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1 The Science of Laughter 2 Event Calendar 4 Good Eats 14 Street Food Delights 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory
The The Science Science of of Laughter: Laughter: Why Why We We Love Love to to Chuckle Chuckle Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.
The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a continued on page 10
neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.
The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool. Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds. When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.
The Laughter Contagion: Yawns Are Out, Laughter Is In You’ve probably experienced K ANSAS C IT Y | KS/MO | 2024 |
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EVENTS 2024 Jan 6 Emo Night Join us for a night filled with nostalgia, as we bring you trivia, music bingo, creatively crafted themed drinks, and so much more! Gather your friends and dive into the world of emo music, while sipping on our meticulously concocted themed cocktails, and get ready to win exciting prizes at every turn. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Jan 10 Sourdough Bread 101 If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make sourdough bread, now’s the time! This fun, interactive, and hands-on class will give you the essential tips and techniques to successfully bake sourdough bread at home. We will work on two loaves together during class, a small and a large loaf (which will be baked at home), and we will score and bake small classic white loaves in The Sourdough Spot’s stone bread oven. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Jan 17 Winter Wonderland Cookie Decorating Class Guided by the Best: Our talented cookie decorators will teach you their tips & tricks for decorating royal iced cookies. Each cookie is a blank canvas, waiting for your personal touch! Delicious Appetizers & Drinks: With your ticket, you will receive 2 drink tickets and get to enjoy delicious appetizers from our Private Events Menu. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Feb 8 The Goonies™ In Concert A search for lost pirate treasure takes a band of misfit kids on a wild adventure. Experience director Richard Donner’s 1985 fantasy film favorite like never before, as the Kansas City Symphony performs the memorable score live to the movie shown on a giant screen in Helzberg Hall. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
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Restaurants Grünauer Austrian-German cooking & European beer in the historic darkwood-&-brick Freight House space. 101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Phone: (816) 283-3234 | Web: grunauerkc.com
Farina Rustic Italian dishes by a James Beard award-winning chef in a casual setting with warm interiors. 1901 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108 Phone: (816) 768-6600 | Web: farinakc.com
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood & steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz 700 W 47th St Ste 115, Kansas City, MO 64112 Phone: (816) 531-2537 | Web: www.eddiev.com
Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature? Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.
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Beer Kitchen
JJ’s Restaurant
Creative American comfort food & craft beers delivered in bustling, stylish digs. 435 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
Classy American restaurant & bar offering inventive, seasonal dishes & an acclaimed wine list. 4810 Roanoke Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112
The Russell
The Restaurant at 1900
Easygoing restaurant serving homestyle cooking, grills & burgers, plus cakes, cookies & cocktails. 3141 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Inventive international dishes & an extensive wine list presented in a minimalist setting.1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission Woods, KS 66205
La Bodega Vibrant, colorful venue pairs Spanish tapas with wine, with sidewalk seating & happy-hour deals. 703 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Fox and Pearl Country-chic eatery in a 1907 building with a terrace plating rustic meals & BBQ dishes. 2143 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
The Westside Local Creative takes on farm-to-table American cooking in a warm, exposed-brick space with a beer garden. 1663 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Farina Rustic Italian dishes by a James Beard award-winning chef in a casual setting with warm interiors. 1901 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108
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EVENTS 2024 Feb 10 Tai Chi in the Park Come join us for Tai Chi! From 8:30 - 9:30 AM, inside Pendleton ArtsBlock (due to it getting colder outside). It’s open to all ages! No Tai Chi experience needed! Once we’re done, you’re welcome to hang out at Core Coffee where your order is discounted by 20% for attending. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Feb 14 Playboi Carti The upcoming PC show on Sept. 30 is rescheduled to Feb. 14. Hold on to your tickets as they will be valid for the new date. Today, genre-defying rapper Playboi Carti has announced his upcoming fall 2023 “Antagonist Tour” including Sept. 30 date at T-Mobile Center. This is Playboi Carti’s first headline tour since 2021, where he took several cities by storm in support of his first #1 album on the Billboard 200 Chart Whole Lotta Red. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Mar 2 Uncorked: KC Wine Fest Join us Saturday March 2nd at Union Station for the 9th annual Uncorked: KC Wine Fest! Enjoy over 100 wines & bubblies form across the globes + some “outside the bottle” beverage options, a DJ, food trucks, custom photo booth and more! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Mar 14 Jo Koy Artist Information As one of today’s premiere stand-up comics Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. The comedian, who pulls inspiration from his family, specifically his son, sells-out arenas and theaters across the world. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
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Mar 16 The Official Lucky’s St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl - Kansas City Grab Your Leprechaun, Shamrock, Pot of Gold, and Crazy St. Patrick’s Day Costumes And Get Ready To Shamrock ‘n Roll! 2-3 Drinks Or Shots Included With Ticket Purchase! With every purchase you’ll recieve a lanyard that has an attached bottle opener, custom crawl badges, food specials and much more! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Mar 22 Heartland Men’s Chorus Presents “Princes of Pop” Get ready to groove as we celebrate the icons of male pop music! From Elton John to George Michael, Michael Jackson to Prince, our show will transport you through the evolution of pop over the decades. With powerful ballads, infectious dance beats, and unforgettable melodies, Princes of Pop is a nostalgic journey that pays tribute to the music that has shaped us all. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Apr 7 The Divine Intervention Tattoo Convention KC and surrounding area’s finest Tattoo Artists entering into a tattoo competition with a special performance awards show for Best of Show- a great opportunity to find your next tattoo artist as Tattooers will be accepting walk up clients for the duration of the convention so you can collect a new tattoo that day! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Apr 11 Alice: Dreaming of Wonderland Imagine the March Hare balancing on a tower of chairs during a tea party or the Mad Hatter playing crazy instruments or Alice performing acrobatics inside a giant keyhole! Get ready to experience an amazing journey in the crazy world of Wonderland! Based on the classic by Lewis Carroll, “Alice: Dreaming of Wonderland” is an action-packed theatrical circus full of surprises, amazing acts, video projection with 3-D mapping and live music. Alice’s adventures are a manifesto to fantasy. Visit kctoday.6amcity.com. continued on page 8
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EVENTS 2024 Apr 14 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert Justin Freer, guest conductor In the epic finale to the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war! “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert” brings the final chapter to the big screen as your Kansas City Symphony performs every note of the epic score from Alexandre Desplat. The stakes have never been higher! Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Apr 30 Little Shop of Horrors Feed the need for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about a maneating plant. A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
May 2 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Edward Albee’s classic play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf follows a middleaged couple, George and Martha, as they manage the vulnerabilities of their marriage. George, a college professor, and his wife Martha, return to their home after a university faculty party where much alcohol was ingested. They invite a young couple to join them for a night cap. As George and Martha entertain their guests, their toxic marriage begins to unravel at the seams much to their guests’ dismay. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
May 9 Jay Jurden Comedian, actor and Emmy nominated writer Jay Jurden is currently a staff writer for The Problem With Jon Stewart on Apple TV + . His standup has been featured previously on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in addition to CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Drew Barrymore Show and Comedy Central. Preferred Seats are seats as close to the stage as we can get you, based on your arrival and we hold them until 5
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the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny. This contagious nature of laughter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.
The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being: Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones like
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cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort. Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses. Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine. Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social
bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.
The Laughter Perscription: Make Time for Chuckles Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles: Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter. Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter. Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.
Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously. Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.
Embrace the Chuckles Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health benefits. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost. Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!
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EVENTS 2024 minutes prior to the show. General Admission generally starts in the back half of the showroom.Learn more at thecomedyclubkc.com.
May 26 Wild West Murder Mystery The Gravestone Saloon is the watering hole for every cowboy, businessperson, sharpshooter, and saloon gal in town. A rocking party is being thrown by the owners as the town discusses how best to get the infamous cattle rustling gang to leave everyone alone when A MURDER OCCURS! Each player is assigned a character and encouraged to dress in costume for the evening. You will receive your character assignment after you purchase your ticket to give you plenty of time to get in the mood. Your ticket includes three free wine samples to enjoy while we guide you through the game play. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Jun 2 The Cher Show Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture-breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Jun 22 The Official Pride Bar Crawl Join us for the ultimate Pride Bar Crawl, where the pride spirit and good times collide! After party will be from 10pm-12am, all of our After Parties are chosen to be the best late night atmosphere, typically there is a DJ or Band. Remember when our after party starts, most of our deals and specials end with the other bars on the crawl. So don’t be late and get to the after party! Don’t forget your friends, and don’t forget to plan a safe and sober way home! Learn more at crawlwith.us
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Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions: 1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy. 2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, continued on page 16
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EVENTS 2024 Jul 24 MOULIN ROUGE! Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Visit americantheatreguild.com.
Jul 24 Jammin’ on the Green: A Summer Concert Series Join us for another season of Shawnee’s hottest FREE concert series! Held monthly at the bandstand of historic Shawnee Town 1929 Museum, guests are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy our featured musicians! Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Aug 6 Time Travelers Summer Series Enjoy fan favorite activities like farmstead laundry and grocery shopping along with special bonus activities and themes featured each week! Kids can also pick up a scavenger hunt for added fun. Program is included with general admission. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Aug 9 Come From Away Discover the joyous and heartwarming true story of Come From Away, a musical that explores the remarkable acts of kindness and compassion in the aftermath of 9/11. Come From Away takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers Petand the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite. 3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try. 4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs. 5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork. 6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.
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7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple. 8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition. Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget! K ANSAS C IT Y | KS/MO | 2024 |
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KANSAS CITY ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT KCAVP was created to address this gap by providing support and services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender queer and questioning victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate violence in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area. KCAVP.ORG | (816) 349-9371 THE KANSAS CITY CENTER FOR INCLUSION To provide safe, inclusive LGBTQIA+ community spaces where people can come for education, resources, and activities, as well as support a more cohesive LGBTQIA+ community in the greater Kansas City area. INCLUSIVEKC.ORG INCLUSIVEKC.ORG We are a community of members that create, identify, and enhance business opportunities for LGBTQ+ and allied organizations through advocacy, promotion, and facilitation of the success of the LGBTQ+ business community and our allies to foster a more inclusive and vibrant economy in Kansas City and across the MidAmerica region. Our guiding principles are equality, inclusion, economics, and education. MIDAMERICALGBT.ORG EQUALITY KANSAS Our mission is to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We work towards our mission through education, public policy advocacy, and political action. EQKS.ORG LION HOUSE Our housing program is to offer a hand-up approach to serving members of the LGBTQ community to move from unstable housing, un-housed or street homelessness to maintaining their own stable and sustainable housing. LIONHOUSEKC.ORG
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EVENTS 2024 Aug 9 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, is an Irish musician, singer and songwriter. His music primarily draws from folk, soul and blues, often using religious and literary themes and a political or social justice stance. Hozier is not an artist OR an experience you want to miss out on! Get your tickets while they last. Visit kctoday.6amcity.com.
Aug 20 West Side Story Two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Sep 21 Brewery Tour Take a tour of Kansas City’s largest locally-owned brewery to receive a behind-the-scenes peek at how our award-winning, critically-acclaimed German-style bier is made. During the tour, you’ll have an opportunity to learn how we adhere to the Reinheitsgebot, the German bier purity law of 1516 which states that bier can only be made with malt, hops, water and yeast plus so much more. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com.
Oct 16 Movie Night at the Aztec: The Werewolf of London & The Wolfman The wolves are descending on the historic Aztec Shawnee Theater... kick off Howl-o-ween with Shawnee Town 1929 Museum’s horror DOUBLE FEATURE: 1935’s The Werewolf of London and 1941’s The Wolfman! Featuring horror icons from Universal Studios original Monster film era, you won’t want to miss this spectacle on the big screen. Learn more at kctoday.6amcity.com. K ANSAS C IT Y | KS/MO | 2024 |
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CAR WASH Tommy’s Express.................................................................................... 9 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Keith Winterhalter-Edward Jones......................................................... 13 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Tommy Elms-Raymond James................................................................3 ORGANIC PLANT NURSERY Vinland Valley Nursery...........................................................................3 WEALTH ADVISOR Pioneer Financial Advisors.................................................................... 9 WINERY TerraVox Winery.....................................................................................3
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