Where to hear live jazz in Kansas City, from 18th & Vine to Waldo
For nearly three decades, Kansas City native Chalis O’Neal has been playing trumpet, performing at jazz venues throughout the metro and contributing to the city’s longstanding musical tradition. From Vine Street Brewing Co. in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District to Stock Hill and Lonnie’s Reno Club, O’Neal has performed at establishments offering audiences different ways to experience Kansas City’s jazz scene. He also recommends the Blue Room and Ted’s Taproom, which he describes as a newer destination for live jazz, food and drinks. Although Kansas City has a number of established jazz clubs, O’Neal says the music extends well beyond traditional performance venues, with restaurants, breweries and neighborhood bars regularly featuring local musicians. “Kansas City has a great jazz scene,” O’Neal said. “I believe I heard there’s over 50 venues around town, not necessarily jazz clubs, but 50 venues that offer jazz.” Vine Street Brewing Co. On Wednesday evenings, the upstairs taproom at Vine Street Brewing Co. becomes a gathering place for some of Kansas City’s jazz musicians, who come together to improvise, exchange ideas and create music in real time. The weekly jam session, known as “Office Hours,” is led by Kansas City trombonist Marcus Lewis and
