On Monday, August 24, American Jazz Museum education director and well-known bass player Bill Mckemy, led a very special jam session at the Blue Room Jazz Club. Mckemy, who was celebrating his birthday, opened the jam with a great set comprised of jazz standards and his own originals. He was joined by TJ Martley on piano, Clint Ashlock on trumpet, Rich Wheeler on tenor saxophone, and John Kizarlmut on drums. After the first set, McKemy opened up the jam to students and professionals alike. Jazz festival guest artist Clay Jenkins sat in at the jam with all the local talent, which was a real treat. It was also exciting to have Charlie Parker’s daughter Kim as an audience member to the plethora of musicians keeping the jazz scene alive on 18th & Vine.
As we approach the final days of the Charlie Parker’s celebration, be sure to check out the live music and great food that will be happening in the Jazz District between 9am and 6pm. There are also special Charlie Parker exhibits in the American Jazz Museum that give a wonderful background on the Kansas City legend.
For more information on the festival go to http://festival.americanjazzmuseum.org/
There will be spectacular live music coming up in the Blue Room this week to celebrate the life of Charlie Parker! on Thursday, August 27, Makuza will be performing at 7pm. This sextet pushes the boundaries of Latin Jazz while respecting its rich tradition. On Friday, August 28, Montez Coleman will be playing at 8:30pm! Coleman, a St. Louis native, is a spectacular drummer on the New York scene. Before becoming the band leader he is today, he was a key member of the Roy Hargrove Quintet! The evening will start out with the Blue Room’s weekly Indigo Hour with music from local group Gray Matter. On Saturday, August 29, Bob Bowman and Bowdog will feature Clay Jenkins for an evening of jazz that is sure to be a wonderful end to a successful jazz festival.
Come celebrate the life of Charlie Parker down at 18th & Vine, his old stomping grounds. An inspired musician and a founder of the bebop idiom, Parker continues to be an inspiration to people everywhere.
for more information on the Blue Room’s schedule, please visit http://club.americanjazzmuseum.org/