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: UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance Wind Symphony
At the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
You heard me right! On Friday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m., our own UMKC Conservatory Wind Symphony playing in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman – a terrific wind symphony performing at one of this country’s most celebrated venues. The program includes John Adams, “Grand Pianola Music;” Steven Bryant, “Concerto for Wind Ensemble;” and John Corigliano, arr. McKenzie, “Tournaments.”
If your Founder’s Week celebration needs a jump start, this is it. And here’s the kicker – tickets are only $10 for UMKC faculty, staff and students with ID. Some Kauffman Center fees are added to all sales.
The group is directed by Steven D. Davis, professor of conducting, who has crisscrossed the globe, playing, leading ensembles and teaching. Let’s give him some home-town support by filling the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.
September 23 – October 1
What: Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents “Our Town.”
Where: Helen F. Spencer Theatre, Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now until September 28.
Reviewers say, “Don’t miss it.”
Students and those 18 and under pay $20. Other ticket prices range from $20 to $60.
What: The Regalia Run
Founders’ Week begins on Friday, September 26, but you have to wait until Sunday, September 28, for the second annual UMKC Regalia Run/ Walk 5K and kids’ Kangaroo Hop. The course takes you through the heart of UMKC’s beautiful Volker campus. This year’s Regalia Run 5K is hosted in partnership with UMKC Athletics. Proceeds from the Regalia Run go to support UMKC student scholarships. To register, join the fun and support UMKC students, visit the website for details.
Where: University Walkway, 51st St. between Cherry and Holmes.
When: Sunday, Sept. 28. The 5K gets underway at 8:30 a.m. and the Kangaroo Hop at 9:30 a.m.
You also may sign up on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Student Union Theater, 5100 Cherry, or Sunday, Sept. 28, at the University Walkway, 51st St. between Cherry and Holmes beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Cost: Those who register by Friday, Sept. 26, pay $30 ($25 for a team of three or more, $10 for a Hopper.) After that, it will cost you $35, $30 and $12.
What: Block Party
Stick around for the Block Party, a celebration of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s 50th year. There is something for everyone: art booths, prize drawings every hour, a tent for the kids, food trucks, face painting, karaoke, AND live performances throughout the day by KC Rep, UMKC Theatre, The Coterie, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, MET, KC Ballet, KC Symphony and the Unicorn Theatre. PLUS, Hearts of Darkness, an afrobeat, hip-hop, funk, soul collective. If you don’t have fun at the Block Party, then you don’t have a pulse.
Where: South of the Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Sunday, Sept. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It’s free.
What: UMKC Night at Sporting Park
Major League Soccer match between Sporting KC and the New England Revolution. This is a rematch of the 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Order tickets through Ticketmaster.com or go to the stadium box offices on gameday.
Where: Sporting Park, One Sporting Way, Kansas City, Ks., west of I-435 off State Avenue.
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.
Cost: Prices start at $24.50 for standing room.
What: 2014 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards Exhibition
Where: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
When: The show runs now through December 21.
Gallery hours are Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
UMKC Connection: Garry Noland is an alum (BA) of the UMKC Art History program.
It’s free.
What: Women’s Volleyball. The Roos host the Cougars of Chicago State.
Another reason to be happy about Founders’ Week.
Where: Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m.
Cost: Roos, keep that student ID handy to get in free. Others pay $5, children under 3 are free.
What: Men’s Soccer. UMKC-style soccer match under the lights in the cool fall air.
The purple Central Arkansas Bears arrive for a 7 p.m. outing.
Where: Durwood Soccer Stadium, 5080 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Tuesday, September 23.
It’s all for the low, low price of zero dollars if you bring your student ID. Other patrons pay $5 or $7.
What: New Letters on the Air and BkMk Press join forces to bring you a night of radio, drama and new fiction. Catherine Browder, fiction writer, playwright and UMKC alumna, will discuss her new book, “Now We Can All Go Home: Three Novellas in Homage to Chekhov,” with New Letters on the Air host Angela Elam. Browder’s readings will be juxtaposed with vignettes of Chekhov’s plays performed by UMKC theater students.
Where: White Recital Hall, Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.
It’s free, but you are requested to register.
What: 2014 Kansas City Flatfile Exhibition
Where: H&R Block Artspace, 16 E 43rd St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Sept. 27
Hours are Tuesday through Friday: Noon to 5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday.
UMKC Connection: Group exhibition including Maryanna Adelman (MA Studio Art alum), Ricky Allman (Associate Professor of Studio Art), Jamie Bates Slone (Adjunct Instructor), Justin Beachler (BA Art History alum), Joe Bussell (former MA Studio Art student), Adam Finkelston (MA Studio Art alum), Jennie Frederick (former Studio Art student), Elijah Gowin (Professor), Robert Howsare (Adjunct Instructor), Susi Lulaki (MA Studio Art alum), Garry Noland (BA Art History alum), Kati Toivanen (Professor), and Davin Watne (Lecturer)
For more information, contact umkcgallery@umkc.edu, or call 816-235-1502
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.
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.
What: 2014 Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards Exhibition
Where: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
When: Opens Thursday, September 11 with Opening Reception at 6 p.m. Garry Noland and other artists will speak on their work at 7 p.m. in the museum’s Hudson Auditorium.
The show runs now until December 21
Gallery hours are Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
UMKC Connection: Garry Noland is an alum (BA) of the UMKC Art History program.
It’s free.
What: Exhibit – History of Nursing
The exhibit is a timeline documenting the contributions of the nursing profession from 55 AD until present day, with the last six images celebrating the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies. This is their 40th anniversary as a school.
Where: Link Gallery, ground floor, Miller Nichols Library.
When: Sept 18 through November 7, 2014.
The exhibit can be viewed during regular library hours. Check the web site
It’s free.
What: Reading by Cockefair Chair poet in residence Ellen Bryant Voigt.
Her hosts are the English Department Creative Writing Program, the Friends of the Library and the Carolyn Benton Cockefair Chair.
Following the reading, there will be a book signing and reception sponsored by the UMKC Friends of the Library.
Where: Miller Nichols Learning Center, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo., 4th floor.
When: September 23 at 7 p.m.
It’s free.
What: “Where Do Memories Go When We Forget?” – Shel Asher’s MA Thesis exhibition. Diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013, Asher has undergone surgery, hair loss and seven rounds of chemotherapy. These experiences have inspired her art, which addresses her ideas about scars, appearance, memory and amnesia.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art
When: From Thursday, September 25 to Friday, October 17.
On opening night, there will be a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.
Free parking is available in the Cherry Street garage, levels 5 and+ 6.
Call 816-235-1502 for more information.
It’s free.