Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Jazzy Jamdemic concert series continues through July 3.

*Ted Panken catches up with Eldar Djangirov for Downbeat.

*Steve Paul checks in with Bobby Watson for KC Studio.

*Patrick Neas promotes the 2020-21 season of the Folly Jazz Series in The Kansas City Star.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Candace Evans, E.E. Pointer and Dan Thomas.

*Tweet o’ the Week: KC Jazz Orchestra- KCJO's annual four-concert series is back and ready to wow you with a season that celebrates Kansas City's most beloved jazz icons. Subscription renewals under way, new subscriptions available beginning June 15! (link)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Jeff Harshbarger and Johnny Hamil’s treacherous trip to Paris is documented by KCUR.

*Candace Evans is featured in Johnson County Lifestyle magazine.

*Joe Dimino interviewed A La Mode, B.J. Jansen and Jackie Myers.

*A graphic novel will depict Charlie Parker’s stint in California.  (Via St. Louis Jazz Notes.)

*Tweet o’ the Week: The Folly Theater- We're ecstatic to announce our involvement in Charlie Parker's 100th birthday celebration with Charlie "Bird" Parker 100! with Dan Thomas and the Kansas City All Star Band and almost 20 special guests! Tickets are available Friday!

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The author of this site is once again manning The Kansas City Jazz Calendar.

*The Kansas City Star recommends Deborah Brown’s two Dexter Gordon-inspired concerts this weekend.  Maxine Gordon promoted the events on KCUR’s Up to Date.

*Michael Mackie crafted a profile of Candace Evans.

*Jeff Harshbarger informed Joe Dimino about the Purna Loka Ensemble.

*E.J. Becker narrates an audio feature about the American Jazz Museum’s children’s program.

*The American Jazz Museum’s Rashida Phillips appeared on Marcus Lewis’ Ask a Jazz Dude show.

*David Epstein of Tom’s Town Distilling Company laments the shortage of “balls-out, wild-ass jazz” performed in Kansas City clubs in an episode of the I Love This Town podcast.

*The Brandon Goldberg Trio will perform at the Folly Theater on September 26 in the 2020-21 season of the Harriman-Jewell Series.

*Newly uploaded footage of Brian Hanni’s introduction of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at a 2018 concert at the Lied Center isn’t cringey at all.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Green Lady Lounge- Kansas City jazz radio (ok David Basse @JazzBasse it's not actually radio) streaming online 24/7 --Green Lady Radio.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Chris Burnett’s performance at the Roots Festival in Paola garnered a favorable review.

*A drone captured overhead images of a pair of outdoor events at the annual Charlie Parker Celebration.

*Micah Herman was featured on KCUR’s weekly band of the week segment.

*Arthur C. Brooks pondered the dichotomies of Charlie Parker's life and art.

*Tweet o’ the Week: C.J. Janovy- Annual 21 sax salute at #CharlieParker gravesite is only 4 saxes. What's up #KansasCity #jazz-ers? Sad.

*From a press release: Candace Evans is a jewel in the Midwest Music Scene who performs a wide variety of styles including Jazz, Classical, Pop, Latin & Broadway. She began studying classical piano and voice at the age of eight and received top honors in both while attending Shawnee Mission East High School... She received a classical piano scholarship from Kansas University and graduated from Avila College...  With Spirituality & All That Jazz, 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, at Unity Temple on the Plaza. $7.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark buries the lead in a significant post about a jazz booster organization.

*Steve Paul lobbies against a proposed funding cut for the American Jazz Museum in an editorial in The Kansas City Star.

*Mike Corrigan’s (B.A.C.) Horn Doctor business was featured in a jazz-oriented profile by The Kansas City Star.

*Chris Burnett considers the promotion of jazz performances.

*The Pitch recommends a performance by Candace Evans.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Rudresh Mahanthappa- Bird Calls CD Release show tonight at @JazzStandardNYC. Sets at 7:30 and 10 PM. (link)

*Comment o’ the Week: Cb- I really dig Noah Preminger's music, HIB. He's from the east coast, correct?

*From Michael Shults- Saturday night March 28th I'm giving a lecture recital on the music of Bobby Watson at 7 PM at Take Five… I'll be analyzing and performing six of Bobby's compositions… several of these tunes were the songs that got me hooked on jazz as a teenager. It's also an all-Watson era UMKC alumni band: Clint Ashlock on trumpet, Andrew Ouellette on piano, Matt Leifer on drums and Ben Leifer on bass. I think for all of us it's a way to pay some small tribute to a man who had a profound influence on us and who, oh by the way, happens to be one of the greatest living composers of American art music. After the lecture recital, we'll take a break and Brett Jackson will join us for a tribute to the Jazz Messengers.

*From Take Five Coffee: Friday, March 27, 8pm: Sons of Brasil-
The Sons bring the samba, the bossa, and a host of other propulsive musical styles from Brazil and other cultures of Latin America. $5.  Saturday, March 28- 7pm: Michael Shults Lecture Recital: The work of Bobby Watson, 8pm: Music of the Jazz Messengers- Trumpeter Clint Ashlock leads a high-powered ensemble...  $5 cover.  Sunday, March 29, 10am - 2pm: Sunday Jazz Brunch: Gerald Spaits with Rod Fleeman and Paul Smith. No cover.

*From a press release: Enjoy the multi-faceted music of the Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz program with the award-winning KCKCC Blue Devils Jazz Orchestra and vocal Jazz ensemble The Standard.  Wednesday, April 1, 2015.  Unity Temple on the Plaza. $7.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Lovano, Terrel Stafford and Deborah Brown are the headliners of the 2014 edition of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.  A press release and schedule are below.

*Stephanie Bryan has died.  The trombonist was best known in Kansas City's jazz community for her association with The People's Liberation Big Band and The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

*In his survey of the area's jazz venues, KC Jazz Lark reports that the Jazz Winterlude festival won't take place next year.

*Zach Albetta wrote a profile of drummer Doug Auwarter for Online Drummer.

*L.A. Weekly recounts Charlie Parker's role in "the wildest party in L.A. history."

*The Pitch recommends an Angela Hagenbach gig.

*The Kansas City Star reviewed François Rabbath's performance at Park University.

*Chris Burnett ponders technology.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Dallas-based musician Stockton Helbing for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Mayor Sly James- The great #DavidBasse at the #BroadwayJazzClub! About to start #12thStJump. #kansascitu (the Mayor's photo set)

*From a publicist: Pianist/vocalist Candace Evans will be making her debut performance for the new Happy Hour at The Broadway Jazz Club, 3601 Broadway, on Friday’s July 18, August 15 and August 29.  All performances are from 4:30pm to 6:30 pm.

*From a press release: Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and KC resident Deborah Brown, with Downbeat magazine’s Tenor Saxophonist of the Year Joe Lovano, and trumpeter Terell Stafford, headline the 2014 Prairie Village Jazz Festival.  Also headlining the event is Kansas City native and internationally recognized jazz singer Kevin Mahogany, who will perform accompanied by the Joe Cartwright Trio prior to Brown.  The 2014 Prairie Village Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Prairie Village.  This year there will be a $5 admission charge for adults (children under 18 years old are admitted free). The event has seen extraordinary support from Prairie Village and from fans throughout Kansas City. In order to not only help insure the festival’s continuation, but to grow the event in years to come, the festival institutes this small charge for a day and night of jazz… Beer, wine, food and souvenirs will be available for sale.

2:00 – 2:10 p.m. Welcome by the Mayor
2:10 – 2:40 p.m. Shawnee Mission East Blue Knights directed by Kim Harrison
3:00 – 3:50 p.m. Project H
4:10 – 5:00 p.m. Shay Estes with Rod Fleeman and Matt Otto
5:20 – 6:10 p.m. The Jazz Disciples with Jason Goudeau and Stephanie Moore
6:30 – 7:20 p.m. Bram Wijnands Swingtet
7:40 – 8:40 p.m. Kevin Mahogany with the Joe Cartwright Trio
9:00 – 10:30 p.m. Deborah Brown with Joe Lovano and Terell Stafford (with Richard Johnson, piano, Tyrone Clark, bass, Leon Anderson, drums)

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark reports on last week's Jazz Blogger's Tour of Kansas City.

*Hermon Mehari is part of the Kansas City Area Development Council's delegation in New York  to sell  "national lifestyle, travel, food and entertainment media" on the allure of Kansas City.

*Candace Evans' gig at Zona Rosa is recommended by The Pitch.

*The Kansas City Star reviewed performances by the duo of Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola and Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey.

*The Pitch reports on the young couple who hope to restore the castle-like structure in the Jazz District.

*The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform at the VooDoo Lounge at Harrah's Casino on September 26.

*Joe Dimino of Neon Jazz interviewed Washington D.C. musician Lenny Marcus.

*Tweet o' the Week: Dennis P. Owens- A giant almost sat down in front of me. Jazz in the Woods

*Comment o' the Week: Chris Hazelton- The fact that they had anything even slightly resembling straight-ahead jazz is an improvement upon the last several years of this festival.

*From the American Jazz Museum: (Everette) DeVan recorded his latest studio album late last year, but his health slowed progress toward its release... He will celebrate the release of For the Love of You at The Blue Room on June 27th with a special guest lineup of performers who joined him on the album — drummer Danny Rojas, guitarist Matt Hopper, saxophonist Ian Corbett, and vibraphonist/AJM CEO Greg Carroll. The CD and other merchandise will be available for purchase at the show.

(Original image of Stanley Crouch and Chuck Haddix at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center on June 19 by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Bill Caldwell has died. The saxophonist was 49.

*Steve Miller, a popular Kansas City bandleader for decades, has died. He was 84.

*"It's still a nightmare of monumental proportions," Hearne Christopher suggests in an update about Jardine's in which he implies that the local audience for jazz is "nowhere to be found in numbers greater than 20 to 50 - sometimes maybe 100 - on any given night." Christopher filed a second report here.

*The redevelopment of the Jazz District is examined by KCJazzLark.

*The Pitch interviews Candace Evans.

*Mark Lowrey broadcast last night's gig at the Czar Bar on his Ustream channel.

*Black House posts about Blue Label.

*Chris Robinson reviewed the SF Jazz Collective's concert in Lawrence.

*Bobby Watson's international tour schedule resumes this summer.

*Jon Faddis remembers Frank Foster. (Via KCJazzLark.)

*Tweet o' the Week: Todd Wilkinson: RIP Bill Caldwell. You were a good friend and great musician. I'll miss you very much.

*Plastic Sax comment o' the Week: Anonymous- Jazz in the woods huh? More like bullsh(*)t only old white men would like or afford.

*From the American Jazz Museum: The American Jazz Museum is pleased to announce its 2012 Musicians & Artists Pro-Symposium, an informal career and business development luncheon and workshop… Artists of all disciplines are invited to attend, at no cost, courtesy of US Bank. (The) event is Saturday, April 14th… (A) panel is comprised of an impressive array of artists and musicians, featuring: Maurice Brown (and) Logan Richardson.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The Pitch takes note of 1911 Main. Joe Klopus' comments on the addition to the jazz scene are here.

*Here's a new track by Sir Threadius Mongus. The band performs a free show Friday, October 7, at La Esquina.

*Here's a digital scrapbook from a recent tour of Spain by Beau Bledsoe and Flamenco Mio.

*Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey is the subject of an extensive profile by The Los Angeles Times.

*Here's a review of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra concert Saturday at Helzberg Hall.

*KCMetropolis offers reviews of concerts by the UMKC Conservatory and Wynton Marsalis.

*Bobby Watson is featured on the Renolds Jazz Orchestra's big band version of Three Penny Opera. The album was released last April.

*Victoria "Fanny" Dunfee blogs about Alaadeen's Dysfunctional autobiography.

*Photos of previous Rhythm & Ribs festivals are shared by KCJazzLark.

*"…Miles Davis never had to bill himself as a tribute to someone else," sighs Hunter Long in a review of Ambrose Akinmusire's performance last week.

*Tweet o' the Week: KCJazzLark: Brad Cox is playing & introducing this 1st PLBB set as if he's at the PV Jazz Fest on a beautiful Sept night. On the outside, I'm laughing.

*Today's Groupon is for The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's October 14 concert.

*From a press release: Popular and versatile pianist/vocalist Candace Evans will be the featured performer at the Spirituality and All That Jazz Concert Series at Unity Temple on The Plaza, Wednesday October 5, 7pm - 8:30pm. The concert is a homecoming celebration for Candace, since performing the last four years at the nationally known Lodge of Four Seasons Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.

*From Joe Athon on his Thursday, October 13, gig at Jardine's: For the first time, long time KC musician and front man Joe Athon will present live selections from his debut CD- Portrait of the Man. Many of KCs finest will be on board including Bill McKemy, Stan Kessler, and many others!

*From Hermon Mehari: Ben Van Gelder and Peter Schlamb are leading a quintet that will play at 1911 Main this Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th from 9-Midnight. Ben Van Gelder is a young saxophonist from the Netherlands who has been making waves on the scene in NYC and Europe. Peter Schlamb, a vibraphonist who has spent some time in NYC, has been making repeated trips to KC (including a couple with Mike Moreno) from his hometown of St. Louis and is excited to be coming back again. The rest of the group consists of Sean Mullins on drums (NYC), Karl McComas-Reichl on bass (Iowa City), and myself on trumpet. There is no cover.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Marc Myers chats with Phil Schaap about Charlie Parker's 1945 "Ko-Ko" session. Schapp goes on to suggest that Parker's institutionalization in 1946-47 extended Parker's life by eight years. The story behind Parker joining Miles Davis' band is told here.

*"Who is Charlie Parker?" asks a columnist in the Carolinas.

*I like it when KCJazzLark gets angry. The hot streak by the "other" Kansas City jazz blogger continues.

*Steve Penn reports that a bakery and coffee shop will soon open near the corner of 18th and Vine.

*A popular blogger wonders why a proposed building on The Plaza is the subject of intense debate while the Jazz District "crumbles."

*Candace Evans possesses "a sweet, yet sultry voice that pours into a room like rich, warm cognac coating the inside of a wine glass," according to a profile of the artist in The Lake Today.

*Joel Francis chats up The Budos Band.

*"Jazz is dead," writes an angry commenter in a vulgar dismissal of Kansas City.

*Accomplished jazz drummer Allison Miller performed in Kansas City as part of Brandi Carlile's band Thursday at the VooDoo.

*Megan Birdsall, on behalf of her MBird project, is featured at an NPR blog. (Tip via AZ.)

*The Phoenix is hosting an outdoor "block party" on September 18. Jazz-related performers include D.J. Sweeney, the Wild Women of Kansas City, Tim Whitmer, Eboni Fondren, The Scamps and Lonnie McFadden.

(Original image of The Dead Kenny G's performing at The Uptown Theater by Plastic Sax. Mark Southerland is to the left and Mike Dillon is to the right.)

Candace Evans At Jardine's

I'm guilty.

More than once I've yakked it up at Jardine's as jazz musicians performed. Watching this clip of Candace Evans working over a loud audience fills me with regret. To all musicians I've talked over- I'm sorry.

Evans is a fine talent. She was recently featured in The Sun. But how could she and her fellow musicians even hear themselves think at this recent gig?

At least these Chatty Cathys made the effort to attend Evans' show. That demonstration of support is wonderful.

I can't speak for Evans, but she'd probably rather play for a loud packed house than for just a handful of intent listeners. And the management of Jardine's, of course, is surely satisfied every time an artist like Evans fills their room with paying customers.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The always entertaining Myra Taylor was featured in The Star.

*I've been informed that Candace Evans' gig at Jardine's on Wednesday, April 1, will be her sole 2009 appearance in Kansas City.

*Plastic Sax is one of the innumerable topics discussed on a new episode of The Miles Bonny Show. Jason Harper characterizes me as "kind of a weird guy." Fair enough.

*Harper analyzes the New York TImes' piece on the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

*He also has the scoop on a Medeski Martin & Wood tribute taking place in Lawrence later this month.

*Joe Klopus turns in a particularly newsworthy column.

*Kurt Kloeblen profiles Miles Bonny.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Plastic Sax attended the memorable memorial service for Ed Fenner at the Gem Theater Monday night. A proper report is forthcoming.

*I updated the Plastic Sax jazz calendar. Note to clubs and musicians- while I encourage you to contact me directly, your first order of business should be to email your event schedule to the Jazz Ambassador's calendar site. Without Ed Fenner's contribution, you'll need to step up.

*Don't forget about Hawkfest in Topeka this weekend. Candace Evans has the rare and challenging honor of following the great Sam Rivers Saturday. Here's the festival's impressive schedule. And it's free!

*The Pitch investigated the mystery of Jazzbo.

*Makusa was profiled in UMKC's student paper.

*Plastic Sax enjoys scrolling through Downbeat's list of summer jazz festivals. Oh, to be a jetsetter...

*Clark Terry's site reports that the trumpeter returned home after a stint in a Kansas City hospital. (Tip via St. Louis Jazz Notes.)

*Marilyn Maye finally has a web site! Plastic Sax mocked the diva's lack of a web presence several months ago.

*I'm not big on Benedetti. But this scribe claims allegiance to the Charlie Parker solo recordings.

(Original image of Son Venezuela performing at Fiesta KC by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*A Plastic Sax tipster passed on a rumor that community radio station KKFI plans to reduce its jazz programming. I have absolutely no evidence to support this claim.

*Pat Metheny's new trio effort Day Trip was released yesterday. Here's a live sample. And I just discovered that Pat streams his music at his site. Follow the "radio" links.

*Joe Klopus profiled Stan Kessler's new band.

*The Sun offers a piece on Candace Evans.

*Seemingly apropos of nothing- a concept Plastic Sax fully embraces- a local television station put together a story about the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

*The Steve Penn column mentioned here earlier this week also covers the long-awaited official opening of Harper's at 18th & Vine.

*Two musicians who once backed Charlie Parker died recently. Bassist Earl May passed January 4. He was 80. Drummer Francis Clay died January 23. He was 84.

*Fine Minneapolis jazz blog Bebopified reviews a recent Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra concert. Wynton's gang returns to the Folly Theater on February 8.

*Some freak detected a strong jazz undercurrent at the Mars Volta's recent Kansas City concert.

*Download graphic artist Rob Schamberger's take on the Mutual Musicians Foundation here.

(Plastic Sax took this picture of Harper's on August 17, 2007. The room was open that summer night.)

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*It's taken every ounce of my willpower to repress the impulse to comment extensively on Dave Helling's damning story about the financial aftermath of the American Jazz Museum's tenth anniversary celebration. Plastic Sax readers know that I'm anything but a cheerleader. Yet it seems unfair to pile on, especially given how much I enjoyed the museum's street festival. I'll just say that Helling's piece is mandatory reading. The author of this letter points out just one of many problems the institution must overcome. And the consensus of the general public is reflected by these bitter perspectives.

*It's deeply discouraging that empty seats outnumbered live bodies for Dee Dee Bridgewater's revelatory performance Saturday at the Gem. In spite of tremendous advance notices and heavy advertising, only 250 people showed up. And almost as troubling was audience's median age of about fifty.

*Present Magazine offers a fine profile of Candace Evans.

*The paperback edition of Chasin' the Bird: The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker was published in April. It's reviewed favorably at All About Jazz.

*The Pitch catches up with Megan Birdsall. The benefit performance for her forthcoming medical procedure is at Jardine's tonight.

*Lincoln Center is the site of a discussion titled "Charlie Parker: The Myth vs. the Reality" on November 8.

(Art by Sanford Biggers. His work is on display at Grand Arts.)