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!!!

Aug
30
Fri
Dan Thomas Quintet @ 424 Lounge
Aug 30 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Dan Thomas Quintet @ 424 Lounge

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!

Aug
31
Sat
Charlie Parker Tribute at Soirée Steak & Oyster House @ Soirée Steak & Oyster House
Aug 31 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Charlie Parker Tribute at Soirée Steak & Oyster House @ Soirée Steak & Oyster House

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

Jul
19
Sun
“Saxophone Supreme: The Life & Music of Charlie Parker” Exhibit Reception @ American Jazz Museum
Jul 19 @ 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm
"Saxophone Supreme: The Life & Music of Charlie Parker" Exhibit Reception @ American Jazz Museum

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

Aug
7
Fri
Jazz Storytelling – Celebrating the Life of Charlie Parker @ AJM @ Jay McShann Pavilion
Aug 7 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

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

Aug
11
Tue
Charles Perkins & Gerald Spaits (Audio-Only) @ Polsky Theater
Aug 11 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Aug
15
Sat
ARC Student Jazz Jam Session @ 424 Lounge
Aug 15 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ARC Student Jazz Jam Session @ 424 Lounge

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.

Aug
21
Fri
Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: Gerald Spaits Quintet Feat. Charles Perkins & Jack Lightfoot @ The Gem Theater
Aug 21 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: Gerald Spaits Quintet Feat. Charles Perkins & Jack Lightfoot @ The Gem Theater
Kansas City’s own Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born August 29th, 1920. To commemorate his centennial birthday, the American Jazz Museum presents a mini music series in the Gem Theater!
Doors open at 4:00 pm with limited tickets available. Social distancing measures will be enforced, which includes a mask requirement.
Aug
22
Sat
Bird Boot Camp @ American Jazz Museum / GEM Theater
Aug 22 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bird Boot Camp @ American Jazz Museum / GEM Theater

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/

Bird Boot Camp Finale Sax Salute to Charlie Parker
Aug 22 @ 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Bird Boot Camp Finale Sax Salute to Charlie Parker

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.

Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: #SearchingForCharlieParker, An Ode to Bird feat. Houston Smith & Morgan Faw @ The Gem Theater
Aug 22 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: #SearchingForCharlieParker, An Ode to Bird feat. Houston Smith & Morgan Faw @ The Gem Theater
Kansas City’s own Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born August 29th, 1920. To commemorate his centennial birthday, the American Jazz Museum presents a mini music series in the Gem Theater!
Doors open at 4:00 pm with limited tickets available. Social distancing measures will be enforced, which includes a mask requirement.
Click “Tickets” to purchase your tickets now!
Aug
23
Sun
Brunch with Millie Edwards & Dan Sturdevant @ The Phoenix
Aug 23 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mark Slimm’s RSS Trio Live & Streaming @ Black Dolphin
Aug 23 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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

Aug
24
Mon
Jazz Meetup Featuring Bram Wijnands and Special Guests @ KC Bier Co
Aug 24 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Jazz Meetup Featuring Bram Wijnands and Special Guests @ KC Bier Co

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.

Monday 8/24/20
2 showings
5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Doors open at 4:30pm  (last call 6:30 p.m.)
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:30pm (last call 9:00 p.m.)
 
Table for 2 – $14 (11 tables available)
Table for 4 – $24 (11 tables available)
Table for 6 – $30 ( 6  tables available) 
Aug
26
Wed
Ken Lovern’s OJT Live & Streaming @ Black Dolphin
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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

 

Aug
27
Thu
Charlie Parker Day Proclamation by Mayor Lucas @ City Hall (YouTube)
Aug 27 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

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

Kansas City Museum Session World Premier @ Virtual
Aug 27 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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/ 

Aug
28
Fri
Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: Will Matthews Organ Trio @ The Gem Theater
Aug 28 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: Will Matthews Organ Trio @ The Gem Theater
Kansas City’s own Charlie “Yardbird” Parker was born August 29th, 1920. To commemorate his centennial birthday, the American Jazz Museum presents a mini music series in the Gem Theater!
Doors open at 4:00 pm with limited tickets available. Social distancing measures will be enforced, which includes a mask requirement.
Click “Tickets” to purchase your tickets now!
Literary Tribute to Charlie Parker, Jr. featuring Yusef Komuntakaa in conversation with Sascha Feinstein and Glenn North @ Bruce R Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (Virtual)
Aug 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Literary Tribute to Charlie Parker, Jr. featuring Yusef Komuntakaa in conversation with Sascha Feinstein and Glenn North @ Bruce R Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (Virtual)

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/

Aug
29
Sat
Charlie Parker Sunrise Ceremony @ Charlie Parker Memorial Sculpture
Aug 29 @ 6:15 am – 7:15 am

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.traditionalmusicsociety.org/ This ceremony is organized by UNESCO Creative City Kansas City – City of Music.

Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: 12-Hour Jam (Virtual) @ The Gem Theater
Aug 29 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Charlie Parker Centennial Mini Series: 12-Hour Jam (Virtual) @ The Gem Theater

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

Early Bird: Charlie Parker at 18th & Vine Walking Tour @ 18th & Vine - Start at Jay McShann Pavilion
Aug 29 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Early Bird: Charlie Parker at 18th & Vine Walking Tour @ 18th & Vine - Start at Jay McShann Pavilion

Self-guided Walking Tour Descriptions

Self-guided Walking Tour Map 

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 Life and Art of Robert Graham: an interview with Steven Graham @ Virtual
Aug 29 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

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

“Bird: Not Out of Nowhere” Documentary Screening by KCPT @ Streaming
Aug 29 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
"Bird: Not Out of Nowhere" Documentary Screening by KCPT @ Streaming

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.”

Lonnie McFadden @ The American Reserve (at Ambassador Hotel)
Aug 29 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Lonnie McFadden @ The American Reserve (at Ambassador Hotel)

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. 

Basie to Bird to Bobby – Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (Quintet) Drive-In Concert @ Plexpod
Aug 29 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

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
Kansas City Museum Sunset Session Watch Party @ Virtual
Aug 29 @ 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm

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).

Aug
30
Sun
12th Street Jump Radio Broadcast @ KCUR 89.3
Aug 30 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am

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.

Aug
1
Sun
Brunch with Millie Edwards, Dan Sturdevant & Dave Taylor @ The Phoenix
Aug 1 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Brunch with Millie Edwards, Dan Sturdevant & Dave Taylor @ The Phoenix

Live jazz at The Phoenix!

Saxophone Supreme: The Life & Music of Charlie Parker Exhibition @ American Jazz Museum (& Virtual)
Aug 1 @ 12:00 pm – Aug 31 @ 1:00 pm
Saxophone Supreme: The Life & Music of Charlie Parker Exhibition @ American Jazz Museum (& Virtual)

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!

Aug
7
Sat
Parker Trumpet Summit: Show 1 of 2 @ Blue Room
Aug 7 @ 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Parker Trumpet Summit: Show 1 of 2 @ Blue Room
Clint Ashlock, Trent Austin, & Daniel Dissmore headline two shows at the Blue Room, American Jazz Museum’s jazz club

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.

Parker Trumpet Summit: Show 2 of 2 @ Blue Room
Aug 7 @ 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Parker Trumpet Summit: Show 2 of 2 @ Blue Room
Clint Ashlock, Trent Austin, & Daniel Dissmore headline two shows at the Blue Room, American Jazz Museum’s jazz club

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.

Aug
8
Sun
Brunch with Millie Edwards, Dan Sturdevant & Dave Taylor @ The Phoenix
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Brunch with Millie Edwards, Dan Sturdevant & Dave Taylor @ The Phoenix

Live jazz at The Phoenix!

Aug
14
Sat
ARC Student Jam Session @ 424 Lounge
Aug 14 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ARC Student Jam Session @ 424 Lounge

Jazz music is learned and passed along by experienced musicians sharing knowledge on the bandstand with aspiring jazz players. This no-cost educational program is sponsored by Frontier Community Credit Union in order to eliminate economic barriers to participation. ARC Recording Artists curate and administrate this jazz jam session program with the assistance of professional rhythm section players from the ARC roster and the Kansas City jazz artist community. The ARC Student Jazz Jam Session program at 424 Lounge is scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of each month during the year from 3 pm to 5 pm. The 2021 Season dates are: June 19, July 17, August 14 (an official Spotlight: Charlie Parker event), September 18, and October 16.

Parker Saxophone Summit: Show 1 of 2 @ Blue Room
Aug 14 @ 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Parker Saxophone Summit: Show 1 of 2 @ Blue Room
Matt Otto & Adam Larson headline two shows at the Blue Room, American Jazz Museum’s jazz club

About this event

About Matt Otto

Matt Otto studied music performance and composition at Indiana University , Berklee School of Music, New School of Jazz, (BFA) and California Institute of the Arts (MFA). Having lived in Japan for 5 years, New York City for 7 years and Los Angeles for 6 years, he has performed with a variety of artists including Anthony Wilson, Larry Koonse, Rashid Bakr, Ben Monder, Wadada Leo Smith, Willie Jones III, Alan Ferber, Mark Ferber, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Gregory Hutchinson, Jonathan Kreisberg, Charlie Haden , Joe La Barbera, Leroy Vinegar, Jimmy Smith, Paul Jackson, Ari Honig, Ben Street, Mike Moreno, Sara Gazarek, Josh Nelson, Danny Weiss, William Parker, Matt Wilson, Steve Cardenas, Bobby Watson, Bob Weir, Deborah Brown, Larry Goldings, Jerry Bergonzi, Eric Harland, Sheryl Bailey, Darek Oles, Erik McPherson, John Stowell, Ralph Peterson, Alan Pasqua, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Reggie Workman and many others.

About Adam Larson

Adam Larson (b. 1990) is an American saxophonist, composer, educator and author currently residing in the Kansas City-area.

Larson teaches music business, jazz pedagogy and applied jazz saxophone lessons at UMKC Conservatory, where he has been on faculty since 2019. Larson holds BM and MM degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was a part of the vibrant NYC jazz scene for eleven years before relocating in 2019.

Larson continues to perform in NYC with some of the greatest musicians in the genre.

As a guest artist, Larson has been invited to present masterclasses on music business, improvisation and composition at more than fifty universities across the globe.

Adam has recorded five albums and maintains an active touring schedule year-round playing his original music.

Parker Saxophone Summit: Show 2 of 2 @ Blue Room
Aug 14 @ 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Parker Saxophone Summit: Show 2 of 2 @ Blue Room
Matt Otto & Adam Larson headline two shows at the Blue Room, American Jazz Museum’s jazz club

About this event

About Matt Otto

Matt Otto studied music performance and composition at Indiana University , Berklee School of Music, New School of Jazz, (BFA) and California Institute of the Arts (MFA). Having lived in Japan for 5 years, New York City for 7 years and Los Angeles for 6 years, he has performed with a variety of artists including Anthony Wilson, Larry Koonse, Rashid Bakr, Ben Monder, Wadada Leo Smith, Willie Jones III, Alan Ferber, Mark Ferber, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Gregory Hutchinson, Jonathan Kreisberg, Charlie Haden , Joe La Barbera, Leroy Vinegar, Jimmy Smith, Paul Jackson, Ari Honig, Ben Street, Mike Moreno, Sara Gazarek, Josh Nelson, Danny Weiss, William Parker, Matt Wilson, Steve Cardenas, Bobby Watson, Bob Weir, Deborah Brown, Larry Goldings, Jerry Bergonzi, Eric Harland, Sheryl Bailey, Darek Oles, Erik McPherson, John Stowell, Ralph Peterson, Alan Pasqua, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Reggie Workman and many others.

About Adam Larson

Adam Larson (b. 1990) is an American saxophonist, composer, educator and author currently residing in the Kansas City-area.

Larson teaches music business, jazz pedagogy and applied jazz saxophone lessons at UMKC Conservatory, where he has been on faculty since 2019. Larson holds BM and MM degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was a part of the vibrant NYC jazz scene for eleven years before relocating in 2019.

Larson continues to perform in NYC with some of the greatest musicians in the genre.

As a guest artist, Larson has been invited to present masterclasses on music business, improvisation and composition at more than fifty universities across the globe.

Adam has recorded five albums and maintains an active touring schedule year-round playing his original music.

Aug
17
Tue
Bird 101: The Art of Charlie Parker in Kansas City (Film Screening & Panel Discussion) @ The Nelson-Atkins Tivoli
Aug 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Bird 101: The Art of Charlie Parker in Kansas City (Film Screening & Panel Discussion) @ The Nelson-Atkins Tivoli

Celebrate Charlie Parker’s enduring musical legacy with a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Bird: Not Out of Nowhere and a panel discussion in the Tivoli Theater at the Nelson Atkins-Museum of Art.

Produced by Brad Austin, an Emmy-Award-winning KCPT Producer, Bird: Not Out of Nowhere takes an in-depth look at Parker’s early life and music and his enduring influence on present-day Kansas City jazz musicians. The documentary features rarely-seen archival footage, interviews, and performances by Bobby Watson, Lonnie McFadden, Logan Richardson, and commentary by Chuck Haddix, author of Bird: The Life and Music of Charlie Parker.

The August 17th screening from 5:30 – 6:30 will be followed by a lively panel discussion featuring Austin, Watson, McFadden, and Haddix.

Check out this write-up on the documentary in London Jazz News!

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