CHARLIE “THE BIRD” PARKER (1920-1955) The American Jazz Museum located 1616 E. 18th Street, KCMO,  in the 18th & Vine Jazz District, will host a daylong celebration filled with jazz, history, and culture honoring the legendary Charlie Parker, Jr.’s (1920-1955) on his 105th birthday on Friday, August 29, 2025.  Parker began playing the saxophone at the young age of 13, and became one of the greatest alto saxophonists, composer, band leader, and known for his groundbreaking bebop style.

The Charlie Parker Day celebration is sponsored by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF), in keeping Kansas City’s rich jazz legacy alive. The festivities include live music, storytelling, historic tributes, and immersive jazz experiences throughout the day culminating in a high-energy saxophone summit in The Blue Room. Most events are free and open to the public.  There is $10. shuttle fee to Parker’s gravesite. 

CHARLIE “The Bird” PARKER’S 105TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
THE BLUE ROOM, 1600 E. 18th Street, KCMO – Event Schedule Friday, August 29, 2025
 
• 8:00 a.m. – 105th Birthday Salute to Charlie “Bird” Parker, Jr. (1920-1955),at the “Bird Lives” sculpture located on the east side of 18th & Paseo,  with jazz musicians Dan Thomas, Lonnie McFadden, and Gerald Dunn.  The statue was created by artist, Robert Graham, as a tribute to the famed saxophonist and the impact his music has had on the                         world of jazz.
• 9:00 a.m. – Shuttle to  Charlie Parker’s Gravesite – Lincoln Cemetery, 8604 E. Truman Road, KCMO
• 10:00 a.m. – Jazz Storytelling in the American Jazz Museum Atrium – Experience the magic of jazz storytelling with a special session for children and families. The interactive program will introduce young audiences to Charlie Parker’s life and music, bringing the story of Bebop to life in an engaging and educational way.
• 11:30 a.m. – Shuttle to Charlie Parker’s Gravesite – Lincoln Cemetery, 8604 E. Truman Road, KCMO
• 12:00 p.m. – Jazz @ Noon Saxophone Summit featuring Brad Gregory, Houston Smith, & Dan Thomas His tribute to Charlie Parker will feature a selection of classic jazz tunes, offering a perfect lunchtime soundtrack for jazz lovers. 
• 4:00 p.m.-Shuttle to Charlie Parker’s Gravesite Lincoln Cemetery, 8604 E. Truman Road, KCMO
• 5:30 p.m. – Indigo Hour featuring  vocalist Delynia Jannell
• 8:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. – Saxophone Summit featuring Brad Gregory, Houston Smith, &  Dan Thomas

2 separate shows.  Admission is $15 for Both and $10 for one show.

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