Be Bop and Beyond 18th and Vine Live Jazz and Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Known for jazz, 18th and Vine was the focal point of black life in the Heart of America during era of Jim Crow Segregation and the origin of Kansas City's cultural identity. Tour includes live jazz and has African American perspective of history one generation removed from the Civil Rights Movement. The featured tour guide Historian, Erik Stafford, was born and raised in Kansas City, heart and soul of America
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Mutual Musicians Foundation
Listed as a national historic landmark, this location is where Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie first played for each other. Together they created a new genre of music known as Be Bop. The music filled the ears of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton and Amiri Baraka as they were planning boycotts and protest against police brutality. The sound ushered in the Civil Rights Movement.
Kansas City
Birthplace of the Negro Leagues
What‘s Included
Live Jazz
Professional Guide
food and drink
Options
Be Bop and Beyond 18th and Vine Live Jazz and Walking Tour
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Informative, Fun, and a welcoming guide!
Erin H,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoyed a personal guided tour with Erik for the Jazz & BeBop history tour! He was patient and friendly with my questions, and very knowledgeable about the history of the area and provided many details to showcase the historical beauty of the 18th & Vine district. Even having to navigate around construction and limited access to some areas, I found the tour to be informative, interesting, and fun to hear about such a special area of the country.
Informative, interesting, and friendly.
V5660XSbruceb,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Erik Stafford made 90 minutes feel like 10. Astounding knowledge, and very friendly. We had a small group. Local history is so interesting, with national impact on our nation’s history. Time well spent!
It is very informative...
Richard W,,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00It is very informative and a good introduction to Kansas City for new resident lie me. However, I think walk should discontinued until construction is complete. The talk should inside with viideo
An epic walk though the history of 18th and Vine!
brettbT4116WU,,May 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Erik has an encyclopedic knowledge of the history, places and people that have their roots in the 18th and Vine neighborhood. He weaves all of them into stories of the neighborhood and its importance to Kansas City's history. These stories show how vital this neighborhood was and is to not only the evolution of Jazz but also the impact this neighborhood has had on the city and the nation. It is a thoroughly entertaining tour and educational at the same time. Highly recommend!
18th and Vine neighborhood of KC
Mark K,,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable and informative. Lots of interesting history of the jazz community and the Black community in KC.
Great Missouri Tour
James K,,Nov 9, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing. Knowledgeable tour guide. Great sites! The jazz museum should hire him! Apparently had a good book as well he should tout more!
Related Experiences
Operated by Erik Stafford