The Folly Jazz Series is among Kansas City’s most significant cultural treasures. While it’s more artistically conservative and much smaller than Plastic Sax might like, the series is the only institution to bring preeminent mainstream jazz musicians to town year after year. The surefire bookings in the new season led to uniform grades.
Pete Escovedo
October 4, 2025
Grade: B+
A Tito Puente concert in 1989 is among the most memorable concerts this correspondent has witnessed at the Folly Theater. Although Pete Escovedo will be 90 when he appears on the same stage, here’s hoping the Latin jazz specialist Escovedo will be similarly vital.
Lakecia Benjamin
November 1, 2025
Grade: B+
Based on unexpected enthusiasm from people normally indifferent to jazz, the booking of Lakecia Benjamin is the highlight of the 2025-26 season. The saxophonist is among Wayne Shorter’s countless acolytes.
Joshua Redman
February 7, 2026
Grade: B+
Joshua Redman’s straightforward concert at the Folly in 2019 compelled Plastic Sax to write that “(e)ven at his dullest, Redman is one of the most exciting men in jazz.” The saxophonist is touring in support of the 2025 album Words Fall Short.
Cyrille Aimée
March 14, 2026
Grace: B
The French chanteuse Cyrille Aimée’s 2018 concert at the Folly Theater was superbly charming.
Unlimited Miles: Miles Davis at 100
March 29, 2026
Grade: B
Yet another Miles Davis tribute? Good grief! At least the band is impeccable. Here’s hoping trumpeter Sean Jones, saxophonist Marcus Strickland, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, pianist John Beasley, bassist Ben Williams and drummer Terreon Gully play loose and fast with the format.
Terri Lyne Carrington: We Insist! (Reimagined)
April 18, 2026
Grade: B+
Terri Lyne Carrington’s 2014 appearance at Yardley Hall was a mixed bag. Much of the material from her then-current tribute to the classic 1963 album Money Jungle didn’t coalesce. The drummer is touring behind another high-concept remake. Her update of the 1960 protest album We Insist!:Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite is likely to divide the audience.
An assessment of the previous season is here.