MUSIC AT THE MARKET

Lea Grant

Friday, December 13  | 4:00-6:30pm

Lea Grant’s performances exude sophistication, blending a spirited, youthful energy with an intimate authenticity that charms jazz fans and skeptics alike. Performing alongside a rotation of skilled musicians from Kansas City, she specializes in a repertoire of jazz standards and timeless classics from the Great American Songbook.

Bryan Hicks

Saturday, December 14 | 4:00-6:30pm

Bryan Hicks was introduced to music in high school, where he played cello, bass, and sang. After only one year of college as a cello major, he became a full time professional at the age of 20. He started his career with the Inner-City Orchestra, an 18-piece big band that originally hired him as a guitarist. Later, he switched to bass, and he stayed with the Inner-City Orchestra for 1½ years. It was during this time that he started playing clubs and events with well-established players: “Fats” Dennis, Roy Searcy, Ed Pharr, Oliver Todd, Rich Hill, Ben Kynard, John Lyman, Dean Stringer, Orville “Piggy” Minor, and others.

For three years, Bryan played with Rich Hill and the Riffs, featuring Ida McBeth. It was during this time that he became a founding member of the Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band. He also worked with the likes of Mose Allison, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Charlie Mussellwhite.

Bryan also played and sang with Jazzmania, the house band at the famed Milton’s Taproom jazz club. He played concerts with Jim Snidero, Dave Glenn, “Slide” Hampton, and was a member of the Tommy Ruskin Trio, among others. He also played and sang with Karrin Allyson for two recordings.

He played in a popular trio with Rod Fleeman and Randy Weinstein at the Boulevard Café Sunday brunch for three years. He helped co-found Malachy Papers, an avante garde jazz-rock ensemble, and he toured France twice with this band. In New York City, Bryan played with Benny Waters, “Red” Richards, Stan Hope, Joe Farnsworth, “Doc” Cheatum, and Teri Thornton.

Jackie Myers

Friday, December 20 | 4:00-6:30pm

Jackie Myers may have the Midas touch for groove, conjuring up musical styles ranging from soul, jazz and modern R&B each time the talented pianist places her hands on the keys.

Daytrotter’s Pat Stolley says of Jackie’s music “It reminds me of Joni Mitchell’s jazz period.” The finesse on her chosen instrument plays complement to what the Austin Chronicle describes as “her earthy lungs” – beautiful, captivating, complex, and always with an edge.

Learn more at jackiemyersmusic.com.

Friends of Harry Miller Jazz Trio

Saturday, December 21 | 4:00-6:30pm

The jazz trio, Friends of Harry Miller, is excited to premiere at The Market at Meadowbrook.

The trio is made up of seasoned and talented musicians. Harry Miller, a brilliant jazz piano and vocalist, has played with most of Kansas City’s Jazz heroes over the last four decades. Eric Mardis is renowned for his banjo, guitar, and vocal and composing chops in a variety of niches. More recently, he has been focusing on jazz guitar with Mire Pral, Friends of Harry Miller, and others. Steve Kapp has been playing upright bass with Harry for three decades while playing in a variety of other bands in the Midwest.

Join the Friends of Harry Miller at The Market for an evening of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook.

Hot Strings Trio

Friday, December 27  |  4:00-6:30pm

The Hot Strings began as a trio in the summer of 2014. The unique presence of the mandolin in the ensemble allows for an eclectic “acoustic jazz” ambiance which might be heard on the streets of Paris or Rome. The musical banter between soloists combined with unwavering rhythmic integrity promotes the best of our Kansas City jazz heritage.

Violinist Marvin Gruenbaum is classically trained and serves as a current member of the Kansas City Symphony. He is renowned as a violinist/fiddler with numerous jazz and alternative groups.

Mandolinist Bruce Graybill, former president of the Classical Mandolin Society, is a multi-year winner of the prestigious mandolin contest at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. He is a versatile jazz/bluegrass player and an in-demand national clinician.

Guitarist Charles Gatschet is a popular, long time veteran of the Kansas City jazz scene.

Bassist Nils Aardahl, who is a recently contracted (2022) member of the KC Symphony, is also a highly skilled jazz bassist and welcome new addition to The Hot Strings.

Cynthia van Roden

Saturday, December 28  |  4:00-6:30pm

Cynthia van Roden’s playfulness, lush contralto and sophisticated delivery will transport you back to another era. This chanteuse performs a unique blend of vintage jazz, swing, standards, saucy tin-pan alley, blues, bossa nova and French songs. Her band will wow you with their 3-part harmonies and their own special blend of accompaniment.

The Quartet was nominated for the Best of KC Pitch Awards for the 2nd year in a row. And this year I was nominated in 2 other categories: “Best Jazz Artist” and “Best Vocalist”