Upcoming Events...

English Tea With Friends
A Splendid Sunday of Tea, Diana & Dresses

Sunday May 1, 2011 • 1-3:30 p.m.  •  Union Station Kansas City

Join us for a lovely spring event - An English Tea With Friends. Presented by Friends of Kansas City Museum, this delightful afternoon will have you swept up in the romance of the Royal Wedding!  Two days after William and Katherine's ceremony, you can share the magic with a private tour of Diana: A Celebration and an elegant English Tea at Union Station.

The guided tour will include Kansas City Museum’s collection of bridal gowns and portraits from prominent Kansas Citians, then continue through the acclaimed Diana: A Celebration exhibit at Union Station.
 
An English Tea With Friends will be held after the tour in an elegant private room at Union Station. Tea, coffee and scones will be served. Seating is limited so please register early.
 
Reserve your spot on this special tour >>

May-Hem, the 2^nd annual fashion show fundraiser featuring 10 local designers and boutiques, will benefit two community arts-based non profits -- the KC Fringe Festival and KKFI 90.1 FM on May 14.  The event’s fashion, music, and art theme reflects the collaboration both indicative of the Kansas City art scene and a practical necessity for non profits as arts funding is cut from state budgets.

“In these times that are so threatening to arts funding, it is especially urgent that we all take part in supporting our local artists,” says Cheryl Kimmi, Director of the KC Fringe Festival.  “One way to do that is to support arts non profits that are dedicated to showcasing the art of the whole community where all voices and images are uncensored and inclusive.  The KC Fringe Festival shares these values with KKFI and we decided to join forces on a joint fundraiser. ”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be split between KKFI and the KC Fringe Festival.  The Fringe Festival will use the money for general operating expenses including printing, advertising and technical needs.

In between the fashion show runway collections, there will be performances by Voler, DJ Leo Knight Us and Madison DeCamp.  The fundraiser will end with music by Billy Ebeling and The Late for Dinner Band.

Event Schedule:
7 - 8 p.m. | Private VIP reception includes hors d’oeuvres, photography booth, and gift bags.
8 - 11p.m. | Fashion Show and performances

The Living Room is located at 1818 McGee Kansas City, MO 64108.  Advance tickets cost VIP $25 | $10 GA or at the door VIP $30 | $15 GA.  Advanced tickets can be purchased at www.kcfringe.org.  Ages 21 and older.

Designers/Boutiques:
Monkey Wrench Clothing
WM Couture - Wendy McMillian
House of Cochon
Jenna Huffman
Anastasia Rendina
Natalie Kelley
Amanda Her
Frankly Basic
Envolve Boutique
Wonderland by Andrew Chambers
Hair by the Mitsu Sato Hair Academy

About KC Fringe Festival
The KC Fringe Festival — now in its seventh year (July 21 - 31st, 2011) — is jam-packed with live theater, dance, performance art, visual art, spoken word, puppetry, storytelling, film and fashion.  At venues throughout Kansas City, the 10-day festival presents live performances and exhibitions of local, regional and national artists.  The festival develops audiences, stimulates economic growth and supports the creative community at large.  By making the arts readily visible, available and affordable, the festival supports and inspires local organizations year-round. The KC Fringe Festival is a service to the community, building bridges between audiences, artists, businesses and civic organizations.

About KKFI
KKFI is an independent, non-commercial, non-profit, 501(c)3, volunteer-based, community radio station. Our vision is to provide a broadcast voice to the voiceless...to those in our community who are otherwise un-represented or under-represented by mainstream media. Our eclectic music programming includes blues, jazz, reggae, rock, hip hop, alternative, Hispanic and world music. Our local and national public affairs programming includes shows dealing with working class, peace, justice, GLBT, and alternative health issues

Bud Break in the Vineyard - Spring is Finally Here!
The Spring wine season is here! The buds are bursting out on our 8,000 grapevines over the next few days and we'd love for you to come for a visit.

We've got a very special weekend planned with wine tasting (of course!), lots of great locally produced foods, hand-rolled cigars by our favorite master cigar roller, walks through the vineyard and some amazing live guitarists to entertain us all.

The tasting room will be open 11-5pm Saturday and noon-5pm Sunday. Grab a friend or two and come out for a visit. Wine tastings are always free and we've missed you after the long winter!

Winery Hours: 11-5 Wednesday-Saturday; 12-5 Sunday.
___________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:     
April 29--Wine & Tapas evening at Hereford House in Independence! This will be a great event.  All you can eat tapas paired with local wines from Somerset Ridge & Amigoni Vineyards.  7-10 pm.  Call 816-795-9200 to reserve your spot! $30/person.

May 7-8--Miami County Farm Tour Weekend

June 11--Art in the Vines!

May-Hem, the 2^nd annual fashion show fundraiser featuring 10 local designers and boutiques, will benefit two community arts-based non profits -- the KC Fringe Festival and KKFI 90.1 FM on May 14.  The event’s fashion, music, and art theme reflects the collaboration both indicative of the Kansas City art scene and a practical necessity for non profits as arts funding is cut from state budgets.

“In these times that are so threatening to arts funding, it is especially urgent that we all take part in supporting our local artists,” says Cheryl Kimmi, Director of the KC Fringe Festival.  “One way to do that is to support arts non profits that are dedicated to showcasing the art of the whole community where all voices and images are uncensored and inclusive.  The KC Fringe Festival shares these values with KKFI and we decided to join forces on a joint fundraiser. ”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be split between KKFI and the KC Fringe Festival.  The Fringe Festival will use the money for general operating expenses including printing, advertising and technical needs.

In between the fashion show runway collections, there will be performances by Voler, DJ Leo Knight Us and Madison DeCamp.  The fundraiser will end with music by Billy Ebeling and The Late for Dinner Band.

Event Schedule:
7 - 8 p.m. | Private VIP reception includes hors d’oeuvres, photography booth, and gift bags.
8 - 11p.m. | Fashion Show and performances

The Living Room is located at 1818 McGee Kansas City, MO 64108.  Advance tickets cost VIP $25 | $10 GA or at the door VIP $30 | $15 GA.  Advanced tickets can be purchased at www.kcfringe.org.  Ages 21 and older.

Designers/Boutiques:
Monkey Wrench Clothing
WM Couture - Wendy McMillian
House of Cochon
Jenna Huffman
Anastasia Rendina
Natalie Kelley
Amanda Her
Frankly Basic
Envolve Boutique
Wonderland by Andrew Chambers
Hair by the Mitsu Sato Hair Academy

About KC Fringe Festival
The KC Fringe Festival — now in its seventh year (July 21 - 31st, 2011) — is jam-packed with live theater, dance, performance art, visual art, spoken word, puppetry, storytelling, film and fashion.  At venues throughout Kansas City, the 10-day festival presents live performances and exhibitions of local, regional and national artists.  The festival develops audiences, stimulates economic growth and supports the creative community at large.  By making the arts readily visible, available and affordable, the festival supports and inspires local organizations year-round. The KC Fringe Festival is a service to the community, building bridges between audiences, artists, businesses and civic organizations.

About KKFI
KKFI is an independent, non-commercial, non-profit, 501(c)3, volunteer-based, community radio station. Our vision is to provide a broadcast voice to the voiceless...to those in our community who are otherwise un-represented or under-represented by mainstream media. Our eclectic music programming includes blues, jazz, reggae, rock, hip hop, alternative, Hispanic and world music. Our local and national public affairs programming includes shows dealing with working class, peace, justice, GLBT, and alternative health issues

English Tea With Friends
A Splendid Sunday of Tea, Diana & Dresses

Sunday May 1, 2011 • 1-3:30 p.m.  •  Union Station Kansas City

Join us for a lovely spring event - An English Tea With Friends. Presented by Friends of Kansas City Museum, this delightful afternoon will have you swept up in the romance of the Royal Wedding!  Two days after William and Katherine's ceremony, you can share the magic with a private tour of Diana: A Celebration and an elegant English Tea at Union Station.

The guided tour will include Kansas City Museum’s collection of bridal gowns and portraits from prominent Kansas Citians, then continue through the acclaimed Diana: A Celebration exhibit at Union Station.
 
An English Tea With Friends will be held after the tour in an elegant private room at Union Station. Tea, coffee and scones will be served. Seating is limited so please register early.
 
Reserve your spot on this special tour >>

For full class descriptions, event details and samples of artwork, please visit our website at www.artichokeskc.com or call us at (913) 322-9481.

DECEMBER OPEN STUDIOS:
NOTE:  No Friday Open Studios this month due to Private Parties!
There are still a few open studios left in December!  Printed schedules are available at ARTichokes.  This schedule is also available on our Upcoming Events page on the website, www.artichokeskc.com. 

Sat, Dec 18, 12-4
Tues, Dec 28, 12-4
Wed, Dec 29, 12-4
Thurs, Dec 30, 12-4

REMINDER:  ARTichokes will be closed Dec 25-27 for Christmas and Dec 31-Jan 2 for New Year's.

JANUARY CLASSES:
January classes are posted online!!  This 4-week class session starts the week of January 3rd.  All art supplies will be provided and are included in the class cost.  Classes are listed at the bottom of this email.  Just click on a class name to get full class descriptions, class costs and instructor bios.  Printed copies are available at ARTichokes.

See you at ARTichokes!! 


JANUARY 4-WEEK CLASS SESSION:
*Kids classes are in green

TUESDAY
Oil Sketches, Samantha Buller, 18 & up, 10-12, $180
Draw with Holly, Holly Swangstu, 6-12 yrs, 4:30-6, $125
Beginning Photography, Angie Jennings, 18 & up, 7-9, $125

WEDNESDAY   
Master Strokes, Ada Koch, 18 & up, 10-12, $185
Adult Drawing, Mimi Taylor, 18 & up, 1-3, $170
Creative Kids, Rebecca Pashia, 4-7 yrs, 4:30-5:30, $85
Acrylic Abstracts, Jenny Meyer, 18 & up, 7-9, $200

THURSDAY   
Colorful Acrylics, Claudia True, 18 & up, 10-12, $160
Mix It Up with Kristin, Kristin Goering, 8-14 yrs, 4:30-6, $135
From Start to Finish, Rebecca Pashia, 18 & up, 7-9, $115  *2 week class

FRIDAY    
Little Hands, Caryl O'Shaughnessy, 3-6 yrs, 12:30-1:30, $75
OPEN STUDIO & LIVE MUSIC, ARTichokes Staff, for all ages, 6–9

SATURDAY
Watercolor, Johne Richardson, 16 & up, 10-12, $165

Prepare to be amazed, scared and delighted by the reimagining of “A Christmas Carol” at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. This production, which runs through Dec. 26, marks the 30^th anniversary of the first staging of the play at the Rep.

First and foremost, let me offer a small caveat to this review. I have a degree in English literature as well as my journalism degree. So I really tend to be a tad biased when companies stage Shakespeare, Dickens and the like. However, I was excited to see the play. I took my husband and daughter. She’s a fifth-grader who revels in ghost stories. We talked before hand that Director Kyle Hatley had warned that his imaginative directing was going to take Ebenezer Scrooge on a darker journey than perhaps other directors offer up.

That sort of inky terror is made rather clear from the beginning. The set is almost charcoal in nature, mirroring the words of Charles Dickens and his description of the bleak and dark December streets of London. It’s a great rotating set that offering ease in scene changes and heightens  the drama. Even the act of Charles Fugate, who plays Dickens and narrates the play, lighting his candle made me applaud the tiniest flame in such a dreary world. By the way, my daughter enjoyed his narration and voice. The illustrious Gary Neal Johnson, sitting there at his desk, as Scrooge, miserable in his greed echoes the coldness, which tortures his warm-hearted employee Bob Cratchit, played by Walter Coppage. The mood and the lead characters were well established.

Now let’s get to Jacob Marley. Mark Robbins was scary. His face appears on the door as Scrooge turns the key to enter his own house. My daughter turned into my shoulder and I knew we were in for a more sinister take of Marley. I must have blinked at just the right moment because Marley was suddenly there on the stage, in front of Scrooge. While his chains weren’t the typical money boxes and larger chains that I think of and that Dickens describes, the chains are many and rattling. Robbins swung them with ferocity. At one point, Marley even extends his point by wrapping one of the chains around Scrooge’s neck to keep the miser’s attention. It sure got mine.

Katie Kalahurka plays the Ghost of Christmas Past. She has the ethereal quality that so many women have offered up before her when they have played this role. The images of the past are haunting and I enjoyed the take on the heartrending thread that runs through Scrooge’s past. The boy child who says he doesn’t mind being alone. The young man who also makes the same comment after his first love leaves and then the petulant adult loner who seems to reassure himself that he needs no one.  It was an impactful thought that as much as the man has shut out the world, perhaps some shut him out too.

My daughter adored the Ghost of Christmas Present. We sat close enough that when he takes his stroll through the audience, we got a good look at him. Jim Gall embraces that green robe and the almost brandied-warming laugh that one expects from the Ghost of Christmas Present. One of my favorite scenes is the visit with the Cratchit family. The meager family dinner and the joy of simply being a family are cherished concepts. I couldn’t help but think about how we need to do better to enjoy being with those we love and care for rather than stockpiling up things and trinkets, especially during Christmas. It’s true that Dickens and his social justice still ring as true in 2010 as the words did in 1843. Again, Want and Ignorance are hidden under the Ghost of Christmas Present’s robe. It still is a scene that should stick in any audience member’s mind.

The Ghost of Christmas Future, played by Matthew Rapport, proved just as chilling as the grave scenes created on the stage. At one point in the scene where the Cratchit family visits Tiny Tim’s grave site, the sound seemed to fade out. It might have been my ears, but the scene didn’t lack as Coppage pulled out the grief of a father who had to bury his frail little boy. I will admit that I had a few tears trailing down my cheeks. Rapport is also a big enough man, in the black hooded robe of the Ghost of Christmas Future, to hide Scrooge’s tombstone so when the ghost  moves asid e, the  audience seems to see it right along with Scrooge. It’s a powerful scene.  

So did I like the play? You bet. My own holiday spirit has been lacking some, but the play helped rekindle some spirit. I picked up another copy of the novella so my daughter and I can read it before bed. Something tells me that we have started a new tradition with her – here’s looking forward to another 30 years of “A Christmas Carol” at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Reviewed by: Kellie Houx, editor for KC Studio 

www.kcrep.org

Just in time for the holidays! Our online store is now open.

Shop our selection of unique items including handmade jewelry, home décor and one-of-a-kind slipware pottery—now available online. Gifts for every occasion are just a click away.

Members receive a 10% discount.

Click here to start shopping.