The RENO CLUB

The Reno Club, a historic jazz venue in Kansas City, Missouri, operated from 1931 to 1942 and stood as one of the country’s most influential jazz spots of its time. Located at 12th and Cherry Streets in the heart of Kansas City’s vibrant jazz district, the club was owned by Tom Pendergast, a prominent political figure with ties to organized crime. Beyond politics, the Reno Club served as a hub for entertainment and jazz innovation, attracting both musicians and Pendergast's associates.

At the Reno Club, swing music—a revolutionary new style of jazz—found a prominent stage, influencing its development and contributing to the genre's rise in popularity. Notably, the club nurtured the Count Basie Orchestra in its early days and hosted performances by legendary musicians such as Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and Ben Webster.

Although the original Reno Club closed in 1942, its legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of jazz history. In 2022, Kansas City welcomed Lonnie’s Reno Club, named after local jazz icon Lonnie McFadden. Dedicated to preserving the spirit of the original venue, Lonnie’s Reno Club stands as a testament to Kansas City's rich jazz heritage. Today, it offers a vibrant space to experience live jazz music, honoring the tradition and innovation that defined the original Reno Club.

Whether tracing the footsteps of jazz legends or experiencing the dynamic rhythms of live performances, the Reno Club and its modern incarnation, Lonnie’s Reno Club, continue to celebrate and showcase the enduring legacy of jazz in Kansas City

Written by Janelle Zachery, Historic Preservation Intern