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Ragtime Roots In 'Paris Of The Plains'

At the turn of the 20th Century, Kansas City was known for more than just a raucous drinking and gambling scene. The "Paris of the Plains" also served as a center for new, syncopated styles of ragtime, blues and jazz. With the music came an assemblage of composers and music publishers who called KC home.

Guest:

  • Thomas Aber is bass clarinetist for the salon quartet Ninkasi, based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Thomas Aber and Ninkasi perform at the Kansas City Public Library's Central Library at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 31. For more information, visit kclibrary.org.

Kyle Palmer is the editor of the Shawnee Mission Post, a digital news outlet serving Northeast Johnson County, Kansas. He previously served as KCUR's news director and morning newscaster.
As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.