From 1963 to 1971, his Vanguard Coffeehouse, 4305 Main St., brought the stars and semi-stars of the folk movement to midtown. His subsequent (1971-74) Cowtown Ballroom, 3101 Gillham Plaza, and Good Karma Productions not only brought rock’s brightest stars to shine on local kids like me, but they gave Kansas City such gravitational pull that artists from elsewhere (e.g., Danny Cox, Brewer & Shipley) made their homes here. Plesser’s advice helped to shape southern Missouri’s Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and he managed them to Top 10 international success.
Plesser was a Jewish New York native who moved to KC as a high schooler, and passion was his byword long before it became a 21st-century buzzword. He often recalled how the Vanguard had no cash register – just a box – so that no clanging bells would intrude on performances.
He loved KC’s jazz and blues heritage, and believed it helped to create a discerning folk-rock audience. He brought the symphony orchestra to his hippie haven.
Plesser, who arranged for international radio syndication of concert recordings from Cowtown, likened Kansas City during his heyday to Austin, Texas, and the “Austin City Limits” public television show.
“They created something,” Plesser said. “They had a passion. That’s what makes things happen, especially in the arts. And Kansas City has the kind of history that will allow it to happen again.”
I thought the Vanguard began earlier than 1963. I helped manage the Levee during the mid-60s when we had the Levee Summer Deck and Andy Capp’s at the rear. All of the operation was owned by Don Anderson. We would get chicken dinners at the “Chicken Delight” at 43rd & Main.
I always wondered what became of a folk singer that played at the Vanguard–named Bill Brown. I seem to recall he went to California and stayed at Folkhaus owned by Kenny Rogers (I think, but not sure).
It was a treat to go to the Vanguard and drink coffee drinks and listen to some terrific folk singers of the day. I remember Stan Plesser with fondness.
In 69 and 70 went to the Vanguard with my brother. Favorite act was Chet Nichols, good songwriter and guitar player. Saw Danny Cos also. Good memories.
I had not spoken to Mr. Pleser since 2010 and I am so sorry to learn of his passing. I moved away from Kansas City in 2006 and had not kept in touch Like I should have. I YouTub’ed the song “Jackie Blue” by the Ozark Mountain Dare Devils today and it made me think of Stan. At one point-in-time during the early 90s I sought out Stan and he assisted with the production of one of my demos and I will never forget his humble attitude, nature and willingness to assist in accomplishing my dreams. Working with Stan Pleser on would have never known that he was legendary and that was refreshing and also rare, as humility was his code of dress. I will never forget his passion, kindness and encouraging spirit. Again, I am sadden to learn of his passing. RIP Stan Pleser.
For the Love of Rock n’ Roll,
Chilone Payton