JAM Magazine: June/July 1999 Issue: President's Corner

The Crescent City Loves Ida...
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, now in its 35th year, is one of the big ones. And its '99 edition provided a major boost to one of KC's own. "I didn't realize what a big deal it all would be," says singer Ida McBeth about the enthusiastic response she and her band received on May 2, the final day of the event. "We played for a sea of people; they were calling out my name and everything!" McBeth and company (including KC's Wayne Hawkins on piano and Max Berry on bass) appeared on the festival's "House of Blues Stage," one of eleven that showcased over 6000 musicians April 24 through May 2. "Our set was also broadcast live on the internet," says Ida, "which was such an honor. We were one of the few that got that exposure." Ida credits local radio station and festival sponsor WWOZ 102.9 for its role in putting her band on the 'net. McBeth was also joined by two New Orleans musicians who apparently fit right in. "Herman LaBeaux was our drummer, and the tenor player was named 'Mr. Breeze.' That's all I know about him! They both sounded great." Ultimately, though, it was the audience response that left McBeth practically speechless. "The people were actually coming from the other stages to hear us. It made me feel so good."

...And The City of Lights Loves Karrin
Another area vocalist also did KC proud while on the road in April-May. From April 19 through May 1, Concord recording artist Karrin Allyson worked the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at Le Meridien Hotel in Paris to enthusiastic crowds. Fellow KC musicians Paul Smith (piano) and Danny Embrey (guitar) were joined by locals Luigi Trussardi (bass) and Philippe Columbelle (drums) for the successful 12 night stand. "We had a great time," says Karrin. "I'd like to make (the gig) an annual event." On a related note, Karrin recently completed a new album for Concord that is part French music, part Brazilian. Stay tuned to these pages for news about its release.

The KCJW For 1999-2000
The concert series for the 1999-2000 Kansas City Jazz Workshop has been announced. And, as always, it's an attractive lineup of established talent and TDWR backed by KC all-stars.

September 13 -- Peter Appleyard, vibes; with Joe Cartwright (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums)
October 4 -- Weslia Whitfield, vocalist and Mike Greensill, piano, with Bob Bowman (bass)
November 8 -- Holly Hofmann, flute, and Bill Cunliff, piano
February 7 -- Pete Christlieb and Rickey Woodard, tenor saxophones; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums)
March 6 -- Giacomo Gates, vocalist; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums)
An additional concert will be announced at a later date.

All KCJW concerts are on Monday evenings, begin at 7:00 p.m., and take place in the intimate surroundings of the Downtown Marriott's "12th Street Rag Room," 12th & Central. Single concert tickets are available at the door, subject to availability; season ticket holders receive free parking in the Marriott Garage. Like to know more? Call 436-0318 or 737-3627.

"One More Time!"
...is the title of the latest CD from veteran jazz trombonist Arch Martin and longtime collaborator/tenor saxophonist Ed Dix, both of whom have deep KC roots going back to their days as members of the acclaimed Warren Durrett Orchestra (Durrett is the CD's producer.) Arch and Ed will celebrate the recording's official christening with two gigs the first weekend in June: Friday, June 4, at the Blue Room at 18th & Vine, and Saturday, June 5 at Jardine's, 4536 Main. Rounding out the group will be Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). Call the respective clubs for additional info.

Honoring Hawk (Times Two)
There are two special events in June celebrating the legacy of tenor saxophonist and St. Joseph native, Coleman Hawkins. First up is Hawkfest '99: the Annual Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival, Saturday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Topeka. Now in its fourth year, the '99 Hawkfest will feature trumpeter Marcus Belgrave backed by the B-Groove Trio from Lawrence, legendary violinist Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Rufus Harley on jazz bag-pipes (oh?) and saxes, tenor saxophonist Dan St. Marseille and bassist Louis Spears (backed by KC's Danny Embrey and Todd Strait), the Dennis Mitchelltree Quartet lead by the New York saxophonist, and performances by Dan Kozak Jazz, Leroy Gavin, poet Joan Hamm and other special guests. The festival will conclude with an open jam in which students and musicians (pro & am) will be invited to sit in. This event is free (donations will be accepted), open to the public and takes place at 8th & Tyler in downtown Topeka. Call 785-234-0430 for more info.

Then on Saturday, June 12, Hawk's hometown will present the 1st Annual Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival in Felix Street Square, downtown St. Joseph. Featured artists will include vocalist Lisa Henry backed by organist Everette DeVan, jazz/funk/blues band Boko Maru, saxophonist Horace Washington, pianist Frank Smith, KU's Einstein Electric Swing Band, The Four, the Ray Alburn Big Band and the River City Saints. The music runs from noon 'til 10:30 p.m. The info number is 816-233-4640.

Celebrating Juneteenth at Club Mardi Gras
In conjunction with annual Juneteenth Celebrations, Club Mardi Gras at 19th & Vine will be presenting trumpeter Nicolas Payton for two shows on Friday, June 18. The history of Juneteenth dates back to the Civil War and remains to this day a commemoration of the emancipation of black slaves in post-Civil War Texas. Payton's KC appearance should add a note of jazz virtuosity to the celebration. KCUR is sponsoring the shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Call 842-8463 for ticket information.

Put On Those Tap Shoes!
After a successful "Jazz/Tap Jam" at Charlie's Lodge (7953 State Line), on May 2, tapper Billie Mahoney will return to Charlie's on Sunday, June 27, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., for an encore jam. Rounding out the group will be veteran jazz musicians Mike Ning (keyboards) and Mike Thompson (drums). "All tap dancers and jazz musicians are invited to join in." says Mahoney. "Last time the tap dancers challenged the musicians to fours and eights; much fun was had by all." For more info, call 333-7935.

A KC Homecoming...
Pianist Jo Ann Daugherty is returning to Kansas City in July with her trio (including Kansas City native Ryan Bennett on drums) for the first time since moving to Chicago last October. "Chicago is full of great opportunities," Daugherty says, "but I can't wait to get back home and play again. The music in Kansas City has a unique thing that swings harder than just about anywhere else on the planet." You'll have plenty of opportunities to see this dynamic young group during the first week of July. Their schedule includes dates at Club 427 on July 1, 210 at Fedora with Lisa Henry on July 2, Club 427 with Stan Kessler on July 3, the Powell Gardens annual Day Lily Festival July 3 and 4, and the Blue Room with Stan Kessler on July 5. Call the respective venues for additional information.

...And a Rare KC Club Date
The petite redhead, Kristi Tucker, who was "literally born in a trunk" (traveling around the globe with her mother, singer Marilyn Maye) will soon be returning to her roots in the Kansas City jazz scene. After years of living in New York and a career spent in theatres there and across the country, the singer/dancer/actress will be making special appearances at Jardine's on July 16, July 30 and August 21 with the Gary Sivils Quartet featuring Paul Smith on piano. Kristi was barely out of her teens the first time she sang with this great group of musicians at KC's Playboy Club and their reunion promises to be one of fun and good jazz. Local audiences will remember Kristi from her numerous appearances at The Quality Hill Playhouse and her starring portrayal of Adelaide in the New Theatre's most successful show to date, "Guys and Dolls."

A Don't-Miss Arts Conference
The 12th annual Midwest Arts Conference is coming to KC. As one of the largest booking and education conferences for the performing arts in the country, this three day event, September 16-18, will offer numerous opportunities to connect and network and will include seminars, showcases, workshops and roundtables. There is even a field trip called "Jazz Presenting 101" that will take participants on a "jazz dine-around and club visit" after a tour of the American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine. Advance registration deadline for most participants is August 25. For further information, call Beth Van Dam at 612-341-0755 (ext. 17).

"Jazzin' & Cruisin' for Over Ten Years..."
...Which is just what Norwegian Cruise Lines is happy to announce they've been doing, all while featuring some of the hottest names in jazz. This year, November 6-13, NCL will team with Travelnet Concepts and Twentieth Century Travel to present a "Smooth Jazz Cruise" aboard the S/S Norway. And a star-studded cruise it will be. Scheduled to appear are The Rippingtons, pianist Keiko Matsui, guitarist Ken Navarro, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, guitarist/songwriter Craig Chaquico, guitarist Denny Jiosa and many others. Mable G of 106.5 will be one of the hosts. To reserve a cabin for this jazz cruise of the western Caribbean, call Twentieth Century Travel at 753-4410, or 1-800-659-4410 if you're calling from out of town.

An Award For Mr. Avakian
JAM contributor and AFJS Awards Chairman Floyd Levin tells us that veteran jazz historian/writer/producer George Avakian will become the eighth recipient of the American Federation of Jazz Societies' Annual Benny Carter Award. The award, a bronze likeness of jazz great Carter, will be presented during "Jazzfest '99," June 26-27, at Fairleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey, an event that will also commemorate the 100th birthday anniversaries of Duke Ellington and Hoagy Carmichael. The first Carter award was presented to Benny Carter himself in 1990. Since then, the AFJS has honored Milt Jackson, Jess Stacy, Milt Gabler, KC's Jay McShann, Spiegle Wilcox and George Van Eps. "Jazzfest" is produced by the New Jersey Jazz Society, a founding member of the AFJS.

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 JUNE 1999 MAIN INDEX

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






	Search our site:		The Crescent City Loves Ida... The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, now in its 35th year, is one of the big ones. And its '99 edition provided a major boost to one of KC's own. "I didn't realize what a big deal it all would be," says singer Ida McBeth about the enthusiastic response she and her band received on May 2, the final day of the event. "We played for a sea of people; they were calling out my name and everything!" McBeth and company (including KC's Wayne Hawkins on piano and Max Berry on bass) appeared on the festival's "House of Blues Stage," one of eleven that showcased over 6000 musicians April 24 through May 2. "Our set was also broadcast live on the internet," says Ida, "which was such an honor. We were one of the few that got that exposure." Ida credits local radio station and festival sponsor WWOZ 102.9 for its role in putting her band on the 'net. McBeth was also joined by two New Orleans musicians who apparently fit right in. "Herman LaBeaux was our drummer, and the tenor player was named 'Mr. Breeze.' That's all I know about him! They both sounded great." Ultimately, though, it was the audience response that left McBeth practically speechless. "The people were actually coming from the other stages to hear us. It made me feel so good." ...And The City of Lights Loves Karrin Another area vocalist also did KC proud while on the road in April-May. From April 19 through May 1, Concord recording artist Karrin Allyson worked the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at Le Meridien Hotel in Paris to enthusiastic crowds. Fellow KC musicians Paul Smith (piano) and Danny Embrey (guitar) were joined by locals Luigi Trussardi (bass) and Philippe Columbelle (drums) for the successful 12 night stand. "We had a great time," says Karrin. "I'd like to make (the gig) an annual event." On a related note, Karrin recently completed a new album for Concord that is part French music, part Brazilian. Stay tuned to these pages for news about its release. The KCJW For 1999-2000 The concert series for the 1999-2000 Kansas City Jazz Workshop has been announced. And, as always, it's an attractive lineup of established talent and TDWR backed by KC all-stars. September 13 -- Peter Appleyard, vibes; with Joe Cartwright (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums) October 4 -- Weslia Whitfield, vocalist and Mike Greensill, piano, with Bob Bowman (bass) November 8 -- Holly Hofmann, flute, and Bill Cunliff, piano February 7 -- Pete Christlieb and Rickey Woodard, tenor saxophones; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums) March 6 -- Giacomo Gates, vocalist; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums) An additional concert will be announced at a later date. All KCJW concerts are on Monday evenings, begin at 7:00 p.m., and take place in the intimate surroundings of the Downtown Marriott's "12th Street Rag Room," 12th & Central. Single concert tickets are available at the door, subject to availability; season ticket holders receive free parking in the Marriott Garage. Like to know more? Call 436-0318 or 737-3627. "One More Time!" ...is the title of the latest CD from veteran jazz trombonist Arch Martin and longtime collaborator/tenor saxophonist Ed Dix, both of whom have deep KC roots going back to their days as members of the acclaimed Warren Durrett Orchestra (Durrett is the CD's producer.) Arch and Ed will celebrate the recording's official christening with two gigs the first weekend in June: Friday, June 4, at the Blue Room at 18th & Vine, and Saturday, June 5 at Jardine's, 4536 Main. Rounding out the group will be Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). Call the respective clubs for additional info. Honoring Hawk (Times Two) There are two special events in June celebrating the legacy of tenor saxophonist and St. Joseph native, Coleman Hawkins. First up is Hawkfest '99: the Annual Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival, Saturday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Topeka. Now in its fourth year, the '99 Hawkfest will feature trumpeter Marcus Belgrave backed by the B-Groove Trio from Lawrence, legendary violinist Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Rufus Harley on jazz bag-pipes (oh?) and saxes, tenor saxophonist Dan St. Marseille and bassist Louis Spears (backed by KC's Danny Embrey and Todd Strait), the Dennis Mitchelltree Quartet lead by the New York saxophonist, and performances by Dan Kozak Jazz, Leroy Gavin, poet Joan Hamm and other special guests. The festival will conclude with an open jam in which students and musicians (pro & am) will be invited to sit in. This event is free (donations will be accepted), open to the public and takes place at 8th & Tyler in downtown Topeka. Call 785-234-0430 for more info. Then on Saturday, June 12, Hawk's hometown will present the 1st Annual Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival in Felix Street Square, downtown St. Joseph. Featured artists will include vocalist Lisa Henry backed by organist Everette DeVan, jazz/funk/blues band Boko Maru, saxophonist Horace Washington, pianist Frank Smith, KU's Einstein Electric Swing Band, The Four, the Ray Alburn Big Band and the River City Saints. The music runs from noon 'til 10:30 p.m. The info number is 816-233-4640. Celebrating Juneteenth at Club Mardi Gras In conjunction with annual Juneteenth Celebrations, Club Mardi Gras at 19th & Vine will be presenting trumpeter Nicolas Payton for two shows on Friday, June 18. The history of Juneteenth dates back to the Civil War and remains to this day a commemoration of the emancipation of black slaves in post-Civil War Texas. Payton's KC appearance should add a note of jazz virtuosity to the celebration. KCUR is sponsoring the shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Call 842-8463 for ticket information. Put On Those Tap Shoes! After a successful "Jazz/Tap Jam" at Charlie's Lodge (7953 State Line), on May 2, tapper Billie Mahoney will return to Charlie's on Sunday, June 27, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., for an encore jam. Rounding out the group will be veteran jazz musicians Mike Ning (keyboards) and Mike Thompson (drums). "All tap dancers and jazz musicians are invited to join in." says Mahoney. "Last time the tap dancers challenged the musicians to fours and eights; much fun was had by all." For more info, call 333-7935. A KC Homecoming... Pianist Jo Ann Daugherty is returning to Kansas City in July with her trio (including Kansas City native Ryan Bennett on drums) for the first time since moving to Chicago last October. "Chicago is full of great opportunities," Daugherty says, "but I can't wait to get back home and play again. The music in Kansas City has a unique thing that swings harder than just about anywhere else on the planet." You'll have plenty of opportunities to see this dynamic young group during the first week of July. Their schedule includes dates at Club 427 on July 1, 210 at Fedora with Lisa Henry on July 2, Club 427 with Stan Kessler on July 3, the Powell Gardens annual Day Lily Festival July 3 and 4, and the Blue Room with Stan Kessler on July 5. Call the respective venues for additional information. ...And a Rare KC Club Date The petite redhead, Kristi Tucker, who was "literally born in a trunk" (traveling around the globe with her mother, singer Marilyn Maye) will soon be returning to her roots in the Kansas City jazz scene. After years of living in New York and a career spent in theatres there and across the country, the singer/dancer/actress will be making special appearances at Jardine's on July 16, July 30 and August 21 with the Gary Sivils Quartet featuring Paul Smith on piano. Kristi was barely out of her teens the first time she sang with this great group of musicians at KC's Playboy Club and their reunion promises to be one of fun and good jazz. Local audiences will remember Kristi from her numerous appearances at The Quality Hill Playhouse and her starring portrayal of Adelaide in the New Theatre's most successful show to date, "Guys and Dolls." A Don't-Miss Arts Conference The 12th annual Midwest Arts Conference is coming to KC. As one of the largest booking and education conferences for the performing arts in the country, this three day event, September 16-18, will offer numerous opportunities to connect and network and will include seminars, showcases, workshops and roundtables. There is even a field trip called "Jazz Presenting 101" that will take participants on a "jazz dine-around and club visit" after a tour of the American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine. Advance registration deadline for most participants is August 25. For further information, call Beth Van Dam at 612-341-0755 (ext. 17). "Jazzin' & Cruisin' for Over Ten Years..." ...Which is just what Norwegian Cruise Lines is happy to announce they've been doing, all while featuring some of the hottest names in jazz. This year, November 6-13, NCL will team with Travelnet Concepts and Twentieth Century Travel to present a "Smooth Jazz Cruise" aboard the S/S Norway. And a star-studded cruise it will be. Scheduled to appear are The Rippingtons, pianist Keiko Matsui, guitarist Ken Navarro, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, guitarist/songwriter Craig Chaquico, guitarist Denny Jiosa and many others. Mable G of 106.5 will be one of the hosts. To reserve a cabin for this jazz cruise of the western Caribbean, call Twentieth Century Travel at 753-4410, or 1-800-659-4410 if you're calling from out of town. An Award For Mr. Avakian JAM contributor and AFJS Awards Chairman Floyd Levin tells us that veteran jazz historian/writer/producer George Avakian will become the eighth recipient of the American Federation of Jazz Societies' Annual Benny Carter Award. The award, a bronze likeness of jazz great Carter, will be presented during "Jazzfest '99," June 26-27, at Fairleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey, an event that will also commemorate the 100th birthday anniversaries of Duke Ellington and Hoagy Carmichael. The first Carter award was presented to Benny Carter himself in 1990. Since then, the AFJS has honored Milt Jackson, Jess Stacy, Milt Gabler, KC's Jay McShann, Spiegle Wilcox and George Van Eps. "Jazzfest" is produced by the New Jersey Jazz Society, a founding member of the AFJS. 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 JUNE 1999 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.