The Complete List of Executive Directors and CEOs of The American Jazz Museum

The decline of news reporting and the fragility of archival records in the digital age can make fact-checking and research difficult. Upon discovering a consolidated listing of every Executive Director and/or CEO in the history of the American Jazz Museum didn’t exist, I decided to create one as a public service. KC Jazz Lark was consulted in the project inspired by the recent resignation of Dr. Dina Bennett, but any errors are my own.

1995-2002 Rowena Stewart
2002-2006 Juanita Moore
2006-2007 Carol Rhodes Dyson (interim)
2007-2015 Greg Carroll
2015-2016 Ralph Reid (interim)
2016-2018 Cheptoo Kositany-Buckner
2019-2020 Ralph Caro (interim)
2020-2023 Rashida Phillips
2023-2025 Dr. Dina Bennett (interim and Executive Director)

Album Review: Christopher Burnett- Originals

Christopher Burnett is a paragon of taste. His new album Originals is characterized by sprightly melodies and amiable swing. The stately jazz is ideally suited for background music at an elegant dinner party or as the center of attention in a ritzy supper club. The saxophonist is joined by prominent Kansas City musicians including vibraphonist Greg Carroll, bassist Gerald Spaits, guitarist Will Matthews and pianist Roger Wilder. The funky guitar effect on the alternate take of “Yesteryears” closing the album is the only deviation from the immaculately polite tone. One last thing: Burnett is the one of the few Kansas City based jazz artists utilizing Spotify Canvas. It’s typical of the meticulous attention to detail Burnett displays throughout Originals.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*KCUR reported on the resignation of Rashida Phillips as the executive director of the American Jazz Museum.

*Reed Jackson investigated the Kansas origins of guitarist David Lord for The Pitch.

*Greg Carroll and Deborah Brown promoted the annual Spotlight: Charlie Parker initiative on KCUR.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Matt Otto.

*Marc Myers is on a Basie bender.