Here are ten great things to do in Kansas City this weekend, February 1-4, including Lee Brice, Kathy Griffin and KC Lunar New Year Festival.
Hangama Amiri: A Homage to Home
Afghan-Canadian artist Hangama Amiri utilizes painting and printmaking techniques with textiles, telling stories through weaving that are based on memories of her homeland and diasporic experience. Amiri’s large-scale textile works are made from layering fabrics, piecing them together so the fragments collectively showcase her home from a distance.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Runs January 26–August 11.
Störling Dance Theater’s Underground
This is Störling Dance Theater’s 17th anniversary of presenting Underground in KC, this year with a special guest appearance by Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Israel Houghton. Just in time for Black History Month, this show fuses original music, dance and beautiful costuming to retell the story of the Underground Railroad and the brave people who helped bring freedom.
February 1 & 2. 7:30 pm. Kauffman Center.
Enter The Dragon
Crossroad’s Upper Level gallery’s first exhibition of the year is Enter The Dragon, which celebrates the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, with a contemporary twist. This exhibition celebrates the hugely influential 1973 Bruce Lee film by the same name, playfully honoring old and new traditions while featuring local and national artists.
February 2. 5—10 pm. Upper Level Gallery. (Exhibition dates: February 2—24).
Apollon Musagète Quartet
Apollon Musagète Quartet was founded in 2006 by four Polish musicians who met in Vienna, an incredibly influential city where a large part of the string quartet’s repertoire was written. Along with a traditional string quartet repertoire, the Quartet also has a number of new works dedicated to and surrounding the theme of their spiritual mentor, Apollo.
February 2. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
Whiskey Dynamite
The electrifying show Whiskey Dynamite is returning, is set to captivate audiences once again with explosive performances and an engaging cast. This interactive multimedia performance blends acrobatics, immersive visuals and live music, with Kansas City’s own innovative performance art collective, Quixotic, to bring audiences a unique multi-sensory celebratory experience.
February 2, 3, 9, 10, 15–17, 23 & 24. Times vary. The Grand Theater (at Crown Center).
Loverfest Midwest
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early and Taylor Swift mania with this Lover themed pop-up party. There will be Taylor Swift themed merch and treats from 11 am–4:30 pm for the open public party, which also features photo opportunities, a carefully curated shopping experience with over 20 local vendors, including themed Lover Embroidery Bar and Friendship Bracelet Bar, among others. At 6 pm, Lana Luxx, KC’s premiere Taylor Swift illusionist and drag artist will perform at a ticketed all-ages show.
February 3. 11—4 pm & 6–8 pm. Fetch.
Lee Brice: Me & My Guitar
South Carolina native country music singer and songwriter and The Voice contestant Lee Brice has released five albums in the past decade or so, with hits like “A Woman Like You” and “Hard to Love,” which rely on classic country sounds with nostalgic romantic themes.
February 3. 7:30 pm. Kauffman Theatre.
Modern Night
KC’s premier choreographer’s showcase, Modern Night, celebrates contemporary and modern dance works from the region’s most talented choreographers, like Suzanne Ryan Strati and Liat Roth. In celebration of the 20th year of Modern Night, a new program: The Young Choreographer’s Showcase, will premiere on stage. This program offers students the opportunity to take a workshop with professional choreographers, giving them insight on choreographic methods and mentorship throughout their creative processes.
February 3. 7:30 pm. Gem Theater.
Kathy Griffin
Comedian and actress Kathy Griffin has been in the spotlight for over three decades, becoming a polarizing figure for her political beliefs and brash, raunchy comedy. Griffin is perhaps best known for her stand-up comedy, various cameos on sitcoms and stints on reality TV.
February 4. 6:30 pm. Uptown Theater.
KC Lunar New Year Festival
The Kansas City Lunar New Year Festival is a rich evening celebrating cultural traditions, with regional food and performances by talented performers. Before the stage performances, there will be culture showcases and exhibitions, along with children’s activities, photo booths and food. The performances include Chinese folk dance and song, Chinese opera and musical performances with traditional Chinese instruments.
February 4. 6:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
