First came the establishment of the Coda  Fund  to help Kansas City jazz  artists in their final days. Now comes the concert benefiting 
that fund .

The quick work of area companies and jazz  artists in recent weeks has made Friday's benefit  a reality. Their haste wasn't wasted.

The Coda  Fund , the inspiration of Star columnist Steve Penn, is supported by The Kansas City Star and other generous sponsors. They include the Kansas City Jazz  Ambassadors, KansasCity.com, KPRS and KCIY radio stations, Channel 41, Sprint, the American Jazz  Museum and Phillips West Public Relations & Communications.

All believe that Kansas City should help jazz  artists struggling with difficulties late in their lives and with funeral costs. Hundreds of people have shown their support by purchasing tickets to Friday's 8 p.m. show at the Gem Theater.

Some jazz  artists rearranged their schedules, including giving up high-paying foreign gigs, to be here on Friday.

Though the cause is a serious one, don't go to the Gem expecting a collective dirge.

Expect a celebration of Kansas City jazz  and of the many people, alive and dead, who put their signature on this uniquely American art form.

This performance will give the Coda  Fund  a big boost, but more money will be needed. Contributions may be sent to Coda  Jazz  Fund, P.O. Box 412116, Kansas City, MO 64141-2116. Concert tickets can be obtained through Ticketmaster or at the American Jazz  Museum.
 

 

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE KANSAS CITY STAR