‘Celebration’ raises for the bar for holiday week ahead

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Downtown is preparing a spectacular start to summer with Celebration at the Station and the national premiere of a major Stonehenge exhibition this week at Union Station, along with a complete calendar of arts, music and more Monday to Sunday, May 20-26. Roll the highlight reel for the week ahead:

Celebration at the Station – The Kansas City Symphony presents its 17th annual patriotic concert event on Sunday, the largest FREE Memorial Day weekend festival in the Midwest! From a moving Symphony concert to the city’s grandest fireworks display, nothing celebrates our military and veterans quite like Bank of America Celebration at the Station. Grounds open at 3 p.m. Sunday for a host of afternoon events, At dusk, Symphony Music Director Michael Stern leads a spectacular patriotic concert, including Tchaikovsky’s famous “1812 Overture” with live cannons and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” as a prelude to KC’s biggest fireworks display.

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, featuring a Knuckleheads production of east Nashville singer-songwriter Todd Snider with Elizabeth Cook at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Toots and the Maytals return to the Crossroads KC stage this weekend at Grinders.

Crossroads KC. 417 E. 18th St. This week, rockin’ the great outdoors with Toots and the Maytals featuring guests Ras Neville and the Kingstonians at 8 p.m. Saturday, and El Gran Silencio with Reptil at 6 p.m. Sunday.

KC Public Library, 14 W. 10th St., This week, featuring free educational programs on:

  • Overcharged: Why Americans Pay Too Much for Health Care – Two authors examine the concerns and offer solutions in a discussion of their book Overcharged. Among their remedies: subjecting health care providers to the same competitive forces as other businesses. David Hyman directs Health Law and Policy at the University of Illinois, and Charles Silver is a law professor at the University of Texas. The program is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Central Library. RSVP here.
  • The Road to Abilene – Tim Rives, supervisory archivist and deputy director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and Curator William Snyder will examine a $25 million redesign of the museum and lead an interactive discussion of the function and importance of presidential libraries in Abilene and across America at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Central Library. RSVP here.

Knucklehead’s – the hottest honky tonk in greater Downtown will be on fire this week 13 red-hot shows, including the Jeremiah Johnson Band with the Amanda Fish Band at 8:30 p.m. Friday, and Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears with Amasa Hines at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Shinedown will rock the Big Town this week at the Midland.

The Midland, 1228 Main – This week, Shinedown at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday; and In This Moment, featuring Sevendust, Light The Torch & Hyde, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday.

Power & Light District – This week, featuring Big Sky Nights with Hudson Drive at 7 p.m. Friday in PBR Big Sky and Friday Night Live! with The Yacht Rockers at 9 p.m. Friday in the KC Live! Block.

Sprint Center, 1407 Grand. This week, WWE Raw featuring the reigning superstars – including the Universal title match between champion Seth Rollins and Baron Corbin – live in action beginning at 8:30 p.m. Memorial Day Monday.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, presenting Fever 333 Demonstrations Tour at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Union Station – Fresh from opening the spectacular Reflecting Motion kinetic arts experience in Haverty Yards, a major new exhibition on Stonehenge opens on Saturday. Stonehenge, More than 1.5 million people annually travel to the south of England to experience this mysterious wonder and World Heritage site, dating back 5,000+ years. Now, with this America’s premiere exhibition, the ancient marvel comes to life in this large-scale exhibition, suitable for all ages and featuring multiple hands-on interactives to amplify key elements of the monument’s mysteries.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including two productions this week, including:

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

Mother’s Day week is jammed with artistic gifts

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Celebrate the season with a wide and eclectic collection of arts & entertainment ranging from the Kansas City Ballet to the Moth Mainstage; from Bluegrass in the Bottoms to the Kansas City Symphony; to the introduction of a world-class visual art experience at Union Station this week, from Monday to Sunday, May 13-19: Let’s take a peak behind the curtain:

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, showcasing two, much-anticipated experiences, including:

  • The Moth Mainstage – Since 2009, The Moth Radio Hour has featured people from all walks of life telling true stories of their experiences, live and without notes. The program airs on KCUR 89.3 locally. A sold-out audience is expected for The Moth Mainstage, a curated event, featuring five storytellers who develop and shape their stories with Moth directors, at 7 p.m. Thursday.
  • Kelley Hunt will close out the inaugural season of the Americana concert series co-sponsored by the Folly and 90.9 The Bridge at 8 p.m. Saturday. Hunt, a Kansas City native is a Roots R&B/Americana singer/songwriter/ pianist/guitarist! Born in KC.

KC Crossroads, 417 E. 18th St. This week, featuring Dr. Zhivegas Plays Prince with special guest Thunderkat at 8 p.m. Friday, and GRiZ with Ride Waves Tour: Season and One at 8 p.m. Saturday.

KC Public Library, 14 W. 10th St., This week, featuring free educational programs on:

  • Becoming American: Immigration and Popular Culture, as the Library concludes its examination of immigration in America with a look at pop culture’s role in the assimilation of newcomers to our country – and how they, in turn, have transformed American culture. The discussion will be led by UMKC historian Sandra Enriquez at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Central Library. RSVP here.
  • Kansas City’s Guadalupe Centers: A Century of Serving the Latino Community – A century since its founding in 1919, Guadalupe Centers, Inc., continues its mission of improving the quality of life for Kansas City Latinos. Scholars Sandra Enríquez, Valerie Mendoza, and Theresa Torres discuss its social, cultural, and educational contributions and legacy of service – a history documented in the new Library exhibition Guadalupe Centers: A Century of Community. The program is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Central Library. RSVP here.

 

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, featuring six transformational performances, including:

  • Kansas City Ballet presents its must-see event of the year – Tharp / Parsons / Forsythe, the works of three of America’s most recognized and acclaimed choreographers brought together on stage at the Kauffman Center! Three performances this week will conclude this remarkable at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday on the Muriel Kauffman Theatre stage.
  • Stern Conducts Mahler’s Third – Mahler described his epic Third Symphony as “a gigantic musical poem [with] all the phases of evolution.” As one of the most exalted works of the symphonic repertoire, Mahler’s Third led by Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern is a not-to-be-missed concert event. Performances are set for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in Helzberg Hall.

Knucklehead’s – the hottest honky tonk in greater Downtown will be on fire this week with

The Midland, 1228 Main – This week, featuring three, eclectic performances to light up Downtown, including:

  • Hunter Hayes – Considered an emerging Country superstar, Hayes will rock the Big Town at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. After gaining wide notoriety by opening for some of the biggest tours in recent memory by Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood, his first album scored three Grammy noms.
  • Cave Comedy Radio presents the national tour of Last Podcast on the Left, some of the most entertaining and illuminating podcasts on the Internet, live on stage at 8 p.m. Friday.
  • Piff the Magic Dragon – Think Larry David in a dragon suit performing jaw-dropping magic tricks and you’re on the right track. With over 100 million online views, sold out shows across the U.S. and Canada and a residency on the Las Vegas strip, Piff brings his magic to Downtown at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Power & Light District – This week, featuring Friday Night Live! with Twice on Sunday at 9 p.m. Friday in the KC Live! Block.

Sprint Center, 1407 Grand. This week, Tool with special guest All Souls at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring Elle King and her Shake the Spirit Tour at 8 p.m. Tuesday; and L7 with Le Butcherettes at 8 p.m. Friday.

Union Station will reveal a world-class visual art experience featuring Reflecting Motion, the kinetic sky sculpture by internationally celebrated Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics – this weekend in the Station’s Haverty Family Yards. Following an invitation-onl benefit to introduce the experience on Saturday evening, Reflecting Motion will open to the public on Sunday.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including six productions this week:

  • Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure – Five insect pals explore the world and pick up life lessons along the way in this new musical, based on the Netflix animated series that incorporates songs of The Beatles. Performances continue through Sunday at The Coterie at Crown Center.
  • Fado Brasilia – Portuguese fados composed by Brazilian artists curated by Ensemble Iberica’s own Bruno Bessa. Special guest, fado singer Tania DaSilva. The special performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the MTH Theater at Crown Center.
  • Frida … A Self Portrait – Frida Kahlo’s life is explored in this astonishing play by KCRep Fox Fellowship Resident Actor Vanessa Severo. Through beautiful physicality and raw honesty, the triumphs and challenges of the now-celebrated painter and wife of the equally-renowned artist, Diego Rivera, is unearthed in the brave new work. Frida continues through Sunday at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.
  • Funnyhouse of a Negro, a one-act play by Adrienne Kennedy, opened off-Broadway in 1964. The winner of the Obie Award for Distinguished Play runs through Saturday at the Just Off-Broadway Theatre in Penn Valley Park.
  • Songbook of the 60s and 70s – Celebrate the era of Broadway when traditional musicals lived alongside innovative ones, while the jazz world evolved to reflect an eclectic culture. This nostalgic celebration continues through Sunday, May 26 at the Quality Hill Playhouse.
  • Unreliable – Playwright Dipika Guha looks at the slippery slope regarding culpability and expectations, using absurdist humor as a powerful tool in this provocative KC Rep production runs through Sunday at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

Music, dance, theater treasures to highlight week ahead

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Roll the highlight reel for a spellbinding week with the Kansas City Ballet, violin virtuoso Itzak Perlman, entertainment legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, eight different theatrical productions, a free Mother’s Day performance with the Kauffman Center’s grand organ, and more in Arts & Entertainment in Downtown KC from Monday to Sunday, May 6-12:

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, Transfigured Nights featuring four outstanding musicians – Alisa Weilerstein, cello; Sergey Khachatryan, violin; Inon Barnatan, piano; and Colin Currie, persussion – in a transformational performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

KC Crossroads, 417 E. 18th St. This week, Smells Like Nirvana with Deco Auto at 8 p.m. Thursday.

KC Public Library, 14 W. 10th St., This week, America Meets the Middle East will be the featured program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Central Library. Brian Steed, a military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a Middle East foreign area officer, discusses the evolution of America’s role as protector in the region—and its ramifications.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, featuring six transformational performances, including:

 

  • Spring Choral Concert featuring more than 200 vocalists in the Rockhurst High School choral program will perform in this annual event at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Helzberg Hall.
  • Kansas City Ballet presents its must-see event of the year – Tharp / Parsons / Forsythe the works of three of America’s most recognized and acclaimed choreographers brought together on stage at the Kauffman Center! Six performances will unfold between Friday, May 10 and Sunday, May 19 – including three this week – on the Muriel Kauffman Theatre stage.
  • Itzhak Perlman – Over the years, the virtuoso has shared his love of music with everyone, from connoisseurs to Oscar the Grouch. His warm personality and the rich, burnished tone of his violin have made him a favorite performer across the globe. Pianist Rohan de Silva will join Perlman for an evening of stories and music, presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series at 7 p.m. Saturday in Helzberg Hall.
  • Music from the Heart – This special, free Mother’s Day Pipe Organ Concert, featuring music from the heart and performed by Jan Kraybill on the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ, Opus 3875. Tickets are free for his Mother’s Day performance at 4 p.m. Sunday in Helzberg Hall, but reservations are required. Click here to learn more.

Knucklehead’s – the hottest honky tonk in greater Downtown feature 13 live performances this week, including two nights with Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real at 8 p.m. Tuesday with Lily B. Moonflower, and at 8 p.m. Wednesday with Gangstagrass; Danielle Nicole Band at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and The Cactus Blossoms with Jack Klatt at 8 p.m. Sunday.

The Midland, 1228 Main – This week, a blockbuster week ahead with three performances, including:

  • Damien Escobar, the world renowned violinist, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist brings his Elements of Love Tour to the Big Town at 8 p.m. Wednesday;
  • Steve Martin and Martin Short – The legendary performers will light up the Midland with their Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t show at 8 p.m. Thursday;
  • Derek Hough – The Emmy-award winner brings first-ever solo tour to KC at 8 p.m. Saturday. The dancing dynamo will explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hop-hop and everything in between.

Power & Light District – This week, two hot nights of live music, featuring:

  • Rockin’ for Dreams, a benefit for the Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City, featuring Gypsies, Doves & Dreams (Stevie Nicks Tribute); Poison Overdose (tribute to Poison); Elton Dan & The Rocket Band (Elton John tribute); and KC/DC (AC/DC tribute), at 6 p.m. Friday in the KC Live Block; and
  • The Struts will headline this week’s Coors Light Block Party series with a performance at 7 p.m. Thursday in KC Live! The Brit band hs opened for The Rolling Stones, The Who, Guns N’ Roses and The Foo Fighters.

 

Sprint Center, 1407 Grand. This week, New Kids on the Block will rock the house, along with special guests Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson and Naughty by Nature, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring The Psychedelic Furs with Royston Langdon at 8 p.m. Friday, and R&B Only at 8:30 p.m. Saturday

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including eight productions this week:

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

Summer A&E season lifts off this week in Downtown

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Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s life is explored in this astonishing play that is now showing at the KC Rep Copaken Stage at H&R Block.

Roll the highlight reel for a spellbinding week in Arts & Entertainment – featuring the Lyric Opera, the return of First Friday festivities, the seasonal return of KC Crossroads at Grinders; Merle Jam at Knuckleheads; and the 20th anniversary of Rent – one of nine theatrical productions in the Big Town – from Monday to Sunday, April 29-May 5:

First Friday – KC’s coolest night of the season – is set for Friday with a sizzling collection of arts and cultural experiences throughout Downtown, including:

  • City Market presents Be a Part of the Art, showcasing local artists who will demo their techniques and exhibit their works every First Friday through December from 6-9 p.m. in Pavilion 1 in City Market Square.
  • Crossroads Arts District featuring arts organizations, galleries, studios, and a wide variety of local businesses in a celebration of local, regional and national artists and live entertainment from 5-9 p.m.
  • 18th & Vine is a cultural experience of music, art, food, and shopping on First Fridays year ’round. Shop local artists and a diverse array of food trucks from 4-9 p.m. in and around the Museums of 18th & Vine Atrium.
  • First Friday Film Festival – A free, short film festival that begins after most of the galleries have closed. Doors to the venue and bar open at 6:30 p.m., and the screening begins at 7:30. Seating is first come, first served at the MTH Theater at Crown Center.
  • Urbana First Friday – Come eat, drink, hear live music, see public art displays and more during this uniquely Kansas City experience beginning at 5 p.m. Friday in the heart of the Power & Light District
  • Warehouse Weekends – one of the finest vintage marketplaces in the country – flourishes every First Friday weekend (Friday through Sunday) in the West Bottoms.

Mac Powell and The Family Reunion will light up Downtown this week at the historic Folly Theater.

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, three powerhouse events, including:

  • Mac Powell and The Family Reunion – Come prepared for a foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ night of musical  magic, as the live show features sing-along Gospel, Country, and American Rock songs beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday.
  • Rodney Crowell – The two-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter will perform live at 8 p.m. Friday, as part of the Americana Series, presented the Folly and 90.9 The Bridge.
  • KC Burlesque Festival – The 9th annual extravaganza will feature the best of the best in variety and performance with Fire, Aerial, Sideshow, and, of course, Burlesque beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

KC Crossroads – The 2019 Downtown outdoor concert season officially gets under way with week with Dolewite in a Free Friday performance at 8 p.m. Friday, and Jon Anderson of YES at 8 p.m. Saturday in the East Crossroads.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, featuring 10 transformative performances, including:

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents ‘The Pearl Fishers” through Sunday at the Kauffman Center.

  • I Could Have Danced All Night – Make plans now for a free happy hour performance of dance-inspired pieces by Kansas City Symphony performers. Cash bars open at 5 p.m. Tuesday; and the one-hour performance begins at 6 p.m. in Helzberg Hall.
  • National Geographic Live presents photographer Stephen Wilkes and dramatic five-year mission to raise $6 million toward the restoration of the south side of the island. This remarkable journey will be shared at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
  • The Pearl Fishers – PASSION. BETRAYAL. VENGEANCE. JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE. The Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents the sensuous staging of Bizets exotic pre-Carmen classic that explodes with expressive patterns and extravagant colors created by fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and the closing act at 2 p.m. Sunday in Kauffman Theatre.
  • UMKC Finale – Conservatory Orchestra and Choirs: This concert celebrates Dr. Robert Olson’s distinguished 50-year career and his contributions to the UMKC Conservatory. Don’t miss it! Join the Conservatory Orchestra and Conservatory choirs, directed by Robert Olson and Robert Bode, respectively. The season-closing performance begins at 7 p.m. Thursday in Helzberg Hall.
  • Summer in the City – ‘I heard it through the grapevine’ that the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is closing the season with a stone cold stunner; great Motown hits pouring out of our sizzling big band. It’s going to be a Heat Wave … beginning 8 p.m. Friday in Helzberg Hall.
  • Celebrating 60 Years – The Kansas City Civic Orchestra will return to Helzberg Hall for the final concert of its 60th consecutive season of offering quality orchestral concerts to the Kansas City metro area beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday.
  • Youth Symphony of Kansas City celebrates 60 Magical Years with two performances on Sunday, including its intermediate and preparatory ensembles, the Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Michelle Davis and the Debut Orchestra, conducted by Sheri Cain and Amanda Kremer, at 3 p.m., and eatures the advanced ensembles – Symphony Orchestra and Academy Orchestra – and the world premiere of City Beautiful by Ingrid Stölzel (in celebration of the Youth Symphony’s 60th Anniversary) at 7 p.m. in Helzberg Hall.

Knucklehead’s – the hottest honky tonk in greater Downtown features live performances on 9 nights this week, including Merle Jam celebrations on two nights, including Merle Jam Friday featuring Jim Lauderdale, Sara Morgan Band, The Grisly Hand, and Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders at 7:30 p.m. Friday, AND Merle Jam Saturday featuring Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Amanda Fish, Orphan Jon & The Abandoned, Head Honchos and Donnie Miller at 8 p.m. Saturday.

The Midland, 1228 Main – This week, back-to-back nights with LANY and special guest Fletcher at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and Interpol featuring Foals at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Power & Light District – This week, Steve Aoki – an electro house musician and DJ will rock the KC Live! Block beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Aoki broke a world record in 2014 for “most traveled musician in one year” with 161 shows in 41 countries. Opening act is Max Styler.

Sprint Center, 1407 Grand. Up next… New Kids on the Block on Tuesday, May 7.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring Jai Wolf at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and Dance Gavin Dance with guests Don Broco, Hail the Sun, Covet, and Thousand Below at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including nine productions this week:

  • The Ballad of Lefty and Crabbe – This witty and gleefully ridiculous musical comedy won a Best of Fringe designation in 2015, packed houses in its 2017 run, and last year won several awards including Best of the Fest at the Chicago Musical Theater Festival. Performances run through Sunday, May 12 at The Living Room Theatre in the Crossroads.
  • Frida … A Self Portrait – Frida Kahlo’s life is explored in this astonishing play by KCRep Fox Fellowship Resident Actor Vanessa Severo. Through beautiful physicality and raw honesty, the triumphs and challenges of the now-celebrated painter and wife of the equally-renowned artist, Diego Rivera, is unearthed in the brave new work. Frida runs through Sunday, May 19 at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.
  • Funnyhouse of  a Negro, a one-act play by Adrienne Kennedy, opened off-Broadway in 1964. The winner of the Obie Award for Distinguished Play opens Friday and runs through May 18 at the Just Off-Broadway Theatre in Penn Valley Park.
  • Grand Hotel – Come spend an evening, or a night or two, in the world’s most luxurious and mysterious hotel, a seamless musical that won multiple Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Performed by The Barn Players, performances run through Sunday at The Arts Asylum.
  • Go, Dog, Go! – P.D. Eastman’s classic book is the foundation for this Theatre for Young America production that features highly mobile dogs careening around in cars, scooters and anything that rolls fast. The fun rolls on through Saturday, May 11 at City Stage at Union Station.
  • Honky – a dark comedy about race, rhetoric and basketball shows. Presented by the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, it runs through Sunday, May 12 at the Gem Theater.
  • Rent – The Pulitzer Prize and Tony® Award-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary national touring production. The Kansas City production opens Tuesday for eight performances this week at the Music Hall.
  • Songbook of the 60s and 70s – Celebrate the era of Broadway when traditional musicals lived alongside innovative ones, while the jazz world evolved to reflect an eclectic culture. This nostalgic celebration opens Friday and continues through Sunday, May 26 at the Quality Hill Playhouse.
  • Unreliable – Playwright Dipika Guha looks at the slippery slope regarding culpability and expectations, using absurdist humor as a powerful tool in this provocative KC Rep production runs through Sunday, May 19 at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

2019 Art in the Loop Artists Announced – Kick Off Event June 5

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The Art in the Loop Foundation is pleased to announce the schedule of summer art installations and performances by local artists who were selected for “Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe.” This year marks the sixth for the Art in the Loop Project and includes artwork based on photography, virtual and augmented reality, hip-hop, poetry, puppetry, electronic music, interactive sculptures and more.

The 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe infuses the center of Downtown Kansas City with innovative and engaging temporary art that will refresh, intrigue and surprise Downtown employees, residents, and visitors. The project also creates opportunities for local emerging and established artists to extend their practice into the Downtown environment with curatorial, professional and logistical support. 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks and performances presented in three locations Downtown:

  1. Art on the Line – KC Streetcar, stops located along Main Street from the City Market to Union Station;
  2. Art in the Park – Washington Square Park, Pershing & Main Street; and,
  3. Art at the Library – Kansas City Public Library Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

Art on the Line (KC Streetcar)
Art in the Loop is partnering with the KC Streetcar Authority to install the following temporary installations and performances at streetcar stops from May through September.

Artist and Art Installations:

  • Christina Bereolos & Amanda Gehin, Macrosmos Caterpillar: Monarch Streetcar
  • Evan Brown, The Doodle Stop (Union Station Stop)
  • Rachelle Gardner-Roe, Herons & Hummingbirds Cross the Road (Kauffman Stop – North Bound)
  • Jane Gotch, Public2 (Viewable at Union Station, Library, and River Market West)
  • Amanda K. Guerra, Earth Bound (North Loop Stop)
  • Angie Jennings, Streetcar Zen (River Market West Stop)
  • Evan Maddox, New Atlantean Tourism Posters (Crossroads South Bound Stop)

Performances:

  • Jane Gotch, Public2 – Sat., Aug., 24, Time TBD (River Market West Stop)
  • Sheri Purpose Hall, A Wonka-Riffic Trip – Sep. 7, Time TBD (Union Station Stop)
  • Karen Lisondra, Abuela – Fri., June 28, 11:30-1:30 (Onboard KC Streetcar)

Art in the Park (Washington Square Park)
In partnership with the Municipal Art Commission and Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Kansas City, Missouri through a competitive selection process, three local artists (see list below) were selected to enliven Washington Square Park from May through September.

Artists and Art Installations:

  • Ari Fish, Tact
  • John Hachmeister, We Remember, We Forget
  • Alonso L. Ortega, Endless

Performances:

  • Jade Osborne & Calvin Arsenia, INTER RELATION>SHIP – Wed., Jun. 19, Time TBD
  • UN/TUCK Collective, Trans/Portal – Sat., Aug. 17,  Time TBD

Art at the Library (Kansas City Public Library Central Library, 14 W 10th St.)
The 2019 Art in the Loop Kick-Off Event will be held at the Library and is co-presented by Downtown Council; the City of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

Wednesday, June 5, 6:00 p.m.
2019 Art in the Loop Kick-Off
at Kansas City Public Library, Central Library
14 West 10th Street

As the 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe begins its nearly five-month run in and around Downtown Kansas City, meet its lineup of artists and performers and get a peek at their featured works.

The 15 participants in the annual outdoor exhibition are introduced by Art Director Bo Hubbard, co-founder of Alter Art Space and currently a resident at the Charlotte Street Foundation. A big-screen slideshow spotlights their artwork and performances. Tony Jones CBE, The Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute will also speak.

Art in the Loop organizers will announce participants in the Streetcar Sounds Summer Music Series. And dancers Tristian Griffin and James “SugEasy” Singleton close with a hip-hop and contemporary dance, When Two Worlds Meet.

Click here to view the 2019 artists’ concepts.

The 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe is made possible through the generous support of KC Streetcar; the City of Kansas City, Missouri; the Missouri Arts Council; ArtsKC: and our corporate sponsors including Auto Alert, Confluence, Copaken Brooks, EPR Properties, Henderson Engineers, JE Dunn Construction, McCownGordon Construction, PortKC, and Stinson Leonard Street. This project is also supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.

We appreciate support and guidance provided by our partners: Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KCMO-Public Works Department, KC Streetcar, the KC Parks, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Art Institute, Union Station and The Bridge 90.9.

For more information about the project, the artists and performance schedule visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or twitter.com/ArtintheLoop.
# # #
Contacts:
Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (o) 816-979-1072 (c) 816-718-1355
Bo Hubbard, Art Director, hhubbard@kcai.edu

KC Streetcar
Donna Mandelbaum, Communications Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org

City of Kansas City, Missouri
Eric Bosch, KCMO, City Architect, eric.bosch@kcmo.gov
Heidi Markle, KCMO Parks Department, heidi.markle@kcmo.gov
Consuelo Cruz, Arts Marketing Coordinator, consuelo.cruz@kcmo.org

Kansas City Public Library
Anne Ducey, Exhibit Director, anneducey@kclibrary.org

Downtown A&E scene flourishes under the April sun

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Jazz legend Arturo Sandoval will close out the 36th annual Folly Jazz Series with a special concert at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Roll the highlight reel for a mesmerizing week in opera, live theater, jazz and for UMKC Conservatory musicians in the Big Town – Monday to Sunday, April 22-28:

The Amazing Brain – The largest and newest exhibit in Science City, this 2,800-square-foot exhibit explores the body’s command center. Designed to exercise the 3-pound organ in your head, the exhibit features 14 unique exhibit pieces. Only at Union Station.

 

Celebrate the all-new, free Ready, Set SPRING! event from noon-3 p.m. Sunday at the City Market.

The City Market welcomes SPRING this Sunday with free, family-friendly fun! Bring chairs/blankets grab a bite at your favorite City Market restaurant; and relax from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Scheduled activities will be just inside the entrance at 5th & Walnut by Pavilion 1, including Backyard Buggin’ giant puppets at noon; the Moondrop Circus aerial acrobats at 12:30 p.m.; Eco Elvis rockin’ the Market at 1 p.m.; Backyard Buggin’ giant puppets at 2 p.m.; and an encore performance of the Moondrop Circus at 2:30 p.m.

Amanda Shires, the hottest voice and face on the Americana music scene, will light up the Folly Theater this week.

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, will feature two stand-out performances, including:

  • UMKC Conservatory Wind Symphony, directed by Steven D. Davis, will feature the music of James Mobberley and special guest Maria Kanyova, soprano, in its annual performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
  • UMKC Conservatory Wind Ensemble – directed by Joseph Parisi and graduate conductors David Blon, Isaac Brinberg, and Corey Seapy – will feature guest conductor Steven D. Davis. in its annual performance at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
  • Amanda Shires will perform in the new Americana Series, presented by the Folly and 90.9 The Bridge, at 8 p.m. Friday. Known for her folksy, Americana sound, Shires was named the 2017 Americana Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year and she frequently lends her voice and style to her husband Jason Isbell’s band, The 400 Unit.
  • Arturo Sandoval – the legendary trumpeter will close out the 36th season of the Folly Jazz Series at 8 p.m. Saturday. The 10-time Grammy-award winning artist was born outside Havana, Cuba and began studying trumpet at the age of 12. Sandoval has performed at the Grammys, Oscars and Billboard Awards.

The Legends of Hip Hop will light up Downtown KC on Friday.

KC Convention Center –  This week, featuring back-to-back nights of entertainment, including:

  • Magician Michael Carbonaro brings his signature blend of bizarre antics, audience interaction, hilarious video clips, and mind-blowing magic, live on stage at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Music Hall;
  • Legends of Hip Hop Tour featuring Juvenile, Mystikal, 8 Ball & MJG, Scarface, DJ Quik, and Bun B will bring the magic at 8 p.m. Friday at Municipal Arena.

KC Public Library presents three programs at the Central Library this week that are open to the public this week, including Becoming American with a discussion led by University of Missouri-Kansas City historian Sandra Enriquez; Eisenhower: Becoming the Leader of the Free World by Eisenhower author Louis Galambos at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; and Marking Meat: Race, Labor and the Kansas City Stockyards presented by UMKC historian John Herron at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents ‘The Pearl Fishers” beginning Saturday at the Kauffman Center.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, featuring two special performances, including:

  • The Pearl Fishers – PASSION. BETRAYAL. VENGEANCE. JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE. The Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents the sensuous staging of Bizets exotic pre-Carmen classic that explodes with expressive patterns and extravagant colors created by fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and continue with three more shows next week.
  • Cloudy with a Chance of Music – Experience the elements in Helzberg Hall as the Kansas City Symphony presents a fun and fascinating family concert about all things weather. KMBC-TV Channel 9 Chief Meteorologist Bryan Busby explores the musical side of weather including rain, snow, wind and much more at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester, This week, another 11 rockin’ shows including Son Volt with special guest Ian Noe at 8 p.m. Tuesday; The Mavericks with The Sweet Lizzy Project at 8:30 p.m. Friday; and Mary Gauthier with Jaimee Harris at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Aziz Ansari , the comedy rock star, will rule the Big Town with two shows next weekend at the Midland,

The Midland, 1228 Main. This week, will sere as the epicenter of Downtown magic this week with four HUGE shows, including:

  • I Prevail lifts rock to a plateau where soundscapes can unpredictably toss and turn between heavy metal, alternative, hip-hop, and electronic moods without warning. Buckle up for a wild ride beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday;
  • Rain, The Tribute to The Beatles – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Abbey Road, RAIN will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to all the early Beatles favorites. The fun begins at 8 p.m. Thursday;
  • Aziz Ansari – The comedy legend brings his Road to Nowhere tour to Downtown KC this weekend with two shows at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  An Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Aziz currently stars in, writes, and directs MASTER OF NONE, a Netflix original comedy series,

Power & Light District – This week, Spring has blossomed in Downtown KC’s entertainment district with two BIG events, including:

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring Pop Evil and special guests Memphis May Fire at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and the Michael Schneker Fest at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District. And, Downtown’s hottest outdoor concert venue   – Crossroads KC at Grinders – will begin its 2019 schedule next weekend!

Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s life is explored in this astonishing play that runs through May 19 at the KC Rep Copaken Stage at H&R Bloch.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including seven productions this week:

  • The Ballad of Lefty and Crabbe – This witty and gleefully ridiculous musical comedy won a Best of Fringe designation in 2015, packed houses in its 2017 run, and last year won several awards including Best of the Fest at the Chicago Musical Theater Festival. Performances run through May 12 at The Living Room Theatre in the Crossroads.
  • Frida … A Self Portrait – Frida Kahlo’s life is explored in this astonishing play by KCRep Fox Fellowship Resident Actor Vanessa Severo. Through beautiful physicality and raw honesty, the triumphs and challenges of the now-celebrated painter and wife of the equally-renowned artist, Diego Rivera, is unearthed in the brave new work. Frida runs through May 19 at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.
  • Funny Girl – With humor, talent, and chutzpah, young Fanny Brice defies the odds and becomes one of the greatest stars of her generation in this beloved musical. Funny Girl runs through Sunday at the MTH Theater at Crown Center.
  • Grand Hotel – Come spend an evening, or a night or two, in the world’s most luxurious and mysterious hotel, a seamless musical that won multiple Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Performed by The Barn Players, performances open Thursday and runs through May 5 at The Arts Asylum.
  • Go, Dog, Go! – P.D. Eastman’s classic book is the foundation for this Theatre for Young America production that features highly mobile dogs careening around in cars, scooters and anything that rolls fast. The fun rolls on through May 11 at City Stage at Union Station.
  • Songbook of the 60s and 70s – Celebrate the era of Broadway when traditional musicals lived alongside innovative ones, while the jazz world evolved to reflect an eclectic culture. This nostalgic celebration opens Friday and continues through May 26 at the Quality Hill Playhouse.
  • Unreliable – Playwright Dipika Guha looks at the slippery slope regarding culpability and expectations, using absurdist humor as a powerful tool in this provocative KC Rep production runs through May 19 at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

Charlotte Street Foundation Open Studios Event at Town Pavilion, 4/20

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Get behind-the-scenes insight on the creative process for many up-and-coming artists in Kansas City today when Charlotte Street Foundation’s Studio Residency program opens its doors on April 20th for its annual Open Studios event!  Doors will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This is your opportunity to meet with the artists, learn about their work and processes, and enjoy free entertainment! Performing residents will showcase their work through free music, readings, performances and more. Open Studios is a free event that is family friendly and open to the public!

Learn more at https://charlottestreet.org/event/open-studios/

Getting There:

The Town Pavilion is located at 1100 Walnut Street.  The studios are on the 6th Floor.  The closest KC Streetcar Stop is Metro Center.  Free parking is also provided by Commerce Bank. You can use the Commerce Bank parking garage located at 1025 Main Street/Commerce Bank. Please park anywhere that is not reserved.

Poetry on the Move: KC Streetcar Celebrates Poetry Month

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KC Streetcar has teamed up with Our Daily Nada, Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, Read Poetry–Andrews McMeel Publishing and VMLY&R to celebrate National Poetry Month with a poetry context and poetry-themed events:

  • KC Poetry on the Move: Poetry Workshop with Barbara Varanka. Saturday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • KC Poetry on the Move: Featured Poet: Jessica Ayala. Saturday, April 20. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., performance begins at 7:00 p.m.
  • KC Poetry on the Move: Featured Poet: José Faus. Saturday, April 27. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., performance begins at 7:00 p.m.

All events are open to the public and located at Our Daily Nada at 304 Delaware Street. Details on all programs can be found at https://kclibraryfriends.org/kcpoetry and http://www.ourdailynada.com/events.

KC Poetry on the Move is a community-wide celebration of National Poetry Month and is sponsored by the KC Streetcar Authority, Our Daily Nada, Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, Read Poetry–Andrews McMeel Publishing and VMLY&R. The diverse and engaging submissions encompass the sights, sounds and flavors of Kansas City.

“Collaborations like this strengthens our connection to the community we serve,” said Donna Mandelbaum, communications director with the KC Streetcar Authority. “The KC Streetcar not only transports our riders to their destination but gives them the experience of exploring their community in a deeper way through partnerships with businesses and organizations on the streetcar route.”

The community-wide call for poems asked local writers to submit original works either inspired by Kansas City or with a Kansas City theme. Entries were reviewed and winners selected by a panel of local poets and writers.

About the KC Poetry on the Move Winners:

Lindsey Weishar holds an MFA in Poetry from UMKC and works at Literacy KC in Kansas City, Missouri. She writes for Verily and Ploughshares, and her chapbook, Matchbook Night was published in 2018.

Alarie Tennille was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia in the first class that admitted women. Alarie misses the ocean but loves the writing community she’s found in Kansas City. Alarie serves on the Emeritus Board of The Writers Place and coordinates Rose Garden Readings at Loose Park.

Jerry Woods is a Project Manager in International Sales at Automatic Systems, Inc., and has a BS in Petroleum Engineering. He has published a few articles for the China Daily – China’s only National English-speaking website. Jerry also lived in Germany for six years where he was a professional dancer, choreographer and appeared on German TV in JFK: The Rock Opera and in Tony N Tina’s Wedding as Father Mark for the English Theater Frankfurt.

Hannah Steinhauser can be found scribbling speculative short stories and love poems in different nooks around the city. She has a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Kansas, is an operations manager during the day, and slings drinks at a ramen bar o’ nights.

KC Poetry on the Move is working with local artists to take the winning poems and turn them into posters, which will be printed and displayed in the KC Streetcars and at KC Streetcar stops during the month of April. Winners are also invited to read their poems at KC Poetry on the Move events throughout April.

Springtime blossoms in urban arts and culture scene

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Roll the highlight reel for a springtime soiree of arts and culture in Downtown Kansas City – Monday to Easter Sunday, April 15-21:

The Amazing Brain – The largest and newest exhibit in Science City, this 2,800-square-foot exhibit explores the body’s command center. Designed to exercise the 3-pound organ in your head, the exhibit features 14 unique exhibit pieces. Only at Union Station.

Easter Worship at the Kauffman Center – All are welcome to celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 21 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Join Church of the Resurrection Downtown for public services at 9 and 11 a.m. in this iconic building in Downtown Kansas City. For more information, visit cor.org/downtown/easter. (Also, parking is free for these services.)

UMKC celebrates Jazz Night at the Folly Theater on Thursday. Join the Conservatory jazz bands in a rockin’ concert featuring a variety of ensembles that represent the entirety of jazz studies at the Conservatory.

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, will feature two stand-out performances, including:

  • Khatia Buniatishvili, the Georgian pianist in recital, has been setting the classical music world on fire with her passionate performances. She willmake her Kansas City debut for the Harriman-Jewell Series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
  • UMKC Jazz Night – Join the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance jazz bands in a concert featuring a variety of ensembles that represent the entirety of jazz studies at the Conservatory, including Jazz Percussion Ensemble, and more! Directed by Bobby Watson and Mitch Butler, the performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Kansas City Public Library presents An Evening with Vartan Gregorian at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Central Library. The Carnegie Corporation President and noted library champion will help celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Downtown library, joining a public conversation on the continued indispensability of public libraries, the importance of liberal arts and his work with the international Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. RSVP now.

Kansas City Tornadoes will square off against Jamestown at 7 p.m. Friday, and New York at 7 p.m. Saturday at HyVee Arena.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear will perform a free concert and reception for Spotlight members, the Kauffman Center’s individual membership program., at at 7 p.m. Tuesday’ For more information, or to join Spotlight AND gain access to this concert and other year-round benefits, follow this link.

Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester, This week, another 9 rockin’ shows including BJ Thomas with The Belairs at 8:30 p.m. Friday; and the 4-20 Show featuring Davy Knowles, The Eskimo Brothers, The Jeremiah Johnson Band; Found A Job (Talking Heads Tribute) and Lilly B. Moonflower at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Sprint Center, 1407 Grand. This week, featuring Chris Tomlin on his Holy Roar Tour, featuring Tauren Wells, Pat Barrett and Darren Whitehead at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring two special events, including The Pitch’s 6th annual Bacon & Bourbon Festival at 7 p.m. Thursday; and the 10th annual closing party for KC Design Week at 7 p.m. Friday.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District. And, Downtown’s hottest outdoor concert venue   – Crossroads KC at Grinders – will begin its 2019 schedule on May 3!

Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s life is explored in this astonishing play that opens Friday at the KC Rep Copaken Stage at H&R Block.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including seven productions this week:

  • The Balad of Lefty and Crabbe – This witty and gleefully ridiculous musical comedy won a Best of Fringe designation in 2015, packed houses in its 2017 run, and last year won several awards including Best of the Fest at the Chicago Musical Theater Festival. Performances begin Wednesday and continue through May 12 at The Living Room Theatre in the Crossroads.
  • Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure – Five insect pals explore the world and pick up life lessons along the way in this new musical, based on the Netflix animated series that incorporates songs of The Beatles. Performances begin Tuesday and continue through May 19 at The Coterie at Crown Center.
  • Billy Elliott – The stage musical based on the 2000 film and featuring the music of Elton John returns to the Big Town this month. Billy, the motherless British boy who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes, opens Thursday and runs through Wednesday, April 24 at Just Off Broadway Theatre.
  • Frida … A Self Portrait – Frida Kahlo’s life is explored in this astonishing play by KCRep Fox Fellowship Resident Actor Vanessa Severo. Through beautiful physicality and raw honesty, the triumphs and challenges of the now-celebrated painter and wife of the equally-renowned artist, Diego Rivera, is unearthed in the brave new work. Frida opens Friday and runs through May 19 at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.
  • Funny Girl –  the Broadway and film classic will soar again this month in greater Downtown. With humor, talent, and chutzpah, young Fanny Brice defies the odds and becomes one of the greatest stars of her and any generation. Performances open Thursday and continue through Sunday, April 28 at the MTH Theater in Crown Center,
  • Go, Dog, Go! P.D. Eastman’s classic book is the foundation for this Theatre for Young America production that features a group of highly mobile dogs careening around in cars, scooters and anything that rolls fast. The fun continues through Saturday, May 11 at City Stage at Union Station.
  • Unreliable – Playwright Dipika Guha looks at the slippery slope regarding culpability and expectations, using absurdist humor as a powerful tool in this provocative KC Rep production that opens Saturday at the Copaken Stage at H&R Block.

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

Check out the big brain at Science City & much more this week

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Springtime has emerged in all is glory. Roll the highlight reel for a splendid week in arts, culture, science and music in the Downtown Kansas City – Monday to Sunday, April 8-14:

The Amazing Brain – The largest and newest exhibit in Science City, this 2,800-square-foot exhibit explores the body’s command center. Designed to exercise the 3-pound organ in your head, the exhibit features 14 unique exhibit pieces. Only at Union Station.

Joshua Redman Quartet will light up the Folly Jazz Series at the historic Folly Theater.

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, will be in fine form this week with:

  • Joshua Redman – Winner of the 1991 Thelonius Monk International Saxophone Competition, Redman makes his way to the Folly this week to perform with his quartet in the Folly Jazz Series at 8 p.m. Thursday;
  • Richard Goode, hailed for music-making of tremendous emotional power, depth and expressiveness, and acknowledged worldwide as one of today’s leading interpreters of Classical and Romantic music will raise the bar via the Friends of Chamber Music at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
  • A Cappella at the Folly – Central Standard, the Kansas City metro’s award-winning men’s a cappella ensemble, will present its spring concert at 7 p.m. Saturday. The local ensemble was named the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2nd place silver medalist chorus at the Society’s International Chorus Competition in 2016,

Kansas City Tornadoes return home to HyVee Arena this weekend to face the Owensboro (KY) Thoroughbreds at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, seven astonishing performances at the world-class performing arts center, including:

  • Inside Music Series – Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern hosts a special chamber music workshop featuring two student ensembles at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Helzberg Hall. Stern will share feedback and ideas with these young artists as well as the audience.
  • C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters – An international smash hit, this stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ satiric masterpiece creates a morally inverted universe that reveals unseen spiritual powers and principalities in humorous, vivid and surprising ways. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
  • Kansas City Symphony Classical Series presents La Valse with Copland’s Appalachian Spring Featuring Lalo’s Cello Concerto at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in Helzberg Hall.
  • Los Tigres Del Norte, legends of regional Mexican music, will light up Kauffman Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. They have reinvented Mexican popular music with their modern take on norteño with traditional cumbia, bolero and rock rhythms. Local rock starts Making Movies will open the show a with a blend of pulsing Afro-Latino rhythms, psychedelic jams and rock ’n’ roll swagger.

Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester, This week, another 13 blazin’ shows including Wishbone Ash with Fast Johnny Ricker at 8:30 p.m. Friday in the Garage; Katy Guillen and Stephanie Williams at 9 p.m. Friday in the Gospel Lounge; and Almost KISS / KCDC headline the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society Benefit Show at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Garage.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring stand-up comedian Preacher Lawson in two performances at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District. And, Downtown’s hottest outdoor concert venue   – Crossroads KC at Grinders – will begin its 2019 schedule on May 3!

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including three productions this week:

  • Billy Elliott – The stage musical based on the 2000 film and featuring the music of Elton John returns to the Big Town this month. Billy, the motherless British boy who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes, opens Thursday and runs through April 24 at Just Off Broadway Theatre.
  • Funny Girl –  the Broadway and film classic will soar again this month in greater Downtown. With humor, talent, and chutzpah, young Fanny Brice defies the odds and becomes one of the greatest stars of her and any generation. Performances open Thursday and continue through April 28 at the MTH Theater in Crown Center,
  • Go, Dog, Go! P.D. Eastman’s classic book is the foundation for this Theatre for Young America production that features a group of highly mobile dogs careening around in cars, scooters and anything that rolls fast. The fun begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday and continues through May 11 at City Stage at Union Station.

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

Spring brings out best in arts, music, stage + Disney on Ice

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Roll the highlight reel for a stellar week in the local arts, music and theater scenes, PLUS eight fun-filled performances of Disney on Ice only in Downtown this week – Monday to Sunday, April 1-7:

The Amazing Brain – The largest and newest exhibit in Science City, this 2,800-square-foot exhibit explores the body’s command center. Designed to exercise the 3-pound organ in your head, the exhibit features 14 unique exhibit pieces. Only at Union Station.

Spring is in the air as First Friday returns this week throughout greater Downtown.

First Friday – KC’s hippest night of the new year – is set for Friday with a sizzling collection arts and cultural experiences throughout Downtown, including:

  • City Market presents Be a Part of the Art, showcasing local artists who will demo their techniques and exhibit their works every First Friday – April through December – from 6-9 p.m. in Pavilion 1 in City Market Square.
  • Crossroads Arts District featuring arts organizations, galleries, studios, and a wide variety of local businesses in a celebration of local, regional and national artists and live entertainment from 5-9 p.m.
  • 18th & Vine is a cultural experience of music, art, food, and shopping on First Fridays year ’round. Shop local artists and a diverse array of food trucks from 4-9 p.m. in the Museums of 18th & Vine Atrium … to keep First Friday hot even if the weather is cool.
  • First Friday Film Festival – A free, short film festival that begins after most of the galleries have closed. Doors to the venue and bar open at 6:30 p.m., and the screening begins at 7:30. Seating is first come, first served at the MTH Theater at Crown Center.
  • First Friday Warehouse Weekends – one of the finest vintage marketplaces in the country – flourishes every First Friday weekend (Friday through Sunday) in the West Bottoms.

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, Kansas City Women’s Chorus presents Unsung a suite of seven different musical numbers celebrating women from Susan B. Anthony to Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Margaret Cho. Performances are set for 8 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, 13 breathtaking performances at the world-class performing arts center, including:

  • Radiant Ravel – Kansas City Symphony musicians will shine in this free concert featuring Steve Reich’s hypnotic Mallet Quartet and Ravel’s gorgeous String Quartet, which film buffs will know from “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Cash bars open at 5 p.m and the one-hour concert begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Helzbeg Hall.
  • The Play That Goes Wrong – The Kansas City Broadway Series presents the touring Broadway show from Tuesday through Sunday in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre. See more information under Live Theater below.
  • Pink Martini – Brimming with “fizzy spirit and breezy sophistication” (Chicago Sun-Times), the sensational Pink Martini joins the Kansas City Symphony for an evening of glitz and glamour, led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale and featuring vocalist China Forbes. This Pops Series performance is set for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in Helzberg Hall.
  • tenThing – Helzberg Hall will ring when this brass ensemble makes its Harriman-Jewell Series debut. tenThing’s sparkling arrangements have been delighting audiences since the all-female, 10-member ensemble was formed by Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth in 2007.

Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester, This week, 13 blazin’ shows including Zenith Sun featuring Anson Funderburgh and Eric Lindell at 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday in the Gospel Lounge; reggae legend Pato Banton at 8 p.m. Thursday; and Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band with the Dust Devil Choir at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Midland, 1228 Main – This week, the iconic rock quintet Tesla will light up Downtown beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday with special guest Tom Fuller.

 

Sprint Center, 1407 Grand – This week, a fun-filled week thanks to Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party. The all-new Disney on Ice show promises to bring the magic and fun closer to Disney audiences than ever before with immersive and dynamic moments on the ice, in the air and in the seats. The Disney spectacular opens Thursday for eight performances over the weekend.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring Broods with Bad Sounds at 8 p.m. Sunday.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including three productions this week:

  • Billy Elliott – The stage musical based on the 2000 film and featuring the music of Elton John returns to the Big Town this month. Billy, the motherless British boy who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes, opens Thursday and runs through April 24 at Just Off Broadway Theatre.
  • The Play That Goes Wrong – The Broadway and London smash comedy comes to Downtown this week. Called “A gut-busting hit” (The New York Times) and “The funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (HuffPost), this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania. The KC Broadway Series production opens Tuesday and runs through Sunday for eight performances in Kauffman Theatre.
  • Songbook of the 50s – Perhaps no decade had more personalities to its music than the 1950s, as will this dynamite cabaret revue that runs through Sunday, April 7 at the Quality Hill Playhouse.

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com

National spotlight to light up Downtown scene this week

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The Midwest Men’s Basketball Regional – the Elite Eight – will take center stage this weekend at the Sprint Center. Four of the nation’s best – North Carolina, Auburn, Kentucky and Houston – will square off on Friday to set up a championship showdown on Sunday … right her in Downtown KC.

Roll the highlight reel for a stupendous week in sports, ballet, comics, arts, culture and music in the Big Town – Monday to Sunday, Mar. 25-31:

Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. – This week, the Morgenstern Trio will light up the Big Town, courtesy of the Friends of Chamber Music, at 7:30 p.m. Friday.  ​“The group displays a unanimity, polished technique and musical imagination that I thought had vanished from the scene with the demise of the Beaux Arts Trio” – Washington Post

The Kansas City Ballet presents ‘New Moves’ – an intimate, limited-run production that gives audiences a chance to see tomorrow’s sought-after choreographers today!

Kansas City Ballet presents New Moves one its most popular performances in a very up close and visceral experience for audience and dancer alike. This limited run production is set for Thursday through Sunday in the intimate Michael and Ginger Frost Studio Theater at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity.

Kansas City Public Library presents The Jewish American Paradox: Embracing Change in a Changing World at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St. An innocent question from Robert Mnookin’s daughter, prompted the Harvard law professor and Kansas City native to take stock of the situation of American Jews today. He will present his findings in a discussion of his new book The Jewish American Paradox. RSVP now.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. This week, five breathtaking performances at the world-class performing arts center, including:

  • Carmina Burana – The Kansas City Symphony and Chorus presents an irresistible, nonstop and thunderous celebration of life, love and the philosophy of carpe diem over four performances this Thursday through Sunday in Helzberg Hall. The wonderfully indulgent Carmina Burana is one of the most popular classical works of all time.
  • The Summit: The Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 in a thrilling musical collaboration that brings together two dynamic vocal groups with over 20 combined GRAMMY Awards. These powerful ensembles will perform songs from their own catalogs, then join forces on more than a dozen numbers. This special performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester, This week, 11 blazin’ shows including Outlaw Jim and The Whiskey Benders with Justabilly and The Bullhaulers in a benefit for Lymphoma/Leukemia at 6 p.m. Saturday; and Ray Wylie Hubbard with Bonnie Montgomery at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

St. Paul & The Broken Bones – a former opening act for The Rolling Stones – has top-billing at the Midland Theatre on Wednesday.

The Midland, 1228 Main – This week, will be riding high with performances by St. Paul & The Broken Bones with special guest Michael Nau at 8 p.m. Wednesday; Lil Baby featuring Blueface and City Girls at 8 p.m. Thursday; and Catfish and The Bottlemen at 8 p.m. Sunday.

NAIA Basketball National Championship is down to the final two days of the 82nd annual tournament. Thirty-two teams and more than 500 athletes have been competing since Wednesday at Municipal Auditorium in hopes of winning five games in seven days for the national title.The first of two semi-final games will tip-off at 6 p.m. Monday. The winners will advance to the NAIA Championship game is set for 8 p.m. Tuesday. For tickets and complete information, visit NAIA.org.

Planet Comicon – Beam into the 20th anniversary experience this weekend for an immersive celebration of comic books, games, celebrities, cosplay, animation, science fiction, fantasy, and much more. This year’s Comicon will feature the biggest names in comics, science fiction, and fantasy – including Capt. Kirk himself, William Shatner – assembled in Artists Alley. The adventure begins at 1 p.m. Friday and continues on Saturday and Sunday at Bartle Hall. To learn more, visit http://PlanetComicon.com.

Sprint Center, 1407 Grand – This week, a blockbuster week will light up Kansas City, featuring:

  • Weezer and Pixies – Following a rapturously received summer tour, Weezer returns to the road with Pixies this spring for a run of highly-anticipated North American arena dates. The 21-city tour lands in the heart of Downtown KC at 7 p.m. Tuesday with special guest Basement.
  • NCAA Midwest Men’s Regional – a/k/a, the Sweet 16 … the Elite Eight – will take center stage on Friday and Sunday, as the NCAA tournament sweeps into Downtown KC with four of the nation’s best men’s basketball teams – all vying to advance to the Final Four the following weekend in Minneapolis. The Sprint Center will play host to the national marquee men’s regional featuring Roy Williams and top-seeded North Carolina vs. No. 5 Auburn and No. 2 seeded Kentucky against No. 3 Houston on Friday, followed by the championship game on Sunday.

The Truman, 801 E. Truman Rd. – This week, featuring Blue October on The King Tour at 8 p.m. Saturday.

AND, LIVE MUSIC is on tap most nights at these Downtown clubs and joints: Blue Room Jazz Club, Black Dolphin, The Brick, Green Lady Lounge, Hush, The Majestic Jazz Club, Mutual Musicians Foundation, The Phoenix, Prohibition Hall, The Record Bar, The Ship, and throughout the Power & Light District.

LIVE THEATER is thriving on Downtown stages, including three productions this week:

  • Nelly Don: The Musical – This original musical celebrates the American entrepreneurial experience of Kansas City’s own Nelly Don, an improbable heroine whose life’s mission was to champion the beauty of women through fashion. Romance, fashion, glamour, justice and gangsters await you for this world premiere musical sensation that continues through Sunday, March 31 at MTH Theater at Crown Center.
  • Mr. Popper’s Penguins – In this charming musical adaptation of the beloved book, Mr. and Mrs. Popper’s lives take an adventurous turn when a mysterious box arrives on their doorstep with a penguin inside. Performances run through Sunday, March 31 at The Coterie at Crown Center.
  • Songbook of the 50s – Perhaps no decade had more personalities to its music than the 1950s, as will this dynamite cabaret revue that runs through Sunday, April 7 at the Quality Hill Playhouse.

For more of what’s happening in Downtown and Kansas City, check out ArtsKCGo and VisitKC.com