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:  Puttin’ the Disco Back in Discourse
Wednesday Night Fever! Communicating your feelings, dreams, fears and loves  can take many forms. Come to this open-mic event, where presenters will showcase their creativity and let you in on their innermost thoughts. Performances include songs, spoken word, poetry, photography, comedy and music. I think they’re just kidding about disco, but you might want to come and find out if someone channels the BeeGees. It’s happenin’ Wednesday, October 15, from 6-8 p.m. in the iX Theatre on the first floor of Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
It’s free.

                                                         October 15 – 21

What:    Interfaith Dialogue dinner
A dinner to promote mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among people of diverse faiths and cultures in Greater Kansas City Area.
Where:   Student Union, Room 401, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:    Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m.
Tickets required. UMKC students pay $15, other prices for individuals and couples.

What:    Caucasian Chalk Circle
UMKC Theatre graduate production of a Brecht parable.
Where:   Student Union, Room 401, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:    Preview night is Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. The play runs through Oct. 26.
Check the Central Ticket Office for other dates, times and prices.
Still only $6 for UMKC students with ID. Faculty and staff pay $10.

What:    Edgar Snow Symposium:  Two Great Cities Make Music Together
The Conservatories of UMKC and Tianjin, China, celebrate the harmonies of East and West.
Where:  Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:    Friday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10, and are sold through UMKC’s Central Ticket Office.
(816) 235-6222.

What:    Audre Lorde:  The Berlin Years
Audre Lorde’s writings and speeches told American feminists, lesbians and women of color that freedom was within reach. This biographical film is part of the LGBTQIA Film Series.
Where:  Student Union theater.
When:   Wednesday, Oct. 15. The 90-minute movie begins at 7 p.m.
It’s free.

What:    7th Annual Pride Lecture
Dustin Lance Black – screenwriter, producer, director and social activist – fought to strike down Proposition Eight in California, the ban on same-sex marriage; won an Academy Award for his biographical film of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected to public office in California; and marched on Washington. Hear how these activities got him invited and then uninvited to give a commencement address at his alma mater.
Where:  Pierson Auditorium
When:   Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.
It’s free.

What:    Women’s Soccer
Grand Canyon Antelopes jump into the action Friday night, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m, and the Bakersfield Roadrunners kick off on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.
Where:  Durwood Soccer Stadium, 5080 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:   Oct. 17 and 19.
It’s free for UMKC students with ID. Other patrons pay $5 and children under 3 are admitted free.

What:     Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World
The exhibit consists of 30 large educational panels with pictures and dialog inspiring peaceful resolution, and illustrating that each individual plays a part.
Where:   Miller Nichols Library, Room 303, 800 E. 51st Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When:    Tuesday Oct. 14, opening reception and program, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The exhibit continues until Nov. 15.
It’s free, but please email your reservations for the reception or call 816-753-2372.

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 6 images celebrating the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies. This is their 40^th 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 for days and times.
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.
Free parking is available in the Cherry Street garage, levels 5 + 6.
Call 816-235-1502 for more information.
It’s free.