YouthJazz.us

2025 FELLOWSHIP AUDITIONS
2025-02-16 15:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
*Main Featured Photo titled “Downtown from Rooftop” by Duane Hallock
is the tentative 2025 FELLOWS album cover (all rights reserved).
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The Next Generation.

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We conduct rigorous auditions for Fellowships in February and announce the selections in March each year. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings during our season of April, May, June, and July with no rehearsals on Labor Day or Fourth of July weekends. Youth Jazz Fellows perform a Showcase Concert in July and also perform paid performances in the greater KC area community. Commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances is required. The season culminates in recording an album in a professional recording studio that’s released worldwide on a professional record label. We have capacity for four ensembles.
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2025 Fellowship Auditions.

TIME
NAME
INSTRUMENT

3:00 PM
KAMDEN MARTIN
DRUM SET

3:15 PM
AMBER QUINT
VOCAL + BASS

3:30 PM
ZACH CHESSER
GUITAR (BRING YOUR OWN AMP)

3:45 PM
MATHEW SOLOMON
ALTO SAX

4:00 PM
WILL KIMLINGER
BARI SAX

4:15 PM
KAI McGARRY
DRUM SET

4:30 PM
BEN ELLMAN
DRUM SET

4:45 PM
BRAYDEN EVANS
ALTO SAX

5:00 PM
ISAAC FAUST
PIANO

5:15 PM
KENYI YOYO
ALTO SAX

5:30 PM

5:45 PM
MASON BARTH
BARI SAX

6:00 PM
ETHAN ASHWORTH
ALTO SAX

6:15 PM
DAETON FITZPATRICK
TENOR SAX

6:30 PM
KELSEY O’DONNELL
BASS

6:45 PM
JOSH ?
TRUMPET

7:00 PM
BRUCE BISTIMONTE
TROMBONE

7:15 PM
ODIN MARDIS
BASS

7:30 PM
AMIL McDANIEL
BASS

7:45 PM
JAVIER CRUZ
DRUM SET

* DALLAS HALL (REMOTE)
TRUMPET (PSU)

*Remote audition via Zoom due to attending college at Pittsburg State University.

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Auditions for Fellowships are held the third Sunday each February beginning at 3:00 pm in 15 minute increments in Studio A at BRC Audio Productions in Kansas City, Kansas.
Candidates SHOULD call our office at (913) 250-5141 and leave a message with: (1) name and instrument, (2) mobile phone number, and (3) preferred time.
Candidates SHOULD prepare to play: (1) a jazz standard, (2) a blues in F, (3) all major scales correctly in 60 seconds or less, and (4) interview. We use iRealPro to accompany auditions.
Successful Candidates who accept a 2025 Fellowship automatically agree to the YOUTH JAZZ “terms and conditions” as part of participation in the program.
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Send this to someone who you think would enjoy this experience.
Visit the YouthJazz.us website to learn more and get involved!

ANNOUNCEMENT: The 2025 Fellowship
2025-02-24 | Kansas City Area Youth Jazz, United States
We’re pleased to announce The 2025 Fellowship of the Kansas City Area Youth Jazz program with our 7th season beginning rehearsals on April 6, 2025. Learn more at YouthJazz.org

ALUMNI COMBO at Governor's Arts Awards
2025-03-13 17:00 - 18:30 | KAY MCFARLAND JAPANESE GARDEN & VENUE, 635 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS, 66606, United States
2025 KANSAS GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARDS
Kansas City Area Youth Jazz Alumni Combo will perform.
Personnel as per assigned. Details provided in group chat and emails. Thanks!

Description

The Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards are presented annually by the Kansas Arts Commission to extraordinary members of Kansas’ arts and culture community. The awards recognize and honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the arts in Kansas, celebrating excellence, leadership, and community impact. The 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony will be held in Topeka.

Award Categories

Arts Advocate of the Year – An individual who actively works to educate the public and/or government at local, state, or national levels on the value and impact of the arts.
Arts Community of the Year – A city, town, neighborhood, or community recognized for its strong support and integration of the arts in local culture.
Arts Leader of the Year – An individual demonstrating extraordinary leadership and vision in advancing the arts.
Arts Organization of the Year – An organization recognized for exemplary work in the arts, whether through significant artistic achievement or substantial contributions to the growth and vitality of the arts.
Arts Patron of the Year – An individual who generously supports the arts through financial contributions, in-kind donations, or dedicated volunteer efforts, without being directly involved as an artist or administrator.
Emerging Arts Leader of the Year – An early-career professional who exhibits leadership and significant potential for future impact in the arts.
Emerging Arts Organization of the Year – A newly established or developing organization making significant strides in the arts and growing in influence.
Excellence in Arts Education – An educator, arts education program, or organization recognized for long-term excellence and innovation in arts education.
Excellence in the Arts in Business – A business or corporation demonstrating outstanding and sustained support of the arts.
Excellence in Public Service in the Arts – A government official at the local, state, or federal level who has shown exceptional support and advocacy for the arts.
Kansas Arts Legacy Award – an individual or organization with a lifetime of long-standing, significant impact on the arts in Kansas and/or beyond, enriching the cultural landscape through artistic achievements, leadership, philanthropy, or advocacy over many years. This award may be given posthumously.
Excellence in Artistic Achievement in:
• Dance
• Literature (includes all creative writing forms)
• Media Arts (includes film, video, audio, kinetic digital arts, interactive media, and other related forms)
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts (includes painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, drawing, crafts, public art, and other related forms)
• Other Art Forms

Eligibility

Nominations will be accepted from any citizen of Kansas.
Nominees for all awards (except the Kansas Arts Legacy Award) must be residents of Kansas or actively making significant contributions to the arts in Kansas.
Nominees for the Kansas Arts Legacy Award do not have to be current residents of Kansas but must have significant ties to the state through previous residency. The Kansas Arts Legacy Award is the only category that will accept posthumous nominations.
Self-nominations will not be considered.
Current members of the Kansas Arts Commission, Kansas Arts Commission staff, and current Kansas Arts Commission Field Representatives are not eligible for consideration.
Recipients of awards will not be eligible for the same award for five years following their award.

🎶 A One Night only World Premiere: Helen Sung Meets Bach Aria Soloists! 🎹
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:30 | The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St., Kansas City, MO, 64105
From: Elizabeth Suh Lane
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 8:53 PM
To: director@youthjazz.us
Subject: Fwd: 🎶 A One Night only World Premiere: Helen Sung Meets Bach Aria Soloists! 🎹

Hello Christopher,
–
I wanted to be sure that you and the Youth Jazz KC students all know that Grammy-nominated, Guggenheim Fellow jazz pianist Helen Sung’s only appearance in the Midwest is with Bach Aria Soloists and The Folly Jazz Series on April 5.
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Bach Aria Soloists will give the world premiere of Helen Sung’s new composition synthesizing jazz and classical music, commissioned by Bach Aria Soloists, and performed with Helen, as well as an entire concert highlighting Helen’s improvisation on JS Bach-the OG jazz maestro-as well as popular jazz standards all in one program!
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The Folly is also offering a first-time ever 50% off DISCOUNT for all STUDENTS and TEACHERS. We want to make sure the Kansas City community knows about this generous offer for the Helen Sung meets Bach Aria Soloists concert.
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Simply call The Folly (816) 474-4444 to secure tickets for this one-night-only event, see below for more info.
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I attached The Folly Jazz Series finale concert postcard for you to share with Youth Jazz KC students and teachers.
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Thank you, Christopher, for sharing this important world premiere, Bach & Jazz concert with your Jazz students!
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Truly,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Suh Lane
Artistic Director-Founder
www.bachariasoloists.com

WEEK 1 REHEARSALS
2025-04-06 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 1 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

WEEK 2 REHEARSALS
2025-04-13 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 2 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

GUEST TEACHING ARTIST: Mr. Morgan Faw (visiting KC from NYC)
2025-04-13 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
We’re pleased to announce that a longtime friend of the Youth Jazz program and Kansas City native, Morgan Faw will be returning to visit us on April 13. Mr. Faw will be spending time with each ensemble, observing rehearsals, and adding to the discourse. Let’s welcome him home!

PHOTO: Some of the 2019 Fellows with the 3 Clinicians from Berklee College of Music
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BIOGRAPHY
Saxophonist, Bandleader, Composer, and Arranger Morgan Faw has grown up living around the United States, but grew up as a musician in Kansas City, MO.

The Musical Native has spent years establishing himself as an upcoming artist and bandleader since his early teens. By the age of 15, Morgan had moved in pursuance of playing professionally and playing in multiple community bands across the Kansas City jazz scene. He was also hired as a marketing intern for the American Jazz Museum located in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District of Kansas City where he had multiple opportunities to connect with and perform opening acts for jazz legends and heroes such as: Kevin Mahogany, Kim Waters, The Bad Plus + Joshua Redman, Ida McBeth, Benny Green, The McFadden Brothers, Ravi Coltrane, and many others over the next year and a half. It was his work with the Jazz Museum and his music studies that caught the eye of saxophonist Bobby Watson. He soon began teaching Morgan just shy of his 17th birthday.
Morgan was recently named 2022 Artist In Residence for the annual “Spotlight: Charlie Parker Celebration” Festival in Kansas City and has performed all across the KC area. He has been a leader, performing locally, and nationally in cities such as New Orleans, Harlem NYC, the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, Wally’s Jazz Cafe (Boston, MA), The Blue Room, The Met (Philly), as well as the D.C Jazz Festival in 2019 with Ralph Peterson. Morgan has also performed with nationally recognized singer-songwriter, Darius Rucker.
​PHOTO: Faw performing live with jazz great Bobby Watson (2017)
When Morgan is not performing, he has spent his time working with local non-profit organizations designed to enrich the Kansas City jazz scene for current and younger audiences. Between 2017 and 2018, Morgan worked to help inspire a new generation of musicians through community work and spoken word events within the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District/Community. At the American Jazz Museum, he played a role in the creation (an in participation) of their youth jazz program, officially known as the Kansas City Jazz Academy. Faw is a member of the Advisory Council Board for The Burnett Music Foundation, a Kansas City area-based Jazz Non-Profit Organization.

PHOTO: Morgan Faw and The Flame: {Left To Right} – Miles Lennox (piano), Christian Napoleon (drums), Morgan Faw, Isaac Coyle (bass), and Alonzo Demetrius (trumpet) (2022 Spotlight Charlie Parker Celebration Festival)
Morgan received a Full Scholarship to attend The Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Within his first year, he had the honor and privilege to perform, write for, and record an album with the late great drummer Ralph Peterson Jr. and his Generation Next Bigband, a band made up entirely of the best musicians at Berklee. Their album “LISTEN UP!” Including his arrangement of the Hoagy Carmichael classic, ”Skylark” is available on all streaming services. The band has performed at venues such as Dizzy’s Club in NYC as well as Scullers Jazz Club, and The DC Jazz Festival.

PHOTO: Faw with The Generation Next Big Band, led by the late legendary multi-instrumentalist, Ralph Peterson, at the 2019 DC Jazz Festival
Now Brooklyn, NY based. Morgan focuses on adding to his community and spends his time being a leader as well as a supporting artist; playing with great artists such as Mimi Jones, Charenee Wade, Chris Beck, and Johnny O’Neal to name a few. Morgan leads his quintet, “The Flame” and hopes that this collective of musicians will push the boundaries of improvised music as well bear the torch of their mentors and those that have left them their legacy to protect…
SOURCE: https://www.morganfawmusic.com/

MASTER CLASS: DR. DAN THOMAS
2025-04-13 15:30 - 16:00 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
2025 YOUTH JAZZ MASTER CLASS SERIES: $20 / Free to Youth Jazz Fellows

BIOGRAPHY

Performer, composer, arranger, educator, and arts administrator Dan Thomas has received countless performance awards, has performed, recorded, and presented with some of the most influential jazz artists and pedagogues in nearly every state in the continental US, Canada, and abroad. Thomas emigrated from his native Canada to the United States in 1993.
Thomas is a prolific composer of more than 100 original compositions in a wide variety of formats. His recordings (of original works) City Scope, Musical Sanctuary and Voyage continue to receive critical acclaim internationally, and acknowledgement on the airplay charts. His quintet recording featuring Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy and Voyage is available for immediate release.
Thomas is an in-demand performer, guest artist, and lecturer throughout the world. He has spoken on a plethora of topics ranging from performance practices, music history, music and social justice, to music business. He has performed countless times as guest artist at all levels, as well as made many appearances as guest conductor. In addition to Thomas’ work with his small groups, his pedigree and leadership skills are on display as he currently serves as the Artistic and Executive director of the Kansas City All Star Big Band which is comprised of the regions most celebrated jazz artists. Along with an elite group of high caliber international musicians, Thomas is signed to the Performing Artist and Educator rosters with both Yamaha and Vandoren.
Thomas currently serves as the Director of Jazz Studies and lead faculty member for the department of music at Ottawa University and previously served at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as the co-chair of the Jazz Studies Program with Bobby Watson. Thomas was the chief architect of a new model for jazz education which garnered national attention for the program.
Thomas has conducted by invitation at the Jazz Education Network convention, the Missouri Music Educator’s Association’s Annual In-Service Workshop/Conference. Thomas’ contributions to education have been recognized with inductions into Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (3 times) as well as being awarded the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Excellence in Teaching Award (2017), given to one Conservatory faculty member, and twice recognized by the Missouri Music Educators Association. Thomas’ achievement as an educator have led to considerable programmatic growth, student academic achievement and increases in annual giving.
Thomas’ students perform throughout the globe and teach at the highest levels. Students have been recognized in numerous jazz competitions and received many awards, notably in Downbeat, by Thelonious Monk, MTNA, Yamaha, ITG, Nafme, Music for All, Grammy, Bard Summer Jazz Academy (JALCO), the National Youth Orchestra and the Vandoren jazz saxophone competition, among other. His students have appeared many times at the Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead program, Jazz Port Townsend workshops, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Jazz Educators Network. Former student and assistant professor of saxophone at the University of Memphis says, “Dan, in addition to being a killer player, is a dedicated pedagogue who breaks down and demystifies the nuts and bolts of improvisation in a way that no other teacher I encountered in my collegiate study could.”
In addition to his long University tenure, Thomas has held appointments as the Executive Director and CEO of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, has taught in Washington, Missouri, and Kansas public schools, and at Kansas City’s Penn Valley Community College and Rockhurst University. He presents master classes, workshops, and performs at high school and university jazz festivals as a featured guest artist around the world.
Thomas holds performing artist/educator endorsements with Yamaha, Vandoren, Locoparasaxo, WeWOOD and Roo Pads.
CLINIC SUPPORT RECOGNITION
In addition to our Youth Jazz Clinician Honorarium, Dr. Thomas’s appearance is made possible with financial support from his following endorsement sponsors:

NO REHEARSALS: EASTER (WEEK 3)
2025-04-20 | Missouri
NO REHEARSALS: EASTER SUNDAY
PROGRAM WEEK 3

WEEK 4 REHEARSALS
2025-04-27 14:00 - 19:30 | Missouri
WEEK 4 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

International Jazz Day
2025-04-30 00:00 - 23:59 | Missouri
The Global Celebration of International Jazz Day 2025 Culminates in Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music

Paris, Washington, D.C and Abu Dhabi – The 2025 edition of International Jazz Day will be celebrated in more than 190 countries on April 30, with Abu Dhabi selected as the Global Host City. Organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, this celebration will feature concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. “We are thrilled to celebrate this International day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music Abu Dhabi. This edition will highlight the city’s rich tapestry of creativity and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents,” declared UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) will serve as a vibrant center of this worldwide celebration. A five-week, citywide series of jazz performances, education programs and community events will take place in the city, including the globally broadcast International Jazz Day 2025 All-Star Global Concert on April 30 at Etihad Arena, the region’s largest indoor entertainment venue.

Artists performing in the 2025 All-Star Global Concert.

Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, this concert will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world. Among those set to perform: Arqam Al Abri (UAE), John Beasley (USA), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), A Bu (China), Terri Lyne Carrington (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), Ruthie Foster (USA), José James (USA), Rhani Krija (Morocco), John McLaughlin (UK), Hélène Mercier (France/Canada), Marcus Miller (USA), Linda May Han Oh (Australia), John Pizzarelli (USA), Dianne Reeves (USA), Arturo Sandoval (USA), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Danilo Pérez (Panama), and Varijashree Venugopal (India). Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. “Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures. International Jazz Day reminds us that music has the power to transcend borders, foster dialogue, and spark joy and hope,” according to Herbie Hancock. Concert tickets are available here. The concert will also be streamed live to millions around the world via UNTV, UNESCO, jazzday.com, Facebook, YouTube and other international media partners. International Jazz Day 2025 will feature thousands of events worldwide in small towns and major cities, from intimate performances to large-scale concerts at leading cultural centers. Artists, educators, and institutions across the globe will organize masterclasses, jam sessions, panel discussions, and educational workshops, reflecting the profound impact of jazz as a unifying force.A full month of events in Abu Dhabi Building on the momentum of International Jazz Day, Jazz Month Abu Dhabi will extend the global festivities and reinforce jazz’s presence in the region. It will include live performances, pop-up concerts, workshops, artist residencies, and educational events, underscoring jazz’s connections to diverse musical traditions and artistic disciplines. “As a UNESCO City of Music, hosting International Jazz Day underlines Abu Dhabi’s commitment to cultivating cultural unity, fostering peace and understanding, and celebrating established and emerging musicians and their remarkable talents. Jazz is a powerful tool for global connection and social harmony, and we are proud that our residents and visitors from around the world can experience the unique blend of cultural understanding, creativity and inclusivity that defines the spirit of International Jazz Day,”said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.Activities will be held at major cultural and educational institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and New York University Abu Dhabi, along with hospitals, senior centers, children’s libraries, and schools. Special performances will highlight jazz’s integration with traditional instruments such as the oud, qanoon, and ney, showcasing the ongoing dialogue between jazz and local cultural expressions. This year’s International Jazz Day also coincides with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, a global, annual gathering that brings together a collective of creative thinkers, decision-makers, artists, designers, changemakers, and leaders from the culture and creative industries. The Summit will include special programs, including panels and conversations with Herbie Hancock and other renowned artists.Major global support for International Jazz Day 2025 is provided by the Doris Duke Foundationand United Airlines, the International Jazz Day Global Airline Partner.To learn more about International Jazz Day 2025 and register events on the official website, visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day.About International Jazz DayEstablished by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every April 30. The annual International Jazz Day celebration highlights the power of jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human dignity.International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than 2 billion people annually on all continents through education programs, performances, community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day each year. About UNESCOWith 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945. More information: www.unesco.org About Herbie Hancock Institute of JazzThe Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz preserves, perpetuates and expands jazz as a global art form, and utilizes jazz as a means to unite people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. The Institute is a nonprofit education organization with a mission to offer the world’s most promising young musicians college level training by internationally acclaimed jazz masters and to present public school music education programs for young people around the world.More information: www.hancockinstitute.org

Visit JazzDay.com

Join us online or in Abu Dhabi on April 30th!

Youth Jazz Students Concert Ticket Discount: Celebrating 90 Years of the Count Basie Band
2025-04-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Kansas City Music Hall, 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO, 64105, United States
Celebrating 90 Years of the Count Basie Band

Wed • Apr 30, 2025 • 7:00 PM

Important Event Info: Kids 2 & under admitted FREE with full price paid admission, but must sit on lap.

Music Hall Kansas City
301 West 13th St. , Kansas City, MO
See All Events at Music Hall Kansas City

YOUTH JAZZ STUDENT DISCOUNT TICKETS

Contact Mr. B for the discount code.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
2025-04-30 20:30 - 21:30 | KCAYJ ZOOM ACCOUNT
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
2025 Regular Meetings of the
Kansas City Area Youth Jazz Inc.
Board of Directors via Zoom.us
APRIL 30, 2025
JUNE 11, 2025
JULY 23, 2025
SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
OCTOBER 15, 2025
NOVEMBER 26, 2025
2025 SEASON PRESS RELEASE

WEEK 5 REHEARSALS
2025-05-04 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 5 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

MASTER CLASS: DR. CARL ALLEN
2025-05-04 15:30 - 16:00 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
2025 YOUTH JAZZ MASTER CLASS SERIES: $20 / Free to Youth Jazz Fellows

BIOGRAPHY

“My ultimate goal is to get to level like Art Blakey, Art Taylor, Elvin Jones, and Billy Higgins … who every time they sit down behind a set of drums it’s swinging….”
With over 200 recordings to his credit, the gifted Milwaukee-born, New York-based drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur, and educator, Carl Allen’s profound and propulsive percolations provided soulful and syncopated support for nearly three decades.
Born on April 25, 1961, Allen grew up on gospel, R&B, and funk, but later turned to jazz after hearing an LP by the legendary saxophonist Benny Carter. He studied with drum instructor Roy Sneider and band director Robert Siemele. His first hometown gigs were with sax greats Sonny Stitt and James Moody. Allen studied at The University of Wisconsin at Green Bay from 1979 to 1981, and transferred to William Patterson College in New Jersey, where he graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies and Performance.
Allen joined trumpeter Freddie Hubbard a year before his graduation, served as his Musical Director for eight years, and recorded several recordings with the trumpeter including Double Take and Life Flight. Allen also played with Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Jennifer Holliday, J.J. Johnson, Rickie Lee Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Lena Horne, Ruth Brown, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Mike Stern, Nellie McKay, Terence Blanchard, Phil Woods, Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Henderson, Billy Childs and many others. Allen’s phenomenal sideman discography also includes Jackie McLean (Dynasty), Donald Harrison (Indian Blues, Noveau Swing), Donald Byrd (A City Called Heaven), and Art Farmer (The Company I Keep).

“Carl Allen is an international powerhouse. His sound and feeings have fuled the bands of Freddie Hubbard, Christian McBride and countless others as well leading his own projects. “– Joe Lovano

Piccadilly Square (Timeless) was Allen’s first CD as leader, released in 1989, followed by The Dark Side of Dewey (Evidence), The Pursuer (Atlantic), Testimonial (Atlantic), and Get Ready, his 2007 Mack Avenue gospel/Motown accented debut release with co-leader, bassist Rodney Whitaker followed up by Work to Do (Mack Avenue Records) featuring Kirk Whalum.
Education has always been part of my mission Allen says. Art Blakey taught me the importance of nurturing the next generation of musicians. “Every generation needs someone to help them get to the next level and this what I am hoping to do”. In May of 2012 Allen received an honorary doctorate from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah in Humane Letters.
Allen is also an accomplished businessman. He co-founded Big Apple Productions in 1988 with saxophonist Vincent Herring, produced several recordings for several Japanese labels with future stars Roy Hargrove and Nicholas Payton. Several years ago he created Nella Productions which produces projects and developed an education component to the company called The New York Jazz Symposium where he runs workshops around the world on jazz. Allen has also produced recordings for pianist Eric Reed, Dewey Redman. Pharoah Sanders, Freddie Hubbard, Kris Bowers and guitarist Lage Lund, the winner of the 2005 Thelonious Monk International Monk Competition and many others totaling nearly 70 credits as a producer.
Carl Allen’s multifaceted career provides the perfect template for what a modern musician should be. As Sid Gribetz of Jazz Times wrote, “more than just another fine drummer, Carl Allen has it all together as a bandleader, businessman, and producer, becoming a force in today’s jazz world.”
Allen maintains an exhaustive schedule of recording, touring and teaching. He remains active as a sideman with Christian McBride and Inside Straight, Benny Golson and others. As a leader most recently leading The Carl Allen Quartet as well as The Art of Elvin, a tribute band dedicated to his two drum influences, Art Blakey and Elvin Jones was started after the passing of Elvin Jones in 2004.
EDUCATOR PROFILE (UMKC)

Dr. Carl Allen is the William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Endowed Professor of Jazz Studies at the UMKC Conservatory in Kansas City, MO.
Carl grew up on gospel, R&B, and funk, music but later turned to jazz after hearing a recording by the legendary saxophonist Benny Carter. His first hometown gigs were with sax greats Sonny Stitt and James Moody, and he joined trumpeter Freddie Hubbard a year before his graduation, served as his Musical Director for eight years and recorded several recordings with the trumpeter including Double Take and Life Flight. Allen also played with Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Jennifer Holliday, J.J. Johnson, Rickie Lee Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Lena Horne, Ruth Brown, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Mike Stern, Nellie McKay, Terence Blanchard, Phil Woods, Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Henderson, Billy Childs and many others. Allen’s sideman discography also includes Jackie McLean (Dynasty), Donald Harrison (Indian Blues, Noveau Swing), Donald Byrd (A City Called Heaven), and Art Farmer (The Company I Keep).
With more than 225 recordings to his credit, the Milwaukee-born, New York-based drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur, and educator, Carl Allen’s profound and propulsive percolations provided soulful and syncopated support for more than three decades.
Allen attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and William Paterson College, graduating with a BM in Music in Jazz Studies and Performance.
In May 2012 Allen received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. In May 2014, he completed a 6-year tenure serving as the Artistic Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City.

Carl embodies the personal characteristics of a true leader and visionary. The testament to this is manifest in his every performance as a world class musician…– PAT METHENY

WEEK 6 REHEARSALS
2025-05-11 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 6 REHEARSALS (MOTHER’S DAY)
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

MASTER CLASS: PROFESSOR MATT OTTO
2025-05-11 15:30 - 16:00 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
2025 YOUTH JAZZ MASTER CLASS SERIES: $20 / Free to Youth Jazz Fellows

Matt Otto is currently the Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Kansas University (KU) teaching Jazz Theory and Performance, Jazz Combo 1 and private lessons. Matt was also an Adjunct Professor at the Rutgers New Brunswick teaching online courses in jazz improvisation, theory and performance.
Matt Otto studied music performance and composition at Indiana University, Berklee School of Music, New School Jazz (BFA) and California Institute of the Arts(MFA) during which time he studied under Lee Konitz, George Garzone, Billy Pierce, Charlie Haden, Don Hawkins and many others. Having lived in Japan for 5 years, New York City for 7 years and Los Angels for 6 years, he has performed with a variety of artists including Anthony Wilson, Larry Koonse, Rashid Bakr, Ben Monder, Willie Jones III, Alan Ferber, Mark Ferber, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Gregory Hutchinson, Jonathan Kreisberg, Joe La Barbera, Leroy Vinegar, Bob Bowman, Jimmy Smith, Paul Jackson, Ari Honig, Ben Street, Mike Moreno, Sara Gazarek, Josh Nelson, Peter Schlamb, Danny Weiss, Roger Wilder, William Parker, Matt Wilson, Steve Cardenas, Bobby Watson, Bob Weir, Deborah Brown, Larry Goldings, Eric Harland, Sheryl Bailey, Darek Oles, Erik McPherson, John Stowell, Danny Embrey, Alan Pasqua, and many others.
While in Los Angeles, Matt co-founded of the Los Angeles Jazz Collective. The mission of the collective (LAJC) is to help create opportunities for creative jazz composers and performers to showcase original artistic work and to set up an ongoing Jazz outreach program for young jazz musicians in and around Los Angeles.
Matt currently performs his original compositions with his Kansas City based sextet with members Gerald Dunn on alto saxophone, Jeff Harshbarger on acoustic and electric bass, Shay Estes (vocals), TJ Martley on Piano/Keys, Mike Warren on drums, as well as traveling several times per year to NYC and LA to perform and record with various jazz artists.
Matt has recorded and performed with the Grammy nominated Anthony Wilson Nonet (The Power of Nine, Groove Note 1035, 2006), The Rashid Bakr Quintet, has performed in Los Angeles with the Grammy Nominated Alan Ferber Big Band as well as having recorded on over 50 CD’s as both a leader and a side man. See below for a discography of noteworthy recordings.
Matt says the following about his Eastman tenor. “The Eastman 52nd Street Tenor is one of the best modern saxophones I’ve ever played. The horn has a big dark sound which projects well, is easy to play, has great ergonomics, and looks great! Since I started playing it I’ve gotten many positive comments from both players and audience members regarding its sound.”
EDUCATOR PROFILE (KANSAS)
M.F.A. California Institute of the Arts; B.A. The New School
Assistant Director in Jazz Studies, directs Jazz Combo I, teaches jazz Theory and Performance, private lessons in jazz saxophone and improvisation. Saxophonist Matt Otto studied music performance and composition at Indiana University, Berklee School of Music, The New School for Social Research (BFA) and California Institute of the Arts (MFA) during which time he studied under Lee Konitz, George Garzone, Billy Pierce, Don Hawkins, Charlie Haden and many others. Having lived in Japan for five years, New York City for seven years and Los Angeles for six years, he has performed with a variety of artists including Anthony Wilson, Larry Koonse, Rashid Bakr, Ben Monder, Willie Jones III, Alan Ferber, Mark Ferber, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Gregory Hutchinson, Joe La Barbera, Leroy Vinegar, Jimmy Smith, Ari Hoenig, Ben Street, Mike Moreno, Jonathan Kreisberg, Danny Weiss, Steve Cardenas, Larry Goldings, Eric Harland, Sheryl Bailey, Darek Oles, Erik McPherson, John Stowell, and many others. He currently performs his original compositions with his Kansas City-based quartet. Matt Otto has recorded with the Grammy Nominated Anthony Wilson Nonet, the Rashid Bakr Quintet, the Joeless Shoe trio, and the 3-ish trio and over 10 CDs recorded as a leader on Origin, Noir and Jazz Collective Records. He has also appeared on more than 50 CD projects as a side man.
Any student considering pursuing any degree at KU can email me for a free Skype Lesson (ottojazz@gmail.com).
During this lesson we can talk about your goals as an artist, performer, composer or hobbyist and how I might be able to help you reach those goals. We can also discuss KU’s amazing music program and what it can offer you while you get a degree in whatever field interests you.

WEEK 7 REHEARSALS
2025-05-18 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 7 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

NO REHEARSALS: MEMORIAL DAY (WEEK 8)
2025-05-25 | Missouri
NO REHEARSALS: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

COMMISSION WORKSHOP By Professor Bobby Watson
2025-06-01 14:00 - 15:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: RENOWNED BMI COMPOSER, BOBBY WATSON COMMISSIONED TO WRITE A SPECIAL MUSICAL WORK FOR YOUTH JAZZ PROGRAM
Date: January 14, 2025
Kansas City USA – International saxophone artist, BMI composer, and jazz educator, Professor Bobby Watson, has been commissioned to compose a special piece for performance and recording by the Watson Ensemble of the Kansas City Area Youth Jazz program this season.
Professor Watson will personally workshop the special musical work on June 8, 2025 during the Watson Ensemble programmed weekly rehearsal.
Appointed as the William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri Distinguished Professorship in Jazz Studies at UMKC in 2000, Bobby Watson led that program over the next two decades. He also maintains a connection to the jazz education sphere through affiliations with the progressive spring-and-summer-only program, Kansas City Area Youth Jazz, now in its 7th successful season; AND the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
Professor Watson’s Master Classes and Clinics always include direct performance interaction with students and teachers; handouts of clinic materials; and impromptu question/answer sessions.
This composition commission was co-sponsored by gifts to Kansas City Area Youth Jazz, Inc. from the families of Dr. Doris Wright Carroll and Mr. Gregory Carroll; and, Mrs. Terri Anderson Burnett and Mr. Christopher Burnett.
More information about the program can be found at our official website https://YouthJazz.us
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Press Contact:
Director, Youth Jazz (913) 250-5141

WEEK 9 REHEARSALS
2025-06-01 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 9 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

WEEK 10 REHEARSALS
2025-06-08 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 10 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

MASTER CLASS: MUSIC IS BUSINESS
2025-06-08 15:30 - 16:00 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
MASTER CLASS: MUSIC IS BUSINESS: $20 / Free to Youth Jazz Fellows

MUSICIANS ARE ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS OWNERS

Bookkeeping Essentials for Musicians
Professional Equipment
Tax Deductions for Musicians
Depreciation Expenses
And, more…

WEEK 11 REHEARSALS
2025-06-15 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 11 REHEARSALS (FATHER’S DAY)
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

WEEK 12 REHEARSALS
2025-06-22 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 12 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

UMKC JAZZ CAMP
2025-06-23 08:00 - 2025-06-27 16:00 | UMKC Jazz Department, 5227 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, United States
The UMKC Jazz Camp brings world class musicians and jazz educators to Kansas City to work with talented young instrumentalists grades 6-12. Jazz Camp director Carl Allen and distinguished clinicians provide insight and inspiration to student ensembles in a welcoming environment. Participants form lasting friendships as they delve deep into an intensive week of studying jazz music. Daily masterclasses with Jazz Camp faculty, theory and improvisation classes, listening sessions, and faculty performances provide a well-rounded experience that touches on all aspects of jazz performance and history. Jazz Camp participants improve technical and improvisational skills, and aural acuity while studying the standards of the past and new, innovative literature. All instruments are welcome. The UMKC Jazz Camp concludes with a public performance by the student ensembles and a faculty performance. UMKC Jazz Camp Brochure

LEE's SUMMIT JAZZ FESTIVAL 2025
2025-06-28 12:50 - 13:35 | Bridge Space Lee’s Summit, 206 SW Market St, Lee's Summit, MO, 64063-2314, United States
Kansas City Area Youth Jazz has been invited to perform at the 2025 LS Jazz Festival!
SET TIME IS 12:50 pm to 1:35 pm (45 minutes)
Featuring performances by the Alaadeen Ensemble, Crain Ensemble, and Watson Ensemble from the 2025 Fellowship of Kansas City Area Youth Jazz Inc.

WEEK 13 REHEARSALS
2025-06-29 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 13 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble

NO REHEARSALS: 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND (WEEK 14)
2025-07-06 | Missouri
NO REHEARSALS: 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

WEEK 15 REHEARSALS
2025-07-13 14:00 - 19:30 | BRC Audio Productions, 1933 N 10th Street, Kansas City, KS, 66104, United States
WEEK 15 REHEARSALS
2:00 – 3:30 pm Watson Ensemble
4:00 – 5:30 pm Alaadeen Ensemble
6:00 – 7:30 pm Crain Ensemble
