KC Jazz Vespers

History of Jazz Vespers

 Jazz Vespers originated on the east coast in several major cities. Typically, they were worship services using jazz as the style of worship.  Vespers are traditionally evening services.

 When the pastor of First Baptist Church of Birmingham (Detroit), Michigan, Dr. Stephen Jones, was talking with members of his congregation about beginning "some kind of jazz series," he mentioned the jazz vespers he attended in Philadelphia.  The members of his congregation didn't want to start a worship service: they wanted to start a jazz concert series -- but with a short, nonsectarian inspirational interlude.  And they wanted it to be free -- and open to all jazz enthusiasts and lovers -- and to bring in some of the best jazz groups that the city of Detroit had to offer.  They noted that many jazz venues are noisy, with food, drink and conversation competing with the music.  So, jazz drifts into the background.

 Thus, in the mid-90's, B'Jazz Vespers was launched in Birmingham, a key suburb of Detroit -- as a monthly jazz concert series with an inspirational interlude -- and it has been going strong ever  since.  Most of the best jazz performers in the Detroit area are excited to perform at the church because of its strong jazz following which introduces groups to new fans.  People of all faith -- and no faith -- come the B'Jazz Vespers and enjoy the music -- and even the broad-minded inspirational interlude. 

 Then Jones moved to Seattle First Baptist Church on the city's First Hill.   And there was a group of jazz lovers in that congregation and they soon started Seattle Jazz Vespers, using the very same format -- 100 minutes of popular, secular jazz with a short nonsectarian interlude.  Again, some of the best jazz groups in the Northwest have performed and that Jazz Vespers has published a CD of the best songs of the year performed in that venue.  Then, Jones moved to Second Baptist Church of St. Louis, and jazz lovers in that congregation also started St. Louis Jazz and Blues Vespers with the same format.  The Detroit and Seattle Jazz Vespers are still going strong.

 After Dr. Jones became pastor of First Baptist Church of Kansas City, MO in 2013, jazz enthusiasts in that congregation have now opted for the same winning formula: invite Kansas City's best jazz groups to perform in a monthly series -- 100 minutes of popular jazz with a nonsectarian inspirational interlude.  It's free -- and the bands are supported by a free-will offering taken in the interlude.

 Jones states, "Jazz groups typically don't have a lot of Sunday evening gigs.  So, it's an open night.  Also, nearly all the jazz venues in Kansas City offer food, drink, and open conversation.  They are not concerts.  What we offer, once a month, is a concert setting with great acoustics, sound and lighting -- in a very accessible south Kansas City location.  There isn't much jazz offered in south Kansas City – so it’s a great opportunity to reach new jazz enthusiasts and also reach out to the entire region.  We promise you the best jazz that Kansas City has to offer.  We've asked the groups not to perform 'church jazz,' or 'religious jazz,' -- but just perform their best material.  That's what we want and what our crowds will want.  Great jazz is inspiring -- thus the inspirational interlude, as well as the two sets of jazz -- makes for a perfect blend."