Actors Theatre "Marion Bridge" review by Robert Trussell

With Daniel MacIvor’s “Marion Bridge,” Kansas City Actors Theatre presents a delicately crafted play graced by three strong performances about sisters trying to make sense of their lives in rural Nova Scotia.

more at kansascity.com

Fringe Festival, City in Motion photos by Mike Strong

City in Motion gave mutiple shows at La Esquina across several evenings with a rotation of various performances representing performing groups within City in Motion and representing classes at CIM.

more at KC Dance

Turtle Island Quartet interview with the Lied Center

Turtle Island Quartet founder and violinist David Balakrishnan talks with the Lied Center about the jazz-classical ensemble's 25th anniversary and about performing with jazz piano and mandolin masters. They will perform at the Lied Center of Kansas on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Art Institute filmmaking demo reel

KCAI Digital Filmmaking Reel Fall 2009. Includes work by: Chris Durr, Joe Fuller, Matthew Wilson, Alyssa Lundgren, Kevin Berg, & Helio Leon.

Kansas native Eric Stonestreet wins Emmy

For his family, friends and fans back here, Eric Stonestreet got the party started early Sunday night with an Emmy win for best supporting actor in the ABC comedy "Modern Family."

more at kansascity.com

Filmmaker Ky Dickens to speak at UCM

The UCM Gallery of Art and Design and Visiting Artist Lecture Series will host award winning documentary filmmaker Ky Dickens Saturday, Sept. 11.

more at the University of Central Missouri

How to Play Piano in Three Hours workshop

If you’ve ever wondered how it’s done, mark September 14, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on your calendar. That’s when Olathe Parks and Recreation brings in Rachel Keck to teach the nationally renowned “How to Play Piano in Three Hours” workshop.

more at Infozine

kcjazzlark dissects the Rhythm & Ribs Festival

Everyone else thinks they can do it better. But they can’t. Among the lessons learned in my years of planning jazz festivals is that, when you announce your schedule, everyone else in the world who cares thinks they could have done a better job. They know who they would have booked that you did not.

more at kcjazzlark

Lawrence Arts Center shoe fundraiser for dancers

The Lawrence Arts Center kicked off a fundraising effort Sunday for the LAC’s Dance Shoe Scholarship Fund.

more at the Lawrence Journal-World

Finalists compete for KC Superstar

Eleven finalists of the KC Superstar competition will vie for the title of the area’s best high school singer at 7 p.m. Sunday in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College.

more at kansascity.com

Chris Eldridge, Punch Brothers interview with Lied Center

Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile guitarist Chris Eldridge speaks with the Lied Center about how the band got its destinctive sound and its unique name. They will appear at the Lied Center of Kansas on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
 

Ethnic Festival, Mexican Folkloric Dancers photos by Mike Strong

photos at KC Dance

Scenic Roads Productions demo reel

Bach Aria Soloists 2010-11 Season

• October 17: Lerner Hauskonzert
• December 12: Holiday Hauskonzert
• February 25 & 26: Night of Tango
• April 3: Herman Hauskonzert
• June 4: Bach & Jazz Inventions with Bobby Watson 

more at www.bachariasoloists.com

Lawrence Community Theatre getting change of address

Plans to move the Lawrence Community Theatre to a new site near Sixth and Wakarusa soon will take center stage.

more at the Lawrence Journal-World

KC Actors Theatre "Marion Bridge" preview by Robert Trussell

Kansas City Actors Theatre is all about sibling drama this summer.

more at kansascity.com

Ethnic Festival Turkish Dance video by Mike Strong

Six-minute video from a Turkish Dance Group at the KC Ethnic Festival (Aug 2010) edited for Nicole English's World-Dance Class to show one of the folkloric styles she goes over.

We had both gotten to the festival a bit later than we wanted, especially since we originally really wanted to see the Turkish troup (we like them) and were delighted when there was still just enough to see.

I really enjoy the direct-to-the-earth energy of what I like to call "root" dances. Even though I also like ballet and so forth, all of those gain their foundational energy from the folk, so to speak.

One of the really attractive features of folkloric traditions is the community identification and unity it brings. There is such a casual merger of simply conversation and dancing that it belies just how well the dance is done, something you can test with the three stills I shot which I placed at the very end to see how tight the group is (all their feet are in the air in each, and all on the same support and raised legs).

Lyric Arts Trio preview by Patrick Neas

“Summer Music at the Cathedrals” will end its 2010 series with the zephyr-like sounds of clarinet, voice and piano.

more at kansascity.com

KC Actors Theatre "Marion Bridge" review by T.Winchester

Opening Night Review: Magnificent Production, Cast, and Play

Rating: 5

Marion Bridge

Kansas City Actors Theatre

Marion Bridge at KCAT is a definite "don't miss" play featuring the collective talent of four of the most sublime female theatricians that Kansas City has to offer. Directed with insightful finesse by local theatre veteran Kathleen Warfel, the production features the artistic genius of Jan Rogge, Cinnamon Schultz and Rachel Hirshorn as three Nova Scotian sisters who must come to terms with the death of their mother and its aftermath.

The play, written by Daniel MacIvor, takes us from the three sisters' rocky reunion to their collective and individual search for a means of dealing with their mother's death. Ultimately, this play is about a search for a new life and sense of self identity. Along the way, the three learn about one another and develop a new understanding of their relationships, their family history, and their potential to be much more than separate entities who are simply related by blood ties. While they develop a clearer understanding of their past, they also find a path toward the future together and discover their true selves along the way.

The play runs two hours and fifteen minutes (60 minutes for each act, plus a fifteen-minute intermission), but the time flies by. If this is a precursor to the new fall theatrical season in Kansas City, we are in for a real treat.

read the review at KC Stage

Starlight "Producers" review by TheatreDiva

A muted affair

Rating: 3

The Producers

Starlight Theatre Association

From the plastic chairs with cup holders to the singing of the national anthem, Starlight Theatre has a very baseball-like feel. And live theatre, like live baseball, has that chance to give people who don't normally go the reason those of us do - the draw of being larger than life yet immediate and real.

Unfortunately, their production of "The Producers" never seems to stretch beyond a TV representation.

Now, don't get me wrong - I try very hard to not compare versions. Comparing a book to a movie or a movie to a theatre production isn't fair to either version, as the different mediums have different pluses and minuses.

However, by seeing in the special features of the DVD that the movie version of "The Producers" was intentionally directed to be as much like the stage version as possible, combined with reading an article that stated the actors who replaced Lane and Broderick on Broadway (and are currently starring in this version at Starlight) were directed to be as much like Lane and Broderick as possible, it's virtually impossible to not compare this production to the movie that I know and love.

Starlight's production seemed muted, from the sound system where it felt more like I was eavesdropping on a conversation than listening to a 'larger-than-life' production, to a limited dance number for "I Wanna Be a Producer" that's supposed to be a showstopper but only had five or six chorus girls and an empty stage. The muted quality didn't get much better with the obviously fake sound effects of Franz Liebkind supposedly falling and breaking his legs or the gunshots (whereby the click of the empty round was actually louder than the gunshot). And with such a heavy emphasis on recorded sound effects, they couldn't be bothered to use a recording of Mel Brooks' own voice (as is done in the Broadway version) for the "don't be stupid, be a smarty - come and join the Nazi party" line?

While Brad Oscar as Max does seem to be channeling Nathan Lane in his performance, Roger Bart seemed more like French Stewart than Matthew Broderick (or even his own interpretation). And director Mark Madama didn't seem to be too concerned with sight lines, as sitting house right, I was able to see too many things I shouldn't, from the preparation of the couch gag during "That Face" to people running behind the curtain during "I Wanna Be a Producer".

The slapstick failed several times, as it was too obvious of fake slaps and punches, and there were a couple of early cues. However, as with the movie, the pigeons and actual "Springtime for Hitler" song, steal the show.

It wasn't a bad show - it, for the most part, was well acted and the songs were spot on. It's just that it could've been so much more, and I walked away wondering what the big deal about this show is. I was whelmed.

Angie Fiedler Sutton

read the review at KC Stage

KC Symphony promo

Starlight "Producers" review by John Coovert

As it proved last season with Anything Goes, the Starlight production staff can put on a heck of a show as, pardon the pun here, producers with no national touring company thank you very much. If anything they are better off as I ended up finding The Producers to be the most enjoyable production at the theater so far this summer season.

more at Lost in Reviews

Dave Stephens Jazz Circus at Screenland Armour

Six minute extract edit from Dave Stephens at the Screenland Armour theater on July 3, 2010 in North Kansas City, Missouri.  The music for each cut belongs to that particular visual and they are all blended together both for visual and for music.

KC Urban Film Festival preview by Jerry Rapp

When Reggie Harris and Shawn Edwards began talking about year two of a local film festival that promotes cultural diversity, they didn't realize that out of Kansas City might spring a showcase that would eventually reach international proportions. But this is exactly what seems to be unfolding for the Kansas City Urban Film Festival. 

more at Review

YJ's Jazz Jam performance

YJ's Jazz Jam recorded on Sunday, January 17, 2010.  (Part 1 of 11)

more at Youtube

Pianist Adam Gyorgy interview with the Lied Center

Pianist Adam Gyorgy chats with the Lied Center about debuting at Carnegie Hall and the audience's importance to the performance. He appears at the Lied Center of Kansas on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m.

Starlight "Producers" review by Mark Edelman

Give Starlight honcho Denton Yockey two thumbs up. Call those thumbs Brad (Oscar) and Roger (Bart), surround them with a top-flight cast on the big national tour set and you’ve got the makings for a very entertaining night out in Swope Park at The Producers. Starlight, you done good.

more at KC Confidential

Living Room "This is How it Goes" review by Robert Trussell

The Living Room's well-acted production of Neil LaBute's "This Is How It Goes" attains a serendipitous social resonance thanks to all the recent chatter about Dr. Laura Schlessinger's repeated use of a racial epithet on her call-in show.

more at kansascity.com

Traditional Music Society, Soundz of Africa performance

Soundz of Africa showcase Saturday May 8, 2010. Soundz of Africa is a part of The Traditional Music Society of Kansas City. Recorded at St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 28th and Troost in Kansas City, Missouri

Relics remain of Charlie Parker's past

I’ve written before how the site of the home of history’s greatest alto saxophonist, the home where Charlie “Bird” Parker grew up in Kansas City, is today a part of warehouse grounds. I’ve written how Eddie Baker of the Charlie Parker Foundation lobbied city councilmen at the time it was leveled, decades ago, to save it. But he was told it was just another old house that the city was going to raze. And they did.

more at kcjazzlark 

and Plastic Sax has this note about Parker's birthday

KCPT cuts make local programming difficult

It was early July, and Haines, the host of KCPT’s “Kansas City Week in Review,” had just launched “The Local Show,” a monthly public affairs program he planned to start producing weekly in the fall.
Then came word that KCPT management had conducted another round of layoffs. Among those let go was a videographer-editor who worked on “The Local Show.”

more at kansascity.com

Brookside chef to appear on "The Next Iron Chef"

Word goes out today that Tio, chef/owner of the trendy Julian bistro in Brookside, is one of 10 lucky chefs chosen to appear on the Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef,” the spinoff show that feeds contestants to “Iron Chef America.”

Read more: kansascity.com

Digital Milk demo reel

Digital Milk respects the reel. For sure... the reel does not pay you, but it does let you show all these pretty pictures we've been making. Respect.

Starlight "Producers" photos by Fran Mattox

more at kansascity.com

City in Motion performances at the KC Fringe Festival

Shot at La Esquina (the corner) during the KC Fringe, Olé Flamenco was giving a performance here within the City in Motion program.

Very short extract from Zonte Warren's group at the KC Fringe dancing within the City in Motion program. Zonte (the lanky guy with the wrap-arounds who does the back flip) teaches a Hip Hop class at city in motion. July 31, 2010 at La Esquina

Musician re-examines life after Parkinson's

Drew Dimmel says he has watched the best parade in the world pass by the last 62 years – his life. One parade float includes Drew’s days with The Classmen, a ’60s and ’70s evolving-lineup band with his younger brother, Doug, who gained regional popularity with hits like “Julie” and “Graduation Goodbye.” In their heyday, The Classmen opened for big names Ike and Tina Turner, The Guess Who, Chicago and The Mamas and The Papas.

more at The Examiner

Heartland Men's Chorus performs "I Shall Miss Loving You"

Heartland Men's Chorus performs "I Shall Miss Loving You" during their concert "And Justice for All." For more information about the Chorus, visit http://www.hmckc.org

Renaissance Festival preview

The KC Renaissance Festival is back in town and you definitely don’t want to miss it. When else can you dress up like a fairy or in a full suit of armor and not get any weird looks? In fact, the more outlandish your outfit is, the more compliments you’re likely to receive. Feel free to go overboard with glitter, corsets, Medieval accents, turkey legs and mead.

more at KC Free Press

KC Actors Theatre "Marion Bridge" review by SwizzleStick

Marion Bridge is a gem

Rating: 5

Marion Bridge

Kansas City Actors Theatre

I checked out KC Actors Theatre's Marion Bridge at a preview last week and was thoroughly charmed.  This is a relatively simple, quiet show that packs a real punch. It is funny and sad and just so darn human!  These gals are great - all three of them.  Jan Rogge has never been better, Rachel Hirshorn is a real discovery (recent UMKC grad) and Cinnamon Schultz is typically very good. They all really get under the skin of these characters and bring the story to wonderful life.  It is one of those evenings that reminds you why going to the theater can be so rewarding.  I recommend it very highly.


read the review at KC Stage

Starlight "Producers" review by Robert Trussell

It's a sublime feeling to realize in the opening minutes of a show, you're in the hands of a couple of pros.

more at kansascity.com

Fringe Festival seeking submissions for Fall Fringe Shorts

The KC Fringe Festival is hosting its Second Annual Fall "Fringe Shorts" event on October 8th and 9th, 8:00 pm, in conjunction with the US Association of Fringe Festivals' Annual Conference.  "Fringe Shorts" provides the opportunity for aspiring and seasoned artists to share their talents while increasing visibility and excitement for the KC Fringe Festival.  It will be an evening of Fringe performances, including theatre, dance, music, visual art, and more.  All proceeds will benefit the KC Fringe Festival operations.

If you would like to participate in our Fall "Fringe Shorts," please complete the application available online at www.kcfringe.org, in our "Upcoming Events" section.  Please note that all artists are non-paid positions.  There are no stipends or reimbursements; however, housing may be available for artists traveling to Kansas City.

All artists will be responsible for casting, rehearsing and producing their individual pieces. If you choose to produce a script we will be happy to assist with casting by hosting an open audition on Monday, August 30th at Fringe Central.  Please indicate in your application if you would like to participate.

Technical rehearsals will be determined once a venue has been chosen, and may be limited to the morning and afternoon of October 8th.

Application Deadline: August 28th, 2010. For more information, please contact Christa Danner at christadanner@kcfringe.org.

EMU "Cat Scratch Theatre" review by Thomas C. Hardy

The Grim Reaper is shamed, graves are being filled back in, and everyone gets one question before they’re sent to heaven or hell. Such are some of the realities presented in EMU’s “Cat Scratch Theatre,” the purported 10-play (actually 11-play) series of shorts designed to entertain, excite, trick and tease.

more at the Lawrence Journal-World

Nathan Granner, Jeffrey Rukaman interview by Alex Smith

Kansas City musicians Nathan Granner and Jeffrey Rukaman have a new take on the iconic 1955 Frank Sinatra album.

listen at KCUR

KC Rep "Saved" interview with director Gary Griffin

In a meeting with the cast/crew and staff at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Director Gary Griffin talks about his vision for the upcoming new musical SAVED. SAVED will play at the Rep's Spencer Theatre from Sept. 10 through Oct. 3.

Starlight "The Producers" review by T.Winchester

'Fuhrer Furor': Worth it for that joke alone . . .

Rating: 4

The Producers

Starlight Theatre Association

It was a beautiful night for a musical comedy at Starlight, and "The Producers" doesn't disappoint. Brad Oscar as Max Bialystock and Roger Bart as Leo Bloom were--quite deservingly--the big stars of this show, but talented local actress Cathy Barnett stole the audience's attention when she came onstage as "Hold Me-Touch Me" and the "Showgirl Reject."  Kilty Reidy (Roger De Bris) and Dan O'Conner (Carmen Ghia) are hilarious in their roles as a gay director and his "assistant," although the stereotypes are laid on a little thick with a parody of The Village People during one of their numbers. The "flop" musical "Springtime for Hitler" that turns into a hit is hilarious to see; make sure to watch for the swastika-shaped chorus line. Lots of slapstick, good acting and enjoyable songs. Starlight says the show is not for youngsters, but aside from a man in drag and some racy dialogue scattered here and there--when it is funny, not gratuitous--it doesn't seem to be much to worry about.

read the review at KC Stage

Englewood Arts District moves forward

The Independence Planning Commission Tuesday night approved an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance that would, among other changes, create a new special purpose district known as an arts district. The amendment takes place after months of city staff meeting with several Englewood business and property owners who have worked for years to establish an Englewood arts district.

more at The Examiner

Composer to speak at Jewish Community Center

Jonathan Leshnoff, one of America's most gifted young c omposers, will speak as part of a new series at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City on Wednesday, October 6 at 7pm at the White Theatre, 5801 W. 115 Street, Overland Park, Kan. The New Jersey-born composer will be here for the Kansas City premiere of his new work, Starburst, which was co-commissioned by The Kansas City Symphony.
more at the Kansas City Symphony

Sam Scalamoni "Nickelodeon Jr." interview by Kristina Light

This September, our favorite Nickelodeon Jr. characters are coming to Kansas City in an all new show for preschoolers! Your child’s favorite pals will be live on stage at The Midland, September 18-19. The show is hosted by Moose and Zee who will take your family on adventures as you visit Fairytale Land with “Dora the Explorer,” journey through Filthingham with “The Backyardigans,” explore Wonderland with “Wonder Pets!,” and join the Monkey King’s celebration with “Ni Hao, Kai-lan.” We, at KCParent.com, had an exclusive interview with the show Director Sam Scalamoni, who is father of the show’s two biggest fans!
more at KC Parent

Meyer Music gives free music lessons to girl scouts

For almost 40 years Girl Scouts from Blue Springs and Grain Valley have been flocking to Meyer Music, 1512 U.S. 40, Blue Springs. Betty Meyer, co-owner of the music store, has been volunteering her time to teach piano classes to Girl Scouts.

more at the Blue Springs Journal

Bill Brownlee remembers Ahmad Alaadeen

With the death of Ahmad Alaadeen on Aug. 15, Kansas City lost an eminent link to its illustrious jazz past.

more at kansascity.com

CinemaKC to unite local filmmaking

Years ago the president of the KC Independent Filmmakers Coalition described his job as “trying to teach cats to march.” We may never get moviemakers to move in lockstep, but perhaps through the efforts of some local film supporters they all might be nudged in the same direction.

more at kansascity.com

Roger Bart "Producers" interview by Robert Trussell

Roger Bart doesn’t have a Facebook account. Not now, anyway. Too much uncontrolled access for people who were — and would remain — total strangers to him. “They think they know me,” he said. “It just gets weird.”

more at kansascity.com

Living Room "This Is How It Goes" preview by Robert Trussell

Neil LaBute is a playwright and filmmaker who goes where others fear to tread.
In his searing films — “In the Company of Men” and “Your Friends & Neighbors” — as well as his unsettling plays — “Bash,” “The Shape of Things,” “Fat Pig” — LaBute says provocative things about psychology, sex, relationships and the human animal’s capacity for cruelty.

more at kansascity.com

Gary Jenkins' film looks at slavery in Missouri

Gary Jenkins has produced a documentary examining slavery in Northwest Missouri. The Kansas City Library will screen the film. KMBC's Donna Pittman has the story.

more at KMBC

Musical Theatre Heritage "1776" review by Robert Trussell

Sometimes the line between inspiration and lunacy is so thin that it's imperceptible, but this production can reasonably be judged an inspired act of creativity. Director Sarah Crawford deserves the credit because it was her idea. But Crawford also assembled the most impressive cast of formidable female acting talent we're likely to see on a local stage anytime soon.

more at kansascity.com

Art Institute short "Everything Was Wonderful" by Adam Brumback

Starlight "Rain: Tribute to the Beatles" promo

"Rain" covers the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late '60s. "Rain" is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience... a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commericals from the 1960s. All the music and vocals are performed totally live! Sing along to such Beatlemaniac favorites as "Let It Be," "Hey Jude," and "Can't Buy Me Love."

A look at the Lawrence music scene

The walls and doorways of downtown Lawrence have known the taste of countless fliers. The neon papers jockey for attention with loud fonts begging passersby to take notice. But behind the miles of sticky tape lies more than mere brick and mortar. These walls have held up the ambitions of generations of musicians hoping to one day trade their fliers for billboards and maybe even fame. Some have prospered and are still remembered. Others are long forgotten.

more at the University Daily Kansan

Fountain City Brass Band seeking cornet player

The Fountain City Brass Band, reigning Scottish Open, U.S. Open, and North American Brass Band Champions will hold an audition for a solo cornet seat on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at the Bell Cultural Arts Center on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS. The FCBB is an all-volunteer ensemble that maintains an active schedule of concert and competitions. The 2010-2011 schedule may be viewed by clicking here. Audition materials may be downloaded here.

Please call or email Lee Harrelson at 816.305.4894 or leeharrelson@yahoo.com, to register for the audition or with any questions.

Musical Theatre Heritage "1776" review by Kellie Houx

I don’t think I can offer up 1,776 reasons to see Musical Theater Heritage’s production of Sherman Edwards’ musical, but I could probably give it a try. It might take more words than most people want to read, but let’s just put it this way — it’s a satisfying evening of great entertainment, a whole lot of history thrown in and Deb Bluford. This name alone should have everyone running, not walking, to the Off Center Theatre in Crown Center.

more at KC Studio

Laura Spencer remembers Ahmad Alaadeen

Ahmad Alaadeen's career spanned more than six decades and included work with notable figures like Jay McShann, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as Sam Cooke and Gladys Knight. KCUR's Laura Spencer has this remembrance.

listen at KCUR

Lawrence Busker Festival interviews by Jon Niccum

While Lawrence is no stranger to this form of street theater year-round, the amount of professional talent increases dramatically when the Lawrence Busker Festival returns this weekend. Organizers expect 30 national acts to appear at the third annual event, which showcases artists such as fire jugglers, sword swallowers, magicians, musicians, comedians, hula hoop dancers and living statues.

Demonstration of Quixotic's iPad video interface

Developing uses for Ipad to interact with our performers.

Seeking nominations for the Missouri Arts Awards

You are invited to nominate an outstanding individual, arts organization, or community for the 2011 Missouri Arts Awards. Missouri citizens, organizations, and communities who have made significant contributions in the following categories are eligible: Arts Education, Arts Organization, Creative Community, Individual Artist, Leadership in the Arts, and Philanthropy. The Missouri Arts Awards ceremony will honor the recipients in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Jefferson City on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 2 pm.

Nominations must be postmarked by September 3, 2010. Send the Nomination Form, Narrative and Supplemental Materials to: 2011 Missouri Arts Awards Nominations, Attn: Virginia Sanders. Missouri Arts Council, 815 Olive St., Ste 16, St. Louis MO 63101. The nomination form may be downloaded here.

If you have any questions, contact Virginia Sanders, Missouri Arts Awards Coordinator, toll free at 866-407-4752, 314-340-6845, or TDD 800-735-2966.

Musical Theatre Heritage "1776" review by Peter Filichia

I went to Kansas City on a Thursday; by Friday I had learned a thing or two about Musical Theater Heritage, the ambitious little troupe run by George Harter.

more at TheatreMania

Stephanie Roberts "Mask of the Broken Heart" interview by Marisa McKay

This Friday night, August 20, Stephanie Roberts opens The Mask of the Broken Heart: A Meridian Mystery. Roberts is the creator and director of Boom! and was recently given the Charlotte St. Foundation Generative Artist award.

more at KC Free Press

Richard Renner, Busker Festival interview by Lisa Gutierrez

Richard Renner, a University of Kansas graduate, started the Busker Festival three years ago after he moved back to Lawrence and started hanging out again on Massachusetts Street — “land of a thousand hairstyles,” he calls it.

more at kansascity.com