The 18th and Vine area’s redevelopment, slow and not always steady, has sparked plenty of disagreements. Maybe a new project there is something tangible that everybody can agree on.
The Jazz District Renaissance Corp. is creating an American Jazz Walk of Fame, to be unveiled in the district next month. It begins with six inductees, and the organizers hope to start a tradition of adding to the walk annually. The induction, on Aug. 23, will be capped by a world-class concert at the Gem Theater featuring two big bands, the Count Basie Orchestra (approaching its 80th birthday) and a band led by local jazz tribal chief Bobby Watson. Watson, alto saxophonist, composer and leader of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance jazz studies, who’s done much more than simply keep the jazz flame burning. He’s made it glow more brightly. Read more.