Parody Hall
Dates
- Existence: 1975 - 1989
Biography
Parody Hall was a revered live music venue in Kansas City, Missouri, featuring roots rock, rhythm ‘n’ blues, punk, new wave, folk and reggae acts. In the late 1970s proprietor Tracy Leonard operated the first location at 811 W. 39th Street under the name King Henry’s Feast before a name change in 1981. This transition is alluded to in the Parody Hall concert-calendar mailer from that December:
“At this time of year, it is a good idea to survey one’s standing in the grand scheme of things and extend gratitude to those who have helped make things click. The past nine months we have had help from a lot of folks…”
By 1985 Parody Hall had relocated to 215 Main Street, with David Sanger becoming co-proprietor. The February 1985 mailer included a map inset showing the new location. A couple months earlier, in a November-December 1984 mailer, the venue’s impending move had been confirmed:
“In case you are wondering, we will be moving sometime this year, probably not before you read this but not too long thereafter. The new place: you’ll like it, if you don’t love it. See you there…”
Parody Hall played host to a number of rising and established national acts during the 1980s: Black Flag, Blasters, Brave Combo, T-Bone Burnett, Burning Spear, John Cale, Joe “King” Carrasco, Steve Earle, David Lindley, Los Lobos, Delbert McClinton, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Redbone, Johnny Reno, Replacements, Sonic Youth, Sun Ra, Richard Thompson, Toots and the Maytals, and Warren Zevon. In addition, local and regional acts that performed there regularly included: BCR, Bel-Airs, Blue Riddim Band, Bo Deans, Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band, Fools Face, 4 Sknns, Homestead Grays, Kelley Hunt, Morells, The Zoo; and Steve, Bob & Rich, who later performed as the Rainmakers. Parody Hall continued booking musical acts on the club/concert hall circuit until closing its doors for good in the late 1980s.
Sources:
City Directory Collection. LaBudde Special Collections, Miller Nichols Library, University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Parody Hall Collection, Event Calendars, 1981-1988 (box 1, folders 2-4). LaBudde Special Collections, Miller Nichols Library, University of Missouri-Kansas City.
