The Phoenix, Iconic Downtown KC Jazz Bar
Location Information
Date: 15 June 2025 Type: Bar
Location Title: The Phoenix Jazz Bar
City/State: Kansas City, Missouri
Investigation Times: 4:00 PM - 7:48 PM Status: Analysis
Weather Information
Sunrise: 5:53 AM Sunset: 8:47 PM
High Temperature: 87°F Low Temperature: 63°F
Sky Condition: Partly Cloudy Wind: ESE at 9 mph
Humidity: 67% Precipitation: 0.0 in
Lunar Phase: waning gibbous % disk visible: 83%
Solar X-Rays: Normal Geomagnetic Field: Storm
Pressure: 29.95 mmHg
Investigators Present
​Sarah
Becky
Edward
Curt
Annie
PHOTOS

Curt, Annie, Sarah, Edward, Becky

photo by Becky

Curt, Annie, Sarah, Edward, Becky
VIDEO
AUDIO
Location History
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ABOUT:
Located in the bourgeoning Garment District neighborhood, the Phoenix is located on the first floor of the historic Phoenix Hotel. Built in 1888, this classic building sits on the National Historic Registry with a couple of other old buildings in downtown KC. The Phoenix has a long tradition of drinking establishments, which catered to the locals and travelers up and down the Kaw River until Prohibition. The club began in 1905 as the *Valerius Saloon*, named after its proprietor Frank Valerius. His name is still etched in the stained glass above the front door!
Around 1920, Frank sold to a nice lady who lived upstairs, named Madame Linna Laws. While they still served food and booze on the smoky first floor (up until Prohibition), Linna rented out rooms on the second and third floors. It’s well-known that Linna rented more than just rooms, but it’s not our place to judge.
Sometimes, late at night, we still hear footsteps and find things in strange places. We tell ourselves it’s Frank and Linna keeping an eye on us.
After moving through different proprietors, in 1990, *The Phoenix* transformed into what it resembles today. We still have some of the same bands here as we did then, such as Millie Edwards, and more. The Phoenix features live music six days/week, a full menu, and a live jazz brunch every Sunday from 10 am – 2 pm
from thephoenixkc.com/​
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Investigators Notes:
Sarah, lead investigator:
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