USA Guide
The Great Plains
18th and Vine Historic Jazz District
The 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District, south of I-70 as it sweeps east– west, was the hub of the city's 1930s jazz scene. A huge revitalization project in the 1980s culminated with the opening of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E 18th St (Tues– Sat 9am–6pm, Sun noon–6pm; $6; www.nlbm.com) – an enthralling collection of photographs, interactive exhibits, and game equipment that traces the turbulent history of black baseball in America, which was segregated from the white major leagues for the first half of the twentieth century. In the same complex is the American Jazz Museum (Tues– Sat 9am–6pm, Sun noon–6pm; $6), which tells the history of jazz through interactive exhibits that profile some of its greatest performers, including Kansas City native Charlie Parker and others who cut their teeth in the smoky halls of 18th and Vine. The Blue Room functions as a working jazz bar, with Thursday through Saturday and Monday-night jam sessions bringing many stars out of the woodwork. If you're going to visit both museums, the $8 combo ticket is your best bet.