LONNIE McFADDEN
Jazz Honor
Honors Awards 2026
May 24 | Gem Theater | Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
A Living Sound of Kansas City
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation is proud to honor Lonnie McFadden for his extraordinary contributions to jazz, performance, and the cultural heartbeat of Kansas City.
Lonnie McFadden is more than a musician. He is a showman, a historian of sound, and a living embodiment of the Kansas City jazz tradition. As a trumpeter, vocalist, tap dancer, and entertainer, his performances carry the joy, soul, and swing that define this city’s musical identity.
For decades, Lonnie has represented Kansas City on national and international stages — from the United States to Europe and Japan — always carrying the spirit of 18th & Vine with him.
Carrying the Jazz Legacy Forward
Kansas City jazz is not just history — it is movement. It is improvisation. It is presence.
Lonnie became widely known for his electrifying tap-dancing performances at The Phoenix and his celebrated residency at Black Dolphin. Today, he continues that tradition at Lonnie’s Reno Club, an elegant supper club inspired by the historic Reno Club of the 1930s — one of the original epicenters of Kansas City jazz culture.
His career has included performances at:
The Kauffman Center
Starlight Theatre
The Blue Room
National and international jazz venues
He has shared the stage with legendary entertainers and collaborated with some of the most respected musicians in the industry.
A Cultural Ambassador for 18th & Vine
Lonnie McFadden’s impact goes beyond performance.
He has helped preserve Kansas City’s jazz heritage while ensuring it remains vibrant and accessible for new generations. Alongside his brother Ronald as The McFadden Brothers, he was inducted into the Jazz Walk of Fame in the Historic 18th & Vine District — cementing his legacy within the very streets that shaped him.
His artistry reflects discipline, joy, improvisation, and excellence — all hallmarks of Kansas City’s musical tradition.
Why This Honor Matters
The Honors Awards is about recognizing the living architects of culture.
Lonnie McFadden represents the bridge between Kansas City’s historic jazz era and its modern expression. His presence reminds us that legacy is not static — it is performed, embodied, and passed forward.
Honoring him at the Gem Theater in the heart of 18th & Vine is not just symbolic — it is a continuation of the story.
Experience the Tribute Live
At Honors Awards 2026, Lonnie McFadden will be celebrated through:
A cinematic video tribute
A live jazz performance moment
An official City Proclamation
A curated recognition honoring his decades of impact
This evening is fast-paced, movement-driven, and rooted in cultural respect — no long speeches, only meaningful moments.
🌹 Join Us May 24
Be part of a night that honors the sound of Kansas City.
📍 Gem Theater
Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
🗓 May 24, 2026
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