Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Mo., announced the 2008 MCC-Penn Valley 18th & Vine Jazz Festival, held at the museum on April 18-19. The festival has been developed as a non-competitive event providing middle school, high school and collegiate students with an opportunity for increased experience and understanding of American jazz.
Instrumental school jazz ensembles of all levels are invited to perform in two of the museum’s venues - the Gem Theater and the Blue Room jazz club, both located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. In addition to the performances, all participating students will have opportunities to interact with jazz artists, local musicians and educators.
Each group will receive feedback from festival clinicians onstage. Outstanding festival student musicians and soloists will be announced and awarded certificates of achievement.
“This festival aims to serve as an educational resource for diverse communities and to broaden the public awareness of the artistic, historical and cultural contributions jazz has made to the American experience,” said Clarence Smith, director of Jazz Studies at MCC-Penn Valley.
Members of the Ray Brown Tribute Band, including Christian McBride, Benny Green and Greg Hutchinson, are set to perform in the final Jammin’ at the Gem concert and will conduct master classes with participating students on April 18. On April 19, members of the Billy Hart Quintet, including Billy Hart, Ambrose Akinmusire, Chris Tordini, Mike Pinto and Logan Richardson, will perform in the Blue Room and conduct master classes with students.
More info: americanjazzmuseum.org
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
“There was something about her tone and sound and phrasing — an intimacy, a vulnerability, an honesty,” says Joshua Redman, who produced Cavassa’s record after she toured with his band.
Jun 16, 2026 1:27 AM
Gabrielle Cavassa is an avowed perfectionist. So when she failed to place despite becoming a finalist in the 2018 Sarah…
