The KC Jazz Ambassadors are revving up their popular free Future of Jazz series for 2022-23 beginning Wednesday, October 12, at Johnnie’s Jazz Club, in B&B Theaters, 14th and Main, KC, leading off with Jim Mair’s KCKCC band at 7pm, on October 12.
The shows continue the second Wednesday of each month through the duration of the school year, featuring top jazz ensembles from area colleges and universities each month. “Last year’s Future of Jazz concert revealed the depth of young talent in this jazz town,” said David Basse, host of the monthly event, “and I’ve performed with and listened to many of the talented students from last year in professional settings throughout the summer of 2022.”
Students from Johnson County Community College, under the direction of Ryan Heinlein will take the Future of Jazz stage on Wednesday, November 9, followed by Carl Allen’s UMKC Jazz program group on December 14.
After the winter break, the series resumes February 8, with another group from KCKCC, followed by the jazz ensemble from Ottawa University, headed up by Dan Thomas, on March 8. UMKC will conclude the 2022-23 series on April 12.
“Future of Jazz provides an opportunity for jazz students to experience a real jazz club gig environment,” explained KCJA president Mark Edelman. “It’s like an internship for these young musicians, who will be stepping up and playing professional gigs, if they haven’t already. And for every Future of Jazz performance, the college or university the students represent gets a $500 contribution, for jazz scholarships from the Jazz Ambassadors.”
All performances are scheduled from 7-9pm at Johnnie’s Jazz Club, 14th and Main. The $500 scholarships-- $3,000 in total—are made possible by gifts and annual membership dues contributed by KC jazz Ambassadors members and sponsors.