Experience the Groove.
Learn the Legacy.
Creative City KC proudly welcomes The Headhunters to The Ship in Kansas City for a one-of-a-kind evening. This legendary band helped invent jazz-funk in the 1970s and inspired generations of musicians across jazz, funk, and hip-hop. We’re offering two back-to-back events that let you go deeper into their story—and their sound.
The Headhunters
Live Performance
Feel the power of The Headhunters live at The Ship as they deliver the sound that helped define a movement. Experience deep funk grooves, brilliant improvisation, and iconic tracks like Chameleon and Watermelon Man—performed by the artists who created them. This is a rare chance to witness true innovators up close and hear the music that changed everything.
| Date & Time: | 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm |
| Location: | The Ship, Kansas City |
Artist Q&A Panel Discussion
Sit down with original Headhunters members Bill Summers and Mike Clark as they share the story of their pioneering sound. Hear about their creative process, collaborations with Herbie Hancock, the making of Head Hunters, and their lasting influence on jazz, funk, and hip-hop. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from the musicians who helped invent a genre.
| Date & Time: | 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm |
| Location: | Boone Tabernacle COGIC, Kansas City |
Help Grow Kansas City’s Future Sound
Support the next generation of Kansas City musicians through the American Music Apprenticeship Program. AMAP provides free music education, mentorship, and instruments to underserved youth, led by professional musicians. Your donation helps fund lessons, gear, and opportunities for students to grow through creativity and community. Give today and help us keep the music alive for the next generation.
The Ship
The Ship isn’t just a venue—it’s a Kansas City institution. Known for its warm hospitality, excellent acoustics, and one-of-a-kind ambiance, it’s where local music lovers gather to hear everything from jazz and blues to rock, soul, and experimental sounds.
For an evening with The Headhunters, there’s no better setting. The Ship’s cozy layout ensures you’ll be close to the action—perfect for an in-depth conversation with the band, and even better for soaking up every groove and improvisation during the live set. It’s the kind of place where music is personal, authentic, and unforgettable.
The Ship is located in the heart of Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms neighborhood. Ample street parking surrounds Union, Mulberry, Sante Fe, and 11th Street.
Our main entrance is located at 1221 Union Avenue, with a secret alley entrance around back.
A: 1221 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101
P: (816) 471-7447
About The Headhunters
Founded in 1973 by Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters fused jazz improvisation with raw funk rhythms, creating one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. Their music has influenced generations of artists and has been sampled in countless hip-hop classics.
Original members Bill Summers (percussion) and Mike Clark (drums) continue to bring this powerful legacy to the stage with every performance.
About Creative City KC
Founded in 1973 by Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters fused jazz improvisation with raw funk rhythms, creating one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. Their music has influenced generations of artists and has been sampled in countless hip-hop classics.
Original members Bill Summers (percussion) and Mike Clark (drums) continue to bring this powerful legacy to the stage with every performance.
Sponsorship Packages
Sponsoring this event aligns your brand with music, culture, and community impact: supporting education, celebrating jazz heritage, and reaching engaged Kansas City audiences.
