![]() In Kansas City, Missouri, the area around 12th Street was known for gambling parlors and brothels as well as nearly 50 jazz clubs. The community had more than 100 night clubs, dance halls and vaudeville houses during the 1930s. Many believed the political boss Tom Pendergast got anything he wanted during this era, which didn’t interfere with jazz clubs staying open all night, with ready sources of alcohol and even drugs. In addition, it was viewed as a “wide open” town in terms of the flow of alcohol, in spite of prohibition. Budding airlines also had Kansas City on their routes. In 1930, just under 10 percent (38,574) of the Kansas City, Missouri, population of 399,746 was black.ĭuring the 1930s, Kansas City was a crossroads for transportation with the Union Pacific Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe and several other railroads passing through the city. Count Basie, who joined Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra in 1929, is generally credited to originating the style and Kansas City native Charlie Parker transitioned the musical style to bebop in the 1940s. You can visit the American Jazz Museum and the Negro League Baseball Museum for just $15! xx, Libbie.In the 1920s and 1930s, African American musicians in the Kansas City area developed their own style of jazz that pulled heavily from the blues music tradition as well as ragtime. Make an afternoon of it and save some money with the two-museum combo pack. With modern ‘speakeasies’ that feature live jazz regularly, like Green Lady Lounge and the Majestic, Kansas City continues to pay heritage to their jazz history in many ways. The genre resurged in the 70’s and is going strong in Kansas City today. WWII would show the decline of jazz around the country, as many musicians were drafted to serve in the war. Clubs ignored liquor laws and curfews, attracting musicians from across the country. During the prohibition, Pendergast allowed alcohol to flow freely in Kansas City. Kansas City jazz was born in the 1920s, but flourished during the 1930s, mainly as a result of political boss Tom Pendergast. Like BBQ and fountains, Kansas City is known for jazz. It isn’t a space you could enjoy over and over again like the Nelson-Atkins or WWI Museum, though those who like jazz, might enjoy it more. The club was probably my favorite part with photos of previous performers lining the walls and tributes to Kansas City Jazz. ![]() ![]() The Blue Room has live jazz many nights, but during the day while we were there, it was empty. The museum shares space with the Negro League Baseball Museum and the Blue Room, a jazz club. ![]() We were probably in and out within 45 minutes. There were some cool pieces, like one of Louie Armstrong’s trumpets and a dress of Ella Fitzgerald’s. The museum is small, and while there are plenty of interactive spots to listen to jazz music, there wasn’t a lot to do beyond that. My brother who is in high school concert and jazz band, really enjoyed the museum. I visited the museum with my brother and mom. Located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of jazz and its history. The museum features exhibits on Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and more, and also has a functioning jazz club on site, The Blue Room. The American Jazz Museum preserves the history of American jazz and its impact on Kansas City. Tip: Get almost half price tickets on Groupon.
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