JAM Magazine: August/September 1997 Issue: 18th & Vine

NEW LIFE AT 18TH & VINE

by John Encell

At last, 18th & Vine is back.

After years of planning, months of construction, and millions of dollars invested, this historic part of Kansas City is about to come alive with the sights and sounds of great jazz. And much more.

Launched in 1989 by now Mayor Emanuel Cleaver, the project has known its share of controversy. "Inching Ahead at 18th & Vine," "18th & Vine Has Too Many Captains," "Jazz Hall Gets Case of the Blues." Headlines like these had to have been discouraging for those committed to such a grand vision. But the proponents of 18th & Vine were not to be deterred. Theirs was a plan that would remain steadfast throughout: "To preserve one of Kansas City's finest cultural districts by renovating and rebuilding the area in order to pay tribute to the accomplishments of African-Americans."

The central components of the new 18th & Vine District are the Jazz Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum & Visitors Center, and the Gem Theater Cultural & Performing Arts Center. The close proximity of the new Museums to the Gem Theater is intended to make for a unique blend of diverse elements that offers something for everyone. The Visitors Center, for example, will provide a transition back in time, its park benches and architecture offering a snapshot of the 1930s. Memories of the economic and social oppression of the day may also be evoked at the Center, yet there will be many positive examples on display of those African-Americans who made a difference.

Of course, the overall objective at 18th & Vine is to revitalize an African-American culture that flourished in the district for more than forty years prior to 1960. And the stage is set to do just that.

THE MUSEUMS AT 18TH & VINE

The Jazz Museum
Perhaps the most complex and interesting part of the mix at 18th & Vine will be the Jazz Museum. Dedicated to "telling the story of America's classical music, which we know as jazz," this building will house a jazz club, along with various rooms that will offer a variety of listening and learning opportunities for jazz fans and tourists alike.

The jazz club, of course, will feature Kansas City jazz musicians. And there will be a Jazz Masters Series exhibit saluting the great artists in the history of jazz along with those still performing. That famous plastic saxophone once played by Charlie Parker will be on display, as will memorabilia and artifacts once associated with such prominent jazz musicians as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. There are plans for a "Residency for Master Artists" to attract recognized "masters"who will offer workshops related to performance and jazz history. And another plan in the works is to establish a National Jazz Council that would meet annually at the Jazz Museum. Such jazz world notables as Quincy Jones, Max Roach, Jackie McLean, Kenny Burrell, Richard Davis and Clark Terry have already expressed an interest in being involved.

Also on tap are activities and concerts sponsored by the Jazz Museum at the neighboring Gem Theater. Among the highlights for '97-98: singer Joe Williams, Friday, November 14; celebrations of Kwanza, Saturday, December 27 and Martin Luther King's birthday, Sunday, January 18; The Art Ensemble of Chicago, Saturday, March 21; and drummer Max Roach, Thursday, May 28.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
With major league baseball commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's breaking of the "color barrier," it is fitting that Kansas City's Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is opening in 1997. It will be the only facility of its kind in the United States that tells the story of the Negro Leagues, from genesis in the mid-1800s through disappearance in the early 1960s. There will be the expected autographed baseballs, pennants and uniforms representing some of the Leagues' greatest players (Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell), and also in evidence will be the dedication to the project of former Monarchs' player/manager, John "Buck" O'Neil. It has been O'Neil's stature as "spokesman" that has brought so much positive attention to the Museum.

If there is one place where the visitor can gain significant insight into the social and economic struggle of the African-American in this century, it will be in this museum. It officially opens to the public on November 1.

THE GEM THEATER CULTURAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Built in 1912, the Gem Theater was originally a movie house. A first renovation took place in the 1920s and included the addition of an ornate facade, heating and cooling. In the 1940s, the GEM sign was added as the district, and the theater enjoyed peak prosperity. The theater closed in 1960 and was later sold in 1990 to the city to be part of the current renovations at 18th & Vine.

In 1990, the Gem Theater Cultural and Performing Arts Center was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Under the tireless direction of its president, Pat Jordan, the organization's mission has been "to help this part of the 18th & Vine project provide a blend of elements that will offer event and meeting opportunities, concerts, and other cultural events in one or more of the center's venues."

Important Numbers at 18th & Vine

18th & Vine Authority: 816-871-3016
Gem Theater Management Company: 816-842-4538
Black Economic Union of Greater Kansas City (BEU): 816-474-1080
The Mutual Musicians Foundation: 816-471-5212

The theater itself has been designed to offer both elegance and intimacy, and it will feature the latest in lighting, sound and acoustical design to make every event memorable. When entering the vestibule and passing through the lobby, one cannot help but anticipate what the now state-of-the-art theater will offer in the months and years to come. It will seat 500 people on the lower and upper levels, and upstairs there is even a "cry room" for those infants lucky enough to be present.

The upper lever of the Gem will also contain a board room and a meeting room, and like the aforementioned theater, all are available for rental.

The opening season at the Gem Theater has been finalized and includes the following events:

Nancy Wilson

Saturday, August 30, 1997 -- What better way to officially open the new Gem Theater than to feature, in concert, an internationally acclaimed jazz singer? The renowned Nancy Wilson will be on hand on the 30th to do just that. It promises to be a Gala Grand Opening that will set the standard for season openers.
Friday, September 5 -- The grand opening of the 18th & Vine District itself is a private black tie event that will feature a lineup right out of an encyclopedia of jazz. Those with tickets for this gala (prices are $75, $150 and $500) will hear Tony Bennett, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Jay McShann, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Kevin Mahogany, Dianne Reeves, Pat Metheny, Ellis Marsalis, Milt Jackson and the George Duke Orchestra. Local artists are expected to be featured with many of the headliners, the noted film actor Billy Dee Williams will emcee, and BET (Black Entertainment Television) will broadcast the shows live. The museums will be open for viewing and some of KC's finest jazz artists will be performing throughout the museum complex.
Saturday, September 6 is the official public grand opening of 18th & Vine and is free and open to all. This multi-stage (and venue) event will feature scores of prominent Kansas City jazz musicians (from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), the Elder Statesmen of Jazz will be available to offer first-hand historical perspectives, vendors will be serving food and drink, the museums will be open to the public, and the Gem Theater will host a lineup of historical jazz films.
September 6 to October 31, 1997 -- "Classic Black," a unique exhibition formerly housed at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, features an exquisite and thought-provoking photographic display of African-American classically-trained ballet dancers. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held Wednesday, August 27.
Sunday, October 5 -- The "Duke Ellington Sacred Concert" will be conducted by composer Randall Keith Horton, who worked closely with the late, great Ellington. The concert will feature Kansas City-based choirs, singers and dancers.
December 16-20 -- "Black Nativity" will offer a performance and dance theater based on a poem by Langston Hughes.
Wednesday, December 31 -- This is one dusk-to-dawn New Year's Eve celebration that will feature many of Kansas City's jazz greats, all in one special place: 18th & Vine.
Saturday, March 28, 1998 -- The Gem Theater and the Kansas City Symphony will team up to present concert pianist Leon Bates in a program of music and discussion.
Saturday, April 25 -- A "Kansas City Jazz Jam" will close the 1997-98 season. Look for at least of 12 hours of jazz and blues from KC artists, with proceeds going to a designated organization committed to assisting artists and musicians.

AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FOUNDATION!
Amidst all the hoopla surrounding the return of 18th & Vine, it's easy to overlook one of the most important structures in the district. "The Mutual Musicians Foundation is the first National Historic Landmark in Kansas City," says MMF board member Kathe Kaul. "And it is still one of only two in the entire area. Also, it is the only original and operative historical structure in the entire 18th & Vine District."

To date, the Foundation has not been the recipient of any city money concurrent with the renovation of 18th & Vine. But it has received contributions and some grant money to repair the building's leaking roof (see JAM, June/July '97). Necessary funding for repairs is nearly complete and construction should be underway by late August or early September.

Kaul adds that other improvements are in the works.

"Architectural designs and specifications are underway for extensive renovation to the infrastructure and interior of the building,"she says. "Plus, there are plans to improve the surrounding lot and yard in the coming year.

"It is also hoped that, in the coming months, the Foundation will have a full-time professional administrator as well as rotating house rhythm sections hosting the weekly Saturday night jam sessions."

The Mutual Musicians Foundation is located at 1823 Highland.

Welcome Aboard
With an original budget of $22 million already exceeded, and gala grand openings set for August and September, all eyes are now focused on 18th & Vine. Will the 18th & Vine Authority, its Executive Director, Dr. Rowena Stewart, and all of the other prominent players in this major undertaking be able to pull it off? Only time will tell.

There has been good news this summer regarding additional funding, community investment and potential economic vitality for the District. $14.2 million in federal grants and loans has been made available for job creation. And a $1,000,000 Urban Enterprise Loan program is being offered by the state of Missouri to target start-up and existing small business entrepreneurs, especially in the 18th & Vine area.

Sprint has announced its intention to open a "satellite call center" in the Lincoln Building, 1601 E. 18th, providing at least 60 jobs when the operation opens in September. And "Sylvia's Restaurant & House of Soul," headquartered Harlem, will renovate the old National Guard Armory at 1701 E. 18th (at a cost of $3 million), becoming one of the district's "anchor" restaurants.

The Black Archives of Mid-America will relocate to the Parks & Recreation building at 1722 E. 17th Terrace, a move that will bring exhibits and other priceless materials into close proximity with the museum complex.

A new board, called the Jazz District Redevelopment Authority, has recently been created to oversee development of the property adjacent to the museum complex. And, the J.C. Nichols Company has come onboard as a development consultant for the new Authority.

So, like a phoenix, 18th & Vine has returned.

Although still a work in progress, all signs are that this combination redevelopment, renovation and resurrection is for real.

Sure, you can't go back. So much has changed since the district's first heyday more than 50 years ago.

But who's to say there can't be more than one heyday in such a legendary part of town.

An encore at 18th & Vine is about to begin.

RETURN TO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 1997 MAIN INDEX

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