See stars at Coda Jazz Fund

By STEVE PENN, The Kansas City Star

When jazz musician Rudy Dennis died last November he had only $538.

Yet, Dennis was rich with friends who wanted to find a way to give him a dignified ceremony.

Help was found through the Coda Jazz Fund, a unique way Kansas Citians can honor those talented jazz musicians who have given so

much to this city.

In the one year of its existence, the Coda Jazz Fund has helped many.

In addition to the ceremony for Dennis, the fund provided grave markers for trumpeter Oliver Todd, entertainer Speedy Huggins,

pianist and vocalist Elbert "Coots" Dye and bassist David Daahoud Williams.

Jazz - and the musicians who create it - have always been a vital part of Kansas City's history and an important part of its culture.

The sound grew up here.

Jazz put Kansas City on the map - and has kept us there.

When the family of a local jazz musician can't afford a proper send-off, family members can apply to the fund, which steps in to

provide a proper funeral, burial or cremation.

In April 2002, The Kansas City Star , under the direction of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, launched the fund. A

benefit concert last May raised $45,000.

More money is needed to secure the future of the fund.

That's why another fund-raiser - the 2nd annual Coda Jazz Fund Benefit Concert - will be held next month. The star -studded concert

will be at 7:30 p.m., May 17, at the Gem Theater, 1615 E. 18 St.

Tickets to the event are $100 and $50 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at (816) 931-3330. The $100 tickets include a

VIP reception before the concert.

The concert's lineup is impressive.

Among the featured performers will be nationally acclaimed trumpeter Clark Terry, noted vocalist Karrin Allyson, pianist Jay

McShann, and violinist Claude "Fiddler" Williams. Saxophonist Bobby Watson, the Scamps and the Elder Statesmen of Jazz also will perform.

And, once again, the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver will serve as emcee.

The Sprint Foundation, a major sponsor last year, has agreed to co-sponsor the event.

"The Sprint Foundation is proud to support the 2nd annual Coda Jazz Fund," said Jerry Glazier, Sprint's director of corporate

relations. "Jazz is an important part of Kansas City's richness and heritage. Diversity, arts and culture are key component and part of

the core values of Sprint's community commitment."

The performers are excited.

"It's going to be a ball," McShann said. "It's a privilege and a honor to be able to participate. A lot times you play for events,

but you don't what you're participating in. I know what this is about. I'm glad to be able to do it."

Watson, director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is honored to participate.

"After last year, I wouldn't miss this for the world," he said.

"The day of the event is like sacred. To be able to play with Jay and Claude or even be in their presence is an honor. It's going to be

a heck of a party."

For those who want to donate to the fund, contributions can be sent to the Coda Jazz Fund, P.O. Box 412116, Kansas City, MO

64141-2116.

One of the Coda Jazz Fund committee members has come up with a list of dozens of local jazz musicians who will need assistance.

The need is there.

Now the community needs to be there for the musicians.

- To reach Steve Penn, call (816) 234-4417 or send e-mail to spenn@kcstar.com.