Michael Raiford | Becoming a Set Designer
“Just go out and find it and do it.” Michael Raiford, set designer for the Kansas City Ballet’s “The Wizard of Oz,” says he “fell” into the profession, but encourages other aspiring set designers to get their feet wet wherever they can. Every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 12, Flatland looks at the various people…
Tap List | Strawberry Hill Brewing Co. In The Works
You never know what happens when you talk to your neighbors. Derek Kempf was on paternity leave three years ago from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, and he was chatting with Larry Murray, who lived across the street. The two decided to try a test batch of home brew. A wit went wrong. A…
Hy-Vee Arena Opens, Bringing New Bounce to Bottoms
By Kevin Collison The Hy-Vee Arena formally opened last week in the West Bottoms at a ceremony where developer Steve Foutch was saluted for his vision and perseverance in reviving what had become a costly white elephant for the city, the former Kemper Arena. “Six years ago, he approached us with the idea of a…
The Rise and Fall of an Overland Park Icon
Metcalf Avenue is certainly not the Champs-Élysées, but at one time, a French-themed market loomed large — like a medieval castle — above Overland Park’s main drag. This superstore, in fact, was named the French Market, and curiousKC delved into the history of the place at the behest of Quentin Brewer, a Mission, Kansas, resident…
Parlor Food Hall Finds Recipe for Success in East Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Parlor, the new East Crossroads food hall, has crushed the expectations of its Atlanta-based developer its first couple of weeks of operation, quickly becoming the hip dining spot for thousands. “It blew our minds,” said Davis Engle of Meriwether Companies. “We exceeded our revenue projections in the first week by double. “We…
Start a Classic Brunch with a Stack of Airy, Tangy Pancakes
A stack of fluffy, golden pancakes is the perfect starting place for a standout brunch, delivering piping hot cakes with distinct sweet tang and an open, airy texture. Buttermilk was a must. It contributed to the pancakes’ flavor and, with some leavening help from small amounts of baking powder and baking soda, it also created…
Jason Kander, President Trump, Patrick Mahomes and … George Smith?
KCPT’s Nick Haines, executive director of public affairs and Week in Review host, picks out the big stories of the week ahead and the interesting stories you may have missed. Kander Quits Mayor’s Race The man some believed was the frontrunner to be Kansas City’s next mayor has pulled out of the race. Former Missouri…
Better Block KC Tames Oak Street in Crossroads
By Kevin Collison A stretch of Oak Street in the Crossroads will be a lot chiller through Oct. 27 thanks to Better Block KC, a “tactical urbanism” design group. Last Sunday, about a dozen volunteers with the group transformed a two-block section of Oak between 17th and 19th streets from what sometimes can be a…
Devon Carney | Becoming an Artistic Director
As the Artistic Director for the Kansas City Ballet, Devon Carney knows the significant impact he can have on a ballet dancer’s career, which often is only 15 years or so. Along with that commitment to his dancers, he’s equally as committed to the audience experience, and ensuring their first visit isn’t their last. Every Tuesday and Thursday through…
Ciderfest & Other Weekend Possibilities
Update: Ciderfest has been postponed because of the weather. It’s been rescheduled for next Saturday, Oct. 13, and Sunday, Oct. 14. The Louisburg Cider Mill hosts Ciderfest on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Louisburg, Kansas. You can watch cider being pressed, eat apple cider donuts,or get a caramel apple. This is…
Sympathetic Vibrations | The Great Wide Open
It was a tensely muted scene at The Rino on Monday night, especially considering the small crowd. Almost all of the room’s high-top tables were occupied by parties of one – many of whom sat quietly with a fidgety, nervous energy. Assorted instruments, packed away tightly behind soft, zippered bags and road cases, lined the…
Power & Light District Adding Hotel Karaoke, Expanded No Other Pub
The Kansas City Power & Light District is adding a new karaoke concept to the second floor space in the KC Live! block formerly occupied by the Hotel Night Club. The new Hotel Karaoke is expected to open for private events this December and will have a grand opening in early 2019, according to a…
West Bottoms Whiskeys Found a Home on 13th Street
A wolf howl splits the afternoon quiet as a truck slowly backs up to a loading bay in the West Bottoms. The garage door at 1321 13th St. rolls up and Alex Lindsey steps out to see what’s happening in the shadows of Kansas City’s haunted houses. There’s chalk drawings on the concrete floor behind…
Crossroads Shapes Up with New Men’s Barber Shop
By Kevin Collison The influx of new businesses and services in the Crossroads now includes a men’s barber shop in the mix. Dane Casey has opened his Venturemen Barbering Shoppe inside the EAST + WEST men’s clothing store at 1828 Grand Blvd. He offers what he describes as “high-quality men’s grooming” that includes haircuts, beard…
Ramona Pansegrau | Becoming a Music Director
At the age of four, Ramona Pansegrau decided she was going to be a concert pianist. And that’s exactly what she did. Now, as the Music Director for the Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” she stresses to other young musicians that loving what you do is the driving force behind success. Every Tuesday and…