Arts & Entertainment
KC Live’s Theater-Size Video Screen Debuts for Big 12 Tournament
It’s become harder to leave the pre-game partying in the Kansas City Live! courtyard to walk over to the actual event at Sprint Center. The Power & Light District has replaced its previous low-def screen with a theater-size panel that offers a much sharper image. If Thursday was any indication, the fans downtown for the…
Pawn & Pint Finally Adds Beers to Bites and Boards
By Kevin Collison It took a move from the Crossroads, but downtown board game enthusiasts now have a relaxing space where they can have a drink and good food while escaping their screens and interacting with a live person. Pawn & Pint relocated from Southwest Boulevard last October to a former nightclub space at 613…
Streetcar Extension to Isle of Capri Casino May Be in the Cards
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City Streetcar Authority may push its planned riverfront extension to the Isle of Capri, a strategic move that would connect the isolated casino to major downtown convention hotels. While the idea is still in the early stages, officials note the link to the gambling destination could bolster the city’s appeal…
Folly Theater Upgrade Receives Major Donation from Kemper Foundation
By Kevin Collison The Folly Theater has made a dramatic stride toward accomplishing a major interior renovation project with a $775,000 donation from the William T. Kemper Foundation. The historic theater wants to raise $1.55 million to upgrade its lobby and Shareholders Room as part of its Folly 2020 campaign. The gift from the Kemper…
Folk Alliance Conference Serenades Downtown Through Sunday
By Kevin Collison One of North America’s biggest music events takes the stage today when downtown welcomes 3,000 musicians and industry professionals attending the Folk Alliance International annual conference. The event at the Westin Crown Center is an international affair, it drew participants from 27 countries last year, and is a chance for musicians to…
Sculpture Alley Adding Public Art Venue to Crossroads Neighborhood
By Kevin Collison Several Crossroads property owners are creating a new venue for public art in downtown, designating an alley that runs behind some prominent galleries as “Sculpture Alley” and commissioning works to display there. “It’s a good way in which neighbors can work together to use a public space for public art,” said Suzie…
UMKC Downtown Conservatory Plan Collapses After Losing Key Funding
By Kevin Collison In a major setback to downtown’s cultural ambitions, the planned UMKC Downtown Conservatory has suffered a fatal financial blow, losing a $20 million private pledge essential to building the project, according to sources familiar with the endeavor. The sources told CityScene KC that the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation has withdrawn its $20…
Folly Theater Fundraising for Ambitious Improvement Plan and Endowment
By Kevin Collison The historic Folly Theater, a downtown cultural jewel for 118 years, is in the middle of its most ambitious fundraising and improvement program since it was spared the wrecking ball in 1981. “We knew we needed to grow,” said Gale Tallis, executive director. “There was a beautiful renovation in 1981, but things…
Powerful World War I Painting ‘Gassed’ to Debut New Gallery at National World War I Museum
By Kevin Collison “Gassed,” one of the most powerful works of art depicting the horrors of World War I or any war, will be the centerpiece of the new Wylie Gallery debut at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The 21-foot long by nine-feet tall painting by renowned artist John Singer Sargent shows British…
Crossroads Deja Vu, Haw Contemporary Expands into Former Dolphin Gallery Space
By Kevin Collison (Update: The Haw Contemporary opened March 30 and this week will be its first First Friday in the Crossroads Arts District. The opening exhibit is “Drawing Paintings, Painting Drawings” by artist Eric Sall. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) The Crossroads building recently vacated by the Kemper gallery…