May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
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
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
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,…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
