Jazz and Kansas City have been linked for more than half a century, but some say the art form has lost its luster over time — especially with young listeners. That’s why the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra embraces education and performance to raise the next generation of musicians...

...when The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra had the recent opportunity to take the bandstand at the drive-in concert series at Plexpod in Midtown (kcdriveinconcerts.com), for a parking lot full of folks, the five bandmembers felt both the weight of the moment as well as the freedom of it. Saxophonist ...

Christmas was given a distinctly Kansas City twist last night when the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra conducted by Clint Ashlock presented “All Star Holidays” in Helzberg Hall. Evoking the jam session culture of 1930s Kansas City jazz, three guest artists sat in with the band: trombonist Jason Goudeau, vocalist Molly Hammer and multi-talented phenom...

In October, two exciting Kansas City Jazz Orchestra events brought a much-needed focus to middle and high school jazz education. Internationally recognized saxophonist, composer and spokesperson for jazz, Benny Golson held a large Blue Room audience in rapt attention, as he personally reviewed and critiqued.. 

Mary Lou Williams only spent a dozen years in Kansas City during its first jazz heyday, but this is where she solidified her professional reputation, gaining the respect of leaders in the field. KCJO performs Mary Lou Williams' "Zodiac Suite," Sun,...