RSS 2.0 FeedOctober 12, 2011, Cover Stories, Jazz
Rhythm & Ribs in full swing and full of flavor
Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival, a Kansas City staple, offered an eclectic menu of musical delights for every taste and every age.
It seems unconscionable to think that jazz music would struggle with finding sufficient funding in Kansas City. After all the ups and downs and cancelations experienced in the last few days, Rhythm & Ribs seemed to find its groove once again.
Voted 2011 KC Visitor Choice Award Winner: Best Festival (Rhythm & Ribs) and Best Jazz Venue (The Blue Room), 2011 Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival presented a whole-day musical extravaganza for hungry ears.
The American Jazz Museum in the 18th and Vine jazz district set three stages for the event that welcomed variety of musical styles from reggae to funk, classic, and modern jazz. Some of the headliners of the festival included Christian McBride and Inside Straight, Charlie Hunter, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Greg Gisbert, and WAR.
As the exuberance slowly filled the air, KC Youth Jazz Program from American Jazz Institute opened the festival with popular jazz standards on the Atrium Stage, and played with gusto and maturity. What a way to start the day with a showcase of Kansas City’s young talent, and prove that the future of jazz is in capable hands.
The program of the day was scheduled to give participants enough time and opportunity to check out the events on all three stages. After the kick-start on the Atrium Stage, Touch of Class took stage on The Blue Room and presented an intimate set as the singer Pat Lyons-Cox's voice filled the every inch of the room with remarkable sensitivity and control.
The Wee-Bop room in the American Jazz Museum was also set up with special activities for kids. Bassist, composer, and educator, Christian McBride gave a master class for youngsters, however the initial profile of participants were adult fans and musicians who wanted to gain insight from the extraordinary bassist. McBride greeted the participants, "It's great to be back in Kansas City. It's been one of my favorite towns." With the appearance of the students from the Toni Oliver School of Music, the master class took on a more joyful turn. Young musicians fired up questions about music and musicianship as McBride enthusiastically shared his wisdom. Upon being challenged on whether or not he can actually play the bass, McBride played “You're My Sun Shine” which was accompanied by, first the soulful voice of Ms. Toni Oliver and then the rest of the attendees, proving to the young skeptics that he indeed could play the instrument.
The day of jazz continued in full swing. As the chairs, blankets, and tents were set up on the large back lawn, the Main Stage proudly presented some of the headliners. With thousands of jazz fans spread over the grounds, the scene was nothing short of a rock concert.
After the presenter's welcome address, congratulation messages from the sponsor and acknowledgments of Mayor Sly James, KARMA took the stage followed by Christian McBride and Inside Straight with a cameo by Bobby Watson that delightfully surprised the audience. The veterans, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and WAR continued to shake the stage until midnight.
The Blue Room presented Charlie Hunter and Rob Scheps/Roger Wilder Quintet featuring Greg Gisbert as the closing numbers. Charlie Hunter impressed the crowed with his 7-string guitar and incomprehensible accuracy and technique. Renowned trumpet player Gisbert remarked, "I am very excited about the festival. All the musicians are so friendly and the vibe is great."
Of course, the second half of Rhythm & Ribs is worth mentioning: ribs. Vendors were set up to provide food and barbecue along with drinks and refreshments throughout the day. I couldn't get to the food because the ever-growing lines never let up. I did not taste it myself, but based on the demand I can tell that the food was delicious.
With the showcase of local talents and international sensations alike, it was a 12 hours well spent. The American Jazz Museum put on a well thought-out production that was both highly entertaining and educational. Next year's festival will be a must attend event.
REVIEW:
American Jazz Museum
2011 Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival
Saturday, October 8, 2011
American Jazz Museum
1616 E. 18th St, Kansas City, MO
For more information visit http://bit.ly/nlr6kc
Top photo: Christian McBride and Inside Straight with Bobby Watson (Photo by Nihan Yesil)
Classical, New Classical, Jazz, Theatre Contributor
Nihan Yesil is a composer/performance artist and currently a candidate of M.M.Composition at the UMKC Conservatory. She composes both acoustic and electroacoustic music and has a strong interest in experimenting with the perception of sound and language.
Nihan started studying classical music with her father, M. Emin Yesil, at an early age and earned a bachelor's degree in Jazz Composition in Istanbul, Turkey, studying with Lawrence D. "Butch" Morris, Ali Perret, and Aydin Esen. She participated in festivals and artist residencies inclduing the Henry Mancini Institute, Czech-American Summer Music Institute, Brevard Music Festival, Electronic Music Midwest Festival, Women in New Music, Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium, Escape to Create Artist-in-Residence Program and I-Park Artists' Enclave Residency where she also served as a selection committee member for the composition program. Her compositions have been performed at number of venues both in Turkey and the U.S.
Her favorite activity is experiencing or witnessing any form of artistic creativity. Nihan is a big fan of the Internet and keeps several blogs where she presents her unsolicited opinion on different subject matters.
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