a photo of Ted the inspiration behind the name Ted's Taproom

The inspiration

Ted Burns was a great friend to many and a lover of jazz. Ted was a sportsman, an intellect, an interrogator, and a creative force that never rested his pursuit of knowledge – or music. Ted was not just into the music but the experience – hanging out at Milton’s, driving musicians late at night to their next gig, roaming the streets and clubs of Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine district, exploring new sounds, laughing through every step. Ted, and those experiences, were very personally meaningful and impactful to all. This place is dedicated to Ted.

a photo of Ted the inspiration behind the name Ted's Taproom


The inspiration

Ted Burns was a great friend to many and a lover of jazz. Ted was a sportsman, an intellect, an interrogator, and a creative force that never rested his pursuit of knowledge – or music. Ted was not just into the music but the experience – hanging out at Milton’s, driving musicians late at night to their next gig, roaming the streets and clubs of Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine district, exploring new sounds, laughing through every step. Ted, and those experiences, were very personally meaningful and impactful to all. This place is dedicated to Ted.

the vision

An intimate, authentic jazz club, Kansas City style, that is elegant yet approachable, for lovers of jazz and for those looking for a great place to just hang out with incredible music. Ted’s Taproom is an ideal venue of scale and size for those who want to intently listen to jazz and for those who just want great background music and drinks. Live music is planned Tuesday through Sunday nights with jazz related events, videos, and opportunities incorporated into the downtime. The goal has always been to expand downtown Kansas City’s live jazz options for those to sink their eyes, ears and souls into the music that made this city and served as the backbone for the future of jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.