JAM Magazine: October/November 1997 Issue: News & Notes

Moving On
It's the end of an era at UMKC. After completing the current fall semester, Mike Parkinson, the Conservatory's Director of Jazz Studies since 1985, will become the Chair of the Department of Music at Webster University in St. Louis. There, his duties will include public relations, recruiting, fund raising, curricular and faculty issues. "In addition to my administrative responsibilities," says Parkinson, "I will also be teaching courses in the Jazz Studies program, which is very capably directed by (saxophonist) Paul DeMarinis. The entire music department at Webster is very good and has produced many outstanding alums." Webster's music department has around 125 undergraduate and graduate music majors, according to Parkinson, 30 of whom are jazz majors. "It is an exciting opportunity for me," says Mike. "And I will continue my work as an educational specialist for United Musical Instruments and as artistic director for the International Summer Jazz Academy in Poland."

Fall Jazz at UMKC
Before he leaves, however, Dr. Parkinson has two more gigs with his UMKC Jazz Orchestra. On Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m., there will be "Big Band Jazz From A to Z." And on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m., the Jazz Orchestra will offer a concert "With Miles In Mind." Parkinson may be moving on, but he is still big on this fall's group. "I'm very excited about this year's band; there are lots of hungry young musicians in all sections. We hope to see a good turnout for each concert." (Something tells us the evening of December 5th will make for a fitting finale and sendoff.) Call 235-2905 for information about tickets.

Danilo Perez Comes To KC
It's only logical that, after being selected as a 1989 semi-finalist at Washington D.C.'s annual Thelonious Monk Competition, pianist Danilo Perez would release an album paying homage to the great composer and innovator. PanaMonk (Impulse!) features not only the buoyant artistry of Perez, but a host of accomplished cohorts including drummers Terri Lynn Carrington and Jeff Watts, bassist Avishai Cohen, and vocalist Olga Roman. "Perez has no qualms about wading right into an artistic challenge," says Zan Stewart of the Los Angeles Times. Catch Danilo Perez and trio (Cohen on bass, Jeff Ballard, drums) for one show at The Club at Plaza III on Sunday, October 19. Call The Club at 753-0000 for more.

The KCJW Continues
With its 1997-98 season now in full swing, the Kansas City Jazz Workshop continues on Monday, October 20 with trombonist Bill Watrous and tenor saxophonist Bob Kindred. Then on Monday, November 24, the Sherrie Maricle Sextet comes to town (Maricle is the drummer/leader of "Diva: No Man's Band"). Other shows of note in '97-98 include singer Rebecca Paris (Feb. 10), and trumpeter Tiger Okoshi/saxophonist Cercie Miller (Mar. 9).

All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at UMKC's Pierson Hall; call either 436-0318 or 737-3627 for more information.

Penn Valley Jazz
On Wednesday, October 22, both a large and a small ensemble will be featured in an evening of jazz at Penn Valley Community College. In concert will be KC's Boulevard Big Band (with a special appearance by the aforementioned Bob Kindred) and Penn Valley's student combo, "Uptown" directed by instructor/trombonist Stephen Dekker. "A variety of music will be performed," says Dekker, "including contemporary big band jazz, blues, funk, rock and ballads." The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Penn Valley Theater on the college campus at 3201 SW Trafficway. Admission is free. For more information, call 759-4456.

ESS & Jazz III
For the third year, the Episcopal Social Services and the jazz community are getting together for a good cause. On Sunday, October 26, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., local jazz artists Karrin Allyson (vocals, piano), Milt Abel (bass, vocals), Paul Smith (piano), Danny Embrey (guitar), Todd Strait (drums) and Kim Park (saxophones) will be in concert at the Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th. Proceeds go to the ESS Midtown Meals on Wheels and the Eastern Jackson County Parenting/Life Skills Center. For tickets, call 561-8920

"Classic Jazz Trio"
...The words of JAM writer William Buchanan in his review (August/September '97) of pianist Wayne Hawkins' latest release, Trio: Volume One (Hawkins Productions). Join Hawkins, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Todd Strait (both of whom are featured on the CD) when the album receives its official launch on Monday, October 27, at the Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania. The music starts at 7:30 p.m.

Showcasing New Talent
Jardine's, 210 at Fedora, The Club at Plaza III, the Majestic Steakhouse, and the Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill are getting behind Kansas City's First Annual New Talent Jazz Showcase, a concept initiated by LINC (Living in New Community), an intermediate housing program for homeless families. And what better locale for this event than the newly renovated Gem Theater Cultural & Performing Arts Center at 18th & Vine. On Saturday, November 15, the Gem will resonate with the sounds of KC's up and coming jazz talent with an assist from singer Queen Bey (hostess of the pre-showcase cocktail party) and emcee/weatherman/timpanist Brian Busby. According to LINC Executive Director, Jan Justice, the show will expose new talent to a wider Kansas City audience, help to promote the heritage of 18th & Vine, increase awareness of the problems of homeless families, and raise funds for LINC's operating and expansion costs. The cocktail hour begins at 6:00 p.m., the showcase follows from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mike Ning and Sherry Jones will act as co-hosts and will perform at the end of the show. Like to know more about tickets and the warm-up "Cool Shades Jazz Friday" the day before? Call LINC at 531-3727.

Congrats!
The Kansas Arts Commission has announced the winners of its 1997 Arts Fellowship and one such award-ee is KC-area resident Doug Talley, a recipient of a fellowship in music composition. "This project -- to create a new work for jazz quartet and big band -- is unlike any arranging or composing I have done to date," says the saxophonist. "And one of the most interesting aspects of it will be working with two rhythm sections, in addition to giving both the solo quartet and the big band moments to shine." The premiere of Talley's piece is tentatively scheduled for the 1998 Corporate Woods Jazz Festival.

Plan Ahead for Topeka
Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 is all set for Memorial Day weekend of '98, May 23-25. Harold Hansen, executive director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center, and Jim Monroe, president of the Topeka Jazz Workshop are co-presenting the three-day event, which will be held at the TPAC, 8th and Quincy streets, downtown Topeka. "Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 will be one of the major straight-ahead festivals in the nation," says Monroe. And based on the lineup, it's easy to see why. Scheduled to appear are Monty Alexander, John Allred, Dan Barrett, Alan Broadbent, John Bunch, John Clayton, Kenny Davern, Gary Foster, Bob Kindred, Jeff Hamilton, Jay Leonhart, Ken Peplowski, Bucky Pizzarelli, Bobby Shew, Warren Vache' and Jackie Williams. Topeka and KC-area musicians have also been invited to perform. They include: Karrin Allyson, Bob Bowman, Bob Branstetter, Danny Embrey, Russ Long, Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin, Paul Smith, Gerald Spaits and Todd Strait. Like to know more about this talent-laden event? Call the TPAC at 785-234-2787, or Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315.

Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month.

RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1997 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		Moving On It's the end of an era at UMKC. After completing the current fall semester, Mike Parkinson, the Conservatory's Director of Jazz Studies since 1985, will become the Chair of the Department of Music at Webster University in St. Louis. There, his duties will include public relations, recruiting, fund raising, curricular and faculty issues. "In addition to my administrative responsibilities," says Parkinson, "I will also be teaching courses in the Jazz Studies program, which is very capably directed by (saxophonist) Paul DeMarinis. The entire music department at Webster is very good and has produced many outstanding alums." Webster's music department has around 125 undergraduate and graduate music majors, according to Parkinson, 30 of whom are jazz majors. "It is an exciting opportunity for me," says Mike. "And I will continue my work as an educational specialist for United Musical Instruments and as artistic director for the International Summer Jazz Academy in Poland." Fall Jazz at UMKC Before he leaves, however, Dr. Parkinson has two more gigs with his UMKC Jazz Orchestra. On Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m., there will be "Big Band Jazz From A to Z." And on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m., the Jazz Orchestra will offer a concert "With Miles In Mind." Parkinson may be moving on, but he is still big on this fall's group. "I'm very excited about this year's band; there are lots of hungry young musicians in all sections. We hope to see a good turnout for each concert." (Something tells us the evening of December 5th will make for a fitting finale and sendoff.) Call 235-2905 for information about tickets. Danilo Perez Comes To KC It's only logical that, after being selected as a 1989 semi-finalist at Washington D.C.'s annual Thelonious Monk Competition, pianist Danilo Perez would release an album paying homage to the great composer and innovator. PanaMonk (Impulse!) features not only the buoyant artistry of Perez, but a host of accomplished cohorts including drummers Terri Lynn Carrington and Jeff Watts, bassist Avishai Cohen, and vocalist Olga Roman. "Perez has no qualms about wading right into an artistic challenge," says Zan Stewart of the Los Angeles Times. Catch Danilo Perez and trio (Cohen on bass, Jeff Ballard, drums) for one show at The Club at Plaza III on Sunday, October 19. Call The Club at 753-0000 for more. The KCJW Continues With its 1997-98 season now in full swing, the Kansas City Jazz Workshop continues on Monday, October 20 with trombonist Bill Watrous and tenor saxophonist Bob Kindred. Then on Monday, November 24, the Sherrie Maricle Sextet comes to town (Maricle is the drummer/leader of "Diva: No Man's Band"). Other shows of note in '97-98 include singer Rebecca Paris (Feb. 10), and trumpeter Tiger Okoshi/saxophonist Cercie Miller (Mar. 9). All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at UMKC's Pierson Hall; call either 436-0318 or 737-3627 for more information. Penn Valley Jazz On Wednesday, October 22, both a large and a small ensemble will be featured in an evening of jazz at Penn Valley Community College. In concert will be KC's Boulevard Big Band (with a special appearance by the aforementioned Bob Kindred) and Penn Valley's student combo, "Uptown" directed by instructor/trombonist Stephen Dekker. "A variety of music will be performed," says Dekker, "including contemporary big band jazz, blues, funk, rock and ballads." The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Penn Valley Theater on the college campus at 3201 SW Trafficway. Admission is free. For more information, call 759-4456. ESS & Jazz III For the third year, the Episcopal Social Services and the jazz community are getting together for a good cause. On Sunday, October 26, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., local jazz artists Karrin Allyson (vocals, piano), Milt Abel (bass, vocals), Paul Smith (piano), Danny Embrey (guitar), Todd Strait (drums) and Kim Park (saxophones) will be in concert at the Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th. Proceeds go to the ESS Midtown Meals on Wheels and the Eastern Jackson County Parenting/Life Skills Center. For tickets, call 561-8920 "Classic Jazz Trio" ...The words of JAM writer William Buchanan in his review (August/September '97) of pianist Wayne Hawkins' latest release, Trio: Volume One (Hawkins Productions). Join Hawkins, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Todd Strait (both of whom are featured on the CD) when the album receives its official launch on Monday, October 27, at the Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. Showcasing New Talent Jardine's, 210 at Fedora, The Club at Plaza III, the Majestic Steakhouse, and the Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill are getting behind Kansas City's First Annual New Talent Jazz Showcase, a concept initiated by LINC (Living in New Community), an intermediate housing program for homeless families. And what better locale for this event than the newly renovated Gem Theater Cultural & Performing Arts Center at 18th & Vine. On Saturday, November 15, the Gem will resonate with the sounds of KC's up and coming jazz talent with an assist from singer Queen Bey (hostess of the pre-showcase cocktail party) and emcee/weatherman/timpanist Brian Busby. According to LINC Executive Director, Jan Justice, the show will expose new talent to a wider Kansas City audience, help to promote the heritage of 18th & Vine, increase awareness of the problems of homeless families, and raise funds for LINC's operating and expansion costs. The cocktail hour begins at 6:00 p.m., the showcase follows from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mike Ning and Sherry Jones will act as co-hosts and will perform at the end of the show. Like to know more about tickets and the warm-up "Cool Shades Jazz Friday" the day before? Call LINC at 531-3727. Congrats! The Kansas Arts Commission has announced the winners of its 1997 Arts Fellowship and one such award-ee is KC-area resident Doug Talley, a recipient of a fellowship in music composition. "This project -- to create a new work for jazz quartet and big band -- is unlike any arranging or composing I have done to date," says the saxophonist. "And one of the most interesting aspects of it will be working with two rhythm sections, in addition to giving both the solo quartet and the big band moments to shine." The premiere of Talley's piece is tentatively scheduled for the 1998 Corporate Woods Jazz Festival. Plan Ahead for Topeka Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 is all set for Memorial Day weekend of '98, May 23-25. Harold Hansen, executive director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center, and Jim Monroe, president of the Topeka Jazz Workshop are co-presenting the three-day event, which will be held at the TPAC, 8th and Quincy streets, downtown Topeka. "Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 will be one of the major straight-ahead festivals in the nation," says Monroe. And based on the lineup, it's easy to see why. Scheduled to appear are Monty Alexander, John Allred, Dan Barrett, Alan Broadbent, John Bunch, John Clayton, Kenny Davern, Gary Foster, Bob Kindred, Jeff Hamilton, Jay Leonhart, Ken Peplowski, Bucky Pizzarelli, Bobby Shew, Warren Vache' and Jackie Williams. Topeka and KC-area musicians have also been invited to perform. They include: Karrin Allyson, Bob Bowman, Bob Branstetter, Danny Embrey, Russ Long, Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin, Paul Smith, Gerald Spaits and Todd Strait. Like to know more about this talent-laden event? Call the TPAC at 785-234-2787, or Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315. Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month. RETURN TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1997 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.