JAM Magazine: June/July 1997 Issue: Club Scene Synopsis

Where can live jazz be found in Kansas City? Who's playing it and when? And what about parking, dress, food and cover charges? For this special "summer jazz issue" of JAM, we depart from the usual "Club Profile" format to answer those questions and more in a feature we call:

A JAZZ LOVER'S CLUB SCENE SYNOPSIS

Adam's Mark Hotel (Remington's/Quincy's)
I-70 & Truman Sports Complex
737-0200

Pianist Dan DeLuca is a Sunday through Saturday regular at Remington's Steak and Seafood Grill. Quincy's down below hosts keyboard man Max Groove on Thursdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and jazz/blues/gospel singer Ida McBeth on Fridays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There's a $5 cover downstairs at Quincy's. Dress is casual but nice, lot parking is plentiful, there's a diverse menu at Remington's, and an hors d'oeuvre buffet on Thursdays at Quincy's for $1.

B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ
1205 E. 85th
822-7427

B.B.'s is best known as a blues club, but it sometimes features live jazz. On the first Wednesday of each month look for saxophonist Dean Stringer and his "Mo-Kan River City Jazz Orchestra," a big band that plays both the old and the new. No cover, good parking, casual dress and a variety of barbecue favorites.

Blayney's
415 Westport Rd.
561-3747

This popular Westport blues spot has jazz-inspired music on a sporadic basis. Pat Morrissey, Simplexity and KC Brass & Electric are occasional visitors. There's music on weeknights from 9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. ($2 cover) and weekends from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. ($3). Street or nearby garage parking, casual dress, no food. Call for upcoming jazz acts.

The Boulevard Cafe
703 Southwest Blvd.
842-6984

Sunday jazz brunch at the Boulevard (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) usually features Bryan Hicks (vocals/bass), Rod Fleeman (guitar) and Randy Weinstein (harmonica). On Tuesdays, Stan Kessler and the Sons of Brasil are regulars, playing from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. Karrin Allyson and Doug Talley make occasional Wednesday/Thursday appearances. No cover, casual dress, a menu that includes numerous Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern and Spanish dishes, parking on the street.

Charlie's Lodge, Restaurant & Bar
7953 State Line
333-6363

The current home of the Julie Turner/Tommy Ruskin weekly Wednesday jazz jam, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. No cover, ample lot parking, casual dress, and a diverse restaurant menu. Sitter-inners are welcome. Bring your ax.

Club 427
427 Main at 5th Street
421-CLUB

With live jazz five nights a week, the lineup at Club 427 consists of many of KC's finest and is always changing. Regulars include Steve Miller, Rosetta Robinson, Todd Wilkinson and Stan Kessler, with an occasional national act. Call for current information. Hours for live music are: Tuesday/Wednesday 6:30-10:30 p.m., Thursday 7:00-11:00 p.m., Friday (early) 5:30-8:30 p.m. and (late) 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., Saturday (early) 5:30-8:00 p.m. and (late) 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. A $3 cover Friday and Saturday after 9:00 p.m., plenty of lot parking, casual but nice dress, and a diverse, upscale menu.

Club Mardi Gras
1600 E. 19th
842-8463

Right in the heart of the historic 18th & Vine District -- and just down the street from Robert Altman's "Kansas City" movie set -- Club Mardi Gras (formerly "Birdland") features music on Fridays and Saturdays, 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Donald Cox and Roland Allen are frequent performers. No cover, good street parking, no food, casual dress.

The Club at Plaza III
4749 Pennsylvania
753-0000

The musical menu at The Club consists of numerous KC jazz artists plus occasional out-of-town headliners. The lineup is different each week, so it's best to call for current info or check printed schedules (Queen Bey is a regular as are The Scamps and Claude "Fiddler" Williams). There's live jazz Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. A $5 cover is charged Friday and Saturday, no cover on Wednesday and Thursday. Nearby garage, street or valet parking, attire ranges from nice casual to dressy, and Plaza III is one of the best known steakhouses in the midwest.

The Eclipse Bar (Argosy Casino)
777 NW Argosy Pkwy
746-3100

The arrival of casinos in KC has certainly improved the opportunities to sample live Kansas City jazz. Music can be heard at the Argosy's Eclipse Bar every Friday (jazz) and Saturday (blues), 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Veteran drummer Vince Bilardo is a frequent jazz band leader. Casino parking, casual dress, no cover; call for upcoming jazz groups.

The Elbow Room
7820 Quivira
268-6466

A welcome addition to the live jazz scene on the Kansas side of the line, the Elbow Room features duos (and some trios) Monday through Thursday, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Guitarists Charlie Gatschet, Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey and bassist Bob Bowman are regulars. No cover, a large parking lot, casual but nice dress, and an upscale menu.

The Epicurean Lounge
7502 Troost
333-4541

There's live jazz at the Epicurean every Sunday, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., and the Smooth Jazz 106.5 "After Work Party" takes place every Friday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Max Groove, 'Round Midnight, Simplexity, and the Mac-Lace Band are regulars. No cover, good lot parking, casual dress, and a menu that specializes in catfish, chicken wings and burgers.

Fat Cats
730 W. 119th
491-2833

One of the newest additions to the KC jazz scene, this Overland Park bar and grill (located in Rosana Square) features live jazz six nights a week. Pete Eye, Rich Hill, Horace Washington, Everette DeVan and Stan Kessler have appeared. No cover, abundant lot parking, casual dress, a diverse menu of burgers and sandwiches, and specialty "jazz martinis."

Fedora Cafe & Bar
210 W. 47th
561-6565

This comfortable restaurant/bar on the Country Club Plaza features live jazz six nights a week. Regulars include Dave Stephens and Pat Morrissey. Fedora is also the current home of the Saturday afternoon Tommy Ruskin jazz jam (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.). Parking in a Plaza garage or on the street, no cover, dress is nice casual, and there's an eclectic, upscale menu in the adjoining restaurant.

The Folly Theater
12th & Central
474-4444

Not an actual jazz club, but one of the most important KC venues for the presentation of touring national jazz acts in a concert setting. The 1996-97 series was strong (the Dirty Dozen, George Shearing, Terence Blanchard, the Yellowjackets, Kenny Burrell, Sonny Rollins, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra), and word is '97-98 is shaping up to be just as good. (Look for a complete preview in the August/September JAM.) Advance tickets are recommended, good downtown parking is available, casual but nice dress, snacks and beverages are available in the lobby.

Governor Stumpy's
321 E. Gregory Blvd.
444-2252

A new addition to the live jazz scene in Waldo, Governor Stumpy's (at Gregory and Oak) features saxophonist Kerry Strayer every Saturday night, 9:00 p.m. to midnight. There's no cover, good street parking, casual dress, and a menu that includes pizza, burgers, and dinners.
The Grand Emporium
3832 Main
531-7557

One of the most highly regarded live music venues in Kansas City, there are occasional national jazz headliners who come through town and take the Emporium stage (bassist Christian McBride is a recent visitor). Cover varies based on band, dress is casual, street parking, pizza and ribs right next door. Check out the printed flyer for upcoming jazz acts.

Harling's Upstairs
3941-A Main
531-0303

Harling's is the home of another enduring Saturday afternoon jam hosted by jazz/blues singer Diane "Mama" Ray. Hours for the session are 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., no cover (for the jam), no food, street parking, casual dress.

Ivy's Jazz Club
240 NE Barry Road
436-3320

One of the few jazz venues north of the river, Ivy's features live jazz Thursday (6:00-10:00 p.m.), and Friday-Saturday (7:00-11:00 p.m.). Regulars include Angela Hagenbach and Joe Cartwright. Cover is $1 on Thursdays, $2 on Friday and Saturday. There's plenty of lot parking, dress is casual but nice, and Ivy's restaurant has a diverse, upscale menu.

Jardine's
4536 Main
561-6480

There's live jazz six nights a week ('til 3:00 a.m. on weekends) in this intimate bistro just north of the Plaza. The lineup is diverse and features many of KC's top jazz musicians. Call for current info or pick up a printed monthly schedule. No cover, parking on the street or in the lot behind the club, casual dress, and a diverse menu.

Jazz/A Louisiana Kitchen
39th & State Line
531-5556

Live music can be heard at Jazz on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Carl Bender and the Toon Patrol are regulars. No cover, although an additional 50 cents is added to your tab when the band is playing. Street and/or nearby lot parking, casual dress, Cajun cuisine.

Jules
4740 Jefferson
561-4004

Jules is another noted Plaza restaurant (seafood is a specialty) that features live jazz. Organist Everette DeVan is a regular. Hours for music are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday. On Sunday there's a 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. jazz brunch. No cover, nearby garage or street parking, dress is a notch above casual.

The Levee
16 W. 43rd
561-2821

Another established KC music room that occasionally features jazz. Guitarist Sonny Kenner is a Monday-Tuesday regular (9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.) when there's a $2 cover. Parking on the street or in the lot across from the club. Casual dress, bar food and burgers.

The Majestic Steakhouse
931 Broadway
471-8484

Live jazz can be heard seven nights a week at this established KC steakhouse. Regulars include vocalist Julie Turner and drummer Tommy Ruskin (5:00-9:00 p.m. Sundays, 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Thursdays); pianist Bram Wijnands appears Friday and Saturday, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Parking is of the downtown street variety (valet service is available) as well as in a new lot close by. Dress is informal but nice, no cover, and the menu is upscale eclectic. (While you're in the neighborhood, check out Bellucci's around the corner at 303 W. 10th where, every Friday, the Ron Roberts/Kurtis Oberle Duo appears, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. And at the adjoining Quality Hill Playhouse, there's pianist Wijnands with a sextet, Tuesdays, 7:00 to 10:30 p.m.)

Medlin's Colonial Inn
5100 Blue Ridge
737-1150

Best known as the home of Celtic folk singer/guitarist Bob Reeder, Medlin's also features live jazz with pianist Paul Smith and friends every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. No cover, ample lot parking, casual dress, and a diverse menu in the adjoining restaurant.

Milano
2450 Grand (Crown Center)
426-1130

The ever-popular jazz quartet Interstring (Danny Embrey, Rod Fleeman, Bob Bowman and Todd Strait) can heard at Milano in the Crown Center Hotel every Sunday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The restaurant features Italian cuisine, there's no cover, dress is casual and there's usually plenty of parking in the Crown Center garage.

Mill Creek Brewery
4050 Pennsylvania
931-4499

This Westport eatery has occasional live jazz, including guitarist Sonny Kenner on Thursdays, 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (no cover). Call for updates. Casual dress, Westport parking (street and garage), a full menu.

Mutual Musicians Foundation
1823 Highland
471-5212

The MMF hosts the granddaddy of all the late night jam sessions. Located in the historic 18th & Vine District, this landmark has been the site of many a memorable jazz jam over the decades. The tradition continues every Saturday night starting around 11:00 p.m. and lasting (sometimes) until dawn. Foundation favorites Donald Cox and Sam Johnson, Jr., are regulars. Donations are welcome, parking is on the street, dress is casual, drink but no food is served.

The Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill (Downtown)
8th & Central
472-0001

The Phoenix is one of those KC jazz venues that's frequently packed and where everybody plays. There's live music six nights a week as follows: Monday 6:00-10:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., and Saturday 4:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Regular performers include Tim Whitmer & the KC Express, the Scamps, Karrin Allyson, and Everette DeVan. Street parking, casual dress, no cover, and a diverse menu with an emphasis on burgers.

The Phoenix at Station Casino
I-435 & 210 Highway
414-7420

One of the newer additions to the live jazz scene in KC by way of the casinos, this sibling of the popular downtown spot also features plenty of the area's finest musicians. Look for pianist Pete Eye and his trio every Saturday afternoon, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., plus other notables like Luqman Hamza, Gerald Dunn, Tim Whitmer, Karrin Allyson, and the Scamps throughout the week. Same diverse menu as 8th & Central, no cover, casual dress, and lots of free parking in the casino lot.

The Ritz Carlton
401 Ward Parkway
756-1500

Live music can be heard in the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz courtesy of solo pianists Joe Cartwright (Monday-Wednesday 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) and Scott McDonald (Thursdays). The Scott McDonald Trio appears on Friday and Saturday. No cover, garage parking, informal but nice attire, no food in the lobby.

Tomfooleries
612 W. 47th
753-0555

Within walking distance of The Club at Plaza III, Fedora and Jules, this popular Plaza bistro features a menu of burgers and sandwiches, plus KC jazz Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sam Johnson, Jr. and Simplexity are regulars. Casual dress, no cover, street, lot or Plaza garage parking.

Westport Coffee House
4010 Pennsylvania
756-3222

Just down the street from the Mill Creek Brewery, this new room in Westport features Kansas City jazz artists, mostly in a duo setting on weekends. Guitarist Steve Swanson and bassist Tim Brewer have been frequent performers, and the Matt Kane Quartet appears every other Tuesday, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Live music on Friday and Saturday runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. The menu includes sandwiches, muffins and bagels, dress is casual, street or garage parking, no cover, no alcoholic beverages.

RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1997 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		Where can live jazz be found in Kansas City? Who's playing it and when? And what about parking, dress, food and cover charges? For this special "summer jazz issue" of JAM, we depart from the usual "Club Profile" format to answer those questions and more in a feature we call: A JAZZ LOVER'S CLUB SCENE SYNOPSIS Adam's Mark Hotel (Remington's/Quincy's) I-70 & Truman Sports Complex 737-0200 Pianist Dan DeLuca is a Sunday through Saturday regular at Remington's Steak and Seafood Grill. Quincy's down below hosts keyboard man Max Groove on Thursdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and jazz/blues/gospel singer Ida McBeth on Fridays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There's a $5 cover downstairs at Quincy's. Dress is casual but nice, lot parking is plentiful, there's a diverse menu at Remington's, and an hors d'oeuvre buffet on Thursdays at Quincy's for $1. B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ 1205 E. 85th 822-7427 B.B.'s is best known as a blues club, but it sometimes features live jazz. On the first Wednesday of each month look for saxophonist Dean Stringer and his "Mo-Kan River City Jazz Orchestra," a big band that plays both the old and the new. No cover, good parking, casual dress and a variety of barbecue favorites. Blayney's 415 Westport Rd. 561-3747 This popular Westport blues spot has jazz-inspired music on a sporadic basis. Pat Morrissey, Simplexity and KC Brass & Electric are occasional visitors. There's music on weeknights from 9:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. ($2 cover) and weekends from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. ($3). Street or nearby garage parking, casual dress, no food. Call for upcoming jazz acts. The Boulevard Cafe 703 Southwest Blvd. 842-6984 Sunday jazz brunch at the Boulevard (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) usually features Bryan Hicks (vocals/bass), Rod Fleeman (guitar) and Randy Weinstein (harmonica). On Tuesdays, Stan Kessler and the Sons of Brasil are regulars, playing from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. Karrin Allyson and Doug Talley make occasional Wednesday/Thursday appearances. No cover, casual dress, a menu that includes numerous Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern and Spanish dishes, parking on the street. Charlie's Lodge, Restaurant & Bar 7953 State Line 333-6363 The current home of the Julie Turner/Tommy Ruskin weekly Wednesday jazz jam, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. No cover, ample lot parking, casual dress, and a diverse restaurant menu. Sitter-inners are welcome. Bring your ax. Club 427 427 Main at 5th Street 421-CLUB With live jazz five nights a week, the lineup at Club 427 consists of many of KC's finest and is always changing. Regulars include Steve Miller, Rosetta Robinson, Todd Wilkinson and Stan Kessler, with an occasional national act. Call for current information. Hours for live music are: Tuesday/Wednesday 6:30-10:30 p.m., Thursday 7:00-11:00 p.m., Friday (early) 5:30-8:30 p.m. and (late) 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., Saturday (early) 5:30-8:00 p.m. and (late) 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. A $3 cover Friday and Saturday after 9:00 p.m., plenty of lot parking, casual but nice dress, and a diverse, upscale menu. Club Mardi Gras 1600 E. 19th 842-8463 Right in the heart of the historic 18th & Vine District -- and just down the street from Robert Altman's "Kansas City" movie set -- Club Mardi Gras (formerly "Birdland") features music on Fridays and Saturdays, 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Donald Cox and Roland Allen are frequent performers. No cover, good street parking, no food, casual dress. The Club at Plaza III 4749 Pennsylvania 753-0000 The musical menu at The Club consists of numerous KC jazz artists plus occasional out-of-town headliners. The lineup is different each week, so it's best to call for current info or check printed schedules (Queen Bey is a regular as are The Scamps and Claude "Fiddler" Williams). There's live jazz Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. A $5 cover is charged Friday and Saturday, no cover on Wednesday and Thursday. Nearby garage, street or valet parking, attire ranges from nice casual to dressy, and Plaza III is one of the best known steakhouses in the midwest. The Eclipse Bar (Argosy Casino) 777 NW Argosy Pkwy 746-3100 The arrival of casinos in KC has certainly improved the opportunities to sample live Kansas City jazz. Music can be heard at the Argosy's Eclipse Bar every Friday (jazz) and Saturday (blues), 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Veteran drummer Vince Bilardo is a frequent jazz band leader. Casino parking, casual dress, no cover; call for upcoming jazz groups. The Elbow Room 7820 Quivira 268-6466 A welcome addition to the live jazz scene on the Kansas side of the line, the Elbow Room features duos (and some trios) Monday through Thursday, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Guitarists Charlie Gatschet, Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey and bassist Bob Bowman are regulars. No cover, a large parking lot, casual but nice dress, and an upscale menu. The Epicurean Lounge 7502 Troost 333-4541 There's live jazz at the Epicurean every Sunday, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., and the Smooth Jazz 106.5 "After Work Party" takes place every Friday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Max Groove, 'Round Midnight, Simplexity, and the Mac-Lace Band are regulars. No cover, good lot parking, casual dress, and a menu that specializes in catfish, chicken wings and burgers. Fat Cats 730 W. 119th 491-2833 One of the newest additions to the KC jazz scene, this Overland Park bar and grill (located in Rosana Square) features live jazz six nights a week. Pete Eye, Rich Hill, Horace Washington, Everette DeVan and Stan Kessler have appeared. No cover, abundant lot parking, casual dress, a diverse menu of burgers and sandwiches, and specialty "jazz martinis." Fedora Cafe & Bar 210 W. 47th 561-6565 This comfortable restaurant/bar on the Country Club Plaza features live jazz six nights a week. Regulars include Dave Stephens and Pat Morrissey. Fedora is also the current home of the Saturday afternoon Tommy Ruskin jazz jam (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.). Parking in a Plaza garage or on the street, no cover, dress is nice casual, and there's an eclectic, upscale menu in the adjoining restaurant. The Folly Theater 12th & Central 474-4444 Not an actual jazz club, but one of the most important KC venues for the presentation of touring national jazz acts in a concert setting. The 1996-97 series was strong (the Dirty Dozen, George Shearing, Terence Blanchard, the Yellowjackets, Kenny Burrell, Sonny Rollins, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra), and word is '97-98 is shaping up to be just as good. (Look for a complete preview in the August/September JAM.) Advance tickets are recommended, good downtown parking is available, casual but nice dress, snacks and beverages are available in the lobby. Governor Stumpy's 321 E. Gregory Blvd. 444-2252 A new addition to the live jazz scene in Waldo, Governor Stumpy's (at Gregory and Oak) features saxophonist Kerry Strayer every Saturday night, 9:00 p.m. to midnight. There's no cover, good street parking, casual dress, and a menu that includes pizza, burgers, and dinners. The Grand Emporium 3832 Main 531-7557 One of the most highly regarded live music venues in Kansas City, there are occasional national jazz headliners who come through town and take the Emporium stage (bassist Christian McBride is a recent visitor). Cover varies based on band, dress is casual, street parking, pizza and ribs right next door. Check out the printed flyer for upcoming jazz acts. Harling's Upstairs 3941-A Main 531-0303 Harling's is the home of another enduring Saturday afternoon jam hosted by jazz/blues singer Diane "Mama" Ray. Hours for the session are 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., no cover (for the jam), no food, street parking, casual dress. Ivy's Jazz Club 240 NE Barry Road 436-3320 One of the few jazz venues north of the river, Ivy's features live jazz Thursday (6:00-10:00 p.m.), and Friday-Saturday (7:00-11:00 p.m.). Regulars include Angela Hagenbach and Joe Cartwright. Cover is $1 on Thursdays, $2 on Friday and Saturday. There's plenty of lot parking, dress is casual but nice, and Ivy's restaurant has a diverse, upscale menu. Jardine's 4536 Main 561-6480 There's live jazz six nights a week ('til 3:00 a.m. on weekends) in this intimate bistro just north of the Plaza. The lineup is diverse and features many of KC's top jazz musicians. Call for current info or pick up a printed monthly schedule. No cover, parking on the street or in the lot behind the club, casual dress, and a diverse menu. Jazz/A Louisiana Kitchen 39th & State Line 531-5556 Live music can be heard at Jazz on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Carl Bender and the Toon Patrol are regulars. No cover, although an additional 50 cents is added to your tab when the band is playing. Street and/or nearby lot parking, casual dress, Cajun cuisine. Jules 4740 Jefferson 561-4004 Jules is another noted Plaza restaurant (seafood is a specialty) that features live jazz. Organist Everette DeVan is a regular. Hours for music are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday. On Sunday there's a 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. jazz brunch. No cover, nearby garage or street parking, dress is a notch above casual. The Levee 16 W. 43rd 561-2821 Another established KC music room that occasionally features jazz. Guitarist Sonny Kenner is a Monday-Tuesday regular (9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.) when there's a $2 cover. Parking on the street or in the lot across from the club. Casual dress, bar food and burgers. The Majestic Steakhouse 931 Broadway 471-8484 Live jazz can be heard seven nights a week at this established KC steakhouse. Regulars include vocalist Julie Turner and drummer Tommy Ruskin (5:00-9:00 p.m. Sundays, 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Thursdays); pianist Bram Wijnands appears Friday and Saturday, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Parking is of the downtown street variety (valet service is available) as well as in a new lot close by. Dress is informal but nice, no cover, and the menu is upscale eclectic. (While you're in the neighborhood, check out Bellucci's around the corner at 303 W. 10th where, every Friday, the Ron Roberts/Kurtis Oberle Duo appears, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. And at the adjoining Quality Hill Playhouse, there's pianist Wijnands with a sextet, Tuesdays, 7:00 to 10:30 p.m.) Medlin's Colonial Inn 5100 Blue Ridge 737-1150 Best known as the home of Celtic folk singer/guitarist Bob Reeder, Medlin's also features live jazz with pianist Paul Smith and friends every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. No cover, ample lot parking, casual dress, and a diverse menu in the adjoining restaurant. Milano 2450 Grand (Crown Center) 426-1130 The ever-popular jazz quartet Interstring (Danny Embrey, Rod Fleeman, Bob Bowman and Todd Strait) can heard at Milano in the Crown Center Hotel every Sunday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The restaurant features Italian cuisine, there's no cover, dress is casual and there's usually plenty of parking in the Crown Center garage. Mill Creek Brewery 4050 Pennsylvania 931-4499 This Westport eatery has occasional live jazz, including guitarist Sonny Kenner on Thursdays, 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (no cover). Call for updates. Casual dress, Westport parking (street and garage), a full menu. Mutual Musicians Foundation 1823 Highland 471-5212 The MMF hosts the granddaddy of all the late night jam sessions. Located in the historic 18th & Vine District, this landmark has been the site of many a memorable jazz jam over the decades. The tradition continues every Saturday night starting around 11:00 p.m. and lasting (sometimes) until dawn. Foundation favorites Donald Cox and Sam Johnson, Jr., are regulars. Donations are welcome, parking is on the street, dress is casual, drink but no food is served. The Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill (Downtown) 8th & Central 472-0001 The Phoenix is one of those KC jazz venues that's frequently packed and where everybody plays. There's live music six nights a week as follows: Monday 6:00-10:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., and Saturday 4:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Regular performers include Tim Whitmer & the KC Express, the Scamps, Karrin Allyson, and Everette DeVan. Street parking, casual dress, no cover, and a diverse menu with an emphasis on burgers. The Phoenix at Station Casino I-435 & 210 Highway 414-7420 One of the newer additions to the live jazz scene in KC by way of the casinos, this sibling of the popular downtown spot also features plenty of the area's finest musicians. Look for pianist Pete Eye and his trio every Saturday afternoon, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., plus other notables like Luqman Hamza, Gerald Dunn, Tim Whitmer, Karrin Allyson, and the Scamps throughout the week. Same diverse menu as 8th & Central, no cover, casual dress, and lots of free parking in the casino lot. The Ritz Carlton 401 Ward Parkway 756-1500 Live music can be heard in the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz courtesy of solo pianists Joe Cartwright (Monday-Wednesday 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.) and Scott McDonald (Thursdays). The Scott McDonald Trio appears on Friday and Saturday. No cover, garage parking, informal but nice attire, no food in the lobby. Tomfooleries 612 W. 47th 753-0555 Within walking distance of The Club at Plaza III, Fedora and Jules, this popular Plaza bistro features a menu of burgers and sandwiches, plus KC jazz Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sam Johnson, Jr. and Simplexity are regulars. Casual dress, no cover, street, lot or Plaza garage parking. Westport Coffee House 4010 Pennsylvania 756-3222 Just down the street from the Mill Creek Brewery, this new room in Westport features Kansas City jazz artists, mostly in a duo setting on weekends. Guitarist Steve Swanson and bassist Tim Brewer have been frequent performers, and the Matt Kane Quartet appears every other Tuesday, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Live music on Friday and Saturday runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. The menu includes sandwiches, muffins and bagels, dress is casual, street or garage parking, no cover, no alcoholic beverages. RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 1997 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.