Monday, December 31, 2007

The Ten Most Important Jazz-Related Events and Stories of 2007

















Present Magazine recently invited readers and critics to submit year-end lists. One of my contributions comprised one of three jazz-related submissions. I've included it below. Andrew Zender of the American Jazz Museum offered his choices for local jazz releases, while K.C. of KKFI made a few thoughtful picks. And don't overlook Present's extensive library of MP3s. It includes a handful of jazz selections.

The Ten Most Important Jazz-Related Events and Stories of 2007
1. Continued audience erosion - Lots of empty seats at both large and small shows.
2. Closing of the Phoenix jazz club - An ominous sign of the times.
3. The 18th & Vine Street Festival - Easily the most engaging event of the year.
4. The arrival of Greg Carroll - A lot hinges on the new director of the American Jazz Museum.
5. Rebellion- A few creative musicians are forging new paths with new audiences.
6. Rush Hour at the Mutual Musicians Foundation - The best place to spend Friday afternoons.
7. The departure of Lee Ingalls - It's the end of consistent local jazz programming on KCUR.
8. The Peachtree Restaurant leaving 18th and Vine- Uh oh.
9. Megan Birdsall's health problems - Awful timing for the rising star.
10. The inception of Plastic Sax - All eight readers agree!

(Image pilfered from the internet.)

6 comments:

bgo said...

Thanks for reporting the truth about what is good and bad about the jazz scene in KC.

I had no idea Lee I. had left KCUR. Sad.

Happy New Year to you and the family.

Thanks for the friendship on our continued journey.

Happy In Bag said...

Thanks, BGO, for being what I'll affectionately call "my reader."

Lee is in Chicago and doing well at last report.

Best wishes to you as well, BGO.

Xavier Onassis said...

That would be NINE readers, thank you very much!

Xavier Onassis said...

That would be NINE readers, thank you very much!

Happy In Bag said...

Thanks for your support, XO!

WLIB said...

Lordy, I'd rank that Ingalls guy lower. He always put me to sleep...