The Top Stories and Trends of 2025 in Kansas City Jazz

1. Fucinaro and Scamurra
The Kansas City saxophonists Pete Fucinaro and Henry Scamurra released strong debut albums in 2025. The ongoing youth movement represented by Fucinaro’s Little Window and Scamurra’s Urban Forum is a compelling reason for optimism.

2. Festival Revival
The KC Blues and Jazz Festival brought Stanley Clarke, Karl Denson and Bill Frisell to a baseball stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 4. The event was the area’s first large-scale jazz event featuring touring artists since 2017.

3. Musical Chairs
Dr. Dina Bennett resigned as the Executive Director of the American Jazz Museum. Turnover at the institution is concerning.

4. Detour Ahead
The planned transformation of a portion of 18th Street into a pedestrian walkway made access to Jazz District landmarks including the American Jazz Museum and the Gem Theater difficult for much of the year. (See above photo.)

5. Evergreen
Green Lady Lounge remains the focal point of live jazz in Kansas City. Green Lady Lounge hosts more than three times the combined number of jazz performances at the Blue Room, the Ship and Westport Coffee House, the second, third and fourth most significant presenters of jazz in Kansas City.

6. Nevermore
Corvino is the most prominent of several establishments to either completely close or cease featuring live jazz in 2025.

7. Alt Jazz
Sonic experiments that are largely unwelcome in conventional venues thrive in hidden recesses including house parties, a bookstore, an underground cinema and a repurposed church.

8. Best Year Ever
No Kansas City jazz musician had a bigger year than Jackie Myers. Her relentless performance schedule included tours and festival placements. Myers’ ambitious album What About the Butterfly was reviewed by DownBeat magazine, a distinction among Kansas City artists shared only by Carl Allen in 2025.

9. Disinformation Campaign
Visit KC continues to insist that Kansas City is home to “more than 40 jazz clubs” as it promotes next year’s World Cup matches. The convention bureau’s dissembling is outlandish.

10. Persistence
Plastic Sax published 32 album reviews, two book reviews, nine concert reviews, six editorials and 45 gig previews featuring Kansas City musicians in 2025.

Last year’s recap is here.

The Top Jazz Performances of 2025

The Top Performances of 2025 by Kansas City Musicians
1. Nick Hmeljak, Henry Scamurra, Isaiah Petrie, Jordan Faught and Jaylen Ward at Westport Coffee House
Plastic Sax review.

2. Drew Williams, Ben Tervort and Brian Steever at the Stray Cat Film Center
Instagram clip.

3. Bram and Lucy Wijnands with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

4. Vanessa Thomas, Kara Smith, Michael Pagán and Steve Rigazzi at the Blue Room
Instagram clip.

5. Henry Scamurra, Isaiah Petrie, Spencer Reeve and Jade Harvey at the Prairie Village Jazz Festival
Instagram clip.

6. The Extemporaneous Music and Arts Society’s “3 Expressions of Light and Sound” at Charlotte Street Foundation
Instagram clip.

7. Matt Villinger, Peter Schlamb, Sebastian Arias and Matt Robertson at the Blue Room
Instagram clip.

8. Steve Cardenas, Forest Stewart and Brian Steever at Westport Coffee House
Plastic Sax review.

9. Deborah Brown and George Colligan at Upcycle Piano Craft
Instagram clip.

10. David Chael, Danny Embrey, Gerald Spaits and Brian Steever at Green Lady Lounge
My Instagram clip.

The Top Performances of 2025 by Touring Musicians
1. Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau at Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Plastic Sax review.

2. Terence Blanchard at Muriel Kauffman Theatre
There Stands the Glass review.

3. Branford Marsalis Quartet at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

4. Samara Joy at the Folly Theater
There Stands the Glass review.

5. Devin Gray at the Ship
There Stands the Glass review.

6. Alexander Adams, Jeff Goulet (and Seth Davis) with Kristen Kopper and Shanté Clair at Grand Avenue Temple
Instagram clip.

7. Cory Weeds (with Chris Hazelton) at Westport Coffee House
Plastic Sax review.

8. Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda and Antonio Sánchez at Helzberg Hall
Plastic Sax review.

9. Helen Sung (with Bach Aria Soloists) at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

10. Pete Escovedo at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

Last year’s survey is here.

Concert Review: Cory Weeds, David Rourke, Chris Hazelton and Rudy Petschauer at Westport Coffee House

Horrid pop hits associated with one of the goofiest pop stars of the 1980s were transformed into dazzling reveries at Westport Coffee House on Sunday, November 9. Fifty people paid a $15 cover charge to witness the soul-jazz miracle.

Reminiscing about a road trip he took with the Kansas City organist Chris Hazelton more than a decade ago, the Canadian saxophonist Cory Weeds recalled a Huey Lewis compact disc provided the sole sonic diversion on the trek.

Still uneasy with the “stupid idea,” Weeds confessed thinking that “these tunes lend themselves to a greasy organ quartet.” Along with guitarist David Rourke and drummer Rudy Petschhauer, Weeds and Hazelton fulfilled that vision by means of immense talent and supercolossal swing.

Hazelton’s arrangements made Lewis material like “Do You Believe in Love” no less effective than interpretations of a few jazz-rooted compositions during the 90-minute performance. Weeds’ assessment was accurate: “in the hands of Chris Hazelton anything is possible.”

Setlist: The Power of Love, Measy’s Back in Town (sp?), Hip to Be Square, At Long Last, I Want a New Drug, Bad Is Bad, Boop Bop Bing Bash, Do You Believe in Love, If This Is It

Concert Review: Steve Cardenas, Forest Stewart and Brian Steever at Westport Coffee House

Another year, another exquisite homecoming outing by the New York based Steve Cardenas. There’s little to be said about the guitarist’s appearance at Westport Coffee House on Thursday, July 24, that hasn’t been previously cited on numerous occasions at Plastic Sax. As usual, bassist Forest Stewart and drummer Brian Steever were ideal accompanists. The blend of original material and covers was characteristically impeccable. And Cardenas’ deceptively disruptive approach- flouting convention without causing ripples- never ceases to amaze. Still waters in the form of the astonishing Cardenas continue to run deep.

First set: Tears Inside (Ornette Coleman); Newer Normal Waltz (Forest Stewart); Blue Language (Steve Cardenas); How Deep Is the Ocean? (Irving Berlin); Reflector (Steve Cardenas); Down There (Forest Stewart)

Second set: Wail (Bud Powell); House of Jade (Wayne Shorter); Everything I'm Not (Forest Stewart) with Stan Kessler; New Moon (Steve Cardenas) with Stan Kessler; Ida Lupino (Carla Bley); Ladies In Mercedes (Steve Swallow)

Set list assistance courtesy of P.F.

Now’s the Time: Steve Cardenas

Steve Cardenas returns to Kansas City for a couple performances next week. The guitarist appears at Westport Coffee House on Thursday, July 24, and at the Blue Room on Friday, July 25. He’ll be joined by bassist Forest Stewart and drummer Brian Steever at both shows. Cardenas duets with Lorenzo Cominoli in the embedded video.

Gig Review: Nick Hmeljak, Henry Scamurra, Isaiah Petrie, Jordan Faught and Jaylen Ward at Westport Coffee House

Kansas City’s jazz community is besieged. Prominent long-standing institutions are flailing. Intercine support groups scuffle for public and charitable funding. Most of the core audience has died of old age and has been replaced by a few dozen anomalous enthusiasts.

Yet the single most important component- indeed, the only thing that truly matters- remains strong. Wave after wave of outstanding homegrown jazz musicians have enriched Kansas City bandstands for decades. Five locally based young men upheld that distinguished tradition at Westport Coffee House on Sunday, July 6.

Trumpeter Nick Hmeljak, saxophonist Henry Scamurra, vibraphonist Isaiah Petrie, bassist Jordan Faught and drummer Jaylen Ward played energetic hard bop with vigorous integrity. Hmeljak explained that the evening was dedicated to debuting all-new original compositions by members of the sextet.

The strong material was bolstered by masterful playing. The quintet is fully capable of impressing a global audience at Smalls in New York City. Instead, ten people- all but a couple were fellow jazz musicians- paid $10 to take in the first hour-long set.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Joyce Smith provides an update on the uncertain future of Westport Coffee House.

Now’s the Time: Nick Finzer

The touring trombonist Nick Finzer performs with a student band at Johnson County Community College on Wednesday, October 9, and in a quartet format at Westport Coffee House on Thursday, October 10.

Now's the Time: Drew Williams

The invariably interesting Drew Williams has formed a big band. The ensemble makes its second appearance at Westport Coffee House on Thursday, July 11. Here’s a brief sample of the initial foray.

Concert Review: Steve Cardenas at Westport Coffee House

The singular sensibility of Steve Cardenas has made the guitarist a distinctive voice in the international jazz scene for more than 25 years. Balancing exquisite prettiness with intimations of uneasiness, Cardenas exemplifies the dynamic Thelonious Monk characterized as "Ugly Beauty".

The New York based guitarist from Kansas City exhibited the latest refinements of his sound at Westport Coffee House on Wednesday, May 22. About 75 people paid $20 apiece to take in the first of two sets.

As at his previous headlining show in Kansas City at recordBar in 2022, Cardenas was joined by bassist Forest Stewart and drummer Brian Steever. The duo accentuated the quiet ferocity embedded in Cardenas’ understated approach. 

The peculiar way in which Cardenas plays pretty was showcased throughout the seven selections. The serenity of the opener, John Coltrane’s “Trane’s Slo Blues,” was adulterated by a slightly sinister touch. The swinging take on Steve Swallow’s “Ladies in Mercedes” that closed the set contained a correspondingly delectable element of danger.

Set list, first set: Trane’s Slo Blues; Lost and Found; How Deep Is the Ocean; Everything I’m Not; Blue Language; House of Jade; Ladies in Mercedes

Now’s the Time: Henry Scamurra

The young saxophonist Henry Scamurra leads a band at Westport Coffee House on Wednesday, January 31.

Plastic Sax’s Favorite Performances of 2023

Top Ten Performances by Kansas City Artists
1. Mike Dillon, Brian Haas and Nikki Glaspie at the Brick
Plastic Sax review.

2. Hermon Mehari at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

3. Adam Larson, Matt Clohesy and Jimmy Macbride at Westport Coffee House
Instagram clip.

4. Rod Fleeman at Green Lady Lounge
Instagram clip.

5.  Pat Metheny’s Side-Eye at Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Plastic Sax review.

6. Drew Williams, Alex Frank, Ben Tervort and Brian Steever at Westport Coffee House
Plastic Sax review.

7. Cynthia van Roden at the Market at Meadowbrook
Instagram snapshot.

8. Chalis O’Neal at the Blue Room
Instagram clip.

9. Alan Voss, Benjamin Baker, Forest Stewart and Evan Verploegh at Swope Park Pavilion
Plastic Sax review.

10. Rich Hill, Arnold Young and Rob Whitsitt in Volker Park
Instagram clip.

Top Ten Performances by Artists from Elsewhere
1. Samara Joy at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

2. Devin Gray and Maria Elena Silva at the Firehouse Gallery
Plastic Sax review.

3. Bill Frisell, Greg Tardy, Gerald Clayton and Johnathan Blake at the 1900 Building
Plastic Sax review.

4. Artemis at the Gem Theater
Plastic Sax review.

5. CRAG Quartet and Joshua Gerowitz at the Bunker Center for the Arts
Instagram clip.

6. Miguel Zenón Quartet at the Folly Theater
Plastic Sax review.

7. Henrique Eisenmann and Eugene Friesen at the 1900 Building
Plastic Sax review.

8. Robert Stillman at the Midland Theater
There Stands the Glass review.

9. Jack Wright and Ron Stabinsky at Charlotte Street Foundation
Instagram clip.

10. Rob Magill and Marshall Trammell at Farewell
Plastic Sax review.

(Last year’s survey is here.)

Now’s the Time: Arnold Young

The venerable provocateur Arnold Young returns to Westport Coffee House on Wednesday, August 30. The drummer’s RoughTet takes on Thelonious Monk in the embedded video.

Now’s the Time: Dave Scott

Trumpeter Dave Scott returns to his hometown for a show at Westport Coffee House on Thursday, June 29.  The embedded video documents Scott’s appearance at Smalls Jazz Club in New York City two weeks ago.  (The first set begins at the 36:20 mark).

Concert Review: Drew Williams Quartet at Westport Coffee House

A superstitious, jazz-loving bride would have had plenty to work with at Westport Coffee House on Thursday, May 25. The first set by a quartet led by saxophonist Drew Williams included something old (a reading of Thelonious Monk’s “We See”), something new (the electronics-enhanced Williams original “Radiance”), something borrowed (drummer Brian Steever utilization of Prince’s yellow tamboracca) and something blue (a bluesy reading of “Skylark”).  With the addition of guitarist Alex Frank, Williams’ band expanded on the wedding of tradition and innovation it displayed at the same venue in 2022.

Now’s the Time: Bob Bowman

Bob Bowman is back in town.  Westport Coffee House hosts a show billed as the bassist’s seventieth birthday celebration on Monday, April 17.

Now’s the Time: Michael Pagán

Michael Pagán recently shared the embedded video featuring clips of his band Paganova performing at Westport Coffee House.  The Kansas City pianist’s busy schedule includes a trio performance at Black Dolphin on Saturday, April 8.

Confirmation: Weekly News and Notes

*Joyce Smith of The Kansas City Star reports that Westport Coffee House, an important cog in Kansas City’s jazz scene, is for sale.

*Radio France looks back on the Kansas City Women’s Jazz Festival.

*An archive recording recently released by Chris Burnett is reviewed at All About Jazz.

*Michael Shults is featured on Steve Kortyka’s YouTube channel.

*Marc Myers shares recently uploaded footage featuring Count Basie.

*Tweet of the Week: Jessica Moulin- Green Lady Lounge is so underrated in Kansas City. I can’t wait to listen to live jazz Friday and then play skee ball at Updown #ilovekc

Faux Fest

I attended a cutting-edge jazz festival in Kansas City on Wednesday, January 4.  What’s that?  You didn’t know about the event?  Well, since Kansas City hasn’t hosted a proper jazz festival in five years, I’ve taken to curating one-night festivals for myself.

On Wednesday I spent five hours at three venues taking in an immensely rewarding blend of touring and locally based artists.  The faux festival got off to a rough start at Westport Coffee House ($10 cover).  When guitarist Seth Andrew Davis thanked members of the audience for attending, the Bay Area keyboardist Scott R. Looney sneered “three people!”

The other musicians seemed to brush off Looney’s disappointment in the turnout.  Looney, Davis and the New York based percussionist Kevin Cheli began by playing what sounded like devilish variations on the cartoon music of Raymond Scott.

Looney, bassist Krista Kopper and drummer Evan Verploegh toyed with extreme dynamics in the second set.  In staving off mere anarchy by holding the center, Kopper was the most valuable contributor to a third set featuring all five musicians.  The first stage of the festival concluded with an improvisation on what may have been an inverse version of Miles Davis’ “All Blues.” 

The second phase of the bespoke festival transpired at Green Lady Lounge ($5 cover).  I joined about 75 revelers for a set by OJT, the popular venue’s de facto house band.  Seated directly behind drummer Sam Platt, my appreciation of the ways in which guitarist Brian Baggett and organist Ken Lovern apply their roots in rock to update the organ jazz trio tradition was strengthened.

Funkadelick headlined the fake fest at the Brick ($10 cover).  Drummer Nikki Glaspie had the night off, so the peripatetic Mike Dillon and Brian Haas, the keyboardist best known for his groundbreaking work with Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, operated as a duo for most of their nearly two-hour set.

Dillon manned his expansive rig like punk-jazz’s answer to Carl Palmer as he and Haas interpreted the entirety of the forthcoming album Inflorescence.  The tandem was later joined in musical roughhousing by guest drummer Arnold Young.  A violent interpolation of the Stooges’ proto-punk classic “I Wanna Be Your Dog” typified the raucous attack.

Drawn to the pocket-size stage like a moth to a flame, I posted up front and center for most of the riveting performance.  The approximately 50 people seated behind me couldn’t have been pleased that I obstructed their sightlines.  I didn’t care.  After all, it was my festival.

Plastic Sax's Favorite Performances of 2022

Top Performances by Kansas City Artists

1. Logan Richardson + Blues People at the Ship

Review.

2. Adam Larson, Clark Sommers and Dana Hall at Westport Coffee House

Review.

3. Black Crack Revue at Westport Coffee House

Review.

4. Steve Cardenas, Forest Stewart and Brian Steever at recordBar

Review.

5. Arnold Young and the RoughTet at the Ship

Instagram clip.

6. Bob Bowman and Peter Schlamb at Second Presbyterian Church

Review.

7. Evan Verplough and Ben Baker at World Culture KC

Review.

8. Rod Fleeman at Green Lady Lounge

9. Alter Destiny at Charlotte Street Foundation

Review.

10. Drew Williams, Ben Tervort and Brian Steever at Westport Coffee House

Review.

Top Performances by Artists from Elsewhere

1. Nduduzo Makhathini at the Blue Room

Review.

2. Ohma at the Midland theater

Review.

3. Livia Nestrovski and Henrique Eisenmann at the 1900 Building

Review.

4. High Pulp at recordBar

Review.

5. Phillip Greenlief at Bushranger Records

Review.

6. Terence Blanchard at Atkins Auditorium

Review.

7. Keefe Jackson, Jakob Heinemann and Adam Shead at Black Dolphin

Instagram photo.

8. Esthesis Quartet at the Blue Room

Instagram clip.

9. Kind Folk at the Black Box

Instagram clip.

10. Bill Summers and Forward Back at Dunbar Park

Review.