States of Swing: The History of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, 2003-2023, by Libby Hanssen, details the organization's past two decades of preserving a Kansas City art form.
We Did It, (KC)JO!
KCStudio: Sept/Oct 2018
New issue out now and wow--sit down, everybody--you'll need to spend some time with this magazine and your calendar because you do not want to miss a thing happening in KC. But--real talk--you may have to make some hard choices. It's a crazy season. Enjoy. A Stimulating Season for Music Lovers Concert to Come: Beethoven's... Continue Reading →
KCUR: Central Standard
Live from Swope Park! I joined Gina Kaufman and guests for a live broadcast of KCUR's Central Standard to talk all things Open Spaces. It's the first year for the festival, which opened today, and I think we've all had a difficult time wrapping our heads around the event(s). It's two months+ of art and... Continue Reading →
KCUR: KCJO performs Mary Lou Williams
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KCUR: Trans-Atlantic Jazz Love
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It’s a Free For All – A Guide to Summer
I love summer and one of the things I love most about summer is the prevalence of free, often outdoor, free, casual events and concerts, that are free, family friendly, and get us all out and mingling and making music and art as part of a community. Fo' free. Did I say free? (Though donations... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Eliane Elias at Folly Theater
I reviewed Brazilian pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias for The Kansas City Star, performing with her trio for the Folly Jazz Series. During intermission and as I walked out of the theater, I overheard numerous patrons commenting on her barefoot style of playing, as well as how smoothly and efficiently she slipping in and out of... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Prairie Village Jazz Festival
I reviewed the third annual Prairie Village Jazz Festival for The Kansas City Star. Headliners Bobby Watson and Karrin Allyson put on a good show, with excellent performances throughout the event.
REVIEW for KCStar: Stefon Harris and Blackout
I reviewed Stefon Harris and Blackout for The Kansas City Star. They performed at the Gem Theater for the American Jazz Museum's Jammin' at the Gem series. This concert was also the part of the 18th & Vine Jazz Festival, featuring workshops and performances by middle school, high school and college ensembles. I was surprised... Continue Reading →
In anticipation of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Today's the big day - 14 years and millions of dollars later and an art lover's dream is a reality. The Kansas City Star has run innumerable articles as the project has progressed - yet another on the eve of the opening. Numerous season previews from both the Star and KCMetropolis.org have began with, "In... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 