"15 and Knocked Up" One Night Stand entry by Zodiac Cinema

Zodiac Cinema's
2012 One Night Stand Film

Summerfest preview by Patrick Neas

In scorching summer weather, you don’t want to eat a large plate of lasagna or listen to an Anton Bruckner symphony. Chamber music, like a big salad and a glass of lemonade, is light but satisfying, just perfect when temperatures are intolerable.

more at kansascity.com

Starlight "Addams Family" preview by Robert Trussell

“The Addams Family” is hardly your typical Broadway musical, and its uniqueness goes well beyond its subject matter — the lives of amusingly macabre characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams.

more at kansascity.com

Crown Center promo

Learn about all there is to see and do at Kansas City's Crown Center. http://www.crowncenter.com

"I'm Farming and I Grow It" filmmaker interviews by Beccy Tanner

The truth is Greg Peterson can’t stand LMFAO’s song and video, “Sexy and I Know It.” It was playing on a Manhattan radio station one night in late May when he and some friends had gathered at a local Sonic to unwind as his junior year at Kansas State University came to an end. That song came on, and he groaned.

more at the Wichita Eagle

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/27/3679943/saline-county-brothers-parody.html#storylink=cpy

Kickstarter fundraisers in Kansas and Missouri

At least every couple of months, or more, an email request lands in my inbox from an artist to help fund a new project, a gallery to support their programming budget, or a filmmaker to make a new movie. All have one thing in common: they're asking donors to contribute through a crowd-funding website called Kickstarter.

more at KCUR

UMKC Conservatory Women's Committee luncheon photos by Noel Klein

The Women’s Committee for the Conservatory of Music and Dance at UMKC celebrated 71 years of service on April 18th at Indian Hills Country Club. The organization hosted Simply Grand, a scholarship benefit luncheon and silent auction. Julian Zugazagoitia of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was the guest speaker, and the event featured outstanding performances by Conservatory students. Linda Horn served as the chairman. 

more at the Independent

Mark Southerland joins Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey was born in Tulsa, Okla., but it is becoming an ensemble with a strong Kansas City flavor.

more at Back to Rockville

[Thanks, Plastic Sax]

Read more here: http://backtorockville.typepad.com/back_to_rockville/2012/06/jacob-fred-jazz-odyssey-gets-more-kcmo-flavor.html#storylink=cpy

"Honey Harvest" short film by Nathan Eaton

In the midst of working on other videos, it was so freeing to be able to cut this in a short time, do a quick grade and feel a creative rejuvenation in heading back to other works that I had been stressing over. On Father's Day I got to take part in filming my first honey harvest. Not one sting.

Inside the KC Actors Theatre by Kellie Houx

There is something to be said when the parts of the equation add up to a positive. The actors, directors, designers and stage managers that make up the core artistic group for Kansas City Actors Theatre understand the demands and the rewards of live theater. Collectively, the years of experience prove that they are not green, but seasoned and knowledgeable. That expertise adds up quickly into years of understanding how a theater works, not just in front of the stage, but also the moving parts behind the curtain.

more at KC Studio

Gurukul Dance Company rehearsal photos by Mike Strong

Sammy Bajpai's Gurukul Dance Company will premiere their double-header show June 30th (Saturday) The first half of the show is Indian Classical dance in the Kuchipudi style of south India and the second half of the show features Indian folk styles.

more at KC Dance

New Theatre Restaurant "Hairspray" review by Robert Trussell

“Hairspray” is a musical with heart and a sense of humor that never wears out its welcome, and the New Theatre production captures all the show’s strengths.

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/28/3682679/review-hairspray-the-new-theatre.html#storylink=cpy

Maplewood Theatre "How the Other Half Lives" preview by Jill Renae Hicks

After the Maplewood Barn Community Theatre relit its torch in the name of tradition with "Fiddler on the Roof," a small and entirely different play continues the barn's 40th season — this one in the name of love. Brad Buchanan directs playwriting stalwart Alan Ayckbourn's popular farce "How the Other Half Loves," a tongue-in-cheek comedy involving the strange interactions of married couples and couples in affairs.

more at the Columbia Daily Tribune

Jardine's on last heartbeat

Never say never, right? Well, almost never. But what's left of the ship of state that was once Kansas City's finest jazz club - Jardine's - appears poised to tumble off a cliff from which there will likely be no return.

more at KC Confidential
and more here
and here

KC Symphony musicians say thank you

A message from the musicians of The Kansas City Symphony to our donors.

Metheny Music Foundation awards scholarships

As part of a spring concert by the Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra, the Metheny Music Foundation’s annual summer music studies scholarships were awarded by Foundation board member and Chairman Mike Metheny.

more at Lee's Summit Lifestyle

Gorilla Theatre "Suppliant Maidens" preview by Robert Trussell

Twenty-one down, 12 to go. By late Sunday morning, that will be the official record for Gorilla Theatre’s long-running commitment to stage a comedy or drama by ancient Greek playwrights each year.

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/27/3677307/gorilla-theatres-annual-greek.html#storylink=cpy

Young director produces teenage "Rent"

A local teen leads an all-youth production of 'Rent'.

Dark Matter "Ascent" performance

Didn’t make it to Ascent in May?  No sweat!  Below are four videos from the live performance May 19th.  Let us know what you think!

more at Rocket Grants

Folly Jazz Series 2012-2013 Season preview by Joe Klopus

Summer may be the slow season for jazz, but already the seeds of a great fall, winter and spring for jazz in Kansas City have been planted.

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/26/3676950/jazz-town-folly-posts-series-and.html#storylink=cpy

Independent Filmmakers "One Night Stand" entry by David Berry

Sometimes you have to make a sacrifice ... For love :)

Washburn University installs new seats in theatre

You can't really appreciate theater with your eyes, ears and brain unless a part of your anatomy a couple of feet south of your head is comfortable throughout the performance. That is why patrons of the Andrew J. and Georgia Neese Gray Theatre on the campus of Washburn University will find wider, cushier seats the next time they attend a play or musical there.

more at the Topeka Capital Journal

Weston Community Theatre celebrates 10th anniversary

The Weston Community Theatre celebrated their tenth anniversary Sunday, June 24, at the Avalon Cafe with a rousing fundraiser for ‘The Music Man’. With their largest turnout ever, WCT raised over $7,000 to fund their annual musical which is presented free to the public.

more at the Platte Chronicle

Behzod Abduraimov interview with Sylvia Maria Gross

One of Kansas City’s musical greats has just made another leap in his quest for international acclaim. Behzod Abduraimov is the superstar pianist you've never heard of, according to NPR's classical music blog Deceptive Cadence. He studies with Stanislav Ioudenitch at the International Center for Music at Park University in Parkville.

more at KCUR

Arts Council seeking nominations for the ArtsKC Awards

 

Each year, the ArtsKC Awards luncheon is attended by more than 500 metropolitan area business and arts professionals and is widely known as one of the "must attend" events of the year. The 2013 luncheon will be held Friday, January 25th on Starlight Theatre's Enclosed Stage.

The ArtsKC Awards luncheon is a wonderful and unique opportunity to honor businesses and individuals for their remarkable commitment to the Kansas City arts community.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the following awards:

Virtuoso Award - The Virtuoso Award recognizes an exceptional individual or group of individuals who has/have volunteered for a metropolitan area arts organization(s) or artist(s). Honorees will be selected based on criteria such as scope of involvement or support, impact of contribution, and quality of service.

Impact Award - The Impact Award honors a metropolitan area business that had, or continues to have, a significant impact on a local arts organization or artist. Honorees will be selected based on criteria such as scope of involvement, impact of contribution, originality, and quality of service. (Financial support will be considered but will not be a determining factor.)

ArtsKC Award recipients receive:

• A specially commissioned original work of art from a local visual artist
• Recognition in all event publicity - including the arts organization or artist they support
• Recognition from the podium and the opportunity to give remarks
• A feature article in the ArtsKC e-newsletter and website 

Award Eligibility

To be eligible for an ArtsKC Virtuoso or Impact award, the nominee must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in and around the five-county metropolitan Kansas City area (Johnson and Wyandotte in Kansas; Clay, Jackson, and Platte in Missouri)
• Business foundations must be supported by corporate funds and organized for the purpose of providing philanthropic support
• 2011 & 2012 Virtuoso Award and Impact Award winners are ineligible.

Deadline and Nomination Instructions

Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. All nomination forms and supporting materials must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 7th at the following location:

Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City
Attn: Liz Albers
906 Grand, Suite 10-B
Kansas City, MO 64106

Should you have any questions regarding the nomination procedure or the ArtsKC Awards Luncheon please contact Liz Albers at 816-994-9223 or Albers@ArtsKC.org.

Jan Karybill named conservator of Kauffman organ

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts announced Dr. Jan Kraybill, in advance of its 2012-2013 season, as the organ conservator for the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ.

more at KC Studio

Photo op for KC Repertory board member

Robin and Scott Boswell are both involved and dedicated to the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Scott, who is on the board of directors and Robin are proud of the outstanding work the Rep is doing to benefiting young people across Kansas and Missouri with their education programs. Thank you, Robin and Scott, for all you do for the Kansas City Repertory Theatre!

more at the Independent

Lawrence considering incentives for arts district centerpiece

City commissioners will consider approving about $500,000 worth of incentives to spur a project that is being touted as a boon to both the arts scene and East Lawrence.

more at the Lawrence Journal World

Eric Rosen discusses "Pippin" at the KC Repertory

Playing September 14 - October 7, 2012 at Spencer Theatre, Pippin is the story of Prince Pippin's quest to find personal significance. This rock fable promises to be profound reinvention with new visual and musical twists to enjoy! KC Rep Box Office: 816. 235.2700

Mary Needham named director of development for KC Young Audiences

Kansas City Young Audiences (KCYA) – the region's largest provider of arts education – announced today that Mary Needham has been named Director of Development. Mary will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive fund development program effective July 1, 2012.

KCYA Executive Director, Martin English said "Mary has served KCYA well over the past 4 years and has done an exceptional job as Community Outreach Coordinator. I am pleased to see her step into this role and expect she will be highly successful."

Mary first joined Kansas City Young Audiences (KCYA) in 2008. Prior to becoming Director of Development, Mary served as Development and Marketing Assistant, Interim Marketing Manager and most recently as Community Outreach Coordinator for KCYA, managing annual fundraising campaigns, the KCYA 50th Anniversary Celebration and various special projects. Mary brings 18 years of small business administration experience to her role as chief development officer, and has extensive professional and volunteer experience in event planning, research, and database management.

Mary has a B.A. in English Literature from The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where she also studied as a Performance major at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Mary is a longtime community volunteer, having served on several local non-profit Boards, including The Irish Museum and Cultural Center and The Junior League of Kansas City, MO. She is a loyal supporter of many Kansas City area arts organizations and is a passionate advocate for the arts and arts education for all children.

Coterie Theatre "Once Upon a Mattress" review by tragicomedy

A Fun but Lumpy Mattress

Rating: 4

Once Upon a Mattress

The Coterie Theatre

If you're familiar with the fairytale, "The Princess and the Pea", you assume that you know what to expect with the Coterie's "Once Upon a Mattress" – but this princess comes from a swamp, and much of the show depends on its jokes and physical gags. Having not seen the Broadway-length version of the comic musical, I was looking forward to seeing the new theatre-for-young-audiences production.

Walking into the theatre five minutes before start time was a sight to see. It was a packed house that included seating on the floor. A few of the actors who appear in the opening scene interacted with children who sat on the floor before the performance started. From my previous experience in the children's theatre world, I know that interacting with younger audiences pre-show can either have a positive or negative influence on their behavior. Luckily, these children seemed to be quite enamored with the whole show, and besides some adorable laughter, only responded to the actors when actually called to do so.

The obvious star of the show is none other than Princess Winnifred herself, played by Lauretta Pope. This actor had Carol Burnett's comic timing and a voice that reminded me a little of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli – although a couple of belts in "Shy" were a tad overstretched. I also found myself delighted by the interaction between Will Amato and Julie Shaw. Amato's meek but loveable Prince Dauntless was an amusing contrast to Shaw's mischievous Queen Aggravain. Notable performances also came from Noah Whitmore (Minstrel) and Stefanie Wienecke (Lady Larken), who both shined vocally in "Normandy". A slight wrinkle in the mattress came from Ron McGee (King Sextimus) and Frankie Krainz (Wizard, Nightingale of Samarkand). They both had me at character-driven moments of the show, but when they were silly just to get laughs, my interest waned. Unfortunately, with some solid performances also comes the pea in the mattress. Enjoli Gavin as Princess No. 12 goes so over-the-top with her character's lament at not passing the queen's test, that I had trouble understanding her. This character only has a brief part in the show, but it was sadly memorable. It would surprise me if the weak character choices were guided by director Jeff Church, as he usually manages to create successful ensembles.

With the sea of children, I was impressed to see how the Coterie managed to have set within an already small space. Kudos goes to Kristin Yager for figuring that out. Somewhat cartoon-like, with a hint of Disney-like color, Yager's simple set with castle walls and doors was just enough not to be distracting. I would also like to commend costume designer Georgianna Buchanan for her vividly colorful pieces. I am sure she made all the little girls in the audience want a green sparkly dress, even if it could be from the swamp.

This production of "Once Upon a Mattress" runs until August 5th at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Center. Tickets are $9-$15, and the show is 75 minutes long without intermission. More information can be found at www.coterietheatre.org.

"12th Street Jump" summer schedule

Jazz luminaries from Charlie Parker to Hank Jones, Arturo Sandoval to the Boswell Sisters will be celebrated this Summer and Fall on 12th Street Jump, public radio’s jazz, blues and comedy jam. Recorded live! in Kansas City, where Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Big Joe Turner and other jazz greats got their starts, 12th Street Jump is broadcast weekly on twenty public radio stations around the country, as well as every Saturday night at midnight on 89.3FM KCUR, the home of 12th Street Jump.

more at KC Studio

Composer Patrick David Clark to teach in Iraq

Composer and Mizzou graduate Patrick David Clark will bring new music to an ancient city when he goes to Iraq at the end of this month. His mission: to teach composition to students in the northern Iraqi town of Erbil.

more at the Mizzou New Music Initiative

A peek inside the Legacy School of the Arts by Susan Motley

It’s noon on a recent Saturday and the lobby at Legacy School of the Arts in Olathe is bustling with dancers of all ages. Legacy is known for offering classes from young beginners to those wanting to make a career in dance, and everything in between.

more at Johnson County Lifestyle

The Elders "Building a Boat" music video by Zac Eubank

Shot on the RED Scarlet. Canon L glass.
Directed/Shot/Edited: Zac Eubank
Assistant Director: Becca Scott
1st AC: Lucas Eubank
Edited by Zac Eubank and Lucas Eubank
Produced by Aren't We Clever awcproductions.com
Executive Producer: Dale Maxfield
Special Thanks to The Off Broadway Theater of Kansas City.

Rock Bridge High School "Legally Blonde" preview by Jill Renae Hicks

Doors, windows and sorority-house columns peppered the Rock Bridge High School theater stage. With bubbles of joyful anticipation, a cluster of girls popped out of the set and started singing, first one at a time, then in unison: "Omigod, omigod, you guys!"

more at the Columbia Daily Tribune

KC Stage Week-on-Stage: June 25, 2012 - July 2, 2012

Auditions for this week

• Much Ado About Nothing - Olathe Community Theatre Association

Performances for this week

• Hairspray - New Theatre Restaurant (Closes Aug 26)
• Killer in the Clown Car - The Mystery Train (Closes Aug 18)
• Legally Blonde - The Theatre in the Park (Closes Jul 1)
• Once Upon a Mattress - The Coterie Theatre (Closes Aug 5)
• Pete 'n' Keely - Quality Hill Playhouse (Closes Jul 1)
• The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking - Theatre for Young America* (Closes Jun 30)
• The Fox on the Fairway - Emporia State University Theatre (Closes Jun 30)
• The KC Improv Company's Big Show - The KC Improv Company (Closes Jun 30)
• The Stinky Cheese Man - Paul Mesner Puppets* (Closes Jul 1)
• The Suppliant Maidens - Gorilla Theatre Productions* (Closes Jul 1)

Events for this week

• Alcott Arts Center 2012 Summer Arts and Crafts Classes' - Alcott Arts Center*
• Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition - Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
• Youth Theatre Classes - Alcott Arts Center*

 Theatre Reviews

Ratings - Current Performances

• 5.00 Legally Blonde - The Theatre in the Park. (1 Vote)

Ratings - Top Ten Rated Shows of the Last 3 Months

• 5.00 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. (4 Votes)
• 5.00 Black Comedy - Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Theatre. (2 Votes)
• 5.00 The Real Inspector Hound - Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Theatre. (2 Votes)
• 5.00 The Barber of Seville - Lyric Opera of Kansas City. (2 Votes)
• 5.00 Pride and Prejudice - Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. (2 Votes)
• 5.00 The Laramie Project - The White Theatre. (2 Votes)
• 5.00 The Laramie Project : Ten years Later - The White Theatre. (2 Votes)
• 5.00 OCTA Gala - The Wish List Revue - Olathe Community Theatre Association. (2 Votes)
• 5.00 The 39 Steps - Theatre Atchison. (2 Votes)

Reviews - Five Most Recent of Past Performances

• 4.08 Prelude To A Kiss - The Barn Players, Inc. (13 Votes)
• 5.00 In The Heights - Starlight Theatre Association. (1 Vote)
• 5.00 The 39 Steps - Theatre Atchison. (2 Votes)
• 4.25 The Fantasticks - Spinning Tree Theatre. (8 Votes)
• 4.00 Everyday Rapture - Unicorn Theatre. (1 Vote)

Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre "And the Oscar Goes To..." review by BobEvans

Oscar worthy

Rating: 5

And The Oscar Goes To...

Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre

For a great and enjoyable evening of Oscar-winning songs and a truncated history of the Oscar tunes, check out "And the Oscar Goes To" at the Chestnut Fine Arts Theater in Olathe, KS. Journey back to the first Oscar winning songs through many noted favorites as Brad Zimmerman and his cast fire away with song after song.

Expect to smile and hum along as you hear your past favorites. All performers deliver great vocal performances and demonstrate why they were selected for this show.

For me, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, but I would have liked to add an alto to the mix and provide a bit more variety to the women's vocals.

Remembering the Kauffman Center's first season by Patrick Neas

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opened in September with glamorous galas and stars Tommy Tune, Patti Lupone, Itzhak Perlman and Placido Domingo. Tough acts to follow. But the center’s first season more than lived up to the hype. Helzberg Hall and the Muriel Kauffman Theatre overflowed with musical delights and audiences to enjoy them.

more at kansascity.com

Coterie Theatre "Once Upon a Mattress" review by Robert Trussell

Full disclosure: Back in the day, in what seems like another lifetime, yours truly appeared in a production of the 1959 musical “Once Upon a Mattress.” I don’t remember much about it, except that I lost a shoe during a dance routine, and I have no reason to believe it was anything more than passable by small-town Texas standards.

more at kansascity.com

KC Symphony, Beethoven's 9th rehearsal performance

The Kansas City Symphony and Kansas City Symphony Chorus in dress rehearsal for Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with Music Director, Michael Stern and Chorus Director Charles Bruffy on June 21, 2012 in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Quality Hill "Pete 'n' Keely" review by Alexia Lang

If you’ve ever watched old episodes of Sonny and Cher and thought,  “I bet it would have been fun to be in that audience,” then have we got a show for you.

more at the Vignette

Praise for Jon Niccum's film reporting from Hearne Christopher

So allow me to say that a year after Robert W. Butler was laid off, his freelance replacement Jon Niccum is kicking butt and doing a splendid job of reviewing movies for the entertainment section.

more at KC Confidential

"Jazz in the Woods" review by Plastic Sax

Jonathan Butler, Friday's headliner at Jazz in the Woods, surveyed the vast crowd from the stage and suggested that "over 10,000" people were in attendance.

more at Plastic Sax

Are local actors "stars"?

Mark Robbins, a respected actor who has performed on Kansas City stages for more than two decades, had a bemused response when he learned he received “star billing” in an ad for the Living Room production of “Titus Andronicus.”
“Oh, really?” Robbins said.

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/23/3669793/kansas-city-stars-hard-work-if.html#storylink=cpy

Shakespeare Festival "Antony and Cleopatra" review by Robert Trussell

There is much to admire in the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s first-ever production of "Antony and Cleopatra," a story of love, seduction, conquest and folly in the turbulent years when the Roman Republic broke down and the Roman Empire was born.

more at kansascity.com

Organist Paul Jacobs talks about the Kauffman Center

Guest Organist Paul Jacobs talks about performing with the Kansas City Symphony on the new Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ in Helzberg Hall.

Aaron Hale "Ghostly" music video by Scout Visual

We shot this video for local musician Aaron Hale using a RED ONE and Zeiss Lenses. Aaron wanted a very simply video that showcased the band playing.

Melinda McCrary, Mark Robbins interview by Bob and Matt

In this Guinness world record breaking episode, Bob and Matt welcome two Kansas City Theatre legends, Mark Robbins and Melinda McCrary, as guests on their cozy couch. Mindy and Mark discuss their roles in Titus Andronicus as well as educate the dynamic duo on KCAT and Commander Adama's influence on acting Titus. These two brilliant stage artists can be seen as Tamora and Titus in Titus Andronicus at the Living Room now until Monday the 25th. http://thelivingroomkc.com/

Non-profit Connect promo

Learn about the education, resources and networking opportunities Nonprofit Connect provides to Greater Kansas City and the surrounding region.

KC Symphony, Beethoven's 9th review by Timothy McDonald

What better way to conclude the most memorable season in years than to perform one of the most monumental compositions ever written?

more at kansascity.com

Topeka Civic Theatre "Shape of Things" review by rio

Piet Mondrian was an artist in the early 20th century who is famous for taking only colored rectangles and black lines, and putting them on a canvas in order to show the relationship that colors have with one another, and how well they stand out alone, and in the process he helped to redefine what people thought of as “art”. Inspired by Mondrian, the set design for “The Shape of Things” by Neil LaBute was also a minimalistic, beautiful, and filled with lines and colored rectangles.

more at seveneightfive

Shakespeare Festival "Midsummer Night's Dream" review by Robert Trussell

The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival delivers a charming, physical and often funny production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a play about fickle love and the warped perceptions that go with it.

more at kansascity.com

Joshua Bell discusses the Kauffman Center

Superstar violinist Joshua Bell recently performed with the Kansas City Symphony in their new home, Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Here is what he had to say about his experience in the new hall.

KC Women in Film "One Night Stand" entry "Scooped" by Amber Rapp

Kansas City Women In Film and Television created this video in 10 hours as part of Kansas City Independent Filmmakers Coaltition's "One Night Stand" film competition on June 16th, 2012.

KCK Community College Choir performances

Music Sessions - Prepare

Music Sessions - Sanctus

Music Sessions - Bleeding Love.mp4

Summer Music Academy piano competition preview by Andy Hyland

Top young pianists from around the world will converge on Lawrence in July for the Kansas University School of Music’s International Institute for Young Musicians Summer Music Academy.

more at the Lawrence Journal World

Gay and Lesbian Film Festival preview by Robert Butler

The weeklong 2012 Gay and Lesbian Film Festival kicks off today (Friday, June 22) at the Tivoli in Westport. This year’s event offers more than a dozen feature films and two programs of shorts.

more at Butler's Cinema Scene

Time lapse Kansas City short films by Wesley Richardson

Kansas City at 48x to 90x speed. All scenes were shot with a Pentax K-5 between May and December, 2011.

Kansas City at 48x to 90x speed. All scenes were shot with a Pentax K-5 from March through June, 2012.

[Thanks, Reddit]

Restaurants raising money for Prairie Village Jazz Festival

If you’re hungerin’ these next few days, you might consider swinging by Corinth Square to order up a mess of food.

more at the Prairie Village Post

Kauffman Center organ recital review by John Heuertz

An interesting program with an academic feel showcased a Grammy-winning musician and the Julia Kauffman organ at Kauffman Center’s second organ concert Wednesday night.

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/14/3661811/review-paul-jacobs-on-the-kauffman.html#storylink=cpy

 

"Himalyan Adventure League" short film by Scout Visual

We were asked to shoot a video to promote a local band's upcoming kickstarter campaign. This short film is the result. The goal was to pay homage to old "explorer" films by shooting a montage of outdoor activities and cutting them to the band's music.

Shot on a 5D Mark II.

Carolyn True, Mia Hynes piano recital preview

The University of Central Missouri Department of Music will present a pair of piano recitals June 25 and June 27 in conjunction with the 2012 Summer Piano Institute.

more at the University of Central Missouri

Lisa Engelken preview by Joe Klopus

“I work in a very subconscious manner,” says singer Lisa Engelken, who appears at the Blue Room on Friday. “I have performed rock, country, blues, musical theater and jazz, and I’m able to use all those influences,” she says. “They continue to live and grow inside me and come out as what I like to call musical mutts, hybrids of jazz.”

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/20/3666095/joe-klopus-vocalist-lisa-engelken.html#storylink=cpy

Theatre camps perform in Gage Park

A good story deserves to be told over and over again, and a troupe of 12- to 13-year-old actors did just that Wednesday morning when they offered various interpretations of Little Red Riding Hood to wrap up their theater camp session.

more at the Topeka Capital Journal

Unicorn Theatre call for support

Unicorn Theatre's Producing artistic Director Cynthia Levin asks for your support to get us ready for our next season of BOLDNEWPLAYS. More information or secure donations at: www.unicorntheatre.org

Idina Menzel, Midland Theatre photos by Steve Thompson

The Tony Award-winning star of Broadway’s Wicked and the original stage production of Rent, just made a stop at the Midland in Kansas City on June 19. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the concert!

more at Broadway World

Lauretta Pope "Once Upon a Mattress" interview by Robert Trussell

Lauretta Pope is back. At least for the summer. The 32-year-old theater artist, who made a mark for herself in Kansas City as a comic actress with a formidable singing voice before moving to New York in 2009, really couldn’t say no when Jeff Church, the Coterie Theatre’s artistic director, offered her a plum role: Princess Winnifred in “Once Upon a Mattress.”

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/20/3666148/lauretta-pope-reigns-on-kc-stage.html#storylink=cpy

KC Symphony, Beethoven's 9th preview by Patrick Neas

Perhaps even more than his Symphony No. 5, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 has become the iconic work of classical music. Its final choral movement, the “Ode to Joy,” is an ecstatic hymn to universal brotherhood that always leaves audiences on, well, cloud nine.

more at kansascity.com

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/16/3658765/patrick-neas-beethovens-ninth.html#storylink=cpy

Local company analyzes Hollywood box office

If I told you Hollywood's major studios turn to Kansas City for information and insights about their latest movies you'd probably think I was nuts...

more at KC Confidential

KC Gay & Lesbian Film Festival preview by Jamie Rich

This year, the Kansas City Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is all about expansion. Not only did the festival step up to continue the popular Castro Movie Nights throughout the year, its annual seven-day event at the Tivoli Cinemas in Westport, coming up June 21-28, will feature added screenings, community partnerships and the launch of a Kansas City LGBT Film Project. 

more at Camp