Tom’s Elton Tribute

Tom’s Elton Tribute is coming to KC for one night only with an authentic Elton John tribute show.

Englishman Tom Cridland plays the part of Elton John on lead vocals and piano. An Elton John superfan, Cridland struggled with alcohol addiction, but after meeting his idol and becoming friends with Elton John’s drummer, Nigel Olsson, Cridland was inspired by John’s long-term sobriety, and he’s been sober since 2017. 

Cridland taught himself to play the piano and learned every one of John’s hits, playing completely live with no backing tracks or lip-syncing. In order to maintain the authenticity of the act, he wears custom rhinestone-encrusted suits hand-embroidered with imagery from Elton John and Bernie Taupin songs. His shoes are even custom-made to match the metallic leather oxfords and brogues John wore during his Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas.

The detail-oriented act and costuming help to recreate an authentic Elton John show. Cridland and the band will play classic hits like “Bennie and the Jets,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man” and “Candle in the Wind.” 

GO: April 25. 7 pm. Yardley Hall.

April

2–7 

Clue

PNC Broadway in Kansas City presents Clue, a fun whodunit comedy musical based on the beloved classic Hasbro children’s board game and 1985 cult film of the same name. Audiences will try to solve the mystery before the final twist. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? April 2-7. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

5

Peter Frampton

English guitarist and singer-songwriter Peter Frampton first gained popularity in rock bands The Herd and Humble Pie over half a century ago. Since, he has become a successful solo act, with collaborations in recording sessions and live performances with legends like George Harrison and David Bowie. Recently becoming a 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee, Frampton hits KC on the Never Ever Say Never Tour. April 5. 8 pm. The Midland.

5–7 

Ravel’s Boléro With Foley’s Soul Bass

Kansas City Symphony presents Ravel’s Boléro with Foley’s Soul Bass, with Michael Stern conducting one of Maurice Ravel’s most popular works. Boléro’s insistent rhythm and singular melody transform throughout the program, from a quiet, soft beginning to a thunderous, uproaring ending. Featured soloist Xavier Foley is a virtuoso player of the double bass and an imaginative composer, effortlessly blending classical sensibilities with the creativity of jazz. April 5 & 6. 8 pm. April 7. 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.

6

Harlem Globetrotters

Nearing their 100th anniversary, the Harlem Globetrotters are again making a stop in KC, showcasing their athleticism and tricks against the Washington Generals. Although mainly seen as entertainers, they have truly changed the way basketball is played. Moves such as the jump shot, slam dunk and a half-court hook shot are a direct reflection of the creative moves made famous by the entertaining team. April 6. 2 pm. T-Mobile Center.

7

Dan + Shay

Nashville pop-country duo Dan + Shay are hitting KC on their Heartbreak On The Map Tour, aptly named after the third song on their fifth—and newest album—Bigger Houses. They are joined on tour with openers Ben Rector and Hailey Whitters. April 7. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.

11

Maya Angelou Book Award Winner Taylor Byas

Taylor Byas’ poetry collection I Done Clicked My Heels Three Times won the 2023 Maya Angelou Book Award. Byas will be reading her poems and answering audience questions. April 11. 6 pm. Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch.

11

Kane Brown 

Tennessee native country singer Kane Brown garnered a mass social media following nearly a decade ago with his first EP, Closer, in 2015. Since then, he’s continued to top charts, fusing pop and R&B elements into his classic country sound. Brown’s making a stop in KC for his In the Air Tour, with Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee opening. Apr 11. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.

11–14 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in Concert

Kansas City Symphony presents Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in concert, screening one of the most popular franchises in history while the symphony, with guest conductor Justin Freer, performs the epic score from Alexandre Desplat live. In this epic finale to the Harry Potter film concert series, the battle between good and evil in the wizarding world becomes an all-out war to defeat Voldemort. April 11–13. 7 pm. April 14. 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.

13

Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary

Croce Plays Croce is a special night of music featuring guitarist, pianist and singer-songwriter A.J. Croce performing a complete set of classics by his late father, folk-rock “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” singer-songwriter Jim Croce. A.J. honors his late father’s short-lived career, which eventually garnered decades of posthumous fame, in this show, which will also feature A.J.’s originals, along with songs that influenced both him and his father. April 13. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

13

Grimmz Fairy Tales

Modern-day hip-hop street performers Jake and Will Grimmz bring the stories of the Brothers Grimm to life with a contemporary musical spin. Blending hip-hop and humor, Grimmz Fairy Tales modernizes the classic stories with tales such as Snow White and the Seven Shawties, Hanzel & Gretel: Lost in the Hood and many more. April 13. 11 am & 2 pm. Starlight Theatre.

19–21

Jeffrey Kahane Plays Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto

Conductor Michael Stern crafts a program featuring works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Beethoven and Mozart. Pianist Jeffrey Kahane brings Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 to life in this masterwork for the piano that combines great talents across the centuries. April 19 & 20. 8 pm. April 21. 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.

24

Brittany Howard 

Nashville-based powerhouse vocalist and Grammy winner Brittany Howard rose to popularity in the 2010’s folk-rock band Alabama Shakes. Currently a solo artist, Howard’s solo debut Jaime was massively popular with critics and fans alike. Howard is on tour for her second album, What Now, which was released in February of this year. April 24. 8 pm. The Truman.

24

Silversun Pickups

Formed in Los Angeles in 2000, rock-indie band Silversun Pickups gained widespread popularity with their radio hit “Lazy Eye,” which can still be heard often playing on 96.5-Not-The-Buzz. Their sixth and most recent album, Physical Thrills, was released in August of last year but was written during the pandemic and deals with themes of isolation, boredom and a sense of newfound freedom in the wake of uncertainty. April 24. 8 pm. The Midland. 

25

Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner

Kansas City Symphony presents Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner with vocalist Tamika Lawrence. This show celebrates the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Tina Turner and her decades-long iconic career and immeasurable musical legacy, featuring hits like “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” April 25. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.

27

Batman Live in Concert

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of iconic 1989 Tim Burton-directed DC Superhero film Batman, played on a large screen with live instruments. The beloved film, starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker, will be accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by James Olmstead. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite DC superhero as they experience the classic in a new, exciting way. April 27. 8 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.