Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, February 26—March 1 including Porgy and Bess, Tango After Dark and Night/Shift.
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.
February 26. 6 pm. Museum of Kansas City.
Night/Shift
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art throws a great party—and for free. Every few months on a Thursday evening, Night/Shift combines the museum’s world-class collection with live music and hands-on activities. This installment revolves around the museum’s exhibition Personal Best, a display featuring six local artist-athletes, and includes performances from rapper The Royal Chief, CLOUDS Dance Company, Surface Tension (the Kansas City Current’s drumline) and more.
February 26. 5 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Porgy and Bess
An adaptation of DuBose Heyward’s 1925 novel Porgy, George Gershwin’s folk opera Porgy and Bess features one of the composer’s most enduring songs, jazz standard “Summertime.” Set in 1920s Charleston, South Carolina, this tale of love and turmoil centers on Bess, freshly abandoned by her violent lover, and Porgy—an impoverished, disabled street beggar—who offers her compassion and devotion. Blending opera with spirituals and jazz, this Lyric Opera of Kansas City production stars Grammy Award-winning baritone Eric Greene and acclaimed soprano Michelle Bradley.
February 28–March 8. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Tango After Dark
At Tango After Dark, celebrated tango dancer Germán Cornejo pays tribute to this popular Argentine art form and the music of composer Astor Piazzolla. Named the World Champion of Tango in 2005, Cornejo will be joined by a troupe of 10 dancers from his dance company, a robust band and two vocalists for a lively showcase.
February 26. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
Pop is Black
In honor of Black History Month, a cast of Kansas City musicians showcase their contributions to pop music in a historic building. Zhou B Art Center, a creative hub in the 18th and Vine District, was formerly the campus of Crispus Attucks School, one of KC’s first schools for Black students. Performers include Broderick Jones (who appeared on The Voice last year), Hailes, Malek Azrael and more.
February 28. 6 pm. Zhou B Art Center.
Snow White
The Kansas City Ballet’s family series reimagines this classic fairytale on pointe. A whimsical introduction to ballet for all ages, the production follows Snow White and her seven dwarves as they prance and pirouette across the Folly Theater stage.
February 27–March 1. Times vary. Folly Theater.
Hamilton
When Hamilton made its off-Broadway premiere just over a decade ago, the hip-hop musical quickly took the world by storm. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterwork tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton (and those in close proximity to him) with a modern twist. With catchy songs like “My Shot” and “Aaron Burr, Sir,” Miranda describes the musical as “America then, as told by America now.” We recommend getting your tickets sooner rather than later, as tickets are typically in high demand for this wildly popular production.
February 18–March 1. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.
Boulevard Beach Club
Boulevard Brewing Co. brings the beach to Kansas City at this vintage tiki bar-inspired pop-up. Transport yourself to sandy shores and warmer weather as Boulevard debuts four new Quirk flavors inspired by “ice cream truck nostalgia,” including rainbow sherbert and lemon Italian ice seltzers.
February 18—March 1. Times vary. Boulevard Tours & Rec Center.
Edra Soto: the place of dwelling
Originally from Puerto Rico, artist Edra Soto is known for transforming utilitarian items—like plastic lawn furniture and wrought-iron screens—to commemorate the working class. Soto’s latest installation for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the place of dwelling, does just that. The installation is a part of the museum’s Atrium Project, an initiative designed to support and amplify emerging Hispanic artists, and marks the program’s 10-year anniversary.
January 30—March 7. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Whiskey Dynamite
The electrifying show Whiskey Dynamite returns and is set to captivate audiences once again with explosive performances and an engaging cast. This interactive multimedia performance—self described as a “nonsensical neowestern cabaret”—blends acrobatics, immersive visuals and live music. The event is produced by KC’s own innovative performance art collective, Quixotic, to bring audiences a unique multi-sensory celebratory experience.
January 16—April 18. Times vary. The Grand Theater (at Crown Center).
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: Julie Bennett Hume
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 Americana singer-songwriter Julie Bennett Hume.
March 1. 5 pm. ArtsKC.
