KC Jazz ALIVE

Ahead of International Jazz Day, get to know the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and KC's unique contributions! Hosted by International Relations Council, speakers include Jacob B. Wagner and Anita J. Dixon. Click to register!

Sounding great, Mike! Thanks for keeping jazz alive!

Did you miss our discussion today, "Teaching Jazz in a Pandemic Era?" Never fear, watch the full discussion here! https://vimeo.com/522960169

66 years ago today, we lost one of our most influential musicians, Charlie Parker. "Shortly following his death, graffiti around New York paid homage to Charlie Parker with the simple message, "Bird Lives." Today this quaint phrase serves on monuments, biographies, websites, and documentaries to remind future generations of Parker's extraordinary contributions to the history of music." https://kchistory.org/week-kansas-city-history/bird-lives

Check out Johnson County Community College's Jazz Series! https://www.jccc.edu//events/20/recital-series-spring.html

It is a sad day in Kansas City as we mourn the loss of one of our most dedicated advocates for jazz in our city, Pam Hider-Johnson. Pam was a true champion of Kansas City Jazz as evidenced by her many years of selfless dedication and tireless advocacy to improving Kansas City's jazz scene and providing recognition and opportunities for its artists. Aside from her pioneering work with her most cherished organization, the Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz, Pam served passionately as co-founder and Board Member of the catalyst organization, Kansas City Jazz ALIVE. Her dedication to building and working the mission of Kansas City Jazz ALIVE leaves an indelible impact on the greater Kansas City Jazz community - for which we are forever grateful.

Congratulations Lonnie McFadden!!!

Building on the Arts Entrepreneurship courses they teach here at UMKC, professors Nick Petrella and Andy Heise are launching the Arts Entrepreneurship Podcast: ...Making Art Work! Their goal is to share how entrepreneurs in the arts are aligning their artistry, passion and vision, and are making art work for them. The podcast will feature entrepreneurs from all art forms, so each episode has relevant information for anyone interested in participating in some aspect of the arts industry. It’s entertainment that educates, say Heise and Petrella. A podcast is a flexible and timely way to stay up-to-date with arts leaders, trends and information in a format that’s readily available to audiences everywhere. The first episode featuring jazz great Bobby Watson will be released on Monday, November 2, 2020. You can find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. For more information about the podcast and to subscribe on a variety of platforms, please visit www.artsentrepreneurshippodcast.com.

The services for Mrs. Pam Hider-Johnson will be held Nov. 5, this coming Thursday. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. and Services at 11, at the Watkins Heritage Chap...el 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., 816 861 3030. The Family request a jam session from 9 to 11 a.m. with no brass or woodwinds because of Covid-19. We are in need of pianist/keyboards for the Little Big Band of the Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz because the late Reginald (Reggie) Watkins too is no longer with us. Mask must be worn to fulfill requirements of the Funeral Directors. Please bring your keyboard and ample. Contact me 816 231 7817 or Stephen Hicks. This information was provided by Marion Watkins, Funeral Director of Watkins Heritage Chapel. See more

Subscribe today! Nick Petrella and Andy Heise highlight how entrepreneurs align their artistry, passion and vision to create and pursue opportunities to capture value in the Arts. The first full episode of the Arts Entrepreneurship Podcast: Making Art Work will release on Monday, November 2. Subscribe to the podcast below and catch this engaging interview with Bobby Watson! https://podcasts.apple.com//arts-entrepreneur/id1537010422

Watch the FULL "Bird: Not Out of Nowhere" documentary here! Kansas City PBS

Tune into Kansas City PBS on October 1st at 7pm CT! "Bird: Not Out of Nowhere" is a documentary about our hometown legend, Charlie Parker. The documentary features rarely-seen archival footage and includes interviews with musicians and historians also offering live performances from some of Kansas City's most talented jazz musicians, including Chuck Haddix, Bobby Watson and more.

Check out the official trailer for "Bird: Not Out of Nowhere"!

Did you miss the first showing of "Bird: Not Out of Nowhere" on Charlie Parker's 100th birthday? Not to worry! Mark your calendar for Thursday October 1st at 7pm CT on Kansas City PBS! Directed and produced by Emmy Award-winner Brad Austin, Bird: Not Out of Nowhere takes and in-depth look at the 21 years Parker spend in Kansas City and his lasing impression on present-day Kansas City jazz.

Bird Lives! Check out our Stakeholder's Lunch & Panel Discussion from last Friday! Thank you Jacob Wagner, Chris Burnett, Chuck Haddix and Steve Kraske for a great conversation! https://vimeo.com/457102536

Due to the rain, the History Tour has been POSTPONED to tomorrow, August 30th!

Tune in NOW! Proclamation of Charlie Parker Day happening right now at City Hall! Thank you Dr. Jacob Wagner & Anita Dixon for your very hard work on Kansas City's UNESCO Creative City of Music designation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nq5KveQNTo

Did you know that Kansas City was selected for a #GoethePopUp location partly because of its rich jazz history? We've always been proud to be a part of KC's v...ibrant cultural scene, and want to highlight a very special program happening in our area right now: The Charlie Parker Centennial! This citywide celebration of Charlie "Bird" Parker's 100th birthday on Aug 29th is hosted and organized by dozens of local organizations, including our community partners: KC Jazz ALIVE, American Jazz Museum, UMKC Marr Sound Archives, Kansas City Museum, Kansas City Bier Company, and Creative City KC! There's still plenty going on through the weekend (we'll be taking in the sights & history of 18th & Vine during Saturday's Early Bird Walking Tour!) so start making your plans now! Follow the link below to check out the full schedule : http://ow.ly/X6UE50B91MO Happy Birthday Bird! #goethepopupkc #18thandVine#americanjazzmuseum #wherejazzlives #kansascity#kansascitymo #howwedokc#kcmo #visitkc #igkc #igkansascity#instakc #museum #celebrate#musicmuseum #jazzmusic #jazz #jazzlover #charlieparker #birdlives #Bird100 #unescocreativecity #umkc #kcculture #downtownkc #crossroadskc