KC FRINGE FESTIVAL 2025
Performances July 17-27
Visual Art July 06-26
Film July 18-20
KC FRINGE FESTIVAL 2025
Performances July 17-27
Visual Art July 06-26
Film July 18-20
Click on the venue name above for information on parking and amenities.
Show Description
Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me
A One-Woman Show by Eboni Fondren | KC Fringe Festival 2025 | July 17–25
In Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me, internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Eboni Fondren steps into the spotlight to honor the iconic voices that paved the way—not just in jazz, but in womanhood, artistry, and fearless expression.
This one-woman performance is a deeply personal musical tribute woven from the legacies of seven extraordinary trailblazers: Julia Lee, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, and Nancy Wilson. Through storytelling, powerful narration, vintage visuals, and her own dynamic vocal stylings, Eboni breathes life into their struggles, celebrates their triumphs, and unveils the impact they’ve had on her own journey as a Black woman and an artist.
Spanning the roaring resilience of Bessie Smith, the tender pain and protest of Billie Holiday, the effortless joy of Ella Fitzgerald, the operatic brilliance of Sarah Vaughan, the raw fire of Etta James, the sophisticated charm of Nancy Wilson, and the cheeky, commanding sass of Kansas City’s own Julia Lee, this show is a symphonic tapestry of soul, swing, and spirit.
Each segment is voiced by Eboni herself in poetic narration that plays over video montages, blending historic footage, artistic visuals, and ambient underscoring to bring each woman’s story to vivid life. Between scenes, 2–3-minute interludes allow for costume transformations that visually echo the eras and energy of each legend. These intermissions become breathers—moments for the audience to reflect and prepare for the next wave of brilliance.
More than a concert. More than a biography. Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me is a call-and-response across generations. Eboni not only tells their stories—she sings them forward. Her original songs and contemporary interpretations are not imitations, but evolutions born of their influence, shaped by her voice, and rooted in her lived experience.
At the heart of this performance lies a love letter. A thank you. A declaration: “I am because they were.” Eboni brings a modern reverence to these icons, illuminating how their legacies carved out space for voices like hers to thrive, and how their echoes continue to guide her artistry today.
Elegant yet raw, nostalgic yet timely, this show is a stirring celebration of jazz womanhood in all its pain, playfulness, passion, and poise.
Presented as part of the KC Fringe Festival 2025, Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me runs July 17–25. It is a must-see for lovers of jazz, students of history, and anyone moved by stories of resilience, power, and music that tells the truth.
Cast and Crew
Eboni Fondren
Artist & Show Details:
I participated in my first Fringe in an Evening with Eboni Fondren as Ella Fitzgerald with The Mighty Mo Combo in 2017.
Andrea –
This show was like stepping into history. Ebony came out as the historical figure that she represented in such a way that you felt like you were really seeing those women performing. I can’t recommend the show enough. It was wonderful, heartfelt, and just totally amazing to see Ebony’s transformation into herself. #kcfringe
Beckie (verified owner) –
Ms Fondren is a true chameleon! After a brief biopic, narrated by Eboni, the featured singer appeared in voice and personality. Hair and costumes, oh my!
This is a Fringe must see!
Mary Lou Pick –
Ms. Fondren was amazing. The biographies she presented were couched in lyrical language that were the perfect lead-in to the mesmerizing songs. Ms. Fondren sang in so many voices and styles that it was nearly unbelievable that we were listening to just one talented artist.
Ms. Fondren’s show is definitely a must-see-and-listen part of the Fringe Festival.
DeeDee (verified owner) –
We loved the narrative history, the costumes and range of voices by Eboni. We are calling ourselves lucky tonight to have seen such talent in KC Fringe.
Maggie –
I already knew Eboni as a KC jazz icon in her own right, but the vocal and theatrical flexibility she brings to this show is absolutely spellbinding. She transforms herself with the vocal stylings of each inspiring jazz legend. If you closed your eyes (not that you would, because you won’t want to take your eyes off her) you would think you were listening to a live recording of each famous singer.
Laurie –
A love letter to KC Jazz heritage and the women who fostered her love of jazz. A great presentation of history showcasing her own performance strengths. I enjoyed for myself in the now and on behalf of the many family members who couldn’t be there but who remembered (and told the stories) of many of the times she illustrates!
Susanne Neely –
What a fabulous performance! It felt like we were stepping back in time as Eboni shared about iconic women in jazz and blues. Her costumes and powerful voice are amazing! Very inspiring. Highly recommend!
Storm Davis (verified owner) –
Fantastic voice with a beautiful personal message. I learned about a new artist and got to hear from one of my favorites in Kansas City. What a cherished opportunity to hear from one of Kansas City’s finest Jazz Vocalists!
John “Br. John” Anderson –
Each scene, when Eboni entered the stage with a character transformation. It was pure magic. When I closed my eyes, Eboni not only channeled the vibe & personality of her artist mentors. Her talent embodied their individual unique style and voice. It was like being immersed in historical time machine. An imaginary, audio magnavox stereo flowed through my mind.
Eboni’s show was a must see & experience, musical history class!
kevin schilling (verified owner) –
Fantastic show and voice. Loved the history behind her songs.