Now's the Time: The Christmas Gospel-Jazz Music Extravaganza

As Joe Klopus reports in his latest Jazz Town column, Jayne McShann and Bishop L.F. Thuston have organized a "Christmas Gospel-Jazz Extravaganza" that will be held at Boone Tabernacle Church of God in Christ on Friday, December 19.  Participating musicians include Book of Gaia, Gerald Dunn, the Louis Neal Big Band and Bobby Watson.  The embedded video captures Thuston preaching at the church.

Jazz At the Fringe Festival

I'm a huge fan of the Kansas City Fringe Festival. And while I shudder to think that anyone would limit their choices at this week's event to jazz-related offerings, I've compiled a separate list for the convenience of adventurous jazz fans. The two events I most look forward to- a set by Mark Southerland and the screening of a film about Terence Blanchard- take place at the downtown library pictured here. Please double-check times and locations; the festival's schedule is somewhat "fluid" by definition.

Thursday, July 26
BCR
6:30 p.m. at 7 E. 19th
The collective has been one of the most important "new music" groups in Kansas City for over 25 years.

Brother Iota
8:30 p.m. at Arts Incubator, 113 W. 18th
Only "jazz" in the loosest sense; expect unapologetic prog rock.

Friday, July 27
BCR
9:30 p.m. at 7 E. 19th
The collective has been one of the most important "new music" groups in Kansas City for over 25 years.

Brother Iota
10:00 p.m. at Arts Incubator, 113 W. 18th
Only "jazz" in the loosest sense; expect unapologetic prog rock.

KC's Jazz Underground: The Jazz Pathogens
10 p.m. at Screenland
I have no idea what this is about, but the title is promising.

Mutual Musicians Foundation Jam Session
1 a.m. at Mutual Musicians Foundation
"The tradition jams on..."

Saturday, July 18
Jazz Poetry: Stacey Tolbert and Natasha Ria El-Scari
5 p.m. at Central Library Grand Reading Room
If you see a guy fleeing from this reading in horror, it'll probably be me.

Flow: Living In the Stream of Music- A documentary about trumpeter Terence Blanchard
6:30 at Central Library Film Vault
The movie's trailer is outstanding.

Brother Iota
7:00 p.m. at Arts Incubator, 113 W. 18th
Only "jazz" in the loosest sense; expect unapologetic prog rock.

Barclay Martin
8:00 p.m. at 7 E. 19th
Talented singer-songwriter informed by jazz.

Mark Southerland
8:00 p.m. at Central Library Roof
Officially billed as an "Acid Jazz" show, there's no telling what's going to happen in this slot.

KC's Jazz Underground: The Jazz Pathogens
8:30 p.m. at Screenland
I have no idea what this is about, but the title is promising.

Mutual Musicians Foundation Jam Session
1 a.m. at Mutual Musicians Foundation
"The tradition jams on..."

Sunday, July 29
KC's Jazz Underground: The Jazz Pathogens
4 p.m. at Screenland
I have no idea what this is about, but the title is promising.

(Library image not a Plastic Sax photograph.)