Midnight Radio

Here's a "Thank God" and an "It's about time" for the Theatre League's 12 O'Clock Jump, a weekly celebration of jazz grooves past and present, broadcast live from the Mutual Musicians' Foundation each Saturday night at midnight. This lively jazz-meets-blues-meets-comedy jam airs on KCUR 89.3 as it happens, but you can catch it free, in the flesh, by showing up at the least presumptuous — but perhaps most historic — address in the 18th and Vine District: 1823 Highland, where blight, liquor laws and the rise of pop haven't stopped that famous weekly session. (An all-night jam kicks off at 1:30 a.m. after 12 O'Clock Jump.) The hourlong radio production boasts a crack band: pianist Joe Cartwright, bassist Tyrone Clark and drummer Mike Warren. This week's guest host is that trumpet-wielding song-and-dance man Lonnie McFadden, who pays tribute to fellow triple-threat Louis Armstrong. Also look for comic relief from Pete Weber and the sparkling Pearl MacDonald, who can gin up funny lyrics to anything. Doors open at 11:30 p.m.; for information, call 816-421-7500.
Saturdays, 12-1 a.m., 2009