The Youth Symphony of Kansas City jammed at the GEM Theater on 18th & Vine Street on Sunday before leaving for their 2016 Ireland Tour.
Seven musicians were honored on the American Jazz Walk of Fame.
A lot is going on in the Jazz District, but council member Jermaine Reed wants more.
The @youthsymphonykc kicks off its 2016 Ireland tour @TheGemTheatre on 18th & Vine. @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/AOf2Zi1xRB
— LisaBenson (@lisabensonkshb) June 5, 2016
"We want to make sure that we have some true catalytic places that are down there. The restaurants or increased foot traffic," said Reed.
Reed has introduced an ordnance calling for $27.6 million in bonds to pay for upgrades to infrastructure and buildings. Changes he hopes will turn the fake store fronts that have been in the area for years into real store fronts.
Kansas City's government has already invested more than $70 million in the Jazz District over the past 20 years. Reed believes more public investment will help make 18th and Vine a world class destination.
"Here stands 18th and Vine. A place where Jazz, baseball and barbecue was founded," said Reed.
The actual work would be done in three phases over three years. Kansas City council members will discuss Reed's plans on Wednesday.
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Lisa Benson can be reached at lisa.benson@kshb.com.
