Music promoter Stan Plesser dead at 79

In 1963, Plesser opened the Vanguard Coffee House at 43rd and Main. The Vanguard became an important venue for young acoustic acts. Among the performers who appeared at the Vanguard were Danny Cox and Brewer and Shipley, both of whom became artists promoted by Good Karma Productions, a company Plesser co-founded and which eventually booked large-scale concerts into the Music Hall and Arrowhead Stadium.

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"Reviewing Thoughts" by Angie Fiedler

I want to like the shows I’m going to see. I’ve loved theatre since I was a little girl and my grandmother took me to shows at The Muny, and have known I needed it to be a part of my life since seeing a production of Of Mice and Men at my local community college that affected me so much, I couldn’t applaud at the end.I want that feeling of being drawn into the production, of forgetting about my life for the time of the show, and being taken away into another world, even if it’s just another person’s.

more at Stage Savvy

Sam Yahel review by Plastic Sax

I was pleased when I first learned that Steely Dan had tapped Sam Yahel's organ trio to serve as its opening act for a portion of its current tour. I was eager to see if fans of a jazz-influenced classic rock band would be receptive to a genuine jazz artist. Alas, the answer is a resounding no.

more at Plastic Sax

KC Actors Theatre "Pinter Project" one-acts review by Frank Siraguso

Pinter's plays explore marital and love relationships, and the nature of truth and our perception of truth.

more at Infozine

Ward Holmquist, Lyric Opera "Turandot" interview

Ward Holmquist previews the Lyric Opera of Kansas City production of Puccini's Turandot. This will be the inaugural production in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and opens October 1. Directed by Garnett Bruce, and stars Lise Lindstrom as Turandot; Arnold Rawls as Calaf; Samuel Ramey as Timur; Elizabeth Caballero as Liu.

Jon Davis, Marc Havener, Meagan Flynn CinemaKC preview

We’re back once again for another great episode of CinemaKC TV!
This Saturday night at 9:30pm on KSMO-TV 62 we’re rebroadcasting short films by Jon Davis and Marc Havener as well as a short film starring Kansas City native Meagan Flynn.

more at CinemaKC

KC Ballet "Tom Sawyer" settings

Carnegie Arts Center seeking new funding sources

With state and federal funding sources now looking uncertain, the Carnegie Arts Center in Leavenworth is working to find new sources of support.


more at the Leavenworth Times