Nonprofits launching music hub in the Crossroads
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Work is underway at the new space along Southwest Boulevard. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Two nonprofits are coming together to form a music hub downtown Kansas City this summer, thanks to the city's Open Doors initiative.
Why it matters: There's no shortage of bars and clubs that feature live music in the area, but this promises to be something different — an intimate, open-air venue where pedestrians can swing by, the music comes first and performances span genres.
Zoom in: 515 Music Hub, located at 515 Southwest Blvd., is a collaboration between KC Jazz Alive, the group behind Spotlight Charlie Parker, and Music Across Borders, which provides student scholarships and donates instruments.
- They've taken over a hangar-like space and plan to outfit it with a stage, lighting and a greenroom. Garage doors will open onto the street, where they plan to have additional sidewalk seating.
- Concerts will range from free up to $25, depending on the act and sponsors.
What they're saying: "We want to focus on music performance," Music Across Borders co-founder Lindsey Jarrett tells Axios, but also "we want it to be an education hub" with teachers and panels.
- "The beauty of being two nonprofits working together is that we can really build this" into a community network for lifting up local musicians, she adds.
- As for the musicians, Lindsey's co-founder and husband, Nick Jarrett, says they plan to include emerging artists as well as established acts.
Context: Two new clubs — 333 Cafe and Ted's Taproom — recently opened in the Crossroads, adding to a jazz scene anchored by staples like Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin.
- 515 Music Hub won't be a bar, which Lindsey Jarrett says can distract from the music, but they plan to have food and drink vendors outside.
- They also plan to go beyond jazz, including choral, classical, pop and rock performances.
By the numbers: Kansas City's Open Doors program announced last week that 22 businesses, artists and organizations will fill 18 storefronts.
- The city put up $1.6 million and received a $100,000 donation from Airbnb. Funds help with rent and buildout.
What's next: The music hub plans to open June 1 and is taking performance applications to help establish its lineup.
- Emily Behrmann with KC Jazz Alive says they'll also host Charlie Parker events at the hub well past the World Cup.
- "Our leases run through into the fall," she says. "Then hopefully into the future."