The Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 1984, was created as part of the Kansas City Jazz Commission by then mayor Richard L. Berkley and is the city’s oldest nonprofit governed by an operating board of volunteers. Dedicated to the development and promotion of Kansas City jazz, the organization produces JAM Magazine, annually compiles the reader selected JAM Jazz Awards, provides assistance to local musicians in need, funds a jazz scholarship program and provides end-of-life assistance to local jazz musicians.

Kansas City Jazz ALIVE brings together diverse local jazz stakeholders to elevate and advocate for the Kansas City jazz scene. Incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 2014 the organization hosts jazz walking tours in the 18th and Vine district, sponsors the annual Spotlight: Charlie Parker festivities every August, in remembrance of the birth of KC’s native son, Charlie Parker, and hosts “Vivid Visions” panel discussions quarterly that address a variety of relevant topics within the KC Jazz community.

The Kansas City Blues Society is a non-profit organization that is passionate about promoting and preserving Blues music and the Blues community in Kansas City. They strive to expand the presence and life of the blues through various community events as well as educational programs. The Blues Society works to strengthen the links between community and local musicians in an effort to bring value to its members’ musicians and the surrounding community.

Creative City KC. Inc is the founding organization that established and manages Kansas City Missouri USA’s membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Creative City KC is an advocate for Kansas City’s music economy and stewards of the City’s designation as the first and only UNESCO City of Music in the United States. Established in 2018 to manage the City of Kansas City Missouri’s membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The organization serves as a connector between the City and UNESCO.

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is one of the nation’s preeminent big bands, performing familiar favorites, artful arrangements and contemporary compositions, making them a dynamic force locally and abroad. Founded in 2003, the ensemble is a proud representative of Kansas City’s jazz tradition. KCJO’s “Signature Series” presents the full orchestra performing multiple concerts per year at various venues throughout the metro. Smaller ensembles (KCJO5 and Riff Generation) also perform regularly. Their ever-growing education initiatives (“JazzWorks!” and “Groove’n Learn”) bring jazz education to local schools and organizations. KCJO is committed to delivering innovative programs rooted in tradition while celebrating the past and embracing the future in all of its artistic endeavors.

The Mutual Musicians Foundation is dedicated to preserving, perpetuating, and promoting jazz, America's original art form, through programs, performances, and content, with a specific emphasis on the contributions and legacy of the past and present members of the Mutual Musicians Foundation (FKA Musicians Local 627). MMF is the oldest continually operating jazz social club in the country. Since 1930, musicians have gathered at the foundation Friday and Saturday nights after midnight to jam into the early morning hours. The foundation also serves as a rehearsal space for members, a classroom for visiting students, and a venue for private parties. 

The American Jazz Museum is the nation's leading institution dedicated to expanding the influence, awareness, and appreciation of American jazz. Located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of jazz through interactive exhibits and films. Operating under the 501(c)3 are The Blue Room and Gem Theater that regularly present both local and national jazz artist performances. Since its inception in September 1997, the AJM annually hosts thousands of students, scholars, musicians and fans of the arts with over 200 performances, education programs, special exhibitions, community events and more.

The Folly Theater first opened in 1900 as the Standard Theater. Through numerous changes in name and ownership, the building experienced a rich and colorful history in our city. In 1973 it was slated to be destroyed, but after a community outcry it was purchased and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since reopening in 1981, the Folly Theater has been a strong advocate for jazz in KC. It hosts the longest running jazz concert series in the city. In the past, it served as the venue for the Women’s Jazz Festival finale concert. Currently the annual Spotlight: Charlie Parker Finale concert is held there. It also opens its doors for many local university jazz ensemble events.