Not So Festive

There's no getting around it. Losing the annual Rhythm & Ribs Festival- even if only for a year- is a major blow to Kansas City's jazz scene.

So what's a festival-loving Kansas City jazz fan to do this summer? Here are a few ideas.

Chicago's world-class jazz festival is held in September.

The Iowa City Jazz Festival is Fourth of July weekend.

For better or for worse, the Telluride Jazz Festival represents the future of "jazz." Jam-oriented bands serve as headliners at the June event but the likes of Bill Frisell, Donald Harrison and Christian Scott are also on the bill.

Don't look to St. Louis. Their annual jazz fest is also on "hiatus." Just down the road apiece is the Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz Festival in Topeka. Their lineup in 2008 was remarkable. (Edit: As noted in the comments, this event has also been canceled.)

Smooth jazz fans will get their mellow grooves on at Johnson County's Jazz In the Woods. It's in June.

And jazz fans shouldn't sleep on the Kansas City Kansas Street Blues Festival. Last year's fun event included Leon Brady's outfit (pictured at the festival above) and Myra Taylor.

Finally, there's no rule against barhopping between the Blue Room, Jardine's and other jazz clubs. Improvise your own jazz festival.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)