Jazz Festivals

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Posts Tagged ‘Live Jazz’

Jazz Clubs Make the Night Come Alive

Posted by admin on October 27th, 2009 No Comments

Times may be hard and the credit crunch may be kicking in but there are still many people looking to have a great night out and enjoy themselves every once in a while. This means that venues that offer something out of the ordinary and allow people the chance to truly escape from their normal lives are extremely well regarded and what better way to unwind after a hard day or week at work by hearing the thrilling sound of live jazz instruments. Whether it is a jazz band in full flow or a solo jazz artist giving an audience great joy and pleasure, there are not many musical genres that can match the majesty of a live jazz performance.

Of course, as has already been said people have to consider ways to reduce their spending and make savings which means there is a great reason to learn how to play a jazz instrument. Not only will learning a new instrument give enjoyment and something to focus on, the opportunity to put on your very own live jazz performances at home in front of friends and family members will provide a fantastic alternative to a night out on the town. So you can have your own fun at home or who knows, you may end up playing in jazz clubs yourself one day.

Learn to play jazz music

So many different instruments and styles can be used to come together in a jazz performance that one of the hardest tasks can be to choose exactly what you are going to play. Always make sure you evaluate your options before making your mind up as there are great options available to choose between. There are so many great jazz instruments that no matter what you choose, there is likely to be a place in a jazz band waiting for you to add your personal style to the mix.

Joining a band is a fantastic way of meeting new friends and if you decide to join a band that plays jazz music, it’s likely you will have a lot in common with your fellow band mates. This means that joining a band can have a great social aspect to it which is another fantastic reason to learn a new instrument. With busy lives, some people find it difficult to make new friends so this opportunity to meet new people is a great addition to many people’s lives. Having fun can never happen too often so why not make the most of your free time and join a band?

How many jazz clubs do you go to?

It may not be the most obvious choice of evening’s entertainment for a great number of folk but being able to head out with friends and enjoy a few hours of great jazz music is a welcome treat for so many people and it is this that provides inspiration to many people. Once people hear the sound of jazz instruments live, it is as if there is a spark being set alight within them and they quickly develop a desire to make music with a jazz band.

By: James Hanna

Posted in Jazz Festivals

Jazz Music: History of Jazz Music in Kansas City

Posted by admin on October 21st, 2009 No Comments

From its beginnings as nothing more than a simple trading post on the banks of the Missouri river, to its raucous heyday in the 1920’s and 30’s, Kansas City has retained the independent spirit of its frontier beginnings. Even though an assortment of colorful characters, cowboys, politicians, criminals, and even wagon trains populate the history of Kansas City, you can forget everything you’ve ever heard about it being a “cow town.” Today, the outgrowth of that colorful history and frontier spirit radiates energetically throughout the city
and its populace.

Widely regarded as the birthplace of Jazz. KC’s early reputation as a “wide-open, anything goes” city captivated and allured the musical performers of the day. It’s central location and ease of access via rail were the other components which induced this musical migration. Kansas City became a haven for musicians and fans alike.

The musicians, who interpreted their experiences in KC’s permissive environment through their music, were also creating the elastic techniques and musical license, which remain at the heart of Jazz today. The hub of this development was the
18th and Vine district. Many legendary musicians, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Turner and Charlie Parker to name a few, made their way to Kansas City. Their connection to one another and to the Kansas City “scene” brought about a unique musical expansion which enriched the city’s history and initiated the genesis of Jazz.

Kansas City’s affiliation with Jazz is celebrated daily at the American Jazz Museum
in the 18th and Vine District and nightly at clubs and restaurants throughout the city.
Live Jazz and Blues are still an important part of the Kansas City entertainment and nightlife scene.

Kansas City’s early sports history, specifically its affiliation with Negro League Baseball, is showcased in detail at the Negro League Baseball Museum.

Also located at the 18th and Vine District, the museum documents the history of Negro League Baseball from its beginnings in the mid 1800’s, to its demise in the 1960’s. If you are interested in this facet of the histoy of baseball, a visit to this museum is highly recommended.

By: Joseph Patrick

Posted in Jazz Festivals

Jazz Clubs for Baby Boomers

Posted by admin on September 1st, 2009 No Comments

As the aging population enjoys better health and a longer life expectancy, we are looking for new hobbies and interests to expand our horizons.

For those who have always enjoyed live music, jazz clubs are becoming hugely popular venues for the Over55s age group. You can get out of the house, meet with friends, have dinner or drinks, and do something a little out of the ordinary.

Jazz takes many forms, from Dixieland to modern. Its history is rich and, unlike other types of music, is wholly American in origin. There is bound to be a style that will appeal to everyone. Some clubs specialize in a particular kind of music, while others run the gamut. Try several different places to see which you like best.

One of the great things about seeing live jazz is that it is energetic and exciting without being too loud! If you were a denizen of rock concerts in your youth – and many Baby Boomers were – you may worry that live music will leave you exhausted, with ringing ears! While some bands are louder than others, many play at a level that allows for conversation during performances. As we get older, protecting our hearing is important, and we have a lot more fun if we can hear what our friends are saying to us!

Jazz clubs tend to be run by music lovers – and you will find that many of them are Over55s as well. The owners are often at the performances, and love to get to know their customers. Don’t be surprised if he or she stops by your table to see how you like the music. If you return to the same place repeatedly, you will likely be recognized as a regular and will form relationships with the owners and managers. This can really improve your experience, as you are given preference in seating.

Whether you are just stopping by for a drink, or looking for dinner, there is no doubt a club near you which will fit your evening plans. Many clubs advertise specifically to encourage customers in the Over55 age group. If you’ve never tried a jazz club, put it on your list! Enjoying your favorite music, or learning about a style you’ve never encountered before, is a great retirement activity. Whether you want to have a date with your spouse or have an exciting girls’ or boys’ night out, jazz is the perfect balance of fun and relaxing.

By: Kerry Finch

Posted in Jazz Festivals

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