RSS 2.0 FeedNight of half-hearted songs
Tue, May 15, 2012
Songs of love, blues, and drinking were downplayed in the wonderful, but low-keyed, jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux's appearance as the Folly Jazz Series' season closer.
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Jazz Archive
Soulful Aretha still reigns supreme
Fri, May 11, 2012
The Kauffman Center welcomed the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, to the stage on Tuesday night to an enthusiastic and appreciative capacity audience.
Standards with sauce on the side
Tue, Apr 03, 2012
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra took the Plaza by storm Friday night at Unity Temple, offering up a fresh rendition of Bobby Watson’s "Gates BBQ Suite" to nearly 1,000 hungry jazz fans.
Wee bit o' Ireland in the OP
Wed, Mar 07, 2012
Irish band Danú brought the spirit of the Emerald Isle to the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College last Saturday. Lively charm, easy humor, and remarkable musicality made the musicians and music irresistible to the near-capacity audience.
It takes a village
Mon, Mar 05, 2012
In their must-attend concert for the Folly Jazz Series, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra served as a vehicle for the tremendous talent of the musicians in a program featuring many works by the late Kansas City-native Bob Brookmeyer.
Cajun spice at the Carlsen
Sun, Feb 26, 2012
The Pine Leaf Boys brought their mixture of traditional Cajun and Creole styles with elements of folk music, jazz, blues, rock and roll, zydeco, and bluegrass to the Polsky Theatre as part of the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College.
Movers, Shakers, Stalwarts: Emily Behrmann
Wed, Jan 25, 2012
Now in its 21st season, the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College has built a reputation for high quality, diverse programming, with a schedule of visiting artists ranging from chamber ensembles and jazz quartets to international orchestras, and from one-person comedy showcases and avant-garde dance companies to grandly staged Broadway musicals. Since assuming the role of general manager in 2009, Emily Behrmann has endeavored to broaden the Series’ target audience and further expand its offerings on the stages of the JCCC’s Carlsen Center. This week, Behrmann sat down with Victor Wishna to discuss the state of the Performing Arts Series—its successes, challenges, and plans for the future—and what it means to be both “a Johnson County alternative” and an integral part of Kansas City’s growing and glowing performing-arts scene.
It's a party with Poncho
Tue, Jan 24, 2012
Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band threw quite the party out at Johnson County Community College’s Yardley Hall on Saturday night. It took the full effort of the group to overthrow the strict tenets of audience decorum and get the crowd dancing, but they succeeded, with heavy grooves, energetic rhythms, and a healthy dose of soul.
Free-spirited Freelon at the Folly
Wed, Jan 18, 2012
Acclaimed jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon makes her long overdue debut at the Folly Jazz Series with a breathtaking performance of beloved standards and takes from her most recent album, "Homefree."
Spring 2012 preview: Jazz
Wed, Dec 28, 2011
Another musical season kicks off this spring, and no Kansas City season would be complete without jazz! Check out all the different offerings, from local legends to visiting giants, the Kansas City metro area will host in the coming months.
Spring 2012 preview: Jazz
Wed, Dec 28, 2011
Another musical season kicks off this spring, and no Kansas City season would be complete without jazz! Check out all the different offerings, from local legends to visiting giants, the Kansas City metro area will host in the coming months.
Bluegrass holiday of brotherly love
Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Despite the drizzly and dreary weather, the music was sizzlin’ inside Helzberg Hall last Monday night, where DuPue Brothers Band warmed the audience with lively genre-crossing holiday cheer.
O'Connor and company diversify traditional tunes
Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Celebrated violinist Mark O’Connor brought an entourage of diverse styles and talented performers to his Folly Jazz Series appearance Saturday night for sizable, appreciative crowd.
Weinberg rocks out
Tue, Nov 15, 2011
Max Weinberg and three other rock veterans brought to life a collage of the musical styles that formed not only the careers of the musicians on stage, but shaped American rock history.
Hancock’s electronic exploration
Wed, Nov 02, 2011
In a stop on his first-ever solo tour, iconic jazz and funk keyboardist Herbie Hancock presented re-imagined and experimental versions of his original compositions to a near-capacity audience at the Lied Center of Kansas last Sunday night.
Modern twist on bebop classics
Wed, Oct 26, 2011
Over 400 fans enjoyed an uplifting concert by premier post-bop saxophonist Joe Lovano and his band Us Five at the historic, century-old Gem Theater last Friday. The event marked the beginning of the 15th season of the American Jazz Museum’s Jammin’ at the Gem Series.
PREVIEW: Herbie Hancock at the Lied
Tue, Oct 18, 2011
Although jazz lovers are fortunate with Kansas City's rich jazz culture and heritage, audiences are also treated to excellent jazz greats who continually visit the metro. Among those greats, is the inimitable musical icon Herbie Hancock who stops at the Lied Center this month on his first-ever solo tour.
Rhythm & Ribs in full swing and full of flavor
Tue, Oct 11, 2011
Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival, a Kansas City staple, offered an eclectic menu of musical delights for every taste and every age.
Lonely party for an EP release
Tue, Oct 11, 2011
Sir Threadius Mongus held strong as the band played for an intimate gathering on October's First Friday. Celebrating their newest EP, the former Tulsans join the ever-growing list of artists who now call Kansas City home.
Yellowjackets buzz into Kansas City
Wed, Oct 05, 2011
The longstanding Folly Jazz Series presented the Yellowjackets, a quartet of talented and innovated jazz musicians who also have withstood the test of time.
Experiencing the altar of cool
Wed, Oct 05, 2011
A collaboration between Miles Davis Properties and Blue Note Records, touched down for the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College’s Carlson Center last weekend with a mixed-media presentation on the life and music of Miles Davis from 1949 to 1959.
Jazz, blues, and a few local surprises
Tue, Oct 04, 2011
Talented jazz trumpeter, educator and advocate Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra shined on the Harriman-Jewell Series last Saturday night, proving Helzberg Hall isn't just for classical.
Conservatory's Kauffman debut
Tue, Oct 04, 2011
The UMKC Conservatory Concert Jazz Band and Wind Symphony performed in Helzberg Hall for the opening concert of the Conservatory Artist Series. Joined by the PRISM Quartet, the program included works by Bobby Watson, William Bolcom, and John Corigliano.
Fall 2011 preview: Amalgam experiences
Tue, Aug 30, 2011
Kansas City, true to its frontier heritage, has a scene that is pushing the boundaries of the sonic world and pioneering artistic collaborations. From the smallest galleries and grittiest bars to the shiny opulence of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City’s musicians and artists continue to forge new trails for experimental experiences combining music, dance, theatre, and film.
Fall 2011 preview: Jazz
Tue, Aug 30, 2011
You can’t start a new season of music in Kansas City without jazz! From locals to legends and combos to big bands, find out what Kansas City has in store for jazz lovers this fall.
Fall 2011 preview: Piano and organ
Tue, Aug 23, 2011
Emanuel Ax and Marc-André Hamelin are among the visiting pianists coming to Kansas City this fall. Jazz fans can catch Grammy-winning pianists Herbie Hancock and Peter Nero as well. 2011 marks Liszt's bicentennial and both UMKC and KU will present festivals in his honor. Organ aficionados will surely want to catch performances by David Briggs and Jan Kraybill.
Zen in the art of improvisation
Wed, Jul 27, 2011
River Cow Orchestra's inexplicable level of communication through spontaneous musical creation and effortless mastery is showcased in their Zen Jazz performance for the Kansas City Fringe Festival.
2011–12 Folly Jazz Series
Tue, Jun 28, 2011
Seven jazz acts will take the Folly Theatre by storm for the 2011–12 season including the Yellowjackets, Peter Nero, Mark O'Connor, Nnenna Freelon, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, John Pizzarelli Quartet, and nineteen-year-old saxophonist Grace Kelly is the Folly Jazz Spotlight artist.
Fringe Festival 2011
Tue, Jun 28, 2011
The 7th Annual KC Fringe Festival is an unfiltered, uncensored sampling of Kansas City’s cultural arts and runs July 21–31st, 2011. The 11-day festival is jam-packed with live theater, dance, performance art, visual art, spoken word, puppetry, storytelling, film and fashion.
Re-inventing Bach
Wed, Jun 08, 2011
Bobby Watson and Elizabeth Suh Lane's Bach Aria soloists mixed jazz and classical in attempts to marry the two. Though not quite third stream or Uri Caine, the results pushed both outside of their respective comfort zones.
Karrin Allyson: "Genius jazz girl"
Tue, May 10, 2011
Blending the sounds of Kansas and New York Cities, Karrin Allyson and friends closed the Folly Theater's Jazz Series on Saturday with tastes of many genres and styles.
Polycultural conversations
Tue, Apr 19, 2011
What do a banjo player, classical bassist, and Indian tabla player have in common? A lot of talent, for starters. Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain presented a concert full of jaw-dropping technique, impressive improvisatory chops and universal appeal.
Lovin' Joe Lovano and Us Five
Tue, Apr 05, 2011
Making heady jazz accessible, Joe Lovano and Us Five's two sets of recurrent themes graced the Folly Theater's stage as part of the Folly Jazz Series.
Ellis Marsalis is truly masterful
Wed, Feb 16, 2011
How often does one have the opportunity to hear an NEA Jazz Master perform in one of "DownBeat’"s best jazz venues? Jazz lovers in Kansas City enjoyed just such a chance last Friday night when venerable founding father of modern jazz Ellis Marsalis and his quartet performed at the Folly Theater.
Harriman-Jewell Series announces 2011–12 season
Wed, Feb 02, 2011
There is no shortage of stars on the Harriman-Jewell Series' 2011–12 season. Vocalists, dancers, jazz greats, pianists, and instrumentalists abound across the eighteen concerts and three performance venues: the Folly Theater and the Kauffman Center's Helzberg Hall and Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Klugh warms a cold night
Tue, Jan 18, 2011
Earl Klugh and his quartet presented an intimate concert experience to a packed audience at the Folly Theater with a program that was equal parts energetic and relaxing.
PREVIEW: Spring 2011 chamber music and jazz scene
Tue, Jan 11, 2011
Kansas City is bursting with chamber music and jazz concerts this spring. The multitude of events coming up in the metro in both categories are sure to be fun and entertaining.
Sachal’s silky smooth serenade
Tue, Dec 14, 2010
With two CDs to his credit, Chicago-native Sachal Vasandani received "DownBeat"'s 2010 Rising Star award. He channeled Sinatra in his Kansas City debut Saturday night in the Folly Jazz Series' Spotlight concert.
Swingin’ start to Christmas season
Tue, Dec 07, 2010
The Boston Brass, along with the Brass All-Stars Big Band, played a selection of holiday tunes from their albums, "Christmas Bells are Swingin’" and "The Stan Kenton Christmas Carols," at Johnson County Community College's Yardley Hall.
Still here and better than ever
Tue, Nov 02, 2010
Marilyn Maye is a high-steppin’, song-beltin’ dame! "Her Party at the Playhouse" cabaret show at Quality Hill is one for the ages.
Channeling Cab Calloway
Tue, Oct 26, 2010
Enduring neo-swing ensemble Big Bad Voodoo Daddy wows the Lied Center with their tribute to legendary band leader Cab Calloway.
Los Lobos es muy cool
Tue, Oct 12, 2010
Veteran rockers Los Lobos brings their Tejano-Mexican music to the Folly Theater in a cool, stripped-down showcase for the Cyprus Avenue Series.
Quality Hill honors lyricist Sammy Cahn
Wed, Oct 06, 2010
Though his name may not be familiar, Sammy Cahn's songs certainly are. Quality Hill Playhouse paid tribute to this legendary American songwriter in their new cabaret revue, "Come Fly With Me."
Punch Brothers perform smashing show
Tue, Oct 05, 2010
Bluegrass? Newgrass? Rockabilly honky-tonk? It doesn't matter what you call it because the Punch Brothers bludgeoned sonic convention to a pulp during their performance at the Lied Center.
Sassy celebration with Heartland Men’s Chorus
Tue, Oct 05, 2010
Glitzy and glamorous, the Heartland Men's Chorus opens their 25th season with vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway. "The Nanny" crooner brings wit and pizazz to the Folly.
Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival announces lineup for October 9
Thu, Sep 30, 2010
Kansas City’s premier jazz and blues event – Rhythm & Ribs - is just a week away, and it’s already creating good vibrations with Rhythm & Ribs Artist-in-Residence and jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton; a Donny Hathaway Tribute band featuring Kirk Whalum and guest Lalah Hathaway; and the hard-hitting, old school soul sounds of Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players.
The Bad Plus rocks the future of jazz fusion
Tue, Sep 28, 2010
The Bad Plus, in their Kansas City debut, has found its niche and is developing a new style of jazz with a progressive outlook, experimental emphasis and respect for improvisation.
PREVIEW: A night in the tropics
Fri, Sep 17, 2010
BongoTini gives audiences an aural trip to the tropics through exploring the wonderful possibilities of 1950s and 60s-inspired exotica.
First Annual Prairie Village Jazz Festival
Tue, Sep 07, 2010
The City of Prairie Village and the Prairie Village Arts Council has just announced the line-up for the inaugural Prairie Village Jazz Festival. This free event will be held on the Prairie Village Municipal Campus at Harmon Park (7700 Mission Road) on Saturday September 11 from 3:00p.m. until 9:00p.m.
JCCC announces fall Ruel Joyce Recital Series
Tue, Aug 24, 2010
The Ruel Joyce Recital Series at Johnson County Community College marks its 22nd year with another line-up of Kansas City’s finest classical musicians. The recitals, which are free and open to the public, are scheduled at noon Monday for nine weeks, Sept. 13–Nov. 8, in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center, JCCC.