18th and Vine Street wasn’t just an intersection in the black district of Kansas City. It was the center of musical activity in the 20s and 30s, which led to a major reworking of what had become known as American Music.
KC was a stopover for traveling bands, and the openness of the Pendergast Era provided an environment for growth for hundreds of musicians. From the Pla-Mor Ballroom with Andy Kirk and the Twelve Clouds of Joy through the Reno Club with Count Basie and Lester Young, American Music grew up to become the Art Music of the 40s and beyond.
Enjoy lots of musical examples, and lots of good Kansas City stories and legends.