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Kansas City's Soul Sessions Is Giving Artists A Live Audience For Their Music And Poetry

By Steve Kraske,

Published February 28, 2021 at 5:33 PM CST

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Simeon Taylor, who also goes by Simmy and the Jets, is pictured here at a Soul Sessions event. — Simeon Taylor, who also goes by Simmy and the Jets, is pictured here at a Soul Sessions open mic night.

A weekly open mic event for Kansas City musicians and poets is boosting careers and fostering the live music scene at 18th and Vine.

Soul Sessions is an open mic event held every Monday at the KC Jukehouse Blues & Jazz Restaurant in the historic 18th and Vine District. The show's creator explains what inspired him and a musician tells what performing there has meant for his career.

Simeon Taylor, host and creator of KC Soul Sessions
Aaron Rogers, performs as rap artist GetItRogers

KC Soul Sessions' open mic event is held every Monday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the KC Jukehouse Blues & Jazz Restaurant at 1700 E 18th Street in Kansas City, Missouri

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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