Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based jazz trumpeter and composer Nick Hmeljak.
Nick is preparing to release his upcoming 2026 album, Alive, with his band Open Channel — a Kansas City collective he formed in 2024 to explore original music and standards through the wide-open lens of jazz, R&B and rock.
With a rotating lineup featuring vibraphone, guitar, synths, trumpet, bass and drums, Open Channel is constantly shifting textures, instrumentation and group dynamics to create something fresh every time they hit the stage.
A Charlotte Street Resident, Nick has become an active part of the Kansas City music scene, performing not only as a jazz trumpeter and composer, but also as a sideman in R&B, Cumbia, musical theater and party bands. He also shares his knowledge through masterclasses, clinics and private lessons with local high school music programs.
In this conversation, we get into the story behind Alive, the formation and evolution of Open Channel, Nick's life in Kansas City jazz, his work across different musical worlds, education, performance and the creative journey that continues to shape his sound.
It's a conversation about Kansas City jazz, jazz trumpet, original music, improvisation, Open Channel, R&B, composition, music education and the next generation of jazz artists.
More Nick Hmeljak & get the music:
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