Standing near the American Jazz  Museum on Thursday, Marilyn Maye was only supposed to say a few words about the new Coda  Jazz  Fund . Instead, one of Kansas City's favorite entertainers burst out in song:

"Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you."

Those words, ending Marilyn and Alan Bergman's "Here's to Life," filled the museum's lobby and were Maye's tribute to impoverished jazz  musicians, for whom the fund  was set up.

Maye's impromptu performance came the day before she is scheduled to headline an all-star bill of jazz  performers in a fund -raising concert at the Gem Theater, 1601 E. 18th St.

The Coda  Jazz  Fund , launched by The Kansas City Star, is devoted to paying burial expenses of noted local jazz  musicians. The money will be administered by an advisory board from the jazz  community.

"It's a great idea," Maye said after the news conference. "I've never heard of this anywhere else."

Kansas City's jazz  heritage goes back a long way, and Maye has been a part of it for decades. She performed for years at the Colony Steak House on Broadway, and then went on to record albums, tour the country and appear more times than any other entertainer on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show." She lives in Texas but still keeps a wardrobe "warehouse" in Kansas City.

She spoke Thursday about the significance of the fund 's name - coda , the concluding passage of a musical composition.

"My passion for music and my singing talent could not have thrived without the accompaniment the musicians provided," she said. "They play with their hearts. Usually, it's not a conscious decision to go into the business of music - it's a dedication to the art.

"When there is no financial gain at the coda  of their lives, our concern and contributions are necessary. We can give meaning to the sounds and the joy they gave us."

Tonight's benefit  concert also will feature Kevin Mahogany, Ida McBeth, Bobby Watson and Myra Taylor, among others.

To reach Jeffrey Spivak, civic affairs reporter, call (816) 234-4416 or send e-mail to jspivak@kcstar.com.

How to help
A benefit  concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. today at the Gem Theater, 1601 E. 18th St. Tickets are $50, $75 and $100 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (816) 931-3330 or the American Jazz  Museum box office at (816) 474-6262.

A fund  has been established to help pay the burial expenses of local jazz musicians. Donations may be sent to:
    Coda  Jazz  Fund 
    P.O. Box 412116
    Kansas City, MO 64141-2116


 

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE KANSAS CITY STAR