The raw emotional impact of jazz and blues can make the coldest heart flutter. With something so beautiful, of course, these musical genres have a rich musical history spanning a century in the Ozarks. While jazz is believed to have originated in New Orleans, both Tulsa and Kansas City have played important roles in developing and evolving jazz and blues music.
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As the sounds of jazz and blues spread throughout the area, they found a welcome home in this area of the country. If you’re planning a vacation in the Ozarks, experience the soulful sounds of jazz and blues in various venues and events.
A Melting Pot of Musical Traditions: A Brief History of Jazz & Blues in the Ozarks
Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma were crossroads for musicians and musical styles in the early 20th century. In the early 1900s, traveling musicians brought jazz and blues to the Ozarks, and local musicians began incorporating these styles into their own music.
The cultural diversity of country, bluegrass, and folk in the region contributed to developing a unique Ozarks Jazz sound that remains largely influential here. Throughout Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, you’ll find museums, events, and festivals paying homage to these roots.
Missouri’s Blues and Jazz Treasures
Kansas City was a major center for jazz and blues in the 1920s and 30s. The city’s nightlife fueled a unique blend of ragtime, blues, and jazz which became known as Kansas City jazz. The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City is a must-stop destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of jazz music.
The KC, MO scene was home to Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Big Toe Turner, who all went on to have success in the music industry. The hard-driving rhythm and deep vocals of Kansas City blues also gained popularity here. Today the American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th and Vine district preserve the city’s jazz and blues legacy with:
Exhibits: From Women in Jazz to Jammin at the Gen and an exhibit dedicated to the life and work of Charlie Parker, the museum has permanent and temporary exhibits to learn about famous jazz musicians or try your hand at creating your own jazz music.
Performances: The museum is a hub for live jazz performances with multiple spaces to showcase various talents, including the Blue Room with weekly live events.
Collections: Take a look at various jazz-related artifacts, including rare recordings, photographs, and musical instruments. You can also explore interactive displays.
Educational Programs: The museum offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, including workshops, camps, and classes that explore the history and culture of jazz.
For live music, we recommend Green Lady Lounge in Kansas City. This iconic jazz club features retro vibes and live music every night of the week.
Home to legendary blues clubs such as Club Plantation and the Gaslight Square District, St. Louis is another major hub in the development of jazz and blues in the Ozarks. Artists such as W.C. Handy, Albert King, and Chuck Barry all spent time in St. Louis, influencing the vibrant blues scene here.
The National Blues Museum of St. Louis is at 615 Washington Ave, Saint Louis, MO. It features tribute exhibits to the artists who had a cultural impact on the genre. You’ll also find instruments such as B.B. King’s “Lucille” guitar, a rare recording of a live performance of Muddy Waters, and a suit that once belonged to John Lee Hooker.
Find big performers in Kansas City at the T-Mobile Center. Get the scoop on how to navigate the T-Mobile Center from our personal experience post.
Tulsa and Oklahoma City offer a Melodic Journey
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of jazz and blues or just looking to learn more about Oklahoma’s cultural history in music, Oklahoma offers several events and venues that showcase its historical heritage. Here are a few top options to explore:
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame: Located in Tulsa, this museum features exhibits of famous Oklahoma jazz musicians and artifacts from their careers. There are also regular concerts and events featuring local and national jazz musicians.
Woody Guthrie Center: While the focus here is primarily on Oklahoma-born folk singer Woody Guthrie, this museum in Tulsa also includes exhibits on the jazz and blues artists that helped influence his music.
Medicine Stone Music Festival: An annual occasion in Tahlequah, this festival features a mix of Americana, country, and blues music. It’s a scenic outdoor venue with a multi-stage celebration, including craft vendors and food trucks.
Dusk Till Dawn Blues Festival: Tulsa has held this event every year for the past 30 years, and it’s one of the largest festivals in the region. It features multiple stages, dozens of performers, food vendors, and a beer garden.
Stay up to date on all of the events, concerts, and festivals with the Oklahoma Blues Society. A non-profit organization founded by famous musician Joe Bonamassa that actively promotes and supports the state’s blues music scene.
If you're looking for live music any time of year, we recommend stopping into Lowdown. This is the underground live music venue below Duet restaurant in downtown Tulsa.
Discover Arkansas’ Rich Musical Heritage at These Jazz and Blues Festivals and Museums
Arkansas also has strong ties to the foundation of jazz and blues, with a thriving jazz scene in Little Rock in the 20s and 30s. Many notable musicians, such as Art Porter Sr. and Louis Jordan, started here. Arkansas celebrates jazz and blues with several festivals, museums, and a really cool restaurant. Don’t miss out on the following:
The King Biscuit Blues Festival: An annual event in Helena-West Helena, AR, this three-day festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame: Located in Pine Bluff, you’ll find respects paid to famous jazz musicians to contribute to the state’s music history and notable exhibits for Art Porter and Pharoah Sanders.
Little Rock’s South on Main: Find your favorite Southern cuisine with a modern twist while taking in the sounds of regular jazz and blues performances.
Looking for live music, try The Piano Bar in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It's a fun time for everyone with amazing, talented artists and cool atmosphere.
Plan a Musical Vacation
Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas all have deep roots in the development of jazz and blues. All three states were important stops in the Chitlin Circuit and helped influence the sounds of several famous artists. If you’re planning a musical vacation in the Ozarks, make sure to hit one of these festivals and have a time to remember (or not – depending on the flow of those beer gardens).
Take someone else’s car during these adventures while also catching the best deal at Economybooking.com. You can also scope out a relaxing vacation rental to crash in after your multi-stage event.