Kansas City welcoming NFL Draft visitors with live jazz performances at the new airport

Kynala Phillips
·2 min read
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NFL Draft visitors will be welcomed to the new Kansas City International Airport with live jazz music.

Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas announced that jazz artists like saxophonist Bobby Watson, bassist Ben Leifer, trumpet player Stan Kessler, pianist Roger Wilder and more will be playing in the terminal from 12 pm. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday until Thursday, the first day of the draft.

“The saxophone art won’t be the only jazz on display at @Fly_KansasCity this week,” Lucas wrote in a tweet announcing the performances.

Travelers are greeted by sculptures called “Jazz Birds,” by artist Willie Cole, at Kansas City International Airport on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
Travelers are greeted by sculptures called “Jazz Birds,” by artist Willie Cole, at Kansas City International Airport on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

Other artists that will be performing include bass players Eric Hitt and DeAndre Manning, vocalist Everett Freeman and drummer Michael Warren.

The performances will be held in the arrivals and baggage claim area of the airport so that fans coming into town can get a taste of Kansas City’s rich jazz culture and history.

Kansas City jazz has its own distinct vibe — marked by improvisational solos, riffing, big band sounds and a heavy blues influence. During the height of the jazz era in the 1920s and 30s, the city hosted legendary acts like Duke Ellington, Elle Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, but famous locals like Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra, Charlie Parker and Count Basie really brought the scene to life.

Many would like to see the Kansas City Royals choose the area near the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District for a new baseball stadium.
Many would like to see the Kansas City Royals choose the area near the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District for a new baseball stadium.

For those in town who want more jazz music, the American Jazz Museum will also host a 12-hour jazz session on Thursday to help welcome NFL Draft visitors.

The free Jazz Draft Jam will be held at the museum’s jazz club, the Blue Room at 1600 E 18th St. in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. To reserve a seat ahead of time, visit here.

Night owls can also stop by the Jazz District after the draft to catch late night jam sessions at the Mutual Musicians Foundation at 1823 Highland Ave, where there’s a bar and lounge that hosts sessions Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to sunrise, every week.

If you’re still in the Jazz District and feeling hungry, try stopping by one of the many Black-owned restaurants, including Soiree Steak & Oyster House, Smaxx Restaurant or The Kansas City Juke House.

Check out The Star’s guide to the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District to find more recommendations for the neighborhood.