Paseo Hall (1924-1938)

The largest of the many dance halls and events spaces in Kansas City's African American community in the 1930s and 1940s, Paseo Hall opened in March of 1924 when legendary band leader Bennie Moten took over the management of the formerly white-only Dehoney’s Dance Academy. Kansas City's leading jazz musicians all played here, along with touring musicians like Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. Paseo Hall was the location where Musicians Local 627 held their famous battles of the bands, which raised the funds necessary to purchase the building at 1823 Highland, which continues to serve as a live music venue. Following the trend of jazz clubs that faced closure in the late 1930s, Paseo Hall closed in 1938, and the building was purchased by St. Stephens Church.

Legendary saxophonist made his professional debut on October 31st, 1935, at Paseo Hall, playing with the Twelve Cords of Rhythm and George Lee, a influential Kansas City bandleader and brother of pianist and vocalist Julia Lee. The venue only hired union musicians, so Parker joined Musicians Local 627, the union of African American musicians in Kansas City.

Chuck Haddix, Gigging Around Town, Charlie Parker's Kansas City, Kansas City Public Library https://charlieparkerskc.org/tours/gigging-around-town accessed 8/4/2024.