3
Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers rose to meteoric fame in 2008 after starring in Disney Channel movie Camp Rock alongside Demi Lovato. Though the group split in 2013 to focus on their individual careers, the family band got back together in 2019 and have continued to mature and evolve alongside their millennial fanbase. On the The Burning Up Tour All Over Again, the group weaves together some of their biggest hits with new material. Franklin Jonas, the youngest of the brothers, joins the band’s latest iteration. November 3. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
4–15
Free Fallin’: The Music of Tom Petty & Bob Dylan
Music Theater Heritage celebrates American folk and rock with a musical review spanning the vast discographies of Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. The show features poetic hits like Petty’s “Learning to Fly” and Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” November 4–15. Times vary. Ruby Room at Crown Center.
5
KC Book Fair
This all-ages book fair celebrates storytelling and literacy with drinks, food, live music and, of course, plenty of books. A collaboration with Rainy Day Books, the event supports Lead to Read KC, a nonprofit organization that supports young readers through mentorship and community. November 5. 3 pm. Park 39.
5
Tank and the Bangas
In 2017, genre-bending band Tank and the Bangas broke through to a national audience after unanimously winning NPR’s annual Tiny Desk Contest. Led by singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the group weaves together hip-hop, funk and R&B with their unmistakable New Orleans flair. The band stops in KC in support of their latest album, The Last Balloon, joined by Zeus and Ariel J. November 5. 8 pm. The Truman.
6
Karrin Allyson with the University of Nebraska Omaha Jazz Orchestra
Jazz singer and pianist Karrin Allyson is no stranger to Kansas City. Although the musician was born in central Kansas and raised in Omaha, she cut her teeth in KC’s jazz scene in the ’80s. Now residing in New York, the five-time Grammy nominee returns to the heartland, performing alongside her alma mater’s jazz orchestra in the city that helped shape her career. November 6. 7:30 pm. Gem Theater.
6 & 7
Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks has sold out T-Mobile Center (formerly the Sprint Center) a whopping 16 times and is gearing up to do it again on the Blame It All On My Roots Tour. Best known for ’90s hits like “Friends in Low Places” and “The Thunder Rolls,” the multi-platinum country legend will perform fan favorites from his decades-long career. November 6 & 7. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
7
Troost United Fest
Local nonprofit Reconciliation Services hosts this free family-friendly festival. At Troost United Fest, enjoy a lineup of live music headlined by pop artist AY Young, food from Thelma’s Kitchen, giveaways, hands-on activities and more. Plus, browse the historical display that chronicles 200 years of the Troost corridor. November 7. 11 am. Reconciliation Services.
7
Compositions and Reflections Featuring Carolina Calvache
Colombian-American composer and pianist Carolina Calvache has long been a gem of NYC’s music scene. Last year, she was named assistant professor at Warrensburg’s University of Central Missouri and, much to listeners’ delight, has enmeshed herself in KC’s music community. Flawlessly weaving together jazz, classical and folkloric music of Latin America, Calvache delivers a world-class performance alongside musicians from KC chamber music group Ensemble Iberica. November 7. 7 pm. 1900 Building.
7
Milestones: The Music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane
This year marks the 100th birthday of two jazz giants: trumpeter Miles Davis and saxophonist John Coltrane. Each with their own distinct styles, both pioneers changed the genre forever with modal jazz albums like Davis’ Birth of the Cool and Coltrane’s A Love Supreme. Featuring selections from those records and beyond, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra premieres tailor-made arrangements for this tribute performance. November 7. 7 pm. Gem Theater.
7
Making Movies
Making Movies’ frontman Enrique Chi has one overarching goal with his music: to unite audiences. Braiding together traditions from Chi’s native Panama with those of his upbringing in Kansas City, Making Movies celebrates its latest release Una Vida, a project three years in the making that includes singles like “This Is a Photograph (bajo el sol de Panamá)” and “Déjala.” November 7. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
7, 13 & 15
Lyric Opera of Kansas City Presents The Marriage of Figaro
Dress to the nines and head to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classic comic opera, The Marriage of Figaro. Set in Seville, Spain, this four-act spectacle—which takes place over the course of one eventful day of romantic schemes—follows servants Figaro and Susanna as their employer tries to thwart their plans to marry. As is the case with all Lyric Opera of Kansas City productions, the detailed set design is built entirely in-house. November 7, 13 & 15. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
11
Adam Grant Presents Vibe
Rainy Day Books brings New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant to KC to present his latest book, Vibe. A manifesto on closeness and connection, Grant examines loneliness in the digital age and how to combat it. November 11. 7 pm. Unity Temple on the Plaza.
12
Silent Concert: Cosmic Wonder
The Kemper Museum’s silent concert series pairs a current exhibition with a curated set of electronic music. This free, upcoming installation is prompted by Barbara Takenaga’s career retrospective Awestruck, a collection of the artist’s abstract dot paintings and print work from the past 25 years. Grab a set of headphones, groove to music from DJ Joe, also known as The Mad Scientist, and roam the museum. November 12. 6 pm. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
12–14
Erica Rhodes
Erica Rhodes landed her first professional role at age 10 on the radio variety show A Prairie Home Companion, continuing to appear on the program well into adulthood. That served as the launchpad for guest-star roles in hits like New Girl and Modern Family—and a career in stand-up. After a successful run on America’s Got Talent, Rhodes brings her observational comedy to KC. November 12–14. Times vary. The Comedy Club of Kansas City.
14
Fables & Fairy Tales
At this all-ages comedy show, members of The Bird Comedy Theater Players improvise a fairy tale-inspired musical. Recommendations from audience members shape the show as the improv troupe crafts “songs that have never been heard before and will never be heard again.” November 14. 6 pm. The Bird Comedy Theater.
14
Maletas: An Immigrant Story
When trumpeter Alberto Racanati was 21, he packed his bags and left his hometown of Bari, Italy, in pursuit of his dream. He wasn’t sure what was in store but felt compelled to go. Now, the KC-based artist presents a one-night-only production, Maletas, which is the Spanish word for suitcases. The original multimedia show—inspired by his journey and those of many other immigrants—features poetry, visual design and music. November 14. 7 pm. Greenwood Social Hall.
14
Blind Boys of Alabama: ‘Songs in the Key of Life’
The Blind Boys of Alabama—originally formed in 1939 by students at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind—may be a legacy band now, but the group continues to stay true to its gospel roots almost nine decades later. This fall, the legendary group hits the road to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s iconic album, Songs in the Key of Life. Expect tight harmonies and jubilant renditions of timeless hits like “I Wish” and “Sir Duke.” November 14. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
14
The Music of Studio Ghibli
If you grew up enamored with Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service, Hayao Miyazaki’s hand-drawn, realist animations are likely top of mind. But the music, scored by Joe Hisaishi, is equally integral to the animation studio’s whimsical vibe. The Kansas City Symphony pays tribute to Hisaishi’s sweeping orchestral arrangements with this enchanting, nostalgic evening. November 14. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
19–January 3, 2027
Festival of Lights
Enjoy the beauty of Powell Gardens amid a dazzling lights display. At Festival of Lights, an annual tradition that made its debut in 2017, take in the botanical gardens’ fresh, crisp air while strolling through the mile-long lighted path. Beyond the display, attendees can enjoy seasonal fare, a holiday train ride and browse a marketplace featuring local goods and poinsettias grown by the garden. November 19–January 3, 2027. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
20–22
The Kansas City Symphony Presents Brahms’ German Requiem
With a runtime of approximately 70 minutes, Johannes Brahms’ German Requiem is a tour de force. Scored for orchestra and a large chorus with soloists, the seven-movement masterwork was composed over the course of 11 years as Brahms’ grappled with the loss of his mother and devoted friend Robert Schumann. The Kansas City Symphony performs Brahms’ magnum opus—which was written for those mourning rather than the departed—under the direction of music director Matthias Pintscher and newly hired chorus director Betsy Burleigh. November 20–22. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
21 & 22
Holiday Swing at Union Station
Curated by indie craft fair Strawberry Swing, this open-air, European-style market returns to Union Station for its 16th year. Everything from unique ceramics and holiday treats to cozy crocheted items and ornaments can be had, so get your holiday shopping done with local handmade goods. November 21 & 22. 10 am. Union Station.
21
Local Author Fair
Worried about the literacy crisis? Buy your loved ones a book this holiday season. Hosted by the Mid-Continent Public Library’s Story Center, the Local Author Fair brings together 50 authors from the KC metro. With titles spanning from whimsical children’s books to adult mystery novels, the event—now in its 13th year—offers attendees a chance to buy directly from the authors. November 21. 1 pm. Mid-Continent Public Library Woodneath Library Center.
21
TAKE3: Where Rock Meets Bach
TAKE3, a performance group that has been likened to a miniature Trans Siberian Orchestra, is known for its high-energy string arrangements. Led by singer and violinist Lindsay Deutsch, whose playing can be heard on TV shows like The Witcher and All About Pam, the ensemble performs classics in a variety of genres, from Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” to AC/DC’s “Thunderstuck.” November 21. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
21
Bernadette Peters
Musical theater icon Bernadette Peters has been in show biz nearly all her life—since she was 3 years old. Seven decades later, Peters’ extensive list of Broadway credits include originating Into the Woods’ The Witch and a Tony Award-winning portrayal of the titular role in Annie Get Your Gun (just to name a couple). But with prominent roles in box office hits like The Longest Yard and Silent Movie, her legacy spans far beyond the stage. As part of the Folly Theater’s annual fundraiser, Peters comes to KC for an evening of song. November 21. 8 pm. Folly Theater.
21–December 24
A Christmas Carol
This timeless holiday classic returns to the KCRep stage. A stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 19th-century novella, A Christmas Carol tells the tale of the wealthy Ebenezer Scrooge as he receives a series of haunting visits from his former business partner and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Following the retirement of KCRep’s longtime Scrooge actor Gary Neal Johnson, Mark Robbins steps into the role of the cranky miser. November 21–December 24. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
22
Brandi Carlile: Burn the Setlist (The All Request Tour)
Almost 20 years ago, songstress Brandi Carlile released her breakthrough rock ballad, “The Story.” Now, with 11 Grammy Awards and nine studio albums under her belt, Carlile isn’t drafting any setlists for her latest tour. Instead, fans will decide, in the moment, what the artist performs that night. A stripped-back and immersive evening, Carlile appears alongside her longtime collaborators Phil and Tim Hanseroth. November 22. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
27
Plaza Lighting Ceremony
It’s been 101 years since Charles “Pete” Pitrat, a maintenance supervisor for the Nichols Company, hung a small string of lights on the Plaza’s Mill Creek Building. By 1929, the first official lighting ceremony was held on Thanksgiving, outlining five Spanish-inspired buildings. The display has grown drastically over the past century, now featuring over 200,000 lights (approximately 80 miles) to illuminate 15 city blocks. After polishing off a slice of pie, head to this quintessential KC tradition—although the ceremony kicks off at 6 pm with live entertainment, the switch officially flips at 7:55 pm and is followed by a fireworks display. November 27. 6 pm. Country Club Plaza.
27–December 20
Hallmark Christmas Experience
The Hallmark Christmas Experience returns for its third year. Held across four weekends, the free event transforms Crown Center into a holiday village with dazzling light displays, an artisan market, appearances from Hallmark stars, festive treats and more. Tie it in with a visit to the shopping center’s outdoor ice terrace, a KC staple (and the city’s largest rink) since 1973. November 27–December 20. Weekends only. Crown Center.
28
Danielle Nicole
Blues rocker Danielle Nicole has been captivating KC audiences since she was a teenager, delivering growling vocals and holding down bass lines in family band Trampled Under Foot. But in 2015, after that band had dissolved, a solo career seemed like the natural next step. By 2018, her sophomore studio album, Cry No More, earned the musician a Grammy nomination and a spot atop the Billboard Blues Chart. Now, amid a busy touring schedule, Nicole performs in her hometown with singer and guitarist Brandon Miller. November 28. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
28–December 24
The Nutcracker
The Kansas City Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is back. Although the classic ballet made its debut in 1892, this local production has been reimagined with choreography from Artistic Director Devon Carney. From the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to “Waltz of the Flowers,” Peter Tchaikovsky’s magical score is brought to life by musicians of the Kansas City Symphony. November 28–December 24. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
