Nestled at 40th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., Westport Coffeehouse is more than meets the eye. By day, the Midtown building is a typical cozy and casual coffee shop, serving up lattes, sandwiches and pastries. However, by night, the cafe’s downstairs operates as an intimate music venue and comedy club offering eclectic entertainment. Regular performers range from up-and-coming artists to veterans on the scene, such as 79-year-old jazz drummer Arnold Young and the Roughtet.
Later this month, on January 29, the swinging drummer will take the stage at Westport Coffeehouse’s theater alongside four others: alto saxophonist Brady Johnstone, tenor saxophonist Jacob Schwartzberg, trumpeter Nick Howell and bassist Gerald Spaits. The multi-generational lineup of free-jazzers will perform tunes written by fellow band members—including tracks from the band’s most recent album, Young Spirit—and adventurous improvisations.
To access the basement theater, concertgoers should enter from the north side of the building, through a side door next to Green Room Burgers and Beer. The main cafe entrance closes at 2 pm on weekdays and 5 pm on weekends.
GO: Arnold Young and the Roughtet. January 29, 6 pm. Westport Coffeehouse Theater. 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, KCMO. $10 cover at the door.
2
Children’s Crafting Night: Clay Gnomes
Kick off the new year with a family-friendly evening at Powell Gardens’ monthly craft night. For this month’s activity, participants will make gnomes out of clay pots, accompanied by snacks and story time. Tickets also include youth admission to the botanical garden’s Festival of Lights, offering a convenient last-minute chance to see the dazzling display before it closes on January 4. January 2. 6:30–8 pm. Powell Gardens.
7
Deborah Brown Duo
Jazz vocalist Deborah Brown is a world-class treasure. While she’s been compared to Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, the singer is a legend in her own right. Over three decades ago, Brown left her hometown of Kansas City for Europe and quickly made a name for herself abroad. The vocalist has since moved back to her Midwest home and will take the stage for Upcycle Piano Craft’s monthly happy hour concert. Light refreshments are available at this free show in the Midtown piano shop. January 7. 4:30–7:30 pm. Upcycle Piano Craft.
7-12
Chicago
Paint the town and all that jazz at Chicago the musical. The Broadway classic follows Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart—two rival murderesses in Cook County Jail—as they vie for media attention for the homicides of their respective lovers. The cabaret-style performance, which includes a big band on stage, tells a tale of ambition, fame and betrayal. January 7–12. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theater.
10-12
KC Remodel and Garden Show
KC Remodel and Garden Show is a dream for do-it-yourself homeowners. Outside of home improvement vendors, highlights include appearances by Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, hosts of HGTV’s Unsellable Houses, on Friday and Saturday. Plus, Kansas City’s own world champion pitmaster, Richard “Fergie” Fergola—founder of Fergolicious BBQ and a featured guest on Food Network’s Chopped—will lead BBQ demos all three days of the expo. January 10–12. Times vary. American Royal Center.
14
Tank and the Bangas
New Orleans-based Tank and the Bangas is kicking off the tour for their latest album, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul, in KC. The 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winners weave together the iconic funky and soulful NOLA sound with hip-hop in their transcendent, poetic album. The band is fronted by Tarriona “Tank” Ball, a versatile singer and rapper who commands the stage. Opening the concert is guitarist and singer Austin Brown. January 14. 7 pm. recordBar.
15
Daniel Black Presents His New Book, Isaac’s Song
This past summer, author Daniel Black went viral for his powerful commencement speech at Clark Atlanta University, where he referenced Biblical scripture alongside lyrics from rapper Kendrick Lamar. Now, Rainy Day Books is welcoming the writer and speaker to Kansas City on the tour for his forthcoming novel, Isaac’s Song. Set in 1980s Chicago during the height of the AIDS pandemic, the book follows the journey of a gay man from Missouri as he navigates family dynamics, generational trauma, racial tension and the complexities of being queer in the Midwest. January 15. 7–8 pm. Unity Temple.
16
Zach Towers
Stand-up comic, actor and writer Zach Towers is best known for hosting two E! series, Nightly Pop and Dating #NoFilter. While the St. Louis native has recently been on tour as an opening act for Fortune Feimster, the comic has now embarked on a solo-tour. Towers’ bawdy and often explicit sense of humor blends sex-positive topics with his sharp wit. January 16. 7 pm. Funny Bone Comedy Theater.
17
Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites
Candlelight’s performance series transforms beloved pop songs into elegant string quartet arrangements, akin to the soundtrack of Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton. This month, Fountain City String Quartet will highlight neo-soul hits, including ’90s throwbacks like Ms. Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” and modern classics such as Childish Gambino’s “Redbone,” in an intimate, candlelit setting. January 17. 6:15 pm. Unity Temple.
24
Park ICM Presents Park Trio in Recital
Park University’s International Center for Music has a reputation for being home to top-notch artistry—faculty members and students alike. The conservatory’s resident faculty ensemble, the Park Trio, will perform works by romantic era composers Antonín Dvořák and Anton Arensky in Mission Woods’ luxurious 1900 Building. The trio is made up of violinist Ben Sayevich, cellist Daniel Veis and pianist Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich. January 24. 7:30 pm. 1900 Building.
24
Hiplet Ballerinas
Homer Bryant, founder of Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, is the visionary behind the Hiplet technique. A distinct approach that melds classical ballet with hip-hop, African and Latin styles, Hiplet Ballerinas took the world by storm in 2016 with a viral video dancing to Jason Derulo’s “If It Ain’t Love.” The Black-led dance troupe reimagines ballet to captivate modern audiences, dancing on pointe to Beyoncé and combining arabesques with traditional African drum patterns. January 24. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
25
Yellowjackets
Formed in the 1970s as a back-up band for guitarist Robben Ford, the Yellowjackets have long been a staple of jazz fusion. Although the band split ways with Ford after their debut album, they’ve recorded over 20 albums and amassed 17 Grammy nominations throughout the course of their career. Their Kansas City performance is a part of the Folly Theater’s 43rd Jazz Series. January 25. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
29–Feb 1
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert
Transport yourself to the wizarding world with a visit to the symphony. At Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert, the Kansas City Symphony will perform John Williams’ iconic soundtrack in tandem with a live screening of the series’ inaugural film. Year after year, the Harry Potter movie screenings have become one of the orchestra’s most popular performances, enchanting audiences of all ages. January 29–February 1. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
29–Feb 23
Just Ask!
Based on the book written by Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor, Just Ask! is a heartwarming, family-friendly musical about the power of curiosity. The story follows young people of varying abilities as they work to create a garden. Sonia, a newcomer to the group, is hesitant to share something personal about herself and hopes her new friends will accept her. Co-produced by the Coterie Theater and What if Puppets, this performance run marks the world premiere of the musical. January 29–February 23. Times vary. Coterie Theater.
31
Anthony Mcgill and Emanuel Ax Duo Recital
Clarinetist Anthony McGill and pianist Emanuel Ax are A-list celebrities of the classical music world. Hailed for his “trademark brilliance” by the New York Times, McGill is the principal clarinet for the New York Philharmonic—the first Black principal player in the orchestra’s history. Ax is best known for his collaborations with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and as a featured performer with major orchestras across the globe. Presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series, the duo will present an evening of classic works and cutting-edge compositions. January 31. 7 pm. Folly Theater.
