Join us for the FREE opening night reception on Thursday, April 4 from 7 – 8:30 pm. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks and view fine art in a beautiful setting.

AnticKS & MOdels + My theater to your eyes: Kahlil Robert Irving marks the artist’s first institutional exhibition in Kansas and a return to the central Midwest. Irving’s work engages with the current post-industrial landscape and grapples with how tools and technology challenge perceptions of what we see and how we understand information. Irving is interested in using materials to engage abstract ideas around perception and legibility. Growing up in St. Louis, a city that has experienced a sharp population decline in recent years, the artist is constantly learning stories about places that need to be memorialized and not forgotten—places that continue to go unrecognized and unappreciated for their significance.

Irving critically engages the Nerman Museum’s architecture by trespassing its gallery divisions and boundaries. As visitors navigate the walkway, they encounter sculptures of ceramic, painted foam, fabric, granite, marble, wood, in addition to artifacts, and discovered objects drawn from the artist’s personal collection. With AnticKS & MOdels, the artist’s goal is both to fool the eye and the opposite: to make space for viewers to experience more. Irving uses material culture to reflect his own life and memorialize the present. Learn more about this exhibition at nermanmuseum.org.

Join us on April 19th at 5pm for the opening reception for ArtHeals 2024! Featuring the work of over 50 artists, ArtHeals shows the convergence of art and wellness, encompassing various dimensions of physical, mental, community, and spiritual well-being.

Music Theatre Kansas City (MTKC)’s professional company, MTKC Pro, is presenting the regional premiere of Rocky: Live on Stage April 12-28. Based on the academy-award winning film, MTKC Pro is bringing Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed to life in a new immersive multimedia production. All performances will be in MTKC’s theater, B&B Live, inside the B&B Shawnee Movie Theater Complex. Tickets are $20 for students and $30 for adults and are available online at www.mtkc.org. Group rates are available by request [info@mtkc.org]

The cast will be headed by Drew Starlin, a local Kansas City actor who made his Broadway Debut in the original cast of Footloose and has continued to perform professionally all over the country. He is joined on stage by Lawrence legend, Ric Averill as Mickey and Shane St. James as his opponent, Apollo Creed. 15 additional professional actors round out the cast, along with a live orchestra of 14 on-stage musicians, directed by MTKC’s Artistic Director, Julie Danielson. The film and montage elements of the production are directed by Kyle Stone.

Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off.

Her uplifting live performances with her bassist/partner Shawn Nadeau delve into New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk.

Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, Heather’s songs and the duo’s musicianship embody honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart.

***Award-winning blues duo Hudspeth & Taylor open the show.***

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The Green Guitar Folk House music series features nationally touring singer-songwriters.

Tickets are available at the Green Guitar Folk House website or purchased at the door.

For tickets go to: https://greenguitarfolk.org/tickets

We hope you'll join us for our symphonic series finale and celebration of the Overland Park Orchestra's 50th season bringing music to the community of Overland Park. This concert will be a momentous occasion, and the works throughout the concert will be truly fitting. We look forward to celebrating this historic season through a concert filled with festive and celebratory pieces from American composers. The overture to Leonard Bernstein's operetta - Candide will take you on a journey through a bombastic parade of brass and percussion, light-hearted woodwind melodies, beautiful lyrical passages from the strings, and a triumphant finale. This all happens in just about 5 minutes, and it is the perfect way to kick this concert off! Bal Masqué, Amy Beach's tranquil waltz, is a carefree stroll through an enchanting countryside. The music from the Little Mermaid is unmistakable for good reason; it perfectly illustrates an undersea adventure that has dazzled audiences since its inception. World Music is a contemporary piece of orchestral wonder composed by David Maslanka. This piece encapsulates the belief that music making can shine through times of darkness and transform the whole world.

The concert will feature Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite. Sunrise, the opening movement, is based upon a continuously-rising ostinato that builds to a great orchestral climax, as woodwind chirps and twitters stand in for the awakening birds. Painted Desert is a quiet moment of mysterious impressionist effects, portraying the stark beauty and heat of this landscape. On the Trail is Grofé’s famous sound portrait of the donkey trains that carry tourists down into the canyon. After a “hee-haw” of protest and a brief violin cadenza, the donkeys begin a steady pace down the precipitous trail. At the bottom, there is a more lyrical cowboy song, as the tourists rest their saddle sores in preparation for the long ride home. Sunset, opens with a horn call, answered by the main theme, played in rather spooky string timbres. The movement eventually dies away to into darkness. There are many orchestral renditions of thunderstorms, but Grofé’s Cloudburst has to be one of the most effective. It begins quietly, but moves inexorably towards a crashing climax, driven by ostinato-style writing in the brass, and flashes of orchestral lightning. In the end, the storm fades away and is replaced by a broad statement of the cowboy tune from On the Trail. It is a masterpiece of pictorialism and orchestration. Aaron Copland's music from the cowboy ballet - Rodeo is a wild west extravaganza. Hoe Down from the ballet music will bring a smile to anyone's face and is surely to have you tapping your feet throughout. This concert will truly be a celebration of the history of the orchestra and the power that music can have on a community!

John Depew is a Kansas-based musician, songwriter, and traveler with a knack for combining traditional sounds with thoughtful lyrics and intriguing musicality. He has been described as a “midwestern Nick Drake” (Ted Gioia, musicologist) and jokingly refers to his own music as “progressive old-time.” He enjoys exploring new places in both the natural world and in the wilderness within. Combining philosophy, farming, adventure, and family, John’s songs tackle subjects that are often left behind by the mainstream. He is Kansas State Mandolin Champion for 2022 and a member of KCAIC’s Kansas Touring Artist Roster.  Learn more at https://johndepewmusic.wordpress.com/.

If inclement weather occurs, the concert will be moved from the Outdoor Amphitheater to the Full Event Space indoors.

Rubik is a story about Tomas and a group of young people with an array of developmental challenges standing on the cusp of the next phase of their lives. This heart-felt story follows them as they encounter love, fear, stress, excitement, change and hope, along the path to human connection.

Rubik is directed by Rusty Sneary, with movement direction by Vanessa Severo. Matthew Koehler, stage manager. Rachael Honnold, lighting designer. Jeff Eubank, sound designer/operator. Taylor Zimmerman, costumes/properties designer. Cecilia Miller, assistant stage manager.

Spinning Tree Theatre's world premiere production of Rubik is funded in part by generous support from The National Endowment for the Arts and Children's Theatre Foundation of America. 

Rubik is produced in partnership with Camp Encourage, whose mission is to "provide youth on the autism spectrum meaningful experiences in which they build the knowledge, courage, and skills to be empowered participants in the community."

Sensory kits at Rubik performances are provided by Variety the Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City.

The Cedar Creek Social Committee is thrilled to announce the Cedar Creek Art Festival - A one-day-only pop-up immersive wonderland that will bring you into a captivating world of local fine arts. Cedar Creek neighborhood invites residents, art enthusiasts, community leaders, and enthusiastic individuals, and families alike to join together in an afternoon filled with artistic discovery, connections, inspiration, and fun.

Stroll the curated art collection from 100% KC local artists.

Join a professional card maker for a workshop to paint a watercolor greeting card.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live art performances on the main stage. (See performances listed below.)

Children, get lost in fantasy; hunting for Alice in Wonderland characters, swinging from silks, flapping large butterfly wings and twirling ribbons with Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre, Arts Alive Station.

Children can run through the inflatable obstacle course or get creative and make their very own masterpiece at the kids creation station.

One free drink is included with your ticket. Beer or wine for adults, water or juice for kids. And, if you're still thirsty, Tall Trellis Brew Co.  will be serving up beer and wine. Soda and water will also be available for purchase.

Come hungry and purchase treats from our local food trucks - Chillakillers, Chickhoovenswine BBQ, and Disco Gelato.

Grab your complimentary fresh popcorn or cotton candy and check out the sights and sounds.

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We believe in the power of art and connecting with our neighbors in Cedar Creek as well as the Johnson County community to spark joy, connectivity, conversations, and cultivate an atmosphere of creativity. This event is not just about showcasing local fine arts and gifts, but also about celebrating the diverse talents and people that help make our community unique.

FEATURED KC LOCAL ARTISTS

Aaron Howell

Amanda McCollum

Ann Modrcin

Barry Osborn

Catie Walker

Cristina Walker

Donald Osborn

Jay Smith

Karen Baruth

Ken Dela

June Fiola

Kyle Selley

Lovespac3

Marcia Kenley

Nancy Scheer

Natalie Hunsaker

Madeleine Pettes

Tonya Moehlman

Woody Woodward

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LIVE PERFORMERS

Miss Marias Dance-Cheer-Gymnastics

Competition Dance Team-performing solos, duets & group performances

Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre

Mini performance of Wicked and the Ensemble Choir

Adrian Toader

Acoustical Guitar

Lovespac3 

Live Art Demonstration

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Barry Osbourne & Friend

Guitar & Drums

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“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” is a critically acclaimed concert style theatre show about two young boys from Queens who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Using state of the art video projection, incredible lighting and a full live band, “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” is a moving and powerful concert performed in more than 50 countries. Reminiscence as you enjoy all the hits – “Mrs. Robinson,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Boxer,” “The Sound of Silence” and many more. This show is not to be missed!

The Olathe Community Orchestra presents its Annual Scholarship Concert, "Beginnings," featuring 2024 OCO Scholarship Winner Celes Kramer performing the Rondo from Piano Concerto in G, Op. 73, by Hummel, Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3:00 pm, Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 S. Ridgeview Rd, Olathe, KS. Admission free; reception at intermission. The program will also feature works by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Morton Gould. .

Rainy Day Books will host author and renowned local artist Jenny Hahn for a special sharing of her debut book Creative Flow on Thursday, May 2nd from 6:30-8 pm. The free evening program will include an interactive conversation moderated by producer, film critic and arts advocate Lonita Cook. The presentation will be followed by a book-signing with refreshments.

Creative Flow: Tap and Express Your Juicy Essence opens with Hahn’s personal story as a blocked art student suffering from anxiety, self-doubt and an eating disorder, before leading the reader on a hands-on transformational journey home to themself and their innate creative power. It blends simple teachings with real-life stories, writing prompts, mindfulness practices, and creative expression activities using basic art materials. According to Hahn, “We are all creative beings worthy of expression, artist or not. Creativity is inherent.”

Jenny Hahn is a ‘99 graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute and has been a practicing artist in the metro area for more than two decades. Her vibrant acrylic paintings and prints are collected worldwide and licensed for inspirational products, including two oracle card decks. She is a certified mindfulness teacher and co-host of the Creative Nectar podcast, offering talks and tools for heart-centered living in a changing world.

Lonita Cook is a creative producer currently executive producing and costarring in travel show Get Lost! for KCPBS, is a film critic for My KC Live (KCTV5) and Hello Iowa, and is an arts advocate supporting arts non-profits with Kansas Department of Commerce Creative Arts.The event is free; ticketed RSVP is required as seating is limited. Rainy Day Books is located at 2706 W 53rd St, Fairway, KS 66205. Find more information and register at www.rainydaybooks.com.

Join us for the FREE opening night reception on Thursday, May 2 from 7 – 8:30 pm. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks and view fine art in a beautiful setting.

The chamber orchestra Les Violons du Roy takes its name from the renowned string orchestra of the court of the French kings. The group, which has a core membership of 15 players, was brought together in 1984 by Founding Conductor Bernard Labadie and continues under Music Director Jonathan Cohen to specialize in the vast repertoire of music for chamber orchestra.

Using copies of period bows on modern instruments, the ensemble plays works from the Baroque and Classical period with an approach strongly influenced by current research into performance practice in the 17th and 18th centuries. The orchestra also regularly delves into the repertoire of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Les Violons du Roy is at the heart of the music scene in Quebec City and a regular feature on the Montreal cultural calendar. The orchestra is known throughout North America thanks to the many broadcasts of its concerts and recordings on CBC, Radio-Canada and NPR. The ensemble makes regular visits to New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles, and has performed in South Korea, China and dozens of times in Europe at such legendary venues as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Berlin Philharmonie.

Andrés and Christina of 123 Andrés will captivate young listeners, as they move back and forth from Spanish to English in ways that help the whole audience to understand their meaning and sing with them in both languages.

Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively concerts get the whole family dancing and learning in Spanish and English. Their most recent album, “Hola, Amigo: Songs of Friendship,” features collaborations with a diverse range of voices.

The GRAMMY Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer has been hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker, and is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for its wide-ranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosity. They will bring our forty-eighth season to a brilliant close with “Music for a Hidden Chapel” – a moving program marking the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd.

Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively concerts get the whole family dancing and learning in Spanish and English. Their most recent album, “Hola, Amigo: Songs of Friendship,” features collaborations with a diverse range of voices.

Their message was highlighted by the Los Angeles Times and received a National Parenting Product (NAPPA) Award. The group was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Children’s Album for “Actívate” in 2021, “Canta las Letras” in 2019 and “¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés!” in 2015.

Hailed as “Kansas City’s Premier String Quartet” (KC Independent), the Opus 76 Quartet and violist Paul Neubauer, SPA Trio and faculty at The Juilliard School, unite to perform Mozart’s C Major viola quintet & Brahms’ G Major Viola Quintet.

The quartet’s residency, which began as digital artists-in-residence in 2021, saw the group embark on a number of critically acclaimed recording projects in partnership with MTC as part of its innovative digital concert series, “Eat, Drink & Play!”

Violist Paul Neubauer's exceptional musicality and effortless playing led the New York Times to call him “a master musician.” He recently made his Chicago Symphony subscription debut with conductor Riccardo Muti and his Mariinsky Orchestra debut with conductor Valery Gergiev. He also gave the U.S. premiere of the newly discovered “Impromptu” for viola and piano by Shostakovich with pianist Wu Han. In addition, his recording of the Aaron Kernis Viola Concerto with the Royal Northern Sinfonia was released on Signum Records, and his recording of the complete viola and piano music by Ernest Bloch with pianist Margo Garrett was released on Delos.

The Kansas City Musical Club will host a concert Monday May 6th at 12pm in the sanctuary of Asbury United Methodist Church 5400 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS. For information www.KCMusicalClub.org or 913-384-5340

Impassioned by their love for music and belief in its emotional power, pianists Nick Luby and Susan Zhang converted a 16-foot box truck into a fully functioning mobile concert hall, complete with lights, sound system and piano. Their goal is to engage diverse communities and audiences nationwide with thoughtful, timely programming.

Since then, The Concert Truck has toured the country, presenting concerts in city streets, music and arts festivals, schools, neighborhoods and parks... anywhere you can park a truck. Nick, Susan and the Truck have been featured by Voice of America – VOA, Minnesota Public Radio, the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, WYPR Maryland and many local TV news stations, online publications and syndicates.

This outdoor, juried art fair features about 50 fine artists from the region, live jazz throughout the day, children’s art activities, food trucks and wine, craft beer and fine spirits tastings.