Sleater-Kinney
Women-fronted indie rock band Sleater-Kinney became emblematic of the rebel mentality characteristic of women-centered rock bands in the ’90s. The Washington state-based band consisting of Corin Tucker and Portlandia star Carrie Brownstein—now a duo after longtime member Janet Weiss left the band in 2019—is touring in support of their 10th and newest album, The Center Won’t Hold. The album was finished shortly after Brownstein’s mother and stepfather tragically died in a car accident, and it serves as both a testament to the bond between bandmates and a record of navigating difficult feelings around grief and loss.
GO: March 25. 8 pm. The Truman.
1 –3
Joyce Yang Plays Tchaikovsky
Fresno Philharmonic music director Rei Hotoda leads the Kansas City Symphony in this thought-provoking program that includes works by Gabriela Lena Frank and Dmitri Shostakovich. With expert technique and deep emotion, pianist Joyce Yang breathes life into Tchaikovsky’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 1 alongside the Kansas City Symphony. March 1 & 2, 8 pm; March 3, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
2 & 3
Drake with J. Cole
One of the biggest names in hip-hop, Toronto native Drake has dominated popular music for well over a decade. Drake is often credited with popularizing singing and bringing R&B sensibilities to contemporary hip-hop. He’s also known for his trailblazing OVO record label and tying the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson, with 13 No. 1 hits. Drake is joined by hip-hop powerhouse J. Cole. March 2 & 3. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
5
Jenny Lewis
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Lewis has contributed to some of the most influential indie-rock bands of the last 20 years, including The Postal Service, Elvis Costello and the Imposters, and her own band, Rilo Kiley. Lewis hits KC in support of her fifth album, Joy’All. March 5. 8 pm. The Truman.
6–9
Mamma Mia!
One of the most popular musicals of all time, Mamma Mia!, written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, is based on songs recorded by Swedish pop supergroup ABBA and composed by members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. On a mythical Greek island, the story centers around Sophie, who dreams of her father giving her away at the altar on her wedding day. Heartwarming hilarity ensues as Sophie tries to find out who her real father is before getting married the next day. March 6–9, 7:30 pm; March 10, 6:30 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
8
Flogging Molly
Seven-piece Celtic punk band Flogging Molly formed in Los Angeles nearly 30 years ago. Led by Irish vocalist Dave King, the band gained popularity through their rowdy anti-establishment Irish sound and songs like “Drunken Lullabies” and “Devil’s Dance Floor.” Flogging Molly is opened by neofolk songwriter, guitarist and banjo player Amigo the Devil. March 8. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
8–10
Planet Comicon
Planet Comicon Kansas City is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Midwest. This year, its 25th anniversary, will feature panels, exhibit halls, meet and greets and contests, along with celebrity guests like Henry Winkler and Neve Campbell. There’s something for fans of anything. March 8–10. Times vary. Kansas City Convention Center.
9
Blackberry Smoke
Atlanta-based Southern rock band Blackberry Smoke has been on the scene for over two decades, evolving from a rough-edged club act to an arena-ready rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse. Performing over 250 shows a year, Blackberry Smoke is making their annual stop in KC. March 9. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
9
Iconic Masters: Bird, Monk, Duke & More
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents Iconic Masters: Bird, Monk, Duke & More, featuring Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer John Beasley. Beasley represents the many facets of jazz music, playing his own arrangements of Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and more alongside a vibrant big band. March 9. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
9, 15 & 17
Roméo et Juliette
The Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents Roméo et Juliette, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of star-crossed lovers. The drama is heightened by giving it the French grand opera treatment with composer Charles Gounod’s adaptation, which follows the centuries-old tale alongside the expansive score, gorgeous sets and period costumes. March 9 & 15, 7:30 pm; March 17, 2 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
10
Around the World in 80 Days
The Kansas City Symphony presents the 1872 French adventure by writer Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days. The symphony, along with local theater artist Alex Espy, presents this engaging adaptation of a riveting classic whose story spans the globe. The classic is reimagined for the stage through innovative sets, refreshed storytelling, puppetry and a curated collection of symphonic favorites. March 10. 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
14
Jo Koy
Stand-up comedian Jo Koy reached fame as a frequent panelist on late night show Chelsea Lately and has gone on to release six comedy specials, which pull inspiration from his Filipino heritage, family and witty observational humor. Now a popular podcaster and recent Golden Globe host, Koy is embarking on his Just Kidding World Tour armed with all-new material. March 14. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
15 & 16
Zeds Dead
Two of the most prolific artists in electronic dance music, Canadian duo Zeds Dead has worked with a wide array of producers and artists, pulling from The Rolling Stones to Sublime to meld distinct styles into dancefloor classics. The powerhouse duo comes to KC in support of their aptly-named Two Night Stand Tour. March 15 & 16. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
22-24
Matthias Pintscher Welcomes Violinist Philippe Quint
The Kansas City Symphony made a connection with Matthias Pintscher for their electrifying collaboration last year, and Pintscher is now music director designate. He returns this year with another outstanding program, featuring works from Leonard Bernstein, Errollyn Wallen and Sergei Rachmaninoff, with violinist Philippe Quint returning to KC to bring the new concerto to life.
March 22 & 23, 8 pm; March 24, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
26
Bad Bunny
Puerto Rico reggaeton rapper and singer Bad Bunny, often hailed as the “King of Latin Trap,” has broken barriers and dominated charts in the last several years. One of the first and only non-English language acts to achieve such accolades, Bad Bunny’s world domination doesn’t show signs of slowing down. He’s coming to KC for the first time in support of his newest album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana. March 26. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
29
Ben Sayevich & Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich
The Park University International Center for Music presents acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Ben Sayevich on violin and Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich on piano. Sayevich is a teacher, acclaimed violinist and chamber musician. He is also a founding member of the Park Trio, established at Park University in 2006, and is a violinist for the London-based Rosamunde Trio. Joining him in this special concert is Lisovskaya-Sayevich, a performing pianist who also serves as the director of collaborative piano at Park’s International Center for Music. February 29. 7:30 pm. 1900 Building.
