Performers line up for benefit concert

Source: KCS
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Edition: METROPOLITAN,
Section: METROPOLITAN, Page B3
Byline: JAMES HART

The Coda Jazz Fund - which helps pay funeral, burial or cremation costs for local jazz musicians - has announced the lineup of its third annual benefit concert.

Headliners include vocalist Jon Hendricks, pianist Jay McShann, saxophonist Red Holloway and trombonist Curtis Fuller. The McFadden Brothers and the Wild Women of Kansas City also will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 15 at the Gem Theater in the 18th and Vine Jazz District.

Kansas City Star columnist Steve Penn said this year's show probably would help the fund reach its $100,000 goal.

The lineup was formally announced at a news conference Friday at the Red Vine restaurant.

The Wild Women - Millie Edwards, Geneva Price, Myra Taylor and Lori Tucker - sang during the event.

The Coda Jazz Fund was formed because many local jazz musicians were dying in poverty and did not have the money for proper burials.

Organizers said the fund was the brainchild of Penn.

Baseball great Buck O'Neil and Juanita Moore, the executive director of the American Jazz Museum , will emcee the benefit concert.

To reach James Hart, call (816) 234-4902 or send e-mail to jhart@kcstar.com.

On the Web

For more information about the May 15 concert to raise funds to help pay funeral, burial or cremation costs for local jazz musicians, visit www.codajazzfund.org.