Ida McBeth and Sharon Thompson

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the American Jazz Museum has organized a two-night showcase for Kansas City’s resident jazz divas. The Blue Room’s Friday night lineup features a powerful pair of performers in Ida McBeth (pictured) and Sharon Thompson. While most local fans might be more familiar with McBeth’s effusive brand of jazz, blues, pop and R&B, Thompson’s many credits as a performer and an award-winning local stage actress only reinforce her status as an unmistakable presence on the scene. Meanwhile, Saturday night’s bill brings together the talents of Lisa Henry and Pam Watson, both known for their simple mixture of grace and sensual soul. Though some might balk at a two-night, double bill of local vocalists, it’s about time that this city recognizes and supports the talent sitting right on its own doorstep, especially in a town that over the years has watched more than one songbird take flight for the bright lights of the bigger cities and scenes.