One of the Cowtown’s most sacred pop culture artifacts has risen from the grave…
The Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Dance – a 30-plus year Kansas City tradition – died an unseemly death two years ago when longtime area blues promoter Roger Naber ran out of the time and energy to keep the ship of state afloat.
Two years earlier Naber had described the event thusly:
“It’s the largest running music tradition in Kansas City to my knowledge. I’ve been going to breakfast dances for 31 years now. And we’re expecting nearly 1,000 people this year on Thanksgiving morning with the talent we have. Johnnie Taylor’s sons are opening the show for Millie Jackson.”
The event goes down Thanksgiving morning from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in KCK.
As is the custom, it’s a BYOB affair with turkey and all the trimmings available for purchase. Proceeds from ticket sales go to benefit reStart, Inc., an interfaith ministry committed to providing shelter and supportive services to homeless citizens in the Kansas City area.
What to expect?
"Well, everybody that’s there is dressed-to-impress," Naber says. "It’s gonna be very colorful."
And a little wild?
"Oh, they’re not wild at all," Naber says. "It’s just a big celebration of Kansas City blues history.."
Headliners include legendary blues artist Mel Waiters, Denise LaSalle and Kansas City bluesicians D.C. Bellamy and Milage Gilbert.
"Mel Waiters probably has as good a show as there is right now on the soul/blues circuit," Naber says. "And Denise LaSalle is in the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis and she’s the Queen of Soul."
In other words, do not miss this event. Just ask Will Gregory.
Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door with reserved seating available @ $50 per person. For more information call 816-353-4373 or visit www.ticketkc.com.
The Album Cover…
Good Christ… Mel Waiters’ album cover is almost enough to make me attend this thing.
*almost*
I Recognize that Guy!
He’s the doorman at the Raphael.
thank god it’ back
before thanksgiving i searched online for info on whether or not the dance would be back this year after not happening for the previous two years. i didn’t find anything until the day before thanksgiving,which was too late for me to prepare myself for this year, but i will not miss next year. it needs to advertise more and further enough in advance so that people will know.
loving denise
i love denise she is the one i alway look up to.i am from belzoni ms,the last time i was down there i attend marice allen church.i am paul jones neice.i want to sing just like denise lasall my no is 228-202-5335 or 662-836-4149 i am in moss point ms,may god always bless you mrs denise.love the music keep it going