Here are eleven things to do in KC this weekend, April 30—May 3 including Count Basie Orchestra, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and Brookside Art Annual.
Soft Clubbing at Elixir with DJ hunni bunni
Clubbing at a museum may be an unlikely pairing, but the Museum of Kansas City knows how to throw a party. On the last Thursday of each month, DJ hunni bunni spins an eclectic R&B, house, funk and more in the museum’s cafe, Elixir. Sip a cocktail, enjoy ice cream from Fairway Creamery, or grab a coffee or soda while dancing the early evening away. Admission is free.
April 30. 6 pm. The Museum of Kansas City.
Count Basie Orchestra
A cornerstone of jazz, the Count Basie Orchestra has carried on the legacy of its legendary namesake and the Kansas City style for 90 years. Although Kansas City jazz pianist Count Basie passed away in 1984, the big band continues to swing on under the leadership of trumpeter Scotty Barnhart. Joined by local legends Lonnie McFadden and Deborah Brown, the internationally touring ensemble returns to where it all began in honor of International Jazz Day.
April 30. 6:30 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
Flare Tha Rebel: Dear City Album Release Concert
Local hip-hop artist Flare Tha Rebel celebrates the release of his latest album, Dear City. An honest and nuanced take on hometown pride, the artist describes the new record as a reflection of “the tension between having love for one’s city while not dismissing its inequities.” Performing alongside his six-member band, Black Light Animals and Eddie Moore also join the lineup.
May 1. 7 pm. recordBar.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
For 100 years, Guadalupe Centers’ Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has packed Westside streets with a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture. To commemorate the organization’s centennial Fiesta, enjoy live music from local bands, children’s activities, plenty of traditional cuisine and more.
May 1–2. Times vary. Westside.
Of Mice and Men
The Lyric Opera of Kansas City adapts this Steinbeck classic for the stage. Set in California’s Salinas Valley during the Great Depression, the story follows migrant farm workers (and good friends) George and Lennie. Though in pursuit of the American Dream, tragedy quickly ensues.
As always, the Lyric Opera’s set design is top-notch. Unlike most companies that bid designs to outside shops, the KC company constructs everything under one roof at its state-of-the-art design shop.
May 1—3. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Brookside Art Annual
Brookside Art Annual celebrates 40 years as a premier showcase. Each May, the art festival attracts over 100 artists (out of a pool of approximately 1,000 applicants) from around the country. From oil paintings to jewelry to ceramics explore a robust display of striking artwork in the charming, historic neighborhood.
May 1–3. Times vary. 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard.
Malek Azrael and The Vibez
Last year, singer-songwriter Malek Azrael auditioned for American Idol, performing for judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. Although he didn’t make it past the audition, advancing through those preliminary stages gave him a needed confidence boost. Now, Azrael says he’s “taking a leap of faith,” embarking on a stylistic shift as heard in his latest single, “You.” In a lineup shared by Esso and The Blackbox Within, he performs alongside his band Malek Azrael and The Vibez.
May 1. 7 pm. Farewell.
Kansas City Roller Warriors: Midtown Misfits vs. 18th & Vines
Kansas City Roller Warriors take the rink for a rowdy, high-energy evening at KCK’s Memorial Hall. Thriving on gumption and grit (and the theatrical, witty monikers that players adopt), this grassroots league, approximately 100 members strong, is a sight to behold. The doubleheader (and last event of the season) kicks off with a bout between Plan B—one of the league’s premier traveling teams—and Springfield Roller Derby, followed by a face-off between two KCRW home teams: Midtown Misfits and the 18th & Vines.
May 2. 6 pm. Memorial Hall.
“The World in Kansas City”
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art prepares for this summer’s World Cup matches with its latest exhibition, “The World in Kansas City.” Representative not only of the global event but also of KC as a multicultural hub, the exhibit features a diverse array of artists with ties to the region. Curator Jessica S. Hong says the display aims to showcase “how we all belong to a shared, complicated and nuanced social and cultural fabric.”
March 6–August 9. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
La La Land
Rooftop Cinema Club has officially reopened. Located at the corner of Broadway and 21st Street, the open-air movie theater is known for its skyline views in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, London and more. Enjoy cocktails, mocktails and elevated bar-food bites alongside a late-night showing of musical rom-com La La Land.
May 1. 11:05 pm. Rooftop Cinema Club.
Mahjong and Margs
Margaritaville Kansas City teams up with Westwood boutique Blair & Blythe for a morning of Mahjong—a game that originated in 19th-century China before arriving in the United States in the 1920s. Now experiencing a resurgence across the country, Mahjong groups, parties, open play nights and classes have become a frequent sight in KC. Tickets to the event (which is open to players of all experience levels) includes a brunch buffet, a margarita, a curated gift bag and more.
May 3. 10:30 am. Margaritaville Kansas City.
