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!!!
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.
Live jazz at The Phoenix!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Pianist /vocalist Jackie Myers has been splitting her time between Austin and KC. The Austin Chronicle describes “her earthy lungs” finding a musical home in both locales. Myers’ mix of soul and jazz highlight her heartfelt voice and musical skill.
Live jazz at Black Dolphin!
Lonnie McFadden performs live at Lonnie’s Reno Club. Confirm your table by booking your reservation in advance (816-298-7700). Walk ins are welcome after 8pm with a $25 cover charge.
About this event
Andrew Ouellette is a pianist, composer, and educator currently residing in Kansas City, MO. He had the privilege to study under world-renowned saxophonist Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory from 2008-2012, earning his bachelor of music in jazz performance. Andrew also earned his MBA from UMKC in 2016. Andrew enjoys a busy playing and teaching schedule in the Kansas City area, and has been blessed to be able to share the stage with many nationally and internationally recognized artists such as Bobby Watson, Roy Hargrove, Tivon Pennicott, Lonnie McFadden, Lisa Henry, Marilyn Maye, Matt Kane, The Sons of Brasil, Hermon Mehari, Peter Schlamb and many others. Andrew has also been fortunate to study under Roger Wilder, Bram Wijnands, and John McIntyre.
About this event
Andrew Ouellette is a pianist, composer, and educator currently residing in Kansas City, MO. He had the privilege to study under world-renowned saxophonist Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory from 2008-2012, earning his bachelor of music in jazz performance. Andrew also earned his MBA from UMKC in 2016. Andrew enjoys a busy playing and teaching schedule in the Kansas City area, and has been blessed to be able to share the stage with many nationally and internationally recognized artists such as Bobby Watson, Roy Hargrove, Tivon Pennicott, Lonnie McFadden, Lisa Henry, Marilyn Maye, Matt Kane, The Sons of Brasil, Hermon Mehari, Peter Schlamb and many others. Andrew has also been fortunate to study under Roger Wilder, Bram Wijnands, and John McIntyre.
Bird Boot Camp has been a significant applied instrumental music program element that’s been part of the annual August spotlight celebration of Jazz celebrity, globally recognized musical icon, and Kansas native, Charlie “Bird” Parker, that takes place at venues throughout the greater KC metro since 2014.
It’s going to be another all-day educational immersion into learning about the music and life of Mr. Parker on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at another historic Kansas City icon, The Folly Theater.
Our Bird Boot Camp 2021 “featured celebrity” artist is Ronald McFadden from the legendarily brilliant McFadden Brothers’ frame. Ronald will interact with the campers musically and lead the Musical Salute in the lobby of The Folly at the end of the event.
Bird Boot Camp 2021 features three combination group ensembles in breakout sessions as they study a particular Charlie Parker composition in detail with some of the foremost educators teaching jazz anywhere today:
“Now’s The Time” by Charlie Parker (combo directed by Prof. Clarence Smith – Kansas City Jazz Academy and Metropolitan Community College Music) for the newest jazz musicians;
“Yardbird Suite” by Charlie Parker (combo directed by Dr. Todd Wilkinson – Ottawa University Music) for the intermediate jazz musicians;
and, “Donna Lee” by Charlie Parker (combo directed by Dr. Michael Parkinson – Conn-Selmer Artist and MidAmerica Nazarene University Jazz) for more experienced jazz musicians at the day camp.
Each of the combos will enjoy three scheduled clinics with their directors engaged in detailed study of the music, and one of the sessions will be on the main stage of The Folly Theater performing with an all-star jazz rhythm section comprised of: Gerald Spaits (bass – Jay McShann, Westport Art Ensemble, UMKC Adjunct Professor); Will Mathews (guitar – The World Famous Count Basie Orchestra, Grammy Winner); Dr. Justin Binek (piano – Midnight Blue Jazz Quartet and Assistant Professor of Music, Kansas City Community College Jazz Studies); and Doug Auwarter (drums – the Sons of Brasil). Students will also be able to interact with these jazz celebrities and living master musicians in person.
Keynote Address and Special Full Camp Jazz Clinic
Bird Boot Camp 2021 is going to be great. We’ll also have leading “Charlie Parker” historian and author, Chuck Haddix, give a 20-minute keynote about Bird; and, Greg Carroll will give the campers interactive jazz clinic that he does with Midnight Blue Jazz LLC each year in Las Vegas. And a few surprise guests!
Bird Boot Camp History
Bird Boot Camp began in 2014 as part of the original Charlie Parker celebration that was initiated by the Jazz catalyst nonprofit organization, Kansas City Jazz A.L.I.V.E. The originator of the Bird Boot Camp program was Greg Carroll, who successfully modeled the one-day educational event after some of the premier jazz camps and other music education programming he’d developed or initiated at various points in his professional career over the years. Spotlighting the life and musical contributions of Charlie Parker, Jr. (b. August 29, 1920, Kansas City, Kansas – d. March 12, 1955, New York, New York) by the entire greater Kansas City metropolitan area community was also considered to be long overdue among this initial consortium of noted artists, educators, Jazz venue owners, and arts institutions in the region. In 2019, Burnett Music Foundation, a relatively new Jazz nonprofit organization, was asked to take over the program and has assumed the role of artistic director and administrator, handling every detail of Bird Boot Camp – from the itinerary schedule for the day, booking artists and clinicians, organizing a coherent program, to funding the entire event through sponsorships, donations and grants to preclude possible barriers to participation. BMF added the Musical Salute element as well. In 2020 Burnett Music Foundation earned a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for Bird Boot Camp + Musical Salute. (BirdBootCamp.org)
Join KC Jazz ALIVE and KC Jazz Ambassadors for a Jam Session at the Majestic on August 21st! The Majestic is opening early for us at 3:30pm. Light appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. Please purchase drinks to support the Majestic!
The jam will be led by the talented Dr. Mike Pagan (piano) and B.J. Jansen (saxophone). Musicians are welcome to come and join the jam session! Bring your instrument and play your heart out!
We will be downstairs as we enjoy the sounds of Kansas City jazz. This event is part of the annual “Spotlight: Charlie Parker” series to celebrate Charlie Parker, his legacy and Kansas City jazz!
There is no cost to attend. Come and enjoy!
Live jazz at Black Dolphin!
About this event
About Jazz Disciples
Saxophonist Gerald Dunn has been featured in bands with Illinois Jacquet and Bobby Watson. He plays an inventive, contemporary sound and knows how to capture an audience’s attention. Pianist Everett Freeman has toured with Oleta Adams, performing with a deliciously intricate yet fluid grace. There are few Kansas City jazz musicians whom drummer Michael Warren hasn’t backed. The Jazz Disciples give him unique opportunities to stretch. Bassist DeAndre Manning provides a solid footing.
About Will Matthews
In 1996 Matthews joined the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of former Basie band lead trombonist Grover Mitchell, to fill the coveted chair of the late legendary guitarist and composer, Freddie Green, who performed with the Orchestra for over fifty years.
The guitarist released his debut CD, Will Matthews “Solo” in November 2000, and his second cd project titled ‘Count On Swingin’ was released in 2009 featuring legendary Organist Mel Rhyne, from the original Wes Montgomery Trio, along with former Art Blakey Jazz Messengers member, Bobby Watson, and Indianapolis drummer Kenny Phelps.
About this event
About Jazz Disciples
Saxophonist Gerald Dunn has been featured in bands with Illinois Jacquet and Bobby Watson. He plays an inventive, contemporary sound and knows how to capture an audience’s attention. Pianist Everett Freeman has toured with Oleta Adams, performing with a deliciously intricate yet fluid grace. There are few Kansas City jazz musicians whom drummer Michael Warren hasn’t backed. The Jazz Disciples give him unique opportunities to stretch. Bassist DeAndre Manning provides a solid footing.
About Will Matthews
In 1996 Matthews joined the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of former Basie band lead trombonist Grover Mitchell, to fill the coveted chair of the late legendary guitarist and composer, Freddie Green, who performed with the Orchestra for over fifty years.
The guitarist released his debut CD, Will Matthews “Solo” in November 2000, and his second cd project titled ‘Count On Swingin’ was released in 2009 featuring legendary Organist Mel Rhyne, from the original Wes Montgomery Trio, along with former Art Blakey Jazz Messengers member, Bobby Watson, and Indianapolis drummer Kenny Phelps.
Live jazz at the Phoenix!
Live Jazz KC is excited announce a jazz series curated by renowned saxophonist & composer, David Valdez in at the historic Warwick Theatre (3927 Main St., Kansas City, MO. 64111). In an effort to continue to showcase the amazing talent in Kansas City as well as continue to foster the growth and development of the next wave of jazz musicians, Live Jazz KC in partnership with The Warwick Theatre and University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory’s Jazz Faculty we have curated a series of live performances starting August 22nd, 2021. We look forward to many great performances as well as continuing the rich tradition of live jazz in Kansas City.
August 22nd – LiveJazzKC Sunday Jam at The Warwick hosted by Aryana Nemati (6:30-10pm) Admission is free for musicians participating in the jam session and there is a suggested donation of $5 for all others.
Live jazz at Green Lady Lounge!