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Big Bash History

UMB Big Bash 2012

More than 1,500 people flocked to the Midland by AMC in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, June 21, to enjoy the Grammy-winning sounds of nationally renowned movie, television and recording artist Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers and to support this year’s beneficiaries: Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Women’s Employment Network.

Thanks to generous contributions of sponsors and the community, UMB Big Bash raised $100,000 to divide equally between the two charities, a $25,000 increase from 2011. Mariner Kemper and Peter deSilva invited representatives from both organizations to the stage where they presented them with event proceeds.

The evening also featured a silent auction that brought in an additional $36,000. Sought-after auction items included All-Star Game event packages, a banjo signed by Steve Martin, vacation offerings and a St. Louis Cardinals game pack complete with a baseball signed by legend Lou Brock.

Two lucky fans even won instant tickets to the Steve Martin Meet and Greet simply by downloading Front Flip, a customer engagement platform, and scanning a QR code.

Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers entertained the sold-out crowd with a one-of-a-kind bluegrass show. The band performed hits from its Rare Bird Alert album, which features 13 new Martin-penned tracks and was produced by Tony Trishka, Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks.

Martin’s stellar banjo-playing skills and quick-wit humor coupled with the Rangers’ smooth vocals, ferocious instrumentals and jaw-dropping harmony offered the audience a performance they won’t soon forget.

Photo: Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers at UMB Big Bash 2012.

UMB Big Bash 2011

On June 16, 2011 GRAMMY Award winner Kenny Loggins performed at the inaugural UMB Big Bash at the Midland by AMC. The exciting evening featured great music, drinks, appetizers provided by local restaurants, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefited two deserving organizations—Reach Out and Read Kansas City and the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture, which received UMB Big Bash grants for a combined $75,000.

Kenny Loggins Cultivate KC Check

Reach Out and Read Check

Upper Left: GRAMMY Award winner Kenny Loggins performs at the inaugural UMB Big Bash, June 2010.
Upper Right: 2010 UMB Big Bash beneficiary Cultivate Kansas City Executive Director Katherine Kelly and board member accept a $50,000 charitable donation from UMB Big Bash.
Bottom Left: 2010 UMB Big Bash beneficiary Reach Out and Read Kansas City Program Director Pam Madaus and board member accept a $25,000 charitable donation from UMB Big Bash.

Click here to view more 2011 UMB Big Bash photos.