Apr 18 2019
Conservatory Artist Series: UMKC Jazz Night at the Folly

Conservatory Artist Series: UMKC Jazz Night at the Folly

Presented by UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and Folly Theater at The Folly Theater

A GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist, composer, producer and educator, Bobby Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then, 1977–1981, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and appeared on 14 of the group’s recordings, more than anyone else in the ensemble’s 35-year existence. In addition to Blakey, Watson worked with notable jazz icons Max Roach, Louis Hayes, George Coleman and Sam Rivers.  He has also worked with peers and colleagues alike including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and vocalists Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, and Carmen Lundy.

Mitch Butler has been the trombonist and arranger for a number of musical groups including the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra headed by Adonis Rose, since January of 2008. In February 2010 the N.O.J.O. won the Grammy Award for large jazz ensemble with the release of the recording Book One.  In February 2017, Mitch added the role of producer to his resume, as he teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Richard Seidel, where he co-produced, arranged, and served as musical director for critically acclaimed vocalist Tiffany Austin and her second album Unbroken.  Mitch has also been a trombonist for the international award-winning jazz group JazzBonez, which features six trombones and rhythm section and recorded the album Watch It!.  Butler has also performed and/or recorded with musical greats Dee Dee Bridgewater, Curtis Fuller, Tia Fuller, Derrick Gardner, Robert Glasper, Slide Hampton, Andre Hayward, Conrad Herwig, Brad Leali, Branford Marsalis, Bob Mintzer, Melton Mustafa, Dick Oatts, Kenny Rampton, Rufus Reid, Herlin Riley, Stephen Riley, Darius Rucker, Grady Tate, Billy Taylor, Gregory Tardy, Fred Wesley, and many others.

Admission Info

Tickets: $12 general public

$5 for all UMKC faculty, staff and all students with UMKC or student ID

Phone: 816-235-6222

Dates & Times

2019/04/18 - 2019/04/18

Location Info

The Folly Theater

300 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105

Parking Info

There is a parking garage next to the theater that is not owned by the theater. Parking is generally $10 for Folly patrons, although on evenings with large, downtown Kansas City events, parking could be up to $15.