Kansas City Jazz during the World Cup, chosen just for you

There will be no shortage of places to catch music in Kansas City during the city’s hosting of six World Cup matches and the hosting of four national teams. In total, Kansas City will, for sure, see 8, and possibly up to 12 national teams and the fans that follow play and/or stay in Kansas City.

FIFA Fan Festival 2026 Kansas City in downtown will feature a bevy of artists, and Soccer Capital Summer at Sporting Park will include 13 performers and DJs.

Yet, Kansas City’s native music is jazz, rooted in a vibrant history that made Kansas City one of America’s six cities considered a cradle of the art form. Intimate clubs, 20s-style speakeasies, and even little pockets carved out just for jazz thrive in today’s Kansas City.

Jazz jumps Kansas City. So jump on the KC Streetcar for most of these joints, and move to the music, KC style.

Where are the best places to listen to the smooth or raucous vibes of Kansas City jazz? There are many. Who are some top up-and-coming or established artists to catch? There are many. The following recommendations – from easy to more heavy on the pocketbook – are rooted in personal experience that I am sure will please.

Lonnie McFadden and Lonnie’s Reno Club

Or should I say, Sir Lonnie McFadden, as the venerable singer, composer, trumpet player, and tap dancer extraordinaire has earned the moniker of Kansas City’s best entertainer. And this excellent gentleman has created one of KC’s best evenings out at Lonnie’s Reno Club in the Ambassador Hotel downtown. A first-class dining experience, topped only by a first-class and fun-as-heck show put on by Lonnie and his first-rate trio, featuring the silky Andrew Oulette on piano, will see you leave the joint smiling and satisfied. Reservations are a must and make them soon. www.lonniesrenoclub.com

The Green Lady Lounge (operations temp moved to Black Dolphin next door)

Vibes: Lit just enough, light food, deserving drinks, and one can hear the artist playing no matter where seated – all the feels of good music and intimate conversation. That is the Green Lady Lounge (and the Black Dolphin is right next door). And only a $10 cover.

Tuesday nights are the time to catch my favorite jazz guitarist: Matt Hopper.

Related: Jazz guitarist Matt Hopper’s rebuild finds inspiration within and without

His “Curaçao de Eldorado” is one of my favorite pieces of music:

But jazz lives downtown Kansas City at the Green Lady (Black Dolphin) every night.

The Ship

The Ship is exactly as the name states – it is cozy, has a ship motif, has history that tells stories, and will take one to various destinations and moods with a wide variety of musical performers.

Thursday night is jazz night at this West Bottoms club. Free. The food is good. The bar is right by the stage, and there is room to dance and room to have intimate conversation.

Renowned saxophonist Adam Larson, and his crack band (including bassist Sebastian Arias and pianist Andrew Oulette with others), will be live June 11th.

Related: KC’s Sebastian Arias is a ‘fearless’ bassist not just proving ground, but paving ground

But be sure to check out the full schedule here: Restaurant | Live Music | The Ship | Kansas City

The Phoenix

A classic jazz club downtown on the edge of the River Market. The mural on the wall outside marks The Phoenix as a destination. The music that projects outside, as the stage is just inside the door, marks The Phoenix as a party place. Very good food. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Tuesday through Sunday. $5-10 cover.

Thursday nights feature Chloe McFadden, a talent all her own.

Related: Jazz singer Chloe McFadden lives her life, not anyone else’s

Check out the full calendar here: The Phoenix | Iconic Downtown KC Jazz Bar

Café Trio

If you need a chill spot to listen to one of the top piano players in town while you have a lovely dinner or just a few drinks, Café Trio is your spot.

Located on Main Street just off the Country Club Plaza, Café Trio is a quaint, casual fine-dining Hollywood-themed experience. And the outdoor terrace provides full glimpses of the famous J.C. Nichols fountain and the energy of the Plaza. Just jump on the KC Streetcar and make your way.

That piano player? Mark Lowrey… a terrific player and a great soul. From playing Big Slick eight years running to playing the NFL draft and with Tech N9ne to everywhere else, Lowrey is a KC institution. See him Wednesday nights 530-830pm.    

The above are my personal recommendations. Visit the following link from KCUR for more information on these hot jazz palaces and more:

Kansas City’s best jazz clubs and lounges for live music | KCUR – Kansas City news and NPR