20th
Work of Mike Sinclair. Sinclair is from my hometown, Kansas City. I remember taking field trips to Kansas City’s famous jazz district, 18th & Vine. This building in particular doesn’t look especially important, but it’s where the greats like Count Basie and Charlie Parker used to hang out. It’s not the most elegant place inside or out but I remember being relieved to see that it hadn’t changed in the slightest bit over the decades. I used to go with my jazz combo to the jazz museum down the street and then over to Arthur Bryant’s, the famous Kansas City BBQ (hole in the wall) where, again, the most famous jazz musicians used to go. It’s really nothing special, just a place where you’re told “siddown”, a bag of Wonder Bread is thrown on the table and your food is brought out pretty much whenever they feel like bringing it.
Seeing this set of photos reminds me of how much I love my home. Kansas City is a place where every restaurant or venue makes you somehow feel like a regular, even if it’s your first time trying it out. We’re known for our rich history, every part of which seems to blend together in a way that connects each part of the city and makes everyone in Kansas City feel like they have something in common.
Also, check out this photo Sinclair took on the 4th of July in Independence, Missouri, one of the many places my mom lived as a kid.
