Lady Day Sings the Blues
Come experience the life and songs of Billie Holiday like never before in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. This Tony Award-winning play takes you back in time and into the soulful atmosphere of Emerson’s Bar and Grill, where Holiday’s life plays out through song and dramatization.
The audience is taken on a journey through the ups and downs of Holiday’s life via a selection of her most well-known songs, such as “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child,” all performed live. The play, produced by Kansas City Repertory Theatre, celebrates the enduring legacy of one of America’s greatest jazz vocalists and her often difficult life.
Go: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, October 8-27. Copaken Stage in the Power and Light District, 1 H and R Block Way, KCMO. kcrep.org.
4
The Marshall Tucker Band & Jefferson Starship
Southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band and legendary band Jefferson Starship are coming together for the Live on Cloud 9 Tour. The Marshall Tucker Band, formed over 50 years ago in South Carolina, is emblematic of Southern rock. Jefferson Starship was also formed in the ’70s and embraced the popular ideals of musical exploration and concept albums, pushing the boundaries of the hippie-rock era. Together, they’re reuniting for a legendary night. October 4. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
5
Japan Festival
The Japan Festival is an annual one-day event that aims to educate and entertain through an introduction to Japanese culture. This year’s theme is Yōkai & Japanese Folklore—Yōkai are central beings in Japanese folklore. The festival showcases traditional Japanese culture, art, musical performances, foods and shopping, along with exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, cultural presentations and more. October 5. 10 am–7 pm. Multiple locations across Johnson County Community College.
5
Keb’ Mo’ & Shawn Colvin
Singer-songwriter, guitarist and contemporary blues artist Keb’ Mo’ has been on the scene for 20 years, collaborating with legends like Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Brown and more. Shawn Colvin, with over a dozen albums and a memoir, joins Keb’ Mo’ for this electrifying night of musical prowess. Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly opens. October 5. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
8–Nov 2
Goodnight Moon
Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, Goodnight Moon is adapted for the stage by Chad Henry. This family-friendly musical features favorite characters like the three bears sitting in chairs, the cow jumping over the moon and the tooth fairy. October 8–November 2. Times vary. City Stage at Union Station.
12
David Spade
Actor and comedian David Spade has been a household name for decades, rising to fame as a cast member for five seasons of SNL and in subsequent TV shows and films spanning the past 30 years, like Just Shoot Me! and The Emperor’s New Groove. Still appearing on both large and small screens, Spade is proving that his humor is timeless with the Catch Me Inside Tour, in which the tour name is based on a meme from about eight years ago. October 12. 8 pm. Midland Theatre.
18
Korn
In honor of their 30th anniversary, Grammy award-winning metal band Korn is embarking on a North American tour with a stop in KC. A huge figure in the ’90s grunge-metal scene, Korn’s legacy has been felt in the decades since their formation. Grammy-nominated band Gojira and Canadian heavy metal group Spiritbox open. October 18. 6:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
18
The Fray
Denver-based rock band The Fray became one of the most successful indie-rock bands of the early aughts, with hits like “How to Save a Life” and “Over My Head” playing nonstop over airways and in teen romance shows. They are hitting KC in the aptly-named The Fray Is Back Tour in support of their newest album of the same name, released this year. Rett Madison will open. October 18. 8 pm. The Truman.
18–20
Kristin Chenoweth
Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth joins the Kansas City symphony with guest conductor Mary Mitchell Campbell. Best known for her starring roles in Wicked, Glee and more, Chenoweth is small in stature but has larger-than-life vocals, which she will showcase in show-stopping selections with orchestral arrangements from the symphony. October 18 & 19, 8 pm; October 20, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
18–20
Cornucopia Fall Festival
Billed as Kansas City’s ultimate fall festival, Cornucopia will transform Power & Light into an autumnal celebration that could be ripped straight from Gilmore Girls. This festival is a whole weekend of fall fun for all ages, with carnival rides, live music performances, a petting zoo, seasonal food and drink vendors and shopping. October 18–20. Times vary. Power & Light District.
23
Nosferatu
As part of their wildly successful film and live score series, the Kansas City Symphony presents Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror accompanied by live organ. The original 1922 silent film was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and due to legal disputes, almost all copies of the film were destroyed—but one print survived. Today, the film is regarded as a masterpiece and has a cult-like following. Get into the spooky spirit by watching this bizarre film classic on screen with live accompaniment by organist Dorothy Papadakos. October 23. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.
25
Walking with Ghosts: Real Life Hauntings with Amy Bruni
Best known as a paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of shows Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, Amy Bruni will share ghost stories from visits to America’s most haunted locations throughout her storied career. VIP tickets to this spooky night include a meet-and-greet with Bruni, a photo with her and priority access to the merchandise table. October 25. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
26
Alan Jackson
Legendary country musician Alan Jackson has been on the scene for three decades, beloved by many for his straightforward sensibilities and catchy lyrics. Jackson is stopping in KC for his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour to prove he still knows “A Lot About Livin’ (and a Little ’bout Love).” October 26. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
26
Mariachi Herencia de México
Latin Grammy-nominated band Mariachi Herencia de México aims to honor traditional mariachi music while pushing boundaries. The historic tradition of mariachi music has its roots in Mexico, but as the genre’s influence spread, it reached Chicago, and Mariachi Herencia de México was born, helping to spread Mexican music and culture. They stop in KC on their La Nueva Generación Tour. October 26. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
27
Chelsea Handler
Comedian Chelsea Handler gained widespread popularity as host of E!’s Chelsea Lately, during which she was the only female late-night talk show host on air. She’s since had shows on Netflix, penned six best-selling books, been the host of her own popular podcast and more. Handler’s bringing her signature biting wit and self-deprecating humor on her comedy tour to KC. October 27. 7 pm. Midland Theatre.
31–Nov 3
American Royal World Series of Barbecue
If there’s one thing Kansas City takes pride in, it’s our barbecue. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue touts itself as the world’s largest barbecue competition and, of course, it takes place right here in the heartland. The weekend-long fest includes live performances, activities and, most importantly, the smells of hickory wood smoke and slow-roasted meats as competitors battle it out on the speedway. October 31–November 3. Times vary. Kansas Speedway.
