UMKC’s weekly arts and culture roundup
Every 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 has made UMKC an arts and culture powerhouse. The influence of UMKC-based and UMKC-trained artists extends well beyond the campus’ edge, so their activities are listed here as well.
Featured Event: “Kansas City Swing”
Baseball and jazz act as the backdrop for UMKC Theatre’s “Kansas City Swing.” The play takes place in the fall of 1947 as the baseball season is winding down, and tells a story of hope, uncertainty and an America on the threshold of change.
Directed by Tony Award-winning Ricardo Khan, this UMKC Theatre show previews April 19, 20, 22 and 23; opens on April 24 and runs through April 28 at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
Co-written by Khan and award-winning author Trey Ellis, the story begins as the Satchel Paige All-Stars are preparing to play the Bob Feller All-Stars as part of a Negro Leagues “barnstorming” showdown. Across the state, the St. Louis Cardinals are going against Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Both are historic events; yet only one game is truly remembered.
A storm is brewing – baseball and America will soon never be the same again.
“If you love jazz, baseball and history, then these are all reasons to appreciate ‘Kansas City Swing,’ ” Khan said.
Khan is a visiting professor who writes and directs a UMKC Theatre performance every two years. Khan also wrote and directed “Quindaro,” and directed “Train to 2010” for UMKC Theatre.
While the storyline is based upon factual events, the play is a dramatization. Khan and Ellis explore a variety of themes, including the eventual decline of the Negro Leagues, racial integration and Kansas City history.
“I want the story to move audiences on a human level, apart from the issues of race and injustice,” Ellis said. “We worked hard at digging deeper than the more obvious issues of injustice to tackle the more complicated issues of the time. Ironically, desegregation for some blacks was not the paradise they had envisioned. Yes, it provided tremendous opportunities for many, but it also destroyed most all the small black businesses.”
Jazz music plays an integral role as the glue that holds the themes together. Jazz composer and musician Bobby Watson not only composed the music, he is also acting in the show as the character Jazz Man. Watson is a professor with the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Khan gained inspiration for the play from several sources, including the 18th and Vine Historic District and in particular the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The Museum’s Bob Kendrick, executive director, and Raymond Doswell, Ph.D., curator, helped Khan research the topics.
“This is a chapter in our history that is rarely talked about or studied,” Khan said. “I am fascinated with the history of Kansas City and our roots. It’s another step in my personal journey to discover Kansas City.”
What: UMKC Theatre presents “Kansas City Swing.” The play takes place in the fall of 1947 as the baseball season is winding down, and tells a story of hope, uncertainty and an America on the threshold of change.
Where: James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Previews: 7:30 p.m., April 19, 20, 22, 23. Opens: 7:30 p.m. April 24 -27. Closes: 2 p.m. April 28.
Tickets: Single ticket prices are: Adult, $15; Senior (60+), $10; Non-UMKC Student, $10; UMKC Faculty/Staff, $10; UMKC Student, $6. Industry Night is Monday, April 22 and tickets are $10. For tickets, call the Central Ticket Office at (816) 235-6222 or purchase online at www.umkctheatre.org (additional fees apply with online ticket purchase).
It’s free. Get more details.
Friday, April 19 – Thursday, April 25
What: A spring dance concert, featuring performances by students and faculty from the UMKC Dance Division, and the choreography by UMKC’s DeeAnna Hiett, Bernard Gaddis, Paula Weber, Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Ronn Tice, Ming Xia and Gary Abbott.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St.,
Kansas City, Mo.
When: April 18-20.
Get more details.
What: “Srimary Ptructures” is Justin Beachler’s first solo exhibition at Dolphin Gallery. A painter and conceptual artist based in Kansas City, Mo., Beachler’s work has recently been shown at such Kansas City gallery spaces as Fokl, Spray Booth Gallery and The Base Gallery.
Where: Dolphin Gallery 1600 Liberty St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Exhibit runs through May 11.
UMKC Connection: Beachler is a graduate of UMKC’s Art and Art History program.
Get more details.
What: Bach’s Lunch. Bring a sack lunch to this event, featuring Bach’s cantata Herr, gehe nicht ins Gericht mit deinem Knecht, BWV 105, conducted by Paul Griggsby.
Where: Grant Hall, Room 122, 5227 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Friday, April 19, 12 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: A master’s recital with Erin Cook, horn; Kelly Hackleman, piano.
Where: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 15409 N.W. 72nd St, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Friday, April 19, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Performer’s certificate recital with Mary Stahlhuth, oboe; Lamar Sims, piano; Coty Dennis, flute; Julia Janda, clarinet; Chris Williams, horn; James Ryan Morris, bassoon; and David Tourtellot, double bass.
Where: Prairie Baptist Church, 7416 Roe Avenue, Prairie Village, Kan.
When: Friday, April 19, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Student Chamber Ensembles. Students of all degree levels perform chamber music.
Where: Diastole, 2501 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Senior recital with Sarah Holmes, violin; Matthew Siegel, piano.
Where: Jesus Christ New Jerusalem Restoration Branch, 1627 E. US Highway 24, Independence, Mo.
When: Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Opera Scenes. Students from the vocal department perform favorite opera scenes.
Where: City Stage at Union Station, 30 West Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: April 19–20, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: A sophomore recital with Emily Foltz, oboe; Lamar Sims, piano; Brandon Crawford, clarinet; Karl Gottschalk, bassoon; Brittany Wasko, viola; Brandon Cornett, cello; and Taylor Gwin, double bass.
Where: Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, April 20, 12 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Conservatory Connections: RIP Ensemble (featuring Mark Southerland and students of composer Paul Rudy.) The museum partners with UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance’s Academy to offer gallery performances for audiences of all ages. Sight, movement and sound mingle in the spaces of the Museum to offer exciting art interactions.
Where: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Gallery 220, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, April 20, 1:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Doctoral recital with Jeff Barbee, euphonium; Patricia Higdon, piano; David Dimmit, euphonium; and Brielan Anderson and Ethan Patterson, tubas.
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Westport Rd, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, April 20, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Master’s recital with Coty Dennis, flute; Dan Velicer, piano.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, April 20, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: The UMKC Gallery of Art will host Push Pin PLUS, a juried exhibition featuring the work of Shawnee Mission high school students.
Where: Fine Arts Building, Room 203, 5100 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: April 15 – April 23. Awards will be given at a reception to be held on Friday, April 19 from 6-8 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: The Beethoven Sonata Project. Beethoven’s Ten Sonatas for piano and violin will be performed over two concerts in one day by Benny Kim, his students, and Conservatory pianists.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Sunday, April 21, 2:30 and 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Master’s recital with Elizabeth Tredent, mezzo soprano; Richard Williams, piano; and Angela Gribble, soprano.
Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Sunday, April 21, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Doctoral recital with Nattapon Banjatammanon, clarinet; Dan Velicer, piano; Kevan Clarkston, viola; and Matthew Siegel, piano.
Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 4805 W. 67th St., Prairie Village, Kan.
When: Sunday, April 21, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Percussion Ensemble. Students from the percussion studio will perform chamber music with guest artists Sunho Kim, violin; and Timothy Jepson and Joseph Petrasek, percussion.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Sunday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Senior recital with James Mitchell, cello; Charles Dickinson, piano.
Where: Second Presbyterian Church, 318 E 55th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Sunday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Senior recital with Benjamin Campbell, trumpet; Dan Velicer, piano; and Lucia Campbell, soprano.
Where: Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Road, Fairway, Kan.
When: Monday, April 22, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Sophomore recital with Michael O’Brien, flute; Dan Velicer, piano; and Katie Howard, flute.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Monday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Guest artist recital with James Miller, trombone; and Patricia Higdon, piano. This event is sponsored by the Conservatory Student Association and the Conservatory of Music and Dance. James Miller is the acting/associate principal trombone for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Monday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Master’s recital with Kay (Yuanyuan) He.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 2:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: A master class with Scott Andrews, clarinet. Scott Andrews is the principal clarinetist of the St. Louis Symphony and director of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: A master class with James Miller, trombone. James Miller is an acting/associate principal trombone for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Where: James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, Room 128, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Brass Chamber Ensembles, directed by JoDee Davis and Tom Stein.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St. , Kansas City, Mo.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Doctoral recital with Alice Anne M. Light, mezzo soprano; Natalia Rivera, piano.
Where: Diastole, 2501 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 7:30pm
It’s free. Get more details.
What: ArtSounds: Creative Collaborations Class. ArtSounds presents: Creative Collaborations Class, featuring the students of Mara Gibson and CONS 438. ArtSounds will kick off its seventh year of collaborative performances by composers, performers, and visual artists with the 2012-2013 Season. Initiated by faculty from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and the Kansas City Art Institute, ArtSounds explores cross-media expression through creative concert-making.
Where: La Esquina, 1000 W 25th St., Kansas City Mo.
When: Tuesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Doctoral recital with Ryan Thielman, trumpet; Matthew Siegel, piano; Patrick Doyle, trumpet; Brett Hodge, horn; Kyle Hall, trombone; Erik Augereau, bass trombone; Brett Jackson, alto saxophone; Ryan Overfelt, guitar; Joel Stratton, bass; and Joshua Blythe, drums.
Where: Rainbow Mennonite Church, 1444 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, Kan.
When: Wednesday, April 24, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Student Chamber Ensembles. Students of all degree levels perform chamber music.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St. , Kansas City, Mo.
When: Wednesday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Fortepiano presentation given by Janice Wenger, professor of piano at the University of Missouri.
Where: Grant Hall, Room 230, 5227 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Thursday, April 25, 1 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Master class with Terry Everson, trumpet.
Where: Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Rd., Fairway, Ks.
When: Thursday, April 25, 4 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Senior recital with Savannah Etter, piano.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Master class with Shiela Kibbe, assistant professor of piano from Boston University.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Friday, April 26, 2013, 10am
It’s free. Get more details.
What: Master class with guest artist Terry Everson, trumpet.
Where: Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Rd., Fairway, Kan.
When: Thursday, April 25, 4 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Violence Prevention and Response Project will host the university’s seventh annual Take Back the Night Rally
Where: At 6:30 p.m. a rally will take place in the UMKC Quad, near 52nd Street and Rockhill Road. Later, sexual assault survivors will speak about their transitions from victims to survivors.
When: Thursday, April 25, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: “Weekend Comedy,” starring Cindy Williams of “Laverne and Shirley,” features two couples who rent the same Catskills cabin for the same weekend by mistake.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Kan.
When: Through June 16.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented this year with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences.
Get more details.