Kim Mueller
Freelance Writer
Stories by Kim Mueller
‘Queer Eye’ Cast Boffo Hit at Downtown Library Book Event
By Kim Mueller Molly Vazquez and Erik Crawford huddled four hours in 34-degree weather outside the Downtown Public Library Wednesday night to see “The Fab Five” discuss their new book, “Queer Eye: Love Yourself. Love Your Life.” “We got in line at 2:30 because we wanted good seats,” said Crawford. “We knew how fast the…
Kansas City Streetcar Celebrates the Witching Hour–After Nap Time
By Kim Mueller Halloween came early Wednesday when the Kansas City Streetcar Authority began celebrating the holiday after lunch by handing out treats to little riders. This year’s festivities marked the second time the authority offered trick or treating on the streetcars. However, unlike last year’s event held during the lunch hour, this year’s celebration…
Citywide Open Spaces Arts Festival Includes Works Downtown
By Kim Mueller The weekend rain didn’t dampen artist Ted Riederer’s spirit as he waited for people to record their songs on free vinyl albums at his mobile record store during Kansas City’s Open Spaces art festival. “I’ve cut some magical things, some unbelievable things here,” Riederer said as he stood in his temporary studio…
The Poop on Downtown Dog Owners
By Kim Mueller Combining dog poop and beer seemed like a great idea to Jena Newman who convinced a dozen volunteers to spend their Sunday morning picking up pet waste during downtown’s first “Poo to Brew” event earlier this month. “I’m not scared of any poop,” said Newman, a former Kansas City zookeeper, as she…
Trump Protesters Take to Downtown Streets
By Kim Mueller Before President Trump’s plane even touched down in Kansas City, Tim Kelly of Raytown sat waiting at 8 a.m. for the streetcar to take him from River Market to the protests downtown. “I called in sick from work to do this,” Kelly explained as he held his cardboard sign saying, “Veterans Resist…
Voters Overwhelming Approve Local Funding to Extend Streetcar to UMKC, Next Stop Washington
By Kim Mueller Kansas City voters living within the Main Street Transportation Development District (TDD) overwhelming approved local funding needed to extend the streetcar route 3.5 miles from Union Station to UMKC. “It’s an exciting day to have both questions pass by such large margins,” Jared Campbell, Downtown Neighborhood Association president, said Wednesday. “It just…
Summer Movies and Music Under the Downtown Stars
By Kim Mueller Get your flick fix this summer as free movies begin playing under the stars on Fridays at City Market, Crown Center and beginning tonight at the Central Library. “It’s a great free date night if you’re willing to sweat,” said Sue Patterson, director of marketing and events at City Market where one…
Monster and Music Greets Streetcar Riders Thanks to Art in the Loop
By Kim Mueller Streetcar riders are discovering an extra surprise this summer: a Stranger on a Train riding a Party Car. The soft sculpture monster created by local artist Megan Karson is one of seven art installations, two art performances and eight musical presentations on the streetcar line that started last week as part of…
Two Light Art Evokes Kansas City Cool
By Kim Mueller One hundred years after leaving Kansas City, Ernest Hemingway’s spirit returned when Two Light apartments opened its doors earlier this month. Images of the famous author as well as other celebrated Kansas City residents are immortalized in the tower’s artwork decorating its floors, walls and ceilings. Upon entering the recently-opened luxury apartments‘…
Kansas City Jazz Swings Across Downtown
By Kim Mueller Lonnie McFadden stood smiling beside the piano inspecting his trumpet before beginning his regular gig at The Phoenix where he entertains the Friday night crowd by playing his horn, tap dancing on the bar or singing a variety of songs. “What you have here is a music venue,” McFadden said before beginning…