JAM: October/November 2000 Issue: Jazz Snaps

Jazz Snaps

THE KC BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL
At last, after previous years of sweltering heat, perfect weather was the real star of this annual mid-July fete. A sumptuous variety of musical styles provided something for everyone, attendance was steady and strong, and the KC Jazz Ambassadors moved mucho merchandise and brew, all in the name of "the development and promotion of Kansas City jazz." Good times and good sounds (courtesy of many, including those pictured) were enjoyed by all.

(photos by Bill Williams)

Duck Warner CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE	Myra Taylor CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE
Greg Meise CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE	Jay McShann CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE

THE BATTLE OF THE SAXES!
On August 17, all-star KC saxophonists Gerald Dunn, Jim Mair, Hal Melia and Bobby Watson revved things up at the Grand Emporium, all for a good cause: a nice chunk of change was raised for MEAF, the Musicians Emergency Assistance Fund. Thanks, guys. (And thanks to Paul Smith on piano, Gerald Spaits on bass, and Tommy Ruskin on drums for solid backup.)

Bobby Watson CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE	Gerald Dunn CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE
Jim Mair CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE	Hal Melia CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE

NARAS Comes to KC

Then, on August 19, there was another gathering of like minds in the name of Kansas City jazz at KC's newly resurrected Union Station. Sponsored by Van Kampen Funds and presented by the Chicago chapter of NARAS (The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences), the day featured plenty of jazz-related talks, panels and performances. (Musicians from Paseo Academy, Alaadeen and Group 21, and Bobby Watson were among those on hand.) Said Loren Riegelhaupt of NARAS, "The event was a wonderful success. I am optimistic about a wonderful future working with Kansas City."

Pictured, left to right are: weathercaster/percussionist Brian Busby, NARAS' Chicago Chapter president Neil Tesser, Bobby Watson, Dr. Ronnell Bright, Ahmad Alaadeen, Myra Taylor, and panel moderator Chuck Berg

Bobby Watson on August 19.
(He's everywhere these days!)