Here are eleven things to do in KC this weekend, March 5—8 including Winterlude Jazz Festival, Kansas City Roller Warriors and “The World in Kansas City.”
Porgy and Bess
An adaptation of DuBose Heyward’s 1925 novel Porgy, George Gershwin’s folk opera Porgy and Bess features one of the composer’s most enduring songs, jazz standard “Summertime.” Set in 1920s Charleston, South Carolina, this tale of love and turmoil centers on Bess, freshly abandoned by her violent lover, and Porgy—an impoverished, disabled street beggar—who offers her compassion and devotion. Blending opera with spirituals and jazz, this Lyric Opera of Kansas City production stars Grammy Award-winning baritone Eric Greene and acclaimed soprano Michelle Bradley.
February 28–March 8. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Winterlude Jazz Festival
Winterlude Jazz Festival returns to Johnson County Community College’s campus for two jam-packed days of music, bringing headliner Arturo O’Farrill to KC. Joined by his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Grammy Award-winning pianist, arranger and bandleader—known for challenging conventions of traditional Latin jazz—continues the legacy of his late father, Cuban composer Chico O’Farrill. The weekend’s lineup also includes guest lectures and performances from local jazz musicians like organist Chris Hazelton, bassist Gerald Spaits, trumpeter Trent Austin and more.
March 7 & 8. Performances begin at 2 pm. Midwest Trust Center.
Edra Soto: the place of dwelling
Originally from Puerto Rico, artist Edra Soto is known for transforming utilitarian items—like plastic lawn furniture and wrought-iron screens—to commemorate the working class. Soto’s latest installation for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the place of dwelling, does just that. The installation is a part of the museum’s Atrium Project, an initiative designed to support and amplify emerging Hispanic artists, and marks the program’s 10-year anniversary.
January 30—March 7. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
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—approxminately 100 members strong—is a sight to behold. The doubleheader kicks off with a junior division bout, followed by a face-off between two KCRW home teams: the Midtown Misfits and the 18th & Vines.
March 7. 6 pm. Memorial Hall.
Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me
In honor of Women’s History Month, jazz singer Eboni Fondren pays tribute to her musical idols. Celebrating the contributions of artists like Bessie Smith, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday and more, the captivating storyteller and entertainer brings this cabaret-style performance to Quality Hill Playhouse.
March 4—15. Times vary. Quality Hill Playhouse.
Big 12 Basketball Tournament
March Madness is officially here. For over a decade, T-Mobile Center has been home to the Big 12 Basketball Tournament, welcoming collegiate ballers from Kansas, Texas, Arizona and beyond. The women’s tournament tips off on March 4, followed by the men’s tournament, which kicks off March 10.
March 4–14. Times vary. T-Mobile Center.
DJ Thundercutz: Strictly Hip-Hop
DJ Thundercutz is a disc jockey in the classic sense. Spinning 45s exclusively, dance the night away to ‘90s boom bap beats and early aughts deep cuts.
March 7. 9 pm. The Ship.
“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.
Candlelight: Tribute to Whitney Houston
Candlelight’s performance series transforms beloved pop songs into elegant string quartet arrangements, akin to the soundtrack of Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton. This weekend, Fountain City String Quartet pays homage to icon Whitney Houston with hits like “I Have Nothing” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
March 7. 6:30 pm. Unity Temple on the Plaza.
Margarita Fest
Margaritaville celebrates what it does best at Margarita Fest. Enjoy an afternoon of salted rims, live music from Wonderfuzz, caricatures, photo ops and more. Tickets include a dozen tasting tokens to sample standalone spirits and inventive margs, plus a full sized cocktail and a make-your-own salt station.
March 7. 2 pm. Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City.
Whiskey Dynamite
The electrifying show Whiskey Dynamite returns and is set to captivate audiences once again with explosive performances and an engaging cast. This interactive multimedia performance—self described as a “nonsensical neowestern cabaret”—blends acrobatics, immersive visuals and live music. The event is produced by KC’s own innovative performance art collective, Quixotic, to bring audiences a unique multi-sensory celebratory experience.
January 16—April 18. Times vary. The Grand Theater (at Crown Center).
