College Town. City Life.

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: Union Program Board (UPB) Spring 2014 Blowout!

Kicking off the week’s activities is UPB Comedy Night (Monday, April 21) showcasing Will “Spank” Horton and Gina Brillon at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Coffeehouse.
It’s free.

On Tuesday, April 22, UPB invites you to come and experience the Tunnel of Oppression, an interactive event focusing on contemporary issues of power.  Participants will get a deeper understanding of oppression, privilege, and influence. This is an event you don’t want to miss. Self-discovery begins at noon – open until 4 p.m. on the Student Union 4th Floor.
It’s free.

Anna encounters Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman while trying to save her kingdom. UPB wants you to join her in “Frozen,” a critically acclaimed animated film with an award-winning score. The show starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the Student Union Theater.
It’s free.

Roos in the City will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24, for a Trolley Tour illustrating the history of LGBTQIA in Kansas City.  After the tour, the group will have dinner at Hamburger Mary’s. More details are available here by email.
It’s free, but reservations are requested by calling 816-235-1407.

What better way to end the week than with UPB Unplugged, a live concert of show tunes from the Broadway hits “Wicked” and “Hairspray.” Shoshana Bean, who sang the role of Elphaba in Wicked, and Rudy Currence, a Grammy award-winning producer, will blow you away on Friday, April 25. Get to the Student Union Theater before the 7 p.m. start to guarantee yourself a good seat.
It’s free.  

What: UPB Spring 2014 Blowout.
Where: UMKC Student Union and elsewhere.
When: Monday through Friday, April 21-25.
It’s free.

What: Solo video exhibition, Pigeon
Where:  Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 4420 Warwick Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo.
When:  On view from April 18–November 2.
UMKC Connection: Pigeon is the work of Barry Anderson, Professor of Studio Art – Digital Video & Motion Design.
It’s free.

What: Women’s softball doubleheader against Utah Valley
Where: The 3&2 Complex, 9600 Blue River Road, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Friday, April 18, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information, call (816) 23-KCTIX or email Lance Wesson at wessonl@umkc.edu. All tickets are $5.00 general admission, and one admission is good for both games. Children 3 and under are free.

What: Women’s softball against Utah Valley.
Where: The 3&2 Complex, 9600 Blue River Road, Kansas City, Mo. .
When: Saturday, April 19, at noon.
For more information, call (816) 23-KCTIX or email Lance Wesson at wessonl@umkc.edu. All tickets are $5.00 general admission. Children 3 and under are free.

What: “Crossroads Conversations: Rashawn Griffin and Diana Heise with Cristina Albu.” Where: Kemper at the Crossroads, 33 W. 19th Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, April 19, 3 p.m. The gallery is open from noon until 5 p.m.
UMKC Connection: Albu is UMKC assistant professor of Art History – Contemporary.
It’s free.

What: Middle of the Map Film Fest
Where:  Alamo Draft House, 1400 Main, Kansas City, Mo.
When:  Wednesday, April 16 to Sunday, April 20.
UMKC Connection: UMKC Studio Art students are included in the Student Showcase on Saturday, April 19, starting a 1 p.m., as well as animated bumpers to be shown before features throughout the fest.
(Tickets $30)

What: Design Speaks: Jill Bell Brandlettering.
Where:  UMKC Fine Arts Building, Room 106.
When:  Monday, April 21, at 4 p.m.
It’s free.

What: Convergence: Jazz, Film, Dance and the Visual Arts.
Where: Miller Nichols Library, Room 303.
When: Monday, April 21, from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and join artists Sonie’ Joi Ruffin and Glenn North as they discuss the art & inspiration behind the American Jazz Museum exhibition. For more information, visit UMKC Libraries or read the program flyer.
It’s free.

What: 2014 UMKC Juried Student Exhibition. The annual student art exhibit will feature a selection of works by 32 graduate and undergraduate artists across a variety of media. Scholarships will be awarded during the opening reception.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, Fine Arts Building Room 203.
When: Thursday, April 24th-Friday, August 1. The opening reception on Thursday, April 24, is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free parking in the Cherry St. garage, level 5. Visit the website at http://info.umkc.edu/art/umkcgallery/contact/ or email umkcgallery@umkc.edu for more info.
It’s free.

What: UMKC Theatre Contemporary One-Act Plays.
Where:  Studio 116, Performing Arts Center.
When: Thursday, April 24, starting at 7:30 p.m.
It’s free, but please request a reservation by calling 816-235-2782.

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 ongoing art events follows:

What Presence in Touch, MA thesis exhibition by UMKC Studio Art student Liz Black. Where: Beco Gallery, 1922 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo.
When April 4 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:   April 4 through April 30.
It’s free.

What Two-person exhibition featuring Ron Anderson, UMKC Studio Art student. The exhibit launches the opening of Farm to Market Breads 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:  April 4 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 April 4 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:  Friday, April 4 through May 1.
It’s free.


Tags: .
  • Recent UMKC News

    $20 Million Scholarship Article in The Kansas City Star

    KC Scholars partnership also in U.S. News and World Report … Read more

    Geosciences Professor’s Research Cited in New York Times

    Fengpeng Sun co-authored study on California wildfire seasons The 2015 … Read more

    Bloch Faculty Interviewed on NBC Nightly News

    Brent Never teaches about Kansas City’s racial dividing line Never … Read more

    More