JAM Magazine: December/January 1999 Issue: News and Notes

Kevin Is #1
KC-based jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany has been given yet another reason to feel good about a still-soaring career. In the 63rd annual Down Beat Reader's Poll, the singer appears as a solid first place winner in the "Male Vocalist" category, well ahead of such giants as Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Bobby McFerrin and Mel Torme'. "It's really an honor," said Kevin recently, clearly humbled by the vote. With a new and well-received CD currently climbing the charts (My Romance on Warners), Kevin Mahogany's future continues to look bright.

The First Lady Salutes "Fiddler"
At 90, Claude "Fiddler" Williams just keeps jammin'. He is also enjoying more and more recognition for an amazing career in jazz. The latest award to come Claude's way was presented by none other than Hillary Rodham Clinton on October 6 at a White House ceremony. A National Heritage Fellowship Arts Endowment award can now be added to "Fiddler's" well-deserved stash of plaques. Incidentally, the next evening "Fiddler" spoke at a banquet at the State Department, and on October 8 he performed with guitarist Joe Cohn and bassist Keter Betts in a concert with other new Heritage Fellows. NPR will be airing the program in January.

A National Honor for 18th & Vine's Executive Director
Dr. Rowena Stewart, Executive Director of the 18th & Vine Authority, was given a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the recent annual meeting of the Association of African American Museums in Birmingham, Alabama. "Dr. Stewart has been a life force in the museum field for over 23 years," Lina Stephens, Collections and Exhibition Director for the 18th & Vine Authority, told the conference attendees. "She has consistently been a strong, and often single presence insisting that African American Museums have a place and a voice in the national museum community. She has been a tireless spokesperson and an advocate for the preservation and presentation of our history and culture."

Dr. Stewart has been Executive Director of the 18th & Vine Authority for almost three years. During her tenure, construction of the Museums at 18th & Vine and renovation of the historic Gem Theater were completed. Under her direction, the Kansas City Jazz Museum and the Horace M. Peterson Visitors Center opened to national acclaim. Prior to her arrival in Kansas City, Dr. Stewart oversaw the renovation of Berry Gordy's Hitsville USA house, which is now the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, at the same time mounting a Motown exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum. Earlier in her career, she took a small African American museum in Philadelphia and turned it into one of that city's top three tourist attractions. While there, Dr. Stewart also organized an annual jazz festival that attracted more than 300,000 people.

"I am very honored by this award," Dr. Stewart said. "I've spent most of my life working in the field of African American history, and was so touched by the Association's gesture. As African Americans, we must claim our own stories and discover the sacredness in our own lives. African American museums, like those at 18th & Vine, allow us to do that."

Congrats to the Grads
On Friday, October 23 at the Gem Theater, saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen, pianist Luqman Hamza, guitarist Sonny Kenner, and brothers Lonnie and Ronnie McFadden were inducted into the Lincoln Prep High School Hall of Fame, the purpose of which is "to honor graduates of Lincoln High School, R.T. Coles and Lincoln College Preparatory Academy who have contributed significantly to their community and to provide students throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area with positive role models." Also, on Saturday, October 3, guitarist Pat Metheny (who, like Kevin Mahogany, recently nabbed a #1 in DB) received a similar honor when he became a member of the Lee's Summit High School Hall of Fame. On hand to hear Pat's magnanimous remarks was retired professor and former Lee's Summit music instructor Keith House, a source of significant inspiration for both Pat and brother Mike. Congratulations to each of the distinguished alums.

Making the Changes at The Phoenix
After eight years at the helm of the Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill, owner Ron Schoonover has handed over the reins to a new management team. Pianist Tim Whitmer, a Phoenix regular from the get-go, and Rich Denny, a former manager at Jardine's, began a new era at the venerable bistro in late October and are poised to take the jazz club into the next century. We have more about this transition; see Dean's Hampton's "Hot Licks" for additional news 'n notes.

The KCJW Adds One
The Kansas City Jazz Workshop has announced its sixth concert of the '98-99 season, a 100th birthday salute to Duke Ellington featuring the Kerry Strayer Orchestra. The concert will take place at the Downtown Marriott, 200 W. 12th on Sunday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. An added attraction will be the appearance of two featured singers, David Basse and Pat Wilson.

And while we're talking about the KCJW, here are the remaining concerts at the Marriott's 12th Street Rag Room.

Monday, February 8 -- Phil Wilson (trombone) and Jimmy Seeley (trumpet) backed by Paul Smith (piano), Danny Embrey (guitar), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums).
Tuesday, March 16 -- The Ted Rosenthal Trio featuring Rosenthal on piano. Both shows begin at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information call 436-0318 or 737-3627.

The Heartland Keeps Swingin'
Swing music is hot these days. So, the timing of "Swingtime Canteen - Christmas 1944" at the American Heartland Theater couldn't be better. The ongoing musical features over 30 hits from the 1940s including "In The Mood," "I'll Be Seeing You" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and runs through January 10. Tickets can be purchased either at the theater box office (at Crown Center) or by phone at 842-9999 (for group rates call 842-0202). Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

It's a Carol Fest!
Looking for a good way to get into the holiday spirit? In a jazzy kind of way? Look no further than the third annual "Jazz Community Carol Fest," Sunday, December 6, at the Community Christian Church, 4601 Main. Featured performers scheduled to appear include Ida McBeth, Diane "Mama" Ray, The Scamps, Michael O'Shiver, Angela Hagenbach, Tim Whitmer, Queen Bey, Joe Cartwright, Lisa Henry, Rod Fleeman, Everette DeVan, Pat Morrissey, James Albright, Rusty Tucker, Eldar Djangirov, Dave Stephens, Jurgen Welge and Kim Park. The doors open at 3:00 p.m., the music begins at 3:30. Proceeds benefit "Hurricane Relief Worldwide." Like to know more? Call 561-6531.

A New Photo Exhibit
While you're at the Community Christian Church for the Carol Fest, be sure to take in the latest exhibit by Beverly Rehkop, one of the Midwest's most prolific photographers of Kansas City jazz musicians. You may have seen Beverly's work at the Phoenix at Station Casino as well as other jazz venues around town. She now has a brand new exhibit consisting of 33 photos taken over the last two and a half years. "Live Music Tonite... Continued" runs through the end of December. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays.

Jammin' at the Gem
The Gem Theater at 18th & Vine continues to be a sterling venue for the showcasing of special jazz events. So far in '98-99, the "Jammin' at the Gem" series has presented The Jazz Messengers: The Legacy of Art Blakey, the Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of Marshall Allen, and a tribute to the late Betty Carter featuring Nnenna Freelon and Geri Allen. Next up is an appearance by drummer/bandleader T.S. Monk in which he will pay tribute to his father, the great jazz innovator and pianist Thelonious Monk. "Monk on Monk" is set for Saturday, January 16 at 8:00 p.m. To reserve tickets, call the Gem Theater at 842-1414.

Plan Now for Topeka
Topeka Jazz Festival 1999 will be here before you know it. Scheduled for Memorial Day weekend of '99 -- May 29-31 -- the festival will include, among others, Monty Alexander, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Bill Watrous, Bobby Shew, Bob Kindred and Trudy Desmond. And, as was the case with the successful inaugural festival in '98, there will be a healthy contingent of Kansas City-based jazz musicians. Look for complete coverage in upcoming issues of JAM, and, for additional information about tickets, call either 785-234-2787 or 785-267-1315. Producer, Sponsor, Patron and Single Session levels are available.

A New Singer in Town
New to KC from her former Boston base, singer Maria Perry has arrived in Kansas City with not only an available solo CD, Play It Again, Sam, but the desire to become part of the vibrant KC music scene. "I'm really looking forward to working with Kansas City's many fine jazz musicians," says Perry. Play It Again, Sam was recorded in Boston and features such notable New England jazz artists as Brad Hatfield (keyboards), Peter Kontrimas (bass) and Mike Monaghan (saxophones). There's also a ringing endorsement in the album's liner notes from Cleo Laine and John Dankworth. "...Surely the moment has now come for such a gifted pair of music-makers like Maria Perry and Mike Monaghan to be recognized for what they are: exciting and skilled performers of the very highest quality." The CD can be found at Borders (91st & Metcalf), Barnes & Noble (on the Plaza) and Streetside (on Broadway). Stay tuned to these pages for news of upcoming engagements.

Jazz Funding Is Still Available
As we reported last issue, an organization called Chamber Music America is looking for qualified jazz ensembles to apply for its Music Performance Program (MPP), a new two-year, cooperative venture between the National Endowment for the Arts and Chamber Music America, with major additional support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. As a national program, MPP will support a geographically diverse range of chamber ensembles as well as all types of instrumental and vocal configurations and repertoire from all periods. The support provided by this program is intended to "offer a means of encouraging performance opportunities that contribute to the artistic growth of not only participating chamber ensembles, but the chamber music field as a whole."

Technical and project support of up to $6000 is being offered. For more information, check Chamber Music America's website at http://www.chamber-music.org or send an e-mail to info@chamber-music.org. CMA can be contacted by phone at 212-242-2022.

David "Daahoud" Williams
1935 - 1998
As we go to press we have learned the sad news of yet another Kansas City jazz great who has passed. Bassist David "Daahoud" Williams died on Saturday, November 21 after a lengthy illness. He was 63. A memorial service and jam session was held on Friday, November 27 at Watkins Brothers Memorial Chapel. A longtime mainstay at the Mutual Musicians Foundation, Daahoud worked with everyone from Frank Smith, Jay McShann and Ahmad Alaadeen to Sonny Kenner, Luqman Hamza and the late Willie Rice. There were also appearances with such visiting luminaries as Herbie Hancock and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. A complete profile of Daahoud's distinguished career in jazz can be found at the JAM website. R.I.P.

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 DECEMBER/JANUARY 1999 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		Kevin Is #1 KC-based jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany has been given yet another reason to feel good about a still-soaring career. In the 63rd annual Down Beat Reader's Poll, the singer appears as a solid first place winner in the "Male Vocalist" category, well ahead of such giants as Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Bobby McFerrin and Mel Torme'. "It's really an honor," said Kevin recently, clearly humbled by the vote. With a new and well-received CD currently climbing the charts (My Romance on Warners), Kevin Mahogany's future continues to look bright. The First Lady Salutes "Fiddler" At 90, Claude "Fiddler" Williams just keeps jammin'. He is also enjoying more and more recognition for an amazing career in jazz. The latest award to come Claude's way was presented by none other than Hillary Rodham Clinton on October 6 at a White House ceremony. A National Heritage Fellowship Arts Endowment award can now be added to "Fiddler's" well-deserved stash of plaques. Incidentally, the next evening "Fiddler" spoke at a banquet at the State Department, and on October 8 he performed with guitarist Joe Cohn and bassist Keter Betts in a concert with other new Heritage Fellows. NPR will be airing the program in January. A National Honor for 18th & Vine's Executive Director Dr. Rowena Stewart, Executive Director of the 18th & Vine Authority, was given a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the recent annual meeting of the Association of African American Museums in Birmingham, Alabama. "Dr. Stewart has been a life force in the museum field for over 23 years," Lina Stephens, Collections and Exhibition Director for the 18th & Vine Authority, told the conference attendees. "She has consistently been a strong, and often single presence insisting that African American Museums have a place and a voice in the national museum community. She has been a tireless spokesperson and an advocate for the preservation and presentation of our history and culture." Dr. Stewart has been Executive Director of the 18th & Vine Authority for almost three years. During her tenure, construction of the Museums at 18th & Vine and renovation of the historic Gem Theater were completed. Under her direction, the Kansas City Jazz Museum and the Horace M. Peterson Visitors Center opened to national acclaim. Prior to her arrival in Kansas City, Dr. Stewart oversaw the renovation of Berry Gordy's Hitsville USA house, which is now the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, at the same time mounting a Motown exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum. Earlier in her career, she took a small African American museum in Philadelphia and turned it into one of that city's top three tourist attractions. While there, Dr. Stewart also organized an annual jazz festival that attracted more than 300,000 people. "I am very honored by this award," Dr. Stewart said. "I've spent most of my life working in the field of African American history, and was so touched by the Association's gesture. As African Americans, we must claim our own stories and discover the sacredness in our own lives. African American museums, like those at 18th & Vine, allow us to do that." Congrats to the Grads On Friday, October 23 at the Gem Theater, saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen, pianist Luqman Hamza, guitarist Sonny Kenner, and brothers Lonnie and Ronnie McFadden were inducted into the Lincoln Prep High School Hall of Fame, the purpose of which is "to honor graduates of Lincoln High School, R.T. Coles and Lincoln College Preparatory Academy who have contributed significantly to their community and to provide students throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area with positive role models." Also, on Saturday, October 3, guitarist Pat Metheny (who, like Kevin Mahogany, recently nabbed a #1 in DB) received a similar honor when he became a member of the Lee's Summit High School Hall of Fame. On hand to hear Pat's magnanimous remarks was retired professor and former Lee's Summit music instructor Keith House, a source of significant inspiration for both Pat and brother Mike. Congratulations to each of the distinguished alums. Making the Changes at The Phoenix After eight years at the helm of the Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill, owner Ron Schoonover has handed over the reins to a new management team. Pianist Tim Whitmer, a Phoenix regular from the get-go, and Rich Denny, a former manager at Jardine's, began a new era at the venerable bistro in late October and are poised to take the jazz club into the next century. We have more about this transition; see Dean's Hampton's "Hot Licks" for additional news 'n notes. The KCJW Adds One The Kansas City Jazz Workshop has announced its sixth concert of the '98-99 season, a 100th birthday salute to Duke Ellington featuring the Kerry Strayer Orchestra. The concert will take place at the Downtown Marriott, 200 W. 12th on Sunday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. An added attraction will be the appearance of two featured singers, David Basse and Pat Wilson. And while we're talking about the KCJW, here are the remaining concerts at the Marriott's 12th Street Rag Room. Monday, February 8 -- Phil Wilson (trombone) and Jimmy Seeley (trumpet) backed by Paul Smith (piano), Danny Embrey (guitar), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). Tuesday, March 16 -- The Ted Rosenthal Trio featuring Rosenthal on piano. Both shows begin at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information call 436-0318 or 737-3627. The Heartland Keeps Swingin' Swing music is hot these days. So, the timing of "Swingtime Canteen - Christmas 1944" at the American Heartland Theater couldn't be better. The ongoing musical features over 30 hits from the 1940s including "In The Mood," "I'll Be Seeing You" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and runs through January 10. Tickets can be purchased either at the theater box office (at Crown Center) or by phone at 842-9999 (for group rates call 842-0202). Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m. It's a Carol Fest! Looking for a good way to get into the holiday spirit? In a jazzy kind of way? Look no further than the third annual "Jazz Community Carol Fest," Sunday, December 6, at the Community Christian Church, 4601 Main. Featured performers scheduled to appear include Ida McBeth, Diane "Mama" Ray, The Scamps, Michael O'Shiver, Angela Hagenbach, Tim Whitmer, Queen Bey, Joe Cartwright, Lisa Henry, Rod Fleeman, Everette DeVan, Pat Morrissey, James Albright, Rusty Tucker, Eldar Djangirov, Dave Stephens, Jurgen Welge and Kim Park. The doors open at 3:00 p.m., the music begins at 3:30. Proceeds benefit "Hurricane Relief Worldwide." Like to know more? Call 561-6531. A New Photo Exhibit While you're at the Community Christian Church for the Carol Fest, be sure to take in the latest exhibit by Beverly Rehkop, one of the Midwest's most prolific photographers of Kansas City jazz musicians. You may have seen Beverly's work at the Phoenix at Station Casino as well as other jazz venues around town. She now has a brand new exhibit consisting of 33 photos taken over the last two and a half years. "Live Music Tonite... Continued" runs through the end of December. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Jammin' at the Gem The Gem Theater at 18th & Vine continues to be a sterling venue for the showcasing of special jazz events. So far in '98-99, the "Jammin' at the Gem" series has presented The Jazz Messengers: The Legacy of Art Blakey, the Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of Marshall Allen, and a tribute to the late Betty Carter featuring Nnenna Freelon and Geri Allen. Next up is an appearance by drummer/bandleader T.S. Monk in which he will pay tribute to his father, the great jazz innovator and pianist Thelonious Monk. "Monk on Monk" is set for Saturday, January 16 at 8:00 p.m. To reserve tickets, call the Gem Theater at 842-1414. Plan Now for Topeka Topeka Jazz Festival 1999 will be here before you know it. Scheduled for Memorial Day weekend of '99 -- May 29-31 -- the festival will include, among others, Monty Alexander, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Bill Watrous, Bobby Shew, Bob Kindred and Trudy Desmond. And, as was the case with the successful inaugural festival in '98, there will be a healthy contingent of Kansas City-based jazz musicians. Look for complete coverage in upcoming issues of JAM, and, for additional information about tickets, call either 785-234-2787 or 785-267-1315. Producer, Sponsor, Patron and Single Session levels are available. A New Singer in Town New to KC from her former Boston base, singer Maria Perry has arrived in Kansas City with not only an available solo CD, Play It Again, Sam, but the desire to become part of the vibrant KC music scene. "I'm really looking forward to working with Kansas City's many fine jazz musicians," says Perry. Play It Again, Sam was recorded in Boston and features such notable New England jazz artists as Brad Hatfield (keyboards), Peter Kontrimas (bass) and Mike Monaghan (saxophones). There's also a ringing endorsement in the album's liner notes from Cleo Laine and John Dankworth. "...Surely the moment has now come for such a gifted pair of music-makers like Maria Perry and Mike Monaghan to be recognized for what they are: exciting and skilled performers of the very highest quality." The CD can be found at Borders (91st & Metcalf), Barnes & Noble (on the Plaza) and Streetside (on Broadway). Stay tuned to these pages for news of upcoming engagements. Jazz Funding Is Still Available As we reported last issue, an organization called Chamber Music America is looking for qualified jazz ensembles to apply for its Music Performance Program (MPP), a new two-year, cooperative venture between the National Endowment for the Arts and Chamber Music America, with major additional support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. As a national program, MPP will support a geographically diverse range of chamber ensembles as well as all types of instrumental and vocal configurations and repertoire from all periods. The support provided by this program is intended to "offer a means of encouraging performance opportunities that contribute to the artistic growth of not only participating chamber ensembles, but the chamber music field as a whole." Technical and project support of up to $6000 is being offered. For more information, check Chamber Music America's website at http://www.chamber-music.org or send an e-mail to info@chamber-music.org. CMA can be contacted by phone at 212-242-2022. David "Daahoud" Williams 1935 - 1998 As we go to press we have learned the sad news of yet another Kansas City jazz great who has passed. Bassist David "Daahoud" Williams died on Saturday, November 21 after a lengthy illness. He was 63. A memorial service and jam session was held on Friday, November 27 at Watkins Brothers Memorial Chapel. A longtime mainstay at the Mutual Musicians Foundation, Daahoud worked with everyone from Frank Smith, Jay McShann and Ahmad Alaadeen to Sonny Kenner, Luqman Hamza and the late Willie Rice. There were also appearances with such visiting luminaries as Herbie Hancock and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. A complete profile of Daahoud's distinguished career in jazz can be found at the JAM website. R.I.P. 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 DECEMBER/JANUARY 1999 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.