🌹 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation

HONORS AWARDS 2026

📍 Gem Theater — Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District

🗓 May 24, 2026

🎟 Red Carpet: 6:00–7:00 PM | Program: 7:00–9:00 PM

A Night to Give Flowers — While They Can Still Be Received

The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation Honors Awards is a red-carpet celebration dedicated to recognizing the artists, cultural leaders, and community builders who have shaped Kansas City’s creative landscape.

This is not about trends or popularity.

This is about legacy.

Each honoree represents years—often decades—of contribution to music, visual art, dance, theatre, film, poetry, and cultural development. These are the individuals who have built platforms, opened doors, and created the foundation that today’s artists stand on.

Rooted in the Historic 18th & Vine District

Held at the Gem Theater, in the heart of the 18th & Vine Jazz District, this event is deeply connected to one of the most important cultural corridors in American history.

This district has long been a center for:

• Jazz innovation

• Black storytelling

• Creative entrepreneurship

• Community leadership

The Honors Awards continues that tradition by recognizing those who carry that legacy forward today.

What to Expect

This is a high-energy, performance-driven experience designed to honor artists through storytelling—not long speeches.

Throughout the evening, guests will experience:

• Cinematic video tributes highlighting each honoree’s journey

• Live performances across multiple artistic disciplines

• Official City Proclamations presented in recognition of each honoree

• A smooth, well-paced program with meaningful transitions and no downtime

Every moment is intentional. Every recognition is earned.

2026 Honorees

This year’s Honors Awards celebrates an extraordinary group of artists and cultural leaders, including:

• Isaac Cates — Gospel Honor

• Lonnie McFadden — Jazz Honor

• LeVelle — R&B Male Honor

• Sosha Oshaye — R&B / Soul Honor

• Shawn Edwards — Theatre & Film Honor

• J. Leroy Beasley — Visual Art Honor

• ICE Studios School of Dance — Dance Honor

• Simeon Taylor — Spoken Word Honor

• Mary Moore — Poetry Honor

• Sean Tyler — Icon Living Award

Special recognition will also be given to Jason Betts for his contribution as a Music Director and cultural force behind the scenes.

The Experience

From the moment guests arrive, the evening is designed to feel elevated, intentional, and rooted in celebration.

• Red carpet entrance with photo opportunities

• Rose-themed décor throughout the venue 🌹

• Live music and curated performances

• A community-centered atmosphere that brings together artists, supporters, and cultural leaders

This is a space to connect, reflect, and celebrate the people who continue to shape Kansas City’s identity.

Why This Event Matters

Too often, artists are celebrated after they are gone.

The Honors Awards exists to change that.

We believe in recognizing greatness in real time—while artists are still here to receive the appreciation, respect, and acknowledgment they deserve.

This event is about:

• Preserving cultural legacy

• Elevating local artists

• Strengthening community connection

• Inspiring the next generation

🎟 Ticket Information

• $15 Presale (limited time)

• $30 General Admission

• $50 VIP Experience

  • Reserved seating

  • Catered meal

  • VIP gift bag

  • Priority access

🌹 Be in the Room

Join us for an unforgettable evening that honors the heart and soul of Kansas City’s creative community.

Celebrate the artists.
Learn their stories.
Be part of the moment.

Give flowers — while they can still be received.

🎟 Purchase Tickets & Learn More:
https://www.18thandvineartsfestival.com/honor-awards