Kansas City Youth Jazz 12:30 Combo Debut

Mayor Reardon - opening remarks

The very first “12:30″ gig went great on Saturday!

KCYJ “12:30 Combo” students (7th and 8th graders from various Kansas City metro area schools) had the opportunity to perform at the Reardon Civic Center in Kansas City for the “18th Annual Black History Banquet“.  Students performed during dinner and performed a number after the event concluded.  The KCYJ students played and improvised to music by Charlie Parker, Oscar Pettiford, Herbie Hancock, and Kenny Dorham.

A big thanks to Mr. Leon Brady (founder and musical director) and Mrs. Lindy Brady (Executive Director) of Kansas City Youth for supporting this first performance in several ways.

And… a BIG THANKS to the KCYJ parents, who helped with literally every logistical aspect of making the performance come off so well…

Here are a couple of blurry pictures from my cell phone showing a view of the banquet attendees and the combo set at the far end of the room… and also the parents outside of the “green room”…

It was cool that the master of ceremonies acknowledged the students.  The organizers and attendees really enjoyed their music and offered many compliments. Keep up the great work… we will start studying new song forms next week…

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Visit the “12:30 Combo” and the entire Kansas City Youth Jazz Program at their cool website: http://KCYouthJazz.org

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Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man