Jazz Artistry Now
Congratulations to the Kansas City Monarchs Baseball Club and MaxFun Entertainment for bringing back the KC Blues & Jazz Fest, October 3 and October 4, 2025 at the Monarchs Legends Field sports complex in Kansas City, Kansas.
After 24 years, the KC Blues & Jazz Fest returns, bringing the city’s signature sound back to the stage
The Festival Main Stage was on the infield at the Monarchs Legends Field complex.
After a nearly 25-year absence, the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival made a triumphant return to the local music scene on October 3 and 4, 2025. The revival of this legendary festival took place at Legends Field, promising a weekend-long celebration of the music that cemented Kansas City’s reputation as a cultural hub.
A rich history
The festival is a revival of an event that first ran from 1991 to 2001. Formed by the merger of showcases from the Kansas City Blues Society and the Jazz Ambassadors, the original festival attracted tens of thousands of music lovers with its free, two-day, multi-stage format. Held at the iconic Liberty Memorial grounds, the festival hosted world-class talent, including Diana Krall, The Staple Singers, and Pat Metheny. Despite its popularity, the original festival ended in 2001 due to financial difficulties.
The 2025 lineup and venue
The 2025 festival honored the event’s history while showcasing contemporary blues and jazz acts. This year’s event took place at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas, home of the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team. Attendees enjoyed performances from a mix of local and national talent, including:
Stanley Clarke Quartet
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Shemekia Copeland
Bill Frisell Trio
Gregory Tardy
Bobby Watson
David Basse
Brody Buster’s Redemption
High Society
A city of rhythm
The Festival Side Stage also featured jazz artists like Jackie Myers and Ken Lovern’s OJT (shown).
Kansas City’s place in the history of blues and jazz is undeniable. The city’s 18th & Vine District was a hotbed of musical innovation, producing a unique style known as the “Kansas City Sound”. Legendary artists like Count Basie and Charlie Parker cultivated this sound, blurring the lines between blues and jazz with punchy piano and bold horn arrangements.
2025 Youth Jazz Fellows, George Hagan (guitar) and Kenyi Yoyo (alto saxophone) after the gig.
The festival’s return honors this legacy and provides a platform for the next generation of musicians. By featuring both seasoned legends and local favorites, the festival ensures that Kansas City’s distinctive rhythm continues to echo through its streets and venues.
A celebration reborn
For many, the KC Blues & Jazz Festival is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a living, breathing connection to the city’s soul. Its revival brings back a beloved tradition and reinforces the importance of music in Kansas City’s cultural identity. For both longtime fans and new generations, the festival’s comeback is a welcome reminder of the rich musical heritage that makes Kansas City swing.
A special acknowledgment is due the Kansas City Area Youth Jazz Alumni Ensemble for putting together a great set on Saturday at the 2025 KC Blues & Jazz Fest!
Led by KCAYJ clinician Houston Smith, who also played drums, the ensemble was an organ driven band that rendered convincing performances of a variety of challenging staples from the Jazz canon.
Youth Jazz performed on the side stage that presented great jazz artists like Jackie Myers and Ken Lovern.
2025 Fellow Kenyi Yoyo, alto saxophone; 2022 Fellow Henry Fears, trombone; and 2025 Fellow George Hagan, guitar; were on the front horn line performing compositions such as Joe Henderson’s “Recordame” and Roy Hargrove’s “Strasboug St. Denis”.
Guest clinician Eric Kaplan, playing the Hammond B-3, along with Mr. Smith playing drum set, powered the ensemble rhythm section.
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