Kansas City Jazz ALIVE is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2013 to serve as a catalyst group to develop and implement strategies that promote the Kansas City metropolitan area jazz community. Our focus is on the Spotlight: Charlie Parker celebration, held annually in August, during which we collaborate across the KC jazz community to honor Kansas City's own "Bird," Charlie Parker. This month-long tribute includes events at legacy jazz institutions like the Phoenix Jazz Club and the Folly Theater. We also take the opportunity to list all jazz events across the city on a jazz calendar on the KC Jazz ALIVE website.

During the year, we present six panel discussions about the Kansas City jazz ecosystem, moderated by Steve Kraske (KCUR) and host a walking history tour of 18th & Vine with Chuck Haddix (KCUR, UMKC Marr Sound Archives).

We also pay tribute to KC Jazz history with our Jazz Legacy exhibit - 21 banner displays that each highlight an icon in Kansas City Jazz. The exhibit is available for rental at businesses and other public spaces.

Kansas City Jazz ALIVE

We advocate for, elevate and amplify the KC jazz scene, through education and awareness.

Support for Spotlight Charlie Parker 2025