College Town. City Life.

Photo by James Allison

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: Conservatory Wind Ensemble
The Conservatory Wind Ensemble, directed by Joseph Parisi, performs with special guests. Chancellor Leo Morton will narrate Lincoln Portrait; and the Washington High School Concert Band, directed by Christopher Green, will perform the National Emblem march. Ensemble performance pieces include Bernstein, trans. Grundman: Slava!; La Plante: American Riversongs; Bagley: National Emblem; Wood: Mannin Veen (Dear Isle of Man): A Manx Tone Poem; Copland, trans. Beeler: Lincoln Portrait; and Sousa, ed. Fennell: The Fairest of the Fair.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9
Tickets are $8 and $6 for seniors. UMKC faculty, staff, and all students are free with UMKC or student ID. Tickets can be purchased online.


Dec. 8 – 15

What: People, Places, and Perceptions: Art by Sharon Gradisching
This new exhibit at UMKC Miller Nichols Library, by artist Sharon Gradisching, is a look into her perspective of art over the last 10 years. The exhibit is a sample of the artist’s creative wanderings while a student at several institutions. Those include the Kansas City Art Institute where, at age 75, she earned a BFA in painting.
Where: Dean’s Gallery, 4th floor, Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
Now through Dec. 20
It’s free.

What: Art in the Square
Art in the Square is an initiative of the City of Kansas City to showcase public art while reinforcing the city’s commitment to investing in local artists. The exhibit represents a unique collection of thought-provoking artwork that ranges from whimsical to innovative. The first Art in the Square exhibit, which will be placed in Washington Square Park, will feature art from five local artists. UMKC Associate Dean of the UMKC College of Arts & Sciences Kati Toivanen will have her “Flowering Wall” on display. Toivanen is also a professor in the UMKC Art and Art History Department.
Where: Washington Square Park, Pershing Road and Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo.
When:
Now through Dec. 21
It’s free.

What: A Christmas Carol
Kansas City’s favorite holiday tradition, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is back for its 35th season for the Kansas City Repertory Theatre at the newly renovated Spencer Theatre. A Christmas Carol is adapted for the stage by Barbara Fields and directed by Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s Producing Director Jerry Genochio.
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 24
Tickets are available from the Kansas City Repertory Theatre online or by calling 816-235-2700.

What: Mr. Burns
Mr. Burns is an imaginative dark comedy that follows a new civilization of survivors as they band together to build a community from the rubble of the world. It’s a look at what happens to humanity after the apocalypse. The play is a co-production with UMKC Theatre and features UMKC graduate actors, designers, stage managers and faculty.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 27
UMKC Connection: The Unicorn Theatre was started by three UMKC Theatre graduates. Ticket prices start at $27.50 and can be purchased online.

What: The Santaland Diaries
The Santaland Diaries is a hilariously irreverent holiday show. It’s David Sedaris’ side-splitting send-up of Christmas and his brief, misguided career as a Macy’s elf. Featuring an uproarious soundtrack of holiday tunes, The Santaland Diaries skewers everything we love, and secretly loathe, about the holidays. See what it’s like for the subversive to work at Santaland, where the only thing more plentiful than good cheer is a good case of the giggles. The play is directed by Eric Rosen and written by David Sedaris.
Where: The Copaken Stage, 1 H&R Block Way Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Dec. 29
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online.

What: Out of Order
A dead body is found on the balcony at the Watergate Hotel by a less than ethical U.S. Senator who has booked the room for nefarious purposes. If the body is discovered, the Senator’s career will tank. So he has his assistant remove it, only to find that it keeps reappearing every time. This crazy shell game involves a conniving waiter, an alert private detective, a suspicious hotel manager, an angry wife, a furious husband, a bungling secretary and an unconscious nurse, creating one of the cleverest and funniest hide-and-seek farces ever written.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When:
Now through Feb. 14, 2016
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: Jennifer Fox Oliverio, Doctoral Lecture-Recital
This is a doctoral lecture-recital for Jennifer Fox Oliverio, trumpet. The topic is “Pushing the Boundaries of Unaccompanied Trumpet Pieces.” Performance pieces include Friedman: Solus; and Recio: Washed (world premiere).
Where: Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8
It’s free.

What: Yi-Miao Huang, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Yi-Miao Huang, violin, with Xueli Liu, piano. Performance pieces include Bach: Sonata for Violin and Keyboard No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1016; Sarasate: Introduction et tarantelle, Op. 43; Dvorak: Romantické kusy (Romantic Pieces), Op. 75; and Prokofiev: Sonata for Violin and Piano no. 2 in D Major, Op. 94a.
Where: Old Mission United Methodist Church, 5519 State Park Rd., Fairway, Kan.
When:
5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8
It’s free.

What: Conservatory Jazz Bands
The Conservatory Concert Jazz Band and 11 O’Clock Jazz Band perform. They are directed by Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas. The program, to be announced from the stage, will be selected from: Maiden: A Little Minor Booze; Navarro: Nostalgia; McBride: Shade of the Cedar Tree; Ellington: Daybreak Express; Hancock: Tell Me a Bedtime Story; Golson: Stablemates; Heath: Sound for Sore Ears; Shorter: Infant Eyes; Nelson: Ballad for Benny; Metheny: 5-5-7; Davis: Freddie the Freeloader; Dietz/Schwartz: Alone Together; and Mintzer: The Red Sea.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8
Tickets: $8, $6 seniors, UMKC faculty, staff, and all students are free with UMKC or student ID. Tickets can be purchased online.

What: Sandra Fernández Vizcaíno, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Sandra Fernández Vizcaíno, flute, with Patricia Higdon, piano. Performance pieces include Telemann: Methodical Sonata for Flute and Basso Continuo in G Major, TWV 41:G4; Casella: Barcarola et scherzo, Op. 4; Messiaen: Le merle noir; Berio: Sequenza I; Schumann: Drei Romanzen, Op. 84; and Boehm: Grand Polonaise in D Major, Op. 16.
Where: Diastole, 2501 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8
It’s free.

What: Joseph Bahamundi, Master’s Lecture-Recital
This is a master’s lecture-recital for Joseph Bahamundi, guitar, with Matthew Marx, tenor. His topic is “The guitar as a muse to authors from the Iberian Peninsula to the Americas.” Performance pieces include Bermudo: Mira Nero de Tarpeya; Milán: Toda mi vida os amé; Betinotti: ¡Desde entonces!; Bahamundi: Improvisation on flamenco soleares form of palos; Simons: El manisero; Reissiger: La dernière pensée musicale de Weber, Op. 26, No. 5; and Koshkin: Usher-Waltz, Op. 29.
Where: Diastole, 2501 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9
It’s free.

What: Student Exhibition
UMKC Department of Art and Art History Digital Video/Motion Design 1 students present their final works in an exhibition.
Where: Vacant Farm, 3333 Roanoke Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10
It’s free.

What: Conservatory Wind Symphony
The Conservatory Wind Symphony performs, directed by Steven D. Davis, with graduate conductors Christopher Kaatz, Derek Shapiro, and Adam Fontana. Performance pieces include Persichetti: Divertimento for Band, Op. 42; Grantham: Southern Harmony; Harbison: Music for Eighteen Winds; and Respighi: Roman Festivals.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10
Tickets are $8 and $6 for seniors. UMKC faculty, staff and all students are free with UMKC or student ID. Tickets can be purchased online.

What: Qizhen Liu, Doctoral Lecture-Recital
This is a doctoral lecture-recital for Qizhen Liu, cello.
Where: Grant Recital Hall, 5227 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10
It’s free.

What: Catherine Lehr Ramos, Doctoral Lecture-Recital
This is a doctoral lecture-recital for Catherine Lehr Ramos, cello.
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St. Mission, Kan.
When:
5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
It’s free.

What: Composers’ Guild
Composition students of all degree levels present new works. Performance pieces include Powell: ai Kænt Spi:k; Morel: Shaded Rhythms; Sprankle: String Quartet; Zhao: Seven Images; Brivik: By The Sea; Henry: Merge; Hill/Jungman/Ahrens/Pojman/Palen/Gruben/Adrian/Willis: The Patchwork Approach; and Fellman: Nursery Rhymes.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
It’s free.

What: Jennifer Murray, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Jennifer Murray, clarinet; with Dan Velicer, piano; Kim Foskett, oboe; and Mark Adair, bassoon. Performance pieces include Rabaud: Solo de concours pour clarinet et piano, Op. 10; Weber: Concerto for Clarinet No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 73; Poulenc: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 184; Harvey: Three Etudes on Themes of Gershwin; and Ibert: Cinq pièces en trio.
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St., Mission, Kan.
When:
12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12
It’s free.

What: UMKC Women’s Basketball vs Denver
It’s Military Appreciation Day, a special day dedicated to veterans and active-duty men and women serving our country. The first 1,000 fans will receive a special UMKC Athletics dog tag. Special in-game entertainment and recognition will be slated to thank the service men and women. If you wish to help sponsor service men and women to join us for the game, please contact 844-UMKC-FAN and ask about our special Military Appreciation packages.
Where: Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission for all home games. Single tickets start at $7 each. To purchase tickets, visit the website.

What: UMKC Men’s Basketball vs Mississippi State
It’s Military Appreciation Day, a special day dedicated to veterans and active-duty men and women serving our country. The first 1,000 fans will receive a special UMKC Athletics dog tag. Special in-game entertainment and recognition will be slated to thank the service men and women. If you wish to help sponsor service men and women to join us for the game, please contact 844-UMKC-FAN and ask about our special Military Appreciation packages.
Where: Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:  4:05 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12
Current UMKC students receive free admission to all UMKC athletic events with ID. Children ages 5 and under receive free admission for all home games. Single tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online.

What: Mei-Chun Chen, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Mei-Chun Chen, viola, with Xiangyu Zhao, piano and Chun Hang Samuel Huang, violin. Performance pieces include Halvorsen: Passacaglia for Violin and Viola in G Minor after Handel; Bartók, rev. Dellamaggiore/Bartok: Concerto for Viola, BB 128; and Franck, trans. Mei-Chun Chen: Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major, M. 8.
Where: Diastole, 2501 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12
It’s free.

What: April Ryun Kim, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for April Ryun Kim, piano, with Laura Zitelli, clarinet and Daniel Yung, cello. Performance pieces include D. Scarlatti: Sonata in B Minor, K. 27; D. Scarlatti: Sonata in E Minor, K. 263; D. Scarlatti: Sonata in A Major, K. 113; Beethoven: Sonata for Piano No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90; and Bruch: Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano, Op. 83.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12
It’s free.

What: Bethany Unruh, Senior Recital
This is a senior recital for Bethany Unruh, soprano, with Xueli Liu, piano. Performance pieces include Mozart: “In uomini, in soldati” from Così fan tutte, K. 588; Mendelssohn-Hensel: Warum sind denn die Rosen so blass; Mendelssohn-Hensel: Nachtwanderer; Mendelssohn-Hensel: Morgenständchen; Bizet: Chanson d’avril; Hahn: Offrande; Fauré: Notre amour; Barber: The Daisies; Barber: The Monk and His Cat; Obradors: Con amores, la mi madre; Obradors: Tres morillas; and Obradors: El Vito.
Where: Hickman Mills Community Christian Church, 5809 East Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13
It’s free.

What: Kelly Birch, Doctoral Recital
This is a doctoral recital for Kelly Birch, mezzo soprano, with Richard Williams, piano. Performance pieces include Elgar: Sea Pictures, Op. 37; and Yeston: December Songs.
Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13
It’s free.

What: UMKC Graduate Fellowship Woodwind Quintet
The UMKC Conservatory Graduate Fellowship Woodwind Quintet performs with Sandra Fernández Vizcaíno, flute; Gregory Stead, oboe; Trevor Stewart, clarinet; Devin Cobleigh-Morrison, horn; and Joshua Draves-Kellerman, bassoon. Performance pieces include Danzi: Wind Quintet in G Minor, Op. 56, No. 2’ Bitsch: Sonatine; Rota: Petite offrande musicale; and Klughardt: Quintet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, and Bassoon, Op. 79.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13
It’s free.

What: Samantha Choi, Senior Recital
This is a senior recital for Samantha Choi, clarinet with Dan Velicer, piano. Performance pieces include Copland: Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra; Weber: Grand duo concertant in E-flat Major, Op. 48; Lutoslawski: Dance Preludes for Clarinet and Piano; Sutermeister: Capriccio for A Clarinet; and Bassi: Gran duetto concertato sopra motivi dell’opera La Sonnambula.
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St., Mission, Kan.
When:
7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13
It’s free.

What: Ryan Thielman, Doctoral Lecture-Recital
This is a doctoral lecture-recital for Ryan Thielman, trumpet.
Where: Green Lady Lounge, Orion Room, 1809 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15
It’s free.

What: Trevor Stewart, Master’s Recital
This is a master’s recital for Trevor Stewart, clarinet.
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd St., Mission, Kan.
When:
5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15
It’s free.


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