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Local Arts News Archive

Kansas Arts Education Week

Mon, Aug 30, 2010

­Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson has signed a proclamation recognizing September 12–18 as Arts Education Week.

Playhouse celebrates 15th Anniversary with tribute to lyricists

Mon, Aug 30, 2010

Quality Hill Playhouse enters its 15th year of producing cabaret entertainment in downtown Kansas City with a season dedicated to talented lyricists. "Say It With Music: The American Lyricist Series" honors songwriting legends Sammy Cahn, Johnny Mercer, Yip Harburg and Cole Porter, men who penned the words to some of the best songs in the American Songbook. In addition to these original cabaret revues, the season includes a musical revue written by Broadway songwriters Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire.

UMKC Theatre presents 2010–2011 season

Tue, Aug 24, 2010

One of Kansas City’s best kept secrets, UMKC Theatre, will present a diverse range of theatre this 2010–11 season, introduce design-your-own ticket packages, and launch Industry Nights at Monday performances. Dynamic co-productions are scheduled with the Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, KC Repertory Theatre, and – for the first time – an American masterpiece with Kansas City Actors Theatre at the World War I Museum located at the Liberty Memorial.

JCCC announces fall Ruel Joyce Recital Series

Tue, Aug 24, 2010

The Ruel Joyce Recital Series at Johnson County Community College marks its 22nd year with another line-up of Kansas City’s finest classical musicians. The recitals, which are free and open to the public, are scheduled at noon Monday for nine weeks, Sept. 13–Nov. 8, in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center, JCCC.

The Barn Players announces 56th season

Tue, Aug 24, 2010

Eric L Magnus, Artistic Director of The Barn Players, recently announced the theatre’s 2011 show season. Magnus added that the 2011 season is designed to balance theatre for audiences with thought-provoking shows including musicals, comedies and a historical production as well as Barn Junior and theatre benefit productions.

The Coterie Theatre announces 2010–11 season

Tue, Aug 24, 2010

The Coterie Theatre's 2010–2011 season of live theatre offers a range of performances that include science fiction masterpieces, a vampire world premiere, a musical and a drama based on award-winning literature, a Ben Franklin inspired tale and a new version of Broadway's "The Wiz." Now entering its 32nd season of live theatre, the Coterie Theatre continues to provide unique theatre experiences for all ages especially families and young audiences.

UMKC Conservatory renames presenting series and establishes partnership with Friends of Chamber Music

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

The Conservatory of Music and Dance is pleased to announce that it has renamed its popular Signature Series to underline its new collaborative nature. Conservatory Artist Series (formerly known as Signature Series) will present six concerts in the 2010–11 season, three of which are part of our new series partnership with The Friends of Chamber Music called the Music Alliance.

Tivoli Cinemas and UMKC Department of Communications announces Silent Cinema Series

Tue, Aug 03, 2010

Tivoli Cinemas and UMKC Department of Communications announces Silent Cinema Series

Tivoli Cinemas and the UMKC Department of Communication Studies will present a special SILENT FILM SERIES beginning September 2nd that will culminate with the Kansas City premiere of THE COMPLETE METROPOLIS the first week of October.

Missouri Arts Council announces 2011 grant recipients

Tue, Aug 03, 2010

The Missouri Arts Council awarded $6.1 million in annual grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Missouri for 2011. In addition to the annual awards, nearly $480,000 is still available for monthly project grants, arts education monthly strategic grants, touring grants, and capacity building grants. Grants support programs in arts education, arts services, community arts, dance, electronic media, festivals, literature, multidiscipline, music, theater, visual arts, folk arts and minority arts.

Owen/Cox Dance Group announces 2010-2011 season

Tue, Aug 03, 2010

Owen/Cox Dance Group recently announced their 2010-11 season which will include "The Golem," the delightful "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" and a spring performance collaboration with newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble.

newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble announces new season

Tue, Aug 03, 2010

newEar recently announced its 18th season called "Spectra 2010/11" and will continue with it successful collaboration projects begun last season.

Kansas Arts Commission announces Kansas 150 grant recipients

Mon, Aug 02, 2010

The Kansas Arts Commission announces its Fiscal Year 2011 American Masterpieces Kansas grant recipients. The program supports public arts and cultural events occurring between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011, relating to the Kansas 150 commemoration and featuring works by living or deceased recognized Kansas artists.

Heartland Men's Chorus named as Bacchus Foundation beneficiary

Fri, Jul 16, 2010

Heartland Men's Chorus, Kansas City's gay men's chorus, has been selected as the beneficiary of the Bacchus Foundation for the 2010-2011 season.

Richard Harriman, founder of Harriman Jewell Series, has died

Fri, Jul 16, 2010

Richard Harriman, founder of Harriman Jewell Series, has died

Richard L. Harriman, Kansas City's beloved performing arts impresario, died on Thursday, July 15, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Mo., at the age of 77. Harriman had leukemia. A public memorial service for Richard Harriman will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, August 8, at the John Gano Memorial Chapel, on the William Jewell College campus in Liberty, Mo. Contributions can be made to the Harriman-Jewell Series' Richard L. Harriman Fund for Excellence in the Arts. Please call the Series' development office at 816-415-5025 for additional information.

Charlotte Street Foundation Call for Artists

Tue, Jun 29, 2010

Charlotte Street Foundation’s Urban Culture Project seeks applications from artists interested in being considered for its Studio Residency Program for both visual and performing artists. Applications are next due FRIDAY, JULY 16 (postmarked or delivered by 5pm to CSF’s offices, 1000 West 25th Street).

Giving strong in 2010 for ArtsKC Fund Campaign

Wed, Jun 16, 2010

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City "unveiled" the results of its 2010 ArtsKC Fund Campaign on June 10th at an event hosted by Barkley. This year’s campaign contributions totaled $422,845. Since its inception in 2007, the ArtsKC Fund has raised $2,099,416.

Missouri Cities among the most generous online

Tue, Jun 15, 2010

Based on online giving to charity, St. Louis was the 8th most generous among large cities based on per capita giving in 2009. Other Missouri cities were included on the list: Springfield (78), Columbia (99) and Kansas City (106). The report by Convio ranks 273 large cities (with total population of more than 100,000) based on per capita online giving and based on the total amount donated online through Convio.

Topeka Symphony announces 65th season

Tue, Jun 15, 2010

Music Director John Strickler has put together a seven-concert series that features a wide variety of music ranging from traditional “classical” fare to jazz.

Charlotte Street Foundation announces 2010 Generative Performing Artist Awards Fellows

Tue, May 25, 2010

The Charlotte Street Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of two Kansas City generative performing artists to receive unrestricted cash Awards of $6,500 each in 2010. Selected through a competitive, two-phased process by a panel of area performing arts professionals, the recipients are composer/musician Brad Cox and cross-disciplinary director/writer/performer Stephanie Roberts.

Kansas City Rep's VENICE "Year's Best Musical" - Time Magazine

Tue, May 18, 2010

Time magazine's theatre critic Richard Zoglin has proclaimed Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of VENICE the best musical of the year.

Mid-America Arts Alliance announces 2010 Live! in the Crossroads free summer performances

Tue, May 18, 2010

The series begins June 4 with Quixotic and concludes September 3 with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company.

Wrapped art signifies loss of art in absence of patronage

Tue, May 11, 2010

Wrapped art signifies loss of art in absence of patronage

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City will wrap its third "Lost-and-Found" art piece, Jun Kaneko's Water Plaza at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 14 at Bartle Hall. Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver II is a featured speaker. The media and public are invited to attend.

NEA awards $25,000 for ArtsKC Fund Catalyst Grants

Tue, May 04, 2010

The National Endowment for the Arts latest round of funding for fiscal year 2010 includes a first-time ever $25,000 grant to The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City's ArtsKC Fund.

Missouri Arts Council zero funded for FY11 budget

Tue, May 04, 2010

The state legislature passed the FY11 state budget with no funding for the Missouri Arts Council or the Cultural Partners (Public Broadcasting, Historic Preservation, Humanities, and State Libraries). The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature, usually in June.

Six Kansas arts programs receive NEA grants

Tue, May 04, 2010

Last week, the National Endowment for the Arts announced that six Kansas organizations, including the Kansas Arts Commission, will receive $931,200 in federal grants through the National Endowment for the Arts. These grants will support activities in communities throughout Kansas that effect our state's economy, quality of life and educational programs.

State of the Arts in Kansas

Tue, May 04, 2010

As the Kansas Legislature is shaping its budget bill this week, the Kansas Arts Commission is facing a serious cut to its Fiscal Year 2011 budget. If the House bill passes, the Kansas Arts Commission's reduction of state general funds will be more than 50% since Fiscal Year 2009. That cut will absolutely impact organizations and the people of Kansas -- just when organizations, communities and artists across state badly need support.

UPDATE: State of the Arts in Missouri

Tue, Apr 27, 2010

As we reported several weekls ago, the Missouri Senate has recommended zero funding for the Missouri Arts Council for FY2011. This recommendation goes to conference THIS week for further debate. We all have an opportunity to affect change and influence this debate in favor of adequate funding for the arts.

Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City selects a new conductor

Tue, Apr 20, 2010

Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City selects a new conductor

The Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City has appointed Travis Jürgens its conductor and music director-designate, effective at the conclusion of the Philharmonia's current season this summer.

Fantastic fourth

Tue, Apr 20, 2010

Fantastic fourth

The Fountain City Brass Band under the directorship of Dr. Joseph Parisi, has made brass band history as the first band to win four consecutive North American Titles.

Performing Arts Series at JCCC announces 20th anniversary season

Tue, Apr 20, 2010

The Performing Arts Series at JCCC just announced its 20th anniversary celebration with eight-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole on Sept. 25, plus a season of cutting-edge performances, celebrity names, diverse cultures, dance and music.

Lied Center announces 2010-11 season

Tue, Apr 20, 2010

Performances include Armitage Gone! Dance, Punch Brothers, Garrison Keillor and more. Single tickets go on sale this week.

Melissa Dunphy wins Simon Carrington Chamber Singers Composition Competition

Tue, Apr 13, 2010

Melissa Dunphy wins Simon Carrington Chamber Singers Composition Competition

Melissa Dunphy's new composition, "What do you think I fought for at Omaha Beach?" has been selected as the winning work for the 2010 Simon Carrington Chamber Singers Composition Competition. The Philadelphia-based composer's choral work sets excerpts of public testimony given before the Maine Senate by Phillip Spooner in a hearing to discuss the Marriage Equality Bill on April 22, 2009.

The State of the Arts in Missouri

Tue, Apr 13, 2010

Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee did preliminary mark-up for the budget and Chairman Rob Mayer asked that the line item for the Missouri Arts Council and the four Cultural Partners - public broadcasting, humanities, historic preservation, and libraries be cut to ZERO and closed for further debate. YOU can make a difference - contact your Senator and tell them "the arts are good for the economy and for the citizens of Missouri."

Kansas City Symphony announces 2010-11 Classical Season

Mon, Apr 12, 2010

An amazing collection of guest artists will join Music Director Michael Stern and the Kansas City Symphony for the 2010-11 season, including Andre Watts and Markus Groh. The season opens October 8-10 with Stravinsky's Firebird plus Hilary Hahn performing Sibelius' Violin Concerto.

The Friends of Chamber Music announces 35th Anniversary Season

Mon, Apr 12, 2010

The Friends of Chamber Music is pleased to announce its 35th Anniversary season. With its theme of "Where the intimate voice becomes the conversation..." The Friends is celebrating with grand style, supplemental programming and stellar programming from some of the biggest artists in the industry.

Art Council's campaign enters "Found" art phase launching colorful, hand-painted billboards

Tue, Apr 06, 2010

Art Council's campaign enters "Found" art phase launching colorful, hand-painted billboards

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City's public awareness campaign, "Lost-and-Found" Art, entered its second phase on April 5 by posting hand-painted billboards designed by local artists, Michael Toombs and Jose Faus. The colorful "Found" Art billboards replace the stark, white "Lost" Art billboards that have been displayed since March 1. The campaign's slogan, "If We Don't Support Artists, There Is No Art," remains on both the "Lost" and "Found" billboards.

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City reveals its first "Lost-and-Found" art

Wed, Mar 31, 2010

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City reveals its first "Lost-and-Found" art

As part of a public awareness campaign for its ArtsKC Fund, the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City has created a series of blank billboards with the message, "If we don't support artists, there is no art," replacing the billboards on April 5 with "found art," images of art and arts venues representing Greater Kansas City. In addition, the Arts Council will unveil a series of three "Lost-and-Found" art pieces from different areas of the city as a way to suggest the potential loss of public art in the absence of patronage.

Unicorn Theatre announces 2010-11 season

Tue, Mar 30, 2010

Unicorn Theatre, under the artistic leadership of Producing Artistic Director Cynthia Levin, announces the 37th season of bold new plays. The new season will open on September 18 and include six regular season shows and one exciting season extra.

American Heartland Theatre announces 2010-11 season

Tue, Mar 30, 2010

American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center just announced its 2010-2011 season, with one, two-time Tony award winning comedy, four Kansas City Premieres, one AHT favorite and one Richard Rodgers Award Winner in its upcoming season.

Kansas City Actors Theatre announces 6th season

Tue, Mar 23, 2010

The Kansas City Actors Theatre just announced its 2010-11 season, featuring works familiar and works adventurous.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre announces 2010-11 season

Tue, Mar 23, 2010

The adventure continues with a joyous new musical, inspiring dramas and controversial social issues for the new season at the Kansas City Rep. Eric Rosen has just announced his selections for the 2010-11 season, his third as the theatre's artistic leader.

UMKC announces summer Composition Workshop for young composers

Mon, Mar 15, 2010

The UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance has just announced a Composition Workshop, a new summer opportunity for students between the ages of 14 and 20, to take place June 20-25, 2010 in Kansas City. Zhou Long, Paul Rudy, James Mobberley and Ingrid Stölzel will help kick off this exciting engagement for young composers.

Kansas Arts Commission honors 2010 Governor's Arts Awards recipients

Mon, Mar 15, 2010

The Kansas Arts Commission honored the 2010 Governor's Arts Awards recipients. The winners were recognized at a reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Washburn University. Governor Mark Parkinson presented the awards.

Lyric Opera announces final season in the Lyric Theatre

Tue, Mar 09, 2010

With the impending move to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in the fall of 2011, the 53rd Lyric Opera season will be the final one produced by the Company in the Lyric Theatre on 11th and Central Streets in Kansas City, MO.

New campaign imagines Kansas City with no art

Tue, Mar 02, 2010

The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City has just launched the first ever public awareness campaign for the ArtsKC Fund. Two white billboards and a piece of prominent art will be covered in white wrap to emphasize the absence of art. This innovative public awareness campaign was designed by Barkley Creative and leads with the slogan: "If We Don't Support Artists, There Is No Art. Support ArtsKC.org."

University of Kansas School of Music announces a new Opera/Voice Master Series

Tue, Mar 02, 2010

In the coming months, the University of Kansas School of Music will welcome internationally renowned artists who also serve as distinguished educators of opera, vocal repertoire, and collaborative piano. The Series will include a number of voice and piano master classes, free and open to the public.

Kansas City Ballet announces 2010-11 season

Wed, Feb 24, 2010

Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director William Whitener recently announced the Company's 53rd season. Whitener stated, "This season features the works of American choreographers and covers a plethora of styles, techniques, and genres. Two of the ballets are new to the repertory and will be danced alongside audience favorites and the enduring classic, Giselle."

KcEMA call for works

Sun, Feb 21, 2010

The Kansas City Electronic Music and Arts Alliance (KcEMA) is currently accepting submissions for its 2010-11 concert season.

Kansas City Ballet receives $900,000 grant from Kresge Foundation

Mon, Feb 15, 2010

The Kresge Foundation has selected the Kansas City Ballet as a recipient of a $900,000 challenge grant toward the completion of the Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity, the company's future home.

Arts Day at the Kansas Capitol

Mon, Feb 08, 2010

This is a crucial year for the arts in Kansas with the current legislative session. The support of everyone from arts advocates; arts educators; artists; arts organization directors, board members and volunteers; and arts patrons to anyone who values the benefits of the arts in their Kansas communities is needed to make a sustainable impact.