Place Description: 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.

Place Description: 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.

Place Description: 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.

Place Description: 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.

Place Description: 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.