International Day of Jazz is held every year on April 30th. This year was the 15th anniversary of the annual celebration started by Herbie Hancock with the support of David Killion, US Ambassador to UNESCO, in 2011-2012.

This year Kansas City had multiple celebrations across the City. The headliner was the legendary Count Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Barnhart at the Kansas City Music Hall.

The Basie band performed for over 1,000 guests at the historic Music Hall on 13th Street in downtown. Sponsors included the Museum of Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, Kissick Construction, BAC Music, the City Council and the City Manager’s Office.

Music students from around the city and the nation were able to attend this year for free or reduced prices due to the generous support of our sponsors. Bands attended from as far away as Anchorage Alaska, Seattle, Washington, St. Louis, Bentonville, Salina, and Sioux Falls!!!

Our partnership with the Kansas City Kansas Community College music program led by John Stafford was a great success! Justin Binek and Brett Jackson helped to connect their students with the event and the Blue Devil Big Band opened the show.

Hometown favorites Lonnie McFadden and Deborah Brown gave the night a special spark.

This year, Creative City KC honored legendary Kansas City musician, singer and composer – Jay McShann. The Basie Orchestra featured McShann’s chart Swingmatism – one of our favorites that captures the energy and drive of Swing-era, riff-based jazz.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, staff of the Music Hall, Director Kimiko Gilmore, and all of guests who attended the show!