Kansas City Star - February 16, 2010

“KANSAS CITY JAZZ & BLUES; PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE”

 

 

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE & FUNDRAISER
The Gem Theater, 18th & Vine Thursday, May 6

 

(Kansas City, Missouri, February 16, 2010) – Heartland Films, Inc. 501(c)3 will present a tribute to Kansas City’s unique jazz and blues history with a 60-minute documentary “Kansas City Jazz & Blues; Past, Present & Future.” The film is produced by Heartland Films’ award winning (Homelessness and the Power of One) local documentary filmmaker Sue Vicory. It is narrated by Nick Lowery and will premiere at The Gem Theater, 1601 E. 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, on May 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The documentary features original music and has been condensed from hundreds of hours of interviews and performances at B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ, Jardine’s, The Blue Room, Knuckleheads, and many other Kansas City jazz and blues venues. Over 150 musical greats participated in the film including Karrin Allyson, Bobby Watson, Kevin Mahogany, David Basse, and Mark Pender to name a few. Blues musicians include Trampled Under Foot, Jay EuDaly, Mama Ray, and Washboard Jo.

 

The evening will begin with a VIP reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Throughout the night musicians will perform live music and a major mega jam will culminate the event. KMBC-TV Chief Meteorologist Bryan Busby will be the emcee for the evening and will present a lifetime achievement award to Marilyn Maye. Myra Taylor will be a special guest and will be honored for her 60+ years as an entertainer. This event is a major fundraiser to support non-profit jazz and blues organizations such as Kansas City Blues Society, Kansas City Youth Jazz, American Jazz Museum, and UMKC Conservatory Jazz Studies. The film honors the late Ed Fenner who actively promoted the Kansas City jazz scene. Donations are tax deductible.

 

This red carpet film premiere will celebrate Kansas City’s rich jazz and blues heritage and pay homage to those musicians that are keeping the legacy alive. The cost of the premiere is $25. VIP tickets are $50 which includes a reception and preferential seating. Tickets are reserved seating and can be purchased by calling 816-474-6262 or at any ticketmaster® outlet, www.ticketmaster.com. Please call Carrie Moore at 816-582-7819 about event sponsorships or event details.

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For information about “Kansas City Jazz & Blues; Past, Present & Future” and Heartland Films, Inc., please go to www.kcjazzandblues.com and www.filmsfromtheheart.com. To schedule an interview with Sue Vicory along with some of the musicians in the film, please contact Gini Wharton at 816-753-2692 or ginimed@swbell.net.