UMKC’s weekly arts, sports 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 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: Cesar Chavez lecture
Actor Edward James Olmos, the “Olivier of the Latino world,” is celebrated for his talent and creativity. He will provide a glimpse into his life and advocacy efforts on behalf of Cesar Chavez when he delivers the Cesar Chavez Keynote Lecture, “We’re All in the Same Gang.”
His presentation is Tuesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. in Pierson Auditorium, in the Atterbury Student Success Center.
Olmos asks people to unite as the human race. “There’s only one race, and that’s the human race. Period.”
The multi-talented actor, producer, director and community activist was born and raised in East Los Angeles. After many years in theatre, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his part in a musical and his career grew.
In 1988, he received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Jaime Escalante, the eccentric but dedicated math teacher, in “Stand and Deliver,” which he also produced.
Olmos also won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Lt. Castillo on the popular television series “Miami Vice,” and currently has a project in development with ABC.
In April 1999, Olmos launched a nationwide multimedia project called “Americanos: Latino Life in the United States, a celebration of Latino culture through photography, film, music and the printed word,” designed to inspire Latino pride, and to build bridges among Latinos and others.
To register for the event, visit the online registration page or for additional details, contact the Diversity office at 816-235-6728. Free parking is available for attendees in the Cherry Street Garage, 5005 Oak Street, Levels 5 and 6.
Friday, April 11 – Thursday, April 17
What: Cesar Chavez Keynote Lecture featuring Edward James Olmos.
When: Tues., April 15, 6 p.m.
Where: Pierson Auditorium, in the Atterbury Student Success Center, 5000 Holmes St. Kansas City, Mo.
It’s free, but registration is required. Call 816-235-6728 for more details.
What: Women’s softball. Tickets are $5.00, children three and under are free.
Where: Missouri 3&2 Complex, 9600 Blue River Road, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Double header April 12 against South Dakota at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Double header April 17 against Utah Valley at 2 and 4.
Get more information at (816) 23-KCTIX.
What: FC Kansas City vs. Sky Blue FC.
When: Sat., April 12, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Stanley H. Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field.
Single general admission tickets start at $16. Call 855-4-KCGOAL (855-452-4625) or go online to www.fckansascity.com for more details.
What: UPB Cinema: Despicable Me 2.
When: Mon., April 14, at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Student Union Theater.
It’s free. Email bjfg8@mail.umkc.edu for more information.
Minions forever!
What: Design Speaks: Adam Forrester, UMKC Studio Art student.
When: Mon., April 14, at 4 p.m.
Where: Fine Arts Building, Room 106.
Meet the founder of Grape Design.
It’s free.
What: Musica Nova.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St.
When: Thurs., April 17, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Call 816-235-2799 for more information.
The program is directed by Professor Zhou Long, and features a guest artist ensemble, Strike Duo. The audience will be asked to vote for the winner of the 2014 UMKC Chamber Music Composition Competition.
Contestants are Chin Ting Chan: Re(sounding); Zane Winter: Invention; Derek Shapiro: Desert Tide; Shao Zheng: Reverberation; Sean Himmelberg: Electro; and Kenneth Carter: A Mirror on which to Dwell.
What: The New Theatre Restaurant presents, “Miracle on South Division Street,” a comedy by Tom Dudzick.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through June 15.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented in 2012 with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences.
Get more information on the New Theatre website.
A list of art exhibits follows:
What: Presence in Touch, MA thesis exhibition by UMKC Studio Art student Liz Black.
Where: Beco Gallery, 1922 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 25.
It’s free.
What: New World Currency, solo exhibition by UMKC Studio Art and Art History. student Christel Highland.
Where: MLB Designs, 2020 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 30.
It’s free.
What: Exhibition featuring Ron Anderson, UMKC Studio Art student.
The exhibit launches the opening of Farm to Market Bread’s new art space, and a raffle will be held to benefit Healthy Rivers Partnership and the Rose Brooks Center.
Where: Hearth Gallery Art Space, 100 E. 20th Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through April 30.
It’s free.
What: The Center is a Moving Target, exhibition of 12 artists, including Ricky Allman, UMKC Associate Professor of Studio Art and Painting.
Where: Kemper at the Crossroads, 33 West 19th Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through August 1.
It’s free.
What: Illuminated, a photography and multimedia exhibition of the work of Lacy Voight and international HALO youth, co-curated by Sara Camiscioni, UMKC Art History student.
Where: OutPost Worldwide, 1919 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through May 1.
It’s free.