One of the great joys of KC Fringe is watching artists take risks on our stages—and then seeing those ideas grow into something even bigger.
Last summer, audiences at the KC Fringe Festival were captivated by Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me, a powerful one-woman show created and performed by internationally acclaimed vocalist Eboni Fondren. Through storytelling, music, and striking visual moments, Fondren honored the legendary women who shaped jazz and helped shape her own artistic journey.
Now that Fringe favorite is stepping onto a larger stage.
From March 4–15, 2026, Fondren brings Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me to Quality Hill Playhouse for a full feature run.
This deeply personal performance celebrates the lives and legacies of iconic jazz women including Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, Nancy Wilson, and Kansas City’s own Julia Lee. Through poetic narration, vintage visuals, costume transformations, and her dynamic vocal stylings, Fondren weaves together history and personal reflection in a show that is both musical tribute and cultural storytelling.
At Fringe, audiences experienced how the show moves fluidly between history and contemporary voice—honoring the women who paved the way while allowing Fondren’s own artistry to shine. Rather than imitating these icons, she interprets and evolves their influence, creating something entirely her own.
The result is more than a concert and more than a biography. It’s a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of women’s voices in jazz.
Moments like this are exactly why KC Fringe exists. Our festival provides a space where artists can experiment, share new work, and connect with audiences. Seeing those projects continue to grow beyond the festival—reaching new venues and new audiences—is something we celebrate wholeheartedly.
If you missed the show at Fringe, now is your chance to experience it. And if you were lucky enough to see it last summer, this full production offers a wonderful opportunity to revisit the journey and support a Fringe artist as the work evolves. Get your tickets now!
Tickets:
📞 816-421-1700
🌐 www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com
KC Fringe is proud to have been part of this show’s journey—and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.
