Kansas City’s distinctive style of jazz evolved from blues, ragtime and concert band music spawned in the 18th and Vine area. In the days of public segregation, 18th and Vine served as a business and social hub for the African-American community. Established in the late-1800s, 18th and Vine (originally known as the Bowery) provided residents with the services and goods they were denied downtown. Fire stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, hotels, fish shops and other small businesses crowded the intersection of 18th and Vine streets, located one half mile southeast of downtown Kansas City. Social activities whirled around the dance halls, theaters and cabarets scattered liberally throughout the district. During the summer crowds flocked to Lincoln Electric Park, an Edison wonderland modeled after the larger Electric Park across town. Music permeated the area.

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