Jazz in the Garden to Raise Funds for Urban Farming Nonprofit

Jazz in the Garden is an event aimed at celebrating the deep roots of jazz in Kansas City while raising funds for the literal roots cultivated at Global One Urban Farming’s community gardens. 

The first in a series of four events, Jazz in the Garden represents a unique opportunity to see live local jazz outdoors while supporting a good cause. 

Global One Urban Farming is a nonprofit that has established four community garden sites on inner-city soil that sustainably grow organic vegetables in USDA-designated food deserts. Jazz in the Garden takes place at the largest of the community gardens, at 4409 Cypress Ave. in KCMO. 

“We’re going to honor grassroots jazz music here with some of the best local jazz artists at this first event,” says Anthony Nealy, Global One founder and president. “Kansas City is known for barbeque and jazz and we’ll have both.” 

The Stephen Martin Trio is set to perform at 3 p.m. April 8, along with surprise guests. Stephen Martin is a critically acclaimed saxophone player and professor at the UMKC Conservatory who plans on paying tribute to recently passed saxophonist Ronnie McFadden.

Tickets to Jazz in the Garden include admission to the concert, along with free beverages and a barbeque dinner. Chair massages are also available for $2 a minute. Tickets can be purchased from Eventbrite for $25 with all proceeds going towards Global One Urban Farming. 

Global One distributes 30,000 pounds of produce a year, free of charge, to area seniors, veterans, and low income families. The group has 1.5 acres of previously unused inner-city land that they have reclaimed to grow tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, green beans, and other herbs and vegetables. Global One also has community garden clubs at area schools like KIPP Academy and the Kaufman School that teach area students how to produce vegetables from seed to harvest. 

“We are growing and giving away organic vegetables for free to help raise health levels in the community,” says Nealy.  

The Jazz in the Garden is Sat., April 8, with music from 3 to 6 p.m. at 4409 Cypress Avenue in KCMO. Future Jazz in the Garden events are planned for June 10, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7.