazz Museum, co-curated the exhibit. Haddix is the author of Bird: The Life and Music of Charlie Parker.
Check out this write-up on the exhibit from Jazz Tokyo!
About this event
About Clint Ashlock
Trumpeter/composer/bandleader/educator Clint Ashlock grew up in the Kansas City area. An in-demand musician across various genres, Clint is a dedicated and tireless contributor to the scene. Alongside his position as the Artistic Director and conductor of the esteemed Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, he has performed with such luminaries as Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Nicholas Payton, and Natalie Cole, as well as being a mainstay on the local Kansas City performing circuit, most notably with his own groups, the quintet Forward, his ‘other’ big band, New Jazz Order (releasing that group’s first CD in 2012, featuring such musicians as Hermon Mehari, Mark Lowrey, and Bobby Watson), and the singer/songwriter/bandleader Jessica Paige.
As a student of jazz, Ashlock reflects the lineage of his hard bop idols such as Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, and Woody Shaw, and his big band writing is heavily influenced by Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, and his teachers Paul McKee, Frank Mantooth, and Kerry Strayer. Ashlock was recently featured as a soloist at the First Jazz Education Festival in Shanghai, China, and as the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Sydney, Australia, in addition to performing locally.
About Daniel Dissmore
Daniel Dissmore is a trumpet player based in Kansas City, Missouri. And although jazz is his foundation, he is a versatile musician who can be found playing in various settings around town. This includes blues, salsa, cumbia, mariachi, and more. He has performed with groups such as the Marcus Lewis Big Band and the Phantastics and artists like Bobby Watson and Eugene Smiley.
About Trent Austin
Celebrated trumpet artist, educator/clinician and entrepreneur, Trent Austin is a trumpeting Renaissance Man. His brilliant performances and recordings in both the jazz and classical music worlds, as well as packed-house Master Classes have garnered him rave reviews, awards and International acclaim.
Fiercely dedicated to the cause and development of music and jazz education, Trent was a trumpet professor at the University of Southern Maine for 9 years and regularly provides clinics and Master Classes nationwide at various trumpet and brass conferences, including at the International Trumpet Guild Conference and other trumpet/brass conferences. Austin also maintains an active teaching studio in Kansas City, MO and worldwide online via Skype, providing trumpet and jazz improvisation lessons.
About this event
About Clint Ashlock
Trumpeter/composer/bandleader/educator Clint Ashlock grew up in the Kansas City area. An in-demand musician across various genres, Clint is a dedicated and tireless contributor to the scene. Alongside his position as the Artistic Director and conductor of the esteemed Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, he has performed with such luminaries as Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Nicholas Payton, and Natalie Cole, as well as being a mainstay on the local Kansas City performing circuit, most notably with his own groups, the quintet Forward, his ‘other’ big band, New Jazz Order (releasing that group’s first CD in 2012, featuring such musicians as Hermon Mehari, Mark Lowrey, and Bobby Watson), and the singer/songwriter/bandleader Jessica Paige.
As a student of jazz, Ashlock reflects the lineage of his hard bop idols such as Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, and Woody Shaw, and his big band writing is heavily influenced by Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, and his teachers Paul McKee, Frank Mantooth, and Kerry Strayer. Ashlock was recently featured as a soloist at the First Jazz Education Festival in Shanghai, China, and as the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Sydney, Australia, in addition to performing locally.
About Daniel Dissmore
Daniel Dissmore is a trumpet player based in Kansas City, Missouri. And although jazz is his foundation, he is a versatile musician who can be found playing in various settings around town. This includes blues, salsa, cumbia, mariachi, and more. He has performed with groups such as the Marcus Lewis Big Band and the Phantastics and artists like Bobby Watson and Eugene Smiley.
About Trent Austin
Celebrated trumpet artist, educator/clinician and entrepreneur, Trent Austin is a trumpeting Renaissance Man. His brilliant performances and recordings in both the jazz and classical music worlds, as well as packed-house Master Classes have garnered him rave reviews, awards and International acclaim.
Fiercely dedicated to the cause and development of music and jazz education, Trent was a trumpet professor at the University of Southern Maine for 9 years and regularly provides clinics and Master Classes nationwide at various trumpet and brass conferences, including at the International Trumpet Guild Conference and other trumpet/brass conferences. Austin also maintains an active teaching studio in Kansas City, MO and worldwide online via Skype, providing trumpet and jazz improvisation lessons.