UMKC’s weekly arts, sports and culture roundup
Each week, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an array of on-campus activities. It’s nothing new. UMKC has a long legacy of hosting countless culturally enriching events. These activities are part of what give UMKC a vibrant campus life, and make UMKC an arts and culture powerhouse. The influence of UMKC-based and UMKC-trained alumni extends well beyond the campus’ edge, so their activities are listed here as well.
Featured Event:
What: Trip the Light Fantastic
Trip the Light Fantastic, by MA Studio Art candidate Andy Julo, is the newest exhibition at the UMKC Gallery of Art. The graduate thesis exhibition runs April 4 –22. An opening reception will be from 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday April 7. Free parking is available in the Cherry Street Parking Garage. Research for Trip the Light Fantastic was funded in part by the UMKC School of Graduate Studies Research Grant Program.
Where: The UMKC Gallery of Art is located in Room 203 of the Fine Arts Building, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 22
It’s free.
April 6 – 12
What: The Fantasticks
This is a funny and captivating musical journey that tells the triumphant story of two young lovers, their meddling fathers and the wall that divides them. With its memorable soundtrack that has touched generations of musical theatre audiences, this timeless classic will be brought to new life on KC Rep’s Spencer stage. It’s the longest-running musical in Off-Broadway history for a reason. This is theatre magic in its purest form, with clever props, snappy dialogue, plot twists and the mesmerizing performances of a stunningly talented cast. The delightful drama starts as a tale about a boy and a girl whose fathers lovingly hatch a plan to bring them together. But when the sly El Gallo steps in to assist, the young lovers experience the harsh realities of life before wising up to the world and fully realizing their love. A small cast never made such a big impression. It is directed by Jerry Genochio. The music is by Harvey Schmidt and the book and lyrics are by Tom Jones.
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 10
Tickets are available from the Kansas City Repertory Theatre online or by calling 816-235-2700.
What: Over The Moon
In this hilarious comedy, two fading stars of the 1950s are playing a comedy and a drama in rotation in Buffalo, New York. On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at regaining their stardom. One perfect performance is all they need. Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong does go wrong and no one on stage knows if they’re in the drama or the comedy.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through April 24
For tickets and show times, visit the website.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences in 2012.
What: “Exposures through Time”
UMKC Libraries presents the exhibition, “Exposures through Time.” This is a photography exhibit that features a retrospective of photographs from 1970 to 2013 by Dr. Gregory Gutenko, UMKC associate professor of communication studies. Although Gutenko has worked primarily with film and video, photography was his original medium of choice. For the recognition of overlooked things and now, coming full circle, he returns to photography.
Where: Link Gallery, Ground Floor, Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 30
It’s free.
What: 50 Women: A Celebration of Women’s Contribution to Ceramics
This groundbreaking art exhibit features the works of 50 diverse women artists from around the world and the contributions they are making to the ceramic arts.
Co-sponsored by the American Jazz Museum, National Council for Educators in the Ceramic Arts, ArtsKC Regional Arts Council, Print Time, and UMKC Women’s & Gender Studies Program.
Where: The Changing Gallery at the American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 13
It’s free.
What: Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils: Records of Earth’s Story
Rocks, minerals and fossils are windows into the past and are used to reveal the events and changes in the Earth over the past 4.6 billion years. They also provide resources essential to civilization, and display beauty in color and form in myriad ways. Dr. James B. Murowchick is an associate professor in the UMKC Department of Geosciences. He has carefully curated an array of rocks, minerals, fossils and natural resources from his personal collection and beyond just for the UMKC community. These are the materials beneath our feet, and we welcome you to experience them up close.
Where: Dean’s Gallery, Fourth Floor, Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 30
It’s free.
What: Where the Wild Things Are
This acclaimed adaptation of Sendak’s beloved classic is an intimate guided interactive play experience. The audience helps transform Max’s bedroom into a forest, then become Max’s benevolent monster friends and are encouraged to “let the Wild Rumpus begin!” After Max is ultimately crowned ruler, the audience also helps bring him safely home. PreK – second grades receive Adventure Tickets, which offer floor seating and audience participation with Max! Third grade and older will be seated in the main audience. This performance is based on the book by Maurice Sendak and directed by Kim Selody. Presentation House Theatre is the artistic director. It was originally adapted for the stage by TAG Theatre Glasgow, Scotland.
Where: The Coterie, Crown Center, Suite 144, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 7
UMKC Connection: Two UMKC graduate theatre students founded the Coterie.
For tickets and show times, visit the website.
What: UMKC Pride Month: Denice Frohman
UMKC and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures is proud to welcome Denice Frohman, an award-winning poet, lyricist, and educator. Frohman’s work explores the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and the “in-betweeness” that exists in us all. Sponsored by: UMKC College of Arts & Sciences; Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures; UMKC Latino/Latina Studies; UMKC Women’s & Gender Studies Program; LGBTQIA Programs & Services; Division of Diversity & Inclusion; Bernardin-Haskell Lecture Fund.
Where: Student Union Theater, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 6
It’s free.
What: Trombone Ensemble and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
The Trombone Ensemble and Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble performance is directed by JoDee Davis and Thomas G. Stein, respectively. Performance pieces include Schubert, arr. Lumpkin: Nachtgesang im Walde (Night Song in the Forest), D. 913; George: Aria and Dance (Chris White, soloist); Schickele: Monochrome II; Dvorak, arr. Taylor: Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 46; Gottschalk, arr. Snell: Souvenir de Porto Rico (Marche des Gibaros), Op. 31; York: Pilgrimage and Reunion; Susato, arr. Olt: Suite of Dances from Danseyre; Grechaninov: Lord, How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place; and McMillan: Tubas of the Apocalypse.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 6
It’s free.
What: Conservatory Music Education Methods Class with guest Andrés Salguero
Where: Grant Hall, Room 122, 5228 Charlotte St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 11 – 11:50 a.m., Thursday, April 7
It’s free.
What: Conservatory Wind Symphony Chamber Players
Members of the Conservatory Wind Symphony perform chamber music, directed by Steven D. Davis; and graduate conductors Adam Fontana, Derek Shapiro, and Chris Kaatz, and featuring guest faculty artist Dale Morehouse, baritone. Performance pieces include Walton: Suite No. 1 from Façade; Wagner: Siegfried Idyll, Op. 103; R. Strauss: Serenade for Winds in E-flat Major, Op. 7; and Elbert Liu: “Atomic Drift” from A Particle-Ar Theory (winner of the 2014 Gerald Kemner Prize in Wind Ensemble Composition Competition).
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 7
It’s free.
What: Men’s Tennis vs. New Mexico State
Where: Plaza Tennis Center, Tennis Center, 4747 J. C. Nichols Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1 p.m., Friday, April 8
It’s free.
What: Softball vs. CSU Bakersfield
Where: 3 & 2 Complex, 9600 Blue River Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Friday, April 8
It’s free.
What: Logan Snook, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Logan Snook, mezzo soprano; with Natalia Rivera, piano; Rob Simpson, cello; Jordan Buchholtz, piano; and Michael O’Brien, flute. Performance pieces include Vivaldi: Cantata profana, RV 675; Rarvel: Chansons madécasses; Previn: Two Remembrances; Peterson-Berger: Intet är som väntanstider; Rangstron: Afskedet; Sibelius: Våren flyktar hastigt; Stenhammar: Jungfru Blond och Jungfru Brunett; Rangstróm: Vingar i natten.
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 11 E. 40th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 5 p.m., Friday, April 8
It’s free.
What: Jamison Williams, Guest Artist Presentation
Don’t miss this guest artist presentation by saxophonist, improvisor and arranger Jamison Williams.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., Friday, April 8
It’s free.
What: Garrett Torbert, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Garrett Torbert, tenor; with Lee D. Thompson, piano; Lindsey Allen, soprano; Alice Chung, mezzo soprano; Alfredo T. Beltrán, baritone; Rhys Lloyd Talbot, bass; and Allison Shinnick, piano. Performance pieces include Purcell, real. Britten: “Music for a while” from Oedipus, Z. 583; Beethoven: An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98; Rossini: “L’esule” from Péchés de vieillesse; Rossini: “La danza” from Les soirées musicales; Duparc: Lamento; Duparc: Chanson triste; Earnest: Selections from War Dreams; and Copland: “The Promise of Living” from The Tender Land.
Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 8
It’s free.
What: Men’s Tennis vs. UTRGV
Where: Plaza Tennis Center, Tennis Center, 4747 J. C. Nichols Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When:9 a.m., Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Alex Caselman, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Alex Caselman, trumpet; with Patricia Higdon, piano. Performance pieces include Handel: Suite for Trumpet and Orchestra in D Major, HWV 341 (“Water Piece”); Bóhme: Concerto for Trumpet in F Minor, Op. 18; Johnson: Introit for Trumpet and Electronics; Ball: Eight Transports for Trumpet and Piano; and Bitsch: Quatre variations sur un thème de Domenico Scarlatti.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Noon, Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Softball vs. CSU Bakersfield
Where: 3 & 2 Complex, 9600 Blue River Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Noon, Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Women’s Soccer vs. FC Kansas City
Where: Durwood Stadium, 5025 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 2 p.m., Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Women’s Soccer vs. Minnesota
Where: Durwood Stadium, 5025 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 3 p.m., Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Chris White, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Chris White, trombone; with Dan Velicer, piano; and the UMKC Trombone Choir, JoDee Davis, director. Performance pieces include Jacob: Concerto for Trombone; Barat: Andante et allegro; Guilmant: Morceau symphonique, Op. 88; Peaslee: Arrows of Time; and George: Aria and Dance.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 5 p.m., Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Erin Jean Lillie, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Erin Jean Lillie, mezzo soprano; with Brian Woods, piano; James Westbrook, clarinet; Christopher Puckett, tenor; Alice Anne Light, mezzo soprano; and Alfredo T. Beltrán, baritone. Performance pieces include Laitman: I Never Saw Another Butterfly; Laitman: Vedem Songs (Song cycle from Vedem: A Holocaust Oratorio); and Heggie: Farewell, Auschwitz (Song cycle from the opera Out of Darkness).
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 11 E. 40th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Lulu Yu, violin, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Lulu Yu, violin; with Xueli Liu, piano. Performance pieces include Beethoven: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 (“Spring”); Bach: Selections from Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006; Wieniawski: Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 22; Loveland/Sherry: Selections from the Secret Garden album Dawn of a New Century.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 9
It’s free.
What: Men’s Tennis vs. Grand Canyon
Where: Plaza Tennis Center, Tennis Center, 4747 J. C. Nichols Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1 p.m., Sunday, April 10
It’s free.
What: Vinson Cole Sings! An Inspiring Gift of Music
Join celebrated tenor Vinson Cole and pianist Mark Markham for an evening of personal favorites by varied composers including Bellini, Beethoven, Haydn, and Aaron Copland. Broadway classics by Sondheim, Cole Porter, and others round out this enchanting evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the museum’s Kirkwood Hall transformed through the inspiring gift of Vinson Cole’s voice. Performance pieces include Haydn: Selections from Canzonettas, Hob. XXVIa; Beethoven: Selections from Ariettas and a Duet, Op. 82; Bellini: La ricordanza; Copland: Selections from Old American Songs, Books I and II; and musical theatre selections announced from the stage.
Where: Kirkwood Hall, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 4 – 5 p.m., Sunday, April 10
Tickets are free on a first-come, first-served for a limited number of seats; standing-room otherwise. RSVP tickets are required. Click here for details.
What: Alastair Wright, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Alastair Wright, saxophone; with Dan Velicer, piano. Performance pieces include Prokofiev, arr. Wright: Sonata for Flute and Piano in D Major, Op. 94; Lauba: Etude No. 17 for Alto Saxophone and Tape (“Clouds”); Burhans: Escape Wisconsin; and Larsson: Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Strings, Op. 14.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 5 p.m., Sunday, April 10
It’s free.
What: Allison Watkins, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Allison Watkins, flute, with Patricia Higdon, piano. Performance pieces include Leclair: Sonata for Flute and Basso Continuo in G Major, Op. 9, No. 7; Schubert: Introduction and Variations for Flute and Piano on “Trockne Blumen” from Die schöne Müllerin, D. 802, Op. posth. 160; Takemitsu: Air for Solo Flute; and Fauré: Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A Major, Op. 13.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 10
It’s free.
What: John English, The Illustration Academy
English, an illustrator and instructor, is founder of The Illustration Academy. This is part of the Alt. Lecture KC and Design Speaks presentation series.
Where: UMKC Department of Art and Art History, Kansas City, Mo.
When: 4 p.m., April 11
It’s free.
What: Jan Kagarice: Practicing Wellness, Master Class
Practicing Wellness is a 90-minute master class with trombonist Jan Kagarice explaining efficient and functional wind instrument performance (applicable to all instrumentalists), followed by a 90-minute application of the ideas presented in the first segment. There will be a short 30-minute break between the two segments. This is presented by the UMKC Trombone Society and supported by the UMKC Student Government.
Where: Room 326, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 4:30 – 8 p.m., Monday, April 11
It’s free.
What: Jazz Ensembles: Guitar, Latin Percussion, and Jazz Bass; plus Jazz Combos
The Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Latin Jazz Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Bass Ensemble, along with seven Jazz Combos, perform standards and originals in the Orion Room at the Green Lady Lounge. All compositions and arrangements will be announced from the stage.
Where: Green Lady Lounge, 1809 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6 p.m., Monday, April 11
It’s free.
What: Concerto/Aria 2016 Winners Concert
This concert features the 2016 Concerto/Aria winners performing with the Conservatory Orchestra, directed by Robert Olson and graduate conductors Shao Zheng, Boris Vayner and Luis Víquez. Performance pieces include Landis: Burnt Ends (world premiere, 2015 Gerald Kemner Prize winner); Rota: Tema e variazioni from Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra (Fraser Farmer); Khachaturian: Allegro maestoso from Concerto for Piano in D-flat Major, Op. 38 (Xiangyu Zhao); Britten: “Look!…And farewell to ye” from Billy Budd, Op. 50 (Armando Contreras); and Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12
It’s free.