The Pitch: December 27, 2012

D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 2– J A N U A R Y 2 , 2 0 1 3 | F R E E | V O L . 3 2 N O . 2 6 | P I T C H . C O M

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DECEMBER 27, 2012–JANUARY 2, 2013 | VOL. 32 NO. 26 E D I T O R I A L

Editor Scott Wilson Managing Editor Justin Kendall Music Editor David Hudnall Staff Writers Charles Ferruzza, Ben Palosaari Editorial Operations Manager Deborah Hirsch Calendar Editor Berry Anderson Clubs Editor Abbie Stutzer Food Blogger, Web Editor Jonathan Bender Proofreader Brent Shepherd Contributing Writers Tracy Abeln, Theresa Bembnister, April Fleming, Leslie Kinsman, Dan Savage, Abbie Stutzer, Lucas Wetzel Intern Nadia Imafidon

A R T

Art Director Ashford Stamper Contributing Photographers Angela C. Bond, Chris Mullins, Lauren Phillips, Sabrina Staires, Brooke Vandever Design Intern Chloe George

P R O D U C T I O N

Production Manager Christina Riddle Multimedia Designer Vu Radley

A D V E R T I S I N G

Sales Manager Erin Carey Senior Classified Multimedia Specialist Steven Suarez Multimedia Specialists Michelle Acevedo, Kirin Arnold, Collin Click, Page Olson Director of Marketing & Operations Jason Dockery Digital Marketing Manager Keli Sweetland

C I R C U L A T I O N

Circulation Director Mike Ryan

OUR 2012 PHOTO SCRAPBOOK The year — one version of it, anyway — in pictures

B U S I N E S S

Accounts Receivable Jodi Waldsmith Publisher Joel Hornbostel

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S O U T H C O M M

Chief Executive Officer Chris Ferrell Chief Financial Officer Patrick Min Chief Operating Officer Rob Jiranek Chief Marketing Officer Susan Torregrossa Chief Technology Officer Matt Locke Business Manager Eric Norwood Director of Digital Sales & Marketing David Walker Director of Accounting Todd Patton Creative Director Heather Pierce Director of Online Content/Development Patrick Rains

N A T I O N A L

IN AND OUT Looking back at the most newsworthy openings and closings of 2012

A D V E R T I S I N G

VMG Advertising 888-278-9866, vmgadvertising.com Senior Vice President of Sales Susan Belair Senior Vice President of Sales Operations Joe Larkin

BY C H A R L E S F E R R U Z Z A

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B A C K P A G E . C O M

Vice President Sales & Marketing Carl Ferrer Business Manager Jess Adams Accountant David Roberts

WR AP I T U P

D I S T R I B U T I O N

The Pitch distributes 45,000 copies a week and is available free throughout Greater Kansas City, limited to one copy per reader.

Additional copies may be purchased for $5 each, payable at The Pitch’s office in advance. The Pitch may be distributed only by The Pitch’s authorized independent contractors or authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Pitch, take more than one copy of each week’s issue. Mail subscriptions: $22.50 for six months or $45 per year, payable in advance. Application to mail at second-class postage rates is pending at Kansas City, MO 64108.

Highlights from the year in local music, from the movers and shakers who made it happen

BY DAV I D H U D N A L L

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C O P Y R I G H T

The contents of The Pitch are Copyright 2012 by KC Communications, LLC. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without the express written permission of the publisher.

The Pitch address: 1701 Main, Kansas City, MO 64108 For information or to leave a story tip, call: 816-561-6061 Editorial fax: 816-756-0502 For classifieds, call: 816-218-6759 For retail advertising, call: 816-218-6702

ON T HE COVE R

6 8 15 19 20 23 26 34 40 42

QUESTIONNAIRE FEATURE F I LT E R ART FILM FAT CITY NEW YEAR’S EVE LISTINGS MUSIC NIGHTLIFE SAVAGE LOVE

MEANWHI LE AT PI TC H. C O M

ILLUSTRATION BY JEFF DREW

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M O DOT and KDOT can send you alerts about road conditions.

RYE is opening in Mission Farms.

Still waiting for CLARK’S to open?

So are the Clarks.

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QUESTIONNAIRE

REGAN CARRIZALES

Community builder, Silicon Prairie News

Hometown: Osawatomie, Kansas Current neighborhood: Plaza/West Plaza

What career would you choose in an alternate reality? Opera singer! Andrea Bocelli’s voice

moves me. Romanza, “Vivo Per Lei,” “Con te Partiro” — I encourage anyone to listen. No, I will not sing just a little #tinear.

What was the last local restaurant you patronized? Beer Kitchen in Westport. Stockyard fries, previously known as “piggy fries” — do I need to say more? KC staple.

JOIN

AND FOR A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF

Where do you drink? It’s all about the experience. I love people and the spontaneous adventures that can come from being in a really great environment. But also because we are in the Midwest, those places are totally predicated on the weather. On a gorgeous day, you’ll find me at Extra Virgin, Gram & Dun or Harry’s. When I want to get cozy, Westport Café and Bar or Beer Kitchen … and one of my favorite, cheap happy hours is Grand Street.

What’s your favorite charity? The Children’s

Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) in KC. Their mission is to prepare children with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities, to reach their highest potential in the sighted world. Last year, I organized a group to participate in the Trolley Run to raise money for CCVI. It is their biggest fundraising event, and Kansas City is lucky to have such a resource.

For your chance to receive a complimentary screening pass, log on to WWW.GOFOBO.COM/RSVP and input the following code: PITCH9N3Y to download your ticket.

Rated R for crude and sexual content, language and some drug use.

No purchase necessary. 50 admit 2 passes will be available while supplies last. Arrive early! Seating is first-come, first-served, except for members of the reviewing press. Theater is overbooked to ensure a full house. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. No admittance once screening has begun.

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IN THEATERS FRIDAY, JANUARY 11!

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Favorite place to spend your paycheck: Online banking tells me that I frequent ALL things Plaza, and not in a healthy way. Most recent ridiculously rad purchase was a pair of Baldwin jeans. I love supporting a local entrepreneur and their product, but also supporting the “why” of what they do. No, I am not rationalizing my actions! My co-worker Michael Stacy suggested I consider a blog series on “Breaking in Baldwins.” It has been a journey.

the opportunity to travel around the world and live on the East Coast for six years, yet there is no place like home.

“Kansas City screwed up when it …” Allowed generations of young people to fall through the cracks (rather large gaps) of what is Kansas City, Missouri’s version of urban education.

“Kansas City needs …” Better public-transit options that connect centers of economic activity throughout the metro.

Where do you like to take out-of-town guests?

I’m a Kansas girl, which means barbecue has hold of a significant portion of my heart — Oklahoma Joe’s or Jack Stack.

Finish this sentence: “Kansas City got it right when …” For me, there is not a specific “when”;

however, the humility, honesty and aspirations of this city make it uniquely special. I’ve had

pitch.com

What local tradition do you take part in every year? Before Missouri seceded to the SEC,

my family would throw a serious tailgate at Arrowhead for the KU-MU game. I can’t remember a year that we weren’t at the gates before 5:30 a.m. and providing entertainment to the local TV stations.

Celebrity you’d like to ride the Mamba with at Worlds of Fun: Negative. I can barely ride in the back of a vehicle without feeling like something disastrous is about to come out, let alone think of a celebrity I want sitting next to me.

“People might be surprised to know that I …”

Am an avid reader and knowledge consumer of Middle Eastern politics.

Person or thing you find really irritating at this moment: The U.S. Congress

“On my day off, I like to …” Get some fitness! @pokeyfour is my brother and trainer and pushes me to plank for more than 20 seconds!

His positive energy and repeated 5 a.m. texts to meet at Woodside help ensure that I am taking care of myself.

What subscription — print, digital, etc. — do you value most? Silicon Prairie News, of

“In five years, I’ll be …” Happy. There is no play-

Favorite day trip: Miami County! Home of

book, no right or wrong way. I love the quote “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”

That is not to say that I’m not intentional about my life’s direction. However, I’m much more conscious about those things that influence my decisions. Regardless of my title or status in five years, I have no doubt that I will have made decisions of which I can be proud.

What local phenomenon do you think is overrated? Power & Light

course. Runner up is The Economist.

Last book you read: Desert Queen by Janet Wallach

Louisburg Cider Mill (Louisburg, Kansas); We B Smokin’, hands-down the best barbecue and a local dive that has been feeding me since I was 5 years old; and the Trojans — three family generations graduated from Osawatomie High.

What is your most embarrassing dating moment? “Hey, Matt … I mean Johnny.” They are

sort of close … no, not really?

Interesting brush with the law? Let’s just say

take(s) up a lot of space in my iTunes:

that during my trial, which coincided with the commencement and retirement of my law career, I presented some very compelling arguments, and although found guilty, I had planted enough doubt that my fines were all waived. Argh, I still get fired up about this.

What movie do you watch at least once a year?

Describe a recent triumph: Opportunity to join the Silicon Prairie News team!

What TV show do you make sure you watch?

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THE PITCH THURSDAY 12/27 B&W

S A B R I N A S TA I R E S

Who or what is your sidekick? My Five Star notebook. Totally reminiscent of middle school, yet it is my lifesaver. Ask anyone who knows me, I am a serial note taker and writer.

I can completely lose myself in the flow of thoughts that run through my pen to paper.

Often, I look back and surprise myself with my own narrative and have come to realize that this is my way of processing.

Psych. It’s so awesome. I have 37 episodes on my DVR.

What is iTunes? Spotify me!

The 1957 film An Affair to Remember, with Cary Grant. I’m a hopeless romantic.

Follow Carrizales on Twitter @regslc. pitch.com

MONTH

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CHRIS MULLINS

We saw the light go on at Leawood’s Oklahoma Joe’s.

Our 2012 Photo

Scrapbook The year — one version of it, anyway — in pictures.

B R O O K E VA N D E VER

We paused to watch Avenue of the Arts return with, among other pieces, Jarrett Mellenbruch’s “Float.”

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B R O O K E VA N D E V E R

We met Chicken Butt BBQ at the American Royal. pitch.com

We had an old-fashioned night at the Missouri State Fair.

ANGELA C. BOND

We popped our collars for the Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua parade.

B R O O K E VA N D E V E R

T

he other day, we were about to complete one of the basic year-end tasks of the digital age: Wipe our camera’s memory card.

But before we could hit delete, we noticed a really cool shot. And then another … and another. We’ve shown you a few of these images over the past year, but we like how they look together, so we’re going all share-button on you with this random little album. See more of our favorite 2012 photos at pitch.com.

S A B R I N A S TA I R E S

We took a Manifest Destiny lesson from Renée Cinderhouse.

B R O O K E VA N D E V E R

We discovered fire at the West Bottoms’ haunted houses.

continued on page 11

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DECEM B E R 2 7, 2 0M1 O 2 -NJTAHN U R Y X2, , 220001X 3 pitch.com XAX–X

H THE PITCH

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Our 2012 Photo Scrapbook continued from page 9

DEVER B R O O K E VA N

We rose for Church of the Resurrection’s Crosstown Station revival.

B R O O K E VA N D E V E R

We rooted for artist Calder Kamin’s effort to make downtown buildings “Impact Proof.”

H AY L E Y B A R T E L S

S A B R I N A S TA I R E S

We made a Royals wish in the All-Star Game’s fountain display.

We lounged with (an) Elvis (Bobby Simkins). continued on page 12

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Our 2012 Photo Scrapbook continued from page 11

B R O O K E VA N D E V E R

We were game to move to the Historic Northeast.

B R O O K E VA N D E V E R

We tuned in for Whoop Dee Doo’s “Telebration.”

A S H F O R D S TA M P E R

We kneaded to see Farm to Market’s new Crossroads space.

CHRIS MULLINS

E- m ai l fe ed ba ck

@ pitc h.com

We were there when chocolatier Christopher Elbow (left) and Boulevard brewmaster Steven Pauwels rolled out you-know-what.

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 27–JANUARY 2 | BY BERRY ANDERSON

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PAG E

ART Words with friends at the Epsten Gallery.

Y S U N DA

1 2 .30

wn s — the clo !

Send in robats and ac

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FILM

EVERYONE AND NO ONE

Foxx hunt: Django hits.

Cirque du Soleil figures you for a Quidam. Your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors — all Quidams. Cirque’s definition, in part: “Someone coming or going at the heart of our anonymous society. A member of the crowd, one of the silent majority.” Today at the Sprint Center (1407 Grand, 816-949-7000), make sense of Cirque’s meaning when some 50 acrobats, musicians, singers and clowns perform Quidam and transport you to a world free of monotony and mediocrity. Or something like that. Today’s shows are at 1 and 5 p.m. See sprintcenter.com for tickets ($28–$95) as well as other performance times.

34 PAG E

MUSIC Everybody loves Radkey.

T H U R S D AY | 1 2 . 2 7 |

JOY TO THE WORLD

K

eep the holiday cheer rollin’ with Mannheim Steamroller as the multiplatinum-selling act rolls its 27th annual Christmas tour into KC for two nights. The new-age godfather plays tonight at 7:30 and Friday at 8 at the Music Hall (301 West 13th Street, 816-513-5000).

Tickets cost $50 and $90; see kcconvention.com.

F R I D AY | 12 . 2 8 | LONI ACTUALLY

Comic Chelsea Handler’s hit cable talk show, Chelsea Lately, wouldn’t be as funny (or as amusingly awkward) without her roundtable of other comedians. A key ally is the goodnatured Loni Love, a former electrical engineer and the self-named “Barack Obama of fat people.” She kicks off a four-night stand at the Kansas City Improv Comedy Club (7260 Northwest 87th Street, 816-759-5233) with shows at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20, though we’re holding out for the $70 New Year’s Eve gig, which includes a buffet.

See improvkc.com for more information.

ART LANG SYNE

Galleries in downtown Lawrence are still doing the Final Friday thing today, but the best party we’ve heard about is going down at the north entrance of the Hobbs Taylor Lofts

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(718 New Hampshire). Featuring live music from John Lomas, performance art by fortuneteller Madam Go-Go, and the work of more E R MO than 20 artists, this last Lawrence art party of the year also includes a T A E IN ONL .COM silent auction and a raffle PITCH to benefit the Lawrence Art Guild and the Lawrence Community Workshop. The festivities run from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, search “Free Final Friday Lawrence Art Party” on Facebook.

EVENTS

S AT U R D AY | 12 . 2 9 | SAVE A COWBOY, RIDE A HORSE

Giddy up, y’all — the McKellips New Year Rodeo Stampede is here this weekend. Cowpokes of all ages have a stage to showcase their skills in bareback, continued on page 16

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Y S U N DA

1 2 .30

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1 YEAR SHELF LIFE

continued from page 15 saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping and breakaway roping, at Hale Arena (1 American Royal Court, 816-513-4000). Expect more than 1,000 competitors at this triple-sanctioned event, which started Thursday and wraps up tomorrow. It begins tonight at 8. Buy tickets at the door ($15 for adults, $8 for kids), and see the schedule at rodeoattitude.com/crmckellips.

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S AT U R D AY | 1 2 . 2 9 |

S U N D AY | 12 . 3 0 | WHAT CAME FIRST?

Now that you’re done with your holiday cooking, it’s time to relax and look at someone else’s cups and spatulas. New Delhi artist Subodh Gupta’s “Egg” is a fascinating sculpture made of just that kind of everyday stainless-steel object, and this is the last day to see it at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak, 816-751-1278). It’s on view from noon to 5 p.m. See nelson-atkins.org for details.

M O N D AY | 12 . 31 | MOON MEN

Local musician Brodie Rush admits that his experimental, proggy Be/Non has had more members, tryouts and changes than Spinal Tap. “My last count — and I haven’t counted in six E R O M years or more — weighed in at over 70 people,” he tells us. Born in 1994, T A INE ONL .COM Be/Non rocked stages in H C PIT KC and Lawrence, with edicts against effects pedals and cover songs. It was, Rush says, all about being “loud and freaky.”

Tonight, the 1996–97 three-man lineup reunites to play the place where the band had its first gig: Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club (3402 Main, 816-753-1909). Phaze II and the Filthy 13 round out the bill. Tickets cost $10, and the show starts at 9 p.m.

The Pitch: What does the original lineup have that the current one doesn’t?

Rush: The original lineup was unrefined and full of noisy guitars. The vocals and lyrics were questionable. The band rocked the house, but it was all about volume and bashing. It was a very ’90s trait for many bands. I was a ripe 17 in those days. Dain Peterson [bass] and Rob Veatch [drums] were guys I looked up to. I took a lot of inspiration

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bout seven months are left until the next KC Fringe Festival, but fundraising never sleeps. Tonight, support all that dance, live theater, burlesque, comedy, puppetry, storytelling and fashion when Hamburger Mary’s (101 Southwest Boulevard, 816-842-1919) puts on KC Fringe Bingo from 5 to 7 p.m. A $10 donation buys you 10 game cards. Stick around until 9 and do Bear-E-Oke to celebrate the DVD release of the first season of Where the Bears Are, a comedy-mystery Web series about three gay roommates in Los Angeles.

Rawr! Look up “KC Fringe Bingo Night” on Facebook for details.

Be/Non version 1: back together from them and what they were listening to at the time.

The modern Be/Non is like an aged, fine wine — very concise, refined and listenable.

It’s hard for me to listen to the recordings from 1996 and 1997. Studios never got our true sound right. Lesson: Always record at home.

But every lineup had its superpowers. The reunited 1996–97–era band will be interesting. We haven’t played together since then.

It was the band that cut my teeth on so many things — a real life-changing lineup.

Which part of the puzzle has always been the most difficult to find?

Trying to find the right criteria to be in Be/Non has changed dramatically over the years. Finding people to play with that are talented and easygoing isn’t easy. It never has been. I’ve also chilled out a ton since I was 18. I don’t want another lineup. What I have now is the payoff for all the years I’ve been trying to make music in this band.

What does that mean for these gigs?

I’m excited, nervous and embarrassed all at the same time. It will be a healing reunion.

Just some guys playing some music that we really, truly thought would change the world if people heard it. It will be a mind-fuck to go back to that place and see if we really had what it took musically to make it big in the ’90s. Or were we just kidding ourselves? We had to try, right?

T U E S D AY | 1 . 1 | THE MORNING AFTER

When it comes to end-of-the-year events, Sheri Parr and her employees at the Brick (1727 McGee, 816-421-1634) take it fairly easy on New Year’s Eve and save their energy for New Year’s Day. By the time the sun creeps over the downtown skyline, the Brick is serving comfort food and hangover drinks (including mimosas and $1 bloody marys).

Comfort here means mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, meatloaf, and several vegetarian options — just what you’d want from the downtown bar’s 13th Annual Hair of the Dog Day. There are other sensory comforts, too. Parr promises: “There’ll be no stage

A little hair of the dog? action, no loud noises, just good friends, good times and lots of bacon.” Your stomach can rest here from 9 a.m. to midnight.

NEW YEAR, NEW STUFF

A bed frame? A boat anchor? Vintage luggage? What do you need to make your 2013 bright? Whatever it is, you have a decent shot at finding it at an Andrew Turner auction.

The graduate of the Missouri Auction School celebrates the anniversary of his first solo event in 2011, and his namesake business, by opening up his auction house (1801 Guinotte) ahead of the regularly scheduled Thursday time. A preview video and photos are available at atakc.com. The auction begins at noon today and should be finished by 5 p.m.

Cash, check and credit cards are accepted.

For more information, call 816-960-4664.

W E D N E S D AY | 1 . 2 | SUNFLOWER SEEDS

The University of Kansas leads Kansas State in overall wins in 11 sports. But when it comes to women’s basketball, the Wildcats are up 61 wins to KU’s 42. The last time both teams met, KU dropped the ball in a disappointing 47–43 loss at Bramlage Coliseum. Tonight, the lady Jayhawks host a K-State squad that was, at press time, undefeated. Feel the grudge at Allen Fieldhouse (1651 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, 785-864-3141) at 7 p.m.; for tickets ($5–$12), see kuathletics.com.

E-mail submissions to Filter editor Berry Anderson at calendar@pitch.com. Search our complete listings guide online at pitch.com.

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PRESENTED BY

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ART BY

Beniah Leuschke find their Wit’s End.

THE RE S A BE MBNI S T E R

EG SCHEMPF

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Archie Scott Gobber and

A

rchie Scott Gobber and Beniah Leuschke make art with words. With their oversized, hard-edged letters painted on canvas with enamel, Gobber’s works resemble signs, but the messages they spell out are rarely straightforward. Leuschke also uses words as raw conceptual material, and his practices include cutting letters out of security envelopes or printing them on Sentra or vinyl. Both arrange text in ways designed to spark unexpected inferences and generate new meanings. The Pitch asked the two artists, along with guest curator James Martin, to talk about At Wit’s End, their intriguing and sometimes cryptic exhibition at the Epsten Gallery.

The Pitch: Why pair your work for an exhibition?

Gobber: Beniah and I both maintained studios just down the hall from each other at the Studios Inc. facility [formerly Review Studios], so we had interactions over a fiveyear period regarding our work and the similarities. Beniah once said to me, “You take half the dictionary and leave me the other.”

This seemed confrontational to me at the time because I didn’t think our work was that similar. The obvious reasons to pair our work are, we both deal in text and language and the ambiguities therein; we both have a high level of craft in our work; we both, in different and similar ways, have a sense of game play in our work; and we both rely on wit, context and conceptual ideas.

Leuschke: I’ve known Scottie for many years. We’ve exhibited together in a number of shows and have always had a rapport. I appreciate his sense of humor, work ethic and process, and I feel like we are confronting a very similar type of problem in very different ways.

What appeals to you about working with painting of the words “I’ve got troubles of words? my own,” where the word trouble is superGobber: Words are something that we all imposed over [the word] triumphs. This is an see as precise, but often they are not. They idea I’ve been kicking about for a few years, the notion that appreciating a work of art is can be twisted in intent and taken from conup to the viewer. It sounds like “no kidding, text — as in media or trying to decipher the intent behind, say, a text message. They can duh.” But when you are trained like I am, working with contemporary art, the main be taken from their original meaning or void of a voice with inflection. They mean differ- criteria seems to be whether or not this work is well-made or if it makes sense in terms of ent things to different people and they can create a visual in the mind of the reader. what the artist thinks his or her goals are.

At some point, I realized that content does Beyond that, I just love painting letters — the shapes, the styles. They are architectural matter to me, and it’s up to me to decide symbols that, when put together, can say what I think about that content.

There’s an art collection in town that, at powerful things.

Leuschke: There is something seductively fi rst glance, has what many people would think to be distressing images: individuals simple and accessible about language. It’s who are ill or in distress, skeletons, refersomething that we all have in common. ences to death or industrial decay. I was I’m fascinated by how quickly words can go haywire. There are multiple messages doing some work on this collection and recognized that if I was going to fi nd any value competing for our attention embedded in the things that we write and speak. William in it, I was going to have to create my own value. That’s what led me Teague said, “Nothing is to that perspective, along so simple that it can’t be At Wit’s End: with reading postmodern misunderstood.” The misBeniah Leuschke & theory in graduate school. understanding frequently Archie Scott Gobber Archie, the words in your creates a hilarious tension Through January 6, at work in this exhibition seem and a parallel meaning that Epsten Gallery, the Kansas less legible and more designcreates a wonderful field for City Jewish Museum of intensive. What does this improvisation.

Contemporary Art, 5500 West 123rd Street, show tell us about where James, your exhibition Overland Park, your work is on its evoluessay centers on the idea 913-266-8413, kcjmca.org tionary path right now? that, as viewers, we can choose to focus on positive Gobber: I think that in interpretations of artwork. this body of work, I was Why did you decide to discuss Leuschke’s and trying to get away from the sign look that I Gobber’s works from that perspective? rely on heavily — advertising, billboards, etc.

Martin: A couple years ago, I had a studio — and make paintings. Not to say that my visit with Scott, and we talked about this signlike work isn’t painting, but to really be a painter. I think the design element stems very topic of looking and thinking about from that. I have been making work that is art in a positive or optimistic way. He has a

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From left: “Image” by Archie Scott Gobber; “The words of every song” by Beniah Leuschke; “Godseyes” by Gobber more visually engaging, beyond just the reading, making them more difficult to decipher. The end messages in the work in this show are more broad-based, not so specific as, say, politics or some current catchphrase.

As far as the evolutionary path, I see continuing along with the more painterly, design-intensive work, but I also see staying with a more signlike look for work that happens quickly and has a very current message.

Beniah, you use junk e-mails as a background graphic for some of your works. Why did you make that choice?

Leuschke: Junk e-mail is a character in our background — it’s something that we take for granted. I’m fascinated by the junk e-mail as a clunky solicitation, scam and awkward search-engine debris. There’s something humorous and approximate about how they’re constructed. They seem like sentences made entirely from scrap parts. They’re insidious and sly but also absurd and endearing.

I use them as a visual shortcut, an ignoble placeholder for an image, to call into question the convention of a painting on a wall, to examine the relationship of language and idea, and potentially make the viewer temporarily suspicious of all the words that we see every day.

Editor’s note: Theresa Bembnister this month received the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s 2012 Oklahoma Art Writing and Curatorial Fellowship Achievement in Writing award.

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FILM

DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SLING?

A duet for jaded wiseguys on the topic of Les Misérables.

O

ver at our sister paper the Nashville Scene, editor Jim Ridley and writer Jason Shawhan just saw the new movie version of Les Misérables. Being two guys who snuffle without shame every time they hear that show’s original cast albums, they had high hopes but different reactions. One discreetly reached for the Kleenex as the characters embraced their fates. The other reached for a musket. Here’s a transcript of their post-screening conversation.

JR: To start, while I definitely enjoyed the movie more than you did, I share a lot of your problems with it. The decision to shoot much of the movie in close-ups is bewildering, and the editing drove me nuts — I lost track of the times I would get involved in what someone was singing, only to get jolted out of it by a needless cut. But the story, to me, is just an engine you can’t derail. I can’t help but be moved by Jean Valjean, the most compelling man of principle I’ve ever encountered in literature. Whereas Tom Hooper’s direction had you pretty much storming the barricade ahead of the troops.

JS: I’ve never seen a film where an Academy Award–winning director makes such a persistent and horrifying case for not being able to direct a film. There are so many medium close-ups where the bottom of the frame is someone’s knees and the top of the frame cuts off their eyebrows that at times it passes for some weird stylistic choice, like if Comme des Garçons did a stylebook for filmmaking.

JR: The mitigating factor for me is that many of the songs are interior monologues, so isolating the players, and using live singing, tends to work in those circumstances — as in Anne Hathaway’s devastating one-take rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream,” where you get to see all the fury and hurt unfold

in real time in the performance. Although, I confess, the hyping of this moment makes me a little queasy: “Hey, come see the big scene where Fantine gets raped and defi led — and sings about it!”

JS: Look at Russell Crowe. He’s getting shit left and right for his Javert, and it’s ridiculous.

He comes from a rock background — he had his band and he was in The Rocky Horror Show in Sydney — and he can sing. And yet, because of Hooper’s insistence that the entire film should be about acting the moment rather than singing the moment, you’ve got Crowe stuck in a very limited range. I give Crowe a lot of credit for trying something this risky.

JR: I’d say the movie is better acted than sung. The actors reach for different things in their parts, at the cost of some of the songs’ dramatic or comedic punch.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE QT

Close-ups! Hugh Jackman!

JS: You know, I still like Helena Bonham Carter, and her performance here as Madame Thénardier is interesting, if only because it’s way more restrained than most performances of the role preserved in recordings. Whereas Sacha Baron Cohen’s Thénardier just hurt my soul. “Master of the House” is one of those numbers that has to have a certain oomph just to counteract the melancholy tone of Act 1. But in this film, it’s so over-the-top that it kills the dramatic momentum and makes the garish spectacle — starting with that terrible computer-generated boat at the beginning — so overpowering, you just want it to end.

JR: It’s like Terry Gilliam without the subtlety. [Awkward silence.] That was sarcasm.

So what did you think of Jackman? I was ex-

s there a filmmaker more enthusiastic about his own work than Quentin Tarantino? It’s easy to admire a writer-director who has pride and confidence in his movies, of course, but Tarantino’s determination to express himself only with epics can feel like ego-driven overkill. (Inglourious Basterds may be relentlessly entertaining, but it’s also undeniably bloated.)

The guy makes Kanye West look modest.

Django Unchained is yet another Tarantino party that keeps going after all the excitement has died down. The director’s first Western — that is, his first Western that’s actually set in the Old West — puts Jamie Foxx front and center as the title character, a pre–Civil War slave who proves to be quick with a gun. Django joins forces with Dr. King Schultz (Basterds Nazi Christoph Waltz), a German dentist who has put down his pick and taken up bounty hunting. Schultz frees Django, and the two set out to track down three outlaw brothers whom only Django can identify. The man with the silent D wholeheartedly offers his 20

THE PITCH

services because these are the dirtbags who separated him from his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington).

Before the first hour is over, Django has located the brothers on the plantation home of white-suited cotton baron Big Daddy (a hambone Don Johnson, amusing) and dealt

D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 2 - J A N U A R Y 2 , 2 0 1 3

cited when I heard he and Crowe had been cast, then dismayed to hear who was Valjean and who was Javert. Valjean is perfect for Crowe’s rugged nobility, and Javert needs a boost of wolverine ferocity. But while Jackman gives a much more traditional reading of the part, to me it works in his favor — he’s the hounded tragic hero the role requires, even when his delivery comes off as kind of clipped.

JS: Jackman is such a trouper and a showman, and he delivers. But he’s so reliable and so devoted to Hooper’s idiot concept that I found myself starting to resent him.

JR: There’s something inherently kitschy about a splashy musical that depicts poverty, degradation and revolt in the streets. I’m not eager to see Angela’s Ashes revamped into Good Morning, Limerick! But I don’t think a musical can move you without meeting the risk of kitsch head-on. The form is founded on insuppressible, damn-it-all emotion, and arch variants like the movie of Chicago just wind up a stilted hybrid. I was grateful whenever Hooper put away the CG swoops and whooshes and fell back on square straightforwardness, sticking to those stirring Schönberg-Boublil songs. Although, did I miss the empty chairs at empty tables in “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”?

JS: Well, first, I’ve never seen any musical performance of Les Mis where that little revolutionary imp Gavroche wasn’t insufferable.

But the whole live-singing concept doesn’t make for cinematic reality. It doesn’t make for theatrical reality, either, because it’s too focused on the moment and not focused on the melody. The perfect director for a fi lm of Les Mis is Trey Parker. Hell, South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut is a better Les Mis fi lm than this one.

■

Tarantino’s Django Unchained: a spaghetti Western that runs out of meat.

I

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Foxx smokes out DiCaprio. the first of many big paybacks. Eventually, Django and Schultz become a bounty-hunting team, spending a snowy winter chasing down outlaws and working their way toward Mississippi. That’s where Broomhilda pitch.com

B Y JIM RIDLE Y A ND J A S O N S H AW H A N

B Y C R A IG D . L I ND S E Y

is, on a plantation owned by Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio, relishing a sinister, scenery-chewing role), a swaggering Francophile who specializes in bare-knuckle, noholds-barred slave fighting.

For much of its two hours and 45 minutes, Django Unchained is an energetic, entrancing ride. Tarantino is in touch with his inner Sergio (Leone or Corbucci, as you prefer), making a Southern-fried spaghetti Western, full of whiplash-quick, WTF zooms, ridiculously gory shootouts (if Sam Peckinpah were alive, he’d weep with joy at the fountains of splatter) and cameos from cult-favorite character actors.

(Yes, Franco Nero, Corbucci’s Django, shows up to exchange a few words with Tarantino’s.)

And Foxx, who works best with directors who recognize his badass potential, pairs nicely with Waltz, who wields his urbane sangfroid as a good guy for a change.

But the last hour is pretty much a superfluous free-for-all, with Django striking down with great vengeance and furious anger upon M O N T H X X–X X , 2 0 0 X

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thee those who dare cross him — including Candie’s lieutenant (Samuel L. Jackson, practically playing the live-action version of Uncle Ruckus from The Boondocks). The minute I saw DiCaprio pull a skull out of a box, in order to touch off a monologue about why blacks are more submissive than whites, I didn’t think, “How confrontational” or “How tasteless.” I thought, “Oh, shit, I’m gonna be here for another 30 minutes.”

There are other directors who love movies and love making movies as much as Tarantino does, and the best of them don’t make you deal with their inability to know when to call it a day. As fearless as Tarantino gets in showing how ugly the Old South was — and showing a bunch of racist pecker woods getting their comeuppance is a fine holiday gift — in Django Unchained he doesn’t quit while he’s ahead.

■

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THE BIG PICTURE

B Y J A S ON S H AW H A N

In Leos Carax’s manic Holy Motors, cinema is the biggest high of all.

T

he vertiginous Cloud Atlas was supposed to be this year’s cinematic head trip — shuffling identities, scrambling stories, centuries vaulted in the blink of an eye. But 2012 is the year of Holy Motors. With a generous spirit and sense of play, its writer and director, Leos Carax, offers a riot of images and ideas. This is the movie to whip out of your back pocket the next time some twerpy professional handwringer moans that cinema is dead.

No synopsis can convey the movie’s greatness, but here goes: In a sleek white limousine driven by his faithful chauffeur, Céline (Édith Scob, from Summer Hours and Georges Franju’s enduring Eyes Without a Face), the protean Monsieur Oscar rides through Paris.

He’s played by the great Denis Lavant, best known in this country for playing Charlie Chaplin in Harmony Korine’s Mister Lonely.

On his rounds, this shape shifter undertakes various appointments, where he dons makeup, costumes, even ideologies, and interacts with the real world. Assassinations, parenting, motion capture, panhandling, political kidnapping — all in this day’s work for Monsieur Oscar.

You can interpret this genre-hopping existence as an actor’s life, or you can view Holy Motors as a sci-fi depiction of the leaps in association and transference of identity that make entertainment work. Or you can just surrender to the film’s seductive embrace because, above all, this is a playground for movie lovers, with a surprise around every cut. To cinephiles demoralized by CG lens flares and the slow strangulation of 35 mm repertory cinema, Holy Motors offers reassurance that cinematic innovation is both timeless and alive.

For a talent who has faced as many setbacks as Carax has, Holy Motors comes as something more than a triumph — more like a vindication.

His last feature, 1999’s Pola X (an adaptation of Herman Melville’s Pierre), was infamous for its unsimulated sexual content and for 2

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M O N T H X X–X X , 2 0 0 X

Take a ride with Carax. being the director’s attempted comeback after the catastrophic financial loss of 1991’s Les Amants du Pont-Neuf. In the 13 years since, Carax has made only one other film, a short segment in the omnibus Tokyo! (It introduced Lavant’s rampaging id-pimp M. Merde, who briefly hijacks Holy Motors.) Several projects that never came to fruition over those years inspired some of the scenarios here. So did the deaths of Pola X’s two leads, Guillaume Depardieu and Yekaterina Golubeva — the latter Carax’s longtime companion and the mother of his daughter, Nastya. Also in that time, 35 mm celluloid began its death spiral, and digital technologies stepped in to take its place.

But from all this sadness and upheaval, Carax has produced a fireworks display of ecstatic, eye-popping kinesis. (The entr’acte, wherein Lavant leads a grungy bunch on an accordion-fueled marching shred, is deliriously exciting.) It also demonstrates an understanding of the way that audiences take in and respond to information. It provides just enough chance to catch one’s breath before diving deeper into the subconscious, where fears of death, isolation, obsolescence and abandonment lie. And it lets Kylie Minogue, the dance-pop hitmaker, play essentially the ghost of Juliette Binoche’s character from Les Amants du Pont-Neuf (and make an enormous impact doing it).

Holy Motors is cinematic psychedelia, and your enjoyment will depend on how far you allow yourself to be swept away by it. If that sounds off-putting or too esoteric, it shouldn’t — Carax’s fevered movie is neither. It’s the kind of fun that hooks people for life on a movie theater’s communally charged darkness.

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IN AND OUT

Looking back at the most newsworthy openings and closings of 2012.

he number of iconic Kansas City restaurants that closed at the end of 2011 was poignant, including beloved dining spots like the Peppercorn Duck Club, Skies, Benton’s Prime Steakhouse and the Peachtree Buffet.

In the waning days of 2012, about the same number of restaurants in the metro ceased operations — but far fewer familiar favorites were among the casualties, unless you count Gomer’s Fried Chicken and the 60-year-old Dairy Queen on Independence Avenue. (I don’t.)

Still, tears were shed by many over the January 15 shuttering of Sharp’s 63rd Street Grill, which had attracted a diverse mix of gay, straight, young and old patrons for more than two decades. Less than a month after Sharp’s closed forever (along with its inexplicably popular and tasteless cream-of-waterchestnut soup), it reopened as Michael Forbes Bar & Grille, itself a revival of a Waldo restaurant that had its last rites in 1999. You see, in the restaurant world, as in TV soap operas, it’s always possible to come back from the dead.

The year 2012 had many notable beginnings and endings in the dining community, but we’ll focus on the most newsworthy openings and closings here, all local operations and reasonably worthy of our giving a damn.

TOP 10 OPENINGS OF 2012 Affäre (1911 Main): German-born Martin Heuser, a longtime Westin Crown Center executive chef, opened his German restaurant — it’s really more continental cuisine — in the old Bar Natasha space last spring to mostly rave reviews.

Café Gratitude (333 Southwest Boulevard): Good intentions aren’t on the menu of this Crossroads restaurant; they’re free and in abundance. Not everyone is seduced by the warmth, uplifting messages and vegan cuisine served at this first Midwestern outpost of a California-based restaurant group, but it has its own appeal.

The Reserve at the Ambassador Hotel (1111 Grand): The Reserve is the back half of the imaginatively designed lobby restaurant of a stylish boutique hotel inside a 1924 bank building. It serves three meals a day, created by talented and imaginative chef Geoffrey Van Glabbeek.

Remedy Food + Drink (500 West 75th Street): A smart, appealing bistro (overseen by clever chef Max Watson) has taken the space formerly occupied by a traditional Waldo beer-andburger bar. The food is fresh and sophisticated.

The Jacobson (2050 Central): This welldone urban hangout features an impressive outdoor bar, interesting local art and a compelling menu from chef John Smith. Smart cocktails are served in glass flasks cooling in silver bowls. The whole place has a cool vibe.

The Boot (415 Westport Road): Chefrestaurateurs Aaron Confessori and Richard Wiles have created a highly likable Italian

ANGELA C. BOND

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trattoria concept. The Boot has a vivacious personality and excellent food — and one of the sexiest brunch menus in the city.

The Plaza Bo Lings (4701 Jefferson): When restaurateurs Richard and Theresa Ng closed their longtime location in the Board of Trade Building for sleek new digs in the Skelly Building on the other side of Brush Creek, they spared no expense in fashioning the fanciest, most visually arresting dining room in their restaurant mini chain. The food, as always, is superb.

Magnolia’s Contemporary Southern Bistro

(2932 Cherry): Chef-owner Shanita McAfee serves excellent and creative Southern dishes in a tiny building previously occupied by two failed vegetarian restaurants.

Port Fonda (4141 Pennsylvania): One of the most eagerly awaited new Kansas City restaurants of 2012, chef-owner Patrick Ryan’s Port Fonda is a raucous, loud and extremely entertaining room, serving delectable cocktails and a menu of outrageously good Mexican cuisine.

Anton’s Taproom Restaurant (1610 Main): Anton Kotar had a vision for this space (formerly a dark and gloomy gay bear bar) and pulled off nothing short of a miracle in devising a combination saloon, steakhouse, art gallery and butcher shop. And the food is damn good.

TOP 10 CLOSINGS OF 2012 Sharp’s 63rd Street Grill (128 East 63rd Street): You either loved this neighborhood diner or detested it. There was little middle ground. For years, Sharp’s was one of the few gay-friendly venues in the city. In fact, it was friendly enough that a gay couple could feel comfortable holding hands at a table between bites of chocolate-chip pancakes and

Port Fonda was among the most anticipated openings of 2012. scrambled eggs. The place always had a sense of conviviality, but the food was hit-or-miss, to put it mildly. (It mostly missed.)

Fran’s Restaurant (11 East 14th Street): This 24-hour diner was a chain — and a conspicuous one — from Canada that seemed like a good idea for the Power & Light District but flopped soon after opening three years ago. Why? The food was almost always mediocre — and expensive — and the service was notoriously awful. It says volumes that the highlight of this venue’s short life was the morning in 2011 when Kyle James, the son of Mayor Sly James, refused to pay his tab and told the cop who arrested him, “I can have you fired.” You can’t buy that kind of publicity.

Lill’s on 17th (815 West 17th Street): Without a doubt, this was the most eccentric dining spot in Kansas City for several years — dogs were permitted on the patio, and the kitchen operated at a pace best described as languid.

Many patrons were enthralled by this bistro in an eclectic 19th-century house, mostly because of the larger-than-life personality of owner LaTrelle “Trelle” Osteen, a former TWA flight attendant who became too ill with congestive heart failure this year to keep the place going.

It closed December 22.

Waid’s in Prairie Village (6920 Mission): There are Prairie Village residents who still recall their teen years hanging out in this family diner in the 1960s, eating grilled cheese sandwiches, sipping ice-cream sodas and lusting after the Monkees. The problem was that this restaurant remained, perpetually in a Nixonera time warp whee people still ordered liver and onions, salmon croquettes and a custard

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BY

CHARLES FERRUZZA

cup. This relic was mercifully taken off life support in June.

Mama’s 39th Street Diner (3906 Waddell): Something was lost when Jan Imber moved her diner in 2008 from an intimate space at 39th Street and Bell to the more cavernous Nichol’s Lunch space. The second location never seemed as warm or friendly, and, frankly, the food quality noticeably declined.

It closed for good on Easter Sunday. It is to reopen soon as Sosa’s 39th Street Diner.

Fo Thai (4331 West 119th Street, Leawood): This expensively decorated Leawood “Asian fusion” restaurant — featuring a massive Buddha, illuminated with colored lights, in the center of the dining room — didn’t last eight months. It reopened for a hot minute as Soy Asian Cuisine, serving a similar (but less costly) menu and unplugging the colored lights on Buddha. That flopped, too.

The R Bar (1617 Genessee): Restaurateur Joy Jacobson’s three-year-old R Bar had one of the slowest deaths in restaurant history. It was closing, then it wasn’t, then it was open only on weekends. And then last April, the doors shut for good. The venue will open as a new restaurant — no live music on a regular basis — on Valentine’s Day as Voltaire, operated by Moxie Catering’s Jill Myers and Wes Gartner, serving small plates.

Avenues Bistro, Leawood (10681 Mission): Less than a month after chef-restaurateur Joe Birch closed his Lakeside Tavern (a second-rate restaurant sitting near a pond) in Leawood’s Mission Farms development, he shuttered his suburban version of his Avenues Bistro concept in the very same strip. It’s now the successful Kelly Manning’s Tavern at Mission Farms.

Esquina (801 Massachusetts, Lawrence): In April, Lawrence chef-restaurateur Robert Krause turned his two-year-old “Nuevo Latino” taqueria, Esquina, into a sit-down dining establishment that kept the name but tossed out the tacos. His new vision for the space involved a Mediterranean menu. Six months later, Krause and his partners sold the restaurant; it has become an Italian restaurant called Intorno.

Dairy Queen (2535 Independence Avenue): When it opened July 4, 1952, the red-and-white building in the old Northeast was the fifth DQ location in Kansas City. Four previously opened stores ceased operating years and years ago, so the little one run by John and Esther McMurray on the avenue became the oldest franchise shop in the metro until the couple was forced to close after a legal dispute with the parent company. A new owner has been working for months to turn the building into something called a Dairy Barn.

Editor’s note: Charles Ferruzza’s restaurant reviews return next week.

Have a suggestion for a restaurant The Pitch should review?

E-mail charles.ferruzza@pitch.com

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Unless otherwise noted, the following events take place Monday, December 31.

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Af tershock Bar & Grill: 5 24 0 Mer r iam Dr., 913-384-5646. Drek, Order Number Eleven, Mad Libby, Knot Afrayed, 7 p.m., $10.

Aura: 3832 Main, 816-960-4930. DJ Shaun Flo and DJ Dynamic, champagne specials, party favors, balloons and confetti cannons. Hosted by Rob Marrs, Cortez Patron, Omid Rostami and Vuthy Chap. Admission costs $20. For more information, e-mail info@aurakc.com.

Beer Kitchen: 435 Westport Rd., 816-389-4180. DJ Finius at 10 p.m. Special New Year’s menu, and full dinner menu. Free champagne or handcrafted-beer toast at midnight.

The Blue Room: 1616 E. 18th St., 816-474-8463. Reggie and Mardra Thomas, 8 p.m. Call for details and tickets.

Bluestem: 900 Westport Rd., 816-561-1101, bluestemkc .com. Chefs Megan and Colby Garrelts prepare a sevencourse dinner, $135 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Wine pairings to accompany the meal are an additional $65.

Seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Bluestem’s lounge offers a limited menu with the restaurant’s Surf & Turf, $30 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations (with credit card) required for dining-room seatings. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance to avoid a $100 charge per person. Call 816-561-1101, or see the website.

The Bottleneck: 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-5483. Mountain Sprout, Ashes to Immortality, Tyler Gregory.

The Brick: 1727 McGee, 816-421-1634. Karaoke New Year’s Eve Party.

The Brooksider: 6330 Brookside Plz., 816-363-4070.

New Year’s Eve with Dolewite, 10 p.m.

Bulldog: 1715 Main, 816-421-4799. DJ Thundercutz performs from 9 p.m.–close. Complimentary party favors and champagne toast at midnight. General admission is free, with cash bar. The New Year’s Eve Party Package ($60) includes bottomless wine, wells, domestic drafts, and unlimited food from a limited menu, 8 p.m.

Californos: 4124 Pennsylvania, 816-531-7878, californos .com. Champagne toast at midnight, and an array of namebrand liquors and specialty drinks, inclusive pricing. Premium bar tickets ($130) include entertainment by Kemet thePhantom* Coleman, who spins soul, funk and R&B. Premium bar tickets also include top-shelf liquors, an appetizer spread and seating. Call bar tickets ($90) feature access to name-brand liquors, domestic drafts and a tented smoking patio, reggae sounds from AZ-ONE and complimentary appetizers. Visit to reserve a seat now through December 27, 8:45 p.m.

Charlie Hooper’s: 12 W. 63rd St., 816-361-8841. No cover and free party favors. Champagne toast. Great food and drink specials.

Chaz on the Plaza: 325 Ward Pkwy., 816-802-2152, raphaelkc.com. Package includes a choice of the following accommodations: four-course dinner for two, with a choice of soup or salad, appetizer, entrée and dessert; live blues and jazz by the Hatchlings in the Chaz Lounge; a champagne toast at midnight in the historic lobby with commemorative Raphael champagne flutes, hats, balloons and noisemak-

ers; and a Chaz breakfast for two on New Year’s Day, valet parking, and a late 2 p.m. checkout. Cost begins at $499.

For information and reservations call 816-756-3800 or see the website.

Coda: 1744 Broadway, 816-569-1747. Prime rib dinner special. The Promise Makers, 7 p.m., with the B’Dinas, 9:30 p.m.; the Heavy Figs, 11 p.m. Prizes and free midnight champagne toast with party favors, $10.

Crowne Plaza Hotel: 12601 W. 95th St., Overland Park, 913-217-1000, cpoverlandpark.com. Two packages offered. The Final Masquerade, from $249, includes deluxe accommodations for two, welcome gift, elegant dinner buffet with cocktails 6:30–9:30 p.m., music from DJ Mike Watts, and midnight balloon drop. A breakfast buffet opens at 8 a.m., and a New Year’s Day bar opens at 9 a.m., with late checkout at 2 p.m. The Family Fun Celebration package, from $159, includes deluxe accommodations for two adults and two children, Candy Land Crawl Through and Fire Dog Bell and Sports Arena, family-friendly DJ, caricature and balloon artists, pool access, and breakfast for two adults and two children. For reservations, contact Stacey Freeman at 913-217-1004 or sfreeman@mkccp.com.

Czar: 1531 Grand, 816-421-0300. Arm the Poor, Born in Babylon, DJ Jabberock, DJ S Ranx, 7 p.m., $5.

Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club: 3 4 02 Main, 816-753-1909. Filthy 13, Phaze II, Be/Non, 9 p.m., $10.

The Dubliner: 170 E. 14th St., 816-268-4700. DJ C-Mac, 9 p.m.

Duke’s on Grand: 1501 Grand, 816-527-0122. Free steak and a side with purchase of $12 martini. Refill martinis and all vodka drinks are $2, 6 p.m.–midnight.

EBT: 1310 Carondelet (I-435 and State Line), 816-942-8870, ebtrestaurant.com. NYE Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Monday) prix fi xe menu. Live music all three nights. For more information, call or see the website.

The Eighth Street Taproom: 801 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-6918. Mingle New Year’s Eve Edition with Team Bear Club, 10 p.m.

Extra Virgin: 1900 Main, 816-842-2205. All-you-caneat tapas buffet, $50 per person, with wine specials, craft cocktails and specially priced bubbly, beginning at 6 p.m.

See Grand Marquis in the common area of Michael Smith and Extra Virgin 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. For reservations, call Nancy Smith at 816-842-2202 or see opentable.com.

Fatso’s: 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-865-4055.

Ras Neville and the Kingstonians, 10 p.m.

Flying Saucer: 101 E. 13th St., 816-221-1900. Beginning at 7 p.m., DJ, party favors, raffle tickets for prizes and a champagne toast at midnight. Cover is $10 for the general public and free for UFO members. Call for more information.

Foundation: 1221 Union (at Foundation Architectural Reclamation), 816-283-8990, foundationkc.com. New Year’s Eve 2013 at the Ship, DJ vs. Drums, Hymnlayas, Scammers, Umberto, and MissConception perform. Countdown Party begins at 9 p.m. with a $20 general admission. The New Year After-Party begins at 12:30 a.m., with a $10 cover. Bar service provided by Coach’s. Visa and MasterCard accepted.

This event is for people 21 and older. Enter through the back alley behind Foundation at 1221 Union in the West Bottoms. continued on page 28

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continued from page 26 The Foundry: 424 Westport Rd., 816-960-0866. DJ Leo Night Us at 10 p.m. Special New Year’s menu and full dinner menu. Free champagne or handcrafted-beer toast at midnight.

Frank’s North Star Tavern: 508 Locust, Lawrence, 785-856-5080. Kiss 2012 goodbye with Pale Hearts, Stiff Middle Fingers and Monsoon Lazer, 10 p.m., $5.

The Gallery Event Space: 61 E. 14th St. NYE Champagne Soiree, live jazz with the Dave Stephens Band and the New Jazz Order Big Band, 8 p.m., $125 individual admission, $225 per couple. Prime-rib carving stations with chef’s accompaniments, handmade artisan pastas, antipasto stations, decadent dessert display, all-inclusive premium bar, party favors, and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets at MissionTix.com/ GalleryNYE. For upgrades and more information, contact infor@thegalleryeventspace.com. Valet parking available ($15 in advance). For velvet rope VIP area, band reserved

seating or premium champagne preorder, contact Fallon Gardner at 816-674-4137.

The Granada: 1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390. Murder By Death, Cowboy Indian Bear, and Y(our) Fri(end). The 18-and-older show is $12 in advance or $15 at the door, 9 p.m.

Granfalloon: 608 Ward Pkwy., 816-753-7850. Parties of 12 with reservations get complimentary champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

Grinders: 417 E. 18th St., 816-472-5454, grinderspizza. com. Kansas City’s biggest ball drop. No cover charge.

Food and drink specials all night, live music, and bonfire and patio seating.

The Hideout: 6948 N. Oak Tfwy., 816-468-0550. New Year’s Eve Party with the Groove Pilots, 8:30 p.m.

Historic Firestone Building: 2001 Grand. The Black Party IX: New Year’s Eve Bash, 9 p.m.–1:30 a.m. Open bar, four floors, three DJs featuring multiple genres of music, champagne toast and party favors; also, one exclusive VIP area featuring premium food from Tasso’s, champagne service and private DJ. General admission costs $85; VIP is $110, and VIP tables (eight tickets, VIP seating, two premium bottles) is $1,600. Valid photo ID required for the 21-and-older event. For more information and tickets, see blackpartykc.com.

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Howl at the Moon: 1334 Grand, 816-471-4695. Pre-New Year’s Eve Red Solo Cup Party, 7 p.m. Monday, December 30.

Party drinks include Miller Lite, SKYY vodka and flavored drinks, and 86-oz. final-countdown buckets. Raffle drawings all night. For New Year’s Eve, packages are available: The Champagne Supernova Package starts at $115 and includes guaranteed seating, dinner buffet, premium open bar 7 p.m.–1 a.m., late-night appetizer buffet, champagne toast, party favors, and a KC Live all-access pass; the Just Dance package, $85, doesn’t include seating (and the open bar begins an hour later). Call Brandi at 816-471-4695 or e-mail kcsales@howlatthemoon.com to reserve.

Icons Restaurant & Lounge: 1108 Grand, 816-472-4266.

The Boss Kingz, 8 p.m.

Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater: 7260 N.W. 87th St., 816-759-5233. NYE buffet and show, with Loni Love. Dinner buffet at 7 p.m. Appetizer buffet at 10 p.m.

Jackpot Music Hall: 943 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-832-1085. Approach, Cloud Dog, Radkey.

Jazzhaus: 926-1/2 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1387. Early show with the Crumpletons, 7 p.m., $5; the Majestics Rhythm Revue show is $10.

Kansas City Convention Center: 301 W. 13th St., 816-513-5000. New Year’s Eve Bash at the Grand Ballroom.

Elegant buffet dinner and champagne toast, $99 per person.

Dance to the hits of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s with Atlantic Express, featuring Hal Wakes. The New Year’s Eve Grand Package from the Kansas City Marriott Downtown includes two tickets to the Ballroom Party, luxurious guest room, bottle of champagne at check-in, and breakfast for two and late checkout, $299 for two. For details or reservations, call 816-421-6800 or see KansasCityMarriottDowntown.com (promotion code EVE). Party tickets only available at Municipal Auditorium box office or through Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

The Kill Devil Club: 61 E. 14th St., 816-877-8312. NYE Champagne Soiree, live jazz with the Dave Stephens Band and the New Jazz Order Big Band, 8 p.m., $125 individual admission, $225 per couple. Prime-rib carving stations with chef’s accompaniments, handmade artisan pastas, antipasto stations, dessert display, allinclusive premium bar, party favors, and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets at MissionTix.com/GalleryNYE. For upgrades and more information, contact infor@ thegalleryeventspace.com. Valet parking available ($15 in advance). For velvet rope VIP area, band reserved seating or premium champagne preorder, contact Fallon Gardner at 816-674-4137.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456.

The Rainmakers, the Bel Airs and Watermelon Slim & the Workers reunion show, 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Two stages, three bars and midnight champagne toast, with party favors and snacks. Kitchen will be open and making a few specials.

Tickets cost $47.50 in advance; VIP members free.

The Levee: 16 W. 43rd St., 816-561-2821. The Magnetics, 10 p.m.

Lew’s Grill and Bar: 7539 Wornall, 816-444-8080, lewsgrillandbar.com. Waldo New Year’s Eve Bash hosted by the Well and Lew’s Grill and Bar, beginning at 7 p.m. One ticket ($15 presale, $20 at the door) gains entry to both Lew’s and the Well all night. Champagne toast at midnight.

DJ entertainment from DJ Kirby, DJ Matt B and DJ Jam. VIP table reservations available with arrival by 7:30 p.m. and minimum food and drink purchase.

Liberty Hall: 64 4 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1972. Sellout, 8 p.m., $15.50 in advance, $20.50 day of show.

Mac’s South: 11816 Blue Ridge Blvd., 816-916-7698.

New Year’ s Eve Party: Black Tie Affair, 8 p.m., with free buffet and champagne toast for $15 per individual or $25 per couple.

The Majestic Restaurant: 931 Broadway, 816-221-1888.

Mike Pagan and Millie Edwards on the main floor 6–10 p.m., and Bram Wijnands, Rod Fleeman,Barry Springer and Philip Wakefield in the Jazz Club 6:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

Marriott Kansas City Downtown: 200 W. 12th St., 816-421-6800, KansasCity MarriottDowntown.com. The Grand Package includes two tickets to the celebration in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center, deluxe room, bottle of champagne, party hats and horns, breakfast for two and late checkout. The Grand Ballroom celebration includes dinner buffet and dueling fl ambé dessert stations. Dance to 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s music with Hal Wakes and the Atlantic Express.

Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Also: casino games, DJ, caricature artists and KC Photobooth.

Package begins at $299, and an additional night costs $109. Additional tickets at $99 each are available at the box offi ce or through Ticketmaster. Reservations are required. Call 816-421-6800 or see the website; request promotion code EVE. Martini Corner: 31st Street and Oak, 816-753-5990.

Each ticket gains entry to six bars — Velvet Dog, Sol Cantina, the Drop, Tower Tavern, Haus and Club Monaco — and is good for unlimited drinks 9 p.m.–3 a.m. at all. A wristband allows patrons to go back and forth. General admission costs $75 and includes complimentary domestic beer, house wine and premium liquor drinks all night. VIP tickets cost $100 and include complimentary super-premium liquors, house wine, any beer and Red Bull mixers. Live DJs at each bar. Free champagne toast at midnight. Reserved seating at each venue is $25 per seat.

McCoy’s Public House: 4 05 7 Penns y l vania , 816-960-0866. DJ Boyfriend at 10 p.m. Special New Year’s menu and full dinner menu. Free champagne or handcraftedbeer toast at midnight. continued on page 30

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continued from page 28 Mestizo: 5270 W. 116th Pl., Leawood, 913-752-9025, mestizoleawood.com. Four-course meal with several options; event includes glass of champagne. See website for full menu. Reservations highly suggested, $50 per person.

Michael Smith: 1900 Main, 816-842-2202. Two dinner seatings and special menu. First seating (four-course menu at $75 per person plus tax and tip, with a $30 optional wine pairing) beginning at 6 p.m. Second seating (five-course menu at $95 per person plus tax and tip, with a $35 optional wine pairing) beginning at 8:30 p.m. See Grand Marquis in the common area of Michael Smith and Extra Virgin 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. For reservations, call Nancy Smith at 816-842-2202 or see opentable.com.

Mike Kelly’s: 1515 Westport Rd., 816-931-9417. Prime rib dinner, seafood special, champagne toast and party favors.

See the Allied Saints, with Scotty and the Sweet Mahuckies.

MiniBar: 3810 Broadway, 816-326-8281. Dropout Boogie New Year’s Eve Get Down, 9 p.m.

O’Malley’s 1842 Irish Pub: 500 Welt St., Weston, 816-640-5235. Bob Reeder and the Wild Colonial Bhoys ring in the New Year. Pub-party door time is 4:30 p.m. Live entertainment begins at 8 p.m. and ends at midnight. Tickets cost $10 and include admission and collector’s champagne fl ute for midnight toast. Call 816-640-5235 for dinner reservations. Advance tickets available at ticketleap.com.

One Block South: 7300 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913-451-0444. Four venues and one cover for DJ Adam Bryce, DJ Darren Zarter and live music from Ancient Chinese Secret, $20 general-admission tickets available in advance at oneblocksouthkc.eventbright.com. VIP reservations also available. E-mail info@oneblocksouthkc.com or call for more information.

Phoggy Dog: 2228 Iowa, Lawrence, 785-856-7364.

Cover band. Party bus runs back and forth between Phoggy Dog and R Bar all night. Cost is $10 wristband ($5 in advance) for access to $3 anything at each bar (even top shelf), party favors and balloon drop at midnight.

Power & Light District: 14th Street and Main, 816-842-1045. Premium, all-access and all-inclusive (food and top-shelf bar) package at more than 12 venues, including Angels Rock Bar, the Dubliner, Fuego, Hotel Nightclub, Howl at the Moon, Johnny’s Tavern, Living Room, Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, Mosaic Lounge, PBR Big Sky, Pizza Bar, Shark Bar and Tengo Sed Cantina, 9 p.m. Watch “a Battle of the DJs” (with Ashton Martin, Eric Coomes, Highnoone and Scene) spinning throughout the Kansas City Live block. General admission: $95 through December 24, $105 through December 30, or $110 day of; couples admission: $180, then $200, but not available day of the event. For VIP package information and hotel-package details, see nyekansascity.com.

Quasimodo: 12056 W. 135th St., Overland Park, 913-239-9666. Dan Bliss performs 5:30–8:30 p.m. Jeremy Butcher and the Bail Jumpers perform 9 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

The Ramada: 7240 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Overland Park, 913-262-3010. Dinner, 6:30-10 p.m.; children’s games, 8-11:50 p.m.; midnight toast, balloon drop, and party till 1 a.m. Choose one of four packages. Hotel check-in available at 3 p.m. Call for details.

R Bar: 610 Florida, Lawrence, 785-856-6969. Live DJ. Party bus runs back and forth between R Bar and Phoggy Dog all night. Cost is $10 wristband (only $5 if you buy in advance) for access to $3 anything at each bar (even top shelf), party favors and balloon drop at midnight.

RecordBar: 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207. The Golden Republic, Thee Water Moccasins and a special guest, champagne toast and party favors included, 21 and older, beginning at 9 p.m., $12.

Replay Lounge: 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676. Inside: the Sluts, Rev Gusto and Alien Jones, at 10 p.m.; on the patio: DJ Proof, at 10 p.m.

Rhythm and Booze: 423 Southwest Blvd., 816-221-2669.

No lines, cover or tickets. Free champagne toast at midnight and free party favors, $10 at the door. Unlimited drinks and beer 9 p.m.–close, $20.

The Riot Room: 4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179. Nug Life New Year, beginning at 8 p.m., $5 cover, with DJ Clockwerk, the New Riddim, Booty Jamz, free champagne toast at midnight.

Stanford’s Comedy Club: 1867 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., 913-400-7500. Lynne Koplitz, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tavern at Mission Farms: 10681 Mission, 913-213-6588, tavernatmissionfarms.com. Celebrate with an early dinner or later DJ celebration. Chefs Zeb and Ryan feature special menu items. Full menu also offered. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Live piano, 7–10 p.m., and DJ, 10 p.m.– close. For more information or to make a reservation, call or see the website.

Tavern in the Village: 3901 Prairie Ln., 913-529-2229,

pitch.com

taverninthevillage.com. Celebrate with an early dinner or later DJ celebration. Chefs Zeb and Ryan feature special menu items. Full menu also offered. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. DJ, 9 p.m.–close. For more information or to make a reservation, call or see the website.

Trouser Mouse: 625 N.W. Mock Ave., Blue Springs, 816-220-1222. Trampled Under Foot, beginning at 7 p.m., $25 two-day general admission, $175 two-day VIP. Limited number of reserved tables available. VIP reservations include one table of five reserved seats (must arrive before 9 p.m.). The price of the table is the same whether for one or for five. Tickets include admission, champagne and party favors. A select menu is offered and includes a choice of three or four dinner options and a few appetizers. The Quality Inn, across the street, has discounted rates for Mouse patrons, and a local taxi is available.

Union Station: 30 W. Pershing Rd., 816-460-2020. Rock the Clock at Union Station, with Rocket and Teresa from Mix 93.3. Dance to live music performed by Flashback. Appetizers, a martini ice luge, Parisi gourmet coffee, special lounge areas, and a midnight celebration with a champagne toast.

Three price packages are available, along with overnight packages at the Westin and Sheraton hotels. Buy tickets online at unionstation.org/rocktheclock.

The Uptown Arts Bar: 3611 Broadway, Megan Birdsall, with performances by the Depth and the Whisper, Heather Thornton and Damon Bailey. Then enjoy DJ and dancing.

Late Night Comedy show begins at 10 p.m. Ticket price includes a buffet, $20 in drink tickets, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Advance tickets cost $30 per person or $50 per couple; at the door, $40 per person or $70 per couple. Late Night Comedy show begins at 10 p.m.

Uptown Theater: 3700 Broadway, 816-753-8665, uptowntheater.com. Tickets cost $47 in advance, $55 at the door. Open bar and premium beer all night, with more party snacks. Expanded laser and light show. All guests have access to six rooms, including the Main Theater, Cabaret, Nowhere, the Conspiracy Room, Valentine Room and Broadway Room. Party begins at 7 p.m. For more information or details about VIP hotel packages, call or see the website.

VooDoo Lounge: Harrah’s Casino, 1 Riverboat Dr., North Kansas City, 816-472-7777. DJ Kevin Scott, DJ Bobby Keys, 9 p.m., $20.

The Well: 7421 Broadway, 816-361-1700, waldowell .com. Waldo New Year’s Eve Bash hosted by the Well and Lew’s Grill and Bar, beginning at 7 p.m. Purchase one ticket ($15 presale, $20 at the door) and gain entry to both Lew’s and the Well all night. Champagne toast at midnight. DJ entertainment from DJ Kirby, DJ Matt B and DJ Jam. VIP table reservations available with arrival by 7:30 p.m. and minimum food and drink purchase. For more information, call or see the website.

Z Strike: 1370 Grand, 816-471-2316. All-inclusive package with call drinks, appetizer buffet, and bowling 7–10 p.m., $45 per person or $75 per couple. DJ KOR performs 10 p.m.-close.

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2 013 R A E Y W NE

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STREET TEAM

Each week, Pitch Street Team cruises around to the hottest clubs, bars and concerts.

You name it, we will be there. While we are out, we hand out tons of cool stuff. So look for the Street Team... We will be looking for you!

Oak Ridge Boys @ Uptown

Oak Ridge Boys @ Uptown

HAPPY HOLIDAYS OPEN NEW YEAR’S DAY 3906 Bell • KCMO • 816.753.3600 www.gkbbq.com • /Genghiskhankc

See Flo more on the “promotions” link at p gging Molly @ Indie

Lamb of God @ Uptown

Upcoming Events 12.29 - Bill Goffrier & Karlee Dean @ recordBar 12.31 - NYE Party @ Uptown 12.31 - NYE Party @ KC Live! Block

32

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‘ ‘

WEDNESDAYS 9PM

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MUSIC

WRAP IT UP

Highlights from the year in local music, from

BY

the movers and shakers who made it happen.

D AV ID HUDN A L L

A

s of press time, the world had not ended.

But 2012 is not yet over. Can any of us say with any degree of certainty that a comet will not crash into Earth on New Year’s Eve and destroy Ryan Seacrest’s Times Square New Year’s Eve countdown — oh, the humanity! — and life on this planet along with it? We cannot.

Nothing is certain. Do you hear me? There is no certainty in this life! We know nothing! Do you understand what that means? Do you? Do you?

So in addition to stockpiling basic necessities — bottled water, Toaster Strudels, the 2011 ensemble romantic comedy New Year’s Eve — I’ve spent E R O M the last week stockpiling memories. Specifically, memories of the past T A INE ONL .COM year in local music: the H C PIT shows, albums and songs that made 2012 a year worth living for music fans in the Kansas City area.

More specifically, these are not my memories but the memories of the folks around town who make our music scene tick. (Special thanks to Pitch contributors Berry Anderson, April Fleming and Leslie Kinsman for helping me gather them.) What will our local musicians, venue owners, label types and promoters remember about 2012? Read on. And see you in 2013 (probably).

M US I C

≥ Mike Alexander (Hipshot Killer, John Velghe

and the Prodigal Sons, Starhaven Rounders)

Best show: Swans at the Beaumont Club, September 19. “I showed up a few minutes into their first song, which was just chimes and vocals at first, and I’m thinking, ‘This isn’t going to be that loud.’ Man, was I wrong. When the entire band kicked in, my jacket actually filled with air being moved by the PA. I felt like I was being knocked over by the music. And then they kept that up for two hours. Also, seeing Tiny Horse finally, after many failed attempts on my part, at the Sandbox at Vinyl Renaissance on 39th Street.”

≥ DJ Sheppa (Body2Body, Beauty Magic)

Best show: Big Freedia at the Riot Room, July 22. “From start to finish, Big Freedia — the queen diva of New Orleans bounce — had the crowd eating out of her hands. I’ve never seen the Riot Room so packed with sweaty bodies jumping around like crazy.”

Runner-up: Lemonade, with Le1f (with Sheppa and Norrit) at FOKL, June 9. “There were amazing atmospheric projections over a haze of fog at the Lemonade/Le1f show. I walked away wanting more. I also was glad that I got to experience it in a venue that does so much to help foster and give a platform for local creative talent.”

≥ Sean Hunt, aka Approach, Lawrence rapper

“I saw some pretty impressive things this year musically, but one thing that stuck with me was seeing Radkey at the Lawrence Field Day Fest. They have a fan for life.

“Also, the Kansas City beat scene is about 34

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H AY L E Y B A R T E L S

Radkey (left) and Gillet

to explode. I was living out in California for four years, and I got to witness firsthand the rise of producer-focused club nights such as Low End Theory (Daddy Kev, Flying Lotus, Dibia$e, Samiyam, etc.) and Funkmosphere (Dam-Funk) in L.A. It’s nice to come back home and see showcases like Sucka Free and Elegant Knock give underrated production masters from the KC-Lawrence area — Lenny D, DRPLUS2, Dan Matic, Osiris-1, Barbaric Merits, Morri$, Starjammr — a place to showcase their skills.”

≥ Sheri Parr, owner, the Brick

“The first show I booked for 2012 was with the amazing cellist Helen Gillet, from New Orleans. Other New Orleans bands followed over the year — Mike Dillon, Yojimbo and Vagabond Swing — and all put on fabulous shows.

“And Golden Sounds Records! I love them.

My favorite event of theirs was in April for Record Store Day [with Spirit Is the Spirit, La Guerre, Fullbloods and Soft Reeds]. Also, seeing Mr. Marco’s V7 play a polka version of Billy Idol’s ‘White Wedding’ made me so happy.”

≥ Jody Hendrix (Them Damned Young Livers)

“2012 got intense for me personally, as I took over the booking for Club 906. There were a lot of naysayers spouting off about how live music wouldn’t do well in the Northland. I think we proved them wrong with several amazing shows. At the top of the list is the COA/Mac Lethal show on October 12. ”Another personal highlight for me was The Pitch Music Showcase. It was where I first saw Radkey. They’re the best new band in KC, hands down.”

≥ Lori and Doug Chandler, owners,

Take Five Coffee + Bar

“There was no conflict between the two of us over which two experiences this year really

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struck us as transcendent. One was a show at the Brick on September 5: Snuff Jazz and the Mike Dillon Band featuring Carly Meyers. We had no idea who Carly was, had never heard of her. Wow, what a wonderful freak. She just tore the room to rubble with the wacky energy and intensity of both her dancing and her trombone playing. A perfect foil for someone like Dillon.

“The other was at our place, Take Five Coffee + Bar, on August 9, with Parallax. What an amazing band Stan Kessler has put together to showcase some of his more adventurous compositions. It’s Stan on trumpet, Roger Wilder on piano, Bill McKemy on bass and both Ryan Lee and Brian Steever on drums. Ryan and Brian are two of the most talented and creative young drummers anywhere. And being close friends and roommates for years, they seem to share the same brain, tossing grooves back and forth and finishing each other’s sentences musically. This night was Ryan’s last in town before moving to Albuquerque to teach at New Mexico State, so everyone was especially ‘on,’ and the show was riveting from the first note to the last.”

≥ Molly Gene (One Whoaman Band)

“The best show I saw in KC was at the Riot Room for Larry and His Flask — raw energy and a packed house. The best moment happened at one of my shows at the Slap-n-Tickle Gallery.

There was a pregnant burlesque girl dressed as a cow. She was twirling her udders around and eating a hamburger. I laughed so hard. I knew I was in the right place.”

≥ Brock Potucek (Lazy, South Bitch Diet)

Best shows: “FOKL hosting Light Asylum (November 4). Total last-minute planning.

They said that it was the first DIY show they’ve played in two years. Great turnout. KAW Collective, another KCK spot, had a short run of pitch.com

great touring acts that I booked, like Molly Nilsson from Germany and Frustrations from Detroit. They are getting a new space, so more goodies to come. And King Tuff and Nü Sensae at Replay Lounge — two great bands for three bucks. Lazy got to play with King Tuff earlier this summer, and it was cool to meet back up.

He [King Tuff ] is wearing a Peggy Noland 69 jersey daily now.”

≥ Robert Moore, host, Sonic Spectrum

“My favorite nonlocal show was Shearwater at RecordBar — amazingly intimate show. My favorite local show was the Dealer’s Choice Sonic Spectrum tribute, a sort of birthday present to myself and listeners. Some of the finest musicians in KC covered many of my favorite songs by other artists. Steve Tulipana performed Iggy Pop’s ‘Endless Sea’ with Mark Lowrey and Jeff Harshbarger. Soft Reeds covered Devo’s ‘Gates of Steel.’

“Best reason to be excited about the KC scene: Radkey.”

≥ Bryan McGuire (the ACBs)

Favorite show: “Dirty Projectors at the Granada in July. They had the sound dialed in, and the crowd was hanging on every note. It doesn’t hurt that their new album is really good. I remember [frontman] David Longstreth being pretty funny, too. Runnerup: the Nerves, the Plimsouls and the Beat at RecordBar in March. Outstanding songs played loud and loose.”

Favorite song: “Haim, ‘Forever.’ They played after us at this tiny bar at South by Southwest, but I missed it because I volunteered to get the van so we could load out.

But everyone who saw them was blown away.

There were days over the summer where I couldn’t stop listening to this song. Runnerup: Ross Brown, ‘Small Victories.’ A song that’s entirely familiar and yet unfamiliar the first time you hear it. I love it.”

≥ Phil Diamond (Scammers)

“Umberto doing Dire Straits’ ‘Walk of Life’ repeatedly for 47 minutes at FOKL was pretty crazy.” continued on page 36

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WHERE THE BEST MUSICIANS IN THE WORLD PLAY

KNUCKLEHEADS F re e S h u tt le in S u rr o u n d in g A reth e a

New Year’s Eve TICRainmakers KETS NOW The O N SALE!

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26: Raildogs 27: Blues Orleans 28: Jeff Bergen’s Elvis Show 28: Anthony Gomes 29: Biscuit Miller & The Mix 30: Samantha Fish

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DECEMBER

continued from page 34

The Belairs &

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JANUARY 2: Justin Andrew Murray Band 3: Sam Sliva & The Good 4: The Crayon’s 5: Elvis Birthday Bash

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FEB 28 Tom Russell

For more info & tickets: knuckleheadskc.com 2715 Rochester, KCMO

816-483-1456

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≥ Steve Tulipana, owner, RecordBar

Highlights: “Successfully promoting the Swans and Xiu Xiu show at Beaumont Club on September 19. Kansas City proved to me that they have great taste and open minds and ears by attending one of the heaviest, loudest and most intense shows I’ve ever seen.

“The turnout for Shearwater at RecordBar on February 6 was incredibly disappointing, but the performance they gave to the nonexistent crowd was transcendent, so much so that I bought every one of their LPs on vinyl that night. Their latest album, Animal Joy, is on my top-10 list for 2012. Brilliant and impassioned.

“One of my favorite moments in local music was attending the Making Movies CD-listening party for their new album, A La Deriva, one of the best local albums put out this year. The band performed a few of the songs off the new album, stripped-down and acoustic. It was a treat listening to Enrique Chi tell the stories behind not just the recording of the album but the songs themselves. A very memorable and intimate performance at Czar.”

≥ Mat Shoare (the Empty Spaces)

Best shows: “The MidCoast Takeover showcase at South by Southwest. The Caves’ Duplexiaville album release. And Radiohead at the Sprint Center in March.”

≥ Terry Taylor (Hammerlord)

Best album: “Troglodyte, Don’t Go in the Woods. On their second album, Trog proves once again that Kansas City metal is alive and well. Everything from the songwriting to the production is grade-A, top-notch. They prove that even sasquatches from the Midwest can churn out an incredibly technical powerhouse of a record. Fans of metal should pick this up today.”

Best show: “Pizza Party Massacre and Expo ’70 at the Riot Room, November 17. I don’t get out as much as I should, so I miss a lot of good local bands and shows. I am glad I was out this night. I had never seen Expo ’70, and they really blew me away. Instrumental, heavy riffage, groove-rock that comes at you like a freight train. The guitar hooks really stick with you, and the drums and bass hold it together through each song. I was really impressed. I would like to see them do some kind of a concept record. I think they could tell a groovy sonic story through their music. It was a di-

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verse bill that night. Pizza Party Massacre was up next. I am an old-school punk rocker, so I was really excited to see them play. They got up there and blew through 30 minutes of catchy punk. I think a lot of people in the audience that had never seen them were really impressed.”

≥ John Velghe (John Velghe and the Prodigal Sons)

Highlight: “Performing with the Prodigal Sons at Alejandro Escovedo’s South by Southwest showcase at the Continental Club and doing a duet of ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ with him was one of the best moments I experienced.

I learned more in those five minutes than I have in over 20 years of playing. Playing music always reaffirms why I play it in this sort of self-feeding cycle. But playing that song with someone I’ve managed to be friends with so long — who I saw perform it over 20 years ago — was humbling and inspiring.”

≥ Mike Scott, DJ

Highlight: “Red Bull Locally Thrown at Crossroads KC [featuring Scott and DJ Spinstyles with Diverse; Making Movies with DJ Brent Tactic and DJ B-Stee; and Hearts of Darkness with Barbaric Merits]. Local DJs remixing local bands live onstage — hands down the most innovative show of the year.”

≥ Jackie Becker, Eleven Productions

Best shows: “Converge/Torche/Coalesce/ Kvelertak/Mansion at the Granada, October 20.

Basically the show was like being stuck on the open sea with one paddle. Totally organized bone-chilling chaos — the most beautiful kind.

And to make it even better, Mansion ended up playing all three of their songs one final time at the Replay before last call. One of the greatest nights of metal in Lawrence ever.

“And the Flaming Lips celebrating Liberty Hall’s 100th anniversary on July 21 and 22.

I opted to watch the first show from just in front of the soundboard. Being bombarded with balloons, confetti and Wayne Coyne in a hamster wheel at such a small place was epic to experience — especially since, as concert workers, we usually watch the show from behind the soundboard, the production office or backstage while loading gear. The second night, I brought a friend to ‘work’ the show.

He’s a fan and was pretty much given the greatest backstage experience any band could offer: blowing up balloons, shooting confetti, getting water for the Dorothys, folding up the gigantic animal creatures. All while being within 10 pitch.com

Ghosty (left) and Owen/Cox Dance Group feet of Kliph Scurlock’s drumming. There’s just nothing like it.”

≥ Enrique Chi (Making Movies)

Best shows: “Los Lobos at Knuckleheads, July 26. First of all, Knuckleheads is my favorite local venue. It feels like it is pulled from some movie. It represents how venues used to be run based on the owner’s musical taste — Frank Hicks’ taste, in Knuckleheads’ case.

The crowd here in KC really loves Los Lobos, and Los Lobos loves Knuckleheads, so it makes for a great night of music.

“Babies at Riot Room, November 23. I had just discovered their music a few days before the gig. They’re fronted by Kansas City native Kevin Morby and Vivian Girls singer Cassie Ramone. The show was loud and sweaty, like a first-wave punk-rock gig. I really dig Morby’s no-frills songwriting style.

“Ghosty’s ‘Sharpening Swords’ is my favorite track from their 2012 self-titled album. I love the tones and intro chord progression under dark lyrical images: Playing the whitest blues with the sharpest swords. I think they made a great indie album.”

≥ Craig DeMoss (FOKL)

Best album: “Scammers’ album Conventions. Filtered by smart satire and paradoxical nostalgia, it touches on many shared experiences, beliefs and feelings about Midwestern living.”

≥ Lauren Krum (the Grisly Hand)

“My favorite show of the year goes to Sharon Van Etten at the Riot Room. Her set was intense and gorgeous, and both she and her band were incredibly friendly. Helen Gillet’s solo set March 3 at the Brick was gorgeous and mesmerizing. Mike Dillon, like Helen Gillet, will always put on a good show and did so in June at the Brick. Carly Meyers, the trombone prodigy, who’s played with [Dillon’s] band as of late, was celebrating her 21st birthday that night, which seemed impossible for a woman of her talents.

“In April, I saw the Owen/Cox Dance Group’s Spring Performance at Union Station, and both the dancers and musicians (Brad Cox Ensemble) were top-notch. I always leave Owen/Cox shows feeling inspired, even though I can’t dance.”

E-mail david.hudnall@pitch.com

BILL GOFFRIER & KARLEE DEAN OF BIG DIPPER AND THE EMBARRASSMENT

WITH THE TOM PAGE TRIO

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12/20/12 3:16 PM

MUSIC

RADAR

M U S I C F O R E CAST

BY

Other shows worth seeing this week.

D AV ID HUDN A L L

T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 7

NEW YEAR'S EVE

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The Rainmakers

Local roots-rock legends the Rainmakers played New Year’s Eve last year at Knuckleheads, and it sold out, so it might be wise to get a ticket sooner rather than later. This year, the bill also includes gritty blues from Watermelon Slim & the Workers. With the Belairs.

Monday, December 31, at Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456)

Class is coming out the ass at this special holiday-season edition of the Sonic Spectrum Tribute Series. “The Rat Pack is the main focus, with some tracks from other crooners as well,” organizer Robert Moore says. That includes a set from the Sammy Bacon Juniors, which is not an item on the Wendy’s dollar menu but rather a group featuring members of Deco Auto, the Quivers and Dolls on Fire.

Also performing: Anna Cole (backed by members of Latenight Callers and the Jorge Arana Trio), Jerad Tomasino of Everyday/Everynight, Hampton Stevens and Barclay Martin.

Sunday, December 30, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

The Good Times Tour

Well, first off: best tour name of the year. And how good those times will be depends a lot on your partiality to the soulful R&B sounds of the 1970s. At the top of the bill is the Chi-Lites, most famous for hits like “Have You Seen Her” and “Oh Girl.” Opening is Bloodstone, a soul-funk act originally from Kansas City that briefly dented the Billboard charts in the ’70s, and Kharizma, a local 11-piece R&B act.

Saturday, December 29, at the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)

Bill Goffrier

The Embarrassment, a group of Wichita smart alecks that tasted underground fame playing twitchy post-punk in the early 1980s, is correctly remembered as one of Kansas’ musical treasures. Many fans of the band fol-

Jordan Geiger and a bandmate lowed singer and guitarist Bill Goffrier on to Big Dipper, the acclaimed, nervy guitar-pop act that he slid into in 1985 after moving to Boston. In November, Big Dipper released Big Dipper Crashes on the Platinum Planet, its first new album of songs in two decades.

It’s full of weird, wry pop-rock tunes and is a bit reminiscent of Guided By Voices. That makes sense: GBV frontman Robert Pollard is a huge Big Dipper fan, and Big Dipper named a song on Platinum Planet after him (“Robert Pollard”). Goffrier performs here with a new collaborator, Karlee Dean, but I wouldn’t be surprised to hear cuts from his various other endeavors.

Saturday, December 29, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

Sam Billen, with the ACBs, Shy Boys and Jordan Geiger

If you count ACBs guitarist Andrew Connor (who heads up Ghosty), this bill boasts five of the best, say, 10 songwriters in the Kansas City–Lawrence scene. Lawrencians Jordan Geiger (of Hospital Ships) and Sam Billen favor a more orchestral kind of pop; the Shy Boys and the ACBs strip theirs down to the bare elements. The common denominator among them is a gift for crafting smart melodies.

Thursday, December 27, at the Replay Lounge (946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676)

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A show by the aptly named group Murder by Death (murder ballads are its forte) isn’t what jumps to mind for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

But the Bloomington, Indiana, quintet has cultivated a nice, bubbly fanbase in Lawrence. And local indie acts Cowboy Indian Bear and Y(our) Fri(end) ought to add a little life to the evening.

Monday, December 31, at the Granada (1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390)

Nug Life New Year’s Eve

You’ll have to ignore the unbelievably terrible name, if you can, but this party has a lot of potential. I saw the reggae dudes in the New Riddim move some serious asses one random Friday night at Harling’s earlier this year. And the 1990s-R&B-themed Booty Jamz is on the rise as one of Westport’s best dance parties, even though it is totally biting the style of my on-hiatus DJ duo Pussy Monster. (Just kidding — Pussy Monster played only two shows, and nobody paid any attention.) Also on hand: DJ Clockwerk and Pocket Change.

Monday, December 31, at Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)

The Golden Republic

Five years after splitting, the Golden Republic reunited for a couple of one-offs in 2011. The glammy pop-punk quartet does it again here with friends in Thee Water MoccaSins, who don’t often play together, owing to geographic constraints.

Monday, December 31, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

K E Y

...........................Pick of the Week

................Constellations Aligning

.......................Bang for Your Buck

................................Kind of Scary

................................. Men in Suits

.................................Kansas Hero

........................... Locally Sourced

..............................Weed-Friendly

.....................Doo-wop Harmonies

............................ Possible Cigars

......................................... Twangy

..................................Dance Party

....................................Funkytown

................................ That's Amore

.......................................Brooding

..... Reunited and It Feels So Good

THE PITCH

D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 2 - J A N U A R Y 2 , 2 0 1 3

pitch.com

Mouthbreathers, Rooftop Vigilantes: 10 p.m. Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676.

S AT U R D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 9 Magfuckingnificent, Found a Job: The Brick, 1727 McGee, 816-421-1634.

Orgone: The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-5483.

Son Venezuela, DJ Jalapeño: The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390.

W E D N E S D AY, J A N U A R Y 2

Murder By Death Sonic Spectrum Tribute to the Rat Pack

Heet Mob, Reach with Diverse, Approach, Royce Diamond, Dutch Newman, TaNeisha Wish: 9 p.m.

RecordBar, 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207.

Kansas City Latin Jazz All-Stars: The Blue Room, 1616 E. 18th St., 816-474-8463.

pitch.com

Sam Sliva and the Good: Jackpot Music Hall, 943 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-832-1085.

FUTURECAST MONDAY 14 Reel Big Fish, Pilfers, Dan Potthast: The Granada, Lawrence FRIDAY 18 Rodney Carrington: The Midland Jeff Mangum: sold out. Liberty Hall, Lawrence SUNDAY 20 Bloc Party, IO Echo: Liberty Hall, Lawrence Keane, Youngblood Hawke: The Midland SATURDAY 26 Frost: The Midland MONDAY 28 Sum 41, and more: The Granada, Lawrence WEDNESDAY 30 The Darkness: The Beaumont Club

FEBRUARY SATURDAY 2 Morrissey: Liberty Hall, Lawrence MONDAY 4 Lady Gaga: Sprint Center SUNDAY 10 Emilie Autumn: The Granada, Lawrence FRIDAY 15 Galactic: Liberty Hall, Lawrence SUNDAY 17 Electric Six, the Dead Girls: The Riot Room THURSDAY 21 Toro Y Moi, Sinkane: The Granada, Lawrence FRIDAY 22 Talib Kweli: The Granada, Lawrence WEDNESDAY 27 Maroon 5: Sprint Center THURSDAY 28 Yonder Mountain String Band: Liberty Hall, Lawrence

MARCH WEDNESDAY 6 Slightly Stoopid, Tribal Seeds: Liberty Hall, Lawrence SUNDAY 10 Alabama Shakes: Uptown Theater TUESDAY 12 STS9: Liberty Hall, Lawrence WEDNESDAY 13 STS9: Liberty Hall, Lawrence MONDAY 18 Yes: The Midland SATURDAY 13 Bon Jovi: Sprint Center SUNDAY 21 Josh Ritter: Liberty Hall, Lawrence

M O N T H X X–X X , 2 0 0 X

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Set yr. sites, 2013!

FRI 12/28 MARGO MAY , AILE SAT 12/29 SPEED LEVITCH EN MAY, MAGFUCKIN GNIF MON 12/31 FOUND A JOB ICENT, RURAL GRIT 6PM TUE 1/1 KARAOKE COUNTDOWN HAIR OF THE 10PM DOG SAT 1/5 COMFORT FOOD ALDLADY 9AM AY AD ASTRA AR KESTRA, N E W R ID DIM THU 1/10 JACK GRELLE

Happy Hour Specials til 6pm!

Bar

WED. DEC. 26

FACES&NAMES/CLAY HUGHES BAND/ DAVID GEORGE/POET ANONYMOUS THURS. DEC. 27

HEET MOB * REACH W/ DIVERSE/ APPROACH/ROYCE DIAMOND/ DUTCH NEWMAN/TANEISHA WISH FRI. DEC. 28

6PM THE DOO DADS 10PM GODEMIS/STEDDY P/KOA/ TEF POE/ADRIAN TRUTH SAT. DEC. 29

7PM BILL GOFFRIER OF BIG DIPPER W/ KARLEE DEAN & THE TOM PAGE TRIO 10PM ANTENNAS UP/NOT A PLANET/ IN BACK OF A BLACK CAR

SUN. DEC. 30 SONIC SPECTRUM TRIBUTE SERIES: THE RAT PACK PERFORMANCES FROM MEMBERS OF

BARCLAY MARTIN ENSEMBLE/DECO AUTO/ EVERYDAY EVERYNIGHT/LATENIGHT CALLERS/ JORGE ARANA TRIO/WHITE GIRL/BISHOP’S REVENGE W/ LIZ KINNIGER/MEGAN COLLINS AND MORE

MON. DEC. 31 THE GOLDEN REPUBLIC/ THEE WATER MOCCASINS

“Where somebody might know your name”

NEW YEAR’S EVE

No Cover Live Music Champagne Toast at Midnight MON-FRI: 2:00PM - 1:30AM | SAT-SUN: NOON - 1:30AM

6505 Nieman Rd in Shawnee /garrettsbar 913.608.5995

•A LITTLE SLICE OF IRELAND• IN DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY

Come Shake Your Shamrocks!

THU Dec 27: Casey & Colby Unplugged FRI Dec 28: Pat Lentz SAT Dec 29: Lost Wax

New Year’s Eve @ The Dubliner Includes table reservation, champagne at midnight, open premium bar & delicious buffets at all P&L live block bars!

DJ C-Mac on the main stage at the Dubliner

THE PARTY STARTS AT 9PM! ONLY $95!

170 E. 14TH ST. KCMO IN P&L DISTRICT 816-268-4700 • THEDUBLINERKC.COM FACEBOOK.COM/THEDUBLINERKC

SECRET SPECIAL GUESTS DANCING RICARDO/CHAMPAGNE TOAST WEEKLY

SUN. 12-5PM BARTENDER’S BRUNCH & BLOODY MARY BAR MON. 7PM SONIC SPECTRUM MUSIC TRIVIA TUES. 7PM HONKY TONK SUPPER CLUB WED. 7PM BOB WALKENHORST & FRIENDS THURS. 7PM TRIVIA CLASH

The SPOT for The

see www.therecordbar.com for our weekly events

BLUES

1020 westport rd. kcmo 64111*816-753-5207

in Johnson County

daveysuptown.com OPEN TIL’ 3AM

Wed DEC 26

3402 Main 753-1909

Rick Bacus Blues Trio 7-10

WI•FI

1515 WESTPORT RD. • 816-931-9417

Thu 12/27 Fri 12/28 Sat 12/29

WIFI NOW AVAILABLE!

CHECK OUT THE NEW ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR

$4.95 DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS • NIGHTLY DINNER & DRINK SPECIALS

STALK US!

twitter.com/pitchstreet 8:30PM/$5 facebook.com/thepitch

Open Jam w/ The Justin Andrew Murray Band 7-10

GOOD SAM CLUB • THE GIvENS PLISSkEN • MAD kINGS 8PM/$6 TRAINWRECk TRIO • THE qUIvERS GOSPEL HANDS 9PM/$6

Fri DEC 28

Kevin Miller 5:30-7 Ryan Harvey 8-11

NEW YEAR'S EvE

BE-NON PHA zE II FILTHY 13 9PM/$10

EVERY THURSDAY Live Reggae with AZ One

Fri 1/04

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26th

Mon 12/31

WE DARE YOU

Thurs DEC 27

GUTWRENCH • CAUCASIAN DEBRIS BEATING WOOLY BULLY TGOPIUM • FREDDY GRIMES 8PM

AFTER NATIONS THE SUMMIT 9:30PM/$6

TASTEBUD G SPOT PLUG UGLIES 9:30PM/$6 SONGWRITERS SCENE 7PM/FREE Mon 1/07 FOURARM SHIvER • BREAk THE CYCLE PIzzA PARTY MASSACRE 9:30PM/$4 Wed 1/09 MINOR DECLINE 8PM/$4 Fri 1/11 ADAM LEE & DHSC 9PM/$6 SONGWRITERS SCENE 7PM/FREE Mon 1/14 DARk MONDAY • DJ DESMODUS

Sat 1/05

Sat DEC 29

Lonnie Ray

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28th

Groove Agency - 10pm

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29th

Camp Harlow - 5pm The Patrick Lentz Band -10pm NIGHTLY SPECIALS

FOOD AND DRINK

PATIO & DECK BANQUET & PRIVATE PARTY FACILITY

Dave Hays Band 8-11 NEW YEARS EVE

Dan Bliss 5:30-8:30 Jeremy Butcher & The Bail Jumpers New Year’s Eve Bash 9-12:30 e-mail jessicad@39bevco for reservations

135TH ST. & QUIVIRA 12056 W. 135th St. OPKS 913-239-9666 www.quasimodokc.com

11PM/FREE

HONkYSUCkLE Wed 1/16 BROTHER BAGMAN 8PM/$6

pitch.com

D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 2 - J A N U A R Y 2 , 2 0 1 3

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39

NIGHTLIFE Send submissions to Clubs Editor Abbie Stutzer by e-mail (abbie.stutzer@pitch.com), fax (816-756-0502) or phone (816-218-6926).

Continuing items must be resubmitted monthly.

T H U R S D AY 2 7 ROCK/POP/INDIE Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club: 3402 Main, 816-753-1909.

Freddy Grimes, T.G. Opium Chalkline, Beating Wooly Bully, Caucasian Debris, Gutwrench.

BLUES/FUNK/SOUL B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ: 1205 E. 85th St., 816-822-7427. John Paul’s Flying Circus.

Jazz: 1823 W. 39th St., 816-531-5556. Grand Marquis.

Jazzhaus: 926-1/2 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1387.

Lex Norwood Group.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456. Blues Orleans, 8 p.m.

ROOTS/COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS Eddie’s Lounge: 3512 S.W. Market, Lee’s Summit, 816-537-4148.

Tracy Allison.

Kanza Hall: 7300 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913-451-0444.

Phil Vandel.

DJ Mosaic Lounge: 1331 Walnut, 816-679-0076. Mosaic Thursdays.

Saints Pub + Patio: 9720 Quivira, Lenexa, 913-492-3900. DJ Brad Sager.

ACOUSTIC The Phoenix: 302 W. Eighth St., 816-221-5299. Acoustic with Drew Freeland.

Trouser Mouse: 625 N.W. Mock Ave., Blue Springs, 816-2201222. Bob Reeder.

JAZZ

The Brooksider: 6330 Brookside Plz., 816-363-4070. Team trivia, 7 p.m.

Bulldog: 1715 Main, 816-421-4799. Brodioke.

Buzzard Beach: 4110 Pennsylvania, 816-753-4455. Trivia, Ladies’ Night, and DJ HoodNasty.

Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar: 4115 Mill, 816-561-2444. “You Sing It” Live Band Karaoke.

Fatso’s Public House and Stage: 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-865-4055. Electro Therapy Thursdays.

Hamburger Mary’s: 101 Southwest Blvd., 816-842-1919. Charity Bingo with Valerie Versace, 8 p.m., $1 per game.

Mac’s Place: 580 S. Fourth St., Edwardsville. Karaoke.

Missie B’s: 805 W. 39th St., 816-561-0625. Karaoke on the main floor, 10 p.m.

RecordBar: 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207. Trivia Clash, 7 p.m.

The Red Balloon: 10325 W. 75th St., Overland Park, 913-962-2330. Karaoke, 8 p.m., free.

MORE Sherlock’s Underground Coffeehouse & Pub: 858 State Route 291, Liberty, 816-429-5262.

Karaoke, ladies’ night specials.

INGS LIST E AT The Uptown Arts Bar: 3611 IN ONL M Broadway. Uptown Heat, 10:30 p.m.

PITCH.CO The Velvet Dog: 400 E. 31st St., 816753-9990. Skeeball League Night.

Westport Flea Market: 817 Westport Rd., 816-931-1986. Trivia, 9 p.m.

CLUB

EASY LISTENING Jerry’s Bait Shop: 13412 Santa Fe Trail Dr., Lenexa, 913-8949676. Interactive Acoustic with Jason Kayne.

OPEN MIC/JAM SESSIONS The Bottleneck: 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-8415483. Stand-up comedy and open mic.

Double T’s Roadhouse: 1421 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, Kan., 913-432-5555. Blues Jam hosted by RocknRick’s Boogie Leggin’ Blues Band, 7 p.m.

Quasimodo: 12056 W. 135th St., Overland Park, 913-239-9666.

Open Jam with the Justin Andrew Murray Band, 7 p.m.

REGGAE

The Majestic Restaurant: 931 Broadway, 816-221-1888. Bram Wijnands, and more, 6 p.m.

The Levee: 16 W. 43rd St., 816-561-2821. Live Reggae with AZ-ONE.

AMERICANA

F R I D AY 2 8

The Riot Room: 4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179. Quiet Corral.

COMEDY Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater: 7260 N.W. 87th St., 816-759-5233. Mike Baldwin and Friends.

Stanford’s Comedy Club: 1867 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., 913-400-7500. Lynne Koplitz.

BAR GAMES/DRUNKEN DISTRACTIONS Bleachers Bar & Grill: 210 S.W. Greenwich Dr., Lee’s Summit, 816-623-3410. Extreme Bingo.

40

THE PITCH

ROCK/POP/INDIE The Beaumont Club: 4050 Pennsylvania, 816-561-2560.

Jingle Bell Rock and Metal Fest, 6 p.m.

The Bottleneck: 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-8415483. Paper Buffalo.

The Brick: 1727 McGee, 816-421-1634. Margo May, Aileen May, Speed Levitch.

The Brooksider: 6330 Brookside Plz., 816-363-4070. The Transients.

Coda: 1744 Broadway, 816-569-1747. Cape Lions, and more.

Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club: 3402 Main, 816-753-1909.

Plissken, the Mad Kings, the Good Sam Club.

The Dubliner: 170 E. 14th St., 816-268-4700. Patrick Lentz.

D E C E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 1 2 - J A N U A R Y 2 , 2 0 1 3

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Eddie’s Lounge: 3512 S.W. Market, Lee’s Summit, 816-537-4148.

Albert Flasher.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456. Jeff Bergen’s New Year’s Eve Elvis Show, 7 p.m.

Quasimodo: 12056 W. 135th St., Overland Park, 913-239-9666.

Ryan Harvey Band, 8 p.m.

RecordBar: 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207. Drunkard’s Dream, 5 p.m.

Replay Lounge: 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676.

Heidi & the Kicking Heels, 6 p.m.

The Riot Room: 4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179. Moaning Lisa, Cherokee Rock Rifle, Clairaudients, Sons of Great Dane.

BLUES/FUNK/SOUL B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ: 1205 E. 85th St., 816-822-7427. Fast Johnny Ricker.

Czar: 1531 Grand, 816-421-0300. Zach Jackson and the Funky Few, Grow People, 7 p.m.

The Hideout: 6948 N. Oak Tfwy., 816-468-0550. Tekila.

Jazz: 1823 W. 39th St., 816-531-5556. The Big 3.

Jazzhaus: 926-1/2 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1387.

The Dirty Dillons, Fri., Dec. 28; Sat., Dec. 29.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456.

Anthony Gomes, 8:30 p.m.

The Levee: 16 W. 43rd St., 816-561-2821. The Groove Agency.

The Phoenix: 302 W. Eighth St., 816-221-5299. The Garrett Nordstrom Situation, 9 p.m.

Quasimodo: 12056 W. 135th St., Overland Park, 913-239-9666.

Kevin Miller, 5:30 p.m.

Trouser Mouse: 625 N.W. Mock Ave., Blue Springs, 816-2201222. Lonesome Hank.

The Majestic Restaurant: 931 Broadway, 816-221-1888. Joe DeFio, 5 p.m.; Bram Wijnands, and more, 7 p.m.

The Phoenix: 302 W. Eighth St., 816-221-5299. Lonnie McFadden, 4:30 p.m.

Take Five Coffee + Bar: 5336 W. 151st St., Overland Park, 913948-5550. Parallax.

Thai Place: 9359 W. 87th St., Overland Park, 913-649-5420.

Jerry Hahn.

WORLD Blvd. Nights: 2805 Southwest Blvd., 816-931-6900. Good Fridays: International Party Experience, 10 p.m.

COMEDY Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater: 7260 N.W. 87th St., 816-759-5233. Loni Love, 8 & 10:30 p.m.

Skylight Restaurant and Sports Bar: 1867 S.W. State Rt. 7, Blue Springs, 816-988-7958. Mike’s Comedy Club, 8 p.m.

Stanford’s Comedy Club: 1867 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., 913-400-7500. Lynne Koplitz, 7:45 & 9:45 p.m.

BAR GAMES/DRUNKEN DISTRACTIONS

Mosaic Lounge: 1331 Walnut, 816-679-0076. Mosaic Friday hosted by Luke Rich, with DJ Allen Michael.

The Quaff: 1010 Broadway, 816-471-1918. DJ E. Saints Pub + Patio: 9720 Quivira, Lenexa, 913-492-3900. DJ TA. Z Strike: 1370 Grand, 816-471-2316. Fabowlous Fridays with DJ Nuveau, 9 p.m.

Bleachers Bar & Grill: 210 S.W. Greenwich Dr., Lee’s Summit, 816-623-3410. Open Juke Box. The Blue Line: 529 Walnut, 816-472-7825. Red Friday.

Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar: 4115 Mill, 816-561-2444. KC’s Original Dueling Pianos.

Hamburger Mary’s: 101 Southwest Blvd., 816-842-1919.

Maryoke with Monique.

Helen’s Just Another Dive: 2002 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, 816-471-4567. Trivia Riot with Roland, 7:30 p.m., $5 per person.

Hotel: 1300 Grand, 816-226-3232. DVJs Synematix.

Hurricane Allie’s Bar and Grill: 5541 Merriam Dr., Shawnee, 913-217-7665. Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.

J. Murphy’s Irish Pub and Grille: 22730 Midland Dr., Shawnee, 913-825-3880. Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Jackpot Music Hall: 943 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-8321085. #Cake presents: Pop Up Video.

Missie B’s: 805 W. 39th St., 816-561-0625. Ab Fab Fridays on the main floor, 9 p.m.

The Red Balloon: 10325 W. 75th St., Overland Park, 913-9622330. Karaoke, 8 p.m., free.

Sharks: 10320 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, 913-2684006. Dart tournament, 8 p.m.

Wilde’s Chateau 24: 2412 Iowa, Lawrence, 785-856-1514.

Dance Party.

HIP-HOP

EASY LISTENING

ROOTS/COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS Eddie’s Lounge: 3512 S.W. Market, Lee’s Summit, 816-537-4148.

Tracy Allison.

The Granada: 1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390.

Dumptruck Butterlips, Kris Lager Band, Don’t Stop Please, 8 p.m.

Gran-Daddy’s Q: 1447 W. 23rd St., Lawrence, 785-830-8665.

Amanda and Rosie Daffron, 7 p.m.

DJ

RecordBar: 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207. Godemis of Ces Cru, Steddy P, COA, KJ & the Phantom*, Tef Poe, Adrian Truth, 9 p.m.

Great Day Café: 7921 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, 913-6429090. Abigail Romang.

ACOUSTIC

M E TA L / P U N K

Bar West: 7174 Renner Rd., Shawnee, 913-248-9378. Dan Brockert.

VooDoo Lounge: Harrah’s Casino, 1 Riverboat Dr., North Kansas City, 816-472-7777. Sidewise.

JAZZ The Blue Room: 1616 E. 18th St., 816-474-8463. Bob Bowman and friends, 8:30 p.m.

pitch.com

SINGER-SONGWRITER The Uptown Arts Bar: 3611 Broadway. Amy Farrand.

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VA R I E T Y Czar: 1531 Grand, 816-421-0300. Dj Oblivious, Cosmic Dreams, Kandikid, Assassin, Panduh, TheCh3mist, 9 p.m.

S AT U R D AY 2 9 ROCK/POP/INDIE The Brooksider: 6330 Brookside Plz., 816-363-4070. Joan Jett, Journey Tribute Band.

Chaz on the Plaza: 325 Ward Pkwy., 816-802-2152. Cavern Club.

The Dubliner: 170 E. 14th St., 816-268-4700. Lost Wax. The Levee: 16 W. 43rd St., 816-561-2821. The Patrick Lentz Band, 10 p.m.; Camp Harlow, 5 p.m.

RecordBar: 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207. Antennas Up, Not a Planet, In Back of a Black Car, 9 p.m.

Replay Lounge: 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676.

Kemosabe, Black on Black, 10 p.m.

The Riot Room: 4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179. Evalyn Awake, Fivefold, Braddock, Dark From Day One, Arya.

VooDoo Lounge: Harrah’s Casino, 1 Riverboat Dr., North Kansas City, 816-472-7777. The Stolen Winnebagos.

BLUES/FUNK/SOUL B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ: 1205 E. 85th St., 816-822-7427. Mama Ray Jazz Meets Blues Jam, 2 p.m.; DC Bellamy, 9 p.m.

The Hideout: 6948 N. Oak Tfwy., 816-468-0550. The Bobby Smith Blues Band.

Jazz: 1823 W. 39th St., 816-531-5556. The Brody Buster Band.

Jazzhaus: 926-1/2 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1387.

The Dirty Dillons.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456. Biscuit Miller and the Mix, 8:30 p.m.

The Phoenix: 302 W. Eighth St., 816-221-5299. Eboni and the Ivories, 9 p.m.

Trouser Mouse: 625 N.W. Mock Ave., Blue Springs, 816-2201222. Doghouse Daddies.

The Uptown Arts Bar: 3611 Broadway. Air Crew, 10:30 p.m.

ROOTS/COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS Coda: 1744 Broadway, 816-569-1747. The Crybaby Ranch, and friends.

Czar: 1531 Grand, 816-421-0300. John Moreland & the Dust Bowl Souls, Missouri Homegrown, Tony Ladesich & the Johnstown Flood, Brandon Phillips, 9:30 p.m.

Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club: 3402 Main, 816-753-1909.

The Trainwreck Trio, the Quivers, Gospel Hands.

DJ The Eighth Street Taproom: 801 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-6918. Check Your Head with Johnny Quest.

MiniBar: 3810 Broadway, 816-326-8281. DJ Rico.

The Quaff: 1010 Broadway, 816-471-1918. DJ Chris.

Saints Pub + Patio: 9720 Quivira, Lenexa, 913-492-3900. DJ Brad Sager.

Z Strike: 1370 Grand, 816-471-2316. DJ Highnoone.

Hotel Phillips: 106 W. 12th St., 816-221-7000. The Stan Kessler Duo, with Kathleen Holeman.

The Majestic Restaurant: 931 Broadway, 816-221-1888. Joe DeFio, 5 p.m.; Bram Wijnands, and more, 7 p.m.

The Phoenix: 302 W. Eighth St., 816-221-5299. Tim Whitmer & KC Express, 4:30 p.m.

Piropos Grille: 4141 N. Mulberry Dr., North Kansas City, 816-7413600. Candace Evans.

Take Five Coffee + Bar: 5336 W. 151st St., Overland Park, 913948-5550. Drew Williams Trio.

COMEDY Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater: 7260 N.W. 87th St., 816-759-5233. Loni Love, 7 & 10 p.m.

Missie B’s: 805 W. 39th St., 816-561-0625. Dirty Dorothy on the main floor, 10 p.m.

Stanford’s Comedy Club: 1867 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., 913-400-7500. Lynne Koplitz, 7:45 & 9:45 p.m.

BAR GAMES/DRUNKEN DISTRACTIONS ComedyCity at Westport Flea Market: 817 Westport Rd., 816-842-2744. Major League Improv, 7:30 p.m.

Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar: 4115 Mill, 816-561-2444. KC’s Original Dueling Pianos.

Hamburger Mary’s: 101 Southwest Blvd., 816-842-1919. Charity Bingo, 5 p.m.; Maryoke, 9 p.m.

Hotel: 1300 Grand, 816-226-3232. Hotel Saturdays.

Hurricane Allie’s Bar and Grill: 5541 Merriam Dr., Shawnee, 913-217-7665. Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.

Jackpot Music Hall: 943 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-8321085. House Party.

The Red Balloon: 10325 W. 75th St., Overland Park, 913-9622330. Karaoke, 8 p.m., free.

Sharks: 10320 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, 913-2684006. Pool tournament, 1 p.m.

Westport Coffee House: 4010 Pennsylvania, 816-756-3222. The Kick Comedy Theatre: the Kick-Off Improv Comedy Show, 8 p.m.

Westport Flea Market: 817 Westport Rd., 816-931-1986. Live karaoke with Separated at Birth.

S U N D AY 3 0 BLUES/FUNK/SOUL B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ: 1205 E. 85th St., 816-822-7427. Lee McBee and the Confessors.

Jazz: 1823 W. 39th St., 816-531-5556. Rich Berry.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456. Samantha Fish, 8:30 p.m.

DJ

ACOUSTIC

Hamburger Mary’s: 101 Southwest Blvd., 816-842-1919. Bad Music Sundays with Brett Dietrich, 3:30 p.m.

Replay Lounge: 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676.

Sunday Funday with DJ G Train on the patio.

The Riot Room: 4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179. DJ Lee’s Holiday Extravaganza.

The Uptown Arts Bar: 3611 Broadway. Noah Davis Band, 8 p.m.

JAZZ

JAZZ

Chaz on the Plaza: 325 Ward Pkwy., 816-802-2152. Les Mengel Duo, 5-9 p.m.

The Majestic Restaurant: 931 Broadway, 816-221-1888. Rich Hill, 11 a.m.; Mark Lowrey Jazz Trio open jam session, 5 p.m.

The Blue Room: 1616 E. 18th St., 816-474-8463. Wild Men of Kansas City.

2

THE PITCH

M O N T H X X–X X , 2 0 0 X

pitch.com

COMEDY Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater: 7260 N.W. 87th St., 816-759-5233. Loni Love.

Jackpot Music Hall: 943 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-8321085. Comedy Open Mic. Missie B’s: 805 W. 39th St., 816-561-0625. Dirty Dorothy on the main floor, 10 p.m.

Stanford’s Comedy Club: 1867 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., 913-400-7500. Lynne Koplitz.

BAR GAMES/DRUNKEN DISTRACTIONS The Bottleneck: 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-8415483. Smackdown Trivia and Karaoke.

Clarette Club: 5400 Martway, Mission, 913-384-0986. Texas Hold ’em.

Frank James Saloon: 10919 N.W. Hwy. 45, Parkville, 816-5050800. Karaoke, 6-10 p.m.

Hurricane Allie’s Bar and Grill: 5541 Merriam Dr., Shawnee, 913-217-7665. Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.

The Red Balloon: 10325 W. 75th St., Overland Park, 913-9622330. Karaoke, 8 p.m., free.

Saints Pub + Patio: 9720 Quivira, Lenexa, 913-492-3900.

Free pool.

Tengo Sed Cantina: 1323 Walnut, 816-686-7842. Funzie in Your Onezie.

Wallaby’s Grill and Pub: 9562 Lackman, Lenexa, 913-5419255. Texas Hold ’em, 6 & 9 p.m.

Westport Flea Market: 817 Westport Rd., 816-931-1986. Texas Hold ’em, 3 & 6 p.m.

OPEN MIC/JAM SESSIONS Groove Station: 9916 Holmes, 816-942-1000. KC Blues Jam with Crosseyed Cat, 2-6 p.m.

The Hideout: 6948 N. Oak Tfwy., 816-468-0550. Open blues jam.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456. Open Jam with Levee Town, 2 p.m., free.

R.G.’s Lounge: 9100 E. 35th St., Independence, 816-358-5777.

Jam Night hosted by Dennis Nickell, Scotty Yates, Rick Eidson, and Jan Lamb, 5 p.m.

SINGER-SONGWRITER Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar: 4115 Mill, 816-561-2444.

Singer-Songwriter Sundays.

VA R I E T Y The Beaumont Club: 4050 Pennsylvania, 816-561-2560.

Kansas City Battle of the Bands Finals, 4 p.m.

M O N D AY 31 For New Year’s Eve events, see page 26.

T U E S D AY 1 ROOTS/COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS Czar: 1531 Grand, 816-421-0300. Elkheart’s Downtown Outlaw Fiasco.

JAZZ

The Bottleneck: 737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-8415483. Gak Attack.

The Brick: 1727 McGee, 816-421-1634. Hair of the Dog Day. Coda: 1744 Broadway, 816-569-1747. Team Trivia with Teague Hayes, 7 p.m., $5 buy-in.

OPEN MIC/JAM SESSIONS Stanford’s Comedy Club: 1867 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., 913-400-7500. Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.

W E D N E S D AY 2 ROCK/POP/INDIE Jerry’s Bait Shop: 302 S.W. Main, Lee’s Summit, 816-525-1871.

The Magnetics.

RecordBar: 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207. Bob Walkenhorst, 7 p.m.

BLUES/FUNK/SOUL B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ: 1205 E. 85th St., 816-822-7427. Shinetop Jr. Jazz: 1823 W. 39th St., 816-531-5556. Billy Ebeling.

Knuckleheads Saloon: 2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456. Justin Andrew Murray Band, 8 p.m.; Gospel Lounge, 7:30 p.m.

ACOUSTIC Fuel: 7300 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913-451-0444. Colby & Mole.

JAZZ B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ: 1205 E. 85th St., 816-822-7427. New Vintage Big Band.

Quasimodo: 12056 W. 135th St., Overland Park, 913-239-9666.

Dan Bliss.

COMEDY Stanford’s Comedy Club: 1867 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., 913-400-7500. Mike Speenberg.

BAR GAMES/DRUNKEN DISTRACTIONS Beer Kitchen: 435 Westport Rd., 816-389-4180. Brodioke.

The Blue Line: 529 Walnut, 816-472-7825. Karaoke.

Danny’s Bar and Grill: 13350 College Blvd., Lenexa, 913-3459717. Trivia and karaoke with DJ Smooth, 8 p.m.

403 Club: 403 N. Fifth St., 913-499-8392. Pinball tournament, cash prize for winner, 8:30 p.m., $5 entry fee.

Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theater: 7260 N.W. 87th St., 816-759-5233. Devin Henderson’s Mind Madness.

The Quaff: 1010 Broadway, 816-471-1918. Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Qudos Cigar & Cognac Bar: 1116 Grand, 816-474-2270. Red Cup Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m.

RecordBar: 1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207. Sonic Spectrum Music Trivia, Late Night Edition, 9 p.m.

The Uptown Arts Bar: 3611 Broadway. Poetic Underground, 8 p.m.

OPEN MIC/JAM SESSIONS

Jazz: 1823 W. 39th St., 816-531-5556. Rick Bacus and Monique Danielle.

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BAR GAMES/DRUNKEN DISTRACTIONS

Jazzhaus: 926-1/2 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1387.

Tyler Gregory hosts Acoustic Jam Session.

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S AVA G E L O V E

TRIAL AND ERROR

Dear Dan: I’m a 25-year-old Canadian gay

The Other Person

Dear Dan: I’m a feminine, submissive dyke. My girlfriend is absolutely amazing, and our sex life is awesome and really kinky. The problem is two of my friends. I’ve formed a pretty tight trio with two hot, funny tops. I’ve got tiny, manageable crushes on them both. My girlfriend knows, but she’s secure enough in our relationship that she isn’t bothered by it. The problem?

My friends are fucking each other. They’re also in happy open relationships with other women.

Sounds great, right? Even though they’re great friends most of the time, they definitely leave me feeling like the third wheel once in a while.

How can I gently remind them that, even though they’re not sleeping with me, I’d like a little more platonic attention friendshipwise?

Satisfied Under Butches Dear SUB: I suppose you could sit your friends down and say, “Hey, when you two move out

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D A N S AVA G E

floor sobbing — then go ahead and blow your husband. Telling him the blowjobs are for you will take the pressure off him and — who knows? — he may relax and enjoy the blowjob more. He might even get off.

Bonus pro tip: You know that flavored lubes don’t do anything for the person being blown, right? They’re for people who don’t like the taste of dick, and it doesn’t sound like you’re one of those people. Until they come out with Chord Overstreet–flavored or Cheyenne Jackson–flavored lube, there’s no reason you should be slathering your hubby’s dick with artificial flavorings and aspartame.

Dear Dan: I just started an intense relationship with a guy who has a boyfriend. This guy and I love each other. However, he’s uncomfortable with my meeting his boyfriend.

I’ve asked if it’s OK that we’re fucking, and he said they’re in an open relationship so it’s OK. I asked if it’s OK that we’re in love, and he said yes. So why the secrecy? My lover’s only explanation is that his boyfriend doesn’t want to know about the guys he fucks around with. The whole situation is starting to make me uneasy. I can’t fi gure out why I want to know more about his boyfriend. Is it so I can verify that he’s not cheating or that jealousy is an issue for them and that’s why I can’t meet him? I do know that I wish my lover would be more open with me. Should I just relax?

Dear TOP: Monogamous couples have one rule about fucking other people — “don’t fuck other people” — but nonmonogamous couples have all sorts of different rules, and sometimes a particular couple’s particular rules make it hard for a third to verify that the partnered person he’s sleeping with is, in fact, in an honest and healthy open relationship.

That said, most couples with a “don’t want to know about the other people you’re fucking” rule — and that’s a pretty common rule — also have a rule against getting emotionally involved with the other people they’re fucking. So if it’s against the rules for the guy you’re seeing to introduce his boy on the side to his boyfriend, odds are good that swapping “I love yous” with his boy on the side is against the rules, too.

Someone is being lied to here. Either this guy is lying to you about being in an open relationship or he’s lying to his boyfriend about not getting emotionally involved with the other guys he fucks. Whichever it is, I don’t see a future for you with this guy — or much of a future for him and his boyfriend, frankly.

But to answer your question: No, don’t relax. DTMFA.

BY

of your friends-in-open-relationships-withbenefits honeymoon phase, I could use a little more friends-without-benefits attention.”

But there’s almost no way to say that without coming across like a jealous, controlling bag of dykenuts. So I would urge you to hang back and trust that this honeymoon phase, like all honeymoon phases, will eventually pass, and these two friends will have more time for you in the future.

In the meantime, fuck your girlfriend lots and hang out with other friends. And remember: When you’re feeling like the third wheel, it’s because you’re probably functioning as the third wheel. While first and second wheels can make an effort to prevent thirds from feeling like the thirds they are, thirds who make a decision to roll elsewhere generally wind up feeling better.

Dear Dan: You are so fun! My hubby is 62,

and I am 52. We are empty nesters now and we love it! We are experimenting sexually, but my blowjobs don’t do it for him. I’ve watched videos, read articles and finally bought some flavored lube. He loves having his balls licked while I jerk him off. But what can I do about my blowjobs?!? Any advice would be great!

Ho Ho Ho Dear HHH: My advice: Lick your hubby’s balls while you jerk him off.

Your husband either can’t get off from a blowjob alone — and there are men out there who can’t — or your blowjobs just don’t do it for him. In the interest of marital harmony, let’s give your blowjobs the benefit of the doubt and assume that your husband is one of those guys who can’t be gotten off by blowjob alone.

If you love sucking dick and your blowjobs are in no way traumatizing — if they don’t leave your husband curled up on the

man in a four-year relationship with a 22-year-old. Over the course of our relationship, we’ve explored each other’s kinks and been very understanding and GGG. The sex is amazing and varied. The problem: He has this fantasy that I’m having trouble pulling off. He wants me to piss in his ass. But peeing while erect is not my forte. I’ve tried, but I have to concentrate on peeing to actually go, and that just resulted in my going soft while I was inside him. By the time the urine was actually flowing, my dick was so soft that his sphincter was actually pinching my urethra closed, making it impossible for me to pee. He hasn’t bottomed in a couple of years, since I realized how much I love it, so I’m assuming his tightness isn’t helping. I just can’t think of what more I can do to fulfill this fantasy for him. Do I need to just learn how to pee while erect or is there an easier way? I’m stumped and worried that I won’t be able to make this happen for him.

Dripping Out Urine Confounds His Enema Dear DOUCHE: I’m going to assume that you two are in a committed relationship, that you’ve both been tested and have either no STIs or the same STIs, that neither of you is having unprotected sex with anyone else, that you rarely eat asparagus or beets, that you don’t plan on doing this in front of your pets, etc.

OK, I feel like Santa Claus right now because I have the perfect toy to put under your tree. (Your tree is still up, right?) See forttroff.com, click “Enter,” search “ass tunnel,” then watch the video demo. It’s an after-Christmas miracle. (For the idiots in my readership, that link is NSFW. And, yes, I’m assuming that DOUCHE and his BF celebrate Christmas. But only because all the piss-inassers I’ve ever known were home-schooled Liberty University graduates.)

Happy holidays, everybody!

Find the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at thestranger.com/savage.

Have a question for Dan Savage?

E-mail him at mail@savagelove.net pitch.com

MONTH

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