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Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

Lines…  long lines...  in rainy weather. That was the opening impression of almost everybody at the Kauffman Center open house on Sunday, September 18, and certainly was the impression of this reviewer as well, as he waited more than an hour-and-a-half in a long, twisting queue that crisscrossed along streets bordering the Kauffman Center and across the grounds, extending for at least six blocks or more.

Once inside, however, the impression changed completely, as the magic of the building and its performing spaces took over.

The favorable view was also helped by the gracious personal appearance of Julia Irene Kauffman, who was inside the door, greeting and shaking hands with every attendee she could find. This was impressive indeed, as she must have been exhausted from the back-to-back opening performances on Friday and Saturday, which are reviewed elsewhere in this issue of KCMetropolis.org. But on Sunday morning there she was, back at the Center, beaming in her blue Kauffman Center jacket and pressing each hand as if it was most important in the world.

Many more people were vying for seats in the two theaters than the seating could accommodate, but this reviewer was fortunate to squeeze in for several performances at Helzberg Hall. He caught part of the Kansas City Youth Jazz Band, a group that played with enthusiasm. Next up was Alaturka, a quartet specializing in Turkish/Jazz fusion music. The quartet offered an excellent test of the acoustics of the new hall, particularly when the string bass player was plucking away softly and alone. Even over the low buzz of conversation and audience movement, each note could be heard quite clearly in the back row of the balcony, which was literally where this reviewer sat.

The Bobby Watson All-Star Jazz Orchestra played Gates BBQ Jazz Suite with great talent and gusto. It is a terrific piece, starting with a tenor sax solo and then moving through several movements with varied dynamics and beats. Watson’s composition brought the crowd to its feet, and rightly so.

The Kansas City Boys Choir and Girls Choir, an ensemble of 49 youngsters ranging in age from about 10 up through perhaps their early 20s, presented several numbers finishing with a jazzed-up version of “The Impossible Dream,” together with vigorous dancing and gestures.

The last group this listener caught was Terri Teal’s Fine Arts Chorale, which sang three numbers, finishing with an attractive choral arrangement of Jerome Kern’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” The group sounded a little thin, perhaps due more to the arrangements than to the abilities of the singers, but again was heard perfectly plainly all the way in the back of the balcony.

Several great groups were coming up on the schedule, including the Bach Aria Soloists, but this reviewer decided to depart and give up his seat to another person, as hundreds were waiting outside the door for a chance to listen.

Everybody inside seemed to be having a great time just taking in the surroundings, enjoying the spacious lobby areas, greeting friends and soaking in the atmosphere. What a magnificent moment this is in Kansas City cultural history, and what a great building to celebrate. Walking to his car, this listener purchased a t-shirt from a Kauffman vendor outside, featuring the design of the hall and the words “Move Over, Sydney.”  With all due respect to our friends Down Under, well said.

FEATURE/REVIEW:
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Public Open House
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Helzberg Hall
Sunday, September 18, 2011
1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO
For more information visit www.kauffmancenter.com or call 816-994-7200

Top Photo: Kansas City Youth Jazz Band in Helzberg Hall (Photo by Don Dagenais)

By Don Dagenais

City Classics Music and Dance Columnist; Classical Contributor

A lifelong classical music fan, Don Dagenais is a frequent preview speaker for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and has taught classical music and opera courses at several Kansas City venues. He has served on the boards of directors of a number of performing arts organizations including the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, the Lyric Opera Guild, UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, Opera Volunteers International, the Civic Opera Theater of Kansas City, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony, Octarium, and the Friends of the Symphony.  He has been the past president of most of these organizations and is current the president of the Friends of the Symphony. 

Dagenais co-authored a history of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, published on the occasion of its 50th anniversary (2007) and has written books on the histories of both the Lyric Opera Guild and Opera Volunteers International, as well as an introductory book for opera novices (Your Passport to the Opera).  He has received several local and national awards for outstanding volunteer work for the arts, including a lifetime achievement award from The Coterie Theatre in 2000, the Kansas City Musical Club's annual award in 2001, a Partners in Excellence Award from Opera Volunteers International in 2002, a Bravo Award from Opera Volunteers International in 2004 and a community service award from the Daughter of the American Revolution in 2008 honoring him for his community service to the arts.

In addition to his music interests, Don is president of the board of directors for the Metropolitan Ensemble Theater and has served on the boards of The Coterie Theatre and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, serving as president of each organization.  He publishes newsletters for seven arts organizations.  When not involved in the performing arts, Don is a senior real estate attorney with Lathrop & Gage LLP in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has practiced law since 1976 after graduating from the Cornell Law School.

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