There's Just Something About Kansas City

Kansas City’s musical history is inseparable from jazz, and few places have played a more important role in preserving that legacy than the American Jazz Museum.
In this brand-new episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Jill Johnson, interim executive director, and Jordan Malhiot, senior manager of collections and exhibits, for an inside look at one of Kansas City’s most important cultural institutions.
Jill and Jordan take us inside the museum’s mission to preserve, celebrate and promote jazz, from the legendary musicians and rich history of Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz District to the artifacts, stories and music that continue to shape the genre today.
They share some of the treasures found in the museum’s collection, the challenges and rewards of preserving jazz history, and how exhibits help bring the people, places and sounds of Kansas City jazz to life.
And they look toward the future: How does the American Jazz Museum keep jazz relevant to new generations? How does it attract visitors from around the world? And what role does the museum play in preserving Kansas City’s identity as a jazz city?
It’s a conversation about Kansas City jazz, music, history, preservation and the future of one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions - and the people working to make sure its story continues to be heard.

A Kansas City legend returns to the mic.
We’re re-releasing our conversation with Denny Matthews, the legendary voice of the Kansas City Royals and one of the most recognizable broadcasters in Kansas City sports history.
Matthews has now called more than 8,000 Royals games during his remarkable Hall of Fame broadcasting career, giving generations of Kansas City fans a front-row seat to some of the biggest moments in Royals history - from unforgettable games to championship memories and everything in between.
In this conversation, Denny reflects on his extraordinary career behind the microphone, the people and moments that have shaped his journey, and what it means to be the voice of the Royals for generations of fans.
Revisit the stories, memories and perspective of one of Kansas City's most beloved sports voices on this re-release of There’s Just Something About Kansas City.

With Marilyn Maye returning to the stage at Kansas City’s historic Folly Theater this Friday, we’re re-releasing our unforgettable conversation with one of the city’s most beloved musical treasures.
Marilyn Maye is an American Songbook and showtune legend whose extraordinary career includes a record 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. A true cabaret icon, she has spent decades captivating audiences around the world while proudly carrying Kansas City’s musical legacy with her wherever she performs.
In this conversation, Marilyn reflects on her remarkable career, her deep connection to Kansas City’s jazz tradition, and what it means to represent her hometown on stages across the country and around the world. Named Kansas Citian of the Year in 2012, Marilyn continues to perform, teach, and inspire generations of artists.
At 98 years young, she’s still “kicking it,” still commanding the stage, and still showing why she has earned a reputation as one of the great voices of cabaret.
As Marilyn prepares to take the stage at the Folly, revisit the story, career and Kansas City legacy of this unforgettable American songstress on There’s Just Something About Kansas City.

As the Kansas City Chiefs kick off a new season, we’re re-releasing our conversation with the legendary voice of Chiefs Kingdom, Mitch Holthus.
From growing up in Smith Center, Kansas, to becoming the longtime radio voice of the Kansas City Chiefs and being named the 2024 Kansan of the Year, Mitch takes us inside his remarkable career, his deep connection to Chiefs fans, and what it means to be the voice of one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases.
You’ll also hear the fascinating story of Mitch’s family connection to the iconic Western ballad “Home on the Range.” It’s a Kansas story with a surprising connection to a song known around the world.
Join Mitch Holthus as he tells the story of his life, career and Kansas roots like only he can on this re-release of There’s Just Something About Kansas City — and get ready for another Chiefs season!

What happens when you combine Kansas City beer, music, entrepreneurship, history and creativity? You get Kemet Coleman and Vine Street Brewing Co.
In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Kemet Coleman, Kansas City musician, entrepreneur, creative placemaker, and co-founder of Vine Street Brewing Co., Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery.
Located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, Vine Street Brewing has become much more than a place to grab a beer. It’s a gathering place where music, art, culture, history and community come together - and an important part of the ongoing revitalization of one of Kansas City’s most culturally significant neighborhoods.
Kemet takes us behind the scenes of his unlikely journey from musician and creative entrepreneur to brewery owner. He shares how his experience working at Boulevard Brewing sparked his passion for craft beer, how he connected with co-founders Woodie Bonds Jr., Elliott Ivory, and Annie McGinnis, and why he was determined to build Vine Street Brewing in the heart of Kansas City’s historic Black community.
We talk about the challenges of transforming a long-abandoned historic building into a thriving brewery, the importance of preserving the legacy of 18th & Vine, and Kemet’s vision for the future of Kansas City.
He also shares stories from his music career, the creative philosophy behind Vine Street, his belief in the power of businesses to bring neighborhoods and people together - and, yes, his dream of making it to Hollywood as an actor.
This is more than a conversation about beer. It’s a story about Kansas City, creativity, perseverance, entrepreneurship, history, and the power of betting on your hometown.