KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Since the early 20th century, Kansas City has been synonymous with jazz. Today, those roots still run deep.
The genre is as vibrant as ever, fueling more than 40 jazz and fine-dining venues every night of the week.
That sounds like a reason to celebrate.
Today, International Jazz Day is being recognized in hundreds of cities and countries around the world, especially in Kansas City.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the day back in 2011 to highlight jazz across the globe. Since then, Kansas City has become America’s only UNESCO City of Music.
Whether you’re new to the jazz scene or a jam session regular, there’s something new for everyone on International Jazz Day—and every day—in Kansas City.
KC JAZZ CLUBS
Dozens of Kansas City-area nightclubs and venues feature jazz on a regular basis. Here are just a few that have become increasingly popular.
The Phoenix
Swing band fans who prefer the a.m. hours should seek out the Phoenix, which hosts jazz brunch every Sunday morning.
Green Lady Lounge
Known for its vibrant scene and original music, the Green Lady Lounge has become a modern favorite for jazz lovers in KC.
The Blue Room
Located inside the American Jazz Museum, the Blue Room regularly hosts some of the best musicians in the area, making it a can’t-miss attraction.
Mutual Musicians Foundation
Don’t want the night to end? Look no further than the historic Mutual Musicians Foundation, which is home to after-hours jam sessions that last into the early hours of the morning.
The Majestic
This classic steakhouse is also home to a jazz club and has roots as a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Enjoy live performances seven nights a week at the Majestic.
KANSAS CITY, HERE I COME
The fun doesn’t stop there. No matter when you visit Kansas City, there are plenty of ways to learn about its historical connection to jazz music.
Visit the American Jazz Museum
The American Jazz Museum at 18th and Vine streets honors the careers and legacies of KC’s jazz greats while also celebrating jazz as an original American art form.
Check out the Charlie Parker Memorial
Located nearby is the Charlie Parker Memorial, a stunning sculpture that pays tribute to one of the city’s legendary jazz sons.
KC Jazz Orchestra
This internationally acclaimed jazz band jams to familiar favorites and contemporary creations alike. Catch the KC Jazz Orchestra performing at the Kauffman Center and Folly Theater throughout the year.
Brush up on your jazz slang and history
Even if you don’t have the chops to wail in a jam session, you can still read up about the history of jazz, especially in Kansas City, and study up on your jazz lingo.
About Visit KC
Headquartered in Downtown Kansas City, Visit KC is the chief hospitality sales and marketing organization for the region. With a mission of creating global passion for Kansas City, Visit KC collaborates with nearly 1,000 community partners to drive the marketing, sales and service of the destination’s convention and tourism industry — a sector that supports more than 41,000 local jobs. For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.
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