Here are nine things to do in KC this weekend, January 29—February 1 including New Moves, Beethoven and Beyond and Party Arty: Painted Night.
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 the month through March, 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.
January 29. 6 pm. The Museum of Kansas City.
Edra Soto: the place of dwelling — Member Preview & Artist Talk
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art offers a first look at its latest installation, Edra Soto’s the place of dwelling. Originally from Puerto Rico, Soto is known for transforming utilitarian items—like plastic lawn furniture and wrought-iron screens—to commemorate the working class. Part of the museum’s Atrium Project, an initiative designed to support and amplify emerging Hispanic artists, the event also marks the program’s 10-year anniversary. The preview event and artist talk is free for members, with tickets available for purchase for non-members.
January 29. 5:30 pm. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
New Moves
The Kansas City Ballet steps outside of its typical classical wheelhouse with New Moves. This contemporary showcase features brand-new works from innovative choreographers around the country, including premieres by a few of the main company’s own dancers: Joseph Boswell, Amira Hogan and Cameron Thomas.
January 29–February 1. Times vary. Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity.
Party Arty: Painted Night
The Nelson-Atkins’ party of the year returns. A fundraiser to support the museum’s art education programming, Party Arty: Painted Night is inspired by the Nelson-Atkins’ current Mesoamerican art exhibit, Painted Worlds. Don a bold, colorful outfit and enjoy a lively evening of craft cocktails, music, photo ops and more.
January 31. 8 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Beethoven and Beyond
Ludwig Van Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony is one of the best known pieces of classical music, but his Fourth Symphony—which premiered just one year prior—is heard far less often. At Beethoven and Beyond, the Kansas City Symphony brings the German composer’s Fourth Symphony to life alongside his Piano Concerto No. 2. Joined by special guest Tamara Stefanovich on piano, the orchestra symphony will contrast the evening of classics with a world premiere of composer Lisa Streich’s piano concerto Black Swan.
January 30—February 1. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
Linda Lighton: “Love & War, A Fifty-Year Survey, 1975-2025”
Born into an affluent Kansas City family, Linda Lighton was expected to marry well and become a housewife. Instead, she became an artist, helped publish a leftist newspaper and joined a commune in Washington state. Now, Lighton presents her ceramics at the Nerman Museum. Her sculpture captures her story and the universal story of love and politics and social strife over the past 50 years of her career. The exhibition—which focuses on gun violence, gender inequality and environmental activism—is accompanied by a 208-page book, chronicling her boundary-pushing ceramic work.
December 13–May 3. Times vary. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.
Snow Creek
No need to head to the mountains to go skiing––enjoy the slopes at Snow Creek. Located just outside of Weston on the scenic Missouri River bluffs, the 25-acre resort offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing throughout the season, or for as long as temps stay below freezing.
December 26—March. Times vary. 1 Snow Creek Dr, Weston, MO.
Songbird Sessions: Jillian Riscoe
Every Sunday evening, non-profit organization Manor Records spotlights KC musicians with concert series Songbird Sessions. This week, the record label teams up with Heartland Song Network to present country singer-songwriter Jillian Riscoe.
February 1. 5 pm. ArtsKC.
Talya Groves
Former Broadway performer Talya Groves is a Kansas City music scene star. Singing anything and everything from showtunes to jazz standards to pop songs, Groves’ magnetic presence seems to always captivate the room. Nearly every Friday night, she commands the stage at The Phoenix.
January 30. 4:30—8:30 pm. The Phoenix.
