American Jazz Walk of Fame 2026

Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Jazz District Renaissance Corporation proudly marks its 12th year of honoring jazz legends with the 6pm induction of Herbie Hancock into the American Jazz Walk of Fame, followed by the 7pm concert at the Gem Theater featuring Grammy-nominated Ruben Studdard, “The Velvet Teddy Bear” and jazz superstar, Kim Waters .

Special Opening Celebration Concert Ticket Offer
In honor of the reopening of the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall, a limited-time discounted ticket price of just $50 (Standard $75) will be available for the concert. Tickets on sale now via Eventbrite.com

Prior to the concert, guests are invited to the free public induction ceremony, which begins at 6:00 PM on 18th Street between the Blue Room and the American Jazz Museum, where Herbie Hancock’s name will be immortalized in a 30-inch bronze medallion embedded in the sidewalk. Immediately following,

The event is made possible through the support of the Missouri Division of Tourism, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, the City of Kansas City, the American Jazz Museum, JE Dunn, and other valued sponsors.

The Jazz District Renaissance Corporation (JDRC) is a nonprofit dedicated to developing the historic 18th & Vine District into a premier cultural destination. Since 2014, JDRC has installed 43 bronze medallions honoring jazz legends along 18th Street.