It’s not hard to love Kansas City (also called KC or KCMO) because it has something for everyone. From jazz to barbecue, KC is overflowing with excitement. To see what I mean, here are some interesting facts about KC:
KC has many names. It is officially called the City of Fountains since it has more than 200 fountains. In fact, it’s just behind Rome in terms of the number of fountains. The largest of these is the fountain at the Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium (formerly Royals Stadium) that was commissioned by the Kansas City Royals founding owner, Ewing Kauffman.
KC also has more boulevards than any city except Paris. This explains why it’s called the “Paris of the Plains.” Another reason for this moniker is because KC ignored the Prohibition in the United States. This was the time when the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol was banned. However, liquor flowed freely in KC under the corrupt political machinery of Tom Pendergast and led to the proliferation of jazz clubs, brothels and gambling halls. As one journalist said: “If you want to see some sin, forget Paris and head to Kansas City.”
Fortunately, something good came out of those troubled times. Some historians believe that Pendergast’s reign gave birth to the golden era of KC jazz that grew during the 1930s. This type of music is marked by improvisation and was different from the structured big band style common in those days. Several jazz legends such as Count Basie, Bennie Moton, Jay McShann and KC native Charlie “Bird” Parker played in KC, making it one of the most popular cradles of jazz. Jazz musicians performed till dawn, giving rise to the jam session.
Another star attraction of KC is its barbecue. As the “world’s barbecue capital”, KC has over 100 barbecue restaurants and it all began with restaurateur Henry Perry, “the Father of Kansas City Barbecue.” Perry moved to KC in 1907 and began selling smoked meats in downtown KC in 1908. Little did he know that his style of cooking would make him famous. Unlike other barbecues, KC barbecue is slow smoked over various kinds of wood and covered with a thick tomato and molasses-based sauce. Different types of meat are used, including pork ribs, smoked sausage, beef brisket, beef ribs, smoked/grilled chicken and smoked turkey.
Kansas City resident Blair Stover provides more information on this great place at ABlairStover.com.
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