Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors

Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors KCJA supports jazz musicians in KC & works hard to preserve & promote the KC jazz heritage

Kansas City is, perhaps, best known throughout the world for its unique contribution to music — jazz, which now has become respectable, adopted by symphonies, and taught in conservatories of music. It has taken many forms, but basically it remains the old robust music that reflects the Kansas City spirit. The Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, Inc., Incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 1984, was created as par

t of the Kansas City Jazz Commission by then mayor Richard L. Berkley, and is the city’s oldest nonprofit governed by an operating board of volunteers. The mission of the KCJA is to help preserve the rich cultural heritage of jazz in Kansas City, and to support and promote the musicians, students, businesses and fans of the Kansas City jazz community. Our financial support comes primarily from membership fees, tax-deductible donations, and fundraising events. A majority of the proceeds from our fundraising efforts go directly to our Musician’s Assistance Fund (MAF) and the Jazz Studies Scholarship Fund (JSSF) with the minority going to help operate the non-profit organization.

05/06/2026

Music Across Borders and KC Jazz ALIVE are teaming up to bring Kansas City something new — the 515 Music Hub. 🎶

This summer, we're opening a live music venue and community space in partnership with Open Doors KC. A place where local artists perform, neighbors gather, and the culture of this city gets to shine.

We're building out our vendor roster and we want YOU in the mix. Whether you're a food truck, a local maker, a pop-up shop, or a creative business looking for a summer home — we want to hear from you.

Here's what you need to know:
📍 Located in the Crossroads district at 515 Southwest Boulevard
🗓️ Opening June 2026
🎤 Live music events throughout the season

Vendor spots are limited. If you're interested in being part of the 515 this summer, fill out our vendor interest form now — link in bio.

Questions? DM us or email [email protected].

Celebrate International Jazz Day with The Count Basie Orchestra!
04/28/2026

Celebrate International Jazz Day with The Count Basie Orchestra!

Experience the legendary Count Basie Orchestra in Kansas City. A night of jazz history, art deco elegance, and swing. April 30th, 2026.

We are absolutely devastated.Yesterday, we lost our friend, our colleague, and a deeply valued member of our family, Lyn...
04/19/2026

We are absolutely devastated.

Yesterday, we lost our friend, our colleague, and a deeply valued member of our family, Lynn Abrams

Lynn was not just a board member, she was a driving force behind so much of what we do. As co-editor of JAM Magazine and a passionate supporter of the JAM Awards, she poured her heart into celebrating this community and the artists who make it so special.

She was an avid supporter of the music community in both Kansas City and Lawrence. She always showed up, willing to give of her time, energy and her spirit so generously to the work she believed in.

We are grieving alongside her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. We do not have information on arrangements at this time, but we will share updates as they become available.

If there is any way we can support our community during this time, please reach out. That’s what Lynn would have done.

Please keep her family and loved ones in your thoughts.

We will miss her deeply.

04/10/2026

This weekend, we're headed below decks at the Green Lady Lounge, to the intimate venue known as the Orion Room, for an hour with the Ward-Platt Trio. The band features Brian Ward at the Hammond organ, drummer Sam Platt and saxophonist Todd Wilkinson. Hear the trio perform an hour of KC originals on this week's Live at Green Lady Lounge. Saturday 6:00pm Central, with an encore broacast Sunday 9:00pm, on all KPR 1 stations. Live stream at kansaspublicradio.org.

04/08/2026

Address

31 W. 31st Street
Kansas City, MO
64108

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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