18th and Vine

Kansas City is known worldwide for the jazz legends that called this city home. But local musicians say the city should do more to uplift its present-day musicians and the music industry.

Two men were killed and another two people were shot over the weekend in a lot near the Power & Light District owned by Copaken Brooks, a commercial real estate firm. Mayor Quinton Lucas said Monday that private lot owners should be required to have $1 million insurance policies, security and surveillance cameras.

Artificial intelligence had a hand in a new art installation at a Kansas City Streetcar stop. David Morris’ abstract digital collage is called “Music is Community," and it’s part of this year’s “Art in the Loop” program.

The developments are centered around Kansas City's historically disinvested 3rd and 5th council districts. The money will help transform Parade Park Homes, restore the Workhouse Castle and Historic Boone Theater, and preserve Satchel Paige's house.

The city is pulling from several funding sources, including $12 million from the Housing Trust Fund, to support the first phase of development for Parade Park. The community was a Black-owned housing co-op and a source of pride for Kansas City's Black families.

Musicians and Fat Tuesday marchers have made their way through 18th & Vine, the Crossroads, and the Westside neighborhood for decades — rain, sleet or snow. The colorfully-dressed revelers, known as krewes, celebrate Mardi Gras, the final day of Carnival, before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

The holiday season is a busy time of year for the Soul of Santa “Do Good” Foundation, an 18th & Vine based non-profit that works to provide support for low-income, disabled Kansas Citians and their families. The organization is preparing for its biggest fundraisers of the year, which includes a new ice-skating rink.

As the first Black-owned brewery in Missouri, Vine Street Brewing is hosting Hip-Hops Hooray in the 18th and Vine District. Starting Friday, the festival will combine hip-hop with jazz, and feature over 30 different brewers.

Expected to open in the historic Boone Theater in February 2026, the attraction will celebrate Black Americans' contributions to the film industry. The first class of inductees — including Oscar Micheaux, Harry Belafonte and Janelle Monáe — all have Kansas City ties.

Two Kansas City musicians reflect on the significance of the 18th and Vine District, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend with the induction of Roberta Flack, Patti Austin and Bob James, plus live performances by Austin and Jose Feliciano.

Now open in the old Crispus Attucks School, the Zhou B Art Center brings free exhibitions to the public, beginning with a show that combines local and international artists.

The first ever Black Comedy Festival KC will take place from April 25-28, mainly in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine district. Festival organizers say it’s the first festival to highlight black comics in the region, as well as the first to feature several different forms of comedy.