After 25 years away, Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival returns this weekend

This weekend, the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival returns after nearly 25 years’ absence from the scene. After an 11-year run from 1991-2001 at Liberty Memorial, the festival disbanded due to money woes, but now, the return of a top-flight showcase of the music that made KC famous is back for two days at Legends Field on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4.

In addition to headliners Stanley Clarke Quartet, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Bill Frisell, and Shemekia Copeland, local favorites such as Bobby Watson and David Basse, Brody Buster’s Redemption, High Society, and more will take to the stage. This means attendees will have a chance to catch acts performing everything from vocal blues to guitar jazz to experimentally-funky grooves.

As a bonus, the KC Monarchs, in partnership with their presenting sponsor Swope Health, will donate a portion of proceeds to Swope’s homeless coalition initiative. The full lineup can be found at the event’s website.