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:

Annual African-American Read-In
During the month of February, we honor the literary contributions of authors of color and the significant part that literature plays in Black History Month. The African American Read-In, an initiative of the National Council of Teachers of English, has been celebrated by UMKC’s University Libraries for six consecutive years. Those who would like to participate as readers, please register so you can be part of the day’s agenda.

For all others, come to the iX Theatre at the Miller Nichols Library (800 E. 51st St) on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., for a taste of the finest in literature, music and food for the soul. Oh, and did we mention actual food? UMKC Friends of the Library is providing snacks.
Tracey Hughes, 2015 AARI Chair, can help with your questions:  hughest@umkc.edu.
It’s free.

Feb. 18-24

What:     Noa Even, saxophone, guest artist recital:  Interfaces/inner spaces
Where:   Grant Hall, Room 122, 5227 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo.
When:     Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free.

What:  The Village Square presents Beyond the Melting Pot:  Tossed Salad or Fortress America?
Village Square provides an opportunity to discuss political and social issues without rancor but with good food.
Where: Community of Christ Church auditorium, 1001 West Walnut St., Independence, Mo.
When: Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $10 to $45. Check the website for details.

What: UMKC Knitting Group
Do you knit or crochet or do you want to learn? Join us for knitting, conversation, and fun! All skill levels and fiber arts welcome. If interested in joining the group, please RSVP to Brenda Bethman (bethmanb@umkc.edu) or Kathleen Schweitzberger (schweitzbergerk@umkc.edu). Supplies are not provided.
Where:   UMKC Women’s Center, 5120 Rockhill Road, 105 Haag Hall, Kansas City, Mo.
When:    Friday, Feb. 20, at 12:30 p.m.
Men, please feel free to come. You will be joining the ranks of Russell Crowe, George Lucas, Laurence Fishburne, Sufjan Stevens, and David Arquette.
It’s free.

What: Conservatory Connections: Christopher McLaurin, percussionist
This collaboration features UMKC Conservatory musicians performing at the art museum, combining visual and performing arts to create new interactions.
Where:   Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:     Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m. and a second performance at 2:30 p.m.
It’s free.

What:     Conservatory Choirs: Celebration of Peace Festival
Conservatory choirs join with local high school choirs in the 3rd annual Celebration of
Peace Festival to benefit the Rose Brooks Center. The Center provides a temporary home
for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Where:   Community of Christ Temple, 1001 West Walnut St., Independence, Mo.
When:     Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free, but donations to the Rose Brooks Center are welcome.

What:     Every Body Is Beautiful Week
Information tables are open all week, with facts about body image and eating disorders.
Take part all week in Operation Beautiful and “trash your fat talk.”
Where:   Monday, Feb. 23, Health Sciences Building lobby
Tuesday, Feb. 24, Atterbury Student Success Center
Wednesday, Feb. 25, Royall Hall
When:     Drop by between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It’s free.

What: Hand Print Press National Print Exhibition
The UMKC Department of Art & Art History presents the UMKC Hand Print Press National Print Exhibition, featuring the work of 29 printmakers from across the United States. Exhibited works were selected by juror Dr. Sandra Olsen, who serves as director of the University of Buffalo Art Galleries. The exhibition is sponsored by UMKC Hand Print Press.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, Fine Arts Building 203, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Feb. 26.
It’s free.

What: HEMISPHERES: Sound Photographs from Madagascar
HEMISPHERES is an immersion. Through imagery, song and story, the audience is transported to Madagascar, to isolated corners of this remote island nation, and into an unprecedented collection of songs. This is part of the PortFOLio Series, sponsored by the UMKC Friends of the Library. The College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association and Unbound are cosponsors.
Where: Miller Nichols Library, 800 E. 51st St., Dean’s Gallery, 4th Floor.
When:   The exhibit remains open through Feb. 22.
It’s free.

What: Women’s basketball vs. Seattle University Redhawks
Where: Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m.
The women play again Saturday, Feb. 21, starting at 2 p.m. against the Bakersfield
Roadrunners. The Saturday game is Girl Scout Night, so you can support two
good causes at once.
It’s free to UMKC students with ID. Others pay $5 – $15. Children 3 and under are free.

What: The New Theatre Restaurant presents, “Forever Plaid,” This internationally acclaimed musical revue tells the story of four young, eager, male singers who in 1950 meet their demise in a bus crash on the way to their first big concert. Every evening they return from Heaven to posthumously fulfill their dreams, to perform the concert that never was.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster St., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Opens Feb. 19 and runs through May 3
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.
For tickets and show times, visit the website.

What: Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Co-production of UMKC Theatre with Coterie Theatre of a play by Kate DiCamillo, directed by David Saar.
Where: Coterie Theatre in Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through March 1.
For tickets call 816-474-6552, or go online to http://thecoterie.org/see-a-show.

What: African American Book to Film Series
This series opened Feb. 5 and concludes with “Devil in a Blue Dress” on Feb. 19.
Where:  Miller Nichols Library, Room 151, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:   Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
It’s free.