Juicy Tidbits About Kansas City
It's not hard to love Kansas City (also called KC or KCMO) because it has something for everyone. From jazz to barbecue, KC is overflowing with excitement. To see what I mean, here are some interesting facts about KC:
KC is known by various names. It's officially called the City of Fountains because it has over 200 fountains. Second only to Rome in terms of the number of fountains, the biggest of these is the fountain at the Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium (previously Royals Stadium) that was funded by Ewing Kauffman, the Kansas City Royals founding owner.
Likewise, KC has more boulevards compared to any other city except Paris. This is the reason why it's known as the "Paris of the Plains." Another reason for this nickname is because KC didn't follow the Prohibition that swept the United States. While the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol was considered illegal in the U.S., liquor flowed freely in KC thanks to the corrupt political machinery of Tom Pendergast. Thus, during Pendergast's time, KC saw the proliferation of jazz clubs, brothels and gambling halls. As one journalist remarked, "If you want to see some sin, forget Paris and head to Kansas City."
However, something good emerged from those troubled times. Some historians think that Pendergast's reign was responsible for the golden era of KC jazz that began during the 1930s. This type of music is distinguished by improvisation and was different from the structured big band style that was popular in those days. Numerous jazz legends such as Count Basie, Bennie Moton, Jay McShann and KC native Charlie "Bird" Parker played in KC, allowing KC to became one of the most popular cradles of jazz. These musicians played until dawn, creating the the concept of the jam session with their sessions.
Another popular attraction of KC is its barbecue. Considered the "world's barbecue capital", KC has more than a hundred barbecue restaurants and it all started with restaurant owner Henry Perry - "the Father of Kansas City Barbecue." Perry moved to KC in 1907 and began selling smoked meats in downtown KC in 1908, not realizing that his cooking style would make him famous. KC barbecue is slow smoked over different kinds of wood. It's covered with a thick tomato and molasses-based sauce over various types of meat, such as: pork ribs, smoked sausage, beef brisket, beef ribs, smoked/grilled chicken and smoked turkey.
Kansas City resident Blair Stover provides more information on this great place at ABlairStover.com.This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com
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