Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors have approved a second round of $150 Gig Grants, following distribution of more than $15,000 to area jazz musicians earlier this year. Timed for the holiday season, these grants from KCJA’s Musicians Assistance Fund support local jazz musicians who have been unable to work due to the pandemic.
“The need is still out there, especially around the holidays,” explained KCJA president Mark Edelman. “This time, we’re going to try to help the clubs and concert venues, as well as the musicians. If we’re going to get thru this, we need to help everyone involved in our jazz scene.”
KCJA is reaching out to local clubs to establish safe places for jazz musicians to perform. Venues must have social-distancing measures in place and require masks, as well as provide safe distance between musicians and patrons. KCJA Gig Grants will be provided for musicians who play gigs at these clubs.
“So far, we’ve lined up performers for Johnnie’s Jazz Club in Liberty, Tom’s Town and
the new club in the basement of the Phillips Hotel,” continued Edelman, “and we’re supporting the American Jazz Museum’s upcoming virtual benefit December 3through the Gig Grant program. Hopefully, other clubs will join the effort—it’s a win-win for clubs and musicians, as long as everyone stays socially-distanced and wears masks.”
Jazz Ambassadors are raising money thru their Virtual Tip Jar at www.kcjazzambassadors.org. Contributions are tax deductible; all proceeds will go to providing more Gig Grants to local jazz musicians in need.