American Jazz Museum

04/04/2026

The American Jazz Museum will be closed Sunday, April 5 in observance of Easter. Regular hours resume on Tuesday April 7.
Have a wonderful weekend!

03/24/2026

AJM community, we need your help! If you (or someone you know) have recently made an artifact donation to the American Jazz Museum and did not complete a formal transfer of ownership, please reach out to our Collections Department at [email protected].

The American Jazz Museum preserves over 30,000 objects of jazz heritage. Occasionally, donations are brought to the museum and left at the door by visitors looking to contribute to our collection.

While we are thankful for these offers, unsolicited artifact donations carry strict legal restrictions for museums. According to Missouri state law, when artifact donations are brought in anonymously and formal donation paperwork is not signed, the museum cannot accept the donation. Rather, it enters the "Found in Collections" process: a 7-year holding period where the donor must be tracked down or ultimately presumed un-findable (L. 1991 S.B. 344 § 7).

We want to share in your jazz heritage, and we don't want to wait 7 years to do it. If you have recently made an artifact donation to the American Jazz Museum and did not complete a formal transfer of ownership, please reach out to our Collections Department at [email protected]. Anonymous donations can be marked as such after the formal transfer of ownership is completed, in accordance with Missouri state law.

03/05/2026

The Blue Room keeps the music coming this weekend with a lineup that moves from high-energy R&B to world-class jazz.

Friday kicks off with Indigo Hour at 5:30 pm — Darron J and the Go Hard Band return with special guest Jaysol for an evening of soul, funk, and R&B. Free admission and drink specials make this the best happy hour in Kansas City.

Friday night's headliner is the J Love Band at 8:30 pm and 10 pm. J Love (Jaime Chase) is one of Kansas City's most dynamic vocalists, channeling the spirit of Aretha Franklin and Etta James into a live show that leaves nothing on the table. Her debut album "Life's Side Effects" showcases the range that's made her a fixture in the KC music scene.

Saturday night brings a shift to jazz with the Matt Otto Quartet featuring Heidi Lanita at 8:30 pm and 10 pm. Matt Otto is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Kansas with over 50 recordings to his name — including work with the Grammy-nominated Anthony Wilson Nonet. His lyrical, exploratory saxophone work and a quartet of the region's finest players promise an evening of serious jazz in the Blue Room's intimate setting.

And the week continues on Monday with the Monday Night Jam featuring Angela Ward & Friends at 7 pm. Angela has been part of the Blue Room since the 18th & Vine district reopened in 1997 — one of the most respected keyboardists in Kansas City jazz, and Musical Director for Jazz Night at the Sunflower Music Festival. She'll lead a 45-minute featured set with a hand-picked group of musicians, then the stage opens for the open jam session. Bring your instrument or just come listen. Free admission.

Live music at the Blue Room, inside the American Jazz Museum. 18th & Vine, every weekend — and Monday too.

This weekend and beyond at the Blue Room — four acts, three nights, all the vibes.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Indigo Hour (5:30 pm): Darron J & Go Hard Band featuring Jaysol
Darron J and the Go Hard Band are back with their high-energy mix of R&B, soul, and funk — this time bringing KC vocalist Jaysol along for the ride. Free admission, drink specials, and the kind of energy that turns Friday happy hour into a full-blown event.

Headliner (8:30 pm & 10 pm): J Love Band
J Love steps up from Indigo Hour to the main stage for two sets. If you know the voice, you know what's coming — gritty, soulful, powerful. Sing-alongs guaranteed. Dancing mandatory.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Headliner (8:30 pm & 10 pm): Matt Otto Quartet featuring Heidi Lanita
Saxophonist Matt Otto brings 30 years of jazz artistry and a stacked quartet to the Blue Room. A KU professor who's recorded 50+ albums and studied under Lee Konitz and Charlie Haden, Otto plays with a lyrical depth that makes every note count. Featuring vocalist Heidi Lanita.

MONDAY, MARCH 9 Monday Night Jam (7 pm – 10:30 pm): Angela Ward & Friends
The Blue Room's own Angela Ward takes the lead for the Monday Night Jam. Angela has been part of this room since 1997 — one of the most respected keyboardists in Kansas City jazz. She'll lead a 45-minute featured set, then the stage opens up for the open jam. Bring your instrument or just your ears. FREE admission.

Indigo Hour tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indigo-hour-darron-j-go-hard-band-featuring-jaysol-tickets-1984484668063?aff=oddtdtcreator

Friday night tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/j-love-band-at-the-blue-room-tickets-1984484820519?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday night tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/matt-otto-quartet-featuring-heidi-lanita-at-the-blue-room-tickets-1984484962945?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monday jam tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monday-night-jam-session-angela-ward-friends-at-the-blue-room-tickets-1984485704162?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Blue Room | 1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

03/02/2026

Tonight at the Blue Room: the Monday Night Jam features saxophonist Ernest Melton and his quartet, with a special guest appearance by vocalist Paula Saunders. Free admission, open jam to follow the featured set. Come out to 18th & Vine tonight!

Tonight at the Blue Room — and it's going to be something special.

Ernest Melton Quartet featuring Paula Saunders Monday Night Jam | 7 pm – 10:30 pm | FREE

Ernest Melton is one of Kansas City's most compelling voices on the saxophone — a serious composer and bandleader whose music draws from Coltrane, Miles, and gospel roots. Tonight he brings his quartet to the Blue Room for a 45-minute featured set.

And joining him tonight is Paula Saunders — one of KC's most gifted vocalists. Paula's voice is something rare: a rich, sultry alto-to-tenor range that calls to mind Lalah Hathaway and Anita Baker. She's opened for both of them, spent years as lead vocalist of The Freedom Affair, and every time she steps to a mic, the room knows it. Tonight she's sitting in with Melton's quartet.

After the featured set, the stage opens for an open jam — all musicians welcome to sit in.

Free admission. Kansas City jazz at its most alive.

Tickets (free): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monday-night-jam-session-ernest-melton-quartet-featuring-paula-saunders-tickets-1983977478044

The Blue Room | 1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

02/20/2026

The Blue Room welcomes The James Ward Band for a special Jazz at Noon tomorrow, Friday, February 20 at 12 pm!

Bassist James Ward Sr., keyboardist Angela Ward, and drummer Jaylen Ward have been part of the Blue Room since the 18th & Vine district reopened in the late 1990s. Their story is woven into the fabric of this venue -- from James's first house band gig in 1998 to Jaylen's recent international performances in China and Chile representing the American Jazz Museum alongside Bobby Watson and Charles Williams.

The Wards also run the Comprehensive Arts Institute, bringing affordable music education to students at Paseo Academy.

Jazz at Noon is free and open to the public. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show.

The Blue Room, inside the American Jazz Museum
1600 E 18th St

02/19/2026

The Blue Room is bringing the heat this weekend with three artists who represent the best of Kansas City's live music scene.

On Friday, Indigo Hour kicks off at 5:30 pm with J Love -- a soul and R&B vocalist whose voice carries the spirit of Aretha and Etta into a modern KC groove. Friday night's headliner is Robert "Imtume" Owens, a veteran vocalist whose career stretches from Billboard-charting jazz records to collaborations with Gerald Albright, Freddie Jackson, and Grover Washington Jr. He brings decades of artistry to two sets at 8:30 pm and 10 pm.

Saturday night features Marcus J (Marcus Williams) at 8:30 pm and 10 pm, delivering smooth R&B that's earned him a devoted following in Kansas City.

Live music at the Blue Room, inside the American Jazz Museum. Keeping the tradition alive every weekend at 18th & Vine.

Tickets and info: americanjazzmuseum.org/blue-room

12/29/2025

🎺 Monday Night Jam Session: Dave Scott / Tim Brewer Big Band! 🎶

Experience the power, swing, and excitement of big band jazz as the Dave Scott / Tim Brewer Big Band takes over The Blue Room! A Monday night filled with bold brass, tight rhythms, and classic Kansas City jazz energy.

📅 Monday Night
🕖 7 PM | 📍 1616 E 18th Street, Kansas City
🎟️ Admission is FREE!



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12/26/2025

👑✨ Queens of KC take over The Blue Room! ✨👑
Get ready for a powerhouse night of soul, style, and stunning vocals as J Love & Chloe Emmanuelle light up the stage. From smooth grooves to show-stopping moments, this is a Saturday night you don’t want to miss. 🎶🔥

🗓️ Saturday, Dec 27
🕣 8:30 PM & 10 PM
🎟️ $15 for the night | $10 one show
📍 The Blue Room | 1616 E 18th St., Kansas City

Come vibe with us and support the American Jazz Museum as we celebrate the voices, artistry, and culture that keep jazz alive in KC. 💙🎷



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12/26/2025

🎄🎶 Jazzy Hip-Hop: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! 🎶🎄

Get festive and funky at The Blue Room with Jazzy Hip-Hop, sponsored by JDRC & the American Jazz Museum! ❄️✨
Join The Sean Tyler for a high-energy night blending jazz and hip-hop vibes—plus special guests Bobby Watson & Lisa Henry bringing the heat! 🎷🔥

Rock your ugliest Christmas sweater, feel the groove, and celebrate the season with music, culture, and community. 🎅🕺

📍 The Blue Room
🎁 Holiday vibes. Jazzy beats. Unforgettable night.



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12/26/2025

✨🎤 Step into soulful elegance this Friday at Indigo Hour with the one and only Lady D! 🎶

Her powerful vocals and smooth jazz style will fill The Blue Room with unforgettable vibes. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate the heart of Kansas City jazz. 🎷💫

📅 Friday, 5 PM
📍 The Blue Room – 1616 E 18th Street, Kansas City



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12/22/2025

🎹 Monday Night Jam Session: Brant Jester! 🎶

Kick off your week at The Blue Room with the soulful piano stylings of Brant Jester! Expect dynamic grooves, inspired improvisation, and the unmistakable energy of a true Kansas City jazz jam.

📅 Monday Night
🕖 7 PM | 📍 1616 E 18th Street, Kansas City
🎟️ Admission is FREE!



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12/22/2025

🎶✨ Wrap Up the Year in Style at The Blue Room! ✨🎶
Celebrate the season with soulful sounds, holiday fun, and powerful performances all week long. 🎄🎷

🔥 Monday, December 22
Brant Jester kicks off the week with smooth vibes.

🔥 Friday, December 26 – INDIGO HOUR
Lady D sets the mood, followed by Featured Artist: The Sean Tyler
🎄 Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!
✨ Special guests Bobby Watson & Lisa Henry

🔥 Saturday, December 27
Queens of KC take the stage featuring J Love & Chloe Emmanuelle — a night of bold voices and unstoppable energy.

Make it a holiday week to remember and support live jazz in KC. 💙


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