KCMETROPOLIS.org
Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

The excitement of a new season is palpable—and this coming year is no exception. As the KC arts community and its enthusiasts look forward to another productive year with intriguing season line-ups full of local and national acts, KCM executive editor Kristin Shafel remembers her favorite shows from 2010–11. In no particular order:

Kansas City Guitar Society: Ana Vidović (November 2010) and Mistura Fina (July 2011)
I have not been disappointed by a Kansas City Guitar Society presentation yet. They consistently feature both local acts—“prodigal sons” so to speak—and national/international classical guitar talents. Ana Vidović is well known and highly respected in the classical guitar field and presented a flawless solo recital here in Kansas City, while Mistura Fina is a pair of UMKC graduates making their mark on the local scene and beyond with their Latin fusion style. Check out Mistura Fina at any of their regular gigs around town, you won’t regret it.

Kantorei of Kansas City: “Solomon’s Song” (March 2011)
Lead by artistic director Chris Munce, Kansas City’s newest professional choral ensemble boasts 16 incredible young voices with a crystal clear sound and impeccable blend. Their cohesive debut concert, “Solomon’s Song,” was subtle yet powerful, contemporary yet classic, and adventurous yet accessible. In a city with more than its fair share of choirs, look for Kantorei to hold its own and shine through the masses.

Egads! Theatre Company: Evil Dead: The Musical (October 2010) and The Rocky & Bullwinkle Horror Picture Show Parody (July 2011)
Steven Eubank’s vivid imagination and enthusiasm for the unusual add up to innovative and extremely entertaining shows. Evil Dead and R&BHPSP were so ridiculous, so hilarious, so campy and enjoyable most concert-goers I talked to had seen one or both of these shows twice (myself included). Egads! employs multi-talented actors with unbeatable comedic timing, dancing and vocal skills who fully embody their incredible characters. The Necronomicon predicts a revival of Evil Dead this fall!

Folly Jazz Series: Ellis Marsalis, piano (February 2011)
One of the last NEA Jazz Masters, sadly the program is ending in 2012, and patriarch of the extraordinary Marsalis family musicians, pianist Ellis Marsalis lead his quartet through a cool, uncomplicated set of straight-ahead jazz by modern masters at the Folly Theater. His careful yet expressive style built on years of experience was an honor to behold.

Musical Theater Heritage: Gypsy (May 2011) and Evita (August 2011)
MTH likes the ladies lately! After a successful run of 1776 featuring an all-female cast, MTH featured two more productions with strong female leads, Gypsy and Evita. MTH wisely handled both ambitious larger-than-life stories with care and creativity in their small space (Off Center Theatre) with minimal distractions. Their mesmerizing, charismatic and gifted singers are a joy to watch and make each MTH show not to be missed.

JCCC Performing Arts Series: Takács Quartet (September 2010)
A truly stellar group of individually strong musicians, Takács Quartet opened the JCCC Performing Arts Series 20^th season with liveliness and aplomb. Their program of Haydn, Shostakovich and Shubert allowed for many moving moments—sensitive, sultry, aggressive, playful and more. The musicians were deeply and harmoniously in-sync with each other and their high energy level throughout was captivating.

Heartland Men’s Chorus: “12 Holiday Divas” (December 2010)
Even the coldest-hearted Grinch had to relent to the Heartland Men’s Chorus’ undeniably wonderful “12 Holiday Divas.” Featuring comedian, impressionist and drag star extraordinaire Christopher Peterson, HMC presented an enjoyable night to remember full of humor, happiness and holiday cheer. 

Top Photo: Steven Eubank as Dr. Bad-N-Uffski (Copyright (C) All Rights Reserved to Reggie Banks, Sr. BCP (Blackberry Castle Photography) 1994-2011) Used with permission

By Kristin Shafel Omiccioli

Editorial Assignments Executive Editor; Traditional and New Classical Contributor

Kristin Shafel Omiccioli, a native of Madison, WI, holds composition degrees (M.M., B.M.) from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Kristin's compositions have been performed at national and regional new music festivals and conferences throughout the United States. During her time at UMKC, Kristin also focused on double bass performance and arts administration. She was a student leader and performer in many of the Conservatory's student organizations and ensembles, including Musica Nova, Composers' Guild, the Conservatory Student Association, the orchestras, and Wind Symphony. Her composition instructors were James Mobberley, Paul Rudy, Zhou Long, and Chen Yi, and her bass instructor was Sue Stubbs. Formerly a guitarist, Kristin performed with big bands and her own jazz combo in Madison, WI, having studied jazz guitar and theory with Roger Brotherhood in Madison and jazz voice and theory with Hal Melia in Kansas City at UMKC.

Kristin enjoys being active in the performing arts community. She has volunteered with the Chamber Music Society of Kansas City and Charlotte Street Foundation, and has played in the bass section of the Northland Symphony Orchestra, among other bass gigs around the metro. Kristin currently serves as principal bass for the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and Heritage Philharmonic, and is a section bassist for Kinnor Philharmonic. She joined the writing staff of KCMetropolis.org in February 2010 and has been KCM’s executive editor since July 2011. Read her blog at mylittleheartmelodies.com.