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:  Roomful of Teeth
While you were watching Katy and Rihanna on the red carpet, Roomful of Teeth was giving what Rolling Stone described as “one of the best musical moments” of the Grammys and what the Daily Illini called “the best performance you probably didn’t see.”

Roomful of Teeth’s eight singers use the human voice in astounding and non-traditional ways, and they funded their first album through Kickstarter. They won a Grammy this year for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. Now factor in their Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, and you’ve got music worth a listen.

And, you’ve got two chances to hear them! First, on campus…

What:     Conservatory Convocation: Roomful of Teeth and Caroline Shaw
Where:   White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center.
4949 Cherry St.
When:    Tuesday, September 2, noon to 1 p.m.
Contact 816-235-2799.
It’s free!

So, let’s say you messed up and didn’t get to that performance. Next up…

What:    Roomful of Teeth and Caroline Shaw
Where:  OfficePort, 208 W. 19th St., in the Crossroads.
When:   Tuesday, September 2, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Contact 816-235-2799.
It’s free!

                        Wednesday, August 27 to Thursday, September 4, 2014

What: LGBTQIA Programs & Services
9th Annual Welcome Week Ice Cream Social.
Where: University Walkway — Between Swinney Rec and Miller Nichols Library.
When: Thursday, August 28, 2014, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
It’s free. Yum.

What: Zumba Under the Stars
Twilight is a very forgiving time of day, so come get footloose, have a heart-pumping good time that feels more like a party than an exercise class, and learn some new dance steps.
Where: Durwood Athletic Field (in case of rain, Old Swinney Gym).
When: Thursday, August 28, 2014, 8 – 9 p.m.
It’s free.

What: The New Theatre Restaurant presents, “Murder Among Friends,” a comedy by Bob Barry starring Morgan Fairchild. Don’t give me that blank look. She portrayed Chandler Bing’s mother on “Friends.”
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through Nov. 2.
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.
Get more information on the New Theatre website.

What: Labor Day Holiday – University Closed.
Where: Volker and Hospital Hill campuses.
When: Monday, Sept. 1, 2014.
You’re free.

What:  Barry Anderson, Professor of Studio Art – Digital Video & Motion Design
Solo exhibition Pigeon – Anderson’s single-channel video installation Pigeon (2001) (7:37 minute loop) engages the viewer in both the activity and stillness of a site. Accompanied by the existing sounds present in the piazza the video grounds us in a sense of real-time for a brief and unexpected exchange.
Where:  Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 4420 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
When:  Now through November 2, 2014.
It’s free.