Mutual Musicians Foundation

Located in the heart of the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation is one of the country’s principal cradles of jazz along with New York, New Orleans and Chicago. The Foundation bred numerous nationally significant big bands and a legion of talented soloists who revolutionized American jazz. Among these jazz artists are such luminaries as Count Basie, Jay McShann, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Andy Kirk, Jimmy Rushing, Big Joe Turner, Hot Lips Page, Mary Lou Williams, Buck Clayton…

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Located in the heart of the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation is one of the country’s principal cradles of jazz along with New York, New Orleans and Chicago. The Foundation bred numerous nationally significant big bands and a legion of talented soloists who revolutionized American jazz. Among these jazz artists are such luminaries as Count Basie, Jay McShann, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Andy Kirk, Jimmy Rushing, Big Joe Turner, Hot Lips Page, Mary Lou Williams, Buck Clayton…

The jazz style pioneered and fostered by Local 627 members developed along original lines influenced by, yet unique from, the traditions of New Orleans, Chicago and New York. The Mutual Musicians Foundation, Inc., originally incorporated to manage the building and Local 627’s assets, continued operating the building after the 1970 merger with Local 34.

Jazz has been played continuously here since 1930 when Local 627 moved into the building, making it the longest running Jazz place in the United States and in the world.

And, the MMF hosts the most enduring of all KC jam sessions. Located in the historic 18th & Vine District, this landmark has been the site of many a memorable jazz jam over the years.

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