A Celebration of KC Jazz Great Ahmad Alaadeen

Kansas City native and jazz great Ahmad Alaadeen has never been a stranger to his community, no matter where his music has taken him. After receiving the American Jazz Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gem Theater on Friday, friend and supporter Prophett Maine wanted to celebrate Alaadeen’s honor.

Having grown up in the same Islamic community around 69th and Prospect, Maine had always heard of the saxophonist and considered him to be a positive role model.

“Jazz changed KC, it kinda made it what it is,” Main said. “He’s appreciated by the American Jazz museum, but we need to show he’s appreciated by the community.”

Maine decided to show that appreciation with a Sunday afternoon outdoor concert in the parking lot of Salaam Cafe on 6950 Prospect. White lawn chairs and tables were set in front of a makeshift stage for local jazz group Phil Callier and Jhamm, with the man of honor seated to the side.

Alaadeen said he was “honored” by the event as fans and well-wishers stopped by his table to shake his hand. “[Jazz music is] my life,” the 75-year-old said, smiling. “I can’t help but feel good. It’s been good to me.”

Phil Callier and Jhamm played blues, soul and jazz standards that had the crowd nodding their heads and smiling in recognition. “Music Man” was dedicated to the man of the hour, while The Temptations’ “My Girl” was played to coax the sun from its hiding place as the concert went on.

With the light jazz playing and a cool breeze blowing, the crowd seemed to be transported to a happier place. Between songs, audience members went inside Salaam Cafe to order wings, catfish and other soul food staples. Neighbors watched from their porches and the steady stream of foot and car traffic on Prospect slowed down to check out the event.

That curiosity is something Maine hopes will this event will foster. By exposing a younger generation to jazz music, maybe it can change the “rough” aspects of the community, he said.

Toward the end of the evening, Alaadeen and his wife were brought on stage. Sulaiman Salaam, the owner of Salaam Cafe, presented Alaadeen with a plaque and statuette to honor his work as an educator and musician.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Alaadeen said to the audience gathered in front of him. “I will never forget this.”

For more photos from this event, visit our slideshow.