The annual Charlie Parker Celebration begins this week. The initiative of a handful of altruistic civic boosters may lack the star power and crowd sizes associated with New York City’s Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, but the ambitious endeavor merits the support of anyone with even a passing interest in one of Kansas City’s most important sons. I’ve highlighted five particularly promising Charlie Parker Celebration events to provide a sense of the scope of the offerings.
1. Chasing Bird: The Impact of Kansas City Music Genius Charles “Yardbird” Parker
Thursday, August 16, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Free
People who enjoy talking about Parker more than actually listening to his music will be at home at this forum.
2. Sunday in the Park
Sunday, August 19, at Ironwoods Park
Free
David Basse will be joined by musicians including artists-in-residence Lonnie McFadden and Tivon Pennicott at a lovely picnic-oriented setting deep in the heart of suburban Johnson County.
3. Dominique Sanders, Ernest Melton, Ryan Lee and Tivon Pennicott
Thursday, August 23, at the Ship
Free
The West Bottoms setting is ideal for anyone seeking an ostensibly “authentic” evocation of the atmosphere at a Kansas City jazz club 70 years ago.
4. Kansas City Jazz History Tour
Saturday, August 25, at the American Jazz Museum
$40
Anyone with an ounce of civic pride should take this tour at least once. Plastic Sax documented the trek in 2014.
5. Lonnie McFadden presents Charlie Parker: Past, Present & Future
Saturday, August 25, at the Gem Theater
$35
Bobby Watson and Pennicott are among the musicians featured in the signature concert of the Charlie Parker Celebration.
(Original image by Plastic Sax.)
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