05/21/02

A final note on the Coda jazz concert
By Steve Penn, The Kansas City Star
 

Last Friday, I got to toot my own horn for a good cause. And now, I must say thank you.

I've had many thrilling experiences during my time at The Kansas City Star. But organizing and participating in the Coda  Jazz  Fund  benefit  concert last Friday was the best of the best.

Not only was I honored to be able to share emceeing duties with former Kansas City Mayor Emanuel Cleaver, but I got to jam with saxophonists Bobby Watson and Gerald Dunn and trumpeter Mike Metheny.

I was indeed humbled by the turnout and the resounding show of support.

If you were there, you understand what a special night it turned out to be. The performances on stage were riveting. Backstage, the action was just as memorable.

The camaraderie among the participants seemed similar to the sidelines of a sporting event. As musicians came off the stage, they were met with compliments, handshakes and slaps on the back from other musicians.

I watched singer Ida McBeth sitting on a stool backstage admiring the sounds of singer Kevin Mahogany. I overheard Myra Taylor compliment McBeth.

And there were surprises.

There were so many things to be thankful for on Friday.

I'm thankful that a donation by Tom Dolphens, The Star's art director, found a home. Bob and Beatriz Glenny won Dolphens'
beautiful painting in a silent auction.

"We just love the musicians here tonight," Beatriz Glenny said. "And, this is a great piece of art work."

Karen Haney attended the concert and ended up purchasing some personal memorabilia that Taylor had donated. Haney plans to use the items to inspire her cousin, an aspiring singer.

I am thankful for all the generous support displayed that night for the fund . A tip jar placed on stage during the event fetched more than $3,611 in cash and checks.

I was so elated with the success of the event that I decided to toot my horn - literally. I hadn't played trumpet on a stage since college, but I still try to keep my chops up. So just after the finale of "Goin' to Kansas City," I made my move. I joined the band on stage and broke into "When the Saints Go Marching In."

Don't worry readers. I'm sticking to my day job.

I'm also thankful the Coda  Jazz  Fund  cause was enthusiastically supported by so many local musicians.

"It was an honor for them to ask me," Taylor said. "So many of us musicians are dying lately. I think the cause is simply wonderful."

Singer Kevin Mahogany stayed around long after the concert to sign autographs.

"I'm glad they asked me to participate," he said. "No matter where I go in life, this will always be home."

Watson gave me a bear hug.

"This is just a noble cause," he said. "This fund  will give musicians a dignified way to be laid to rest. I think it's simply great."

Marilyn Maye gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"We sure had fun, didn't we," she said. "And it was all for a very meaningful purpose."

But, truly, it was a hug from the Sonny Kenner's widow that made it all worthwhile. The late guitarist was an inspiration behind my efforts.

Above all, I'm thankful that Kansas City stepped up to address a major need for its local jazz  musicians.

The first Coda  Jazz  Fund  concert is now history. And thanks to so many people, the event was a huge success.

The coda  sign may signal the end in a song, but what transpired last Friday was only the beginning.

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