Starts & Ends: 1616 E 18 St
Kansas City
MO 64108 (ends at 1:30pm)
Do you ever wonder how jazz came to be what it is today? Where did it all start? Many of the most influential jazz musicians to date started right here, in Kansas City, Missouri. Charlie Parker, Kansas City native, came of age as a musician, and a man in Kansas City. The metro area is dotted with buildings and places associated with his life and career, and we want to take you on a trip to the past to experience where Bird became the legend we know him as today.
The Jazz History tour visits special sites in Kansas City that played a significant role in the life and development of Charlie Parker. The two-part tour begins at 9:30 a.m. at the American Jazz Museum with a walking tour of the Jazz District. The tour will feature a presentation by jazz historian Chuck Haddix in the Centennial United Methodist Church.
New this year: The tour also includes a open house opportunity at the Mutual Musicians foundation – the place where Bird met Dizzy.
Schedule:
9:30 am – Convene in American Jazz Museum Lobby.
9:45 am – Chuck Haddix leads walking Tour of Jazz District.
10:15 am – Presentation at Centennial United Methodist Church.
11:00 am – Open House at Mutual Musicians Foundation.
2:00 pm – Chicken Feed at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center **optional**
Following the Jazz History Tour, we invite you to join us for a “Chicken Feed” at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center! Enjoy Charlie Parker’s favorite dish, fried chicken, while getting to know some of Kansas City’s local jazz musicians!
Chuck Haddix: Director of UMKC Marr Sound Archives, host of KCUR 89.3 “Fish Fry” on Fri. and Sat. nights, author of “Bird – The Life and Music of Charlie Parker” and “Kansas City Jazz – From Ragtime to Bebop”