Jason Sudeikis is coming home and bringing a few friends for a charity bash
In 2005, Kansas City musician Billy Brimblecom Jr. lost his leg to cancer. Soon after, the drummer faced another uphill battle: fighting with his health insurance company to cover a prosthetic limb. This is a reality many amputees face, according to Brimblecom.
The following year, Brimblecom’s friends rallied to raise money to cover the remaining costs. Among the lineup? His longtime best friend (and comedy legend) Jason Sudeikis. The two go way back: In the ’90s, the Ted Lasso creator could frequently be found performing improv comedy with Brimblecom at River Market’s now-defunct ComedySportz.
Today, Brimblecom is the CEO of Steps of Faith Foundation, a nonprofit that helps provide prosthetic limbs to amputees. To champion the cause, he and Sudeikis launched Thundergong—a celebrity benefit concert named for the event’s percussive nature—in 2017. On November 8 at Midtown’s Uptown Theatre, the fundraiser returns for its ninth year.
“It’s a rock ‘n’ roll variety show,” Brimblecom says. “It’s such a thrill for me to get to play with people I often don’t even expect to play with. Jason throws in a lot of surprises, sometimes just days before.”
This year, expect appearances from Ted Lasso actor Brendan Hunt, former SNL cast member Will Forte, KC’s own singer-songwriter Kevin Morby and more. As always, the CEO’s yacht-rock tribute band Summer Breeze serves as the house band for the evening.
“I don’t get to see Jason but a few times a year, so it’s really fun to jump around, play music and laugh with my buddy,” Brimblecom says. “And my wife and so many old friends are in the band. It’s like a family reunion.”
But at the core of the party, of course, is Steps of Faith’s mission. “Just like eggs, tires and everything else, prices have gone up on prosthetic parts,” Brimblecom says. “The demand for what we do is increasing very quickly. I’m looking forward to helping more people than we ever have.”
GO: November 8. 7:30 pm. Uptown Theatre. Tickets are available at thundergong.org.
2
Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons
Although the video game Stardew Valley launched in 2016, the pandemic brought a widespread surge in popularity. The cottagecore-inspired game—where players harvest crops, tend to animals and befriend villagers—offered a calming reprieve from chaos, in no small part thanks to its lush soundtrack. Now, a 35-piece orchestra takes that music on tour to bring the magic to the Kauffman Center stage. November 2. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.
5–9
American Royal’s World Series of Barbeque
In a tradition that dates back over 40 years, the American Royal’s World Series of Barbeque attracts hundreds of top-tier pitmasters to KC. Regarded as one of the world’s most respected BBQ events, the four-day-long affair includes both a prestigious invitational contest and an open contest for all skill levels. Thursday is reserved for team arrivals; Friday and Saturday welcome spectators with a limited number of tickets; and judging wraps up on Sunday. November 5–9. Times vary. Kansas Speedway.
14
Katy Guillen and The Drive
Led by partners Katy Guillen on guitar and vocals and Stephanie Williams on drums, the chemistry in KC roots-rock band Katy Guillen and The Drive is undeniable. With sizzling guitar riffs, grit and soul, this duo proves you don’t need a large ensemble to bring the house down. Their Knuckleheads performance marks their hometown stop on the Make That Sound Tour, following a rigorous fall run. November 14. 8 pm. Knuckleheads Saloon.
14 & 15
Puppets a Glow-Go
A collaboration between StoneLion Puppet Theatre and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, this free festival lights up the night with glow-in-the-dark art installations, aerialists, hands-on crafts and more. The highlight? An illuminated puppet show, The Fable of the Long Spoons. November 14 & 15. 5 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.
14–16
Chris Porter
Twenty years ago, KC’s own Chris Porter gained notoriety as a third-place winner on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Since then, the comedian has hit the road with Comedy Central’s Live Tour and released two hour-long specials on Amazon Prime, including the aptly named A Man From Kansas. At Zona Rosa’s Funny Bone Comedy Club, Porter dishes up laughs for a three-night hometown run. November 14–16. Times vary. Funny Bone Comedy Club.
19
Hayden Pedigo
Hailing from the Texas panhandle, finger-style guitarist Hayden Pedigo stops in the West Bottoms on his United States tour. A refreshing change of pace, his primitive, down-to-earth instrumentals harken back to a sound of decades past. Singer-songwriter Jens Kuross opens. November 19. 7 pm.
The Ship.
22
Samara Joy
Grammy Award-winning, awe-inspiring vocalist Samara Joy returns to the Folly Theater. Her last KC performance in 2023 sold out this historic venue, following the acclaimed release of her sophomore album, Linger Awhile. At just 25, Joy is already well established as a legend in her own right, often likened to jazz giants of decades past like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. November 22. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
26
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
This hit animated preschool series comes to life on stage, complete with colorful puppets, singing and dancing. From the creators of Blue’s Clues, the inaugural tour is set to charm young fans—especially cat lovers. November 26. 6 pm. The Midland Theatre.
26–Dec 27
A Christmas Carol
Bah humbug! After 25 years, this season’s production of A Christmas Carol marks local legend Gary Neal Johnson’s last year as Ebenezer Scrooge with KCRep. Relish this longtime tradition alongside the Cratchit family, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come, and of course, the transformed miser. November 26–December 27. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
27
Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony
In 1925, maintenance worker Charles “Pete” Pitrat hung a single string of lights above the Country Club Plaza’s Mill Creek Building on Christmas Day. Four years later, just a month after the onset of the Great Depression, the first official lighting ceremony took place. Now, a century later, the display includes over 200,000 gleaming lights, with crews starting to string the bulbs shortly after Labor Day. After getting your fill of turkey, head to the Plaza for this quintessential Kansas City holiday tradition, complete with live music and fireworks. November 27. 5 pm. Country Club Plaza.
28–30
Elf in Concert
Spread holiday cheer with the ever-enthusiastic Buddy the Elf in this modern classic at the Kauffman Center. In tandem with the screening, the Kansas City Symphony—led by guest conductor Justin Freer—performs John Debney’s whimsical and grandiose score. November 28–30. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
29–Dec 24
The Nutcracker
A holiday tradition that never loses its magic, The Nutcracker returns to the Kauffman Center in a dazzling production by the Kansas City Ballet. Choreographed by artistic director Devon Carney, the enchanting ballet reimagines E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic with glittering costumes, spectacular sets and Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. November 29–December 24. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
