Kansas City Jazz Hero
Armed with degrees from Washington University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Missouri-Columbia, in the performing arts, journalism and law, in 1976 bassist and songwriter Mark Edelman founded Theater League, a not-for-profit community-based performing arts organization to present the best of Broadway musicals on tour to Kansas City audiences and beyond. His endeavor became so successful that Edelman, who for fun had recorded some self-described “Jewish themed parody rock songs,” didn’t get to professionally practicing his specialties. Rather, he’s used Theater League as a platform from which to affect cultural preservation as well as ignite broad changes in Kansas City.
To begin, Mark tucked his own 99-seat Quality Hill Playhouse into the first floor of a downtown parking garage, the first step towards instigating the renovation and construction of many of the city’s theaters. Further, he officed Theater League in Municipal Auditorium, keeping this classic but decaying structure alive during downtown’s lean years by presenting musicals and jazz events in it. The Auditorium had been constructed between 1931 and 1935, while Charlie “Yardbird” Parker and Count Basie were building their careers locally; the massive hall hosted the great Louis Jordan’s historic sold out 1941 concerts and the city’s long-time indoor jazz festival. Considering the many renovations Edelman’s events required the city to address, they may have saved this historic complex from the wrecking ball.
In addition, Mark produced and directed “12th Street Jump;” a syndicated public radio “jazz, blues and comedy jam.” Launched by KCUR-FM, KC’s NPR affiliate, the show grew to be heard weekly on public radio stations nationwide. It was recorded live, with guests such as Joe Sample, Bob James and Christian McBride, for audiences attending for free at the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
Edelman has also served as President of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, for which he established new programs: “Gig Grants,” handed out to hundreds of out-of-work musicians during the pandemic; “Jazz Futures,” monthly showcases for area college jazz studies students, and the “JAM Awards” honoring the city’s favorite local jazz musicians, drawing larger crowds each year. As current KCJA president, I assure you these projects continue, with impact.
Mark Edelman and his family have done so much for entertainment in Kansas City and with Broadway tours across the U.S. and Canada that sometimes he seems intimidating. His mind works fast, and he does not suffer fools. However, once he decides to help someone or create something that will bring the community together, he does it. Once the good deed is done, he very seldom sticks around to be thanked for his benevolence. That’s how real heroes often are.
Kansas City has not had a jazz festival for at least five years, but on June 8, 2024, the Parkville Jazz and Blues Festival will be revived as the Juneteenth Jazz and Blues Festival, a day-long free event situated on a picturesque bend of the Missouri River. Mark, who moved to Washington D.C. in late 2023 but maintains his KC connections, hopes to attend but is awaiting doctor’s ok to travel. The Jazz Ambassadors will be there, and a Theater League board member will accept the Jazz Hero certificate in his stead, if necessary. The day promises all of the elements Jazz Hero Mark Edelman would ask of a solid local jazz festival, and being there is a great way to honor him as well as simply enjoy the music.
—David Basse
drummer, vocalist
Jazz with David Basse
