After more than a century of all-night jazz sessions and musical history-making, Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation (MMF) has appointed its first creative director.
James D. McGee Sr. will lead the storied institution into its next chapter starting February 21. The appointment comes as the foundation — which has hosted jam sessions with legends like Charlie Parker and Count Basie — approaches its 110th anniversary.
McGee, who moved to Kansas City from East Palo Alto in 1989, brings both musical heritage and strategic vision to the position. His uncle is legendary drummer James Gadson, and McGee has spent decades embedding himself in Kansas City’s cultural landscape.
As a musician and producer himself, McGee has balanced preserving tradition with innovation throughout his career. He founded KOJH 100.5 LPFM, a radio station broadcasting from 18th & Vine to the world. McGee also co-founded “18th & Vine Lives,” which is a social concierge service to support and promote businesses and organizations in the Jazz District.
“James is a transformational leader. He brings together jazz legacy and contemporary styles of music and media,” MMF Board Chairman James Hathaway said. “His passion and vision will help guide the foundation to new heights while preserving its historic role as a cornerstone of American culture.”
McGee’s career spans crucial roles in Kansas City’s jazz community. During his time as a senior manager at the American Jazz Museum, he helped the institution navigate through pandemic challenges while expanding its reach. McGee produced the annual Charlie Parker “In the Yard” celebration showing his ability to honor jazz traditions while creating contemporary cultural connections.
As creative director, McGee will seek to strengthen MMF’s role as a living museum while expanding youth and senior programs. His immediate projects include screening a director’s cut of “Last of the Blue Devils: The Kansas City Jazz Story” and organizing the 2025 International Jazz Day celebration.
About the Mutual Musicians Foundation
The Mutual Musicians Foundation stands as one of KC’s most enduring musical institutions. Founded in 1917 as Local 627 of the American Federation of Musicians, it served as both a union hall and sanctuary for Black musicians.
Its building at 1823 Highland Avenue, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981, continues to host weekend jam sessions where established artists mentor the next generation.
The MMF is the only establishment in Missouri legally allowed to serve patrons until 6 a.m. on weekends, a privilege earned through its historic role in Kansas City jazz. This tradition began when musicians, after finishing their regular club gigs, would gather at the foundation to jam until dawn. Legends like Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Jay McShann made these sessions part of the city’s musical fabric.
The foundation represents a living connection to Kansas City’s golden age of jazz when the city’s music scene rivaled New York and Chicago. Today, it maintains its dual mission: preserving this rich heritage while fostering new musical innovations in the Historic 18th & Vine District.
It is important to keep the. Kansas City. Heritage of our musicians Alive and known in. Those times when it was and especially in thease times of our musicians. In now times
It is important to keep the. Kansas City. Heritage of our musicians Alive and known in. Those times when it was and especially in thease times of our musicians. In now times