American Jazz Museum honoring Charlie Parker’s legacy on his birthday
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jazz, history and culture were celebrated Thursday, August 29 at the American Jazz Museum. The event was held at the museum, located in the 18th and Vine District to celebrate Charlie Parker’s life and contributions to jazz.
Parker would have turned 104, on August 29, 2024.
“If Charlie Parker had not done what he did for jazz, for Black American music, it would be a very different world,” artist and musician Harold O’Neal said.
As musicians performed an arrangement of Charlie Parker’s pieces in The Blue Room, attendees were reminded of his unique talent.
“He was really pivotal in moving the genre of jazz forward,” said Dr. Dina Bennett, the Executive Director of the American Jazz Museum.
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According to the museum, “Parker began playing the saxophone at the young age of 13, and became one of the greatest alto saxophonists, composer, bandleader, and the most iconic jazz musician of all time.”
“It just kinda brings you back I think,” said Joyce Buchannan, an attendee of Thursday’s celebration.
“Or maybe you can guess what it was like back then.”
Parker is described as a legend and an architect of jazz.
“Any time I get a chance to honor Bird, it’s a privilege,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal flew back to his hometown from New York to perform in celebration of Parker’s life.
“When I was a kid, my grandmother told me about how she used to walk to school with him,” he said as he recalled a special memory with his grandmother and Parker.
“Bird lives. Bird lives. Every day through his music, through the people’s music. Every time someone explores in jazz, they’re channeling and summoning his essence just by being in this space.”
O’Neal was on the piano for the “Jazz at Noon” event at the Museum.
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While Parker passed in 1955, memories of him haven’t escaped Kansas Citians.
“You asked me if I was surprised to be doing this today, today I am not surprised,” O’Neal shared.
“But when I was a kid and my grandmother was telling about Charlie Parker and his legacy and who he was. If you told me then that I would be celebrating him and honoring him, as a musician and an artist, that’d surprise me.”
Some of those at the American Jazz Museum believe that Parker would be surprised to see the impact he’s had on KC, as well as the entire world.
“I think he’d be excited about it, and he might even be a little shocked that he has made such an imprint on the world,” Dr. Dina Bennett, Executive Director of the American Jazz Museum said.
Events continue throughout Thursday evening, diving into the history of Parker’s recording career with a presentation at 6 p.m.
Festivities will conclude with another performance at 7:30 p.m. by Harold O’Neal as he continues to pay homage to Parker with a special concert.
Events for Parker’s birthday celebration are free to attend.
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