Spine Showcases: John Kizilarmut & Nate Nall Quintet

Spine Showcases is back on February 28th! With programming curated by Kelley Gant, patrons can expect some of the freshest experiences that the Kansas City jazz scene has to offer. John Kizilarmut and the Nate Nall Quintet will perform for the first night in this exciting series. Whether you are a KC jazz scene expert or new to jazz in general, this will be an experience you will not want to miss.

The Spine Showcases are free and open to the public. Every show takes place at Capsule (located 1664 Broadway Blvd, KCMO). Spine Showcases occur on the third Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:30 PM and the performance begins at 8:00 PM.

John Kizilarmut has performed with a wide range of artists and groups including Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinsen, Matt Wilson, Branford Marsalis, Logan Richardson, Clark Terry, New York Voices, Ana Gasteyer, Conspirare, Shirley Jones, DJ Starscream, and the Des Moines Symphony. He is a frequent guest performer, clinician, and adjudicator at percussion and jazz festivals throughout the midwest, including Texas, Iowa, and Nebraska Days of Percussion; Tallcorn, Cherokee, and Iowa City Jazz Festivals. To find out more information or to contact John, visit www.johnkizilarmut.com.

Trumpeter Nate Nall has performed at Kansas City’s most prominent jazz venues, including the Blue Room at the American Jazz Museum and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. He was a featured soloist with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and Deborah Brown on a 2018 tour to Germany and Poland. He has been featured on the nationally syndicated “12th st jump” jazz radio program. And a residency participant in “Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead” performing original music at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. In 2016, Nall won 2nd place in the distinguished National Trumpet Competition Jazz Division.

Kelley Gant oversees programming for Spine Showcases in 2019. She is a KC-based vocalist who is passionate about her musical community. Her creative work includes deep knowledge of vocal tunes within the American Songbook, as well as various looping machines and effect pedals. A talented improvisor, Kelley is adept at using her vocals, whistling, and arsenal of effect pedals to create beautiful music on the fly while working within a traditional jazz ensemble or her small electro/acoustic band.

In addition to performing and writing music, Kelley has worked as an event band producer and producer of one-time performances, working with hundreds of Kansas City’s musicians. Her organizational skills combined with her dedication to imaginative original work give her a unique perspective, which she is using to elevate and promote overlooked talents in Kansas City.