Kansas City jazz is a unique form of jazz that has a more fluid and relaxed sound than other styles. Its often influenced by blues and is known for its rather long solos. Kansas City jazz became extremely popular in the 1920s and 1930s when much travel brought many individuals to stops in the city. During this time period, liquor laws, including hours of service, were typically ignored. Although you may think of New Orleans as the original birthplace of jazz music, Kansas City and other cities such as St. Louis and Chicago have been very influential. In fact, Charlie Yardbird Parker was a Kansas City Native. Parker was known for being one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. Parker was a saxophonist and was an notable developer of bebop music.
The presence of several great museums in Kansas City makes it a good place for art lovers looking for something new. To help you decide where to go, here’s a short list of must-see artworks you shouldn’t miss. These pieces will appeal to both art aficionados and casual viewers.
Guanyin of the Southern Sea (11th to 12th century) – located at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This fine piece is recognized worldwide as the best sculpture outside China. Acknowledged as the most magnificent sculpture representing Chinese Buddhist art, it is part of the Chinese collection at the museum.
Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1604-1605) – also found at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This is one of the museums greatest treasures. It forms part of the few original works by Caravaggio in America. The painter is credited with greatly influencing the development of the Italian Baroque.
Some/one by Do Ho Suh (2004) – at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. You’ll find this meticulously crafted sculpture amazing. Its made up of thousands of stainless steel dog tags combined together to form a monumental robe with outstretched arms. Like many of Suhs works, this piece talks about individuality, collectivity, anonymity and identity.
Boulevard de Capucines by Claude Monet (1873-1874) – found at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This work gives viewers a glimpse of 19th-century Parisian life on a winter day. At first criticized for its loose brush work and ordinary subject matter, this piece has emerged as one of the most loved pieces in the museums European collection.
Microcosm by Leo Villareal (2007) – the lights are bright at the entrance to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art thanks to this dazzling piece. Microcosm is made up of over 60,000 individual LED lights showing Villareals computer program.
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