Community Calendar & Events

Spring Events in the Greater Kansas City Area

(Listed by event date, with ongoing events at the end)

2008 Chocolate & Wine Fest
January 25, 2008, 5-9 pm
Location: Hyatt Regency Crown Center, KCMO.
www.kcivc.org
Participants may taste specially chosen wines and chocolates from throughout the world.  Admission: Sample chocolate: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. To sample chocolate and wine: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

B.B. King
January 25, 2008, 7:30 pm
Location: Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO.
URL: www.uptowntheater.com
Admission: $55-$125.

Nature Printmaking
January 26, 2008, 10 am-3 pm
Location: Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., KCMO.
www.kcconservation.com
Learn to identify Missouri trees while creating colorful nature prints on the etching

Celebrate Chinese New Year
February 1, 2008, 5-9pm
Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO.
www.nelson-atkins.org
On Feb 1, there will be an evening of color and pageantry showcasing the beauty and mystery of this time-honored tradition. Enjoy demonstrations of art and music, special food and performances by Lily Zhan Li Taylor and the ShaoLin LoHan Pai Lion Dance Troupe.  Free admission.

The Carlsen Center Series presents Moiseyev Dance Company
February 1, 2008, 8pm
Location: The Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS.
www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter
Acclaimed throughout the world as the greatest of all folk dance groups, the ­Moiseyev Dance Company from Russia has captivated international audiences for decades with its peerless technical ­brilliance and exuberant evocations of ­traditional dances. The dances come not just from Russia and the Slavic countries, but from Spain, Japan, China, Argentina, Mexico - even American jazz and rock-n-roll. Admission: $35-$45.

The Groundhog has its Day
February 2, 2008, 10am-3pm
Location: Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., KCMO
www.kcconservation.com
The hibernating groundhog spends 4-6 months in its winter den, emerging in February to search for a mate. Learn more about this harbinger of spring. Walk-in Program for all ages.  Free admission.

Lew's Super Bowl Party
February 3, 2008, 11-3 am
Location: Lew's Grill & Bar, 7539 Wornall Rd., KCMO
www.lewsgrillandbar.com
Hosting Kansas City's greatest Superbowl party, Lew's will have great draft beer & food specialties along with prize giveaways after each quarter.

St. Valentine's Day Massacre Masquerade
February15, 2008, 8 pm
Location: Californos, 4124 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO.
www.californos.com
A 1920s Mobster Themed Costume Party.

The Carlsen Center Series presents StepCrew
February 15-16, 2008, 8pm
Location: The Carlsen Center, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS.
Phone: 913.469.4445
www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter
StepCrew performs a high-energy "never seen before" style of dancing that combines tap and Irish dancing - with a twist! Composed of six outstanding dancers, backed by a five-piece band, the StepCrew takes Celtic dance to the next level, moving from modern interpretations of traditional Celtic music and dance to completely original musical compositions and choreography. Admission: $25-$35.

Smuckers Stars on Ice
February 22, 2008, 7:30pm
Location: Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., KCMO.
www.sprintcenter.com
Starring Sasha Cohen and a cast of Olympic, World, and National Champions.
Admission: $25, $45, $65, $110.

The Carlsen Center Series presents Opera a la Carte "The Mikado"
February 23, 2008, 8 pm
Location: The Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS.
www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter
The foremost Gilbert and Sullivan touring company in the country, Opera a la Carte is known for the authentic style of its ­productions, the outstanding caliber of its artists and the high production standards of its performances. G&S take an uproarious look at the ­confusion caused by young love and ­society’s rules in 19th-century Japan. One of their classics. Admission: $25-$35.

Kansas City Blues Festival
March 1, 2008, 7pm
Location: Hale Arena, 1800 Genessee St., KCMO.
www.kemperarenakc.com
Possible Line Up Includes: Bobby "Blue" Band, Shirley Brown, Theodis Ealey, Mel Waiters, Latimore, Bobby Rush, Marvin Sease, Sir Charles Jones. Admission: $55, $46.50.

The Carlsen Center Series presents Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana "Carmen: El Baile"
March 1, 2008, 8pm
Location: The Carlsen Center, Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS.
www.jccc.edu/carlsencenter
One of the best-known troupes in the world, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana brings to the stage the story of the ­passionate, doomed Carmen, told through the language of ­flamenco - traditional Spanish dance with live music. The other half of the program will include repertoire from Fiesta Flamenca, exploring the universal themes of love, death, pride and sorrow that are the heart and soul of flamenco. Admission: $20-$30

PBR: Professional Bull Riders
March 9, 2008,  2pm & 6:50pm
Location: Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., KCMO..
www.sprintcenter.com
Admission: $20, $30, $50, $100

Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship
March 13-16, 2008
Location: Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., KCMO.
www.sprintcenter.com

"Rent"
March 14-16, 2008
Location: Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., KCMO.
www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com
Set in the East Village of New York City, "Rent" is about being young and learning to survive in NYC. It's about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today

Brookside St. Patrick's Day Warm-Up Parade
March 15, 2008, 2pm
Location: Brookside Shopping District, 63rd & Brookside Blvd., KCMO.
www.brooksidekc.org
The Brookside St. Pat’s Warm-Up Parade is a fun, family event. With over 100 parade entries, you will see clowns, bands, floats, dogs, horses, and much more. The parade route starts at 65th and Wornall, north to 63rd St., east to Main St., south to Meyer Blvd. and west to Brookside Blvd.  Free admission.

Westport St. Patrick's Day Run
March15, 2008, 10am
Location: Westport Rd. and Pennsylvania, KCMO.
www.sportkc.org
Join over 2,000 walkers and runners full of St. Patrick's Day spirit! Bring the whole family to participate...wear green or your favorite wacky Irish costume! And don't miss the Kid's Fun Run before heading off to Westport bars, restaurants, and shops around lunchtime! Admission: $18-$26.

Easter Bunny Visits Crown Center
March15-16, 21-22, 2008,  12pm – 4pm
Location: Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO.
www.crowncenter.com
The Easter Bunny greets children at Crown Center. A professional photographer will be taking pictures for a fee and visitors are welcome to bring their cameras. Free admission.

Kansas City Easter Parade
March 22, 2008
Location: Zona Rosa, 8640 N Dixson Ave., KCMO.
Phone: 816-587-8180
www.zonarosa.com
Free admission.

Ongoing Events

"Red! Renaissance Italian and Spanish Textiles"
August 28, 2007-February 17, 2008, am-5 pm, Sun. & Tue.-Wed.; 10 am-9 pm, Thu.-Sat.
Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO.
www.nelson-atkins.org
: This exhibition will feature some of the most recognizable works in photographic history, by some of the most celebrated photographers. A broad range of works from the 1860s to the present will be on view, by photographers such as Mathew Brady, Edward Steichen, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Imogen Cunningham, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Arnold Newman, Andy Warhol and Annie Leibovitz. Admission: Free.

"Rising Dragon: Ancient Treasures From China"
October 6, 2007-February10, 2008, 10 am-5 pm, Sun. & Tue.-Wed.; 10 am-9 pm, Thu.-Sat.
Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO.
www.nelson-atkins.org
This exhibition features never before seen new acquisitions from the Nelson-Atkins extraordinary Chinese collection. Each object tells a story of the culture, the people and their beliefs that have endured for centuries. Among the finest surviving examples, from nearly seven centuries of China’s past, these works exhibit master craftsmanship in bronze, stoneware, jade and more. A royal palace dragon stands guard, just as it did nearly five hundred years ago, beckoning visitors to discover the treasures of ancient China. Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 students, children 12 and under are free.

"Tapping Currents: Contemporary African Art and the Diaspora"
November 17, 2007-April 13, 2008, 10 am-5 pm, Sun. & Tue.-Wed.; 10 am-9 pm, Thu.-Sat.
Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO.
www.nelson-atkins.org
"Tapping Currents: Contemporary African Art and the Diaspora" will demonstrate how, since the 1990s, contemporary African art has exploded onto the international scene.

Crown Center Ice Terrace
November 2, 2007-March 16, 2008, Thru Jan.: 10am-9pm, Sun.-Thu.; 10am-11pm, Fri.-Sat. Feb.-Mar.: 10am-9pm
Location: Crown Center Ice Terrace, 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO.
www.crowncenter.com
Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for it's 35th season of great skating fun!  Admission: Admission $6 or free for adults over age 60 and children 5 and under. Skate rental: $2 or skaters may bring their own skates.

City Market Farmers' Market
November 3, 2007-February 23, 2008, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat.; 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sun.
Location: City Market, 5th & Walnut St., KCMO.
www.thecitymarket.org
Established in 1857 and celebrating its 150th anniversary season, the City Market hosts one of the few year round farmers' markets. Find fruits, vegetables and herbs, in addition to fresh baked goods, cut flowers and crafts made by local artisans. At the City Market, indulge in the finest produce, fresh from Missouri and the surrounding region.

 

Kansas City Checklist

When you come to Kansas City, there are certain things that you just have to do!  These uniquely KC experiences separate a trip to Kansas City from anywhere else in the world.  So if you have time during this holiday season to explore, here are a few ideas

Eat Kansas City Style Barbecue

• Kansas City offers more than 100 BBQ restaurants, from legends like Gates and Arthur Bryant’s to smaller, local favorites.

Listen to Live Jazz

• Kansas City have jazz its swing, and this rich heritage can be heard nightly at many local clubs.

Tour the Fountains

• Fountains in the winter?  Kansas City has three that stay on year-round—the Northland Fountain, the fountain in Crown Center Square, and the fountain at The Legends at Village West—creating beautiful, outdoor works of art.

See the Country Club Plaza’s Season of Lights

• What started 78 years ago as a few strands of lights has grown into more than 300,000, outlining every shop, dome, and tower of this 14-block, Spanish-inspired shopping and entertainment district.

See How Your Greetings Are Made in Kansas City

• J.C. Hall started Hallmark by selling cards out of a shoebox in 1910 at the local YMCA.  Ninety-seven years later, visitors can view the history of the world’s largest greeting card company and watch artists create real cards at the Hallmark Visitors Center.

Observe the Beauty of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree

• The 100-foot tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center, one of the nation’s tallest, becomes an outdoor spectacle with 7,200 white lights and more than 1,200 ornaments.  After the holidays, the tree is recycled to produce next year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree ornament, which is sold to benefit the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, assisting more than 33,000 people each year with having a merrier holiday season.

Visit the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial

• Originally dedicated in 1926, the nation’s World War I memorial is also home to an eye-opening museum.  Travel to the top of the 217-foot tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Visit the Museums at 18th & Vine

• Re-live the history of this historic African-American neighborhood at the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. 

Head to the Crossroads Arts District for First Friday

• More than 60 art galleries and shops sty open late the first Friday of each month for one of the nation’s largest art walks.

Re-Live the Wild West Through Jesse James

• Visit the home where Jesse and Frank James grew up.  Don’t miss the Jesse James Bank Museum, the site of the first daylight, peacetime bank robbery.

Tour the Remains of an 1850’s Steamboat

• When the Hawley family started digging for the sunken steamboat Arabia, they never knew they would uncover the world’s largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts, now housed at the Arabia Steamboat Museum.