Jass
816 Day, City Market, August 16th, 6:00 PM
Bio: As a musician from Kansas City, my work is rooted in jazz, blues, and soul, yet constantly evolves by blending hip-hop and spoken word. At its core, my music is about connection—bridging past and present, blending the familiar with the unexpected, and creating shared moments that bring people together.
Wonder, to me, is discovering something new within something known—finding fresh inspiration in old rhythms, hearing a story unfold in a melody, or watching a room full of strangers move to the same beat. My performances embrace curiosity, weaving original songs with improvisation to spark both personal reflection and collective energy.
In a time when differences divide us, I use music to remind people of our shared experiences. My goal is to craft performances that invite participation, conversation, and movement—physically and emotionally. Whether through the groove of a bass line, the call-and-response of a flute melody, or the poetry laced within my lyrics, my art asks the audience to be present, to listen, and to feel.
In connection to the theme: My performance ties into Wonder by exploring the ways music fosters connection and curiosity within the Kansas City community. As an artist rooted in the traditions of jazz and blues—genres that originated as expressions of resilience and shared experience—I use music to bridge differences, creating spaces where people from all walks of life can find common ground through rhythm, melody, and movement.
How do we live together with differences? For me, the answer is in music. My performances encourage interaction, call-and-response, and improvisation—reminding us that, just like in a great jam session, we are at our best when we listen to and build with one another. By blending jazz, hip-hop, and spoken word, I reflect both the past and present of Kansas City, celebrating its cultural richness while inviting audiences to imagine what comes next.
As for my true north, it’s always been about serving both art and community. Music has the power to heal, to uplift, and to create moments of joy and reflection. Through my performance, I want to spark curiosity about our shared history, about the ways we connect, and about how we can embrace the unexpected together.
By bringing this energy to the Art in the Loop stage, I hope to leave audiences with not just a performance,but a feeling—one that lingers and inspires them to see their city, and each other, with fresh eyes.
Socials:
Instagram –
https://www.instagram.com/jassrcouch
Facebook –
https://www.facebook.com/JassTheArtist/
Youtube –
https://www.youtube.com/@jassrcouch
Apple Music –
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jass/1503197475
Spotify Link –
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pZx69wO2abh91JcYuVwDf?si=kA8LVA_NT8Kp5GjNaMUeOA
