KCMag_Dec25

Left to Right: Evelyn Carlson, Beau Bledsoe, The Royal Chief and Shelby Winfrey

Whole-person care for every age and every stage

OUR MISSION

We love Kansas City like family. We know what makes it great, we know how it struggles, and we know its secrets. Through great storytelling, photography and design, we help our readers celebrate our city’s triumphs, tend to its faults and revel in the things that make it unique.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dawnya Bartsch

GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Alex Healey

ART DIRECTOR

Kevin Goodbar

FOOD EDITOR AND DINING CRITIC

Tyler Shane

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Nina Cherry

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Alex Kerr

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Dominique Parsow

ADVERTISING SALES

Angie Henshaw and Bob Ulmer

COPY EDITOR

Kelsie Schrader

WEB COORDINATOR

3975 W 83rd St, 66208 Leawood 13420 Roe Ave, 66209

Overland Park 7575 W 150th St, 66223 6904 W 135th St, 66223

Madison Russell

DESIGN INTERN

Andrew Mason WRITERS

Nina Cherry, David Hodes, Nicole Kinning, John Martellaro, Ryan Reed, Tyler Shane, Emily Standlee and Alex Zoellner

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Julie Babcock, Zach Bauman, Nicole Bissey, Brianna Larcher, Samantha Levi, Laura Morsman, Kelly Powell, ltzel Sanchez, Andrew Schwartz, Ian Simmons, Alex Todd and Jake Wickersham

SUBSCRIPTIONS kansascitymag.com/subscribe or call (913) 469-6700 Scan here to subscribe to our newsletter and magazine.

KC Publishing, LLC 605 W. 47th St., Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64112 (913) 469-6700 Kansas City magazine is published monthly by KC Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication can be reprinted or reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Kansas City magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Kansas City magazine adheres to American Society of Magazine Editors guidelines, which requires a clear distinction between editorial content and paid advertising or marketing messages.

INQUIRIES

Meet

Cover Story

The City’s Tune

Amplified Ambition

The music community wants to promote the city’s United Nations designation as a World Heritage Site

The Metro’s Most Delicious Feeds

Meet the six finalists vying for the Restaurant Association’s KC Influencer of the Year

Saxophonist

Bobby Watson

this month on kansascity mag.com

only online

Hundreds of Chiefs fans lined up at Blind Box BBQ for a chance to meet Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, who announced a partnership with the restaurant. Blind Box is now serving a Rice-inspired dish, the HE4YWEIGHT. We spoke with Rice about what the dish means to him. Read the full story here …

A Very KC Anniversary

KANSAS CITY, we’ve got a birthday to celebrate—and it’s a big one. Kansas City magazine is officially 20 years old this year. What started in 2005 as a small suburban glossy known as 435 South has become a full-on love letter to the people, places and ideas that make KC what it is today.

For our anniversary issue, we’re turning the volume up with a feature on one of Kansas City’s most enduring legacies: its music scene. Overseen by Arts and Entertainment Editor Nina Cherry, the feature focuses on musicians of every genre, from jazz torchbearers and indie rockers to hip-hop poets and DIY experimenters. Cherry, along with writers Ryan Reed and David Hodes, dove into the studios, stages and stories shaping the soundtrack of modern Kansas City. The city’s sound has never been more fun to explore, and this is the kind of feature that reminds you just how much talent is tucked into every corner of the metro.

But believe it or not, there’s a lot more to celebrate this month than our anniversary and the city’s music scene. It’s also the holidays, and we’ve packed the issue with stories to help us all celebrate, including our holiday gift guide filled with staff favorites from local makers and shops. Whether you’re hunting for something bold, cozy, quirky or delicious, we’ve got just the thing to make your gift-giving a little easier.

Speaking of delicious, don’t miss a story on my personal favorite: a local pop-up bakery’s cult-favorite yule log. I didn’t grow up having this scrumptious cake on our holiday table; it was not a part of my family’s holiday traditions. But it has absolutely become a tradition for my husband and kids. They look forward to it every year, and honestly, so do I.

Thanks for being part of our first 20 years. Here’s to the next issue, the next story and the next slice of KC magic.

Cheers!

Dawnya Bartsch, editor-in-chief dawnya@kansascitymag.com

Contributors

Nina Cherry has been covering the local music scene for Kansas City magazine since 2021. In this issue, she profiles a varied lineup of KC musicians, explores a local cutlery shop and shares her picks in our holiday gift guide. When she’s not writing, she can be found whipping up something new in the kitchen or singing with her band around town.

Alex Todd Photographer

In this issue, Kansas City-based photographer Alex Todd shot most of the portraits for our story about the Restaurant Association’s food influencer contest finalists. Todd can often be found behind the lens at Kansas City Fashion Week or at a KC Current game.

Kansas City-based photographer

Jake Wickersham worked with our editorial team to shoot various parts of this issue’s music feature. Much of Wickersham’s photography work focuses on action sports and portraiture.

Nina Cherry Arts and Entertainment Editor

Jake Wickersham Photographer

ACROSS

2. This city is the leading producer of avocados in the U.S.

5. The hometown of Beyonce, Simone Biles and Howard Hughes.

7. This city’s nickname is also the title of a 2016 Best Picture nominee.

9. Home to the world’s largest bat colony — and the Alamo.

8. This city’s airport is larger than the entirety of Manhattan, NYC. MCI has 50+ nonstop flights throughout North America. Fill out this crossword to see where you can skip stops on your next adventure.

DOWN

1. This city is known for being wonderfully weird.

3. Surprisingly, not the state’s capital.

4. Known as “The Smithsonian of the South.”

6. Levi’s jeans were invented here, for Gold Rush miners.

SCAN TO VIEW 50+ NONSTOP ROUTES

Plaza Pit

Our story about a new zoning amendment allowing a 275-foot-tall, 18- to 20-story building to be built on a large vacant lot on the Plaza’s west side garnered lots of feedback. The eyesore of a hole was originally dug out to accommodate a Nordstrom store that never materialized.

Not going to lie, I would love to see some taller skyscrapers in Kansas City.

- Michael Augustine

Real terrible idea. Just awful.

- Stephanie Willerton

Bring it on.

- David Johnson

More like ruin the Plaza.

- David Simpson

I think it’s great. Have any of you been to the Plaza? There are 20 story buildings all around it. And this is on the edge of the Plaza proper.

- Ryan Wiksell

“The

KCMO screwing up more things. Should have made Nordstrom rebuild the garage and theater.

- Randy Crum

- Kemet Coleman, a musician and co-owner of Vine Street Brewing Co.

Numbers From This Issue

1,100

The (jaw-dropping) estimated number of times Gary Neal Johnson will have embodied Ebenezer Scrooge by his final curtain call this season.

Page 30

2017

The year Kansas City claimed its spot as North America’s first UNESCO City of Music.

Page 70

1660

The year a rare Guarneri violin used in the Spire Chamber Ensemble’s

Shout Out

A big thank you to makeup artist April Rudy, who kept the musicians for our cover shoot looking flawless.

our December issue’s cover.

Behind the Scenes Photographer Zach Bauman shooting

MO

Where packing light but going home heavy is bound to happen.

With so many antique and thri stores in our county, rare finds are easy to find. Come spend a day… or two shop hopping in our many wonderful and wonderfully unique places. While treasure hunting, we don’t want you to go hungry. Our towns are also home to many great places to take a break and grab a bite.

For more information, a list of shops, and itineraries, visit pulaskicountyusa.com.

WAYNESVILLE,

(Continued on next page) Celebrating 20 Years From suburban experiment to citywide voice

Photography by Samantha Levi

Telling Kansas City’s Story for 20 Years, One Issue at a Time

Founded in 2005, Kansas City magazine began its life as 435 South, a lifestyle publication focusing on southern Johnson County. The original magazine was started by Gannett, the national media organization that owns USA Today, and it promised lots of gloss and glamour. But early on, the team discovered what readers really wanted was authenticity and stories about the people, places and issues that made up their community.

A few years in, Gannett decided to close the fledgling title, and a small group of supporters led by Kathy Boos stepped in to buy it, knowing that there was still a need and audience. Those early years were marked by long nights and creative risks, Boos says.

Between 2006 and 2011, the publication became a JoCo fixture, focusing on neighborhoods, entrepreneurs and community life. It was intimate and proudly local.

But as Kansas City began its own cultural and creative renaissance, it was clear that the magazine needed to expand right along with the metro. “Kansas City was changing,” Boos says. “The downtown resurgence, the lofts, the food scene—oh my, the food scene—and the arts, the reenergized neighborhoods. These were all an important and exciting part of our city.”

By 2012, the magazine moved beyond the suburbs, dropped South from its name, became just 435 (as in the 435 freeway that circles the metro) and started to cover the entire area. The magazine began

to tell the full story of Kansas City. The city’s arts movement, food scene and downtown reinvention offered endless inspiration.

The official rebrand to Kansas City magazine came in 2019, alongside a sleek redesign and a renewed editorial vision: to combine “lifestyle with journalism and aesthetics with authenticity,” says Boos. The magazine’s pages started featuring everything from Best of KC and Top Doctors to long-form profiles and investigations into the city’s evolving identity.

In 2023, a new chapter began when a group of civic-minded investors bought the magazine with the aim of increasing the magazine’s coverage and community reach. Today, Kansas City magazine stands as both a reflection and a voice within the region’s creative, lifestyle, sports and business landscapes. The magazine’s mission is to celebrate Kansas City by telling the stories that define the metro and its ever-evolving identity.

Here’s to 20 more years.

All on Track

Follow one of KC magazine’s intrepid reporters as she rides the streetcars’ newly extended route

By Nicole Kinning

I STILL REMEMBER when the KC Streetcar extension was in the talking stage. It was April 2017 and “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran was the top song on the radio. Salt Bae was the top-trending meme on the internet. The iPhone 7 was the latest model.

About eight years later and three and a half years after breaking ground, the streetcar made its inaugural extension run on a rainy late-October day. “On time and under budget,” Tom Gerend, executive director of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, said to a cheering crowd at the grand unveiling. “This is a generational project that’s going to connect downtown employment centers to the heart of Kansas City and to our largest university. There’s no question this is a monumental milestone.”

One Sunday afternoon, I set off for the first stop at UMKC, curious to see not just the new extension but what it feels like to ride the entire line in real time.

12:32 PM – UMKC

The UMKC platform feels like a true bustling urban metro station. I arrive just as the doors close, but the operator kindly opens them for me before the car takes off.

I’m immediately shocked at how busy the car is, filled with teal jerseys and scarves. I grab an open seat and, in a quick Google search, confirm what I suspected: the Current match kicks off in a few hours.

12:34 PM – PLAZA

The ride to the Plaza is done in a snap. The doors glide open and more teal floods in. “The farther we head north, the more we’ll see of the tall buildings,” says a mom to three kids, all dressed for the game. It’s their first streetcar ride, and she snaps photos of them clinging to the holding rails.

12:38 PM – ART MUSEUM

“They must have taken the Chappell Roan streetcar wrap off. I haven’t seen one,” a twenty-something just to the right of me says. Until this stop, the streetcar’s two tracks—one for each direction—run side by side. Now, they begin to separate, diverging across the street from each other.

12:39 PM – SOUTHMORELAND

By now, based on overheard conversations and the sheer amount of teal onboard, it’s clear that most of these riders are going to the end of the line. Out the window, a group of three women sitting outside at Soli Deo watch us go by, and in that moment, I truly feel the connection that this extension has formed.

12:43 PM – WESTPORT

“This is a pretty smooth ride,” an elderly man behind me says. “People pay good money for transportation like this.” The undercover journalist in me is delighted at this golden quote.

12:46 PM – ARMOUR

I have a quick chat with the couple next to me. They live in Brookside and can walk to the UMKC stop. They’re on their way to meet friends for lunch at Enzo in City Market.

12:50 PM – UNION HILL

I see the KCTV broadcast tower nearing, and I’m a little stunned at how close this stop is to Martini Corner, one of my favorite neighborhoods. I remember e-scooting up here when I lived in the Crossroads (which took far longer than I’d like to admit). Oh, what I would’ve done for a streetcar line like this at 24.

12:52 PM – WORLD WAR I MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL

As we pass the museum lawn, the same woman who mentioned the Chappell Roan wrap is describing the concert’s setup there to her friend. Who knew there’d be so much Chappell Roan chatter today?

12:55 PM – UNION STATION

When we approach Union Station, there’s some confusion. “Did we miss it?” a woman says as we start to slow down just across the street from the newly built stop.

As a regular streetcar rider, the rest of the route feels familiar, and I ended up at the final stop, River Market West, at 1:17 pm—45 minutes on the dot to ride the entire line. The car got so crowded that, at the Power and Light stop, the operator told waiting passengers they’d need to catch the next streetcar. “Phew, it was getting busy,” a woman in the car says after most riders disembark at River Market. “I almost felt like I was on a New York subway.”

Forty-five minutes, twenty blocks and one continuous wave of teal later, the entire streetcar ride felt less like lines on a map and more like a thread connecting our city.

STREETCAR SLEIGH

From markets to lights and shows, some of Kansas City’s best holiday hotspots are just a short streetcar ride away.

KC STREETCAR HOLIDAY JAM

Hop aboard the streetcar to check out this holiday performance series. The musicians will be performing their mini concerts as the streetcar moves along its route for riders to enjoy. At press time, exact dates and times had yet to be announced, but it is taking place between November 29 through December 21. kcstreetcar.org

WESTPORT CHRISTMAS MARKET

This Christmas market might be the closest you’ll get to a Euro-style Christkindlmarket in this city. Get there first thing and you’ll get to see dozens of Santas run in the annual 5k. December 13, 10 am–5 pm. westportkcmo.com

Streetcar Stop: Westport

CAFE TRIO

Every year, this cozy spot just east of the Plaza goes all out with twinkly Christmas decor. Add in some festive cocktails and live piano music and you’ve got the perfect date night. cafetriokc.com

Streetcar Stop: Art Museum

UNION STATION’S HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS

We’d be remiss not to mention the Christmas capital of Kansas City. Whether you’re there for the towering tree photo op, the model trains, the ornate light displays or a visit with Santa, this is a must-visit every year. Don’t miss the Christmas movie screenings in the theater. unionstation.org

Streetcar Stop: Union Station

HALLMARK CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Back by popular demand, Hallmark’s plaza will be filled with vendors, treats and plenty of holiday cheer. You can even level up and grab tickets to see your favorite Hallmark stars in person. Open weekends from November 28–December 21.

experiencehallmarkchristmas.com

Streetcar Stop: Union Station

THE NUTCRACKER

Sugarplum fairies, toy soldiers and mischievous mice, oh my. Start a new holiday tradition and catch this magical show, which returns to the Kauffman Center every holiday season. Show runs November 29–December 24. kcballet.org

Streetcar Stop: Kauffman Center

Photography

Kathleen Leighton: Stories Behind the Art

“Art Bytes,” a new-ish Nelson-Atkins podcast, is proving that you don’t need an art degree to love what you see—just a little curiosity

By Dawnya Bartsch

KATHLEEN LEIGHTON HAS built a career on curiosity and connection.

“I’ve always been a storyteller, whether it’s through journalism, video or podcasting” says Leighton, whose podcast for the Nelson-Atkins Museum, “Art Bytes,” is all about making art not serious and easily accessible. “It’s the thread through everything I do.”

We sat down with Leighton, who’s been leading the museum’s communication team for 16 years, to talk about the path that led from the newsroom to the art world and how curiosity sparked her podcast that now reaches listeners in more than 30 countries and 600 cities.

You’ve had a long career in journalism. How did you end up in the art world? Honestly, it wasn’t part of the plan. My background is in media: television, newspapers, magazines. Not art. I took Art History 101 in college, like everyone else, and got an A, but I didn’t think that

would circle back later in life. When the Nelson-Atkins posted a job years ago for “Press Officer,” I thought, ‘I know media; I can learn art.’ So I applied. Once I got here, I fell in love with it. I’ve learned so much and really expanded the role to include video, storytelling and digital outreach.

Was art something you connected with right away? At first, it was all new to me—the artists, the process, the behind-the-scenes work. But that was what made it so exciting. Art tells stories about people, about moments in time, and I realized my journalism background gave me a way to share those stories in a relatable way. Our goal at the museum is to make art accessible, to meet people where they are. A lot of people think, ‘I’m not smart enough for a museum,’ but that’s never true. Everyone can enjoy art.

You’ve created a podcast for the museum. How did that come about? We already had a beautiful, highly produced podcast called “A Frame of Mind,” but I wanted to create something more conversational— something that felt like sitting at a table with friends, learning as you go.

When I worked in news, I’d ask the questions I personally wanted to know, and usually those were the same questions most people had. So I pitched the idea to our director, [Julián Zugazagoitia], and he loved it. I recorded the first episode with our curator, Amy Marcura-Gallon, talking about immersive art—you know, how Monet was doing immersive work long before it was trendy. It took off from there.

What kinds of guests do you feature? Anyone connected to art in interesting ways. I’ve interviewed Cheech Marin, a leading collector of Hispanic art [and famed comedian]; Elias Crespin, who creates kinetic sculptures that move through space; and Sherri Jacobs, an art therapist who talked about how art can actually lower blood pressure and calm anxiety.

Every episode is 20 minutes or so—short enough to listen to while walking

your dog or cooking dinner. It’s not academic or intimidating; it’s just people sharing fascinating perspectives.

What keeps you excited about this job? Curiosity. Every time I research a guest, I get completely absorbed. I’m fascinated by why people do what they do—what drives them, how they solve problems. Art is problem-solving in its purest form.

“I’m fascinated by why people do what they do—what drives them, how they solve problems. Art is problemsolving in its purest form.”

↓

Listen:

Season two of “Art Bytes” debuts in January, with 10 new weekly episodes. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts.

There hasn’t been one day I’ve worked here that I haven’t learned something new. That’s what keeps it fulfilling.

Your podcast has such a personal feel. Is that intentional? Absolutely. I wanted it to feel human and approachable, not overproduced. Someone could be folding laundry or commuting and still feel part of the conversation. It’s really about finding those “aha” moments in art—little bright spots in the day that make you say, “I didn’t know that.”

Final thoughts? Art connects people. It helps us see from new perspectives, and that’s what keeps it endlessly interesting to me. If I can help someone discover that, whether through a podcast, a story or even a social post, that’s a pretty great day’s work.

Hallelujah!

A KC chamber ensemble brings a candlelit performance of Handel’s Messiah to the historic Folly Theater

By Nina Cherry

WE’VE ALL HEARD the Messiah’s Hallelujah chorus plenty of times. Films, TV shows, advertisements, holiday compilation albums—the list goes on. “It’s embedded in pop culture,” says Ben Spalding, artistic director of KC’s Spire Chamber Ensemble.

But witnessing the bombastic finale to George Frideric Handel’s iconic oratorio live and in person is truly something special.

Amid the warm glow of candlelight, Spire Chamber Ensemble is bringing the masterwork to the Folly Theater for a period performance later this month.

While many modern-day performances of Messiah utilize hundreds of musicians, this KC consort’s

performance—featuring 27 members in the combined orchestra and chorus—is far more intimate. According to Spalding, a smaller ensemble was Handel’s original vision for the work.

“As Messiah became more and more popular, it became larger and larger,” Spalding says. “There are stories of thousands of people performing it in the early 20th century. We’re trying to replicate what happened hundreds of years ago—take it back to its roots.”

The ensemble also uses lesser-seen, historically accurate instruments: 17th century stringed instruments (the concertmaster plays a rare 1660 Guarneri violin), valveless trumpets and Baroque-era kettle drums with animal skin heads. “It creates an entirely different sound from what most folks are used to,” Spalding says.

While Spire Chamber Ensemble’s annual holiday concert is now in its 15th year, Spalding is particularly excited for the group’s first Messiah performance at the historic Folly Theater.

“We’re transforming the hall into what it would’ve been like in Handel’s day in Dublin—a beautiful ambiance led by candlelight,” Spalding says.

Photography by Andrew Schwartz

dec

4-6

WonderBand

Mrs. Claus is taking the mic for a three-night stint at Nighthawk, and she’s got soul. Led by singer and actress Shon Ruffin (of The Freedom Affair), the KCRep production is nestled in the basement bar of the historic Hotel Kansas City. Cozy up with a cocktail in hand for an evening powerhouse vocals and seasonal sass. December 4–6. 7:30 pm. Nighthawk.

3–28

Milking Christmas

Local fringe theater company The Living Room is making a comeback. A collaboration between four KC playwrights, the company’s signature work Milking Christmas quickly made a name for itself as an unconventional local classic after its 2017 premiere. Produced and directed by the company’s artistic director Rusty Sneary, the musical comedy follows Macey Maid-aMilking as she realizes things are amiss in Christmastown with mismanufactured gifts, an increasing output of coal and brigades of soldiers on standby. December 3–28. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.

5–7

Our Favorite Things

Whether it’s raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, Heartland Men’s Chorus pays homage to its favorite things at this holiday show—and that includes KC drag queens and singers Daisy Buckët and Tajma Stetson. The festive holiday performance also marks 40 years of harmony for the local choir. December 5–7. Times vary. Folly Theater.

6

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s rock opera returns to the stage for the first time since 2013, reimagining classic holiday melodies with a progressive metal twist. Originally a made-for-TV film released in 1999, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve follows a runaway girl taking shelter in an idle theater as she is transported by apparitions from the venue’s storied past. In typical TSO fashion, expect pyrotechnics, lasers, wailing electric guitars and synchronized video and light displays. December 6. 3 pm. T-Mobile Center.

7

Border Showdown: KU vs. MU Men’s Basketball

Long gone are the days of the Kansas Jayhawks’ and Missouri Tigers’ Big 12 face-offs. Despite the universities’ now-differing athletic conferences, the century-long

border war endures with the same intensity. With bragging rights on the line, the Jayhawks and Tigers rivalry heats up once again on the court. December 7. Time TBA. T-Mobile Center.

11

Night/Shift

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art throws a great party—and for free. Every few months on a Thursday evening, Night/Shift combines the museum’s world-class collection with live music and hands-on activities. This installment revolves around Mesoamerican artwork, and the lineup of local musicians and artists includes Jon Sabillón, Jamogi and the Jammers, Andrea Cira and more. December 11. 5 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

12

Book Talk: Jan Brett

Join Rainy Day Books at Unity Temple to celebrate the newest book by best-selling and nationally acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator Jan Brett, The Christmas Sweater. A few of Brett’s classic children’s books include The Mitten and Gingerbread Baby. The book talk will include a drawing demonstration and book signing. December 12. 5 pm. rainydaybooks.com.

12 & 13

Leslie Odom Jr.: The Christmas Tour

Broadway superstar Leslie Odom Jr. is best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Vice President Aaron Burr in the original cast of Hamilton, but his holiday albums are just as dazzling. Fresh off his highly anticipated Broadway reprisal of the role, the Kansas City Symphony brings Odom Jr.’s holiday tour to the Kauffman Center. Accompanied by the lush, sweeping orchestra, expect rich interpretations of wintertime classics, plus selections from the 11-time Tony Award-winning musical that brought him stardom. December 12 & 13. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.

13

Country Club Plaza Holiday Market and Shopping Stroll

Kick off the holiday season at Country Club Plaza’s first annual indoor

9

Holiday Market and Shopping Stroll

Enjoy a festive day filled with local artisan vendors, special in-store deals, pop-ups, and fun activities for the whole family, such as, photos with Santa and live reindeer, seasonal bites and sips, live music, and fun for the whole family, all under the glow of the Plaza’s iconic holiday lights. Saturday, December 13, from 11 am to 5 pm. Indoors at 111 Nichols Road. CountryClubPlaza.com.

13

Epoca de Ora: Golden Age of Mexican Cinema

KC’s premier chamber music group

Ensemble Iberica specializes in performing folkloric music from

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Returning for its third year, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra’s rendition of A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday tradition in the making. Alongside projected visuals from the classic Peanuts TV special, the big band will perform selections from Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score, including “Christmastime Is Here,” “Skating” and “Linus and Lucy.” Joining the ensemble on the Kauffman Center stage is Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Standard Vocal Jazz Ensemble. December 9. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.

around the globe. A collaboration with KC’s Consulate of Mexico, the ensemble’s upcoming show takes a deep dive into the golden age of Mexican cinema. Performing specially arranged film music, the concert features Fedra Cooper Barrera, the group’s resident vocalist who hails from Veracruz, Mexico. December 13. 1 pm. Atkins Auditorium, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

23 & 24

It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert

Released in 1946, the quintessential Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life has withstood the test of time— and for good reason. Following the

woefully depressed and bankrupt banker George Bailey, this (ultimately) heartwarming favorite comes to the big screen at the Kauffman Center. The Kansas City Symphony performs Dimitri Tiomkin’s score at this live, side-by-side screening. December 23, 7 pm; December 24, 11 am. Helzberg Hall.

31

Noon Years Eve

Science City’s family-friendly Noon Years Eve returns. The annual event catered to youngsters with early bedtimes will celebrate 2026 with a balloon-drop, educator-led activities, games and more all afternoon long. December 31. 12 pm. Science City.

Bye, Humbug!

After more than 20 years, Kansas City’s Scrooge takes a bow

By Ryan Reed

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, after an estimated 1,100 performances of A Christmas Carol, local actor Gary Neal Johnson will be taking his final bow as Ebenezer Scrooge. Johnson took over the lead role in 2000 after playing many other characters over the KC Rep production’s 40-year history, including Jacob Marley, Charles Dickens and Old Joe. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, Johnson is suspected of holding the record for an actor playing Scrooge in A Christmas Carol in the United States. Much like the Kansas City Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol is an iconic part of KC’s holiday traditions. Johnson’s departure is the end of an era.

After playing Ebenezer Scrooge for 25 years, do you still get nervous? What does it feel like to come on stage and do something that’s so well trod to you? There’s nothing better than getting to do a character over a thousand times. The comfort level, the nerve, the nervous element is diminished considerably. You can spend more time listening on stage than having to sweat remembering your next line. I love it. I wish every actor could have the luxury.

Having played Scrooge so many times, what parts of the performance stick with you? The ones I enjoy the most are, one, the counting house. I don’t know how familiar you are with the story, but [in] the opening scene, Scrooge is in the counting house with his employee, Bob Cratchit, and he’s visited by his nephew, Fred, and by a couple solicitors, and he’s just as crabby as all get out. That’s kind of fun, number one, but it’s also one of the few times in the play that Scrooge gets to talk to real human beings. Other times he’s either talking to himself or he’s talking to a ghost. [I also enjoy] the very end of the play when [Scrooge] is talking to the phantom.

The poet Billy Collins talks about how memorizing a poem is the next level of understanding or internalizing the poem. How has your relationship to the text changed or evolved over all these years? The text is everything. It gives you clues and, more often than not, playing a character is a mystery to be solved. The more you read it, the more there is to discover and the deeper you can go because of clues. Even after 25 years of doing this guy, I’m still surprised to find things that I’m hearing for the first time, that I’ve heard a thousand times, that suddenly strike me in a different way and I realize, “Oh, that’s delicious. That’s wonderful.”

I’ve often heard it said that in live theater, the audience is the secret extra cast member of any production. Have you felt much variation in performing for different people over 25 years? Oh, sure. From one night to the next, the audience can be as different as night and day. I agree with the fact that the audience is a vital member of the—I don’t know if I want to say the cast, but certainly of the experience. The audience has an effect, whether they know it or not. Their energy can energize a cast and heighten the experience for the actors, which in turn heightens the experience for the audience. They always come ready to contribute to a good time.

GO:

Catch Gary Neal Johnson and the rest of the KC Rep cast’s production of A Christmas Carol November 22–December 27 at Spencer Theatre, kcrep.org.

I read a quote from you about how you were looking forward to seeing the production from the audience. What will it be like to sit in that same theater and experience the production not as Ebenezer Scrooge? I have a question I’m often asked in interviews over the years. They want to talk about why The Christmas Carol affects the audience in this way or that way or whatnot. And the truth of that is I don’t know. I look forward to seeing what they do with it from now on.

Starlight, Star Bright

MORE THAN 400 guests gathered for Starlight’s 38th Annual Benefit Gala, celebrating the past, present and future of Kansas City’s beloved arts organization. The evening featured performances and honors, and together, the crowd raised a record-breaking $837,125 to support Starlight’s mission for years to come.

We want to hear from you. Tell us about events happening in the community. –Dawnya Bartsch, editor-in-chief editor@kansascitymag.com.

Legendary performer Marilyn Maye took the stage, delivering a dazzling performance that earned a standing ovation and celebrated Starlight’s rich legacy of live entertainment.

Gala chairs Melissa and Robert Hingula take the stage during the evening’s program.

The celebration continued at the after-party, with live music from Twice On Sunday, dancing and a festive atmosphere in the Applause Club and Garden.

Guests arrived dressed to the nines for a red carpet welcome in the Shirley Bush Helzberg Garden of the Stars, sponsored by Seigfreid Bingham.

Performances by Blue Star Award students and alumni, including Vincent Legacy Scholar Amari Lewis, brought energy and emotion to the evening.

Jan and Lee Morevitska were honored with the 2025 Star Award for more than 55 years of dedication, generosity and leadership in support of Starlight and the Kansas City arts community.

Gala chairs Bill and Denise Bade and Robert and Melissa Hingula

Dinner and a celebratory program on the Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage featured spirited performances by Blue Star Award students and alumni.

Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Shirley Bush Helzberg was recognized for her lasting impact on Kansas City’s arts and cultural community.

It’s a Vibe

ADVENT HEALTH’S 28TH annual Living in Vitality Conference buzzed with energy as 1,200 women filled the room to celebrate connection, empowerment and a full day of inspiration. With three moving keynotes, 18 lively breakout sessions and incredible music, the day celebrated women embracing their power, style and unique vibes.

Tickets for LIV’s 2026 event are on sale now at livinginvitalitykc.com.

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Photography

Attendees walked away with swag bags and got to explore offerings from a variety of local vendors.

LIV cofounder Bethany Derrough speaks about the importance of living your vibe every day.

LIV attendees gain practical skills and confidence in protecting themselves during this breakout session on self-defense.

Emcees Kelly Eckerman and Lara Moritz light up the stage, rocking tiaras courtesy of AdventHealth South Overland Park.

Keynote speaker Brooklyn Dicent reminds the audience they’re main characters in their lives.

breakout panel featuring women from their 40s to their 80s discuss what they’d tell their younger selves.

We want to hear from you. Tell us about events happening in the community. –Dawnya Bartsch, editor-in-chief editor@kansascitymag.com.

Joan Lunden, former Good Morning America anchor, and her daughter Jamie Hess close out the conference.

Internationally renowned violinist Diana Ladio and powerhouse vocalist Eboni Fondren kick off the 2025 Living in Vitality conference with a high-energy mash-up of women’s empowerment songs.

Keynote speaker Mary Messner hypes up the record-breaking crowd.

Mother-daughter duo and Living in Vitality 2025 co-chairs Jessica and Michelle Carson welcome the sold-out crowd to the conference.

During the keynote session, LIV attendees were invited to write down everything on their minds. At the close of the session, they were encouraged to tear up their papers and toss them into the air—a symbolic gesture of releasing daily pressures. This activity set the tone for the day, inspiring participants to fully embrace the conference experience and dedicate the time to themselves.

Lunchtime keynote speaker Brooklyn Dicent and afternoon keynote speakers Jamie Hess and Joan Lunden stop for a quick selfie during the Living in Vitality VIP event at The Inn at Meadowbrook.

BEFORE YOU GET to cooking up family recipes this holiday season, pay a visit to Ambrosi Brothers Cutlery Company.

Well-known to chefs and restaurateurs, many professional kitchens around the metro rely on the business to maintain their tools of the trade, but home cooks are more than welcome, too. Whether your knives are in need of some TLC or you’re on the hunt for a gift, the shop can help with its sharpening services and top-notch cookware.

Slice and Dice

This family-owned cutlery shop has been keeping KC kitchens sharp since 1959

By Nina Cherry

Founded in 1959 by brothers Jesse and Marco Ambrosi, the family-owned business began modestly, first sharpening blades out of a truck and later operating out of Jesse’s home workshop. The first storefront was at 15th and Main, but in 1991, the business moved to its current Midtown locale (3023 Main St., KCMO). Today, the tra-

dition continues under the ownership of Jesse’s son, Alfred, with help from his daughter and son-in-law MaryAnn and Spencer Lutes.

Sharpening services are available for drop-off, but for a small additional fee ($2 per knife), they’ll sharpen while you wait. (The shop sharpens around 1,500 blades each day.) On a recent visit, I was in and out within 10 minutes.

Behind the counter, you’ll find professional quality cutlery, largely

imported from Germany, Switzerland and Japan. The shop stocks everything from small boning knives to large multipurpose chef’s knives, as well as other cookware like retro-inspired Smeg stand mixers, stainless steel pasta makers, meat grinders and more. To learn more, check out abcutlery.com.

Glow Big or Go Home

The ultimate guide to must-see holiday light displays across the metro

By Alex Zoellner

BARBECUE. JAZZ. CHIEFS FOOTBALL. And when December rolls around, Christmas lights.

Each holiday season, KC transforms into a city of lights, with neighborhoods, parks, shopping districts and landmarks all aglow. Here’s your guide to the metro’s sparkling displays.

ICONIC TRADITIONS

There are a few wintertime traditions that are always going to make the list, setting the stage for the holiday magic KC is known for.

For the 96th year, the Country Club Plaza is glowing with its 15-block display of holiday lights. Free and open to all, the lights come on Thanksgiving night and continue to shine through mid-January, creating the perfect festive backdrop for holiday shopping or a stroll through the Plaza.

Union Station’s Holiday Reflections walk-through village returned for its fifth year, having opened on November 21 and running through January 4. The Grand Hall transforms into a light-filled winter wonderland featuring singing reindeer and penguins, visits from Santa, a historic ride-on train, animated shop windows and over 10,000 square feet of model trains. New additions include a gingerbread village, a singing snowman and a tree slide.

Towering nearly 100 feet tall, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center is a sight

to behold. Mayor Quinton Lucas and Hallmark movie stars officially lit the tree the day after Thanksgiving. However, the celebration continues all season long, inviting visitors to ice skate beneath the massive tree, visit Santa at Destination North Pole and explore the free Hallmark Christmas Experience, complete with a holiday market and nightly tree lightings. There is also a holiday walk through dazzling lights and weekend appearances by Hallmark movie stars. The holiday displays will be up through January 12.

THE CLASSICS

Beyond the KC staples, holiday lights can be found throughout the metro, each with their own spin on the timeless tradition.

One of the biggest drive-through displays in the metro is JoCo’s Christmas in the Park. The self-guided tour takes you past more than a million lights and 200 animated displays, all designed and built in-house by Jackson County crews. The route runs from the Frank White Jr. Softball Complex to Longview Lake Campground, running now through the end of the year. Platte Purchase Park’s Winter Magic is also back for its sixth year and runs through January 4. This Northland drive-through favorite takes you along a one-mile route of holiday lights, all synchronized to festive tunes through your car radio.

For a closer look at the magic, the Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers an immersive light experience. On select nights now through December 30, visitors can wander garden paths lined with twinkling lights and glowing luminaries and explore gnome and fairy villages. The event also features adult-only candlelight strolls and electric glow nights, with golf cart accessibility available.

Tune in to 90.5 Rose FM and enjoy your favorite seasonal songs in sync with the Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane show. The lights will dance across the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead barn and front entrance now through New Year’s Eve.

Lenexa’s Sar-Ko Aglow is another highlight of the holiday season. Each winter, the park is transformed by miles of twinkling lights and thousands of colorful bulbs, creating a festive wonderland. Open until January 19, visitors can take an evening stroll around Rose’s Pond and enjoy the shimmering lights on the water.

NEIGHBORHOOD DISPLAYS

If you’d rather stay cozy in your car and skip the crowds, many neighborhoods throughout the metro offer holiday light displays that rival the professional shows. While decorated homes can be found throughout the city, a few subdivisions go all out, turning entire blocks into festive wonderlands.

Here are few standouts

Candy Cane Lane in Prairie Village (79th Street and Outlook Lane), where every house features at least one candy cane, some towering up to 10 feet tall, along with twinkling lights, elaborate displays and even a 50-foot Christmas tree surrounded by lit presents.

Christmas Place in Overland Park (18705 W. 131st Place), a charming double cul-de-sac of 23 homes glowing with coordinated displays.

Bradshaw Christmas Light Show in Overland Park (25138 Bradshaw St.), which transforms an entire cul-de-sac into a synchronized light show set to holiday music if you tune your radio to 99.9 FM.

Winterwood Circle in Lee’s Summit (2500 S.W. Winterwood Circle), a dazzling drive-through display featuring singing faces, animated lights and festive music broadcast on 91.7 FM.

Eagle Creek Subdivision (2309 S.W. Stone Bridge Court) in Lee’s Summit, where the main display at S.W. Stone Bridge Court shines bright with choreographed lights synchronized to 88.7 FM, and many nearby homes join in to spread the holiday cheer.

Riverside’s Timberline Drive (5085 N.W. Timberline Drive), where houses sparkle with vibrant lights and creative displays, turning the quiet neighborhood into a glowing winter wonderland.

The Lee’s Summit Magic Potty (Blue Parkway and Blackwell Road) is a porta-potty decked out in dazzling holiday lights that’s become a local photo-op favorite. Each year, visitors stop by to snap pictures and donate food to support the Coldwater food pantry.

The Alberton’s Holiday House KC (7806 N.E. 107th St.) in KCMO is a dazzling Christmas home display covered in thousands of lights, festive inflatables, and animated decorations. There’s also a walk-through arch display and a dome “igloo” setup for photo ops.

Game Face

Behind many Chiefs Kingdom sideline moments is this makeup artist who is gaining national attention

By Nicole Kinning

LOCAL MAKEUP ARTIST Joey Diaz has gained national attention for his work, whether that’s applying a bride’s wedding day lip liner or adding a touch of glimmer to the wife of a Chiefs player. What started with facial doodles in his school notebooks and experimenting with cheap Walgreens eyeshadow palettes has blossomed into a career that recently earned recognition in People magazine and took him to the Super Bowl. See how Diaz balances the art of creating longwearing makeup looks under Arrowhead lights while juggling multiple weddings per weekend.

What inspires you in your work? Red carpet looks always inspire me. I like to look at previous work from different eras of makeup artists to see what was trending back then and figure out how to modernize it. Instagram is also always a great inspiration. I can always pick up little tricks by seeing other artists and their work.

When you’re doing game day makeup for Chiefs’ wives and girlfriends (WAGs), what’s your thought process behind each look? It has to be long wear because some of these girls have to get ready around 7 am for a night game. The key is making sure that the skin is super prepped. A lot of the girls take pictures on the field, so it’s also important that the makeup is captured well in these photos.

If it’s a sunny day, I have to add more shadow and a little bit more color than I typically do. If it’s an overcast day, I can play with a little bit more shimmer since the lighting is more forgiving and won’t wash them out. Some products, like eyeliners and lipsticks, are 12- to 14-hour-wear products, and I have to test them out first to see how they wear. I have to really ensure that what I’m using is waterproof, and I also teach the girls how to reapply throughout the day.

Do you try to tailor makeup around the WAGs’ outfits? Most times we’ll know what the outfit is prior, and then we’ll work the makeup around that. We try to coordinate so it looks cohesive. If we don’t know the outfits, then I’ll typically just do something neutral and then add a pop of a lip or add a little sparkle— something that doesn’t overwhelm the look.

What has been your most “pinch me” moment in your career so far? This past February, I went to the Super Bowl. Being there at the hotel with everybody felt so surreal. Andy Reid was even there. It’s the biggest sports event in the country, and I’m there glamming and getting everybody ready for it. It was a really defining moment. I cried on the plane going home.

What are some other ways you’re involved in the local makeup scene? When I’m not doing games, I’m doing bridal makeup on the weekends. So Fridays to Sundays, I can have up to three or four weddings plus game-day looks. By the end of it, I’m just kind of surviving off coffee.

What goals or dreams are you working toward next? I’d love to do the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show one day, or at least a red carpet in L.A. I really want to do the Oscars. I just want to be a part of the whole chaos of an award show.

Who would be your dream client? Mariah Carey. I’m such a huge fan, and she’s always been my dream client. I’ve studied her makeup and dreamed about how I would do it.

Café Corazón

“My favorite. So good!”

The Wise Guy

“Super yummy. It’s smaller, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The menu is also small, so you don’t feel like there are too many options to choose from, which I like.”

Loose Park

“I love to go there, bring a hammock or blanket, and wind down and recharge my battery.”

DIAZ’S KC FAVORITES

Health Watch

Diagnostic Imaging

Professional

Imaging Bridges the Gap Between Technology and Patient Care

When you walk into a Professional Imaging center, you notice something different. It’s a professional atmosphere, but it’s also warm and welcoming. At the heart of this experience is Nicole Brooks, Managing Partner, whose leadership has shaped Professional Imaging into one of the Midwest’s most trusted names in diagnostic imaging.

With 16 years experience, Brooks has a deep understanding of both the technical and personal sides of diagnostic imaging, giving her the ability to anticipate needs that others might overlook.

Early on, Brooks set out to bridge the gap between technology-driven care and patient-centered service. Today, her centers are known for advanced equipment like the Siemens 3T MRI, but also for creating an environment where patients feel seen and supported.

“For Brooks, diagnostic imaging is about more than clear pictures; it’s about clear communication.

For Brooks, diagnostic imaging is about more than clear pictures; it’s about clear communication. Her team is trained to ensure that patients feel comfortable during their scans and that physicians receive timely, accurate results they can rely on. They’re setting a new standard for collaboration between providers, patients, and diagnostic centers.

Expansion has been a natural outcome of Brooks’forward-thinking approach. Professional Imaging has thrived in Saint Louis and Kansas City, and the upcoming Columbia location is a testament to her belief that every community deserves access to affordable, high-quality imaging.

Nicole Brooks

Kansas City magazine editors share their favorite finds for giving and receiving this holiday season, from local art and Wagyu beef to smart tech and soy candles

Arts and Entertainment Editor Nina Cherry

Nina Cherry, our arts and entertainment editor, lives where creativity meets city life. Cherry’s holiday gift picks reflect that same sense of discovery and flair.

Cure the winter blues with some funk. Released in May, The Freedom Affair’s self-titled sophomore album is one of the best records to come out of KC this year. Recorded at Memphis’ historic Royal Studios, the nine-piece group is led by a trio of powerhouse vocalists—Shon Ruffin, Seyko Groves and Paula Saunders—and is backed by a tight rhythm section and punchy horns. Find the LP at Josey Records (1815 McGee St., KCMO) and Mills Record Company (4045 Broadway Blvd., KCMO).

While candles aren’t the most original gift, they’re a foolproof option for those who are hard to shop for. Made with soy wax, Zum’s high-quality candles are far more fragrant and long-burning than the average mass-produced product (the company estimates 30 hours). Unlike many fir-heavy seasonal fragrances, this cozy, gourmand vanilla spice scent outlasts the holiday season. Zum’s products are widely available at grocery stores around the metro, but I recommend heading to their very fragrant Midtown warehouse, where the selection is vast. Shop online and browse the store locator at indigowild.com or visit the factory store (3125 Wyandotte St., KCMO).

There’s a reason Broadway Café has been bustling since it opened its Westport doors in 1992. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better beans in the metro. This bright and balanced blend, tailor-made for Room 39—one of my favorite restaurants in KC—is my go-to for pour-overs. Made with Ethiopian and Indonesian coffees, this medium-body brew is complex while remaining an easy sipper. And with notes of clove and bergamot, it has a festive flavor profile. Although the company does fulfill online orders, slow down and sip on a cortado in the café while you buy a pound for someone in need of a good pick-me-up. Shop online at broadwayroasting.com or in-person at Broadway Roasting Co. (4012 Washington St., KCMO) or Broadway Café (4106 Broadway Blvd., KCMO).

The Freedom Affair Vinyl

Zum Vanilla Spice Soy Candle

Broadway Roasting Company’s Room 39 Blend

Editor-inChief Dawnya Bartsch

Balancing deadlines, family life and a love for all things KC, our editor-in-chief Dawnya Bartsch’s picks celebrate creativity and calm.

For the loved one who has everything, consider commissioning a live painting. Local artist Natasha Rubinetti-Kul is part of a growing trend of event artists who capture celebrations on a canvas in real time. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, corporate event or gender reveal, her paintings provide a unique and lasting keepsake. She also offers custom pet portraits, a thoughtful option for anyone whose camera roll is brimming with their four-legged friends. Check her work out online at kulandkrafty.com

Quaintly tucked into the Fairway Shops, Rainy Day Books (2706 W. 53rd St., Fairway, KS) has been a Kansas City institution for 50 years. What’s kept it thriving isn’t just its shelves but its spirit: a fiercely loyal community, a passionate staff and an author lineup that rivals the biggest names in publishing. A gift certificate here is more than a stand-in; it’s an invitation to explore one of the country’s top independent bookstores. Whether hunting for a bestseller, local author or a quiet surprise from the staff recommendations shelf, it’s the perfect pick for anyone who loves getting lost in a good book. And you can always order online at rainydaybooks.com

Give the gift of a calm space—or at least a color-coded closet. Founded here in KC, Bee Organized has since gone national, spending the last decade helping people clear clutter and find peace of mind one pantry and garage at a time. The professional home organizers work with clients to sort, simplify and create organization systems that actually work. Book a session with Bee Organized at beeorganized.com for the bestie or family member who just bought a new home or has a laundry room that looks as if a tornado swept through.

Kul and Krafty Live Painting or Pet Portrait

Bee Organized Session

Rainy Day Books Gift Card

Contributing Editor Nicole Kinning

As a contributing editor (and new mom), Nicole Kinning somehow manages to juggle deadlines, date nights and diapers with effortless flair. Her gift picks are part practical and part playful.

Kinning swears that this is the best smartwatch out there—and she’s tried them all. “I’ve cycled through more smartwatches than I can count, always hoping one would last longer than a year (and keep me motivated),” she says. “The Garmin Lily 2 is the first one that I genuinely look forward to putting on every day.” It’s undeniably stylish, and the Garmin Connect app that powers it puts Apple Health to shame. To learn more about the Kinning’s favorite watch, check out garmin.com

There’s no better way to spend a free Saturday afternoon than sidled up at a brewery, right? KC’s PubPass gets you BOGO beers at 25 spots around the metro, from Liberty to Grandview to Grain Valley. To learn more about what pubs you can head to on the pass and how to purchase one, check out getpubpass.com. It’s easily one of my favorite annual purchases of the year.

Pictured: the 2025 Pub Pass. The 2026 edition is now available on getpubpass.com.

Garmin Lily 2

PubPass

Food Editor and Dining Critic Tyler Shane

As our resident food guru, Tyler Shane spends the year tasting, testing and writing about all things delicious. So when she shares her favorite finds for the season, we listen.

You can buy Zero Zero’s Pasta Basics cookbook in its Westside shop (1702 Summit St., KCMO), but an in-person lesson at one of their pasta making classes is the best. Attendees learn how to make pasta favorites, such as lemon garlic agnolotti or mushroom ricotta cappelletti, all from scratch. The restaurant’s cozy, and there’s only room for six per class, so they’re intimate. Sign up on their website (zerozeropastakc.com) to reserve a class, or purchase a gift card that can be used later to book a class. (Insider tip: You can bring your own wine.)

Two Kansas City favorites have joined forces just in time for the holidays. Tom’s Town and Hallmark have created a limited-edition spirits collection, which marks Hallmark’s first-ever venture into booze. Double Oaked Bourbon and Double Grain Vodka come wrapped in Hallmark holiday packaging, but if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, there’s a mini-bottle trio that includes bourbon, gin and vodka. Find them at Crown Center’s Hallmark Christmas Experience, local liquor stores or online (toms-town.com).

Zero Zero Pasta Making Classes

Hallmark and Tom’s Town Spirits

For the home cook or grill master in your life, Booth Creek Wagyu offers gift boxes full of different American and Fullblood Wagyu cuts. The Flint Hills ranching operation uses innovative technology that analyzes each beef carcass for an exact percentage of fat marbling and labels each cut with this specification. Go into the Overland Park (13412 Metcalf Ave.) or Prairie Village (5328 W. 95th St.) stores and it’s like shopping for wine. What flavor profile are you looking for? Marbling percentages range anywhere from 20 to 40 percent. Depending on which box you choose. You can also get summer sausage and steak seasoning. If you prefer to shop online, you can always check out the butcher’s offerings at boothcreekwagyu.com

Masala: An

Jyoti Mukharji has been teaching cooking classes out of her Prairie Village home for the past 15 years. Her cookbook, Heartland Masala, is a compilation of all those lessons and more. The book blends 99 Indian recipes and essays by her son Auyon Mukharji. It’s a vibrant celebration of Indian flavors and the immigrant experience, filled with beautiful photography and dishes that bridge tradition and the American Midwest. Find the book at Rainy Day Books (2706 W. 53rd St., Fairway, KS) or on Amazon

Art

Director Kevin Goodbar

Art Director Kevin Goodbar sees the world in palettes and patterns, and his gift pick is just as inspired as his layouts.

Forget All the Rules You Ever Learned About Graphic Design—Including the Ones in This Book

Goodbar says that this design book by famed graphic artist Bob Gill was the most influential design book he has ever read—it completely changed his mindset when it came to how he approached his work. A pioneer of modern graphic design, Gill believes great design starts with an idea, not a style. Known for his witty, concept-driven work and bold approach to visual storytelling, Gill inspired generations to think differently about creativity. This irreverent book is considered a classic in the art world and is equal parts design guide and creative manifesto—and it still feels fresh decades later. Although it is not currently in print, it is still widely available at used book purveyors and online, including amazon.com.

Booth Creek Wagyu Gift Box

Heartland

Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

KEVIN

J. MIYAZAKI

You only get one lifetime. Make it indulgent with a late-night spin on the dance floor, a soulful stay wrapped in soft linens, and the sound of the beat that moves our winding streets.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY

A CENTURY AFTER KC SWING CHANGED AMERICAN MUSIC, THE CITY’S MUSIC SCENE STILL CAN’T BE CONTAINED. FROM 18TH AND VINE AND THE WEST BOTTOMS TO THE DIY UNDERGROUND AND THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY, HERE’S WHERE THE CITY’S RHYTHM LIVES TODAY.

By Nina Cherry, David Hodes, Ryan Reed and Emily Standlee

KANSAS CITY has long been home to musical innovators.

Jazz pioneers like Charlie Parker, Mary Lou Williams, Lester Young and Julia Lee (just to name a handful) helped transform this so-called cowtown into a world-class city in the early 20th century. In particular, the Count Basie Orchestra’s national broadcasts brought Kansas City jazz to new heights. In 1935, Basie’s big band performed live on hi-fi AM station W9XBY inside 12th Street’s historic Reno Club. Those half-hour performances aired six nights a week for nearly two years, evangelizing the area’s emblematic, blues-infused style across the country and abroad. Although those early recordings may sound dated to some 21st-century ears, the compositions were cutting-edge at the time.

That rich history is part of what makes KC’s music community so special and unique. As is true with all things, history informs the present: The city has deep roots and good soil. But it’s been more than 80 years since many of those pioneering musicians called the city home, and today’s scene is far more than an artifact from jazz’s golden age.

Swing rhythms may not be the most popular groove anymore, but KC’s forward-thinking remains steadfast. Kansas City magazine’s music issue dives into the area’s multifaceted, diverse and ever-evolving scene. You’ll meet some of the musicians who are keeping the pulse alive (they also share what they’ve been listening to lately), discover venues that house their performances and learn about a community-wide push for the city government to establish an Office of Music. Plus, we have some recommendations for the metro’s best vinyl shops.

Get out there and catch a show.

PORTRAITS of a SCENE

10

KC MUSICIANS SHAPING THE CITY’S SOUND

By Nina Cherry and Ryan Reed

Spanning Latin jazz, hip-hop, country and beyond, KC’s music scene has a little bit of everything. These 10 local performers, whether rising talents or local legends, paint a portrait of the city’s diverse soundtrack. Plus, these rappers, producers and orchestral musicians alike tell us what they are currently listening to.

THE KC SAXMAN

FROM NYC BOP BAND TO UMKC’S HALLS, A KC SAX LEGEND COMES HOME

BOBBY WATSON

In a lineage of legendary alto saxophonists that hail from KC, Bobby Watson succeeds Charlie Parker.

Born and raised in KCK, Watson is best known for his tenure as music director in drummer Art Blakey’s hard bop band, The Jazz Messengers, throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s. “I was going around New York City in 1976 with various musicians, and a friend brought Mr. Blakey down to Storyville, where I was sitting in, to hear me,” Watson says. “He asked me to join the Messengers that night.” The esteemed collective became an apprenticeship of sorts for rising talents including Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter and more. Watson likes to say he earned his “doctorate” during his time with the group.

After 25 years in NYC, Watson decided it was time to come home. In 2000, he accepted an offer to head the UMKC Conservatory’s jazz program. In the past two decades, Watson has become a patriarch of KC’s jazz community, mentoring many of the musicians leading today’s jazz scene.

“Coming back to Kansas City was the completion of a full circle,” Watson says. “I was ready for the opportunity to lead and build a worldclass jazz program in my hometown.”

Watson’s performances abroad are plentiful (he spent last month touring Spain), but local sightings are a rare treat. If the opportunity arises to see this living legend, don’t miss it.

—NC

CURRENTLY SPINNING

Watson couldn’t pick just one album. “I never become tired of listening to Charlie Parker’s Bird With Strings or John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme,” Watson says. “A recent release I’m listening to is saxophonist Jaleel Shaw’s Painter of the Invisible.”

BRASS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

FROM SYMPHONY STAR TO STREET BRASS BAND PLAYER, THIS TROMBONIST LOVES IT ALL

EVELYN CARLSON

It feels like there should be a large gulf between grand concert halls and raucous street parades, but Evelyn Carlson is proof there doesn’t have to be. Carlson is currently performing in her third season as principal trombonist with the Kansas City Symphony. She accepted the position for the 2023-2024 season following a stint with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., but it hasn’t taken her long to get involved with other facets of the KC music scene. Between the rigorous seasonal responsibilities of being a full-time orchestral musician, the trombonist has sought other avenues to perform.

“If I’m going somewhere after a concert, I’ll often have my trombone in the car,” Carlson says. “Depending on the show, I might carry it on my back in a visible way hoping to get spotted. The Ship is really the main venue. If I have a friend playing, like Ryan Davis (Kadesh Flow), I can usually weasel my way up on stage to play.”

In addition to impromptu live collaborations, Carlson plays with Sass-A-Brass, a local LGBTQ+ street parade brass band, as well as in many other community-oriented events aimed at raising classical music’s visibility. “It is a privilege to have grown up fortunate enough to have parents able to afford private lessons and access to classical music” says Carlson, who also donates her talents for charity concerts.

Catch Carlson performing the Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker with the Symphony throughout December, and look for Sass-A-Brass at Mardi Gras events in February. —RR

CURRENTLY SPINNING

Mother Earth’s Plantasia by Mort Garson (1976)

HEARTLAND CON RITMO

A PERCUSSIONIST WITH PURPOSE IS SHAPING KC’S LATIN JAZZ LEGACY

PABLO SANHUEZA

For more than 20 years, Pablo Sanhueza has been working to cultivate the Latin jazz scene in Kansas City. Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, he saw firsthand the way music captures the story of a people. Moving to the United States in the ’90s during the aftermath of dictator Augusto Pinochet’s fall, Sanhueza recognized that the sounds of American Latin jazz resonated deeply with the immigrant experience.

CURRENTLY SPINNING

In 2018, after becoming a professional percussionist and instructor, Sanhueza founded the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra and Latin Jazz Institute with Cynthia Ammerman. “A lot of people come into music thinking that they’re going to make a living and then they find out the path is not that smooth,” Sanhueza says. “That’s why we created the apprenticeship program. I think there are a lot of people irresponsibly talking about the Kansas City music industry when we don’t have an industry. We have a service and hospitality industry that hires bands where the bar owners become curators of the arts.”

Through the Institute and the Orchestra, musicians are not only compensated but taught the business. This is important to Sanhueza, who is trying to cultivate collaboration and relationships between different countries. For this reason, he established an exchange program for musicians with Chile.

“The ultimate goal of this is to generate and foster creativity,” Sanhueza says, “to pass traditions, to advance the music and to move forward with the times.”

Visit the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra’s website kansascitylatinjazzorchestra.com to learn more. —RR

Vámanos pa’l Monte by Eddie Palmieri (1986)

GLOBAL GUITARIST

THE ENSEMBLE IBÉRICA FOUNDER BUILDS BRIDGES THROUGH MUSIC FROM EVERY SHORE

B EAU BLEDSOE

Guitarist Beau Bledsoe has been fascinated with folkloric music nearly all his life. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Bledsoe grew up picking traditional songs from the Ouachita mountains.

After moving to attend grad school at UMKC’s Conservatory, Bledsoe has called KC home for more than 30 years now. Today, the guitarist is the founder and artistic director of Ensemble Ibérica, a KC-based chamber music group now in its 12th season. Primarily playing music from the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, the ensemble performs far and wide, from quaint European taverns to Carnegie Hall. Later this month, Ensemble Ibérica will present a program of songs from Mexico’s golden age of cinema, followed by a cross-cultural evening of Scottish and Americana music in January.

“Playing other styles is a fast track to empathy with another culture,” Bledsoe says. “If you learn someone’s songs and you show up there with a few songs in your bank, that’s how you make friends.”

Beyond the premier ensemble, Bledsoe also likes getting down to some honky-tonk. The guitarist plays with Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices every fourth Tuesday at The Ship’s country nights. Occasionally, Bledsoe’s son and daughter join in for a family jam. —NC

Vida Profunda by Carolina Calvache (2020)

MAN OF MANY BANDS

A MULTI-INSTRUMENTAL JOURNEYMAN HITS HIS STRIDE THROUGH COUNTRY TUNES

FRITZ HUTCHISON

I’ve seen Fritz Hutchison play in more bands (and more genres) than I can count. A utility man of sorts, he might be strumming guitar in a folk trio one night and holding it down on drums in a jazz combo the next.

An alum of KC’s Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Hutchison honed his chops as a drummer in the high school’s jazz program. From there, he developed a hunger for all things music: teaching himself to play guitar, writing songs and delving into genres beyond jazz.

Today, he plays with myriad local groups including folk-rock band True Lions and doom blues group Freight Train Rabbit Killer. Over the years, the multi-instrumentalist has also built a solid reputation as the first call for local musicians in search of a solid sub. “It’s a lot of patching things together and taking opportunities as they come,” Hutchison says.

But Hutchison’s latest focus is his own brainchild, country band Fritz and Sons. “It came together organically,” Hutchison says. “It was kind of an accident. I had put out a couple solo rock ‘n’ roll records, and there were these country songs that just didn’t fit. I put out an EP that was me just dumping all of my leftover songs into one project. I was trying to get out of a rut creatively.”

The singer-songwriter assembled the Fritz and Sons group for a oneoff release show, but the chemistry just clicked, so he kept booking gigs. Fronting the group from behind the drumset, Hutchison is joined by bassist Carly Atwood, Alison Hawkins on fiddle and keys, steel guitarist Marco Pascal and Zach Arias on electric guitar.

Find Hutchison’s upcoming shows on his Instagram @fritte_orca. —NC

SOUND IN BLOOM

THE BABE GABE BLOSSOMS INTO HER OWN POP UNIVERSE

GABRIELLE KEARNEY

It’s been a big year for Gabrielle Kearney, who performs as The Babe Gabe. Coming out of the acclaimed hip-hop/indierock trio Blackstarkids, the singer-songwriter released two full-length solo albums this year: HONEYPOP and HONEYPOP: RELOADED. Where HONEYPOP leans more into its pop namesake, RELOADED drifts closer to rap and R&B.

“I feel like my musical style is a bunch of different things,” Kearney says. “I love so much different types of music and I want to create all kinds of sounds. I love pop. I love hip-hop. I love jazz.”

Kearney’s various musical influences aren’t the only things that are all over the place. Kearney is all over the place, too; she performed in both New York City and Wichita this fall. And if that weren’t enough, Kearney’s hoping to have a new collection of HONEYPOP remixes out before the end of the year. Still, The Babe Gabe is exploring and trying new things. “I’ve been in my Amy Winehouse era for a minute, so I would love to just have a full-on jazz album where I pour my heart out,” Kearney says.

Check out The Babe Gabe on Instagram @ughthatsgabe and listen to her music on all streaming platforms. —RR

Brown Sugar by D’Angelo (1995)

RESTLESS RHYTHMS

FROM STUDIO ENGINEER TO STAGE PERFORMER, THIS REBEL MUSICIAN DOESN’T STOP

IAN DOBYNS

Ian Dobyns has been at it from the get-go, getting thrown out of The Riot Room, where he was performing, at 16 because he was underage. Music is part of his DNA.

He currently performs with four Kansas City bands: Doubledrag, They’re Theirs, Lavish and Bledso. But there have been many more in the past, from local groups and side projects to on-the-road touring bands. “I do too many things,” Dobyns says. There are some musicians who just can’t get enough, spending their lives involving themselves in the creative process any way they can. As a vocalist, drummer, guitar player, engineer and producer playing indie rock, shoegaze, post-punk and metal, Dobyns is very much one of those musicians. In addition to performing with his various bands, he is also a sound engineer at Element Recording Studios. Why would someone stretch themselves across so many projects? “Each one allows me to do something a little different,” Dobyns says. “No one band could allow me to go in all the directions I want to go.”

Being in the studio full time and helping other bands make their music has been energizing and inspiring, he says, especially this year’s Honeybee EP, midtown girl. Dobyns does miss touring sometimes, but the Kansas City soundscape is richer for it.

Check out Doubledrag’s 2024 record, Alone With Everyone, on Apple and Spotify along with midtown girl by Honeybee. Doubledrag plays at Warehouse on Broadway later this month. —RR

She Said, He Said by Softcult (2025)

CROWNED IN KC

AFTER ATLANTA AND KANYE CO-WRITES, THE ROYAL CHIEF REIGNS IN KC

JAMEL THOMPSON

For KC rapper Jamel Thompson, better known as The Royal Chief, attending an Usher concert in middle school sealed his fate as a performer. It wasn’t the headliner but the opening act, Kanye West, who left the biggest impression.

“I remember thinking ‘This is what I want to do with my life,’” Thompson says.

Drawn to Atlanta’s booming hip-hop industry, Thompson moved south in 2012. Living and working out of Tree Sound Studios, he spent five years building his name and sharpening his production skills. His most notable project? Ghostwriting for Kanye West.

Although he still performs frequently in Atlanta, Thompson is back home in KC. Keeping busy with plenty of creative ventures through his brand Sovereign, the rapper released KC Current’s anthem earlier this year and curates an array of events, including Juice Jams at Ruby Jean’s Juicery, monthly performances at In Good Company and B&B Theatre’s Mainstreet Movie Club.

His latest project, Fire, released this past summer, reflects his decision to pursue a music career full-time in 2023. “I always felt like I was in survival mode, figuring out how I was going to create and make a living off of art,” Thompson says. “I wanted to break that thought process and that energy down. It represents that spark in surviving.”

The EP is the first in a larger collection of Thompson’s Survival series. Be on the lookout for three subsequent releases: Water, Food and Home.

Stay up to date with The Royal Chief on his Instagram @theroyalchief. —NC

CURRENTLY SPINNING Why Not More?

by Coco Jones (2025)

SOUL IN THE CITY

HER SOULFUL ORIGINALS AND POPULAR BALLAD RENDITIONS ARE BRINGING KANSAS CITIANS TO THEIR FEET

SHELBY AUTUMN WINFREY

Shelby Autumn Winfrey, who performs as Curlzofoz, has been busy. Performing with Lost Wax, Kansas City’s premier party band, she’s belting classics, mashups and originals all over the metro, from the NFL Draft to Royals games and, more recently, at Arrowhead Stadium during a Chiefs halftime show.

“I’m always at The Phoenix on Wednesday nights,” Winfrey says. “The Phoenix is my main home. I wanted a residency spot where people know where to find me. So that’s where I am. Sometimes The Blue Room, sometimes Barley’s Kitchen and Tap, sometimes The Levee. I’ll be at The Levee soon. All over the city, man, honestly.”

At The Phoenix, where Winfrey performs her soulful originals every Wednesday, her powerful voice fills the room and connects in a setting very different from the jumbotron.

“It’s way more intimate,” she says. “It could be the smallest crowd or it could be really bumping, and it’s always like everybody in there is just kind of feeling the vibes.”

Besides her Wednesday residency, Winfrey has a lot in the works. You can catch her with Lost Wax on the HBO show Second Chance Stage, a competition reality show shot in KC last March. She also served as the vocal coach for all the singers appearing on the show. On the horizon? Winfrey plans to release an EP this winter.

Keep up to date with her on Instagram @curlzofoz. —RR

Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams (2025)

CURRENTLY SPINNING

MIDWEST DAYDREAM

A SMALL-TOWN SONGWRITER TURNS HER INDIE REVERIE INTO A KC REALITY

KAT KING

If you listen to The Bridge, chances are you’ve heard Kat King’s dreamy indie pop-rock stylings over the airwaves.

The daughter of a pastor and worship musician, King is originally from the small town of Osage City, Kansas. Growing up immersed in music, the guitarist and singer-songwriter recalls writing her first song in second grade. By middle school, when her mom drove her to a friend’s home studio in Omaha to record, she had an album’s worth of originals under her belt. Naturally, her musical inclinations have evolved quite a bit since then.

Since moving to KC seven years ago, King has carved out a name for herself on the local scene, playing festivals like Boulevardia and the Plaza Art Fair and putting on a wildly successful annual Zombie Prom. In her current band, she’s joined by guitarist and back-up vocalist Derek Melies, bassist John Kaul McCain, Kara LePage on keys and drummer Daniel Cole. “We just clicked musically and personality-wise,” King says.

Her latest EP, Merry Go Rounds, which she calls a collaborative effort, is representative of the group’s tight-knit bond. Her favorite track? A brutally honest rock ballad, “I Might Like It.”

“It started with a voice memo that Derek sent me on guitar,” King says. “I really fell in love with it the second I heard it, so I started crafting lyrics around that. It’s a reflection of patterns I had in the past with relationships, being addicted to the chase of somebody.”

Those recordings are a part of a larger project. King is busy working on the band’s debut full-length album, with an anticipated fall 2026 release, with hopes of releasing some singles come spring.

Stay up to date with Kat King on her Instagram @katbking. —NC

Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay (2024)

Co-owner of Sister Anne’s Jim Oshel

DROP the NEEDLE

A GUIDE TO KC’S RECORD STORES

By Nina Cherry

Even in the age of digital streaming, independent record stores across Kansas City are alive and well. There’s something grounding and intentional about the tactile nature of vinyl: dropping the needle, flipping the disc and taking in an album from start to finish. From vintage rarities to new releases, the records at these local shops are keeping the art of listening alive.

SISTER ANNE’S RECORDS AND COFFEE

901 E. 31st St., KCMO

In the ’90s, Frank Alvarez and Jim Oshel’s friendship blossomed as co-workers at the vinyl shop Westport Recycled Sound. The business closed in 2006, but the pair remained close as Oshel put down roots at Overland Park’s now-defunct Vinyl Renaissance and Alvarez opted for a career change at Broadway Cafe. Today, the duo co-owns Sister Anne’s Records and Coffee.

Oshel can often be found spinning B-sides behind the booth at the homey Midtown shop lined with vintage concert posters. Sip on a rich, balanced espresso before pursuing quality used records. Here, you’re likely to find some collector-worthy deep cuts.

GOTWHATULIKE RECORDS

11539 Hickman Mills Drive, KCMO

This South Kansas City shop is a gem. A destination for audiophiles, GotWhatULike Records is as much about the listening experience as it is about the music itself. Beyond their robust and diverse selection of LPs and 45s, this music business also sells an assortment of audio equipment—including turntables, stereo receivers, speakers and replacement needles—for those looking to upgrade their sound setup.

MILLS RECORD COMPANY

4045 Broadway Blvd., KCMO

Mills Record Company has a solid collection of used records, but if you’re searching for a new release, this ought to be your first stop. From Taylor Swift to Brandi Carlile, the Westport record shop is on the pulse, often hosting listening parties and keeping its doors open for midnight releases. Beyond records, CDs and tapes, Mills Record Company also stocks the shelves with plenty of books—a reliable one-stop shop for gifts.

KEEP IT SPINNING: MORE PLACES TO SHOP

It’s a Beautiful Day (3918 Broadway Blvd., KCMO)

Aside from pre-loved vinyls, this longstanding counterculture hub in Westport also sells a plethora of tie-dye attire, incense, wind chimes, jewelry and more.

FM Music Vintage Sounds (206 E. 18th Ave., North KC)

This Northland mom-and-pop shop stocks records that span the past 80 years.

Vinyl Heaven (9411 W. 87th St., Overland Park)

You won’t have to sift through bins of scratched discs at Vinyl Heaven—this small strip mall shop stocks jazz, rock and blues records in good condition.

Josey Records (1815 McGee St., KCMO)

This chain realtor boasts itself as KC’s largest record store, with two levels to browse.

Good Vibes Vinyl (3703 Main St., KCMO)

New to Midtown, this buy-sell-trade store opened its doors over the summer and doubles as a hangout spot with a dedicated gaming area.

BlaKCat Vinyl (1664 Broadway Blvd., KCMO)

Quality over quantity rings true at this boutique shop in the Crossroads.

Brothers Music (12206 Johnson Drive, Shawnee)

Aside from vinyl, comic books and action figures line the shelves at Brothers Music—and they offer private music lessons.

THE ROCK SHOP

1837 S. Ridgeview Road, Olathe

Opened in September, The Rock Shop may be new on the block, but owner Ron Fields has long been a fervent vinyl collector. Inside, you’ll find plenty of reissues and new albums still in the shrinkwrap alongside old-school hip-hop, classic rock and country. Fields keeps the store’s Facebook page routinely updated on the latest inventory—perfect for collectors on the hunt.

PLANET QUEEN RECORDS & VINTAGE

209 W. Maple Ave., Independence

Vinyl isn’t the only thing you’ll find at Planet Queen Records and Vintage. A curated array of physical media—like cassettes, CDs, VHS tapes and 8-tracks—and retro clothing are plentiful here. Located in Independence Square, the kitschy, quaint shop has gained a devoted following since opening nearly two years ago. From original Motown presses to punk-rock reissues, there’s something for everyone.

ALL the CITY’S a STAGE

FROM COUNTRY TO CLASSICAL AND A WHOLE LOTTA JAZZ IN BETWEEN, HERE’S A LIST OF THE LIVE MUSIC VENUES DEFINING KANSAS CITY’S SOUND

By Emily Standlee

It’s Friday night and you want to dance—or at the very least bob your head to the music. We’ve got you covered. From slinky jazz halls and decades-old theaters to neighborhood listening rooms and East and West Bottoms hot spots, there’s something for everyone.

SPACES THAT DEFY LABELS

THE PHOENIX

302 W. Eighth St., KCMO. thephoenixkc.com.

Built in 1905, this brick-walled landmark might as well be woven into KC’s musical history identity, and it’s still a prime place to catch performances from some of the city’s best and most valuable players. From the ever-popular “Jazzy Brunch with Dan and Millie” (Sundays, 10 am–2 pm) and stylings from jazz and R&B songstress Piaget (Saturdays, 4:30–8:30 pm) to Wednesday nights with genre-spanning vocalist Shelby Winfrey (7–11 pm), you’re guaranteed to hear excellent live music, regardless of when you show up.

GRINDERS KC

1826 Locust St., KCMO. grinderskc.com.

If you live in KC, chances are you’ve caught a concert at Grinders, one of the city’s best open-air venues. It might seem unlikely that major acts visit what’s basically the Crossroads’ backyard, but bigger artists do come through here, making this tucked-in stage all the more iconic for it. Any acts—rock, punk, jam bands, reggae, country and hip-hop—could show up at Grinders. You just never know. Consider carpooling or using public transit on show days, take in the neighborhood sights, and, as is tradition, grab a slice at Grinders Pizza next door.

KNUCKLEHEADS

2715 Rochester Ave., KCMO. knuckleheadskc. com.

Sure, the name and exterior paint this East Bottoms institution as a rough-and-rowdy time, but that’s all part of the charm. Knuckleheads is quintessential KC through and through. From local acts to legendary ones, musicians of all genres continue to perform here. The indoor-outdoor area features both large and small stages, sometimes with multiple bands playing in a single night. Don’t forget cash for the bar.

THE BRICK

1727 McGee St., KCMO. thebrickkc.com.

Point-blank, The Brick is a good, divey and unpretentious time. Whether you’re here for the Wednesday night burger specials, Brickfast on Saturday mornings or just swinging through without a care in the world, the possibilities for live music are unquantifiable. An online calendar does exist, but you never know what you might get: old-timey Americana, folk-punk, honky-tonk and more.

THE SHIP

1221 Union Ave., KCMO. theshipkc.com.

It’d be a tall order to find a more diverse music lineup than at The Ship in the West Bottoms. On any given night, it’s possible to hear doom blues bands, DJs, folky singer-songwriters or your friend’s funk-metal two-piece. KC denizens seem drawn to The Ship, possibly for its historic, gritty warehouse beauty but also for the venue’s multiple stages and bars. Once inside, pick from the cozier, older side or the bigger renovated side. Music-wise, search online to find cover costs and performers.

SMALLER STAGES, OPEN MICS AND BARS

GREENWOOD SOCIAL HALL

1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO. greenwoodsocialhall.com. Matching the creative, innovative aura of the Westside, Greenwood Social Hall focuses on coming together to appreciate music, community and storytelling. And as a listening room within a historically Black Baptist church, it’s a venue unlike any other. The singer-songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, spoken word poets, folk artists and theater actors who fill the space are representative of KC’s vibrant and multi-faceted performing arts scene.

HILLSIDERS

403 N. Fifth St., KCK. hillsiderskck.com.

Aptly named for its Strawberry Hill locale, Hillsiders is a mecca for all kinds of music and musicians, from post-punk and funk to R&B and the occasional night of unruly outlaw country. The vibe and sound is hard to describe, which is part of what makes Hillsiders so fun in the first place. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, ever, and new, inventive genres and bands are part of the experience (and the norm).

RECORDBAR

1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO. therecordbar.com.

Another classic spot, recordBar has never been afraid to welcome new artists into the fold. This works both ways: The up-and-comers get a chance to perform, and the audience is exposed to new music, with talent coming in from overseas and small regional towns alike. A handful of bands that credit the Crossroads venue as their launching pad have gained fame, such as Mumford & Sons, and other musical legends in the making have been known to make it a stop, like Billie Eilish, who performed there in 2018. The venue’s history stretches back to 2005, when it originally opened in Westport.

SK8BAR

209 Westport Road, KCMO. sk8.bar.

The new kid on the block, Westport’s sk8bar debuted in 2024 and is a rare all-ages (for the most part) type of venue. It first opened in St. Joseph and has kept to its roots, mainly dealing in hardcore, hip-hop and dark, dubby industrial music. And it’s a good time. A real DIY grassroots affair that also moonlights as a skate shop and pinball room, sk8bar’s calendar can be found on its Instagram @sk8bar

THE PIANO ROOM

332 W. 75th St., KCMO. pianoroomonline.com. The Piano Room is a long-running Waldo centerpiece, and it’s easy to see why. Known as a space for newly on-the-scene musicians to test out their skills on the open mic night stage (Wednesdays from 8–11 pm), the beloved dive reopened in August after moving into new digs. The welcoming attitude here is sometimes hard to come by in the world of music, but whether it’s live piano or a young vocalist wowing the crowd, this positive energy lends itself to the neighborhood and beyond.

THE RINO

314 Armour Road, North KCMO. therinokc.com. Finally we come to The Rino in North Kansas City, a “loosely dinosaur-themed” favorite of music lovers all over town. Known for its nicely done sound design and for being attached to vegan ice cream shop Sweet EMOtion, The Rino is just the right size to be intimate yet lively, where you really feel close to the action and able to take in the show clearly. It’s also the place to be for comedy open mic night, happening for free on Wednesdays at 8 pm.

JAZZ CLUBS

MUTUAL MUSICIANS FOUNDATION

1823 Highland Ave., KCMO. themutualmusiciansfoundation.com.

Part museum and part century-old living legacy to KC’s jazz origins in the 18th & Vine Jazz District, the Mutual Musicians Foundation is renowned for its epic late-night jam sessions, starting at 1:30 am and stretching to 5 am. This is where both the greats and the up-and-comers go, and we’re lucky enough to witness it all. Cash only; $10 cover. Note that the space is open during the day, Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am–3 pm, for museum walkabouts.

BLACK DOLPHIN

1813 Grand Blvd., KCMO. blackdolphinlounge.com.

The sister club to Green Lady Lounge, Black Dolphin is cozy with a slight edge. Think: candlelit tables and starburst light fixtures casting a moody red glow into every corner. The music selections here really set the tone, though. Check the website for a full, reliable calendar of events to see who’s playing, plus find recordings from each show on the club’s Instagram @blackdolphinKCMO. A 21+ bar; always a $5 cover, cash or credit.

GREEN LADY LOUNGE

1809 Grand Blvd., KCMO. greenladylounge.com.

The famous Green Lady Lounge needs no introduction. Spread across two levels, it’s open and playing jazz seven days a week, 365 days a year. What’s more, its performers only play all-original compositions. And like Black Dolphin, you can always glance at an online schedule beforehand to see who’s playing, whether they’ve been sharing a stage for years or are only in town for a night. Take the Mark Slimm and Jeff Shirley trios, for instance—both regularly rotating players. This one fills up fast, so arrive early to snag a seat. Always a $10 cover, cash or credit.

LONNIE’S RENO CLUB

1111 Grand Blvd., KCMO. lonniesrenoclub.com. Located inside the Ambassador Hotel, Lonnie’s Reno Club delivers a mix of fine dining and hot jazz, led by accomplished trumpeter, vocalist and tap dancer Lonnie McFadden and his band. Reservations are available for Friday and Saturday night sessions, which include tickets and a welcome drink; the prix fixe menu is available for purchase in-person. Expect wellmade cocktails and an elegant meal, and come dressed to impress.

THE BLUE ROOM

1600 E. 18th St., KCMO. americanjazzmuseum.org/blue-room. Also in the Jazz District, The Blue Room is operated by the fantastic American Jazz Museum. Be sure to visit on Mondays for no-cover jam sessions starting at 7 pm; on the first and second Thursdays of each month for free jazz at noon; or on Friday and Saturday nights (for a $10 cover). Although each month brings different acts, The Blue Room has hosted folks like Kansas City native saxophonist, composer and educator Bobby Watson, and the city’s late “queen of jazz” Ida McBeth. See a full schedule and reserve tickets at the website.

UPSCALE, GRAND AND HISTORIC SPACES

THE MIDLAND THEATRE

1228 Main St., KCMO. midlandkc.com.

Driving up and down Main Street, you’ve likely noticed this historic theater with its gorgeous grand entrance, particularly when it’s all lit up at night. The Midland was built in 1927 and has been presenting live music and entertainment ever since. From three-piece pop bands and alt rock musicians to standup comedians, the offerings here are always top-notch. It doesn’t hurt that it’s well within walking distance of multiple restaurants, bars and the streetcar.

1900 BUILDING

1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods. 1900bldg.com. More than just a pretty face, the 1900 Building in Mission Woods oozes class and talent to the nth degree. Here, you can hear a chamber orchestra from the Park University International Center for Music, whose students and faculty regularly perform there, or a soulful horn, violin and piano performance. On top of the tunes, The Restaurant at 1900 has been nominated for two James Beard Awards, one in 2023 and the other in 2025. Who can turn down dinner and a show?

CHAZ ON THE PLAZA

325 Ward Parkway, KCMO. raphaelkc.com/chazontheplaza.

Speaking of luxe date ideas, here’s another one: Chaz on the Plaza. Situated inside the Raphael Hotel, the French-influenced eatery is known for its live jazz players, who take the stage each night from 6 to 10 pm and include names like The Mengel Brothers, Jackie Myers, Emily Dix and others. Chaz is also recognized as one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, so in theory, you could book a stay here, experience great food and music, and never have to leave. Now that’s luxury. (In any case, reservations are encouraged.)

KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

1601 Broadway Blvd., KCMO. kauffmancenter.org.

Everyone should get to experience live music at the Kauffman Center at least once in their lives. The extremely dynamic setting and equally impressive acoustics are just two reasons for this. In addition to being home to the Kansas City Symphony, which performs in Helzberg Hall, Kauffman is home to the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Kansas City Ballet in Muriel Kauffman Theatre. Touring performing artists and ensembles also perform under the same iconic roof. Both the city and its skyline are incomplete without this rich cultural resource.

STARLIGHT THEATRE

4600 Starlight Road, KCMO. kcstarlight.com.

At 75 years old, this huge, castle-shaped outdoor theater is one of Kansas City’s crown jewels—and for good reason. Not only do big-time names come through for concerts, but guests can catch nationally touring Broadway musicals and family-friendly special events. And like the castle design would suggest, the Swope Park setting itself is quite magical. It’s perfect for pressing the reset button on your brain in the great outdoors.

UPTOWN THEATER

3700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO. uptowntheater.com.

Ah, the Uptown Theater. Music lovers from KC and beyond most likely have memories tied to these storied Midtown walls. But if not, or if you’re keen on another round, peep the upcoming shows list; you might find that your favorite singer-songwriter is making a stop here. Might we suggest pre- or post-gaming at June’s Night Club across the street? It has a glittery disco or electronica DJ most nights—a complement to your evening out on the town.

PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA MORSMAN

From FOUNTAINS to FUNK

WITH DEEP JAZZ ROOTS AND A UNESCO CITY OF MUSIC DESIGNATION, KC’S MUSICIANS SAY IT’S TIME FOR THE CITY TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD

By David Hodes

Kemet Coleman, a local musician, urbanist and co-owner of Vine Street Brewing Co., thinks Kansas City is in need of a rebrand. “The brand right now is City of Fountains, and it needs to be City of Music,” Coleman says.

Many cities of a similar size and musical significance, like New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville, have booming entertainment industries supported by their local city governments, according to Anita Dixon-Brown, executive director and founder of Creative City KC. KC has the history and talent to be a comparable tourism destination, but the infrastructure to support that has not materialized organically, despite being given the honor as a United Nations-designated City of Music in 2017, the first in North America at the time. A few months ago, New Orleans was also granted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization City of Music designation, making it the second North American city to have the title. KC’s UNESCO program is led by the nonprofit organization CCKC. KC’s UNESCO application process was a collaboration between Dixon-Brown and Jacob Wagner, the director of UMKC’s Urban Studies program. Wagner is now the coordinator of the UNESCO Creative Cities music sub-network for the next two years. “Kansas City of today is very different from the Kansas City we grew up in, where there were a lot more festivals, there was more consistency, more kind of permanence,” says Wagner. He’d like to see that Kansas City again. The designation was a big deal for KC, joining 73 other UNESCO cities of music around the world, such as Caracas, Venezuela; Kingston, Jamaica; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In December 2022, the city of Kansas City awarded CCKC $425,000 to support its membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities network and to implement UNESCO’s eight-point music strategy.

In the Crescent City (New Orleans), officials are already considering allocating a whopping $25 million to a music strategy development. Those involved in KC’s music scene are lobbying for similar monetary support, arguing it would radically transform KC’s music industry.

Coleman, along with other local musicians, are advocating for more support from city government to make sure KC isn’t overshadowed by New Orleans. In an open letter published on Vine Street Brewing Co.’s website in January, Coleman had three calls to action: establish a Kansas City Office of Music; invest in infrastructure, meaning supporting public school music education, preserving the Jazz District, and creating artist grant programs and tax incentives for music businesses; and develop a music strategy. Initiatives would include partnerships with other cities, a music licensing program, an annual city-wide music week and positioning the Jazz District as an entertainment and tourism destination.

Some artists argue that KC doesn’t even have much of an industry to speak of but rather lots of performers working restaurant and bar gigs. “I think some of those things, like creating the Kansas City music office—which I think CCKC is starting to work on—will really build a music industry, which we actually don’t have here,” Coleman says.

Recently, CCKC presented an eight-point global music strategy to capitalize on the designation, outlining specific steps to make the program work in hopes that Kansas City would adopt it as a framework for developing the local music industry and an official Office of Music.

Kansas City Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, whose district includes the 18th and Vine historic jazz district, sponsored a resolution supporting the music strategy. As the city faces a $100 million deficit in the coming years, she thinks that an investment in KC’s music industry is a prudent move. “We have a whole industry that is under-activated that could help us with this deficit,” Robinson says. “We have something that makes sense, and we want to take action on it, but we have to invest in it.”

There is movement underway. On October 30, the city passed Robinson’s resolution to make a citywide music strategy policy that would support the UNESCO designation. The resolution has been put on hold due to concerns from musicians and others working in KC’s music scene about how some of CCKS’s proposed recommendations would operate.

The resolution directed City Manager Mario Vasquez to convene an internal working group to review the recommendations, confer with stakeholders and report back to the council within 120 days.

After the meeting, Robinson noted that at least now there was something tangible going forward. “Now we can say, ‘Let’s do these things together as a city,’” Robinson says. “That’s the first step. That’s not the final step.”

Co-owner of Vine Street Brewing Co. Kemet Coleman

Feeding the Feed

Meet the 2025 Kansas City Restaurant Association’s Influencer of the Year finalists

By Nicole Kinning

Photography by ltzel Sanchez and Alex Todd

Kansas City’s restaurant scene has never been better, and a talented group of local creators is making sure to get the word out. ¶ Each year, the Missouri Restaurant Association’s Kansas City chapter recognizes content creators who help capture our city’s thriving dining scene. Their feeds, brimming with genre-bending dishes, chef spotlights and mouthwatering video roundups, are fueling our city’s culinary revolution. Each creator brings something unique to the table, and they’re shaping the way food lovers experience KC, one post at a time. Get to know the nominees before the winner is announced at the Missouri Restaurant Association’s Blues & Brews Gala on January 3.

From Wichita, with Taste Annie Bui

When Annie Bui moved to Kansas City from Wichita in 2018, the biggest issue wasn’t finding good food. It was finding space on her phone. “I was always a person that loved taking photos of my food,” she says. “My storage was just filling up with all of these new places. I was like, ‘You know what? I kind of want to put these somewhere,’ and that’s how my Instagram was created.”

Like many content creators who started posting pre-2020, the art of short-form video transformed everything, and that’s how Bui found her stride. Today, her content strikes a balance between what’s trending—from viral fruit pastries to Dubai chocolate brownies—and her personal passion for Asian-American cuisine, though she’s never afraid to branch out.

What Bui loves most about Kansas City’s food scene is its duality as a barbecue hotspot and as a hub for culinary creativity. “We have such a diverse food scene that’s always growing in combination with great traditional, family-owned spots.”

Current favorite: “Slow Rise doughnuts in Overland Park. I don’t mind waiting in line for them. I’m excited to see them open their brick-and-mortar.”

Wander and Dine Neyan Babani @neyanventures

For Neyan Babani, Kansas City’s food scene looks even better through the lens of a seasoned traveler. While her Instagram account initially focused on her adventures abroad, her audience had other ideas.

“When I would share local stuff, I would get so many questions,” she says. “‘Where is that? Can you share more?’ The message was clear: My followers wanted to see Kansas City.”

Her globetrotting perspective has sharpened her appreciation for what makes Kansas City special.

“There’s a huge sense of pride from chefs and owners,” Babani says. Along the way, she has discovered plenty of connections between travels and home. Her approach keeps her exploring even familiar corners of the city while focusing on elevating the under-the-radar gems. “I love supporting local businesses and new concepts, especially when they’re different or new or they’re an overlooked spot.”

Current favorite: “Noka. When I visited Japan, the food there was absolutely amazing. So when I came back here and I tried Noka… Oh, my goodness. It was very similar to Japan. It was even better.”

Table for Two

Date Night KC @datenight.kc

The start of Megan and Quentin Harrison’s foodstagram was more strategic than most. When Quentin’s virtual graduate program at the University of Southern California required a capstone project, he saw an opportunity to turn a shared passion into something bigger. Together, he and Megan created Date Night KC, which was part passion project (to document their favorite date spots), part academic case study in digital media management.

At the same time, their friends were constantly asking for restaurant recommendations, and the couple realized there was a gap to fill. “We felt there was something missing with the information on the videos that we were seeing of some restaurants,” Megan says. “So we wanted to give a more comprehensive picture of how the service was and label the food.”

The duo dives deep into Kansas City’s dining scene, spotlighting the chefs, bartenders and concepts that make each restaurant stand out. They also praise our city’s ability to go outside the box that the Midwest often lives in. “So many people have always thought of Kansas City as a barbecue community, which is phenomenal,” Quentin says. “But now we have so much more.”

Current favorites: “Baccaro Primo is definitely one of my favorite spots. Their pastas are always off the charts and so fresh,” Megan says. As for Quentin, “Scratch Gourmet Kitchen has really elevated within the last year. They brought in Sage Monet from Drastic Measures, and she’s done an amazing job transforming the cocktail list.”

Home, Reimagined

Katie McLiney Wiewel @lo.kc.al

When Katie McLiney Wiewel graduated from the University of Arkansas a semester early, returning to her hometown of Kansas City felt like a temporary setback. “None of my friends were back here yet, and I didn’t really want to be here,” she admits. “The place where you grow up, in your mind, is always the most boring place in the world.”

Instead of counting down the days until she could leave, Wiewel challenged herself to make the most of it and see her hometown with fresh eyes. She began posting about what she loved here on Instagram, and before she knew it, a decade had passed.

“There is just something about Kansas City, this entrepreneurial spirit that’s really embedded in the entire city,” she says. “Once you spend any amount of time here, it’s hard to want to leave.”

Her nomination for Influencer of the Year is especially meaningful in a city full of talented creators. “Kansas City has such a vibrant community of influencers, and being recognized among them feels like a true honor,” she says.

Current favorite: “The Easy Inn in Strawberry Hill. My grandparents met there in the ’60s. Their burgers are unbelievable.”

Mikita, Unfiltered Mikita Burton @allthingsmikita

Mikita Burton’s content creation career started back in the mommy blogging days. “I started way, way back before social media, when you’d actually have to type the text and do the blogging,” she jokes. What began as chronicling kid-friendly activities around the city has evolved into being one of our most trusted food voices.

Burton’s approach sets her apart in an era of curated feeds and polished posts. “I am what you call an honest influencer,” she says. She tells it like it is, no sugarcoating. That authenticity, combined with her knack for spotting hidden gems, has earned her a loyal following. She also credits KC’s entrepreneurial spirit for fostering such a vibrant food community. “We have room for everyone,” she says. “If you have a dream, you can probably do it with a food truck or a pop-up.”

Her nomination for Influencer of the Year came as a surprise, but it means a lot. “It’s an honor because that means my little corner of the internet and my little world of Kansas City is reaching people, and they like to see it,” she says.

Current favorite: “Governor Stumpy’s has the best chocolate cake in the world. That’s literally what I’m having for my birthday next month.”

From Plans to Platform

Brenda Cortes @bbcortess

Brenda Cortes has always been the friend with the plan. For years, she’d been the one crafting weekend itineraries and scouting new restaurants for visiting friends. But it took a nudge from her now-fiancé to realize her gift could reach beyond her inner circle, prompting her to start sharing her experiences on TikTok.

The journey wasn’t always smooth. “I did give it up for a little bit just because I was getting no views,” Cortes says. But her persistence paid off—not just in followers but in the impact she’s had on the local dining scene. She often receives messages from restaurant owners crediting her viral videos with driving business booms and expansions.

Those success stories fuel Cortes’s passion for the evolving foodscape, and her mission goes beyond her feed. “It’s more than just posting content,” she says. “It feels like I am supporting my community, which is an incredible thing to do with a platform.”

Current favorite: “Chambre Coffee is a new matcha spot in Westport. I think they’re one of the best matchas I’ve had in Kansas City so far.”

The most delicious days of the year are back in January, offering endless ways to sample and savor Kansas City’s culinary landscape. Plus, a portion of all proceeds benefit reStart.

January 9-18

Yuletides and Yule Logs

By Tyler Shane

PASCAL LARCHER STARTED his French bakery, Velouté, alongside his wife, Brianna, as a way to bring the flavors of his hometown, Toulon—a small town in Provence, France—to Kansas City. Located in a booth at the Overland Park Farmers market, where Larcher has been a vendor for the past six years, Velouté is known for its croque monsieurs, pain au chocolat and canneles. But as the holiday season approaches, Pascal turns his attention to the bûche de Noël, the elaborate and painstakingly detailed French Christmas cake. A bûche de noël consists of vanilla sponge cake rolled in chocolate

Photography by Brianna Larcher

mousse and covered with a dark chocolate ganache made with the very high-quality brand Callebaut. Rolled up, the cake looks like a swiss roll, and its cylindrical shape is decorated to evoke a yule log (which is another name for it). Pascal adds his own touch with some mushrooms, made out of meringue. All the decor is edible except for the fresh holly twigs.

If you’re looking to place an order for one—and you should—Pascal and Brianna usually close their online ordering mid-December (veloutekc.com). You’ll pick it up at the Matt Ross Community Center in Overland Park (they’ll offer more details when you order).

According to tradition, burning an actual yule log is thought to bring luck and prosperity going into the coming year. But if you can’t find a yule log to burn, eating one from Velouté should suffice. Maybe make sure to eat it in its entirety, for safe measure.

Fried and True

HEN TIMES ARE GOOD, there’s fried chicken.

When you’re down on your luck, there’s fried chicken. As food costs soar (with no end in sight), there’s still fried chicken.

The beauty of a crisp, juicy drumstick or tender thigh needs no explanation, but part of fried chicken’s universal magic is its simple and cost-effective ingredients. A breaded bird plunked into piping hot oil is accessible to most, if not all. You can put some lipstick on it, sure, and some of the spots on this list do, but, you usually don’t need to stretch your wallet to order a half bird fried to golden glory.

There’s also beauty in the mess. Fried chicken humbles us all. Whether you’re donning a plaid button-up and Patagonia vest among

your rich in-laws at Rye or sitting at Gus’s vinyl tablecloths with a forty to wash it all down, it’s of no matter. One must dig in with bare hands and feast down to the bone.

Kansas City has no shortage of solid fried chicken. The delicious strips of Korean fried chicken at CM in Overland Park shouldn’t be missed. I loved the box of crispy wings from District Biskuits; same with the fried and battered cuts from Corner Cafe. Upon a recent visit, Stroud’s original location up North still held up well (I can’t vouch for the other locations, helmed by different ownership). And although I grew up on buckets of Church’s, the KC-based chain Go Chicken Go still has my respect.

For this list, restaurants needed to coat their chicken in some sort of breading or batter and offer both dark and white meat. Enjoy, preferably with both hands. And don’t forget the napkins.

KC Fry Bros

knows its way around a bird.

By Tyler Shane Photography by Zach Bauman

KC FRY BRO’S (1419 E. 55th St., KCMO, kcfrybros.com)

KC Fry Bro’s owner Hamza Khan is originally from Pakistan. He came to the U.S. when he was a teenager and worked at various fast food joints. But it wasn’t until he worked at J’s Chicken and Fish off Prospect Avenue that he began to enjoy it—mostly because it wasn’t a corporate job. What makes his fried chicken some of the best in town? According to Khan, it’s that it’s halal.

Among the many halal practices, when it comes to butchering animals, every drop of blood is drained, and this makes a huge difference in taste, Khan says. Also a big differentiating factor in taste is the hefty dose of lemon pepper seasoning he puts on every order.

“People call it ‘crack seasoning,’ “Khan says. “Our customers can’t get enough.”

Most people liken his dishes to Louisiana-style fried chicken, probably due to the heavy, bold seasoning, Khan says. When asked if his Pakistani roots have influenced his cooking, Khan says that among the many spices, he adds turmeric, but it’s so subtle you barely notice it, and this is true.

When you visit, you’ll find a massive menu (that includes seafood) and a small dining area with a mural of a chicken smoking a doobie (painted by local muralist Whitney Kerr). When you order at the window, Khan will tell you that your order will, at best, take 10 to 15 minutes because everything is cooked to order. And for a little sweetness, be sure to order a side of fried okra or fried green beans.

GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN

(multiple locations, gusfriedchicken.com)

For most lists of this kind, I almost strictly focus on locally owned establishments. But if there is any exception to my dedication to our city’s small businesses, it’s Gus’s.

When I ask local franchisee Stephen Zanone about Gus’s recipe, he doesn’t even try to indulge me. “It’s a secret,” he says. When I push a little more and inquire about the subtle heat that’s delivered slowly, almost on the back end, while chewing through each juicy reddish-gold piece—certainly a signature of the chain—all he gives me is, “We use a pepper blend.”

I suppose part of Gus’s success is its (clearly very serious) protocols. In each restaurant, there’s a room dedicated to hand-carving and preparing the chickens—that way, the recipe can remain out of sight of anyone who hasn’t signed an NDA. Instead of breading the chicken, Gus’s coats it in a batter, which makes for a thin, crisp outer layer that doesn’t just crunch when you bite into it but shatters. Each bite releases a dam of juices onto your tongue. It’s no surprise that Gus’s won the National Fried Chicken Competition in New Orleans this year.

During Covid, you could get a 40-ounce beer with your order, but liquor laws have changed, and Zanone says they’re not as easy to source. But maybe there’s hope.

“We love a good chicken and a forty,” Zanone says. “We should really bring that back.”

PEACHTREE CAFETERIA

(6800 Eastwood Trafficway, KCMO & 2128 E. 12th St., KCMO, peachtreecafeteria.com)

“They put their foot in this,” my husband said while eating my leftover meal from PeachTree Cafeteria. For those unaware of the phrase, it’s high praise. Unable to finish my PeachTree meal, the fried chicken, fried mac and cheese, collard greens,and mashed potatoes and gravy came home with me. Somehow, even after 45 minutes of sitting at room temperature, every bit of PeachTree’s three-piece, two-side platter still hit the spot.

The soul food joint, owned by Vera Willis from Tallulah, Louisiana, serves its food cafeteria-style. Point to a dish and an employee will start piling your order on a tray. At PeachTree, they make their perfectly salty, Cajun-spiced fried chicken every day. Other beauties, like neck bones and gumbo, make occasional appearances throughout the week.

PeachTree is one of those incredible spots where the fried chicken—the star of the operation—is matched in excellence by its side dishes. The long wilty strands of house-made collard greens were simple with wonderful texture, the gravy was peppery, and the sweet potato cornbread was warm with spices.

“There’s nothing weird or crazy, which goes back to my training. Just let the product shine.”

RYE

(10551 Mission Road, Leawood & 4646 Mill Creek Parkway, KCMO, ryekc.com)

If you’re going to splurge on fried chicken, it should be at Rye. Of all the fried chicken I’ve eaten recently, Rye’s was adorned with the most flaky, crispy coating.

NIECIE’S RESTAURANT

(6441 Troost Ave., KCMO, nieciesrestaurant.com)

There’s a lot more to Niecie’s, a longstanding soul food spot off Troost, than fried chicken, like oxtails and pig ear sandwiches. Usually, I’d encourage you to explore past your comfort zone. But ordering the three-piece plate from Niecie’s is my personal ritual (with the exception of ordering the biscuits and gravy in the morning).

This year marks the restaurant’s 40-year anniversary, so the fried chicken recipe is tried and true. It’s southern fried—dredged in flour before being tossed and rolled in a cast iron skillet. The outer coating is crisped to a burnished gold and, like everything at Niecie’s, seasoned to perfection. The outer layer is perfectly salty, making the juicy meat inside that much more savory.

Husband-and-wife Colby and Megan Garrelts turned a leaf when they opened Rye with a comforting Midwestern menu after having helmed the former upscale gastronomic Blue Stem in Westport for 17 years. Chef Colby is a 2013 James Beard Foundation Best Chef Midwest award winner and 2005 Food & Wine Top 10 Best New Chef. So, why the switch?

“Fine dining is hard in the sense that it’s a young man’s game,” he says. “You have to be locked in all the time, chasing trends. When we started Rye, our kids were younger, and we really just wanted to build an elevated family restaurant.”

Colby doesn’t keep his fried chicken recipe close to his chest. “There’s nothing weird or crazy, which goes back to my training,” he says. “Just let the product shine.”

There’s salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika—all the usual seasonings. The quality starts with the chickens, which are all-natural from Redbird Farms. They’re brined overnight and left to dry, something Colby says is crucial for the breading to adhere better. Finally, they’re drenched in a “slurry,” or flour and water combination. As for that ultra-flaky crust that makes for a visceral crunch, that’s made with the help of baking soda. The accompanying house-brined pickles are an obvious but uncommon side that cuts the hearty chicken with a sour tang.

Swordfish Tom’s

The Campground Wild Child

The Restaurant at 1900

Olives Optional The metro’s coolest martinis right now

By Ryan Reed

THE MARTINI, in its quintessential V-shaped glass, stands as perhaps the most iconic of cocktails. Traditionally a blend of gin and dry vermouth, variations now include chocolate, vodka or espresso. I’m a whiskey man myself, but I have become fascinated with the martini in its most pure and original form. But certain variations of it merit their own praise.

Although the instance of the cocktail’s creation is debated, consumption of the martini became common during the Prohibition era. Gin was easier to produce illicitly, and speakeasies embraced the martini’s simple yet potent concoction. The ratio changed during Prohibition and beyond, from two parts gin to one part vermouth all the way to the “driest version, which is 15 parts gin to one part vermouth. Kansas City is host to no shortage of inspired cocktail bars, and on my search for the city’s best martini, I found several that stick pretty closely to the original recipe. Still, across the city, martinis run the gamut from classic to creative and provide a spectrum that both the purist and the adventurer are sure to appreciate.

The Basics

SWORDFISH TOM’S (210 W. 19 Terrace, KCMO)

When asked to make the truest of martinis, co-owner Jill Cockson mixed a pre-Prohibition-style cocktail that redefined my understanding. With only a two to one gin to vermouth ratio, a few dashes of orange bitters and a twist of lemon, the martini Cockson served was one of the most subtle and delicious drinks I have ever had. With high, full citrus, the drink was light and bitter with no burn in the finish. It was elegant and delicately balanced, and I could have drunk them all evening.

THE RESTAURANT AT 1900

(1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods)

Another pre-Prohibition style, the martini at 1900 amazes with what a few dashes of orange bitters can do. The Swedish gin warms you clearly and cleanly, and the expression of the lemon on the glass is delicate, making this cocktail understated and powerful with only the slightest hint of brine from the sherry-infused olive garnish.

The Crossovers

THE CAMPGROUND

(1531 Genessee St., KCMO)

The Campground delivers a whole experience with their martini, serving a small glass of the premixed, near-frozen drink while the accoutrements are prepared (which lovingly include a small bowl of salt and vinegar potato chips as a palate cleanser). The blend of three gins is loud and busy, like an argument among friends, and the combination of vermouth and sherry are the delightful friendship that keep it all together.

WILD CHILD

(11022 Johnson Drive, Shawnee)

“The coldest martini in town” is served in a fish flask nestled in a bait bucket packed with kakigori shaved ice (whisper-thin ice hand cranked from a block using a kakigori machine). Wild Child uses an overproof gin and dry vermouth to sit with the homemade caperberry distillate and brine. It is just enough not to overpower the spirits. As the drink warms, the brine shines, and the caperberry bite at the end is nothing short of pure magic.

The Extremes

GREEN DIRT ON OAK

(11022 Johnson Drive, Shawnee)

As close to “off the rails” as you can get while still staying true to form, the “Cheese Kitchen Martini” is a savory adventure. The whey brine (whey is a byproduct from the cheese-making process) opaques the cocktail and curls the sides of your tongue to allow the gin to rest in your mouth. Garnished with olives and rimmed with a black pepper dusting, this is a journey toward the furthest end of savory.

ACRE

(6325 Lewis St., Parkville, MO)

The Wooded Acre Martini is full of flavor and hot with intensity. Piney with a hit of citrus, the blended gins—Lillet Blanc and Dolin dry vermouth—stand packed among the Douglas Fir Eau du Vie. Garnished with olives, lemon and thyme, this boldly complicated flavor interacts with your entire palate.

Green Dirt on Oak

Acre

From Hole in the Wall to Hall of Fame

KC Turkey Leggman Lands on the New York Times’ Best Restaurants List

By John Martellaro

IS KC TURKEY LEGGMAN, a tiny takeout barbecue stand near 18th and Quindaro in Kansas City, Kansas, one of the 50 best restaurants in America?

Of course not, despite the New York Times declaring it so earlier this year. But their unique featured dish, a barbecued turkey leg, is a truly outstanding exemplar of classic KC ’cue.

The Times is the Times, so ever since the article was posted on Sept. 8, the oncequiet restaurant has had lines of people waiting outside, ready to devour a turkey leg when the doors open, says owner Matthew Montgomery, aka the Turkey Leggman.

Now that he’s nationally famous, has success changed him, his restaurant or his food?

“Not really,” Montgomery says. “No ad lib. Just stick to the script.”

Brett Anderson, who wrote the 113-word paean to Leggman for the Times, has the bona fides to make a “best-of” call. He was restaurant critic at the Times-Picayune in New Orleans from 2000 to 2019 before becoming a contributor to the Times food desk, and he’s won three James Beard awards.

Still, the list is a committee project made by 14 NYT writers and editors. I suspect that, collectively, this is a classic example of coastal types poking around flyover country and saying “aw, isn’t that quaint.”

Which is not to take anything away from how good the food is. You should go get some ’cue there. Soon.

The turkey leg is a sight to behold as well as a delight to eat. It’s huge and looks medieval, but it tastes divine: tender, moist, subtly smoked and seasoned, and deeply flavorful. If the turkey legs at the KC Renaissance Festival tasted like this, I’d buy a ticket every week just to eat one. Shards of deep brown skin come away in the process of cutting it up (no way could I eat the whole thing in one sitting). They’re anything but crisp, but they’re still a smoky, fatty, delightful indulgence. Montgomery’s special seasoning is a secret he won’t divulge. He smokes the turkey legs and other meats over a variety of woods including hickory, pecan and cherry. Four different sauces are available: BBQ, jerk, buffalo and honey gold. BBQ and jerk are the most popular. The BBQ is dark and sweet. The jerk sauce is strongly flavored with vinegar and chilies, buffered with molasses; used sparingly, it enhances the turkey without overpowering it.

Other offerings include both turkey and beef smoked sausages and tasty burnt ends served sloppy joe-style with plenty of sauce on a burger bun. Smoked chicken wings and turkey ribs (yes, you read that right) round out the menu.

Leggman is famous for the Bustdown, a turkey leg served over a bed of their most popular side—macaroni and cheese. The mac features nicely firm elbow pasta in a creamy white cheese sauce. Stewed greens, also very popular, are richly flavorful with a sneak-up-onyou spiciness. Their beans are sweet and peppery, with both chilies and bell pepper playing key roles. Simply because it’s takeout only, french fries suffer from the trip home in a closed Styrofoam container. Montgomery isn’t looking to expand his modest takeout stand or add a slew of new offerings. For the future, he’s focused on the upcoming World Cup games in Kansas City and hopes to be on the scene with a new food truck.

↓ Check it out:

1916 Quindaro Blvd., KCK, kcturkeyleggman.com.

Hey, once you’re nationally renowned, why not shoot for global recognition?

Growing Taste

Restaurateur Whitney VinZant keeps a low profile, but his growing restaurant group is redefining Kansas City’s restaurant landscape

By Tyler Shane

IF YOU FOLLOW Kansas City restaurant news, you’ve probably come across Whitney VinZant’s name. His restaurant group, W. VinZant Restaurants, has 14 locations under its portfolio now. Recently, VinZant and his team acquired the Plaza’s Café Trio, in business since 2004. The restaurateur keeps a low profile, but his influence is growing.

W. VinZant Restaurants began over a decade ago with the opening of Louie’s Wine Dive, VinZant’s first concept in Des Moines. “At the time, the restaurant scene was dominated by chains,” VinZant says. “In many ways, Louie’s was the antithesis of that.” Louie’s introduced lesser-known wine varietals and allowed guests to order any bottle by the glass—an uncommon practice then. Rather than opening in a strip mall or shopping center like most restaurants at the time, VinZant opened Louie’s in the Drake neighborhood, a trendy older section of town surrounding Drake University. Although his restaurant empire has grown, VinZant’s philosophy has stayed the same. The foundation to success is the people, he says.

“You build a team,” VinZant says. “Find people who have experience, who are knowledgeable, who have ambition. Do whatever you can to bring them to your team.”

Some of Louie’s Wine Dive employees have been working at the restaurant for 15 years. “People can feel the culture of a restaurant,” VinZant says.

This year, W. VinZant Restaurants caused a stir, partnering with three longtime Kansas City establishments—Waldo Pizza, Café Trio and Bo Lings. Some might assume a partnership only happens when a restaurant is struggling, but VinZant says restaurants also reach out when they want to change but aren’t sure how, like Bo Lings on the Plaza.

After sharing home-cooked meals with friend Richard Ng, whose family owns Bo Lings, VinZant wondered why the dishes Ng prepared weren’t served at the restaurant. These meals were truer to Ng’s Chinese heritage than the menu. Ng explained that when the family opened Bo Lings in the 1980s, diners were less receptive to traditional Chinese cuisine. This year, however, the Ngs were ready to try something new. “It was a matter of listening,” VinZant says. “They wanted more focus on the bar and finer dining. We had experience doing just that.” The partnership led to a reimagined Bo Lings, now known as Heritage. The revamped Heritage blends authenticity with modern polish.

WHITNEY VINZANT’S PERFECT DAY IN KC

VinZant’s partnership with Waldo Pizza, a neighborhood mainstay, looks a little different. “We’re not going to change the pizza, the sauce, the crust, the things that make Waldo Pizza beloved,” he says. Instead, his group is helping the restaurant expand into new territory, including refrigerated pizzas and sauces that are now available in Cosentino’s Markets. After a trip to the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, VinZant and his team discovered packaging technology that keeps the product fresher longer, and that has helped streamline the process.

Rise & Shine

I’m heading to Front Range for an Americano. I love Tyler Enders, the owner. He’s a good friend, so I love supporting him. I never eat breakfast, so coffee is the fuel.

Patio Weather

On a warm, sunny day, about 70 degrees, I would love to have a glass of our Riesling on the patio of Gram & Dun. I always eat the kale and spinach caesar salad with grilled chicken that they cook perfectly. I’ll try to keep my conversation with Stephen Molloy, the general manager, to a minimum.

Dinner

Honestly, I love to cook at home with the family, so I’ll grill some steaks. We have 40 heads of cattle south of Wichita in Udall, and we harvest them with Stroot Lockers. We jokingly call that our Udall Wagyu.

VinZant recognizes that restaurant closures attract more scrutiny than other business failures. “Other businesses close just as often,” he says, “but they don’t get near the publicity that restaurants do. Maybe that has something to do with their place in the community.” The average lifespan of a restaurant is three to five years, and VinZant says the only way to combat that shelf life is by adapting.

“Many restaurants that come to us are looking to change something,” he says. “Their leadership wants something new— maybe in the business, maybe personally. If we think we can add value, we try to give them new opportunities.”

Kansas City certainly hasn’t heard the last of VinZant. His restaurant group keeps growing, and he doesn’t plan on changing his approach of collaborating and listening in order to keep diners coming back and enticing new ones.

Newsfeed

What’s new in Kansas City food and drink

By Tyler Shane

Hemma Hemma expands downtown in retro-inspired diner

Waldo’s beloved Hemma Hemma is opening a second location inside downtown’s Lightwell building (1100 Main St., KCMO). Described as “your cool aunt chic,” the new 4,000-square-foot spot nods to retro diner culture while keeping Hemma Hemma’s fresh, modern feel.

Hemma Hemma Dinnette’s menu will feature an In-N-Out-inspired burger, pastrami breakfast burrito, breakfast Reuben and familiar favorites like the herby chicken salad and BEC sandwich. Guests can also expect chilaquiles, masa pancakes, milkshakes, cocktails and house-made pastries. The location opens in February 2026 and will operate daily from 8 am–4 pm.

Paris Baguette comes to KC

After 16 years in the pharmacy world, longtime Overland Park resident Kari Khandelwal is trading prescriptions for pastries.

Khandelwal recently opened Kansas City’s first Paris Baguette bakery cafe (11137 W. 95th St., Overland Park), bringing the international brand’s croissants, fruit-filled cakes and artisan breads to the area. Inspired by a trip to New York where she first experienced Paris Baguette, Khandelwal was inspired by the similarities between baking and medicine, both requiring accuracy, care and a people-first mindset.

Khandelwal, a first-generation immigrant, mother and small-business owner, is already planning a second location in Missouri.

Plaza Provisions provides

Plaza Provisions, a food hall focused on local restaurants, opened last week inside the Country Club Plaza’s Cascade Hotel (4600 Wornall Road, KCMO). The food hall replaces the former Strang Chef Collective that closed late last year.

Current vendors include Guy’s Deli & Pizza, J. Rieger & Co., Lula Southern Provisions and Hawg Jaw Brew & Cue.

Goodbye, Bar Medici. Hello, Jade Jaguar.

The bougie Bar Medici officially closed its doors only to reopen as Jade Jaguar (1800 Walnut St., KCMO). The reinvented restaurant is a vibrant Mexico City-inspired cocktail bar. The new bar is a partnership between Manny Gomez, Seth Goldwasser and Exit Strategy, a local hospitality group that operates The Mercury Room and Verdigris and, previously, Monarch Bar. Jade Jaguar will mark the group’s fourth concept. Gomez, who has been steadily dominating KC’s craft cocktail scene, has been running Jade Jaguar as a pop-up for the past year alongside Goldwasser, formerly the bar manager at The Town Co.

While Bar Medici’s dining room evoked a sleek, high-end atmosphere, Jade Jaguar will be bright and colorful, meant to emulate Mexico City’s vibrant culture.

With 28 seats and additional standing room, the vibe will be social and flexible. Movable tables will make it easy to clear space for DJs, live music and dancing, turning the bar into a late-night destination.

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surreal estate

Pipe Dream

Was this historic mansion on UMKC’s campus built out of spite?

By Nicole Kinning

IF THERE’S ONE thing to know about Kansas City real estate, it’s that the grandest homes tell the best stories.

Built between 1912 and 1914, the limestone mansion on UMKC’s campus that would become Scofield Hall was the crowning achievement of clay pipe magnate Walter Dickey. In the early 20th century in Kansas City, clay was king. It was cheap, durable and essential for the infrastructure of a rapidly-growing city.

But Dickey’s ambitions extended far beyond sewers and pipe systems: He harbored a bitter rivalry with William Rockhill Nelson, founder of the Kansas City Star. Local legend claims that Dickey specifically chose his mansion’s hilltop location so Nelson would have to look at him from his own front porch. While unproven, this persistent myth captures the animosity between the two.

“It’s probably one of those things that makes a lot more sense in retrospect, knowing what happened,” says David Trowbridge, an associate research professor in digital and public humanities at UMKC. “All myths have a bit of truth in them. That’s why they persist.”

According to Trowbridge, Dickey was determined to take over the media dominance that Nelson held, so he launched his own newspaper to rival the Star The venture bled money and crumbled.

“When his name comes up, it’s usually about losing his fortune and going after Nelson and then leaving debt for his heirs,” Trowbridge says. But his legacy wasn’t always so doom and gloom. When the city’s brand-new convention center burned down just months before hosting the historic Democratic National Convention, Dickey and fellow industrialist Uriah Epperson personally raised funds to rebuild it in 90 days. The 1900 Democratic National Convention was a chance for Kansas City—just 20 years removed from being a muddy, goat-filled town—to prove itself as a major American city.

Back to the mansion: Enter William Volker, known as Kansas City’s greatest philanthropist. “He’s known as Mr. Anonymous because he gave not only to organizations but to individuals,” Trowbridge says. “If you needed help with rent, he was the guy.” Volker purchased the Dickey mansion from the indebted heirs in the early 1930s, “solving their problem and solving the problem of a university.”

In fall of 1933, the mansion became the entire University of Kansas City (later UMKC). A library occupied the first floor, and an old carriage house was converted into a gymnasium.

Today, you can still sense the building’s former grandeur. Plaques on the front porch commemorate speeches there, including one by the president of Mexico. Upon walking through the entryway, you’ll find what was the home’s great hall on the left, which is now a conference area.

The building was eventually renamed Scofield Hall after Carleton Scofield—the chancellor who oversaw the university’s transition from private to public institution. Perhaps the most poignant legacy lives in a brown house around the corner. Originally built for Dickey’s son in law, it became the university president’s residence, where, during World War II, the president’s wife opened her home to Japanese American students from internment camps and, later, to African American students during integration.

The rivalry that consumed Dickey’s fortune is long forgotten, but the mansion he built, whether it was a slight to his enemy or not, leaves a greater impact.

“[Dickey is] leaving this kind of legacy that wasn’t maybe his original intention,” Trowbridge says, “one layer after another.”

Photography by Ian Simmons