From its beginnings as nothing more than a simple trading post on the banks of the Missouri river, to its raucous heyday in the 1920’s and 30’s, Kansas City has retained the independent spirit of its frontier beginnings. Even though an assortment of colorful characters, cowboys, politicians, criminals, and even wagon trains populate the history of Kansas City, you can forget everything you’ve ever heard about it being a “cow town.” Today, the outgrowth of that colorful history and frontier spirit radiates energetically throughout the city
and its populace.
Widely regarded as the birthplace of Jazz. KC’s early reputation as a “wide-open, anything goes” city captivated and allured the musical performers of the day. It’s central location and ease of access via rail were the other components which induced this musical migration. Kansas City became a haven for musicians and fans alike.
The musicians, who interpreted their experiences in KC’s permissive environment through their music, were also creating the elastic techniques and musical license, which remain at the heart of Jazz today. The hub of this development was the
18th and Vine district. Many legendary musicians, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Turner and Charlie Parker to name a few, made their way to Kansas City. Their connection to one another and to the Kansas City “scene” brought about a unique musical expansion which enriched the city’s history and initiated the genesis of Jazz.
Kansas City’s affiliation with Jazz is celebrated daily at the American Jazz Museum
in the 18th and Vine District and nightly at clubs and restaurants throughout the city.
Live Jazz and Blues are still an important part of the Kansas City entertainment and nightlife scene.
Kansas City’s early sports history, specifically its affiliation with Negro League Baseball, is showcased in detail at the Negro League Baseball Museum.
Also located at the 18th and Vine District, the museum documents the history of Negro League Baseball from its beginnings in the mid 1800’s, to its demise in the 1960’s. If you are interested in this facet of the histoy of baseball, a visit to this museum is highly recommended.
By: Joseph Patrick
As the aging population enjoys better health and a longer life expectancy, we are looking for new hobbies and interests to expand our horizons.
For those who have always enjoyed live music, jazz clubs are becoming hugely popular venues for the Over55s age group. You can get out of the house, meet with friends, have dinner or drinks, and do something a little out of the ordinary.
Jazz takes many forms, from Dixieland to modern. Its history is rich and, unlike other types of music, is wholly American in origin. There is bound to be a style that will appeal to everyone. Some clubs specialize in a particular kind of music, while others run the gamut. Try several different places to see which you like best.
One of the great things about seeing live jazz is that it is energetic and exciting without being too loud! If you were a denizen of rock concerts in your youth – and many Baby Boomers were – you may worry that live music will leave you exhausted, with ringing ears! While some bands are louder than others, many play at a level that allows for conversation during performances. As we get older, protecting our hearing is important, and we have a lot more fun if we can hear what our friends are saying to us!
Jazz clubs tend to be run by music lovers – and you will find that many of them are Over55s as well. The owners are often at the performances, and love to get to know their customers. Don’t be surprised if he or she stops by your table to see how you like the music. If you return to the same place repeatedly, you will likely be recognized as a regular and will form relationships with the owners and managers. This can really improve your experience, as you are given preference in seating.
Whether you are just stopping by for a drink, or looking for dinner, there is no doubt a club near you which will fit your evening plans. Many clubs advertise specifically to encourage customers in the Over55 age group. If you’ve never tried a jazz club, put it on your list! Enjoying your favorite music, or learning about a style you’ve never encountered before, is a great retirement activity. Whether you want to have a date with your spouse or have an exciting girls’ or boys’ night out, jazz is the perfect balance of fun and relaxing.
By: Kerry Finch