18th and Vine

Kansas City is known worldwide as a jazz town, home to the likes of Charlie Parker, Andy Kirk and Count Basie. But what about the women who helped shape the genre? To celebrate Women’s History Month, Up To Date looked at some of the city’s most iconic female jazz luminaries.

The Spencer Museum of Art has a new gallery and curators have been deliberate in their selection of more diverse artwork — and an unexpected literary twist. Plus: The Kansas City jazz community is mourning the sudden loss of Ronald McFadden, legendary tap-dancer and musician and one half of the McFadden Brothers.

McFadden, was one-half of the internationally known McFadden Brothers. He died, passed unexpectedly after a performance with his brother Lonnie McFadden at the Loews Hotel in downtown Kansas City.

Foreclosure has been on the table at Parade Park Homes, an aging housing cooperative in the 18th and Vine District, for months now. But due to a recent update, the possibility of foreclosure seems even more real.

The Buck O’Neil Barrel-Aged Saison honors the late first baseman and manager of the Kansas City Monarchs, Buck O’Neil. The limited release beer is expected to be available on tap and in bottles beginning the first week of November — brewed in a partnership between Boulevard Brewing Co. and the soon-to-launch Vine Street Brewing.

The new exhibit, "Sound and Story: 25 Years at the American Jazz Museum," will include the four pillars of the American Jazz Museum’s mission: exhibition, performance, education and research.

After being based in Dallas for the last decade — and making tattoo trips across the region — Kinesha Glover opened Keno G Ink in the lower level of the 2000 Vine redevelopment project.

Parade Park was a symbol of pride for Black families in Kansas City who finally got their chance at home ownership — but the neighborhood may not survive redevelopment. Plus, staff shortages are forcing Missouri school districts to consider four-day weeks.

As Kansas City’s first Black-owned housing co-op, Parade Park helped residents pursue the American Dream of owning a home and building a community. But after 60 years, it’s uncertain if it can survive foreclosure and redevelopment.

While oppressive heat swept through the metro over the weekend, there were fewer places for people to cool off. The city closed four pools on July 31.

Sixteen years after his death, the former Monarch legend’s name, and memories of his personality and wisdom, are still being passed along in Kansas City. The ceremony is set for this weekend in Cooperstown, New York.

One African-American chef from Kansas City is creating a new community around food in the 18th and Vine District. Also, we hear about a Kansas City jazz singer who made waves across the nation 75 years ago for her specific type of blues.