The Big Break

How Ethnomusicologist, Dr Dina Bennett is Honoring the Past & Shaping the Future of Black culture at the American Jazz Museum

This episode of the "Big Break" podcast stars a guest host, Chiara Cooper, Director of Marketing at the American Jazz Museum. In it she interviews Dr. Dina Bennett herself, ethnomusicologist and the executive director of the American Jazz Museum.  The podcast delves into Dr. Bennett's educational and professional background, which includes a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology and extensive experience working in various African American music museums. As an ethnomusicologist, Dr. Bennett is uniquely positioned to lead the American Jazz Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of jazz, which has deep roots in African American culture. Throughout the interview, Dr. Bennett shares her passion for music, her mentors, and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of ethnomusicologists and arts leaders. The podcast highlights Dr. Bennett's "big break" moments, including her role in the development of the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville and her journey to becoming the executive director of the American Jazz Museum. As she takes on this leadership role, Dr. Bennett expresses her excitement to build upon the museum's strong foundation and guide it into the future, ensuring that the stories and contributions of African American musicians and artists are honored and shared with the world.

Reclaiming the Jazz District: Ollie Gates on Barbecue, Business and Black Culture Down on the Vine

This podcast episode features an interview with Ollie Gates, the visionary behind the iconic Gates Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri. The conversation delves into Gates' personal history, the evolution of the family business, and his deep commitment to the Kansas City community. Mr. Gates shares his memories of growing up in the 18th and Vine district, the expansion of Gates Barbecue, and his emphasis on community service and giving back. He also discusses the lessons he learned from his time in the U.S. Army and his vision for revitalizing the 18th and Vine district. Overall, the episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of Ollie Gates, a true icon of Kansas City's business and cultural landscape.

Juicing Up the Jazz District: The Rhythmic Rise of Ruby Jean's Juicery

In this episode, host Dr. Bennett, sits down with Chris Goode, the owner of Ruby Jean's Juicery, to discuss the inspiring story behind his business.  Goode shares how his late grandmother, Ruby Jean, inspired him to start the juicery in her honor, with the goal of making healthy living more accessible and approachable in urban community. The podcast episode explores the significance of the Troost Avenue location and Goode’s passion for educating the community, particularly children, about the importance of nutrition and the parallels between the improvisational nature of jazz and his entrepreneurial approach.

Exploring the Intersection of Jazz, Poetry, and Community Activism with Glenn North

In this episode of the Big Break podcast, host Dr. Dina Bennett sits down with Glenn North, the Director of Inclusive Learning and Creative Impact at the Kansas City Museum. They discuss North's background in poetry and his work bridging jazz, diversity, and community engagement at the American Jazz Museum and beyond. North shares insights on the power of poetry and museums to address social justice, as well as his current initiatives in "restorative poetics." This conversation provides a fascinating look at the intersection of arts, culture, and community in Kansas City.

Diallo Javonne French: Capturing Kansas City's Musical Soul Through Film and Photography

In this episode, we get a peak into the life of filmmaker and photographer Diallo Javonne French, a Kansas City native with a passion for preserving the city’s rich jazz history. Diallo shares his unique journey from musician to visual storyteller, focusing on his dedication to documenting the timelessness of jazz through black-and-white photography. Diallo also opens up about the challenges of filmmaking, from securing funding to navigating music licensing, with a spotlight on his latest documentary, "Kansas City Dreaming". Tune in to hear Diallo's stories from working in the 1990s Atlanta music scene, including moments spent on TLC music video sets and encounters with legends like Tupac. This episode is a celebration of one artist's commitment to preserving Kansas City's musical legacy for future generations to come.