Neon Jazz Interviews

Honoring Anita Dixon-Brown: Kansas City Jazz Icon & UNESCO Visionary

Welcome to a very special edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. Today, we honor a true titan, visionary, and cultural force who will be sorely missed in Kansas City and far beyond—Mrs. Anita Dixon-Brown. Anita Dixon-Brown served as the former Executive Director of the legendary Mutual Musicians Foundation, and she played a pivotal role in securing Kansas City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music—a global recognition rooted in decades of jazz excellence and cultural preservation. Born on September 26, 1956, Anita left us suddenly on January 4, 2026, at the age of 69. Though her time was far too short, her influence on jazz, arts advocacy, cultural equity, and historic preservation was towering and enduring. Her work ensured that Kansas City’s jazz legacy was not only honored, but protected and amplified on the world stage. In this retrospective, we reflect on Anita’s life and legacy through the voices of Kansas City musicians and cultural leaders, including Lonnie McFadden, along with friends and collaborators from near and far. Their words paint a portrait of a woman whose leadership, grace, and unwavering dedication shaped generations of artists and preserved one of America’s most vital jazz institutions. Long live Anita Dixon-Brown.Her legacy resonates.Her impact endures.And she will never, ever be forgotten. 🎷 Dig this tribute to a Kansas City force. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Con Chapman on Kansas City Jazz History & His Book “A Little Evil Will Do You Good”

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Journalist and Author Con Chapman about his 2023 book Kansas City Jazz: A Little Evil Will Do You Good. This acclaimed Boston-area writer joins us for his second appearance on Neon Jazz, and as always, brings a deep well of insight, research, and storytelling. The book is the first comprehensive study of Kansas City jazz in more than 15 years, drawing on new research to explore how this uniquely American sound emerged from the Midwest and evolved into a defining jazz sub-genre. Chapman profiles the musicians who shaped the scene, many of whom developed distinct styles within—and far beyond—the Kansas City jazz framework. From Andy Kirk and the Twelve Clouds of Joy to Charlie Parker, we dig into the personalities, cultural forces, and musical innovations that created Kansas City’s unmistakable jazz identity. We cover the broader themes, the hot-button topics, and the human stories that brought this music to life. It’s always a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. Dig this conversation. 📘 Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Kansas-City-Jazz-Popular-History/dp/1800502826 For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooklyn Jazz Bassist Kelsey Mines on New Albums & Creative Freedom

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we sit down with Brooklyn-based jazz bassist, composer, and vocalist Kelsey Mines to explore her latest 2025 releases, including Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious and Collusion and Collaboration—a powerful project created with the mighty Vinny Golia—along with a life fully dedicated to music. Originally from Seattle, Kelsey grew up immersed in jazz, with a father who was also a jazz musician. That foundation helped shape her wide-ranging musical path, which spans jazz, classical, and experimental music, blending structure with risk and deep expression. Her work reflects a fearless artistic voice grounded in tradition while constantly pushing forward. We talk about her creative process, collaboration, compositional vision, the Brooklyn jazz scene, and what it means to build a sustainable artistic life in today’s musical world. 🎶 Everything Kelsey Mines:https://www.kelseyminesbass.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Singer, Actor on Stage & Film, Tap Dancer & Recording Artist Elijah Rock

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we catch up with singer, stage and film actor, tap dancer, and recording artist Elijah Rock, a dynamic creative force based in Boise, Idaho, to talk about his new 2025 album Memories Unleashed, live performances, his wide-ranging career, and what’s coming next. As an independent jazz and blues recording artist, Elijah has long made it his mission to keep the proud traditions of The Great American Songbook not just alive—but vibrant and vital for modern audiences. His commitment to classic music has earned praise from the legendary Tony Bennett, who once told him, “Keep on singing and keep this beautiful music alive!” Drawing inspiration from jazz, classical music, and the golden era of American song, Elijah showcases exceptional vocal artistry while honoring the elegance, swing, and emotional depth of timeless standards. We dig into his musical influences, performance life, and the path he’s carving as a modern ambassador of classic American music. 🎶 Everything Elijah Rock:https://www.elijahrock.com/ 🎧 Subscribe to Neon Jazz for in-depth conversations with today’s leading jazz artists, vocalists, and creative storytellers. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guitarist Jon Fadem on 2025 Release Thankful, Solo Debut & Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we catch up with Pennsylvania-based acclaimed jazz guitarist Jon Fadem to talk about his new 2025 album Thankful—his long-awaited solo debut and a deeply personal instrumental project. Created during the pandemic, Thankful came together after Jon combed through a collection of old phones, rediscovering musical ideas he’d been shaping for years. Those fragments became a cohesive, all-original album of guitar-forward instrumental music, telling a personal life story without words. The songs move freely across genres, blending jazz, rock, soul, and groove, with echoes of Jeff Beck, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix, and Steely Dan. It’s a record that reflects a veteran musician who has spent years honing his craft, now stepping forward with a clear, confident artistic voice.  We dig into the making of Thankful, Jon’s influences, his career journey, and what it means to finally release a solo statement that feels both reflective and forward-looking. 🎶 Get the album Thankful:https://jon-fadem.bandcamp.com/ 🎧 Subscribe to Neon Jazz for in-depth conversations with today’s leading jazz artists and creative musicians. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices