NEW GIGS at The Brick for Jan/Feb 2012

What a great way to start out the new year for A Touch of Color. Two gigs are confirmed at The Brick, January 21 and Feb 11th, from 5-8 PM. Share the dates with fans, friends and family. Let's pack the house again for some great jazz sets!

Congratulations TOC Musicians!

Five members of TOC achieved placement in district ensembles in KS and MO! Congratulations to Isaiah Carter and Houston Smith, Kansas City, MO in District Jazz bands. And, Brett Butler, Choir; Ben Forshee and Miranda Stark, Jazz and Concert Bands in the KS Northeast district! Great accomplishment for each~

Return Engagement at THE BRICK - Dec 17th

A Touch of Color has been invited back to the fantastic venue of The Brick in the Cross Roads of Kansas City, MO. At their first appearance, the restaurant/bar was packed to capacity, and many were turned away from lack of seating. The gig begins at 5 for three hours of entertainment. You might even hear some holiday jazz tunes mingled in their sets. Come out, come early, and bring friends!! You will find a link to the new TOC website on The Brick Entertainment section.

http://thebrickkcmo.com/

Good Morning America performance - Oct 20th

TOC/KCYJ Combo members impressed the GMA crew and brought out the KC jazz sound in this live segment hosted by Sam Champion...recorded in Helzberg Hall of the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, KC MO

5 TOC members appear LIVE on Good Morning America Oct 20th

Kansas City Youth Jazz Reno/Combo were invited to perform LIVE at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center Thursday, October 20th from 7-7:30 AM, CST for the Good Morning America morning news show. This segment will feature the jazz combo in the new surroundings of the performing arts center. Kudo's to KCYJ and TOC combo members: Miranda Stark (sax); Houston Smith (sax); Ben Forshee (trumpet); Isaiah Carter (drums) and Isaac Booth (bass). Your fans will be cheering!

http://www.kauffmancenter.org/

New Performances Scheduled - TOC builds presence

Community presence continues to grow in Kansas City with Touch of Color jazz musicians appearing at the following:

A trio will perform at Cafe Augusta, Lenexa, KS on Oct 21st, 7-10 pm - featuring Brett Butler on Guitar, Houston Smith on Sax, and Isaac Booth on Bass. http://www.cafeaugusta.com/Home_Page.html

Nov 4th TOC will perform for a private, community fundraiser for Teach for America in Mission Hills, KS

TOC is booked for TWO performances at the new Intentions Cabaret in Overland Park, KS for Nov 12 and 18th, from 6-8 PM. http://www.intentionsnightlife.com/

Gigs Confirmed - New Location - Intentions Cabaret

Two paid performances have been set for November at Intentions Cabaret in Overland Park, KS
http://www.intentionsnightlife.com/

See Calendar for location. Dates:
November 12, Saturday - 6-8 PM
November 18, Friday - 6-8 PM

This new business is excited to bring jazz to their location. The larger your audience, the better you are paid. Let's get a full house again!

Gigs Pending and Highlight of TOC members at Kauffman

Currently negotiating times for paid gig at Intentions Jazz Cabaret in Overland Park (thanks Doc Forshee). (HOLD Dates of either Nov 12 or Nov 18, both evening performance times -- stay tuned)

Investigating return appearance at Cafe Augusta - likely in early November after Marching Band. Their hope is to feature TOC on a weekend night with jazz circuit performers.

YouTube video link -- KCYJ Reno/Combo performs at Kauffman Performing Art Center. Combo includes 5 members of Touch of Color. Featuring Houston Smith (sax); Ben Forshee (trumpet); Isaac Booth (bass); Miranda Stark (sax) and Isaiah Carter (drums). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHnx-QtuXus

Success at The Brick

Best performance to date included 3 hours of music, a variety of featured talents, blend of standards with funk, and musician solo's. Fantastic turnout for public debut, it just couldn't have been better. Particularly when the establishment gives an invite BACK!

Updates:
1. Saint Luke's President's Dinner - Friday night, Sept 16th - SEE CALENDAR for details

2. Black Dog Coffee House (Lenexa) - Saturday night, Sept 17th - SEE CALENDAR for details

Cherry Pink @ The Brick

The 3-hour gig was a smashing success to a sold out venue. This tune features Ben Forshee on trumpet and Miranda Stark on Sax.

TOC now linked to Kansas City PlaxticSax website

We are not sure how this happened, but grateful for the recognition of A Touch of Color on the Kansas City website PLASTIC SAX hyperlink section, "Artist Links". This link provides broad public exposure to the jazzonourown blogspot, updates, gigs, and calendar information.

Take a look! You will find A Touch of Color listed with all the jazz artists in KC! http://plasticsax.blogspot.com/

Looking forward to a fantastic performance at THE BRICK tomorrow, 5-8!

KCJazzLark Blog PROMOTES A Touch of Color @ BRICK

READ this and share with everyone you think of! Our own, Dr. Gary Forshee authored this letter to KCJazzLark and is now live on the jazz board waves, great job Doc Forshee! Consider posting a comment to the JazzLark column and help build the excitement.

http://kcjazzlark.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-06%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-06%3A00&max-results=16

THE BRICK & Beyond

Rehearsal Sunday 4-7 in final preparation for 3 hour gig at The Brick, Sept 3rd.

Bring out your family, friends, classmates, fellow musicians and strangers for The Brick, Labor Day weekend event. This is a big venue on a big stage, and the room needs to be filled!!

NEW GIG SET - Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences Inaugural Dinner for new President, semi-formal event. A small combo was formed for this 2-hour, paid gig for Friday night, September 16th. Details pending.

Followed by Saturday night, September 17th, 7-9 at Black Dog Coffee House.

Cafe Augusta August 3rd & NEW Gigs!

Remember TOC performs August 3rd at Cafe Augusta, 7-9 PM

Upcoming gigs set:

1. THE BRICK, Sept 3rd, 5-8 PM.

2. Black Dog Coffee House in Lenexa, KS on Saturday, Sept 17th from 7-9 pm See http://bdcoffeehouse.com/

We need the fans and MORE, bring new support!!!

Paid gig!

Take Five Coffee Bar supports TOC combo by inviting them back, marketing their gig, and paying musicians for their second return! Comments from staff included, "they are really good" to "there's some serious talent in this group." Invited back for more appearances this fall.

Working on one more gig between Cafe Augusta August 3 and The Brick September 3. Stay tuned...

TAKE FIVE gig July 27 & NEW Cafe Augusta gig August 3rd

The management of Wild Bills Steakhouse is helping facilitate more gigs at restaurants affiliated with KC Hopps locations for the fall, stay tuned...

Upcoming Dates!!

Take Five Coffee Bar, July 27th, set up 6:30 - Play from 7-9:00 PM  Take 5

Cafe Augusta, Wednesday, Aug 3rd - ARRIVE at 6:40, play 7- 8:30

TOC REHEARSAL - Sunday, Aug 28th 4-7PM Plan set for THE BRICK Sept 3rd

TOC Updates

Great performance at Wild Bills Steakhouse at Legends last night! Wonderful sound, expansion of song selection, and diversity of musicianship on various instruments! GREAT JOB!

TAKE FIVE COFFEE Bar - July 27th, 7-9 PM!!! Set up at 6:30

TENTATIVE GIG at CAFE AUGUSTA - August 3rd, 7-8:30 PM, Set up at 6:40

Check out THE BRICK gig posting for upcoming artists

Here is a link to The Brick, in the Crossroads Arts District for Touch of Color performance on September 3. Thanks Gary for sharing the posting, and Ben for getting the gig! http://www.thebrickkcmo.com/shows.asp

Video from R J's bob-be-que July 7, 2011

Started at 7:00, TOC is jamming! Weather is wonderful. Missing Mitchell, Miranda and Ben, but sound fantastic.

Take Five....take 2. New gig July 27th

TOC was invited back to play as shown from a great reception by owners and audience. Date for return Gig set for Wednesday July 27th from 7-9 pm. Calendar updates and blog sharing help spread the word. Sounds like Phoenix fundraiser was great success!

On The Scene 151st & Nall

TOC appearing Tonight at the Take Five Coffee shop, place was packed with happy fans!  http://www.takefivecoffeebar.com/

The Phoenix and RJs BBQ Upcoming Gigs

Remember TOC will perform at Take Five this Wednesday from 7-9 PM!

Kansas City Youth Jazz Fundraiser at the Phoenix Monday, June 27th starting at 6:30 PM. Details for TOC members arrival/set-up pending. http://www.thephoenixkc.com/ TOC represents the talents of many KCYJ students and were invited to perform at this benefit fundraiser. A great night to support a great organization.

Go to RJs BBQ and hear Touch of Color on Thursday night, July 7th from 7-9 pm on the restaurant patio. This restaurant was featured on the TV show, "Diner's, Drive In's and Dives" as one of the BEST barbeque in the Midwest. http://www.rjsbbq.com/ The restaurant will appreciate all your finger-licking dining and support. Check out their weekend jazz entertainment schedule, they regularly feature many great jazz performers from Kansas City region.

Plan for the Legendary Wild Bill's Steakhouse at the Legends in KC KS on Thursday, July 21st from 7-9 PM. Home to an eclectic set of musicians on weekends, you will be a first on a week night, and they're excited to hear your jazz. See their site at http://wildbillslegendarysaloon.com/

More gigs are pending! Check the calendar for detailed directions to venue, and share the blog with others to spread the word of your growing summer book of work...

The group has a Facebook page.  A Touch Of Color

Promoting Brett's Dad's Band, "Liverpool"

FYI...Brett's dad is 'Ringo' in the professional band, LIVERPOOL. They are performing at the KPL District this Friday night at 8 PM. If you are interested in hearing amazing tunes from the Beatles song book, think about going! http://www.liverpoolband.com/

From their website: You are invited on a magical trip back to the beginning where it all began...Liverpool. From the mop-top hair to the authentic costumes and vintage guitars, no expense has been spared to duplicate the Fab Four's dynamic stage look and sound.

Liverpool's performance spans the entire Beatles career from "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!" to Abbey Road. The presentation is powerful and their enthusiasm is contagious.

A Liverpool experience has it all: The Look...The Sound...The Songs!

FANTASTIC debut! Upcoming Gigs

Congratulations to the musicians of A Touch of Color! Your audience was overwhelmed with the talent, and great music! Thanks for a wonderful evening at Cafe Augusta.

Next gig is Wednesday, June 22nd at Take Five Coffee Bar in Leawood, KS from 7-9 pm. http://www.takefivecoffeebar.com/
Some great jazz musicians have started playing there on weekends, so the neighborhood is primed for this being an emerging jazz venue. Check out the FaceBook site for Take Five, and their website for previous performances, menu, and setting.

Check the calendar for updates and encourage friends to join the blog to follow your summer gigs...stay tuned for more locations to play!

OH! AND ONE MORE THING: THE CAFE AGUSTA MGT. E-MAILED AND SAID WE WERE WELCOME BACK FOR MORE WEEKNIGHT FUN!

G&J

Another Gig!

Ben Forshee, yes our Ben, successfully personally negotiated a gig at the Brick, 1721 McGee, KCMO 816-421-1634.  A Touch of Color will perform from 5p.m. to 8p.m. on the 3rd of Sept.

A Touch of Color Appearing at Cafe Augusta 12122 West 87th Street Parkway Lenexa, Kansas 66215 913.859.9556

We have a gig! June 15th we will play at Cafe Augusta http://www.cafeaugusta.com/Entertainment.html this is a venue for Doug Talley Stan Kessler and many others! We have hit the circuit!
Parents, bring your friends, family members, enemies with credit cards and large appetites!
12122 West 87th Street Parkway | Lenexa, Kansas 66215 | 913.859.9556

A Touch of Color

Super beginning to a great group of jazz musicians! All 10 were present to set calendars and select a group name. The blog calendar will be one communication link for ALL scheduled gigs, location and time, along with emails so everyone can see what's happening this summer. A video of Recordame is attached for sharing with friends. Contacts are being made for a June 15th venue when everyone is free, maybe the only date for a full "10" summer debut. We'll keep you posted. Enjoy the tune!

Mazuma Credit Union

The 12:30 Combo did an amazing job tonight. 

They were self directed and clearly showed that they can do a 45 min set and keep the audience happy. 

Getting hot!

Our group is responding well! Much interest and so far 7 coming to plan summer gigs. We'll have enough musicians to manage folks on vacation, camps, and still keep a performing combo. Isaac might ask a trombone player from his high school jazz band unless someone has an idea.

Party at Isaac's House for the Musicians & their Families

Hello,
Several parents have been discussing for some time now the amazing talent of our kids, and their strong desire to perform more out in the community. Darren Carter, George Calvert and I talked this past Saturday, and have decided to help the kids "consider" organizing, and doing some community summer gigs. Between 4 parents, we already have identified 5 or more locations the kids could perform at, and spread their wings...

Last night, Joe and I visited the "Take Five" coffee shop that Mitchell's dad talked about a few weeks ago, located at 151st and Nall. The owners were thrilled we stopped in to talk, and even said they had several high school jazz combos play there. They book out about 4-6 weeks in advance. They actually contacted KCYJ, and never heard back from anyone. It's a great place, and the kids would feel very comfortable. NO charge for them to come play.

I've attached a pdf invitation for kids in the 'group' that have been working on this idea for about a year now. We are anxious to host an event in our 'newly being remodeled basement', designed to some degree for this very intention. A fun space for Isaac to invite friends over to play music. He's really excited about this chance for learning how to organize a group, as Mr. B says, to figure out ALL the pieces to make something happen (with parents support).

We want to make sure you know your family is invited, so please come and stay. June 3rd is a Friday night, beginning at 6:30, til they are ready to call it quits. We'll see what forms from there. Mr B, we'd love for you and Terri to come if you can and want to. This is not going to be a KCYJ group, but we'd love your expert guidance and advice if you have time/interest. You are simply amazing with our kids, and we are all in awe of your teaching prowess!!!

Bring your ideas and contacts for locations to play this summer. So far we have contacts at: Cafe Augusta in Lenexa, Louisiana Jazz at the Legends, and Take Five (all interested), and maybe a pre-12:00 Jump possibility through Calvert's, a Lee Summit Coffee Bar the Carter's checked out, and others. If you can't join that night, but are interested, let us know...

Ginger and Joe

Starting out!

We are starting this Blog to help our Jazz musicians and their families to coordinate independent Jazz events and parties.