Kansas City, MO

May 7, 2005

Matt and his Trio went to Kansas City, MO to perform a fundraiser for the Autism Society of Johnson County, Kansas.  What a wonderful group of people runs this organization!  Parents and volunteers do all the work; yet they accomplish SO much for their community!

The ASJCK sponsored an event at Pembroke Hill called “A Night of Jazz, A Night of Hope,” with Matt and his Trio being the main event.

There was a very good turnout and the evening was a success, despite the fact that jazz legend, Jay McShann, was being honored on the very same evening across town.  For those of you who don’t know, Jay “Hootie” McShann is one of the prides and joy of Kansas City.  McShann's big band of the 1930s and '40s delivered the hard swinging music of Kansas City boogie woogie and the blues.  It was a launching pad for many talented soloists including a young jazz legend, Charlie Parker, whom the band introduced to the world via early radio broadcasts, recordings, and national concert appearances.

So, there was a lot of competition for attendees from KC that evening…

But, Matt held his own.  He not only made the evening a success for its organizers, but he thrilled them in the process.  Here is a photo of the Trio performing in KC, courtesy of Dr. David Sneid, one of the people who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

To see more photos from the event and learn about the ASJCK, go to: www.asjck.org

Thank you to everyone in KC for bringing us to your wonderful city.  And thank you to Vaccaro’s Piano and Organ for providing the beautiful Bösendorfer piano.