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Meet the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra - James C. Mair, Artistic Director
Saxophones
David Chael, lead alto
Bob Long, alto
Doug Talley, lead tenor
William Sanders, tenor
Kerry Strayer, baritone
Trombones
Jeff Hamer, lead
Earlie Braggs
Stephanie Bryan
Paul Roberts, bass
Trumpets
Steve Molloy, split lead
Bob Harvey, split lead
Jay Sollenberger
David Aaberg
Rhythm Section
Charles Williams, piano
Rod Fleeman, guitar
James Albright, bass
Tim Cambron, drums
Sound provided by: Off-beat-open-hats Sound Reinforcement - Ian Corbett
Lighting provided by: Innovative Lighting - Carolyn Tobaben
About the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra
MISSION STATEMENT
Through concert performances and educational endeavors, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra strives to preserve the rich heritage of jazz, nurture its growth, and encourage the appreciation of America’s Classical Music as a viable art form.
Jazz is America’s classical music. Through the efforts of the KCJO, a non-profit organization, the citizens of Kansas City can experience this art form through concert performances by a dynamic collection of Kansas City’s finest jazz musicians. The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents a series of concerts each season that are both entertaining and artistically sound. Each concert features a guest instrumentalist, vocalist or theme to showcase the many facets of this diverse and evolving musical art.

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is the cornerstone of the organization. However, youth programs and community outreach are also an integral part of the organization's mission. Educational and youth programs include the KCJO/KCKCC Summer Jazz Camp, the Music Scholars Program, master classes, artists in residence, jazz mentoring and school visits.
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra attempts to collaborate with other established jazz organizations in a spirit of unity and inclusion. It is important that the diversity and multiculturalism of jazz be emphasized and celebrated.
An advisory council, made up of members of the community, meets periodically. Members are sought whose views are congruent with the mission and purpose of the organization. Each member not only serves in an advisory capacity but will also be actively involved in promotion, fund procurement, audience development and overall planning and development.
Funding
The KCJO applies for and receives grant funds to be used to help underwrite public performances. Ongoing support from charitable foundations and corporate and private gifts is paramount to the success and livelihood of the organization.
Identifying potential funding sources will be the first priority of The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's Board of Directors and Advisory Council. Revenues from ticket sales contribute only a portion of the operating budget of the organization. The cost of concert tickets is in line with other professional arts organizations yet remains affordable enough as to not exclude young people and students, a segment of the population we make particular efforts to reach. Jazz bands are an integral artistic component to virtually every high school music program. These students should have the opportunity to experience live performances of the classic repertoire they are learning in school.
Vision
The vision of The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is a community where Jazz warrants the same social prestige and garners the same cultural respect as European art music.
Past Concerts
“Herd Again!”
with Special Guest
Kathleen Holeman
Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“Home for the Holidays”
with Special Guests
Millie Edwards and LaShea Wright
Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“Eldar Returns”
with Special Guests
Eldar Djangirov
Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“Sing, Sing, Swing!”
with Special Guests
Ken Peplowski and Kim Liggett
Friday, April 27, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“Home For The Holidays”
Featuring vocalist
Michelle Miller
Featuring Duke Ellington’s scoring of The Nutcracker Suite
Friday, December 8, 2006, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“Kenton Returns”
with Special Guests
Stephanie Nakasian and Kim Park
Friday, September 22, 2006, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“Big Band Blues”
with Special Guests
Ernie Andrews, Houston Person
and Everette DeVan
Friday, April 28, 2006, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“A Toast To Sinatra”
Featuring Vocalists
Dave Stephens and Ron Gutierrez
Friday, November 18, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“The Duke & Two Divas”
Featuring Music from the Duke Ellington Songbook
also Featuring
Ida McBeth and Angela Hagenbach
Friday, April 29, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“In the Spirit of Count Basie”
Featuring Count Basie Alumni
Clark Terry & Harold Jones
also Featuring Lisa Henry
Friday, November 12, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Unity on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“ Louis & Ella - Together Again”
Featuring Special Guest Artists
Byron Stripling & Deborah Brown
Friday, May 14, 2004, 7:30 p.m.
Unity Temple on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
“A Tribute to Warren Durrett”
Featuring Special Guest Artist
Marilyn Maye
Friday, November 21, 2003, 7:30 p.m.
Unity Temple on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
©2004-2008 KANSAS CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

