Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz & Blues Festival

I went here with family to enjoy the different hotdogs and jazz music but we were turned back to the car because we didn't have clear bags . So that was a bummer then we came back and had to find somewhere to sit . It was very hot. The only thing I enjoyed about this experience was the music. They could emphasize on clear bags and bring lawn chairs .especially when your new

I am visiting from Columbia MO previous resident of KC but I always gotta stop by Dope place an dope musicians.... love it here!

What an amazing event, Kansas City!I was lucky enough to have VIP tickets to this event, so a trio of us headed down. The festival ran from 11a-11p, so there was a lot of time to check things out. We went around 4:30 and ended up staying until the end of the night.VIP parking was close to the event grounds and easy to find.The VIP tickets also provided a drink ticket each and access to the VIP food and tent, as well as seating up front by the main stage.The VIP tent was nice, but located up the hill adjacent to the museum, so although the sound was still superb, you couldn't really see the bands from there.The bartenders were friendly and efficient. All the liquor was top shelf, including Belvedere Vodka and 10 Cane Rum.Food was provided all day and night by Jazz, Louisiana Kitchen. Unlike many events, the menu was veggie friendly with Succotash, Dirty Rice, Pasta a la Mer, bread with Cajun butter and grilled chicken with a la mer sauce. No matter what time we checked, food was newly replenished and steaming hot. It was also very tasty.Tickets allowed you to see shows at the main stage, the Blue Room and at the Gem Theater.We didn't make the Blue Room shows, but we saw Sr. Mandril, a Mexican fusion band at the Gem. They were very good.We caught several acts on the main stage, including the Salute to George Duke with Pieces of a Dream, Bobby Lyle and Maysa. Amazing! Great music. One part of the set went from Beatles to Purple Rain to P Funk.The headlining act was Con Funk Shun, who brought it all home old style in butter yellow matching suits and choreographed dance moves. My only complaint? They oversold the VIP tickets and when we tried to enter the reserved seating area by the stage, we were told we couldn't go in. Then we were shuffled over multiple times by some frankly cranky security guards. Boo.