Arts & Culture
Stories and videos about music, dance, visual and performing arts and film in the Kansas City metro.
Sympathetic Vibrations | Brass Knacks
A chunk of jazz history is being preserved right off 12th St. and Vine. And that should seem confusing, considering the city razed much of the historic entertainment district in the ’60s and the official museum is a full six blocks south. Nevertheless, on most days, on the second floor of a nearby warehouse, you’ll…
The Weekend Starts Today
Don’t listen to what they say. Fall doesn’t start after Labor Day. Fall doesn’t start September 22 with the autumnal equinox. Fall starts when the culinary craze of pumpkin spice products appear in grocery stores and coffee shops. While you’re studiously avoiding that autumnal monstrosity, why not enjoy some of the cultural amenities our city…
Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival & Other Weekend Possibilities
Always thought you’d thrive in the Old West? Find out at the 44th annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival, which celebrates the origins of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails (yes, that one that you played on that computer game that time in middle school) in Independence, Missouri. The four day festival kicks off today and it’s…
The Weekend Starts Today
Labor Day, of course, honors the labor movement and contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of the nation. It’s also considered the unofficial end of summer, and it is the point in the year after which one is forbidden to wear white. Whatever color you wear, though, we’ve got a ton…
Bacon-Fest KC & Other Weekend Possibilities
This is what you train for Kansas City. This is why you eat prodigious amounts of pork and understand that the meat sweats mean the real work of eating is about to begin. Bacon-Fest KC: The Other Fundraiser is Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at 3011 Baltimore Ave. You get bacon samples in everything from pure…
Sympathetic Vibrations | The Spoils of Authenticity
What catchall phrase would you use to describe a band that draws much of its influence from rock ’n’ roll, garage rock, mod, blues, and psych from the ’50s and ’60s? If you’re Rory Cameron, the lead singer of The Conquerors, it’s not the obvious one. “I don’t really like the throwback moniker very much….
The Weekend Starts Today
August is National Admit You’re Happy Month. No, really. It is. Which makes sense. August is a happy month. The summer heat starts to fade. The kids go back to school. Plus, at least this weekend, there’s a ton of great stuff to do around town. None of that great stuff, though, includes spectator sports….
Artist to Watch: Samantha Gossard
Mezzo-soprano Samantha Gossard’s first big role came during second grade in a musical called Steamboatin’. “I was ‘Mississippi Meg’ and I had a big monologue and a big solo, all requiring a thick southern accent — definitely a comedic role. I remember everyone laughing so much and thinking I was ‘adorable,’ and I remember my…
Ethnic Enrichment Festival & Other Weekend Possibilities
See the world. Eat the world. All in one weekend. The Ethnic Enrichment Festival returns to Swope Park tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. and hangs around for Saturday (12 to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 to 6 p.m.). The festival, now in its 37th year, is an amazing collection of traditional dancing, music, and foods…
The Weekend Starts Today
Bad news for Olympics lovers. The games close Sunday night with what will surely be a lavish live ceremony. In other words, you’d better watch all the Olympics you can this weekend. Or, better yet, DVR the games. Then get out of the house and enjoy some of what our city has to offer. After…