Here are twelve great things to do in Kansas City this weekend, February 2-5, including stand up comedy from Joe Pera, The Judds at T-Mobile Center, and Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Refuge
This unique bilingual show features an original score and dynamic puppetry to tell the story of a young migrant who must travel through the harsh and magical desert in hopes of a new life in America.
January 25—February 12. Times vary. Unicorn Theatre.
Flood
This absurdist tragic-comedy will run its full production and world premiere since the onset of the pandemic cut its first run short. The play centers around an unhappy wife who just wants to have tea with her artist husband who is completely devoted to building his masterpiece. Meanwhile, the waters outside their apartment continue to rise, threatening change and perhaps tragedy.
January 31–February 19. Times Vary. KCRep Copaken Stage.
Bandits on the Run
The indie-pop-Americana trio was formed during a chance encounter while busking in the subways of NYC. Now they have gone on to be featured heavily by NPR and produce music for cartoon Story Bots. They will be playing a “tiny concert” at Effing Candle Co. for their Period Packing Party which aims to provide period products to folks in need. There will also be complimentary beverages provided by 4 Hands Brewing Co. and 1220 Spirits.
February 3. 5 pm. Effing Candle Co.
Joe Pera
Standup comedian, writer and filmmaker Joe Pera developed a cult-like following after his unassuming hit series on Adult Swim, Joe Pera Talks With You, where Pera plays a fictionalized version of himself and talks directly to the viewer about ordinary subjects like breakfast and sleeping. His stand-up is very similar, getting laughs with a quiet awkwardness and wholesome simplicity.
February 3. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
The Judds
After losing mother Naomi Judd, one-half of country duo The Judds, daughter Wynonna is touring one last time using the band’s name in a celebration of her mother’s life. Wynonna will be playing their iconic hits and bringing out other artists like Brandi Carlile and Martina McBride for this arena tour.
February 3. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
GUNNAR
The Gen-Z star rose to fame the good old fashioned way, through a viral TikTok video. Now, GUNNAR is managed by the infamous Scooter Braun, who rose to fame after mismanaging several millennial stars such as Arianna Grande and Taylor Swift. GUNNAR is on a small tour, bringing that self-described “grunge-rock-pop” TikTok sound to Westport.
February 3. 8 pm. Tin Roof.
Sharif Bey: Ancestral Vestiges
Syracuse-based artist and educator Sherif Bey’s pottery is both modern and functional, while borrowing elements from art of the African diaspora. His works aim to investigate the significance of adornment and how the meaning of these ancient works transform throughout time and in different cultures.
February 3–August 5. Belger Crane Yard Studios.
Störling Dance Theater’s UNDERGROUND
This is Störling Dance Theater’s sixteenth anniversary of presenting the Underground Railroad story in KC, UNDERGROUND. The show uses original music, beautiful costumes and exciting pacing to retell the history of the underground railroad and the brave people who helped bring freedom.
February 3–4. 7:30 pm. Kauffman Center.
Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
Kansas City Symphony presents Respect, a tribute to the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin, dubbed the greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone. This show extolls the Queen of Soul’s music, life and legacy.
February 3–4, 8 pm; February 5, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Dixie Longate: Cherry Bombs & Bottle Rockets
Ex-felon turned Tupperware lady, drag queen Dixie Longate is now touring with a brand-new standup special, Cherry Bombs & Bottle Rockets. Here she talks about everything from Loretta Lynn to alien abductions, in that rapid-fire delivery with a southern twist that she has come to be recognized for.
February 3. 7:30 pm. February 4. 2 & 7:30 pm. Starlight Theater.
Brush with Symbolism
Attendees are first encouraged to research the symbolism in Chinese art in the Spencer Art Reference Library with the help of museum staff before decoding works in the collection with their newfound knowledge. Chinese brushwork artist Valda Hsu will then lead the class to create personal symbols using traditional brush painting techniques.
February 4. 10:30 am. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story
Fusing puppetry with Spanish and English storytelling, Cenicienta follows ten-year-old Belinda as she uses everyday objects to recreate the classic fairytale Cinderella. This modern, inclusive retelling centers around cultural heritage, family and the power of language.
February 4. 11 am. Polsky Theatre.
