JAM Magazine: February/March 1998 Issue: News and Notes

A New Captain at Blues & Jazz
When the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival's Peter Horak resigned last September, the search was on for an equally qualified replacement. The Festival's Board of Directors has recently announced that Greg Patterson will be the festival's new Executive Director. Patterson comes to the job with ten years experience working with the Kansas City Spirit Festival, the last three as its Development Director assisting in all areas of production and sponsor accounts. He has also initiated and maintained the festival web site, generated advertising and has organized volunteer efforts. Says Connie Humiston of the Blues & Jazz Fest, "We look upon this move as a benefit to both festivals as we share information and resources." This year's event is scheduled for July 17-19. Look for updates and news of '98 headliners in forthcoming issues of JAM.

The Jazz Singer...
...is the name of a new magazine published by none other than KC's own Kevin Mahogany. Its inaugural issue came out in January and was distributed by Kevin himself at the International Association of Jazz Educators convention in New York. Says Kevin, "I realized that just about every other instrument had a magazine -- bass, drums, keyboard -- but there wasn't anything for singers. I think we have a real opportunity to fill that void."

Like to subscribe? Send $20 (4 issues) to The Jazz Singer, 1712 Main, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Big Band Tuesdays
Big band fans now have another night of the week to look forward to. (Dean Stringer's River City Jazz Orchestra still appears the first Wednesday of each month at BB's Lawnside BBQ.) The Boulevard Big Band, directed by Michael McGraw, has signed on for Tuesdays, 8:30 to 11:00 p.m. at Pretzl's Bar & Grill, 2847 Roe in Roeland Park. "It's a really nice club for a big band," says McGraw, "and we're having a blast." Call 262-4518 for directions and related info.

Good Sounds at UMKC
Even though ex-Jazz Studies Director Mike Parkinson has moved on to a new gig (Chair of the Music Department at Webster University in St. Louis), jazz at the University of Missouri/Kansas City is still in good hands. Two of the area's finest reedmen, Kerry Strayer and Kim Park, are splitting the position for the rest of the school year with Strayer handling the big band duties, Park coaching small ensembles.

Also, the UMKC music calendar for winter-spring '98 lists several more jazz events of note. On Sunday, February 1, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., the 21st annual George Salisbury Cabaret Concert will feature the Gerald Dunn Quartet, the Luqman Hamza Trio, Mike Ning and Sherry Jones, the Al Pearson Quartet, the UMKC Alumni Big Band, and the UMKC Student Combo (with a spotlight on recent Salisbury scholarship recipients). For tickets, call the Central Ticket Office at 235-2700. And looking at the remainder of 1997-98, there are the annual Jazz Workshops on March 30-31 (at Grant Hall), and the UMKC Conservatory Jazz Orchestra's annual spring concert on Friday, April 24 (White Hall). These events begin at 7:30 p.m. Call Concert Connection at 235-2730 for updates and additional information.

A Jazzy Benefit
On Sunday, February 1, there will be a jazz-studded benefit for the Raytown South High School Orchestra. "Cruise to the Music" -- hosted by KUDL's Dan Hurst -- will feature Angela Hagenbach's band which includes bassist Bob Blount, trumpeter Stan Kessler, pianist Joe Cartwright, guitarist Rod Fleeman, drummer Ryan Bennett and Hagenbach on vocals. An additional headliner will be pianist Gary Adams whose forte is Broadway show tunes. The concert takes place at Raytown South in the school auditorium, Highway 350 and Sterling, and begins at 2:00 p.m. Call 356-4367 for ticket info.

Return of The McFaddens
The McFadden Brothers, one of the area's more popular jazz/dance/entertainment acts, have returned to town after a lengthy stay on the road. "Two and a half years was enough," says trumpeter Lonnie McFadden, when asked about working and touring with Branson-based singer, Wayne Newton. Lonnie and brother, saxophonist Ronnie McFadden are once again calling KC home and can be heard in area clubs. Check them out February 6-7 at The Club at Plaza III and at Club 427 for a weekly McFadden Brothers Sunday Showcase. The number at The Club at Plaza III is 753-0000; for reservations at Club 427, call 421-CLUB.

Finally Out of the Oven
We were a little ahead of the curve by reviewing Odahoda, the new Interstring CD, in the October/November JAM; but at long last the album has finally been released on the IGMOD label. Join Interstring -- Bob Bowman, bass; Todd Strait, drums; Danny Embrey and Rod Fleeman, guitars -- for the official KC release party on Saturday, February 7, at the Blue Room, 18th & Vine. No smoking or food at the club, plenty o' parking and hip crowds... a good place to christen a CD.

Two More From KCJW
Another solid season for the Kansas City Jazz Workshop is wrapping up with two more tantalizing attractions. On Tuesday, February 10, singer Rebecca Parris is set to appear (recent collaborations with vibraphonist Gary Burton have put her on the map after years of dues), and on Monday, March 9, trumpeter Tiger Okoshi (also a Gary Burton alumnus) and saxophonist Cercie Miller will come to town to be backed by an all-star KC rhythm section. All three of these headliners are well-established in Boston jazz circles and have earned international reputations and credentials.

KCJW concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at UMKC's Pierson Hall. Call either 436-0318 or 737-3627 for ticket information.

Learning From a Pro
Saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen has played with many of music's greats including Miles Davis, Jay McShann, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Beginning February 13, he will be appearing with the Olathe North High School and Oregon Trail Junior High Jazz Bands in a week-long residency. A noon performance featuring Alaadeen and the bands is scheduled for Thursday, February 19 at the Optimist Club luncheon at the Olathe Holiday Inn. The residency will conclude on Friday, February 20, 7:30 p.m. with a gala evening concert. This final performance, showcasing Alaadeen and his work with the students, will be held at Olathe North High School, 600 E. Prairie in Olathe. The concert is free. Like to know more? Call 831-4396.

Three Ladies Sing The Blues
On Friday, February 27, The Club at Plaza III will swing with the sounds of Lisa Henry, Sharon James and Diane "Mama" Ray, three of the area's most visible vocalists. The Everette DeVan Quartet will provide first-rate backup for this special "Ladies Sing the Blues" event. Proceeds from the evening will go to the Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund (M.E.A.F.), a support system for area jazz musicians in need of a helping hand in times of financial difficulty. A worthy cause, indeed. Call The Club at 753-0000 for reservations and additional info.

"All That Jazz" at JCCC
It's always a homecoming when renowned vocalist Marilyn Maye performs in Kansas City. Decades of dues were paid here, first as the "girl singer" with Warren Durrett's Orchestra followed by a long and prosperous stay at Ralph Gaines' Colony Steak House. After her KC days, Ms. Maye went on to be, among many things, one of Johnny Carson's favorite guests, making a record number of "Tonight Show" appearances for a female singer. Catch Marilyn (backed by a stellar Kansas City big band) at Johnson County Community College on Friday-Saturday, March 6-7. Her current revue is titled "All That Jazz;" at JCCC, it will be more a case of "All That Kansas City Jazz." Call 469-4445 to reserve tickets.

Jazz Conference Planned for March
The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), with assistance from the Folly Theater, the 18th & Vine Authority, the Berman Music Foundation, and Kansas City jazz venues, artists and volunteers, is planning a regional jazz conference to be held at the new Kansas City Jazz Museum the weekend of March 13-14. Jazz presenters and artists from a six-state area will be invited to attend. "With the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest support for M-AAA jazz programs ending this year," says M-AAA jazz program director Gail Milton, "we want to establish a regional network for the promotion of jazz to serve both jazz presenters and jazz artists in our region. A regional conference seems like a good first step in establishing such a network as well as providing more performance opportunities for jazz artists who live in the region."

This conference, with seminars and panel discussions on such topics as marketing and radio airplay, is designed for jazz presenters and artists but will be open to the public. Special features of the conference will be keynote speaker Bobby Watson, showcases by regional jazz artists, and a jam session at the Mutual Musicians Foundation. For more information about the specifics, call 421-1388 or e-mail Ms. Milton at gail@maaa.org.

Dr. Becker Presents...
On Sunday, March 15, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gem Theater, Kansas City jazz artists will jam for another good cause. "Jazz Outreach -- A Benefit for Swope Parkway Health Center" is a fundraiser whose proceeds will help assist the center's Outreach Department that provides health care for the homeless and HIV/AIDS services. Dr. Leslie E. Becker, a member of the Swope Parkway Health Foundation Board of Directors as well as one of the KC jazz community's best friends and boosters, is chair of the event. "Jazz Outreach will raise funds for the important work we do," says Dr. Becker. "And with this benefit, we can show that Kansas City cares about a portion of our community that's easily forgotten and ignored. At the same time, we can enjoy great jazz at an affordable price at the Gem Theater." Tickets for the benefit are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. There are also $50 VIP tickets that include a pre-show champagne tour of the Gem Theater, catered eats with the musicians (including Everette DeVan), and much more. Call 922-7606 for tickets and additional information.

Topeka Jazz Fest '98 Draws Near
Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 is set for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25 and is shaping up to be one of the country's premier straight-ahead jazz events. Scheduled to appear are national/international artists Monty Alexander, Alan Broadbent and John Bunch (piano), John Clayton and Jay Leonhart (bass), Jeff Hamilton and Jackie Williams (drums), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), John Allred and Dan Barrett (trombone), Gary Foster (alto sax), Bobby Shew and Warren Vache' (trumpet/cornet), Kenny Davern and Ken Peplowski (clarinet), Bob Kindred (tenor sax), and Nancy King (vocalist).

Topeka and KC-based jazz musicians have also been invited to perform. They include: Karrin Allyson (vocalist), Bob Bowman, Gerald Spaits and Bob Branstetter (bass), Danny Embrey (guitar), Paul Smith and Russ Long (piano), and Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin and Todd Strait (drums).

There are several levels of tickets and/or sponsorships still available. For tickets, call 1-800-949-TPAC; for additional information, call Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315.

Farewell To a Fan
If you're a patron of the Kansas City Symphony, you've no doubt enjoyed a segment called "Concert Comments" held prior to Symphony performances. In these lively briefings, host Charles Springman would offer an enthusiastic preview of what was to be heard on that day's program -- a kind of "warm up" presented in a most informative, yet accessible manner. Chuck was also a very knowledgeable connoisseur of jazz. And to receive his support -- which many of us were fortunate to enjoy -- was a compliment from a high place. When Chuck passed away on December 18, not only did the Kansas City music community lose a wonderful friend, but the world lost a kind, literate and vibrant man; a man who dearly loved all kinds of music, no matter the genre. Chuck was a fine gentleman; and he will be greatly missed.

-- Mike Metheny

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 FEBRUARY/MARCH 1998 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		A New Captain at Blues & Jazz When the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival's Peter Horak resigned last September, the search was on for an equally qualified replacement. The Festival's Board of Directors has recently announced that Greg Patterson will be the festival's new Executive Director. Patterson comes to the job with ten years experience working with the Kansas City Spirit Festival, the last three as its Development Director assisting in all areas of production and sponsor accounts. He has also initiated and maintained the festival web site, generated advertising and has organized volunteer efforts. Says Connie Humiston of the Blues & Jazz Fest, "We look upon this move as a benefit to both festivals as we share information and resources." This year's event is scheduled for July 17-19. Look for updates and news of '98 headliners in forthcoming issues of JAM. The Jazz Singer... ...is the name of a new magazine published by none other than KC's own Kevin Mahogany. Its inaugural issue came out in January and was distributed by Kevin himself at the International Association of Jazz Educators convention in New York. Says Kevin, "I realized that just about every other instrument had a magazine -- bass, drums, keyboard -- but there wasn't anything for singers. I think we have a real opportunity to fill that void." Like to subscribe? Send $20 (4 issues) to The Jazz Singer, 1712 Main, Kansas City, MO 64108. Big Band Tuesdays Big band fans now have another night of the week to look forward to. (Dean Stringer's River City Jazz Orchestra still appears the first Wednesday of each month at BB's Lawnside BBQ.) The Boulevard Big Band, directed by Michael McGraw, has signed on for Tuesdays, 8:30 to 11:00 p.m. at Pretzl's Bar & Grill, 2847 Roe in Roeland Park. "It's a really nice club for a big band," says McGraw, "and we're having a blast." Call 262-4518 for directions and related info. Good Sounds at UMKC Even though ex-Jazz Studies Director Mike Parkinson has moved on to a new gig (Chair of the Music Department at Webster University in St. Louis), jazz at the University of Missouri/Kansas City is still in good hands. Two of the area's finest reedmen, Kerry Strayer and Kim Park, are splitting the position for the rest of the school year with Strayer handling the big band duties, Park coaching small ensembles. Also, the UMKC music calendar for winter-spring '98 lists several more jazz events of note. On Sunday, February 1, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., the 21st annual George Salisbury Cabaret Concert will feature the Gerald Dunn Quartet, the Luqman Hamza Trio, Mike Ning and Sherry Jones, the Al Pearson Quartet, the UMKC Alumni Big Band, and the UMKC Student Combo (with a spotlight on recent Salisbury scholarship recipients). For tickets, call the Central Ticket Office at 235-2700. And looking at the remainder of 1997-98, there are the annual Jazz Workshops on March 30-31 (at Grant Hall), and the UMKC Conservatory Jazz Orchestra's annual spring concert on Friday, April 24 (White Hall). These events begin at 7:30 p.m. Call Concert Connection at 235-2730 for updates and additional information. A Jazzy Benefit On Sunday, February 1, there will be a jazz-studded benefit for the Raytown South High School Orchestra. "Cruise to the Music" -- hosted by KUDL's Dan Hurst -- will feature Angela Hagenbach's band which includes bassist Bob Blount, trumpeter Stan Kessler, pianist Joe Cartwright, guitarist Rod Fleeman, drummer Ryan Bennett and Hagenbach on vocals. An additional headliner will be pianist Gary Adams whose forte is Broadway show tunes. The concert takes place at Raytown South in the school auditorium, Highway 350 and Sterling, and begins at 2:00 p.m. Call 356-4367 for ticket info. Return of The McFaddens The McFadden Brothers, one of the area's more popular jazz/dance/entertainment acts, have returned to town after a lengthy stay on the road. "Two and a half years was enough," says trumpeter Lonnie McFadden, when asked about working and touring with Branson-based singer, Wayne Newton. Lonnie and brother, saxophonist Ronnie McFadden are once again calling KC home and can be heard in area clubs. Check them out February 6-7 at The Club at Plaza III and at Club 427 for a weekly McFadden Brothers Sunday Showcase. The number at The Club at Plaza III is 753-0000; for reservations at Club 427, call 421-CLUB. Finally Out of the Oven We were a little ahead of the curve by reviewing Odahoda, the new Interstring CD, in the October/November JAM; but at long last the album has finally been released on the IGMOD label. Join Interstring -- Bob Bowman, bass; Todd Strait, drums; Danny Embrey and Rod Fleeman, guitars -- for the official KC release party on Saturday, February 7, at the Blue Room, 18th & Vine. No smoking or food at the club, plenty o' parking and hip crowds... a good place to christen a CD. Two More From KCJW Another solid season for the Kansas City Jazz Workshop is wrapping up with two more tantalizing attractions. On Tuesday, February 10, singer Rebecca Parris is set to appear (recent collaborations with vibraphonist Gary Burton have put her on the map after years of dues), and on Monday, March 9, trumpeter Tiger Okoshi (also a Gary Burton alumnus) and saxophonist Cercie Miller will come to town to be backed by an all-star KC rhythm section. All three of these headliners are well-established in Boston jazz circles and have earned international reputations and credentials. KCJW concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. at UMKC's Pierson Hall. Call either 436-0318 or 737-3627 for ticket information. Learning From a Pro Saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen has played with many of music's greats including Miles Davis, Jay McShann, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Beginning February 13, he will be appearing with the Olathe North High School and Oregon Trail Junior High Jazz Bands in a week-long residency. A noon performance featuring Alaadeen and the bands is scheduled for Thursday, February 19 at the Optimist Club luncheon at the Olathe Holiday Inn. The residency will conclude on Friday, February 20, 7:30 p.m. with a gala evening concert. This final performance, showcasing Alaadeen and his work with the students, will be held at Olathe North High School, 600 E. Prairie in Olathe. The concert is free. Like to know more? Call 831-4396. Three Ladies Sing The Blues On Friday, February 27, The Club at Plaza III will swing with the sounds of Lisa Henry, Sharon James and Diane "Mama" Ray, three of the area's most visible vocalists. The Everette DeVan Quartet will provide first-rate backup for this special "Ladies Sing the Blues" event. Proceeds from the evening will go to the Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund (M.E.A.F.), a support system for area jazz musicians in need of a helping hand in times of financial difficulty. A worthy cause, indeed. Call The Club at 753-0000 for reservations and additional info. "All That Jazz" at JCCC It's always a homecoming when renowned vocalist Marilyn Maye performs in Kansas City. Decades of dues were paid here, first as the "girl singer" with Warren Durrett's Orchestra followed by a long and prosperous stay at Ralph Gaines' Colony Steak House. After her KC days, Ms. Maye went on to be, among many things, one of Johnny Carson's favorite guests, making a record number of "Tonight Show" appearances for a female singer. Catch Marilyn (backed by a stellar Kansas City big band) at Johnson County Community College on Friday-Saturday, March 6-7. Her current revue is titled "All That Jazz;" at JCCC, it will be more a case of "All That Kansas City Jazz." Call 469-4445 to reserve tickets. Jazz Conference Planned for March The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), with assistance from the Folly Theater, the 18th & Vine Authority, the Berman Music Foundation, and Kansas City jazz venues, artists and volunteers, is planning a regional jazz conference to be held at the new Kansas City Jazz Museum the weekend of March 13-14. Jazz presenters and artists from a six-state area will be invited to attend. "With the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest support for M-AAA jazz programs ending this year," says M-AAA jazz program director Gail Milton, "we want to establish a regional network for the promotion of jazz to serve both jazz presenters and jazz artists in our region. A regional conference seems like a good first step in establishing such a network as well as providing more performance opportunities for jazz artists who live in the region." This conference, with seminars and panel discussions on such topics as marketing and radio airplay, is designed for jazz presenters and artists but will be open to the public. Special features of the conference will be keynote speaker Bobby Watson, showcases by regional jazz artists, and a jam session at the Mutual Musicians Foundation. For more information about the specifics, call 421-1388 or e-mail Ms. Milton at gail@maaa.org. Dr. Becker Presents... On Sunday, March 15, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gem Theater, Kansas City jazz artists will jam for another good cause. "Jazz Outreach -- A Benefit for Swope Parkway Health Center" is a fundraiser whose proceeds will help assist the center's Outreach Department that provides health care for the homeless and HIV/AIDS services. Dr. Leslie E. Becker, a member of the Swope Parkway Health Foundation Board of Directors as well as one of the KC jazz community's best friends and boosters, is chair of the event. "Jazz Outreach will raise funds for the important work we do," says Dr. Becker. "And with this benefit, we can show that Kansas City cares about a portion of our community that's easily forgotten and ignored. At the same time, we can enjoy great jazz at an affordable price at the Gem Theater." Tickets for the benefit are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. There are also $50 VIP tickets that include a pre-show champagne tour of the Gem Theater, catered eats with the musicians (including Everette DeVan), and much more. Call 922-7606 for tickets and additional information. Topeka Jazz Fest '98 Draws Near Topeka Jazz Festival 1998 is set for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25 and is shaping up to be one of the country's premier straight-ahead jazz events. Scheduled to appear are national/international artists Monty Alexander, Alan Broadbent and John Bunch (piano), John Clayton and Jay Leonhart (bass), Jeff Hamilton and Jackie Williams (drums), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), John Allred and Dan Barrett (trombone), Gary Foster (alto sax), Bobby Shew and Warren Vache' (trumpet/cornet), Kenny Davern and Ken Peplowski (clarinet), Bob Kindred (tenor sax), and Nancy King (vocalist). Topeka and KC-based jazz musicians have also been invited to perform. They include: Karrin Allyson (vocalist), Bob Bowman, Gerald Spaits and Bob Branstetter (bass), Danny Embrey (guitar), Paul Smith and Russ Long (piano), and Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin and Todd Strait (drums). There are several levels of tickets and/or sponsorships still available. For tickets, call 1-800-949-TPAC; for additional information, call Jim Monroe at 785-267-1315. Farewell To a Fan If you're a patron of the Kansas City Symphony, you've no doubt enjoyed a segment called "Concert Comments" held prior to Symphony performances. In these lively briefings, host Charles Springman would offer an enthusiastic preview of what was to be heard on that day's program -- a kind of "warm up" presented in a most informative, yet accessible manner. Chuck was also a very knowledgeable connoisseur of jazz. And to receive his support -- which many of us were fortunate to enjoy -- was a compliment from a high place. When Chuck passed away on December 18, not only did the Kansas City music community lose a wonderful friend, but the world lost a kind, literate and vibrant man; a man who dearly loved all kinds of music, no matter the genre. Chuck was a fine gentleman; and he will be greatly missed. -- Mike Metheny 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 FEBRUARY/MARCH 1998 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.