KC CONNECTION QUINTET

The Wichita Jazz Festival proudly presents an unforgettable evening of world-class musicianship as The KC Connection Jazz Band takes the stage on

Thursday, April 23rd
at the beautiful Wichita Art Museum
1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203

Doors at 6:30 PM | Concert at 7:30 PM

This is Kansas City jazz at its finest — sophisticated, soulful, adventurous, and alive.

🎶 The KC Connection Featuring:

Jeff Harshbarger – Bass
Bassist, vocalist, and composer Jeff Harshbarger is one of the Midwest’s most inventive creative forces. With more than 100 recording credits spanning albums, film, and art installations, Jeff has collaborated with both visionary visual artists like Nick Cave and musicians including Bobby Watson, Curtis Fuller, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and Darol Anger.

His artistry has been featured at premier venues including The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Banff Centre, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. A recipient of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Award, The Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter Fellowship, and the Steans’ Institute Fellowship, Jeff also hosts “Jazz in the Afternoon” on 90.1 FM KKFI. Expect bold creativity, deep groove, and fearless improvisation.

Rod Fleeman – Guitar
With more than three decades as a professional guitarist, Rod Fleeman brings elegance, swing, and depth to every performance. After studying at the University of Miami, he toured and recorded in New York City with jazz fusion group Dry Jack before returning to Kansas City in 1981.

He has since performed with legendary artists such as Marilyn Maye, Karrin Allyson, Jay McShann, and Claude Williams. A mainstay of the Kansas City jazz scene and longtime faculty member at Kansas City Kansas Community College, Rod’s playing is both refined and deeply rooted in tradition.

Matt Otto – Saxophone
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Kansas, Matt Otto is an internationally seasoned saxophonist and composer whose career spans Japan, New York City, Los Angeles, and the Midwest. Educated at Indiana University, Berklee, New School Jazz, and CalArts, Matt studied with jazz masters including Lee Konitz, George Garzone, and Charlie Haden.

He has performed alongside Anthony Wilson, Ben Monder, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Bobby Watson, Larry Goldings, Eric Harland, and dozens more. A co-founder of the Los Angeles Jazz Collective and recording artist on over 50 albums, Matt brings expressive lyricism and fearless exploration to the bandstand.

Brian Steever – Drums
A graduate of the UMKC Conservatory and alumnus of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program, Brian Steever is one of Kansas City’s most in-demand drummers. He has shared the stage with Bob Bowman, Deborah Brown, Steve Cardenas, Matt Otto, and Jeff Harshbarger, among many others.

Brian’s drumming blends sensitivity, drive, and dynamic range — the heartbeat that keeps the music soaring.

Roger Wilder – Piano
Born in Rochester, NY and a University of Miami graduate, Roger Wilder has been a cornerstone of the Kansas City jazz community since 2000. He performs with his own ensembles and appears regularly with the Kansas City Symphony and numerous jazz artists.

His album Stretch and recordings with Angela Hagenbach, Bob Bowman, Adam Larson, and Stan Kessler showcase his versatility and depth. A 15-year adjunct jazz professor at the UMKC Conservatory and host of “The Jazz Geek” on 90.1 FM KKFI, Roger’s playing is masterful, melodic, and deeply swinging.

Together, this quintet represents decades of collaboration, education, touring, and award-winning artistry. Expect dynamic interplay, fresh original compositions, beloved jazz standards, and the kind of spontaneous magic that only happens when musicians of this caliber share a stage.

🎟 Tickets: $40 plus fees in advance or $40 plus tax at the door (unless sold out)

Join us for this extraordinary evening at the 2026 Wichita Jazz Festival. Dress up, bring friends, soak in the art, and experience Kansas City jazz power in one of Wichita’s most beautiful venues.

This one’s going to feel special.