A classically trained flutist who’s performed with Chaka Khan. Kansas City jazz royalty who was first runner-up in the Thelonious Monk Competition. And a tribute to one of the city’s most beloved voices, led by “the little woman with the big voice.” This weekend hits different.
The Lineup
Friday, March 27
Delynia Jannell -- Indigo Hour, 5:30 pm
Jazzy Jazz Miyagi -- 8:30 pm & 10 pm
Saturday, March 28
Lisa Henry -- 8:30 pm & 10 pm
Monday, March 30
Millie Edwards: A Tribute to Lori Tucker -- Monday Night Jam, 7 pm – 10:30 pm
Friday Indigo Hour — Delynia Jannell (5:30 pm)
Delynia Jannell has been singing since she was two years old, starting on the church pews at Bethel Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Kansas. Over 13 years of professional performing, she’s become one of the Blue Room’s most frequent Indigo Hour artists — with residencies at Sullivan’s Steakhouse and both Johnnie’s Jazz Bar locations, and background vocals for Tech N9ne and Kelley Hunt. Gospel warmth, jazz polish, R&B soul. Free admission and drink specials.
Friday Headliner — Jazzy Jazz Miyagi (8:30 pm & 10 pm)
Jazzy Jazz Miyagi came to the U.S. from Okinawa, Japan on a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music and continued at Berklee College of Music, studying under Lois Schafer of the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestra. She’s performed with Chaka Khan, Herbie Mann, Joe Sample, and Miroslav Vitous of Weather Report, and was chosen as a soloist for the grand opening of Kansas City’s Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Flute, classical guitar, koto — two sets of genre-bending brilliance from a world-class musician who calls KC home.
Saturday — Lisa Henry (8:30 pm & 10 pm)
Lisa Henry is Kansas City jazz royalty. Her career began in KC nightclubs at age 17, mentored by the great Hammond B-3 player Everette DeVan. Since then: first runner-up in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition, PBS’s In Performance at the White House, international tours with Herbie Hancock, Kenny Garrett, and T.S. Monk, and stages shared with Wayne Shorter, Roy Hargrove, Anita Baker, and Lou Rawls. A jazz educator with the Herbie Hancock Institute, Lisa is a living connection to the tradition that made 18th & Vine legendary.
Monday Night Jam — Millie Edwards: A Tribute to Lori Tucker (7 pm – 10:30 pm)
Millie Edwards — “the little woman with the big voice” — leads a special tribute to Lori Tucker, her friend and fellow founding member of the award-winning Wild Women of Kansas City (alongside the legendary Myra Taylor). Lori performed with Everette DeVan and Richard “Groove” Holmes, sang the National Anthem for the LA Lakers and the KC Royals, and was celebrated across both jazz and gospel. A 45-minute tribute set followed by an open jam session. Bring your instrument or just your heart. FREE admission.
Visit the Blue Room
The Blue Room is located at 1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, inside the American Jazz Museum at the historic 18th & Vine district.
See the full schedule and get tickets at americanjazzmuseum.org/blue-room.