The sharp bleat of a trumpet and the smooth crooning of a saxophone let you know that you have arrived at the 18th and Vine District in Kansas City. Located just east of the current downtown area, this historical downtown hub is considered to be one of the cradles of jazz. Former residents include many well known musicians, the most famous of whom remains Charlie Parker.
Known for short riffs and jam sessions in its crowded clubs, the 1920's and 1930's were the heydays for jazz in the area. A multi-million dollar restoration of the area began in the 1980's and has culminated in the recent opening of several museums celebrating the history of the area. Visitors will find the restaurants, clubs, and exhibits in the 18th and Vine District informative and distinctive.
Some of the new museums which have opened in the area include the Kansas City Jazz museum, the Negro League Baseball museum, and the American Jazz museum. Any one of these museums is worth a trip out to the district. The Negro League Baseball museum is especially noteworthy because it recreates the look, sound, and feel of the early games. Many visitors are not aware that there was a separate league until the 1960's as most consider the 1947 signing of Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers to be the end of the color barrier.
Coming down to the 18th and Vine District in Kansas City would also not be complete without a visit to the Gem Theater Cultural and Performing Arts Center. A 500 seat theater, the location has been restored with historical accuracy but modern sightline techniques to ensure that there is not a bad seat in the house. Local and national performing acts are showcased, with an emphasis on dance and multi-media events. A rotating cultural exhibit is housed on the second floor.
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