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Rockin’ Rollers

Wheels Of Fury

BY NINA CHERRY

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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

Tyler Shane

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Nina Cherry

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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

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WRITERS

Nina Cherry, Devan Dignan, David Hodes, Nicole Kinning, Ryan Reed, Ian Ritter, Tyler Shane and Hampton Stevens.

PHOTOGRAPHERS, ILLUSTRATORS AND GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Carlos Arrojo, Zach Bauman, Amber Deery, Amiel Green II, David Henderson, Samantha Levi, Laura Morsman, Anna Petrow and Dana P. Smith

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

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

KC Publishing, LLC

Lockdown Generation

Brains, Buzz and Big Dreams

Educating Kansas City

this month on kansascity mag.com

Centennial Celebration

In 1925, the year Judge Howard Frederic Sachs was born, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby was published and a film was shown on an airplane for the first time. Having turned 100 this past September, Sachs decided it was time to retire after serving nearly 50 years as a judge in the U.S. Courts Western District of Missouri. Read the full story here …

How Do You Pay for a Parent’s Elder Care?

When planning for long-term care, it’s important to understand the different funding options available beyond paying out of pocket.

Veteran's Aid

For veterans and their surviving spouses, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit offers monthly financial assistance to help cover in-home support, assisted living, or nursing care.

Long-term Care Insurance

70% of seniors will require long-term care, so preparing for the unexpected is an invaluable approach to elder care. Long-term care insurance is typically purchased before care is needed. It can reimburse costs for services, such as home health aides, adult day programs, or residential facilities.

Life Insurance, Life Settlement

Families who hold a life insurance policy may consider a life settlement, which allows them to sell the policy for a lump sum to be used toward care expenses.

Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS)

Many states offer HCBS through Medicaid, providing support like personal care, adult day health, or respite, so individuals can remain safely at home or in community settings. Understanding these options can help you and your family plan proactively and make informed decisions.

Senior Care Authority is a local resource that can help navigate the complexities of funding a family member’s elder care.

& Elaine Minter

This City’s Got Wheels

I STILL REMEMBER the thrill of my first pair of roller skates. It was my eighth birthday and the skates were a gift. They came the same year I unwrapped a pastel-blue satin bomber jacket with pink stripes—very ’70s chic. I idolized the older girls in the neighborhood gliding up and down the street in their shiny jackets, and once I had my own, I was in heaven.

A few decades later, I was living in Southern California, and to my delight, moving on wheels was once again all the rage. I took to rollerblading up and down the beach paths, with the sun on my face and music in my ears. It was freedom on wheels.

So when Kansas City magazine’s Arts and Entertainment Editor Nina Cherry pitched a story about the city’s roller derby teams, I was all in. Although it’s definitely a different type of skating, I can’t help but think Kansas City’s rollergirls feel that same sense of freedom when out on the rink. With showstopping athleticism and enough shenanigans to keep the audience enthralled, these players keep the teams rolling and the fans coming back for more. The derby world is classic KC—bold, spirited and full of community pride.

You can see that same sense of creativity and drive revealing itself in the stories populating the rest of the issue. From Brass Monkey’s inventive The Alchemist Experience cocktail—whose ingredients are chosen by the cards you pull from a deck—to UMKC’s winning men’s soccer team to our beloved independent bookstore Rainy Day Books celebrating its 50th anniversary, every story highlights the many ways Kansas City keeps moving forward.

And speaking of movement, we also spotlight a delicious trend taking over KC’s dining scene: a new wave of Japanese restaurants bringing everything from authentic ramen and sushi omakase to playful street-style izakayas to the table. It’s a reflection of how our city’s culinary identity continues to expand.

Finally, in this issue’s feature on education, our team dives into the latest statistics shaping classrooms across the metro area and looks at how schools are handling their many challenges.

Whether it’s on the rink, at the table or in the classroom, Kansas City’s energy is unmistakable—and it’s what keeps this city rolling forward.

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

Contributors

Anna Petrow, who contributed to various stories this issue, is a KCbased culinary, travel and lifestyle photographer. Her work has been featured in the New York Times and other national publications, but her favorite place to highlight is always her hometown.

Carlos

Carlos Arrojo, an illustrator from A Coruña, Spain, created an image for this issue’s education feature. His clients come from all corners of the globe and include global companies such as Perrier, Starbucks and UNICEF.

This issue’s cover photo of several roller derby queens was shot by Samantha Levi. A professional photographer, KC-based Levi shoots campaigns for commercial brands, fashion and the arts.

Anna Petrow Photographer

Arrojo Illustrator

Samantha Levi Photographer

Numbers From This Issue

Roll of the Dice

Last issue’s story about the whimsical art display of oversized dice tumbling out of a storm drain on Shawnee Mission Parkway garnered lots of attention. The 12-inch concrete cubes, installed to slow water flow down a steep embankment off the thoroughfare, were painted to add a little levity to everyone’s commute. It turns out Kansas Citians love the dice and wouldn’t mind seeing more public work projects made a little less dull.

My grandkids think it’s Yahtzee and are always trying to figure out the score!

- Julie Hirsch Spiking

I literally pass this everyday on my way to work and was thinking that an article like this had to have come out about this by now, ha, ha.

- Brie Cantrell

I noticed it months ago while driving my wife to work. I had no idea it actually served a purpose. I just assumed it was a clever way to add some art to a drain. And I had no idea how old it was.

- Brian Wilson

I drove by and noticed them for the first time a few weeks ago. I’m sure I had a confused look on my face.

“If we don’t help save the Earth, it could become really Wetrashy.use everyenergyday, so we have to make it cleaner.”

-

Could not figure out what it was about. This article helped a lot. Lol.

- Janette Marcel

Loving this. Would like to see more innovative ways to camouflage/utilize the [other] eyesores too.

- Sherie Strickland.

I smile every time I pass by.

- Patty Corriston

The number of Missouri school districts in the 2023–24 school year operating with a districtwide or partial-district four-day school week.

Page 48

The year Rainy Day Books opened. Page 40

The new maximum height limit, in feet, for a Plaza development proposed for the vacant Nordstrom lot. Page 19

Shout Out

A big thank you to Nicole Kinning, former Kansas City magazine assistant editor, who recently lent a helping hand to finish up some lingering projects and fix a few website bugs.

Jase Oxandale, fifth grade student inventor

Behind the Scenes Photographer Samantha Levi setting the stage for the November cover shoot.

JOIN THE HENRY W. BLOCH SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND THE REGNIER INSTITUTE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION FOR THE

Henry W. Bloch International Entrepreneur of the Year

J. CRAIG VENTER Founder, Chair and CEO of J. Craig Venter Institute

Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Inductee

PETER MALLOUK President and CEO of Creative Planning

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship

FATHER JUSTIN MATHEWS CEO of Reconciliation Services Founder of Thelma’s Kitchen

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SPONSORSHIPS AND TICKETS AVAILABLE

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Individual tickets: $150 ($50 tax deductible)

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Plaza Pit

How a height-limit amendment could reshape the Plaza skyline

By David Hodes

(Continued on next page)

Photography by David Henderson

(Continued from page 19)

THE COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA is on the cusp of a groundbreaking transformation—literally.

Kansas City council members recently approved a zoning amendment that allows for a 275-foot-tall, 18to 20-story building to fill the large vacant lot (4720 Jefferson St., KCMO) on the west side of the Plaza. The unanimous vote more than doubled the existing 130-foot height limit for the site, which Plaza owners say is necessary to attract developers and businesses to the area.

The eyesore of a hole was originally dug out to accommodate a Nordstrom store that never materialized. In April 2022, Nordstrom and the Plaza’s previous owners mutually agreed to halt the luxury department store’s planned relocation from Oak Park Mall, leaving the Plaza site empty.

Current Plaza building heights are limited to 45 to 190 feet to retain a “bowl” effect, as outlined by the

“A height exemption allows us to set a maximum and say we will never go past that and never have to go back to council to ask for more.”

“A height exemption [at the former Nordstrom lot] allows us to set a maximum and say we will never go past that and never have to go back to council to ask for more,” says Dustin Bullard, an architect and urban strategist with Charter Holdings, a company owned by Ray Washburne of Village Collections. “We’d rather just say this is ultimately the highest that we would ever want to go there, and then that helps us in the development and potential for what that could be.” Neighbors’ comments about a tall building on the edge of the Plaza have been a “mixed bag,” Bullard says. “A lot of people, I think, understand that additional density and uses are definitely needed on the Plaza. We have heard concerns that maybe that’s a little taller than some folks wanted. I also get calls and letters of support from others in the area that they would love to see a tall tower there and that additional density.”

During a public project presentation, Chris Harren, Plaza Bowl Overlay District and the city’s zoning ordinance. With the new zoning amendment, the vacant 3.3-acre parcel of land is outside the Plaza Bowl Overlay District, making it ripe for a luxury tower. Although renderings have been made and ideas for a mixeduse building floated, no concrete plans have been presented, and a construction timetable has yet to be established.

The new developers planning the west end building, Village Collections (formerly named HP Village Partners), bought the Plaza for a reported $760 million in 2024. They led the zoning amendment campaign, working with the city to get it approved.

the vice president of development for Village Collections, said the company has spent time studying the property over the last year to better understand it and its needs. He said that they have already spent upwards of $3 million on roofs, with another $3 million planned for next year.

Harren said that they are hoping to create an active, pedestrian-friendly first floor and outdoor area that has a “retail food and beverage type environment,” complementing the already existing shopping and dining experiences on the other side of Jefferson. “It could be a public plaza of sorts,” Harren says.

Roos on the Rise

UMKC’s soccer teams are scoring both on the field and in fans’ hearts, turning Durwood Stadium into a go-to spot

By Ian Ritter

KANSAS CITY IS buzzing with soccer. Between next summer’s FIFA World Cup matches, the powerhouse Kansas City Current, and Sporting KC’s ongoing struggle to regain its old form, it’s easy to overlook another team quietly building something special on the south edge of the Country Club Plaza—the UMKC Roos.

UMKC’s men’s soccer team finished the 2024 season with a record 14 wins, five losses, and three ties (14-5-3) overall and a 4-2-2 conference record. The historic season included reaching the NCAA Second Round before their run came to a close in an overtime game.

The men’s team, now in the thick of a promising season, is making noise in the Division I ranks. Their female counterparts are holding their own, too. And both squads are repping a sharp new look: a blue-and-gold kangaroo crest with its fists up, ready to scrap. It’s confident, playful and exactly the kind of energy the Roos are bringing to the pitch.

Men’s head coach Ryan Pore, who took over in January 2020, has watched interest steadily climb. He credits the Roos’ growing popularity to not only to a winning team but also the overall UMKC spectator soccer experience.

For fans, catching a game at UMKC’s Durwood Soccer Stadium has become a whole new experience. Since 2020, the university has been steadily investing in the facility, swapping in professional-grade turf—the same kind used by MLS and NFL teams—and polishing the place into one of the Midwest’s better small-college soccer venues.

This season brought an extra dose of Kansas City flair with the debut of the Cupini’s Corner Kick Club presented by Boulevard Brewing Co. Picture field-level lounge seating—yes, couches—paired with Cupini’s pasta and Boulevard beers. It’s a relaxed, social vibe. You almost expect to see a hot tub in the corner. Season access runs $120, complete with complimentary drinks and appetizers, and the university added two suites for good measure.

For families and casual fans, though, the price to join the fun is refreshingly modest: Single-game tickets start at $5, and a four-person season pass will run you $100. In a city where professional soccer tickets regularly hit the double digits, the Roos offer a local, affordable—and increasingly competitive—alternative.

“We want to tie our program into being a nationally recognized soccer brand in Division I,” Pore says. “It starts here in Kansas City—being more recognizable, continuing to enhance Durwood and playing in one of the best facilities in the Midwest, with the Plaza lights as our backdrop.”

It’s working. Crowds have grown livelier, more diverse and more invested. Some nights you can feel the city’s growing soccer culture folding itself around the Roos.

Sophomore defender Wesley Cribb, a Shawnee Mission East alum, says he’s noticed something remarkable: familiar faces reappearing in the stands.

“People I haven’t talked to in so long are coming out,” Cribb says. “I can actually see the impact we’re making on people who never would’ve followed UMKC or college soccer before.”

At press time, the men’s Roos (5-2-4) were shaping up for a potential title run. And while the looming World Cup might seem like competition for attention, Pore—himself a former Sporting Kansas City player— sees it as pure opportunity.

“Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves,” he says. “To have a World Cup in our hometown, it’s pretty special. For my Kansas City boys and our internationals alike, you never know which teams will come through here.”

For now, the Roos are carving their place in Kansas City’s crowded soccer landscape—one goal, one crowd, one rooftop-view night under the Plaza lights at a time.

by Samantha Levi

Photography

Tom Jacobs: Bringing College Baseball Home

The new head of the College Baseball Hall of Fame is swinging for history in Overland Park

By Dawnya Bartsch

FOR TOM JACOBS, the journey back to the metro is full circle. A Shawnee Mission North High School graduate and University of Kansas alum, Jacobs has spent decades shaping college athletics from the boardrooms of the NCAA, the Atlantic 10 Conference and the U.S. Tennis Association. Now, as CEO and executive director of the College Baseball Foundation and its Hall of Fame, he’s taking on perhaps his most personal project yet—bringing college baseball’s legacy home to the heart of the Midwest.

Under his leadership, a permanent home for the Hall of Fame inside the Museum at Prairiefire has come to fruition and is set to open in 2026. The museum will celebrate generations of players, coaches and fans who have contributed to college baseball.

It’s a project that blends Jacobs’ lifelong love of the game with his deep Kansas roots. “This isn’t just a museum,” Jacobs says. “It’s a celebration of who we are—our history, our communities and the way baseball connects us.”

Kansas City magazine recently connected with Jacobs about heading up the Hall of Fame and his vision for the organization.

What makes the Prairiefire museum a great location for the College Baseball Hall of Fame Museum? So many reasons. Kansas City is a sports town. With the Museum at Prairiefire, we are part of a thriving development in an iconic museum with the ability to move into outstanding museum-quality, museum-ready space that will be designed and built out with a worldclass team at Populous, [the architecture firm] based here in Kansas City.

It’s wonderful when work and passion come together. This seems to be the case with you and your career. Is this true? It absolutely is. I had the good fortune of being involved with the athletic department at KU as an undergrad, specifically with the organization and operation of the Kansas Relays, [a three-day track event]. It was around my junior year that a spark was ignited and I realized I could pursue and wanted to pursue working in sports as a career.

What is it about this position that enticed you? The passion I have for the mission and values that college sports represent—having worked in college

athletics for my career in various capacities—and specifically in this case with the College Baseball Foundation and College Baseball Hall of Fame. We have an outstanding Board of Trustees that have a shared mission, values and purpose. And the opportunity to have a physical Hall of Fame, where the legacies can be preserved and stories shared about those who are in the Hall of Fame—the opportunity to have an exciting, vibrant attraction that folks, young and old, will enjoy visiting time and time again.

How do you envision the future of the Hall of Fame? We want to become part of the fabric of Kansas City and the region—a place that people will enjoy visiting from near and far. You come to Kansas City, and here are the things you need to do, the things you need to experience, whether that’s having great BBQ (and all the other great food KC is known for) or visiting attractions like the College Baseball Hall of Fame. We want to continue to represent, tell the stories and celebrate all levels of college baseball.

What do you see as the Hall of Fame’s mission? To preserve, elevate and advance the game. To inspire the next generation. To teach those who love college baseball about its rich history and traditions. To celebrate those who make college baseball special. To honor those who have come before us and built the foundation upon which college baseball thrives today. And if you take the start of each of those items, you get “PITCH!”: Preserve, Inspire, Teach, Celebrate, Honor. We honor the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.

“This isn’t just a museum. It’s a celebration of who we are— our history, our communities and the way baseball connects us.”

Tell us about the fundraising goals and needs for the Hall of Fame. We are raising the funds necessary to make this a reality with an opening in the summer of 2026. This is being done across multiple fronts—both from an individual and corporate side. For those interested in supporting the efforts of the College Baseball Hall of Fame, we are a 501(c)(3), and donations are tax deductible.

Was that your favorite sport as a kid? Baseball was my first love, but I played multiple sports growing up. Basically whatever season it was, I was involved in that sport—football and then soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball in the summertime.

Steps of Faith

Jason Sudeikis is coming home and bringing a few friends for a charity bash

By Nina Cherry

IN 2005, Kansas City musician Billy Brimblecom Jr. lost his leg to cancer. Soon after, the drummer faced another uphill battle: fighting with his health insurance company to cover a prosthetic limb. This is a reality many amputees face, according to Brimblecom.

The following year, Brimblecom’s friends rallied to raise money to cover the remaining costs. Among the lineup? His longtime best friend (and comedy legend) Jason Sudeikis. The two go way back: In the ’90s, the Ted Lasso creator could frequently be found performing improv comedy with Brimblecom at River Market’s now-defunct ComedySportz.

Today, Brimblecom is the CEO of Steps of Faith Foundation, a nonprofit that helps provide prosthetic limbs to amputees. To champion the cause, he and Sudeikis launched

Photography by Jason Domingues

Thundergong—a celebrity benefit concert named for the event’s percussive nature—in 2017. On November 8 at Midtown’s Uptown Theatre, the fundraiser returns for its ninth year.

“It’s a rock ‘n’ roll variety show,” Brimblecom says. “It’s such a thrill for me to get to play with people I often don’t even expect to play with. Jason throws in a lot of surprises, sometimes just days before.”

This year, expect appearances from Ted Lasso actor Brendan Hunt, former SNL cast member Will Forte, KC’s own singer-songwriter Kevin Morby and more. As always, the CEO’s yacht-rock tribute band Summer Breeze serves as the house band for the evening.

“I don’t get to see Jason but a few times a year, so it’s really fun to jump around, play music and laugh with my buddy,” Brimblecom says. “And my wife and so many old friends are in the band. It’s like a family reunion.”

↓ GO: November 8. 7:30 pm. Uptown Theatre. Tickets are available at thundergong.org.

But at the core of the party, of course, is Steps of Faith’s mission. “Just like eggs, tires and everything else, prices have gone up on prosthetic parts,” Brimblecom says. “The demand for what we do is increasing very quickly. I’m looking forward to helping more people than we ever have.”

Billy Brimblecom Jr. and Jason Sudeikis

nov

22

Samara Joy

Grammy Award-winning, awe-inspiring vocalist Samara Joy returns to the Folly Theater. Her last KC performance in 2023 sold out this historic venue, following the acclaimed release of her sophomore album, Linger Awhile. At just 25, Joy is already well established as a legend in her own right, often likened to jazz giants of decades past like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. November 22. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.

2

Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons

Although the video game Stardew Valley launched in 2016, the pandemic brought a widespread surge in popularity. The cottagecore-inspired game—where players harvest crops, tend to animals and befriend villagers—offered a calming reprieve from chaos, in no small part thanks to its lush soundtrack. Now, a 35-piece orchestra takes that music on tour to bring the magic to the Kauffman Center stage. November 2. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.

5–9

American Royal’s World Series of Barbeque

In a tradition that dates back over 40 years, the American Royal’s World Series of Barbeque attracts hundreds of top-tier pitmasters to KC. Regarded as one of the world’s most respected BBQ events, the four-day-long affair includes both a prestigious invitational contest and an open contest for all skill levels. Thursday is reserved for team arrivals; Friday and Saturday welcome spectators with a limited number of tickets; and judging wraps up on Sunday. November 5–9. Times vary. Kansas Speedway.

6 Creed

Post-grunge band Creed ruled the rock world in the late ’90s and early 2000s with multi-platinum hits like “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open.” After a couple of breakups and reunions, the band is back together and ready to roar on the Are You Ready? tour with an evening of sing-along anthems. Special guests 3 Doors Down and Mammoth join the lineup. November 6. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.

14

Katy Guillen and The Drive

Led by partners Katy Guillen on guitar and vocals and Stephanie Williams on drums, the chemistry in KC roots-rock band Katy Guillen and The Drive is undeniable. With sizzling guitar riffs, grit and soul, this duo proves you don’t

need a large ensemble to bring the house down. Their Knuckleheads performance marks their hometown stop on the Make That Sound Tour, following a rigorous fall run. November 14. 8 pm. Knuckleheads Saloon.

14 & 15

Puppets a Glow-Go

A collaboration between StoneLion Puppet Theatre and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, this free festival lights up the night with glow-in-thedark art installations, aerialists, hands-on crafts and more. The highlight? An illuminated puppet show, The Fable of the Long Spoons. November 14 & 15. 5 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.

14–16

Chris Porter

Twenty years ago, KC’s own Chris Porter gained notoriety as a third-place winner on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Since then, the comedian has hit the road with Comedy Central’s Live Tour and released two hour-long specials on Amazon Prime, including the aptly named A Man From Kansas At Zona Rosa’s Funny Bone Comedy Club, Porter dishes up laughs for a three-night hometown run. November 14–16. Times vary. Funny Bone Comedy Club.

19

Hayden Pedigo

Hailing from the Texas panhandle, finger-style guitarist Hayden Pedigo stops in the West Bottoms on his United States tour. A refreshing change of pace, his primitive, downto-earth instrumentals harken back to a sound of decades past. Singer-songwriter Jens Kuross opens. November 19. 7 pm. The Ship.

26

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!

This hit animated preschool series comes to life on stage, complete with colorful puppets, singing and dancing. From the creators of Blue’s Clues, the inaugural tour is set to charm young fans—especially cat lovers. November 26. 6 pm. The Midland Theatre.

Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony

In 1925, maintenance worker Charles “Pete” Pitrat hung a single string of lights above the Country Club Plaza’s Mill Creek Building on Christmas Day. Four years later, just a month after the onset of the Great Depression, the first official lighting ceremony took place. Now, a century later, the display includes over 200,000 gleaming lights, with crews starting to string the bulbs shortly after Labor Day. After getting your fill of turkey, head to the Plaza for this quintessential Kansas City holiday tradition, complete with live music and fireworks. November 27. 5 pm. Country Club Plaza.

26–

Dec 27

A Christmas Carol

Bah humbug! After 25 years, this season’s production of A Christmas Carol marks local legend Gary Neal Johnson’s last year as Ebenezer Scrooge with KCRep. Relish this longtime tradition alongside the Cratchit family, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come, and of course, the transformed miser. November 26–December 27. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.

28–30

Elf in Concert

Spread holiday cheer with the ever-enthusiastic Buddy the Elf in this modern classic at the Kauffman Center. In tandem with the screening, the Kansas City Symphony—led by guest conductor Justin Freer—performs John Debney’s whimsical and grandiose score. November 28–30. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.

29–

Dec 24

The Nutcracker

A holiday tradition that never loses its magic, The Nutcracker returns to the Kauffman Center in a dazzling production by the Kansas City Ballet. Choreographed by artistic director Devon Carney, the enchanting ballet reimagines E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic with glittering costumes, spectacular sets and Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. November 29–December 24. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

“I can’t tell you how many times I felt like I was a part of the tempo of the game, part of the energy of the crowd. It just feels so good to be a part of that.”

WE ALL KNOW that John Sherman owns the Royals. We know that Clark Hunt owns the Chiefs. We also know that a group led by Brittany and Patrick Mahomes owns the NWSL’s Kansas City Current. Or do they?

Granted, those rich folks write the checks. But the real owners of a team don’t sit in an office or luxury box. Spiritually, at least, sports teams belong to their city. They belong to the fans. Owners and players may come and go, after all, but fandoms are forever.

Carrie Epperson gets that. She’s the leader and founder of Surface Tension, a superfan drumline group that’s part of the Current’s Kansas City Blue Crew booster squad. In a long, surprisingly emotional interview at a coffee shop in the Northland, the cherubic and charming band director for the North Kansas City School District spoke with Kansas City magazine about how her group started, how they’ve grown and how they’ve become an integral part of KC sports culture.

She’s Got the Beat

Local band director Carrie Epperson leads KC Current’s drumline

Weirdly, until a few years ago, Epperson barely followed soccer. That changed in 2019, when the Women’s World Cup sparked a new love for the game. The next year, in December 2020, Kansas City was awarded an NWSL franchise. Epperson and her wife, Laura, decided to embrace the new club. Getting in on the ground floor appealed to them.

By Hampton Stevens

“Most things around here are already sort of established,” Epperson says in reference to the Chiefs and Royals. “So it’s hard to get in and feel like you’re really a part of something. They just seem so big. You kind of become a little part of it. So it was neat to know that there was going to be a new team and we could cheer from the beginning.”

She and Laura joined the Blue Crew at a painting party for tifo—the huge banners raised by soccer fans in the stands. It was fun, but she still felt something was missing.

“As the season went along, we kind of realized that we didn’t really feel a part of it,” Epperson says. “But I noticed a place where I felt like I could be helpful: keeping the beat.”

She took notice of European soccer matches—how the chants, cheers and songs always seemed so well-organized. Epperson wanted to bring the same kind of raucous but focused energy to KC. The challenge was getting everyone organized, of course, but that’s right up her alley, being an educator and all.

“That’s sort of what I’m used to doing in my job,” she says. “It’s a natural thing for me to want to organize and put people together.”

Epperson reached out to Kirsten Ross, a Blue Crew founder, and offered to bring the noise—literally. “Maybe I could help drum at some point,” Epperson suggested.

The answer was yes, but Epperson soon found that the Blue Crew’s percussion gear was shoddy at best. “They had old drums and makeshift drumsticks, usually dowel rods with tennis balls on the end,” she says.

She dug out some equipment from a storeroom at North Kansas City High School, her workplace at the time. Before long, she was teaching simple beats in the stands. The rest is Current history.

“We’re like the main superfans,” Epperson says. “It’s weird to call us superfans, though, because it’s such a big group of people. But it’s like a weird team within the team.”

From that inaugural season at Legends Field to Children’s Mercy Park and, eventually, CPKC Stadium, the team and their fandom have only grown. Epperson marvels at how big Surface Tension has become. She even got a little misty at the thought.

“We used to be in a baseball stadium with these really cruddy drums and bed sheets to make tifos,” she says. Now, Surface Tension is cheering for the league’s best team—and one of the hottest tickets in town—at the only stadium on earth built specifically for

women’s sports. The drumline is a big part of the team’s success, too. Ask any casual fan what they love about seeing the Current. The atmosphere will almost certainly be at the top of their list.

That matters. Players feed off fan energy, after all. Despite her modesty, Epperson knows she’s played a role in creating a winning culture at CPKC. “I can’t tell you how many times I felt like I was a part of the tempo of the game, part of the energy of the crowd,” she says. “It just feels so good to be a part of that.”

Deflecting praise, she credits the people of KC. “There’s just something about Kansas City. We build organically really, really well.”

Over and over, she emphasizes the communal nature of the experience. That’s one of the most magical things about sports, after all—how rooting for a team can bring people together in support of a common goal.

“These are people in a stadium I’ve never met before, but I’m connecting with them, and I get to use music to do that,” she says. “That’s really cool.”

Despite her love of Surface Tension, Epperson thinks she’s going to step down and be just a fan for a while. She wants others to take on the superfan role. “I don’t want it to get stuck with me,” she says. “We’ve built it to a point where it kind of runs on its own, and I’m hoping to take a step back. I’m hoping to see more people step forward and take leadership. See if we can keep that culture going with other people.”

That would be the beauty of it. Owners come and go. Players come and go. Even superfans like Epperson may eventually move on, but the spirit of a fandom lives on.

Union Station Becomes a “Wonderland”

HELD AT UNION STATION, KidsTLC’s Benefit25: Wonder raised more than $430,000 for youth mental health programs, including $30,000 from a sold-out car raffle. Guests were wowed by live illusions, interactive fun, gourmet food and an electric after-party with DJ Ashton Martin. KidsTLC is a nonprofit organization providing mental and behavioral support for kids and families. Visit kidstlc.org to learn more.

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

From left to right: Lauren Anderson, Brianne Jewell, Nicole Fiammetta and Dianne Jabara.

From left to right: Erin Dugan, CEO of KidsTLC; Honda of Tiffany Springs owners Bobby and Laura Hennessey, who donated a car for auction; and Rojanae Williams, CDO of KidsTLC.

From left to right: Tara and Charlie Ameen; Tim, Jill and Nick Phillips.

Party table sponsored by Garmin.

Dream Come True

Pianist Ryan Marquez landed the gig of a lifetime with Morgan

Freeman’s

Symphonic Blues Experience

By Nina Cherry

IN SEPTEMBER, jazz pianist Ryan Marquez was driving from St. Louis to Kansas City, eagerly awaiting a family outing to watch Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience with the Kansas City Symphony. The tickets were a belated birthday present from his parents.

While at a gas station along I-70, the musician received an unexpected call from an old friend with a lead on a gig. Legendary blues guitarist Vasti Jackson was in KC and searching for a pianist for a performance that evening.

Initially, Marquez was hesitant: He didn’t want to bail on his family and wasn’t particularly eager to learn more about an opportunity he’d likely have to turn down. “But I’ll hear any offer,” Marquez says.

While Marquez had logged countless hours playing with jazz and blues bands throughout his career, the nerves kicked in as he was escorted backstage to his dressing room—directly next door to Morgan Freeman.

The performance turned out to be the very show Marquez was on his way to. Led by Freeman’s iconic narration and storytelling, the touring production melds Delta blues with lush, orchestral arrangements.

“I’d much rather sit on stage than in the audience,” Marquez says. “It was a dream come true.”

While Marquez had logged countless hours playing with jazz and blues bands throughout his career, the nerves kicked in as he was escorted backstage to his dressing room—directly next door to Morgan Freeman. Ultimately, those pre-show jitters wore off. He was invited back to play the following night.

Beyond being a first-call pianist, Marquez is a versatile recording artist, producer and composer. Raised in KC’s Historic Northeast and later Liberty, he claims both KC and St. Louis equally as home, but recently the transient musician has also found his stride in Los Angeles.

“But my heart is in Missouri,” Marquez says.

On the West Coast, Marquez stays busy with production company House of Vibe, led by Anthony “Brew” Brewster and Phillip “Fish” Fisher, whose music direction and production credits include major artists like Chaka Khan, Britney Spears and Red Hot Chili Peppers. “They’re both big-time mentors to me,” Marquez says. “They’ve taken me under their wing these past couple of years.”

Now, Marquez is making an effort to spend more time back home and further entrench himself in the KC scene. Later this month, on November 20, the pianist’s trio will perform at Midtown cocktail bar Uptown Lounge, joined by bassist Andrew Voggesser and drummer Jaylen Ward. Beyond his original music, Marquez says listeners can expect reimagined pop classics and jazz standards.

↓

GO: Ryan Marquez Trio.

November 20, 7 pm.

Uptown Lounge.

3400 Main St., KCMO.

“At its heart, my music is about connection, participation, and joy—bringing people together and helping them feel part of something greater,” Marquez says.

A KANSAS CITY company is bringing craftsmanship to the kitchen with restaurant-quality butcher blocks and cutting boards. Based in Mission, Gauntt Board Company is a supplier for barbeque restaurants across the city like Q39, Char Bar and Gates.

Gauntt Board Company Crafts RestaurantQuality Cutting Boards

By Nina Cherry

“The business started completely out of a hobbyist type of mindset,” says Tim Gauntt, the owner of Gauntt Board Company. “When Covid took over, I needed to do something with my hands. Designing has always been something I loved to do.”

Beyond commercial kitchens, the local business also sells its specially crafted, engraveable boards and knives to home cooks. With an array of sizes and shapes, the boards make for a thoughtful

gift this holiday season or a lasting upgrade for your own kitchen.

Each piece is crafted with a blend of wood and Richlite, a durable and sustainable paper composite material— and it’s dishwasher-safe.

According to Gauntt, his-

business is the only fabricator of the wood-replacement surface in the Midwest, and he’s started to expand into the interior design scene with custom countertops.

“I can cut this material like a piece of wood, but it’s just as strong as a quartz countertop,” Gauntt says. “It’s extremely, extremely durable, and it’s going to start replacing plastics.”

Shop Gauntt’s collection online at gbckc.com.

The Kingdom comes for KC artist and musician Nate Evans

By Ryan Reed

NATE EVANS HAD no idea his artwork would be featured on ESPN in an episode of The Kingdom. The docuseries follows the Chiefs through their 2024 season as they attempt to win their third consecutive Superbowl victory.

“My phone was blowing up,” Evans says. “People were telling me that someone in the show was wearing my artwork. I was like, ‘What are you talking about?’ And so I had to go on there to look to make sure.” On the show, a woman named Tammy is interviewed while wearing a colorful jacket and carrying a Chiefs-themed purse, both of which Evans made.

What began as traditional artwork for Evans has since evolved into a clothing line. The style is iconic, mashing up images, people and locations into a uniform,

It started during Covid, when Evans tried to make maskwearing more fun with his custom designs. “From there it branched into, ‘Could you make a purse? Could you make a shirt?’”

anthemic collage. His pieces range from collections of Kansas City locations to singular themes of athletes and popstars. They look like movie posters advertising the most dramatic, high-budget adaptation of life in the City of Fountains.

Six years ago, Evans started selling his pieces in the River Market and quickly developed a relationship with the people he met. “I don’t sell what I want,” he says. “I sell what Kansas City is asking for.” It started during Covid, when Evans tried to make mask-wearing more fun with his custom designs. “From there it branched into, ‘Could you make a purse? Could you make a shirt?’”

This past year, Evans has been working on his clothing line, Welcome to KC. His licensed and original clothing designs are now available at nateevansart.com. His goal is to get the brand distributed at popular area retailers like Made in KC, Rally House and Hallmark to start. However, regardless of how successful his clothing line is becoming, Evan’s passion is, and has always been, his music.

“I am a professional recording artist,” says Evans, who is still making records and working on music. “I’ve been doing music for about 20 years.” In addition to a run on American Idol, Evans’ music and art was also featured in a film.

“I was fortunate enough to have my music and artwork featured in a movie called Condition of Return about a year ago,” Evans says. “I got to go to the red carpet premiere in Hollywood, which was amazing.” Available on Amazon Prime and Tubi, the movie features Evans’ song “Murder Mystery” during a three-minute party scene. Additionally, his artwork is prominently featured in shots throughout the film.

What’s next for Evans? Truly, he wants to get his clothing line into Taylor Swift’s hands—and play a halftime show at Arrowhead Stadium. “My ultimate dream is opening up for a major artist at the Sprint Center, like Taylor Swift,” Evans says. “I believe the one thing Kansas City is missing is a pop artist.”

Evans’ artwork can be viewed at nateevansart.com, and his music streams on Apple Music and Spotify.

In the Kansas City area, it’s not uncommon for someone to grow up in a neighborhood, go to school here, build their career here – and yet find themselves priced out of the place they call “home.”

The dream of owning a first home in the city they love is slipping out of reach for more and more young families. Let Builders Build was launched to make that dream a reality for families and buyers across the region.

Led by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA), Let Builders Build is a public awareness and advocacy initiative built to push local leaders to modernize housing policy. Its mission: reduce the red tape and fragmented permitting practices that drive up costs, slow supply, and ultimately force families out of the area they call home.

When communities Let Builders Build, communities flourish and become places where:

A young teacher can afford a home near her school

•A young teacher can afford a home near her school

•A healthcare worker doesn’t have to live hours away

A healthcare worker doesn’t have to live hours away

•A growing family can stay in the community where they’re rooted

•Neighborhoods stay vibrant and inclusive

A growing family can stay in the community where they’re rooted

•The region’s prosperity isn’t gated behind housing

Neighborhoods stay vibrant and inclusive

The region’s prosperity isn’t gated behind housing costs

When barriers come down, more homes can be built –meaning more opportunity, affordability and accessibility for local residents. If we let builders build, we’re not just building houses. We’re building the next generation of Kansas City.

LET BUILDERS BUILD

Here Comes the Rain Again

KC’s favorite reading spot, Rainy Day Books, has been thriving for 50 years

By Ryan Reed

QUAINTLY TUCKED AWAY in the Fairway Shops, Rainy Day Books has survived and thrived on community and relationships for half a century, weathering the highs and lows of being a retail bookseller—like big-box stores, e-readers and Amazon home delivery.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary on November 4th, Rainy Day Books is considered one of the leading independent bookstores in the country, having been featured or mentioned in Fortune Small Business, New York Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal. National Publishers Weekly profiled Rainy Day Books for having “set the gold standard” in the industry for author events, producing more than 100 a year. But, to Kansas Citians, it is simply our bookstore.

Vivien Jennings opened Rainy Day Books in 1975 with paperback stock culled from friends and garage sales. Jennings’ family helped clean out the space, and she sewed the shop’s window curtains herself. She made an arrangement with UMKC’s theater department to build shelves out of particle board. She added a little rocking chair and a simple counter, the shop opened, and Jennings was a bookseller. The initial business model allowed readers to trade their used paperbacks in for others they wanted to read, or just buy them outright for half price. As her client base expanded, bolstered by the loyalty of strong relationships, so, too, did her offerings.

For decades, Rainy Day Books has facilitated book groups, advocated for literacy and lured national authors to Kansas City. “We emphasized our strengths and continued to do everything we could to maintain the relationships with the customers,” Jennings says. In an age where our attention is capitalized upon and the constant content of screens keeps us detached, the value of an analog experience and a space where relationships and knowledge are cultivated cannot be overstated.

In May of 2022, Jennings and her longtime partner and chief operations officer Roger Doeren announced that the bookstore was for sale. Tyler Enders, Keith Bradley and Thomas McIntyre, co-owners of local retailer Made in KC, saw the community-building value of an independent bookstore with half a century of history in the area. They put together a 16-member ownership group and purchased Rainy Day Books in the hopes of keeping the institution alive and well for the next 50 years. “It’s nice to have a place where people come to learn new ideas and to talk about new ideas,” Enders says.

This summer, Annie Krieg became Rainy Day Books’ general manager. “If there’s an ingredient that makes a transition easier,” Krieg says, “it’s that the people you work with are both good at and love their jobs.” Krieg is hopeful and excited about the bookstore’s future, specifically in its literacy work with the greater Kansas City community.

“When [loyal customers] show up like they did on independent bookstore day or for our author events, they are making the choice—the more expensive choice—for their schools and their students,” says Krieg. “That really gives you energy to be like, ‘Okay, we can get creative. We can innovate. We can keep going.’ And we are both excited and humbled to do so.”

Photography

“Books let people come to conclusions and explore new ideas in a really low-pressure way. I think that storytelling is just a really elegant way for people to push their boundaries and explore new perspectives.”

Tyler Enders, Rainy Day Books’ New Face, Talks About the Importance Of Community

By Ryan Reed

MADE IN KC co-founder Tyler Enders led a group of investors to purchase Rainy Day Books from original owner Vivien Jennings in 2023. Since then, they have developed a 16-person leadership team to oversee the care and administration of the independent Fairway, Kansas, bookseller. Enders’ work with Made in KC focuses on strengthening the Kansas City community, where 90 cents of every dollar spent at the retailer returns to local businesses and individuals. Although new general manager Annie Krieg has taken over most of the bookstore’s responsibilities, Enders is still passionate about where Rainy Day Books fits into the community.

Why did you and your partners think purchasing Rainy Day Books was important? My business partners, Keith Bradley and Thomas McIntyre, and I—all independently of each other—knew this was something we’d want to pursue. For us, it’s about creating community. As we think about what adds to the community, the three of us agree that an independent bookstore has got to be at the top of the list. If we’re going to have Rainy Day Books for the next 50 years, well, we’re pretty uniquely positioned to do it justice, not only leveraging our expertise but also leveraging our reach.

Why, specifically, do you think books are important? Books let people come to conclusions and explore new ideas in a really low-pressure way. I think that storytelling is just a really elegant way for people to push their boundaries and explore new perspectives. You can explore characters you might not encounter in your dayto-day life. You can see those people and those character traits with more humanity.

What makes independent books shops more integral to the community than chains? We bring in dozens of new books every week. So the value of an independent local bookseller or bookstore is that we have a sense of what our community might be interested in, what our community is going to read. We know our customers and can make recommendations. I think the value of having independent bookstores is that we’re curating things that make sense for Kansas City. That doesn’t mean that we’re staying within a bubble. It means that we’re also intentionally expanding beyond it.

I feel like the death of books has come and gone so many times now. Where do you see the future of books in a community? Even though the publishing industry has taken so many different hits, there are many ways to publish a book right now. And there are a lot of great ideas out there. It’s amazing to see people who will independently publish something and then it gets picked up. There’s so many good ideas coming to the fore, and having an opportunity to get in front of readers—it really benefits readership.

Vivien Jennings Talks Relationships, Reading And Rainy Day Books

By Ryan Reed

Vivien Jennings first opened Rainy Day Books on November 4th, 1975. Since then, the quaint little shop has grown to be a pillar in the nation’s independent book scene. Known for hosting hundreds of travelling writers, it has built a reputation that surpasses the metro’s confines, bolstering its successful half-century run. In 2022, Jennings and Rainy Day Books announced they were looking for new ownership, and the store was bought by a consortium of investors. This month, the Kansas City staple celebrates its 50th anniversary.

What made you start RDB, and what was it like getting that going in the ’70s? I had loved reading ever since grade school, and my mother was a big reader too. She lived in Dallas and had these two friends who owned a bookstore which recycled paperbacks and allowed you to trade them. I thought, “You know what? This is a really good concept.” We lived down the street from the Fairway shops, and I thought it would be a great idea if you tried it in more of an upscale shopping center. So I went to [Fairway] and said, “I would like to rent this space. Could you make me some kind of a deal?” I’ve always felt like you just ask. If somebody says, no, that’s okay, but I always ask. And they said okay.

Independent shops have weathered a lot of storms, from big-box book stores to Amazon’s massive selling machine. How do independent bookstores stay alive? I said in the very beginning you need to build relationships with your customers. They will value the knowledge that you have and the relationships that we have with them. I feel like we weathered all those storms [because] a certain loyalty was developed, even when pricing became an issue.

What do you think the future of the independent book shop looks like? I think the independent bookseller [needs to] have a knowledge of books. They have to have a passion for books. They have to focus on books. There is a definite value in that knowledge. That knowledge is worth money.

What do you like to read? Do you have a favorite book? I have different favorite books. One of my favorite fiction books of all time is John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meaney. Fantastic book. Fantastic novel. Just great. But there’s also a book called Wherever you Go, There You Are, which is fantastic. I had the author here years ago. And it’s the idea of just what it says—that you need to just stop and be aware of what you’re doing now. So you’re not thinking forward, you’re not thinking backward.

Now that you have stepped away from the day-to-day operations, what are you doing with your time? Reading.

learning curve

What the numbers tell us about KC’s schools

By Dawnya Bartsch

STEP INTO A classroom in Lee’s Summit or walk the hallways of a KCK school and the issues are similar: Educators say they are still playing pandemic catch-up. The story of public education in the metro is one of slow recovery and uneven progress. While the 30-plus public school districts in the greater Kansas City area operate under different state and local systems, the same challenges echo across the region: academic setbacks, teacher shortages and a push to close achievement gaps that were exacerbated during Covid.

Missouri:

Steady Climb, Uneven Results

On the Missouri side, schools have made quiet but measurable gains. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s 2024 Annual Performance Report shows districts averaging 79 percent of possible points, a modest increase from the previous year. Yet proficiency rates reveal a more sobering picture. Only 46 percent of students scored at or above proficiency in English and math on the state’s 2023–24 Missouri Assessment Program exams.

In Missouri’s Kansas City Public Schools, the numbers fall well below the state average—about 18 percent proficient in math and 23 percent in reading, according to state testing data and district accountability reports. Even high-performing suburban districts such as Blue Springs, Park Hill and Lee’s Summit are still working to close post-pandemic learning gaps, with internal assessments showing that many students remain roughly half a grade level behind in core subjects.

Missouri’s long-term goal remains ambitious. As part of the “Missouri 2030” workforce initiative, the state’s goal is to have 60 percent of working-age adults holding a degree or credential in five years. For K–12 educators, that means doubling down on early literacy, career pathways and dual-credit programs designed to build momentum before graduation.

Kansas: The Tale of Two Systems

Across the border, Kansas paints a story of contrasts. In Blue Valley and Olathe, students consistently outperform national averages. Blue Valley reported graduation rates

above 95 percent and among the highest proficiency rates in the state, per the Kansas State Department of Education.

A short drive west tells a different story. In KCK Public Schools, roughly 13 to 15 percent of students scored proficient in math or reading in 2023–24, and the graduation rate hovered near 69 percent compared to the statewide average of about 88 percent, according to KSDE.

The disparities reflect the region’s deep socioeconomic divide. Suburban Johnson County districts benefit from higher tax bases while urban Wyandotte County faces persistent challenges tied to poverty.

Still, Kansas districts are pursuing recovery strategies similar to Missouri’s: expanded pre-K programs, one-onone tutoring, mental-health partnerships and targeted literacy support through various local initiatives.

A Region in Recovery

The Kansas City metro’s education story isn’t just about data—it’s about resilience across shared borders. Chronic absenteeism, teacher shortages and post-pandemic learning gaps affect both states, though the pace of recovery varies widely by district.

Attendance has become a key barometer of progress. State data show chronic absenteeism rising to 28 percent in Kansas City, Kansas, and 23 percent in Kansas City, Missouri, up from pre-pandemic averages near 15 percent.

Still, the metro’s educators are finding momentum through small gains in test scores, new investments in technology and tutoring, and community partnerships that stretch beyond district lines.

The Kansas City metro area stretches across nine counties in two states, and its private-school scene is as diverse as its barbecue styles. According to data from Private School Review (privateschoolreview.com) and School Digger (schooldigger.com) for the 2025–26 school year, the region hosts roughly 185 private schools overall—but nearly a quarter are preschool-only. After excluding pre-K private schools, an estimated 140 to 160 private schools remain. Together these institutions educate tens of thousands of students—from faith-based academies to independent college-prep campuses—making private education a small but steady complement to the metro’s robust public-school network.

By the Numbers: KC Metro Private Schools

Tax Credits and School Choice

When parents in Kansas City talk about school choice, they’re really talking about two different systems. On the Missouri side, lawmakers have expanded a donor-based scholarship program and are debating a refundable credit that could go directly to families. On the Kansas side, legislators are weighing whether to follow suit or stay with a smaller, income-restricted model.

Together, the efforts show how the neighboring states are redefining who pays for—and controls—a child’s education.

Missouri: Scholarships and the Push Toward Refundable Credits

In 2021, Missouri created MOScholars, a program that channels private donations into scholarships for families seeking alternatives to public school, according to Missourinet (missourinet.com). Donors receive a 75 percent state tax credit for contributions to certified Educational Assistance Organizations, which award the scholarships.

The program started with a $50 million cap but grew to $75 million in 2024 as demand rose. Families qualify if they have a child with an Individualized Education Program or if their income is no more than 300 percent of the federal free-and-reduced-lunch threshold—about $93,600 for a family of four. Each scholarship can reach about $6,375 per year, as reported by Missourinet.

Lawmakers are now considering Senate Bills 867 and 565, which would create refundable tax credits for parents to claim directly on their tax returns, according to the Missouri Senate’s bill summaries. The credits would reimburse parents for tuition, books or homeschooling costs up to the state’s “adequacy target”—roughly $6,500 per student.

Proponents, including parent groups, argue it’s about “funding the child, not the system.” Critics, including public-school unions, warn the changes could erode Missouri’s public-school system, leaving the school districts with less money.

Kansas: A Smaller Start, a Bigger Dream

Across the border, Kansas launched the Tax Credit for Low-Income Students Scholarship Program in 2014, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue. The sunflower state’s setup is similar to Missouri’s: Donors get a 75 percent state tax credit for giving to scholarship-granting organizations, which then help pay tuition for eligible students. But Kansas limits participation to families earning 250 percent or less of the federal poverty line and caps the entire program at $10 million a year.

About 1,300 students statewide use the scholarships, with an average award of roughly $3,200, according to data from EdChoice (edchoice.org). That may soon change. A new bill—Senate Bill 75, introduced in 2025—would allow parents to claim a refundable Education Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $8,000 per child enrolled in an accredited private school or $4,000 per child in a non-accredited school, according to the Kansas Legislature’s supplemental note. The plan would cap total annual credits at $125 million, increasing by 25 percent in any year when at least 90 percent of the credits are used. SB 75 has cleared the Senate Education Committee and now sits in Ways and Means, where most spending bills are decided.

Four Days On, Three Days Off— for Now

By katie baldwin illustration BY carlos arrojo

WHEN THE Independence School District switched to a four-day school week in 2023, it became the first and only large district in the Kansas City metro—and one of the biggest in the country—to make the leap. While some embraced it, others raised objections from the outset, specifically parents. The shortened schedule soon became entangled in a legal and political battle that is now headed to the ballot box.

Currently, classes run Tuesday through Friday, with slightly longer days. Mondays are reserved for teacher planning, professional development and optional “FifthDay” enrichment programs for students who need extra help or childcare.

District officials say the change was designed to help recruit and retain teachers amid widespread staffing shortages. “We had to do something different,” Superintendent Dale Herl told KCUR when the plan launched.

Those opposed to the four-day week have voiced concerns that it inhibits socialization, learning, community involvement, mental health and, for low-income families, childcare costs and meal access.

The Independence School District transitioned in December 2022, when the ISD Board voted to adopt the four-day week for the 2023–24 school year. The first shortened calendar took effect in August 2023, and by June 2024, the district had completed its first full year on the new model. As of August 2025, ISD is in its third consecutive year operating on the four-day schedule.

According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, nearly a third of the state’s districts now use a four-day calendar—most of them small and rural. But Independence remains the only district within the Kansas City metro’s core counties (Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass and Ray) to make the shift.

Due to the growing number of school districts considering a four-day week, in 2024, Missouri lawmakers passed a law requiring school districts to seek voter approval before adopting or maintaining an abbreviated

schedule. The ISD filed a lawsuit challenging the law’s constitutionality, arguing that it unfairly targets districts already operating under a shortened schedule. In early October, a judge rejected the district’s argument that the law mandating a vote was unconstitutional, meaning the district is now required to hold an election on the four-day week. Not wanting to take any chances, the ISD had already moved ahead, voting to place the four-day school schedule question on the November ballot with the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners earlier in the year, making it official. Voters residing within the ISD will be asked:

“Shall the school board of Independence 30 School District adopt the provisions of Section 171.028, RSMo, establishing a four-day school week for the next ten years in the district of Independence?”

For now, ISD remains on its four-day schedule for the 2025–26 school year, even as teachers, families and state officials await the will of the voters.

The Independence School District transitioned in December 2022, when the ISD Board voted to adopt the four-day week for the 2023–24 school year.

wave makers

Two Kansas fifth graders are making a splash with their invention to capture the ocean’s energy

By David Hodes PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA PETROW

AT GLENWOOD RIDGE Elementary in Basehor, Kansas, two fifth graders are thinking big—world-saving big. Meet Warren Heck and Jase Oxandale, best friends, tinkerers and newly minted inventors. Their idea? Harness the endless rhythm of the ocean to power a cleaner planet.

“We made a water energizer,” Heck says, proudly describing the two-by-two-and-a-half-foot prototype they built from scratch. “It makes energy from the movement of waves as they come in on the beach. It’s like a buoy— when the waves hit it, it goes up, turns a gear, starts a motor and generates energy. Then it goes back down and captures energy from the up-and-down motion.”

Their inspiration came from curiosity and concern. Their mission was simple but bold: help the planet.

Through research, they learned that due to the Earth’s rotation, the Western Hemisphere’s waves are among the strongest in the world. “We found out that ocean waves could provide about 90 percent of the energy we need compared to just 30 percent from wind and solar,” Oxandale explains during their project pitch.

“I think it’s going to help the world by giving energy to the world,” Heck says. “The energy would only stop when the machine breaks down—or when the world stops spinning.”

Oxandale puts it in his own way: “If we don’t help save the Earth, it could become really trashy. We use energy every day—so we have to make it cleaner.”

Over 14 months, the duo spent 31 hours designing and assembling their invention. Heck took charge of the electrical wiring; Oxandale mastered the mechanics. They even reached out to an oceanographer to make sure their “water energizer” would be safe for marine life.

“[We] thought about having a metal cage around it so sea life couldn’t get into the zone where the energizer is,” Oxandale says. “We were scared that if an animal got hit by this big metal thing, it might die. We also added a light on top for boat safety.”

That kind of thoughtful design—and heart—impressed the judges at the 2025 Kansas City Invention Convention, held at UMKC’s Swinney Recreation Center. Competing against middle schoolers, the pair took home first place in the fifth and sixth grade division.

Their win earned them a trip to the 2025 Invention Convention U.S. Nationals in Dearborn, Michigan, where their wave-energy prototype—built from PVC pipes, springs and a lot of imagination—stood among 496 entries from across the country.

“It was an amazing experience,” says Heck’s mom, Sarah. “Some of the kids at nationals already had patents or products on the market.”

Since then, the boys have taken their invention on the road. In November, they traveled to Wichita to present their project to the Kansas State Association of Teachers, sharing how the Innovation Academy Program helped shape their creative process.

And they’re far from finished. Next year, as sixth graders, they plan to keep refining their idea with the support of Glenwood Ridge’s Technology Science Association club.

Because when you’re two fifth-grade inventors with a vision to save the world, there’s always more energy to generate—and more dreams to chase.

“It’s like a buoy— when the waves hit it, it goes up, turns a gear, starts a motor and generates energy.”

gold star

A young cancer survivor stuns the local soccer world with her artistic talent

By David Hodes PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA PETROW

OLIVE MITCHELL, a self-made artist at just 14 years old, has already had a lifetime of scary medical emergencies in her battle against blood cancer, but she refuses to let her ailment define her.

It was Christmas 2021 when her mother, Lauren, noticed some odd bruising on her daughter. Follow-up testing showed Mitcell had low hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelet counts. Mitchell was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, and four units of blood were needed for her to survive that initial emergency.

The American Cancer Society describes MDS as a cancer that occurs when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become abnormal, resulting in the marrow not making enough healthy new blood cells. Many of the blood cells formed by these bone marrow cells are defective. The defective cells build up in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells.

Mitchell had a bone marrow transplant in 2022. Her cancer is in remission, but transplant complications still pose a challenge.

But this is not a story about cancer claiming the spirit of a young life. This is the story of a fighter seeing the bigger picture—sometimes literally.

“I feel like sometimes, when you go through something like I have gone through, it can try to take over your life,” Mitchell says. “And I feel like sometimes you need to

find other things that help decide who you are other than the bad things you have to go through.”

Mitchell had always been an artist, but with treatment and remission, she had ample idle time and decided to focus on her art. “I decided I wanted to get better at it,” she says. “And then I got better at it.”

The metro’s professional men’s soccer team, Sporting Kansas City, happened to honor Mitchell as one of its 21 Victory Kids for its Victory Project—a program that helps kids with cancer—at a game. After the game, Mitchell drew a lifelike drawing of Sporting KC center back player Robert Castellanos and presented it to him. Castellanos loved it and told her he would put the drawing on his locker.

Word got out. “The Sporting Kansas City people asked me if I wanted to design a painting for them because they heard that I was into art,” Mitchell says. “So then I designed it and I sent it to them.”

And what a piece of art it was. Her painting depicting her vision of Children’s Mercy Park ended up being auctioned at the Victory Project’s annual Kicks N Fits gala that year, with Mitchell playing auctioneer. She stunned everyone by raising $50,000 to support future Victory Project honorees.

She also sketched a large mural, or “tifo” in soccer parlance, to hang at the stadium depicting a character similar to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, but looking tough with a crown and a cape. Volunteers painted the sketch on a large canvas that was unfurled at the stadium last fall at a match between Kansas City and the Colorado Rapids. Mitchell, who takes art lessons at the Lawrence Arts Center, says watercolor class is her new favorite. “I did a watercolor painting of an orange,” she says. “I [painted] a peeled one. Half of the peel was on it. So painting the little lines that come off of the inside of the orange was kind of cool.”

with treatment and remission, she had ample idle time and decided to focus on her art. “I decided I wanted to get better at it. And then I got better at it.”

inside the lockdown

How Kansas City Schools Are Preparing for the Unthinkable

By David Hodes

ACROSS THE METRO lessons pause several times a year for something that at one time was unthinkable—an active shooter drill. It’s an unsettling ritual for what educators hope will never occur, yet it’s become as routine as the tornado and fire drills that once defined school safety.

From Overland Park to North Kansas City, schools are not only tightening security and upgrading technology but also reviewing plans and rethinking the way they interact with students and the community.

School officials and first responders have learned from many tragic shootings that knowing how to work together before an incident occurs and moving quickly is key to quickly subduing an active shooter and limiting loss of life, says Chris Winger, the Johnson County Med-Act’s Division chief of operations.

“Out of the different incidents [school shootings] that have been reviewed and picked apart by the experts, there’s two overarching [action] themes,” Wigner says. “Stop the killing is the main one. Instead of the patrol officers just surrounding a school waiting for SWAT, it’s now decided that they need to go in there right away and move directly towards the threat. [The second theme is collaboration.] First responders are now actively collaborating and creating plans. I really hope it gives our providers and our law enforcement and everyone else a better level of comfort when they get to the situation.”

Drill Debate

The common protocol for schools to follow during a live shooter event is run, hide, fight. But there are concerns with exactly what that means and how it should work.

Melissa Reeves, the past president of the National Association of School Psychologists who co-authored the NASP PREPaRE School Crisis Prevention and Intervention curriculum, is also a member of the NASP National School Safety and Crisis Response Committee.

Reeves says that school administrators and law enforcement need to be prepared for many different types of situations. “I do not at all like the run, hide, fight language because that was designed for adults,” she says. “We would never want to teach kids that you were expected to fight an intruder. You could lose your life. Obviously, younger students in particular are not going to physically be able to match up if that intruder is an older adult. So we in schools have been very careful of the wording we used. But we also acknowledge that with some of the older kids, if they choose to make the independent decision that they’re going to try to counter the perpetrator, that’s a personal choice.”

There is an ongoing debate about how drills should be conducted. “We are coming out very strong that unannounced drills should never be done anymore, especially those around active assailant type situations,” Reeves says. “It is traumatizing if people think it’s a real situation when it’s not. Then, when you do have a real situation, people may not know if it’s a drill or real. Then what if law enforcement gets called in because someone doesn’t know it’s a drill? They could take out an innocent role player thinking that it’s a real person.”

There is a school of thought that the more real a drill is, the better it is. Law enforcement says if it’s not at a high sensorial level, when an actual situation occurs, people will freeze out of fear or lack of understanding about what to do.

“We say, no, we don’t light a fire in a hallway to practice a fire drill, but we still all know what to do if there’s a fire,” Reeves says. “So we have had to counter this thinking.”

Public schools in the Johnson County area—Olathe, Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission—do highly sensorial active shooter drills with Med-Act in vacant buildings at Shawnee Mission West or St. James Academy in the summer or inside the old Yellow Freight building at I-435 and Roe.

“Active shooters can happen in all types of venues,” Winger says. “And to actually have role players and smoke machines and poppers and noise devices to try to make it as realistic as possible, and to simulate what that type of scene may look like, helps because people could get an idea of what that response looks like and what their role is.”

School Security Strategies

For the most part, Kansas City-area grade schools and high schools all have their own safety protocols. But many are reticent to explain them.

School administrators contacted by Kansas City magazine either didn’t respond or politely declined to discuss their safety protocols for fear that it could give a bad guy leverage for an attack.

David Laughlin, Rockhurst High School president since 2018 and the school’s

“Keep it basic, keep it as simple as possible so the response is appropriate. And then be able to adjust, adapt and overcome because nothing is textbook.”

former principal, says when doing preparedness training, there’s a lot he could talk about. “But if you ask me specifics, I might defer because part of what you do to prepare is to know what your plan is and not have that known to everybody at the same time,” he says.

School violence has increased over recent years, Laughlin says, and broadly speaking, Rockhurst has implemented safety protocols to ensure the campus has a good, secure community-based feel. Rockhurst recently hired a full-time direc-

tor of security, Captain Jim Swoboda, who was with the Kansas City Police Department for 27 years and has a son at the school. “A big part of what we wanted in that position was the leadership to help us improve, be trained and be looking at these things with a more professional eye,” Laughlin says.

Several security measures have been taken, such as installing electric locks controlled by a key fob on every door. “There are a good number of school leaders who have a fob to lock doors,” Swoboda says. “If I heard something was happening down at the football stadium, I can use that particular fob and it’ll lock every door we have on three separate campuses right now. It contacts the police. It’s a high level of security and automation.”

St. Teresa’s Academy has updated their security over the last year too, says Robert Wynne, who has been the school’s head of security since 2018. St. Teresa’s school has added a second onsite security officer, become more actively engaged with neighbors to communicate and monitor activity in the school’s surrounding blocks, added 50 parking spaces to provide students with closer and more convenient campus access, and implemented an upgraded security system that will allow greater surveillance and control capabilities.

Wynne, who also had a long KCPD career before coming to the all-girls school, works with a state intelligence network to analyze school violence data in real time. “A lot of the intel information we get comes from the Missouri Information Analysis Center down in Jefferson City and the local center that we have here,” Wynne says. “They tend to have the portals and the access to the information on a national level. They can look for trends and stuff that may not be local but that may be moving this way.”

Wynne takes that intel and works with Siabhan May-Washington, president of St. Teresa’s Academy, where they discuss what kind of information they’re going to share with the faculty and staff on a daily basis. “The goal is to keep complacency from creeping in and understand that the response scenarios that we have will fit with any given emergency,” Wynne says. “Keep it basic, keep it as simple as possible so the response is appropriate. And then be able to adjust, adapt and overcome because nothing is textbook.”

The school administration is willing to dig in and do whatever is needed to ensure that students have no reason to be nervous about their safety, May-Washington says. “We’ve done things, and there are many things in place, so they don’t have to worry,” she says. “But we’re keeping our eyes on the ball.”

of KC 2025 FACES

Kansas City magazine has been highlighting the faces behind some of the region’s most notable businesses for more than a decade. Each year, the FACES of KC feature connects you with owners, community leaders and those making an impact in their professional field. Get to know this year’s featured businesses that want to share their passion and commitment with you.

Malfer & Associates REAL ESTATE

Malfer & Associates, Compass Realty Group has been a market leader in real estate for more than a decade. The team has over 350 years of combined expertise and works with buyers and sellers at all price points. Each agent is hand-picked by Kristin Malfer herself, ensuring they deliver exceptional customer service. They offer a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Their comprehensive approach to buying and selling homes includes professional photography and videography, along with a robust marketing plan that spans print, social, and digital platforms. With a wide range of services and personalized support, they ensure a seamless and stress-free process for their clients.

The company’s multiple locations in Leawood, Town Center Crossing, and the Country Club Plaza offer it all: home staging, new home construction representation, and relocation specialists. Their partnership with an extensive network of over 28,000 agents represents the top realtors in the industry, ensuring a broad national reach. Whether you are a first-time buyer, seller, or a seasoned investor, their team offers expert guidance every step of the way.

Rodrock Development REAL ESTATE

Professional Imaging HEALTH

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. 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

LeBlanc and Associates HEALTH

Dr. Michael LeBlanc and his team of pediatric dentists are among the best in their field. They’re committed to helping children achieve the best possible dental results in the most comfortable and friendly environment possible, complete with child-friendly chairs, TVs, balloons, prizes, and even ice cream! It’s an overall welcoming environment filled with bright colors and a welcoming staff.

The LeBlanc team uses the latest dental care techniques and the most current and progressive methods supported by accepted research. Dr. LeBlanc actively participates in dental educational research to ensure that the practice remains current at the highest level.

For more than 10 years, Dr. LeBlanc has been recognized in the Kansas City community for his work. Kansas City Magazine readers have voted him the Best Pediatric Dentist in KC, while he is also among the topDentists™ , as voted on by his peers.

Currently, Dr. LeBlanc is a Fellow of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of both the American Dental Association and Kansas Dental Association.

Kansas City | Overland Park

Olathe | Prairie Village | West Olathe

kidsmilekc.com | 913-387-3500 T h e Fa ce o f Pe d i a t r i c D e n t i s t r y Michael LeBlanc, DDS

Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance HEALTH

C. Lan Fotopoulos,

Dr. C. Lan Fotopoulos is an interventional physiatrist who’s been voted “Super Doc” for more than ten years in a row and recognized as a Top Doctor® for multiple years in the Kansas City metro. He also holds board certifications in sports medicine, pain management and in undersea and hyperbaric medicine. For more than twenty years, he has specialized in the treatment of acute and chronic low back and neck pain. He focuses on minimally invasive and interventional procedures for spinal disorders, including epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and spinal cord stimulation.

Dr. Fotopoulos has been seeing remarkable success with a new procedure for the treatment of sciatic pain. Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Sacroiliac Joint Fusion requires only a small half inch incision where an implanted device, the size of an almond, prevents the joint from moving as much, which is usually the source of pain.

Chronic conditions and acute injuries can mean long-term discomfort. Dr. Fotopoulos understands the importance of orthopedic pain management to find a path toward pain-free living.

Durrie Vision HEALTH

With advanced procedures such as LASIK, refractive lens exchange, EVO ICL, and refractive cataract surgery, Durrie Vision proudly offers the life-changing benefits of modern vision correction to the Kansas City community and beyond. They deliver effective solutions for a range of vision conditions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, and cataracts. Their commitment to cutting-edge technology and a personalized approach is focused on delivering clear, comfortable vision—free from the limitations and frustrations of traditional eyewear.

Recognized as leaders and innovators in the field, the doctors at Durrie Vision are among the most experienced and respected vision correction specialists in the country. Alongside their dedicated team, they have participated in over 200 FDA clinical trials, making significant contributions to the research and development of numerous refractive surgery procedures and technologies over the past 30 years. With Durrie Vision, you can be confident that your vision is in expert hands.

When it comes to vision correction, your eyes deserve more than a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why the team at Durrie Vision is dedicated to identifying and customizing the procedure that best fits your unique eyes and lifestyle. From your initial consultation to surgery day and through post-operative visits, the friendly and experienced team at Durrie Vision delivers an exceptional experience every step of the way. At Durrie Vision, you can expect phenomenal patient care, expertise from world-class doctors, and access to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology available. Visit their website to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists HEALTH

Michael D. Hellman, MD

Dr. Michael D. Hellman is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where he has earned a reputation for excellence in patient care. He performs both minimally invasive procedures and highly complex revision hip and knee replacement surgeries. With a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for his patients, Hellman is known for his compassionate approach, always listening to patients’ concerns and thoroughly explaining treatment options.

Dr. Hellman is also known for the kinematic alignment knee replacement procedure that positions the knee replacement to the patient’s unique anatomy. He is currently one of the only surgeons utilizing this technique in the KC area. It has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and deliver more favorable patient outcomes.

Dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and utilizing the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques and non-surgical treatments, Dr. Hellman provides the best possible outcomes for his patients. His commitment to comprehensive care and patient education ensures that individuals in Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas receive the highest standard of orthopaedic treatment.

Dr. Maniza Ehtesham is a board-certified sleep physician and the medical director at Excellhealth Sleep Center. She is an associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and enjoys teaching medical students. She has also served as an associate residency program director at UMKC. She is currently a staff Advent Health Shawnee Mission and Excellhealth Sleep Center. Excellhealth Sleep Center offers comprehensive sleep care services for patients in and around Johnson County and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Excellhealth provides sleep consultations, as well as home sleep studies and in-lab sleep studies. If you or a family member or friend has a problem with snoring, insomnia, sleep apnea, or any other sleep-related disorder, Excellhealth has treatment options for you.

913-203-4040 Ext. 1

excellhealthsleep.com

Dr. Hill is a board-certified physical therapist, serving patients in two Lee’s Summit locations. In addition to his certification in manual and manipulative therapy, Dr Hill has held his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) for 10 years through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

He and his team work with patients who suffer from general orthopedic issues to sport rehabilitation and performance training, pre- and post-surgical orthopedic patients, and those with back, neck and nerve pain.

They are proficient in a variety of treatment types, including aquatic therapy, dry needling, electrical stimulation, ergonomics, Kinesio taping, laser and manual therapy, spinal manipulation and trigger point therapy. They focus on physical therapy for both kids and adults. With no two cases alike, Hill’s team utilizes a comprehensive approach to wellness, focusing on the overall well-being of the patient, and not just the site of injury or pain. Their team will guide you back to the active life you deserve. Hill was recently recognized in the Best of KC reader’s poll as the best physical therapist. His patients agree, with one saying “the staff are

and very knowledgeable. I feel like I am

and a client.”

At Dr. Tague’s Center for Nutrition, the mission is simple: achieve Optimum Health through weight loss and excellent nutrition, to restore health, energy, and quality of life. Led by physicians Rick Tague, MD, MPH, and Caleb Tague, MD, MPH—both board-certified in obesity medicine and family medicine—and nurse practitioner Kari Brown, APRN, their team delivers proven, personalized medical care for weight management, nutrition, metabolism, hormones, and healthy aging.

Since 1996, Dr. Tague and his team have guided more than 35,000 patients to real, lasting results. Many have lowered blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, reversed diabetes, and experienced renewed energy and confidence. Their approach goes beyond prescriptions, providing customized nutrition strategies, medical monitoring, and personal support to optimize bone and muscle while maximizing fat loss. Patients commonly lose 20, 40, 60 pounds, or more—with the skills and tools to keep it off long term.

Dr. Tague’s treatment plans offer the latest weight loss medications, often at affordable generic prices, combined with proven lifestyle strategies. Every plan is tailored to patients’ unique needs to achieve not just weight loss, but long-term health and vitality.

From the free initial consultation to ongoing support

the Center for Nutrition remains dedicated to one mission: helping every patient achieve their best health.

When it comes to multigenerational wealth management, Bill Eckert, Senior Financial Advisor at Renaissance Financial, understands how hard you have worked to save for your future and protect your family. Multigenerational wealth management combines business succession, legacy planning and personal values, and it takes a skillful and experienced team to help families. Bill is among a small group of professional advisors worldwide who are an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®). Bill manages the family office for his clients, which includes tax, legal, accounting, business succession, banking, investments, insurance, asset protection, philanthropy, and real estate. Bill works with clients owning highly appreciated assets, such as real estate, farmland, and business, and aids them in strategies that can help offset capital gains tax or depreciation recapture upon their sale.

Emerald Counseling Services WELLNESS

T h e Fa ce o f Co u n s e l i n g

Katie Montgomery, LPC, NCC, MA, MSM

Katie Montgomery, licensed professional counselor and owner of Emerald Counseling Services, is known for her down-to-earth “therapy for real people” approach. She helps clients gain clarity and confidence to lead more fulfilling lives by working through life transitions, unresolved traumas, and everyday stressors.

Montgomery works with a variety of clients but has found her passion in supporting three specific groups:

• Men who want a safe space to open up. Many men feel pressure to “have it all together” and struggle to share what they’re really going through. Montgomery creates a judgment-free space where they can process emotions, improve communication, and build healthier relationships.

• Women navigating life transitions. Whether it’s a career change, divorce, parenthood, or rediscovering identity during and after menopause, Montgomery helps women move through change with resilience and self-compassion.

• College students balancing it all. From academic pressures to relationship struggles and questions of identity, Montgomery supports students in managing stress, building coping skills, and finding their path forward.

Her approach is client-centered and tailored to each individual, using humanistic, trauma-informed care. Montgomery’s priority is to make clients feel truly seen and supported in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment.

8717 W. 110th Street Ave., Ste. 640, Overland Park, KS 66210

913-214-6940 | emeraldcounselingkc.com

You Move Me is transforming the way people think about moving. Their customer-first approach ensures every move is efficient, professional, and tailored to meet each client’s needs. You Move Me completes over 14,000 successful moves annually, solidifying their reputation as industry leaders not only in local relocations, but also in long-distance moving.

From coast to coast, they’ve proven their ability to deliver flawless service, helping families and businesses transition smoothly to their new homes. Their expertise has earned them high-profile partnerships, including a collaboration with HGTV star and Kansas City’s own, Tamara Day, as well as moves for local celebrities like Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

What truly sets You Move Me apart is their commitment to developing their team. By continually training and empowering their staff, they’re not just moving boxes, they’re building future leaders in the industry. This dedication to growth has fueled their expansion into territories beyond Kansas City, ensuring that more communities can experience their unparalleled service.

At KCBR Design Remodel, remodeling is more than construction, it’s about people. Every project is an opportunity to create not just beautiful spaces, but meaningful connections and lasting experiences. What truly sets KCBR apart is the team behind the work, a group of professionals who bring passion, creativity, and collaboration to every step of the journey.

AT KCBR, they take the time to understand each client’s vision, lifestyle, and goals, transforming ideas into carefully thought-out plans. From guiding selections in KCBR’s showroom to crafting unique layouts that balance form and function, they simplify what could otherwise feel overwhelming. Their creativity sets the tone for the entire remodeling experience and ensures each space feels personal and timeless.

Design may spark the vision, but it’s the collaboration across the entire team that brings it to life. Project directors, production managers, and skilled craftsmen work seamlessly with designers to make sure every detail is executed with precision. With clear communication tools like Buildertrend, construction management software and app, clients stay informed and confident at every stage, knowing a dedicated team is behind them.

At MVP, delivering outstanding customer service is just as important as providing quality repairs. That’s why their friendly and knowledgeable team ensures each customer is satisfied, no matter how big or small the job is. This commitment to excellence has earned MVP nearly 4,000 favorable Google reviews from homeowners who appreciate the fast, reliable service and their team’s dedication to getting it right the first time. They’re also a multi-award winner in the Best of KC reader’s poll for best HVAC, best electrical, and best plumbing company.

Whether it’s repairing your air conditioner, fixing your furnace, installing light switches, or tackling sewer issues, MVP provides Kansas City homeowners reliable service and solutions from quick fixes to system overhauls. They’re also a dependable resource when unexpected emergencies arise.

Rated A+ by the Kansas City Better Business Bureau, MVP’s comfort advisors are available 24/7 to keep your home safe, comfortable, and running smoothly. No matter the circumstances, MVP manages your house with care, professionalism, and expertise. At MVP, customer satisfaction isn’t just a goal, it’s a guarantee!

Shack Shine Kansas City HOME

Shack Shine Kansas City is led by a team of professionals who manage exterior detailing of your home. From window cleaning to pressure washing and gutter cleaning, they go beyond the basics. You can also count on them for roof and exterior washing, as well as eavestrough cleaning. Their friendly, uniformed technicians will tackle your cleaning project with expertise and efficiency.

What sets Shack Shine apart is their commitment to complete the job in one detailed visit, ensuring a flawless finish without the hassle of multiple appointments. Their approach means you can relax, knowing your home is in the hands of professionals who take pride in their work. Their skilled technicians are always friendly, professional, and ready to ensure your home shines.

For those looking to brighten up the holiday season, Shack Shine also offers premium, commercial-grade holiday lights. These aren’t your typical big box store lights, they’re custom designed for your home, built to shine brighter, and last longer. The team at Shack Shine manages the entire process from installation to removal. With Shack Shine Kansas City, your home will truly shine year-round!

Staffing Kansas City BUSINESS

T h e Fa ce o f S t a ffi n g

Pictured L to R: Alex Gearin, Recruiter; Michelle Lee, Recruiter; Roses Ammon, Vice President; Shelley Seibolt, President; Marie Phelan, Associate VP of Recruiting

Staffing Kansas City is a full-service employment agency where perfect placements meet lasting partnerships. The team is proudly led by co-owners Shelley Seibolt and Roses Ammon. As a female-owned, WBE-certified company, Staffing KC has been connecting top talent with 800+ Kansas City companies for more than 27 years. Specializing in administrative, clerical, sales, accounting, and professional placements, they match people to positions with precision and care.

What sets Staffing KC apart is their role as a true hiring partner. By listening to clients’ needs and solving staffing challenges, they’ve built a proven track record of long-term partnerships spanning decades. They work with many long-standing clients, which is a testament to the trust, consistency, and results they deliver.

Staffing KC offers temporary, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire placements, managing every detail to save clients time and money. With guaranteed placements with no fees until you hire the “perfect fit,” Staffing KC continues to be Kansas City’s trusted choice for office support and professional hiring.

As The Faces of Staffing in Kansas City, the Staffing Kansas City team knows it’s more than filling jobs—it’s about building relationships, fueling small business growth, and changing lives, one perfect placement at a time.

Georgous Aesthetic Bar BEAUTY

Georgia Cirese, RN, CLT

Georgia Cirese partnered with her daughter Mary Katelyn to launch Georgous Aesthetic Bar in 2019. They set out to create a comfortable, professional space where science meets artistry in the pursuit of natural-looking results.

As a registered nurse and national speaker and trainer, Georgia brings nearly 25 years of experience to her practice, including specialized training from dermatology and plastic surgery settings. Her commitment extends beyond following trends—she focuses exclusively on science-backed treatments that deliver both safety and effectiveness.

The clinic’s comprehensive menu reflects this philosophy, offering everything from advanced injectables like Botox, DAXXIFY, and Dysport to cutting-edge regenerative therapies including bio-stimulators like Sculptra, PRP and PDGF. Beyond injectables, Georgous Aesthetic Bar provides a full spectrum of aesthetic and wellness care: medical-grade skincare, laser treatments, hair restoration, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and weight management programs.

What sets Georgous apart is their patient-first philosophy. Every treatment begins with a one-on-one consultation designed to help patients look refreshed and naturally beautiful (or handsome). With their team of licensed nurses and aestheticians, the Cireses have created more than just a clinic— they’ve crafted a sanctuary where natural beauty is always the ultimate destination.

4505 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111

816-946-8484 | georgouskc.com

Meierotto Jewelers RETAIL

For over 45 years, Meierotto Jewelers has been Kansas City’s go-to destination for fine jewelry. Conveniently located just north of downtown off I-35, their spacious showroom features one of the area’s largest selections of jewelry, watches, and gifts.

Meierotto Jewelers was started in 1979 by Carol and Dennis Meierotto in a small store in Kansas City North. They gained a following primarily by word-of-mouth and by offering a wide selection of jewelry at fair prices. Since then, the business has grown significantly. Four of the children now work in the business, bringing a wide range of experience, and continuing a legacy built on quality, honesty, and support for the community. With on-site jewelers who can size or personalize most items while you wait, gift-giving becomes both simple and meaningful. From everyday classics to unique, statement pieces, Meierotto Jewelers combines selection, service, experience and tradition, making it a must-visit destination for any occasion.

ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES

Inside Kansas City’s fast, fierce and fearless roller derby league, where community, confidence and chaos collide

By Nina Cherry • PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LEVI

LLast winter, I attended my first-ever roller derby bout at KCK’s Memorial Hall. With a cold domestic beer in hand and the raucous crowd as background music, I watched in awe as the Kansas City Roller Warriors pushed, shoved and skated their

way to a nearly 200-point lead against Northwest Arkansas’ Natural State. Did I understand all the ins and outs of the game? Definitely not. Was I hooked? Absolutely.

If you know anything about roller derby, you’re familiar with the sport’s hardcore, injury-prone reputation. And that falling down is inevitable.

“We had a rash of broken ankles there for a while—that was scary,” says skater CJ Semler, also known as Sailor Doom on the track. The Kansas City Roller Warrior doubles as the volunteer-run league’s marketing and communications officer. “We’re not trying to injure anyone—that’s why we have so many rules. But it does happen. It’s really a luck of the draw thing.”

There’s something poetic about the falling, or rather, the resilience—tumbling down, time after time, and getting right back up.

Roughly 100 members strong, Kansas City Roller Warriors is made up of three home teams inspired by KC neighborhoods: the 18th & Vines, the Strawberry Hellions and the Midtown Misfits. From these squads, the crème de la crème join forces to form two traveling teams: the All-Stars and Plan B. A member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the All-Stars currently rank 14 out of 85 in the South region, which covers 15 states from Nebraska down to Texas and east to Florida. In 2024, the team claimed first place at the Show-Me Skate Tournament.

This year marks the league’s 21st season.

Gameplay

A Midwestern invention, roller derby’s Depression-era origins trace back to Chicago. In the hopes of packing an arena, sports promoter Leo Seltzer developed a full-contact sport inspired by endurance roller skate racing—a hot spectator event throughout the late 19th century. By the ’50s, the game’s popularity soared with televised matches. But as decades passed, the spectacle began to overshadow the sport with theatrical, staged rivalries and exaggerated hits. Interest waned in the ’80s. Luckily, the 21st century brought a roller derby grassroots revival. Today, recreational leagues around the country, like the Kansas City Roller Warriors, thrive on gumption and grit. Theatrics endure, in large part thanks to the rowdy and witty monikers that players adopt, but

there’s something poetic about the falling, or rather, the resilience—tumbling down, time after time, and getting right back up.

athleticism triumphs. This season, the local group will host seven home events at Memorial Hall, running from November 1 to May 2. A Saturday night doubleheader begins with either a traveling team, junior division or adult rookie bout and is followed by a showdown between two home teams. That’s the main draw.

“It’s such a unique sport,” says Kelly Walden, also known as Frostbite. “It combines a lot of different things—obviously physicality, but strategy and teamwork. We don’t get as many opportunities to do that as adults.”

For those new to the sport, each bout consists of two 30-minute halves broken into “jams” that last two minutes each. Five skaters from each team take the track: four blockers and one jammer. Jammers, the primary point-scorers, wear stars on their helmet. The jammer’s objective? To lap around members of the opposing team. Each blocker passed adds a point to the scoreboard.

Playing defense and offense concurrently, blockers form walls to keep the opposing jammer from passing while also helping their own jammer break free of the pack—by any and all means necessary. Legal play includes maneuvers like hip checks and shoulder bumps. Pretty much anything above the knees and below the neck is fair game so long as contact isn’t initiated from behind. Striking with arms, hands, heads or elbows is also prohibited.

Among the blockers, one skater wears a striped helmet cover: the pivot. If the jammer gives their star helmet cover to the pivot, this position can become a pointscorer mid-jam in a maneuver called a “star pass.” But Semler says making a clean handoff isn’t easy in the chaos of the pack. The switch is typically reserved for when the jammer is stuck and in need of a reset—or outright exhausted. “It’s most common when the jammer is totally gassed and can’t go on anymore,” Semler says.

FUELING THE FIRE

“What really draws a lot of people to the sport—players and watchers alike—is that there aren’t a lot of women’s and non-binary sports that allow the kind of violence we get to have,” Semler says. “That’s fun for a lot of people and a good outlet.”

Roller derby provides just that: a safe place (emotionally speaking) to channel frustration, test limits and blow off some steam.

According to An Sasala, also known as BiAnic, many skaters are drawn to the sport when life gets a little hard. That was Sasala’s experience, too. “I was like, ‘Hitting people sounds really fun,’” Sasala says. “I was in grad school and it was really lonely.” Now, BiAnic is a referee for the league’s competitive teams and head coach of the junior division.

that strong sense of camaraderie and community is what many players value most about the league.

Beyond releasing some aggression, players join for the exercise, socialization and, for many, an adolescent fascination long left on the shelf.

“Growing up, I loved the movie Whip It—so much,” says Becca Mitchell, also known as the 18th and Vine’s Baby Jett. “I hadn’t really skated except for some parties when I was a kid. There was one night last year I was watching Whip It for like the 80th time, and I thought, ‘I want to do that.’”

“I always thought roller derby was really badass,” says the Midtown Misfits’ Hilary Wilson, also known as Hex. “I was like, ‘I’m tough enough for that—I can do it.’ And so I did it.” A remote worker and mother of five, the skater also craved fellowship. “I’m very isolated. I kind of forgot how to talk to adults in real life, and I wanted to get back out there and play games with my friends. That’s exactly what it’s done for me.”

And while bouts may appear heated on the rink, skaters say that aggression dissipates with the final whistle blow. That strong sense of camaraderie and community is what many players value most about the league.

“I love everyone’s positivity,” says the Strawberry Hellions’ co-captain Sarah Brummitt, also known as Cecilia Pain. “Everybody is willing to help out everyone else. We’re all trying to improve our skills.”

Season Schedule

All bouts take place at Memorial Hall (600 N. Seventh St. Trafficway, KCK). First whistle is at 6 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 6 to 17; children 5 and under get in free. For more information, visit kcrollerwarriors.org

November 1 • March 7

December 6 • March 28

January 10 • May 2

February 7

NEWCOMERS WELCOME

“I didn’t know anything,” says Kim Vaughter, also known as Kimbo Slicerrr. “I hadn’t skated, not once. I just bought skates and showed up. I had always wanted to play, but I was never in a town that was big enough for a league. Then I moved to KC from Wisconsin. It was the perfect place, perfect time.”

While some Kansas City Roller Warriors grew up hitting the rink, there are plenty of league members—like Vaughter—who sign up with little to no experience on skates. With two 90-minute sessions a week, the organization’s twelve-week Warriors in Training program is catered to these beginners. “They teach you, from day one, how to fall, how to be safe, how to flourish,” Vaughter says.

Four years later, Vaughter has done just that. In addition to being a co-captain for the Midtown Misfits, she made the cut for the traveling team.

The program’s most recent graduating class included 25 players—the largest group since the pandemic. Upon completion, members can officially join a competitive team. Next month’s match on December 6 kicks off with a rookie bout, where recent alums will show off their new skills.

ALL AGES

Accepting skaters as young as age six, the league also boasts an ever-growing junior division, currently 55 members strong. Divided into three experience levels, the program teaches everything from the basics of starting and stopping to light contact drills and, eventually, full competitive play. “Just like the adult program, we start from the ground up,” says skater Carolann Chalmers, also known as Peeper Reaper. “One of the main things we teach is how to fall well—because you’re going to fall.”

Junior division head coach Sasala recalled teaching a group of young skaters how to skate downhill. At first they were terrified, but by the end of practice, they were ecstatic, fearlessly rolling down the incline.

“I love getting to help provide a safe environment for kids to do something really difficult, not only as a sport, but an environment where they can work through their emotions and learn to do hard things—hard physical things, hard emotional things,” Sasala says.

Rink Rebels and the names they roll by

Known for its rough-and-tumble play, roller derby culture is equally well-known for its clever alter egos. Oftentimes, players are so enmeshed with these personas that they never learn their team mates’ real names.

“There are players I’ve been skating with since I joined the league that I—to this day—could not tell you what their given name is,” says Blythe Guyer (aka Biohazard), a co-captain for the Strawberry Hellions. “It’s just not how we interact with each other.”

Here’s how the three Kansas City Roller Warriors appearing on this issue’s cover chose their derby names.

1. biohazard

Blythe Guyer hasn’t always gone by the derby name Biohazard. “I actually skated my first year as Martha Mayhem,” says the Strawberry Hellions co-captain. But that persona never felt quite right, so she kept searching.

“It happened organically,” she says. “I was at dinner with my family discussing potential names and funny things and Biohazard popped up. It was a lightbulb moment. I’m in the veterinarian medicine field, so it felt like I was paying tribute to that piece

2. hellvetica 3. kimbo slicerrr

A product of the league’s junior division, Lauren Murphy has also revised her name since her middle school beginnings. “My mom actually helped start the junior division and helped coach,” she says. “My derby name when I was a kid was Smurphette, because of my last name, but when I came to the adult league, I decided maybe I needed something more mature.”

A co-captain for the 18th and Vines, the skater is a graphic designer by trade, hence this typeface-derived play on words.

Kim Vaughter, a co-captain for Midtown Misfits, long went by the nickname of Kimbo before ever playing the sport. When she joined the league, it felt like a given to riff on the well-established moniker.

“It’s a reference to Kimbo Slice, who was a famous MMA fighter, boxer and street fighter,” Vaughter says.

Provisions Aplenty

By Tyler Shane

SITTING RIGHT NEXT DOOR to one of KC’s best seafood spots, Earl’s Premier, is its newish sister concept, Earl’s Provisions. With the same nautical charm as its sibling, this quaint Brookside spot opened in July, just weeks after owners Todd Schulte and Corey Dannehl also debuted a Mexican seafood spot, Sea Capitán.

The coastal-themed “market and pantry” has a pastry counter, a graband-go fridge and coffee bar offering almost any drink you can imagine.

Photography by Anna Petrow

At Earl’s Provisions (649 E. 59th St., KCMO), they hang their hat on their buttermilk biscuits, but you’ll also find a case of freshly baked pastries, $10 sandwiches, soups, salads and so much more. One day you might grab a Niçoise salad, the next a freshly baked quiche for weekend brunch. There’s tubs of sun-dried tomato-pine nut caponata (a delicious vinegar-y relish) or pimento cheese dip for game day. It’s a one-stop shop, just in time for Thanksgiving.

While the holiday menu is still coming together, Schulte says you can expect seasonal soups, sausage gravy for breakfast and Thanksgiving pies. Keep an eye on @earlsprovisionskcmo on Instagram for preorders and updates.

Rising Sun, Rising Scene

Akoya Omakase

KC’s Japanese Dining Scene Levels Up

With the opening of Akoya Omakase and Anjin, Kansas City’s Japanese dining scene is raw, refined and heating up the metro

By Tyler Shane Photography by Anna Petrow

IN 2023, I wrote about the new sushi wave rolling through Kansas City. Around that time, the Plaza’s Kura Sushi started delivering sushi on a conveyor belt, Sushi Kodawari marked KC’s first true omakase restaurant, and the excellent Kata Nori opened its hand roll bar. But two years later, it’s clear that our chefs are pulling inspiration beyond nori and fish. Kansas City isn’t just having a sushi awakening; it’s embracing various styles of Japanese dining, from intimate omakase experiences to convivial izakaya-style gatherings. And thank goodness. Since that article, chef Johnny Leach has brought the tamago sando to XO, a moody Japanese listening lounge in the West Side.

Kenichi Ota crafts the noodles of his home country at KC Craft Ramen. At Noka in Martini Corner, flakes of togarashi are dusted on and infused in many of its dishes. The diverse landscape of Japanese cuisine is thriving here if you know where to look. Most recently, that’s Akoya Omakase and Anjin, two restaurants that opened within weeks of each other. One serves some of the best nigiri in town, the other one of the most unique open-kitchen dining experiences in the city. Together, they signal that Kansas City is no longer just embracing Japanese cuisine but helping define what it can look like in the Midwest.

Anjin

Clockwise from top left: Owner Peter Hoang; the $85 Umi Omakase special; Akoya’s intimate dining room featuring a wine cellar.

“I know a lot of people here might be trying things for the first time. I want them to laugh, to ask questions, to feel welcome.”

“WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I hated making sushi,” says Peter Hoang of his early days working in his father’s restaurants, one of them being Sakae Sushi in Parkville. At just 13, he found the pressure of preparing sushi, especially in front of customers, nerve-wracking. Ironically, carefully shaping layers of rice, fish and nori is now what he does nearly every day behind the bar at his own restaurant, Akoya.

Akoya Omakase

Located inside downtown’s Hotel Phillips, Akoya is the second omakase restaurant to open in Kansas City. Diners can order à la carte, but the real magic happens when you opt for the traditional omakase experience (Japanese for “I leave it to you”) and place your trust in Hoang and his team. For him, it’s this personal connection with the diner that changed his attitude toward sushi-making all those years ago. He describes constructing sushi with his bare hands, giving it to the customer and watching them take a bite seconds later as “intimate.”

If you sit at Akoya’s 10-seat bar, you’ll watch Hoang and his chefs press rice into perfect ovals, tuck in freshly grated wasabi and lay silvery slices of fish over the top. Each piece is placed directly onto your plate, meant to be eaten in one bite. The textures and flavors—like creamy Tai sea bream, rich yellowtail and silky Atlantic salmon—melt in your mouth. Trust them, and let it roll around your palate. By the end of the meal, there’s no question: Akoya is serving some of the best fish in the city.

That quality doesn’t happen by accident. Hoang has built lasting relationships with top-tier fish purveyors during his years working in sushi restaurants from New York to Jackson Hole. He’s meticulous about sourcing and handling and personally picks up fish from our city’s airport, routed through Los Angeles and Denver, to ensure everything arrives in pristine condition. It’s neither convenient nor cost-effective, but it’s worth it to him—and to the diner.

Beyond the bar, Akoya has a sleek, quaint dining room. Although Hoang has worked in traditional edomae omakase spots, where fish sourcing is rigid and seating is strictly bar-only, he knew he wanted his restaurant to feel more relaxed. “Those places can be intimidating,” he says. “I know a lot of people here might be trying things for the first time. I want them to laugh, to ask questions, to feel welcome.”

↓

GO: 106 W. 12th St., KCMO. akoyaomakase.com.

If you’re new to omakase, start with the Umi dining option: two sets of sashimi, eight pieces of nigiri, a hand roll, miso soup and dessert (on one of my visits, I had a delicate chocolate crepe cake). The nigiri are thoughtfully sequenced from lightest to richest—from mackerel to some of the best silky fatty tuna in the city— making for a beautifully paced experience. You can opt for wine or beer, but you must prioritize a glass of sake to pair with your meal.

Akoya Omakase is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm for lunch and 5 to 10 pm for dinner.

Akoya is built for discovery. As Hoang puts it, “We’re both being vulnerable, me and the customer. All this is is building a community between great food and great people.”

Goellner says Anjin was inspired by the kind of place he and his wife would want to visit themselves—somewhere with an open kitchen, where you’re close to the action and feel a part of the choreography.

POP INTO ANJIN in the Crossroads at 10:30 pm on a Monday night and you’ll witness something rare: chef and owner Nick Goellner and his team weaving through a tight kitchen, firing off dishes for a dining room that’s still full and buzzing. Kansas City doesn’t have much of a nightlife—and certainly not when it comes to elevated food options. But at Anjin, you can sit at the 20-seat U-shaped bar, order flights of sake, juicy pork sandos, tender bites of yakitori and steaming bowls of goat stew until midnight.

Anjin

The energy of the open kitchen is contagious no matter when you visit. Servers polish glasses. A cook fans coals to flame the makeshift yakitori grill. “Yes, chef” echoes throughout the space. It’s a tightly choreographed scene that feels electric and surprisingly intimate all at once.

The bar and kitchen take up about 90 percent of the dining room, a layout that nods to Japan’s izakayas—casual pubs where locals gather for small plates and sake. Anjin leans into that spirit with its compact, functional design: House-made loaves of shokupan and fresh produce from Greenwillow Farms are tucked into windowsills while bamboo framing lines the walls. It’s a refreshing pivot from Goellner’s other restaurant, the more modern American Antler Room, a longstanding pillar of KC’s fine dining scene. Goellner says Anjin was inspired by the kind of place he and his wife, sommelier Leslie Goellner, would want to visit themselves—somewhere with an open kitchen, where you’re close to the action and feel a part of the choreography.

Taking your order and serving you Japanese beer (you can’t go wrong with a juicy Orion) might be industry veterans like the incomparable local chili oil legend James Chang and Drew Little, who co-owns

Anjin with the Goellners. They’ll walk you through the small menu recommending dishes. But let me save you the trouble: Order one of everything. The cabbage salad was one of the most interesting dishes I’ve had in recent memory: a chaotic mix of mint, fried sardines, Ginko nuts and glassy shards of caramel (a byproduct from the nuts). I took bite after bite just to understand it. The salad’s bounty of textures is one of chef Goellner’s signatures and often seen at the Antler Room. That said, the marinated eggplant salad with blistered shishito peppers, fried shiitake mushrooms and an avocado-sansho pepper purée holds its own.

GO: 1708 Oak St., KCMO. anjinkc.com.

Anjin is open Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 11 pm and Monday from 5:30 pm to midnight.

There are three dishes you must order. First: the skewered meats— fatty chicken tails and hearts and tender chicken oysters mostly sourced from Barham Family Farm in Kearney. Second: the tempura fritters of black tiger prawns, mushrooms, corn, leeks, shishito peppers and pickled red ginger. They’re incredible. “Rip it and dip it,” Chang said as he handed me the plate. Eat it with your hands and drag each piece through the bright tentsuyu dipping sauce. Third: the fried and breaded pork collar sandwich. On a return visit, the pork was subbed with tiger prawns, which was good but no match for the original—gloriously juicy fried pork nestled between white miso egg salad and crunchy Taiwanese shredded cabbage. After that, you’ll be feeling plenty full, but you must charge ahead. There’s a towering swirl of soft serve to close the meal (black sesame and mango, on my visit). Get both flavors swirled together, and lean into the one “omakase” option at Anjin—letting the server surprise you with a scatter of Japanese candy toppings.

Clockwise from top left: Marinated eggplant salad; pork collar sandwich; Anjin’s 20-seat bar.

I encourage you to take a chance on The Alchemist Experience. It’s not a specific cocktail, per se. It’s like a boozy version of “dealer’s choice.”

Cards & Cocktails

By Tyler Shane

ONE OF KC’S newest cocktail lounges, The Brass Monkey, isn’t exactly a speakeasy, but it sure feels like one. There’s a trail of playing cards scattered on the sidewalk outside that leads to a red door on Admiral Boulevard. Head down a stairwell, flip a hidden switch and wait for a staff member to grant you entry into the lounge. The dimly lit space is small, with fringed lamps, masks hanging on the walls and some excellent Prohibition-style cocktails. There’s a sense of drama to it all, and the interactive drink menu only helps immerse you further into the basement bar.

Sure, you can order the bar’s namesake cocktail, a citrusy vodka and rum concoction, or the Gremlin B Gone, consisting of black cardamon-infused bourdon swimming around a suspended jello mold and served

with a spoon so you can slurp the garnish afterwards. But I encourage you to take a chance on The Alchemist Experience. It’s not a specific cocktail, per se. It’s like a boozy version of “dealer’s choice.”

When you ask for The Alchemist Experience, a server will present you with a deck of shuffled playing cards and ask you to select two. Each of the 52 cards corresponds to a certain spirit, syrup or mixer. Depending on your draw, Kelsey Kennedy, the bar program creator, mixes a one-of-a-kind cocktail based on your unique combo. Upon my visit, the two cards I drew created a libation made with cassis syrup and a blueberry liqueur. It took a little longer to make, but it was well worth the surprise.

Although co-owner Dan Scott says it’s not a guarantee, a magician was doing card tricks at each table on my visit. Normally, I’m not one to be bothered with gimmicks, but magician Andy Massey was a delight and added literal magic to the space.

Photography by Zach Bauman

Big Game ’Cue

A footballer’s unconventional path to barbecue

By Devan Dignan

“... BALL IS LOOSE at the 12-yard line, recovered by Northwest Missouri State, and THEY WIN IT!”

Former footballer Brandon Simpson can’t help but smile when reminiscing about his college team’s winning play. “It was the greatest game ever played,” he says.

Simpson didn’t hear ESPN’s Dave Barnett call of the 1999 NCAA Division II National Football Championship because he was on the field, celebrating with his teammates. The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats had defeated Carson-Newman in a four-overtime thriller to secure a second consecutive title.

It was an unexpected storybook ending to the defensive end’s college career. A Division I recruit out of Grandview High School, Simpson fought for playing time at K-State before finding his fit at Northwest. His path to barbecue was just as unconventional.

“I didn’t start out doing barbecue,” Simpson says, “When I was at Northwest, I had a vision for a place called Jazzy B’s that was going to be a seafood steakhouse around 18th & Vine.”

But Jazzy B’s had to wait. After two years in the Arena Football League, Simpson worked in construction sales, then sold pianos, but he was always cooking. Friends and family urged him to do more. Around 2009, inspired by the rise of food trucks, he gave it a shot. “Kansas City wasn’t food truck-friendly back then,” he says. “We were all trying to figure it out.”

Simpson, who loves all types of food and the thrill of experimentation, made the plunge and purchased a food truck. The truck became his test kitchen where culinary genres collided. “I was taking things Kansas Citians knew and adding barbecue to them,” he says. Cajun favorites, Tex-Mex staples and even barbecue sushi made the menu.

Finding strong support in Lee’s Summit, Simpson opened Jazzy B’s Diner in 2016. “In the beginning, I didn’t want to get coined as just a barbecue restaurant,” he says. ”I wanted to show all the other things I could do.”

Seven years later, he moved to a larger spot (320 Southwest Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit), dropping “Diner” from the name but not the fusion spirit that fueled it.

At Jazzy B’s, you can enjoy sandwiches and traditional barbecue platters, but you can also find po’ boys, quesadillas and one of the city’s best smoked vegetarian options: a fried grilled cheese packed with portobello mushrooms.

The Garlic Cheesy Corn has a depth of flavor rarely found in the dish. Simpson’s Miles Davis Baked Beans, Jazzy Fries and Blue Cheese Potato Salad similarly add a flair to the classics. Customer favorites like Reuben egg rolls and fried crab balls show just how far he’ll push the definition of KC barbecue. “I like to jazz up what people think barbecue is about,” Simpson says.

The wide-ranging diversity of Jazzy B’s menu makes it a destination for all. For Simpson, it’s about community. “The history of barbecue is getting together with friends, family, even strangers that aren’t friends yet and talking about each bite, sharing an experience. That’s huge.” Simpson knows the power of a meal. Nearly 30 years after eating team dinners at Northwest Missouri’s hangout Toot-Toot in Bethany, Missouri, he still stops in when he’s nearby. Now he gets to feed the teams. When Northwest heads south this season—including an end-of-year rivalry tilt against Pittsburg State at Children’s Mercy Park—Simpson knows one of those trips will mean a Friday night team dinner at Jazzy B’s.

During football season, the Bearcats are always on Jazzy B’s big screens, and it’s a place for alumni and fans to gather over trays of smoked meat. When football isn’t on the menu, live music fills the stage opposite Simpson’s No. 99 jersey hanging on the wall.

It’s a place where diners support local teams and music and where teammates come to bond. It’s a place for making memories, Simpson says.

Beyond the Canvas

Jennifer Janesko’s paintings hang in some of KC’s best restaurants, but her work reaches even further

By Tyler Shane

STEP INSIDE SOME of Kansas City’s most stylish bars and restaurants— Bar Medici, Vita’s Place, Monarch Bar, Verdigris or Acre—and you’re likely to spot a large painting simply signed “Janesko.” The canvas might be a blur of sweeping blues, suggesting a seascape, or a burst of wispy bold colors reminiscent of a Rothko. Either way, these abstract works only offer a glimpse into the ever-expanding creative world of Jennifer Janesko.

In addition to painting, Janesko runs a successful jewelry line (janeskojewelry.com), regularly works on commercial collaborations and is currently preparing for an upcoming exhibition. The KCK native’s plate is full.

At first, Janesko thought her creative path would lead her into the corporate world. “I earned degrees in fashion merchandising and fashion design at Stephens College while working as a freelance fashion illustrator to help pay for school,” Janesko says. “But the fashion industry was

“Music, art, people, lighting, colors, energy—it all dances in my brain and somehow becomes organized chaos when I create.”

rapidly changing—and not in a way that felt right for me. I decided to stop interviewing for 9 to 5 fashion jobs and focus on fine art. Looking back, I’m grateful for those obstacles. They taught me to pivot.”

Along with painting, Janesko expresses herself in various ways, including designing jewelry, delicate silk scarves and home decor. “I live every day like a sponge, absorbing my surroundings,” she says. “Music, art, people, lighting, colors, energy—it all dances in my brain and somehow becomes organized chaos when I create.”

JENNIFER JANESKO’S PERFECT DAY IN KC

Organized chaos is her signature. Janesko’s paintings often have a sense of breathable simplicity. They’re never overworked but still carry drama and movement, as if the energy on the canvas is too expansive to be contained by the frame.

Morning Musings

I’ll start the day with a pilates workout followed by lunch and a long conversation with my mom at Earl’s Premier, Caffetteria or Bacaro Primo.

LiveActive

I’ll follow up lunch with a facial with Sara Knop at Live Active, then maybe an ice cream stop at French Custard.

Drinks & Dinner

After tending to my garden and playing with my two obnoxiously cute but also obnoxiously adventurous Ragdoll cats, I’ll meet up with some friends for drinks at Vita’s Place or XO, then dinner at Antler Room or Farina.

Nightcap

I’ll end the night with something unique to Kansas City, like Ekho Duo violin with Shane Borth, a local burlesque performance or music at Knuckleheads.

Covid killed a lot of the late-night scene, but Keyhole Tavern, The Ship and Nighthawk still burn the after-midnight oil and are ideal for a night owl like me.

“There should be space to breathe, to think and to imagine,” she says. “I’ve always been drawn to minimalism, using fewer lines and shapes to convey a powerful message. An artist friend of mine likes to say, ‘Line stops, but thought continues.’ That resonates with me.”

These days, Janesko’s work explores the intersection of art and everyday life. She’s licensing wallpaper designs through Look Walls in Dallas and contributing to Geometry’s home collection in California. A few years ago, she translated her paintings onto silk and cashmere scarves, initially just to make one for herself. Now, they’re sold alongside her jewelry at the Kemper Museum.

Most days, Janesko is indulging in her calling card: large-scale commissions. She also dreams of a new studio with “huge windows and high ceilings,” is preparing for her next exhibition and is working on a hardcover book that catalogues her portfolio.

To follow her latest ventures, you can find her on Instagram at @janeskoart or explore her work at janesko.com. And if you’re looking to bring a piece of her world into yours, she welcomes commissions.

Photography by Amber Deery

Newsfeed What’s new in Kansas City food and drink

By Tyler Shane

Gram & Dun Heads North

Gram & Dun, one of the Plaza’s most noted restaurants, is opening a second location inside the Argosy Casino & Hotel (777 N.W. Argosy Casino Parkway, Riverside). Set to debut in January 2026, Gram & Dun Argosy will seat 250 guests and feature private dining rooms and a large outdoor patio—the casino’s largest restaurant space yet. The menu will include Gram & Dun favorites like steak, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits alongside signature cocktails, a sommelier-curated wine list and locally sourced ingredients. The expansion continues Argosy’s push to elevate its dining options and comes as W. VinZant Restaurants grows its Kansas City footprint, recently acquiring beloved local spots including Waldo Pizza, Bo Lings (now Heritage) and Corvino.

Clementine’s Opens In Prairie Village

Prairie Village’s newest ice cream shop, Clementine’s (6966 Mission Road, Prairie Village), is officially open, taking over the former CHILL space. The St. Louis-based microcreamery known for its handcrafted small-batch flavors features favorites like gooey butter cake, maple bourbon pecan

and coconut fudge, plus non-dairy and allergy-friendly options. With its Parisian-inspired decor and cozy charm, the PV shop blends classic ice cream parlor nostalgia with KC style and marks Clementine’s first expansion outside of St. Louis.

Meat Rushmore

Kansas City International Airport has welcomed a new barbecue restaurant. Meat Rushmore, the winners of the “Made for KC Barbecue Championship,” has opened in the T of the terminal, offering travelers a taste of KC ’cue. This annual contest selects a new BBQ restaurant each year, giving the winner a space at the airport to sell their grub for a year.

Cafe Corazon catering

Café Corazón has started a coffee cart and catering service.

The mobile coffee cart offers a full cafe experience, serving signature drinks like horchata lattes, café de olla and iced creations alongside fresh pastries and a few other food items. Designed to foster connection and celebrate culture, the cart is available to anyone looking to add some caffeinated brews to their next event. To book for your next event, contact dulcinea@cafecorazonkc.com.

MO Restaurant Association Influencer of the Year Finalists Announced

By Nicole Kinning

The Missouri Restaurant Association announced six finalists for its 2025 Influencer of the Year Award, honoring creators who celebrate Missouri’s restaurant and hospitality scene.

This year’s finalists are Annie Bui Seang (@feedmeanniething. kc), Mikita Burton (@allthingsmikita), Brenda Cortes (@bbcortess), Date Night KC (@datenight.kc), Neyan Babni (@neyanventures) and Katie McLiney Wiewel (@lo.kc.al). Public voting will decide the winner, who will be revealed at the MRA’s annual event. Learn more and cast your vote at morestaurants.org/influencers.

surreal estate

Built to Break

This Swope Park art piece is part wall, part bench and part invitation to rethink the boundaries around us

By Nicole Kinning

A LOW CONCRETE wall split down the middle. It’s not quite a bench, and not quite a barrier—which is exactly the point.

For seven years now, sculptor Jill Downen’s Architectural Folly from a Future Place has lived in Swope Park, just steps from General Swope’s Greek-Doric mausoleum. Originally commissioned for Kansas City’s citywide arts initiative Open Spaces in 2018, Architectural Folly doesn’t shout for attention but quietly invites passersby to reconsider a simple question: What are walls for?

“The idea came from a desire to see a wall as a bench,” Downen says. “Walls divide space and mark territory, but they can also serve as benches.” It’s a simple observation about how we can use the structures around us, in both the physical and metaphorical sense. The title, Architectural Folly from a Future Place, also hints at something bigger: “It’s one project in a long series that links past ideas with present ones and points toward future artworks from my imagination.”

To make this piece happen, Downen worked with Pete Browne of Kissick Construction on a topography survey, and craftsman Philip Wassmer molded the concrete to match the land’s contours exactly.

The result is a structure that hugs the gentle hillside slope so well it’s like it’s grown there. “The sculpture fits into its location seamlessly, like a glove,” Downen says. You can even watch a timelapse of the installation on her website, jilldownen.com.

The most striking feature of Architectural Folly is, undoubtedly, the deliberate crack running through its center. For Downen, the fissure represents something deeply human. She’s drawn to how “fragility and brokenness within the human experience hold potential to offer beauty, if one can overcome and transcend their most challenging experiences.” The gap between the two halves becomes a passageway and invitation to step through rather than around.

Even the materials tell a story. Downen paired concrete with semi-precious lapis lazuli, a deep-blue stone flecked with gold. The blue line references the blueprints, plumb lines, construction methods, and XYZ axis of the project.

Seven years in, the sculpture is showing its age in ways that add to its character: The ground has shifted slightly, causing the two sides of the wall to shift out of perfect alignment. Moss has also started to creep across the surfaces. “If left to natural forces, it could evoke romantic feelings about the passage of time,” Downen says. She says it might eventually need restoration or perhaps even recreation in more durable marble.

In the meantime, while Architectural Folly continues to settle into its Swope Park surroundings, Downen’s working on what she says is her dream project: (dis)Mantle, a carefully crafted free-standing building that plays with light and shadow.

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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.

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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.

8. This city’s airport is larger than the entirety of Manhattan, NYC.

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