The James Ward Band at the Blue Room
About this Event
The James Ward Band isn't just a house band at the Blue Room — they are the Blue Room. James Ward got the call from Gerald Dunn to fill in with the house ensemble back in January 1998, just months after the 18th & Vine district's revitalization launched. Angela found the Blue Room even earlier, wandering into the club during the district's opening festivities in September 1997 and sitting down at the piano. Nearly three decades later, they're still here — and the music has only gotten deeper.
James plays bass with a feel that moves between jazz, gospel, Latin, and classical — whatever the moment calls for. Angela brings harmonic sophistication shaped by decades of performing and teaching. Their son Jaylen holds down the drums — he first sat in with them at age six and has since performed internationally at jazz festivals in Shanghai and Chile, representing the American Jazz Museum on the world stage.
This is Kansas City jazz as a family business: deep pockets of groove, tunes that swing hard, and a rapport on the bandstand that only comes from playing together for a lifetime. On a Friday night in the room they call home, there's no telling who might stop by to sit in.
Two shows: 8:30 pm and 10 pm. Admission is $10 per show.
The Blue Room, 1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. Friday, July 31 — shows at 8:30 pm & 10 pm.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51
