10th Annual Celebration Includes Musical Performances, Tributes, Education and Social Events.
The Folly Theater, Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts, 18th & Vine Jazz District and Selected Kansas City jazz clubs and performance venues.
Spotlight: Charlie Parker 2023 celebrates the jazz icon’s 103rd birthday with jam sessions and musical tributes, jazz history tours, lectures, exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops and showcase performances. The annual program was developed to honor Parker (also known as “Bird”), his legacy and impact on jazz in Kansas City and worldwide. The event also provides educational opportunities and promotes the music of nearly 20 local Kansas City jazz artists who will perform at select events/venues during the week. Highlighting this year’s Spotlight: Charlie Parker, is Grammy nominated alto saxophonist, Tia Fuller, who will serve as the 2023 Spotlight: Charlie Parker Artist-In-Residence.
Ms. Fuller will be performing a Charlie Parker tribute finale concert with Kansas City Jazz All-Stars Roger Wilder (piano), Eric Hitt (bass), Jaylan Ward (drums), Greg Carroll (percussion) with special appearance by selected string students from Youth Symphony of Kansas City. “It is my complete honor to serve as 2023 Charlie Parker Artist-In-Residence. With Kansas City being the ‘breeding ground’ of ‘Bird,’ jazz and arts education, I am so excited to be a part of its rich history, culture, and community” says 2023 Spotlight Charlie Parker Artist In-Residence, Tia Fuller.
KC Jazz ALIVE, the coordinating organization, has again partnered with Kansas City venues and selected organizations for events and performances. Select events will be free and open to the public, while others require tickets and/or a reservation. Greg Carroll, Board President notes, “Kansas City Jazz ALIVE is proud to present this 10th iteration of Spotlight: Charlie Parker. Countless community partners, funders, artists, educators, and patrons have come together to make this a truly memorable event in celebration of—arguably, the music’s most important expatriate. It’s our ardent hope that Kansas City residents, as well as visitors, will come out and support these fantastic artists, exceptional venues, and programs!” B.J. Jansen, co-chair of Spotlight: Charlie Parker adds, “The Spotlight: Charlie Parker celebration is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. Kansas City truly shows up to celebrate one of their own—who’s legacy has impacted modern music in ways that we are still learning about almost 70 years following his passing.” Steve Hargrave, co-chair of Spotlight: Charlie Parker sums it up, “Charlie Parker is to jazz what the Beatles are to Rock and Roll. Afterwards, nothing was the same.”
For information about event details as they become available, visit spotlightcharlieparker.org.
For the next four years he would perform primarily in Kansas City with a variety of local blues and jazz groups. His craft was developed mostly through practical experience and listening to older jazz performers. He began traveling to other cities in the late 1930s. He joined Jay McShann's band, began touring, and performed solo in many of McShann's recordings and soon prominence followed.
When Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue recording artist, composer, and bandleader Tia Fuller picks up her saxophone, something amazing happens. Blending technical brilliance, melodic creativity, and the performing precision drawn from both her academic and stage experience, Fuller is a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of jazz, pop, R&B, and more. Currently, Fuller balances the worlds of performance and education, fulfilling a demanding schedule as both a busy touring and recording artist and a full-time professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Fuller was selected to be a member of the all-female band touring with Grammy-winning pop star Beyoncé. Performing as part of the I AM … Sasha Fierce and Beyoncé Experience World Tour on stages across the globe, Fuller also became a featured soloist on the Beyoncé Experience DVD (Me, Myself and I), I AM Yours I DVD (Wynn Theatre), was the saxophonist for Dorothea Williams (the character voiced by Angela Bassett in Disney’s “Soul”), and also appeared on number of major television shows, including Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, BET Awards, American Music Awards, Grammy Awards, and as a featured soloist with Beyoncé for President Obama at the White House.
In addition, she has received numerous awards and marks of distinction including, winning JazzTimes Jazz Critics Poll for best alto saxophonist (2018), and Downbeat Critic’s Poll-Rising Star two years in a row in the categories of Soprano Sax in 2014 and Alto Sax and Flute in 2013. In 2018, Fuller was honored with the Benny Golson Award from Howard University; received the Distinguished Alumnus Award as the commencement speaker at the University of Colorado at Boulder; and was appointed as the 2018 Artist-in-Residence at the Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, CA.
Bird Boot Camp, The Paseo Academy
4747 Flora Ave Kansas City, MO 64110
3:00 PM
Annual Musical Salute to Charlie Parker @ Charlie “Bird” Parker Plaza
Opening Phoenix Grill Jazz Brunch with Millie Edwards & Dan Sturdevant
302 West 8th Street Kansas City, MO 64105
Special appearance by Spotlight Charlie Parker Artist In Residence, Grammy-Nominee Tia Fuller!
6:30 PM
Alyssa Murray at the Majestic
931 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO 64105
Peter Schlamb and Matt Villinger at Chaz on the Plaza
325 Ward Pkwy Kansas City, MO 64112
6:30 PM
Mike Pagan at the Majestic
931 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO 64105
7:00 PM
Jam Session At The Blue Room—American Jazz Museum
1600 E 18th St Kansas City, MO 64108
Vivid Vision Opening Panel Session “Women in Jazz, Charlie Parker’s Influence” – @ Downtown Public Library in Helzberg Auditorium
14 W 10th St Kansas City, MO 64105
Join KC Jazz ALIVE for the kickoff of the tenth celebration of Kansas City's own Charlie “Yardbird" Parker. This Opening Panel discussion features panelists Deborah Brown, Carolyn Glenn Brewer and Tia Fuller, and will be moderated by Lisa Hittle, for a conversation about Women in Jazz: Charlie Parker's influence.
Reserve your FREE seat and see more information on our featured speakers here.
Private Reception at Buttonwood for the Metz Group and UNESCO Group
6:00 PM
Kenny Lovern’s OJT at Green Lady
1809 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
Bram Wijnands (with Tia Fuller) @ KC Bier Co
310 W 79th St Kansas City, MO 64114
6:00 PM
Jackie Meyers—Chaz on the Plaza
325 Ward Pkwy Kansas City, MO 64112
6:00 PM
Ken Lovern’s OJT from 6-8 and then Guitar Elation from 8-11—Green Lady
1809 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
Lonnie McFadden—Reno Club
1111 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64106
7:00 PM
Paganova Club
25 SE 3rd St Lee's Summit, MO 64063
11:00 PM
Brian Ward Organ Trio—Green Lady
1809 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
“Charlie Parker at 18th and Vine” Walking Tour (with tour guides Chuck Haddix and Geri Sanders) @ 18th & Vine Jazz District
8:00 PM
Closing Celebration Concert—Tia Fuller with Kansas City Jazz All-Stars
Main Stage @ Folly Theater
300 W 12th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 474-4444
The show includes several ticket options, including limited VIP packages, regular seating, saver seats, and limited student tickets.
Time: 6:30pm, VIP Reception; 8:00pm, Tribute Concert
Spotlight: Charlie Parker 2023 celebrates the jazz icon’s 103rd birthday with jam sessions and musical tributes, jazz history tours, lectures, exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops and showcase performances. The annual program was developed to honor Parker (also known as “Bird”), his legacy and impact on jazz in Kansas City and worldwide. The event also provides educational opportunities and promotes the music of nearly 20 local Kansas City jazz artists who will perform at select events/venues during the week. Highlighting this year’s Spotlight: Charlie Parker, is Grammy nominated alto saxophonist, Tia Fuller, who will serve as the 2023 Spotlight: Charlie Parker Artist-In-Residence.
Ms. Fuller will be performing a Charlie Parker tribute finale concert with Kansas City Jazz All-Stars Roger Wilder (piano), Eric Hitt (bass), Jaylan Ward (drums), Greg Carroll (percussion) with special appearance by selected string students from Youth Symphony of Kansas City. “It is my complete honor to serve as 2023 Charlie Parker Artist-In-Residence. With Kansas City being the ‘breeding ground’ of ‘Bird,’ jazz and arts education, I am so excited to be a part of its rich history, culture, and community” says 2023 Spotlight Charlie Parker Artist In-Residence, Tia Fuller.
KC Jazz ALIVE, the coordinating organization, has again partnered with Kansas City venues and selected organizations for events and performances. Select events will be free and open to the public, while others require tickets and/or a reservation. Greg Carroll, Board President notes, “Kansas City Jazz ALIVE is proud to present this 10th iteration of Spotlight: Charlie Parker. Countless community partners, funders, artists, educators, and patrons have come together to make this a truly memorable event in celebration of—arguably, the music’s most important expatriate. It’s our ardent hope that Kansas City residents, as well as visitors, will come out and support these fantastic artists, exceptional venues, and programs!” B.J. Jansen, co-chair of Spotlight: Charlie Parker adds, “The Spotlight: Charlie Parker celebration is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. Kansas City truly shows up to celebrate one of their own—who’s legacy has impacted modern music in ways that we are still learning about almost 70 years following his passing.” Steve Hargrave, co-chair of Spotlight: Charlie Parker sums it up, “Charlie Parker is to jazz what the Beatles are to Rock and Roll. Afterwards, nothing was the same.”
For information about event details as they become available, visit spotlightcharlieparker.org.
About Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker was born in 1920 in Kansas City, Kan., and in 1927 moved to Kansas City, Mo., where jazz was flourishing. Kansas City, Missouri was one of several spots instrumental in ushering in the musical improvisation style of Bebop, for which Parker is identified. Parker's early music lessons occurred in the Kansas City public schools. He began playing alto sax at age 13 and worked occasionally with semi-professional groups before leaving school at age 15 and becoming a full-time musician.For the next four years he would perform primarily in Kansas City with a variety of local blues and jazz groups. His craft was developed mostly through practical experience and listening to older jazz performers. He began traveling to other cities in the late 1930s. He joined Jay McShann's band, began touring, and performed solo in many of McShann's recordings and soon prominence followed.
About KC Jazz ALIVE
KC Jazz ALIVE has a mission to build AWARENESS, serve as a LISTENING body, provide a platform for integrating IDEAS, function as a VOICE, provide EXPOSURE to resources, and unite the Kansas City jazz community. As a catalyst organization supporting artists, educators, students, enthusiasts and venue owners, we strive to “raise the tide that lifts all jazz boats.” Kansas City Jazz ALIVE works to make Kansas City the premier destination for jazz and live music where musicians find it a haven for performance; where visitors and residents can expect quality live performances; and where venues can experience economic success.About Tia Fuller
When Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue recording artist, composer, and bandleader Tia Fuller picks up her saxophone, something amazing happens. Blending technical brilliance, melodic creativity, and the performing precision drawn from both her academic and stage experience, Fuller is a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of jazz, pop, R&B, and more. Currently, Fuller balances the worlds of performance and education, fulfilling a demanding schedule as both a busy touring and recording artist and a full-time professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Fuller was selected to be a member of the all-female band touring with Grammy-winning pop star Beyoncé. Performing as part of the I AM … Sasha Fierce and Beyoncé Experience World Tour on stages across the globe, Fuller also became a featured soloist on the Beyoncé Experience DVD (Me, Myself and I), I AM Yours I DVD (Wynn Theatre), was the saxophonist for Dorothea Williams (the character voiced by Angela Bassett in Disney’s “Soul”), and also appeared on number of major television shows, including Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, BET Awards, American Music Awards, Grammy Awards, and as a featured soloist with Beyoncé for President Obama at the White House.
In addition, she has received numerous awards and marks of distinction including, winning JazzTimes Jazz Critics Poll for best alto saxophonist (2018), and Downbeat Critic’s Poll-Rising Star two years in a row in the categories of Soprano Sax in 2014 and Alto Sax and Flute in 2013. In 2018, Fuller was honored with the Benny Golson Award from Howard University; received the Distinguished Alumnus Award as the commencement speaker at the University of Colorado at Boulder; and was appointed as the 2018 Artist-in-Residence at the Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, CA.
Spotlight: Charlie Parker Calendar
Saturday, August 19th
10:00 AMBird Boot Camp, The Paseo Academy
4747 Flora Ave Kansas City, MO 64110
3:00 PM
Annual Musical Salute to Charlie Parker @ Charlie “Bird” Parker Plaza
Sunday, August 20th
10:30 AMOpening Phoenix Grill Jazz Brunch with Millie Edwards & Dan Sturdevant
302 West 8th Street Kansas City, MO 64105
Special appearance by Spotlight Charlie Parker Artist In Residence, Grammy-Nominee Tia Fuller!
6:30 PM
Alyssa Murray at the Majestic
931 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO 64105
Monday, August 21st
6:00 PMPeter Schlamb and Matt Villinger at Chaz on the Plaza
325 Ward Pkwy Kansas City, MO 64112
6:30 PM
Mike Pagan at the Majestic
931 Broadway Blvd Kansas City, MO 64105
7:00 PM
Jam Session At The Blue Room—American Jazz Museum
1600 E 18th St Kansas City, MO 64108
Tuesday, August 22nd
6:00 PMVivid Vision Opening Panel Session “Women in Jazz, Charlie Parker’s Influence” – @ Downtown Public Library in Helzberg Auditorium
14 W 10th St Kansas City, MO 64105
Join KC Jazz ALIVE for the kickoff of the tenth celebration of Kansas City's own Charlie “Yardbird" Parker. This Opening Panel discussion features panelists Deborah Brown, Carolyn Glenn Brewer and Tia Fuller, and will be moderated by Lisa Hittle, for a conversation about Women in Jazz: Charlie Parker's influence.
Reserve your FREE seat and see more information on our featured speakers here.
Wednesday, August 23rd
5:00 PMPrivate Reception at Buttonwood for the Metz Group and UNESCO Group
6:00 PM
Kenny Lovern’s OJT at Green Lady
1809 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
Thursday, August 24th
5:00 PMBram Wijnands (with Tia Fuller) @ KC Bier Co
310 W 79th St Kansas City, MO 64114
6:00 PM
Jackie Meyers—Chaz on the Plaza
325 Ward Pkwy Kansas City, MO 64112
6:00 PM
Ken Lovern’s OJT from 6-8 and then Guitar Elation from 8-11—Green Lady
1809 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
Friday, August 25th
7:00 PMLonnie McFadden—Reno Club
1111 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64106
7:00 PM
Paganova Club
25 SE 3rd St Lee's Summit, MO 64063
11:00 PM
Brian Ward Organ Trio—Green Lady
1809 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
Saturday, August 26th
10:00 AM“Charlie Parker at 18th and Vine” Walking Tour (with tour guides Chuck Haddix and Geri Sanders) @ 18th & Vine Jazz District
8:00 PM
Closing Celebration Concert—Tia Fuller with Kansas City Jazz All-Stars
Main Stage @ Folly Theater
300 W 12th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 474-4444
The show includes several ticket options, including limited VIP packages, regular seating, saver seats, and limited student tickets.
Time: 6:30pm, VIP Reception; 8:00pm, Tribute Concert
