The Blue Room

Part of the American Jazz Museum complex that offers live music at 18th & Vine.

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker, known as Yardbird or Bird, was a American jazz saxophonist and composer.  He was considered one of the most influential jazz musicians of his time (1920-1955).  Sculpted out of bronze by Robert Graham.  Click on the below photo to see the texture of this piece.

The Museums of 18th and Vine

 

The 18th and Vine historic district was the center for black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800's to 1960.   Just steps away from the district was the Paseo YMCA which was built as a black YMCA in 1914.  It served as a home for baseball players, railroad worker and others in the area.  The Negro National League was founded in 1920.  By the 1980's the area had become a neglected urban area, but was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.  This permanent home for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum opened in November 1997.

The American Jazz Museum preserves the history  of American Jazz.  The museum features exhibits on Charles Parker, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and others.  An upcoming exhibit of Ella Fitzgerald is one I plan to attend.

William Jewell College

Bare trees create views one cannot see in the summer.

Weekend Reflection

Overnight rain caused the red neon sign to bleed onto the wet pavement.

Click here to see more weekend reflections:

Vintage railcar

I found this vintage streetcar behind Union Station this morning.

Symphony Doorway

I liked the art deco details around this door in the Crossroads District.

Firefighters Fountain

These sculptures by Tom Corbin are a memorial to all firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty throughout Kansas City's history.  This memorial was brought about from a tragedy in 1988.  Firefighters were responding to a burning pickup at a construction site.  Several trailers adjacent to the pickup held powerful explosives.  When the fire spread to one of the trailers an explosion instantly killed six firefighters.  It was determined that arsonist set the fire due to a labor dispute.  Five individuals were convicted of arson and murder in 1996.  This case continues to be reviewed and new evidence is discovered.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum II

There are 20, 19th century buildings dating from 1807-1885 in this village.  During the fall there are reenactments of civil war battles and a Harvest Festival.  I somehow always missed these events, maybe this fall.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

I purchased a new camera yesterday and had to take it out for a spin.  Since I hate driving back into the city on the weekend, I went somewhere close.  Bear with me while I learn the ins and outs of my new camera.

Hodge Park

Hodge Park has a Wilderness Run in the fall every year.  For the event they mow a path thru the brush for runners.  After the run the paths provide walking trails for those inclined to use.  The park itself has baseball and football fields, and lots of wide open space.  I have frequented this park for years.  For years it was not mowed during the sports off season, however over the last year improvements have been made.  A gravel path was installed around half of the outside perimeter, regular mowings, and a bridge over the creek with paths to the Shoal Creek Living History Museum (where I took my theme day photo of the year).  Thank you KCMO Parks Dept.

Penn Valley Park

Looking toward the Liberty Memorial on a walking trail in Penn Valley Park

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More building details, love this arch and found a little reflection.

I turned off word verification also, I think....

Scrape the Plate

I saw this sign as I traveled through City Market early one morning and thought what a wonderful name.  I found through their website that they are caterers.  As I browsed their menus I found many items I would want to try and thought how fun it would be to have a party for all my CDP friends, can you all make it to KC?

I had quite a reaction to yesterdays mural...  KCDP was mentioned on Tony's Kansas City, he links to different photos of mine every couple of weeks or so.  I can usually guess which photos he will mention and I am usually right.  btw Tony has a fondness for women.

  "Under the Viaduct"

Kansas City Daily Photo captures a nice slice of life under the 17th Street Bridge.

Under the Viaduct

A mural under the highway on 17th Street.  Unlike RedPat who always knows the artist, I do not have an artist name to share : )  As you can see at the left tagging space was left.

Happy Valentines Day

My wish that everyone has a special moment with their loved one(s)

Doorway Details

Built in 1925 these doorways have always welcomed patrons to a hotel.  

Snowy Owls

Birders have been blessed with an appearance of Snowy Owls in the Kansas City area.  These owls from the arctic are rare visitors to these parts, only appearing when their winter food supply is short.   Three of these birds have been frequenting the Smithville Lake area.  I have a friend who lives in Smithville and the birds have been visitors in her neighborhood.  Her husband David shot this photo.

New Temple in the Northland

I have been watching this Church of the Latter Day Saints temple make a cut in the skyline of the Northland for the last year or so.  Recently I read a public open house will take place in April.  Fences are still up as construction continues.  There use to be a narrow two lane road that connected the area to the highway, now the road has been widen. The area has been vastly improved with a roundabout, arbors, gardens and benches.  

Weekend Reflection

Same atrium, taken last summer. 

Happy Friday!

Angles

Looking up thru an atrium at Crown Center. 

Church

I have a fascination with old churches.  On my drive to work I could see this church tower from the highway and it became my obsession.  Some things I should just stay away from, but because I spent several stops trying to get a decent photo I had to display even though I am not happy with the outcome.  Lesson learned, small old neighborhoods have narrow streets, hanging electrical wire, telephone poles and street lights where you don't want them.

This is Holy Rosary Church founded in 1890 in a primarily Italian neighborhood.  The Holy Rosary Church has been served by the Scalabrini Missionaries.  Over the years the Italian families have moved out of the area making room for others.

Walk in the Park

Another park, another walk.  KC has several dog parks and they have lots of sports parks with walking trails around them.  During the off season the only people that seem to enjoy the parks are people with dogs.  I have meet some great dog owners on my walks in these parks.

Weekend Reflection

I loved these colorful dishes found in the window of Sur La Table, I also managed a bit of reflection.

Happy Sunday!

Improvements Underway

The Liberty Memorial is under going improvements in preparation for the 2014 Centennial of the First World War. The scaffolding at the top of the eternal flame generates a glow I find appealing.

Early Morning Skyline

Taken from the Richard L Berkley Riverfront Park.  Every morning on my way to work the skyline was so clear and beautiful, but I didn't have time to stop and snap a photo.  I promised myself one morning I would and thankfully the sky stayed clear and I got this shot Thursday morning.  Happy Friday it has been a long week.

Plaza Church

Seventh Church of Christ Scientist.  I like the looks of this church on the Country Club Plaza.

Theme Day - Animals

Sadie upstair in a corner window, her favorite perch to watch the happenings on the street below.

The first of every month is theme day at CDP.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants