Gem Theatre

The Gem Theatre was built in 1912 as a silent movie house catering to the African American audiences.  Today the state of the art theatre showcases local and national Jazz groups.  This is located in the 18th and Vine Jazz district

Weekend Reflection

 Two photos today, one has a reflected Charlie Parker that I displayed earlier this week and Charlie is in the background of the other.  I sure hope everyone is safe from yesterday's outbreak of tornadoes in the south.  To see other weekend reflections click here.

Blues

An old brick building with faded words on the side sure tells its age.

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.