Combining the happy swinging feel of the Kansas City jazz scene with the hard, soulful groove of St. louis funk, soul and blues; the people’s key blends these midwestern styles into one cohesive sound.
They swing in the traditional style of jazz, but provide listeners the opportunity to ride along as they relive the sounds of their lifetimes, with tunes by modern artists from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Green Day, Jay-Z and Bruno Mars. This band puts the classic organ group sound of the ‘50s & ‘60s on all your favorites from the ‘70s and beyond.
The People’s Key is designed to connect the jazz vernacular with a modernized songbook. The People’s Key performs material from popular artists, genres, songs and themes to engage in the maximum connection possible with their audiences.
The People’s Key can be found playing some of the hottest jazz rooms around such as Jazz at the Bistro, The Sheldon and The Dark Room.
Debuting in 2013, the group has had the opportunity to open for national acts such as The Jeff Coffin Mu’tet and Fareed Haque’s Math Games. The band has released six albums: The People’s Key (2013). The Sean Carter Jazz Suite with Lamar Harris (2014) and Heal The World (2015). “Within You” (Fall 2016), “Time of the Season” (2018). The band’s current release “Unlocked Doors” released summer 2018.
Requirements available upon request
The Missouri Brass Quintet, founded in 1983, has broad performance experience throughout the Kansas City area and the Midwest. In residence at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, on the University of Missouri’s designated performing arts campus, the MBQ performs music drawn from an all-embracing repertoire of musical styles. This versatile and exciting ensemble is equally at ease in the music of the Renaissance or Kansas City Jazz, Baroque masterpieces or dramatic new 20th-century works; even a bit of music with a mildly preposterous sense of humor, such as “The Broken Horn Rag” (you have to see that one to believe it!). Audiences, presenters and other musicians have applauded them on their superb virtuosity and their unique ability to reach out to diverse audiences.
10X10 space, five music stands and five arm-less chairs.
The core of the Matching Shoe consists of hypnotizing guitar and bass lines, mesmerizing keys and dynamic percussion. Led by multi-instrumentalists Dillon Wilfong (vocals/drums/guitar) and Ben Vennard (keyboards/upright bass/vocals). Their repertoire consists of both original and cover songs that combine the sounds of Classic Rock ‘N’ Roll, Art Rock, Folk, and Blues.
Their originals ring of early Jethro Tull, Revolver-era Beatles, and psychedelic pop while their carefully selected covers span the Doors, Grateful Dead, Elton John and more.
Fueled by the same musical styles, the band released their first album ‘Out Thru the Window’ in August 2016. Their next EP titled “Don’t Hide It. Divide It” was recently released fall of 2017, which was recorded between St. Louis and Aftermaster Studios in Hollywood, California. Some of their big influences include Wilco, Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Their next full-length album is expected to release early 2019.
Requirements available upon request
The James Ward Band, also known as The JWB, has a world class sound of its own and is recognized as one of the most sought after Bands in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Their show fusing contemporary jazz, fusion, blues, R&B, gospel, and a dose of Latin is uplifting and satisfying to the emotions.
The James Ward Band performs at events such as the Jazz and Wine Festival, Rhythm and Ribs Festival, Lee’s Summit Downtown Days, and Music on Main in Grandview. James and Angela currently facilitate Music Education Workshops and Music Lessons in a Residency at Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council. The members of The JWB are Clifford Mills on Percussion and Vocals, Jaylen Ward on drums, Angela Ward on keyboards, and James Ward on bass.
1 hour sound check
Student audiences are invited to laugh as they learn with the award-winning DisAbility Project. This theatre ensemble enhances public awareness about various disabilities through original, high-quality theatre. The program empowers individuals, honors their stories, sparks imaginations, and encourages dialogue about disability issues in our community. Ensemble members, both with and without disabilities, present scenes about the true-life experiences of people with disabilities in a format designed to educate and also entertain. Performances are tailored for students of all ages and also school district personnel. Age-appropriate study guides can assist with preparation or follow up learning. All questions are encouraged in the concluding Q&A session with the DP performers.
Need 16' x 24' performance area and 90 minutes advance access for warm up and sound check. If stage is raised, our wheelchairs need a back wall and guide rails along the ramp for safety. Need 2 clip-on or handheld microphones and a movable podium. Easy access to restrooms with 31-inch clearance for stalls. Three accessible parking spaces near building entrance, with clearance on one side for exit by ramp.
Dawn Weber, world-class trumpet player. Prolific songwriter. Stylish vocalist. Mesmerizing, high-energy stage presence. Add it up and you get only one person– Dawn Weber. The St. Louis-based artist has a background that includes extensive training in both classical trumpet and flugelhorn as well as jazz. Weber’s style ranges from jazz, rock, R&B, swing, and salsa to hip-hop, electronic, and funk. Weber was a member of popular St. Louis bands Vargas Swing, Urban Jazz Naturals and Mo and Dawn (The Remix Project) and is currently leading her own bands, including the Electro Funk Assembly, Dawn: Unplugged, and Naked Rock Fight. Currently Dawn performs classically playing everything from solo literature to performing with various orchestras and chamber ensembles, even the Saint Louis Symphony. Electro Funk Assembly genres are Jazz/Electronica.
Electricity and a good sound person.
Mesmerizing, dazzling and exhilarating are the words that continuously come to audience’s minds to describe the Bosman Twins. Masters of several woodwind instruments, the Emmy Award-winning duo are true ambassadors of music. Whether performing as a duo, with their quintet, or accompanying jazz greats, their renditions of jazz, R&B, funk and gospel have gained them international notoriety. Jazz in all its permutations (Straight-ahead, contemporary, Gospel, etc)
N/A
K-12 students experience the magic of live professional theatre through The Black Rep Professional Touring Company productions. Three different grade-level appropriate productions are available. The shows are performed by The Black Rep’s professional interns and include question and answer sessions. The performance experience can encourage study in history and literature, develop imagination, stimulate practice in writing, comprehension, and oral skills, foster interest in the arts, and develop an appreciation for the artistic expressions of diverse cultures.
Available on request
The Big Muddy Dance Company, under artistic direction of Kirven Douthit-Boyd, is a repertory dance company that showcases high caliber artistic experiences. By engaging both emerging and world-renowned choreographers, collaborating across the St. Louis community through senior outreach, and training future performers through our educational programs, we constantly strive to invigorate life through dance.
Current available repertoire for booking includes work by these choreographers: Norbert De La Cruz III, Bradley Shelver, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Sidra Bell, Thang Dao, Jessica Lang, Marcus Jarrell Willis, Elizabeth Corbett, Geoff Alexander, Joshua L. Peugh, Brandon Fink, Omar Román de Jesús, Tommie-Waheed Evans
Touring offerings may include mainstage performances, outreach programs, inter-generational performances, master classes, workshops, and choreographic residencies.
Please see website for tech rider and details.
Tamara introduces her audiences to the sunny land of Spain. Her educational, interactive program combines dance, music, video and images. The rhythm of Spanish music carries the participants through a presentation filled with Spanish language, castanets, fancy heelwork and hand clapping. Tamara has been a faculty member of the Kansas City Ballet School since 2008. Dance workshops include basic foot patterns, steps and postures executed in the traditional flamenco style. Suitable for schools, colleges and community groups.
Available on request