Books, podcasts and stories
Wednesday, February 24 at
6 p.m.
The Buffalo Room, Westport Flea Market
817 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111

 
KCUR Generation Listen and the Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library present the reBOUND Book Exchange and Podcast Party! This is a free event but space is limited. Swap books and share stories at the 2016 edition of reBOUND! This year, in addition to exchanging copies of your beloved (or unloved) books with others, come hear people share stories about childhood crushes, unrequited love, and romantic rejection.  

Broadway Unlocked to benefit Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault
Monday, February 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Google Fiber Space, 1814 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
 
The Broadway Unlocked #giveback concert is a livestreamed, interactive benefit concert that invites theatre fans from across the world to be a part of something bigger and make a difference in their communities. Through a global online fundraising effort, as well as live events in multiple cities on the same night, Broadway Unlocked brings those who love and make theatre together to raise funds and awareness for organizations that provide free treatment and services for survivors of interpersonal violence. Google Fiber is streaming the concert straight to a watch party at their space in Westport. As a guest, you'll enjoy beverages and snacks, performances from incredible stars of Broadway, TV and film as well as the best of the KC theatre scene, and you'll become a part of the concert as we #Hangout with the New York audience during the concert. A portion of the evening's proceeds will go to the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, an organization that improves the lives of those impacted by sexual assault and abuse, and works to prevent sexual violence in the Kansas City community.

Kansas City’s Historic Northeast Neighborhoods
Tuesday, February 23, 6 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. program
National Archives at Kansas City, 400 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108


Learn about KC’s Northeast with author Kent Dicus. Nestled in a pocket of Kansas City, an area just east of downtown known as the Northeast, is home to six early neighborhoods that make up a vibrant and eclectic part of town that also includes the Kansas City Museum. All were established between the 1880s and the 1920s. Featured neighborhoods include Indian Mound, Lykins, Sheffield, Scarritt Renaissance, and Pendleton Heights. The program presented in partnership with the Northeast Kansas City Historical Society.
 
Changing the Conversation on ISIS with Brian Steed
Tuesday, February 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Central Library at 14 W 10th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
 
The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, is more than a place or a terrorist group. It is a set of ideas rooted in centuries-old beliefs and wrapped in a philosophy of violence. Understanding them is key to defeating them, according to Steed. A military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and specialist on the Middle East, he initially spoke at the library about the Islamic State in late 2014. He continues his examination, taking a close look at the militant group’s makeup, motivations, and operations.
 
The last (ever) BADSEED event
4-7 p.m. at BADSEED, 1909 McGee St, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
 
This is the final event for BADSEED. Eat, drink, be merry and hangout with some radical farmers in memory of a radical food revolution. Free beer from Boulevard with some jazz and blues to listen to while you drink and mingle. The vendors will pack up by 7 p.m. so they can also enjoy the party. The potluck/shindig begins at 7:30. Bring a BADSEED-inspired dish to share. Check out the interview on KCUR with BADSEED founder Brooke Salvaggio and the reason behind the closing of BADSEED. 

Free Concert at the Folly Theater, Saturday, February 20 at 7 p.m. A native of South Korea, Ye-Eun Choi is an acclaimed young artist. In 2014, she performed along side her mentor, the venerable violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, as a lead player in the Mutter Virtuosi concert. Choi's program, to be played with pianist Robert Kulek, will include Mozart's Sonata for Violin and Piano in G major, K. 379; Brahms' Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in A major, Op. 100; Penderecki's Cadenza for Solo Violin; and Prokofiev's Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in D major, Op. 94a. An audience/artist conversation from the stage begins at 6:30 p.m., before the 7 p.m. concert. And it’s FREE folks.
 
Monday is a holiday a great reason to celebrate (if you’re off work for the day). Speaking of work, here’s something for all the entrepreneurs peppering Kansas City.  Think Big is featuring the KCMO Public Library Director Crosby Kemper III during Wise Words on Thursday, February 18 from 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. at 1712 Main Street—2nd floor. Join Think Big for a candid talk on entrepreneurship and business from one of KC’s true leaders at Collisions & Coffee—Wise Words. Free to attend, RSVP encouraged.
 
The Downtown Neighborhood Association is hosting a free tour of the Roaster’s Block on Tuesday, February 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 701 Broadway. Take a tour of one of the newest downtown communities. Tour the north building, also one and two bedroom units. See the coffee shop, community amenities and get a peak of future plans.
 
Take a trip to the National Archives located near Union Station for All Sewn Up, an exhibit that explores the relationship between the Federal government and the garment and beauty industry from the 1870s to the 1950s. Found in the vast holdings of the National Archives at Kansas City are records from Federal court cases that involve the garment and beauty industry. This exhibit showcases select cases demonstrating the variety of lawsuits that have made their way through the legal system, seeking to provide Federal protection for the consumer, for the company, or for the workers. This ends at the end of the month.
 
Visit the exhibit Through the Lens: Visions of African American Experience, 1950-1970 through April 3 at the Nelson-Atkins. This exhibition features over sixty works by seven photographers active during the civil rights era (1950-1970). Organized to underscore different artistic intentions and photographic approaches, Through the Lens highlights various aspects of African American experience during this time of tremendous social and political change. Photographers Danny Lyon, Bruce Davidson, and Charles Moore bore witness to the activities and struggles of the civil rights movements as a means to effect social change.

Catch this free screening of “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” at the KC Library Plaza Branch on Saturday, February 13 at 11 a.m. Documentarian Stanley Nelson looks into the Black Panthers and its significance to American Culture. This documentary is launching just before the 50th anniversary of the party’s founding. Check out Rotten Tomatoes’ reviews if you’re on the fence. 

​Watch a caveman from the Phanerozoic era come to life. NOVA's new documentary  "Iceman Reborn" follows Kearney, Missouri based paleo-sculptor and renowned artist Gary Staab as he creates an exact replica of the oldest human mummy on Earth. Join KCPT for a special sneak peek of the documentary, discussion with Staab and Iceman activities. All this is happening Tuesday, February 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the H&R Block City Stage at Union Station.
 
The Winter Open House at River Market Event Place is happening on Friday, February 12 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is free with a dozen vendors setting up for the night. You might be interested in going if you’re thinking of tying the knot anytime soon. And if you’re not, it’s a cool space with a range of vendors. Check it out.
 
Open jam with Levee Town at Knuckleheads from 2 – 7 p.m. Sundays. Relax with the blues before hitting the cubicle on Monday. It’s a great way to unwind. Levee Town has a new album coming out soon.
 
Alone on Valentine’s Day? It doesn’t have to hurt this year. The Westport Ale House is hosting their first ever Single's Social event from 5-8 p.m. Get out on Valentine’s Day and, enjoy a night out and make a new friend.
 
Connect with Kansas City this week with one of these Five, Free, Fabulous things to do. 

On Sunday, February 14 you can tie the knot for FREE at the City Market. If you've been thinking of doing the deed, grab your partner, get a marriage license and hurry down to say your vows. For the low price of free, you get to be married in one of the heated glass enclosed structures at the Market. Romantic music, twinkle lights and sparkling hearts provided. So rain, shine or snow, there's no excuse. 

A few rules from the City Market: Advance registration is required as space is limited.  Couples seeking a legally-recognized marriage are required to have a State of Missouri wedding license as well.  To make a reservation or for further information, contact Sue Patterson in the City Market office at (816) 842-1271 or spatterson@thecitymarket.org.

I'll do a walk-by next Sunday to get a peek at the happy couples. That's one of the fun things about living in the River Market. 
​

​Grab your shoes and coat – and maybe your umbrella and dash out the door to enjoy this week’s Free Fab Five.
 
Especially in Kansas City, the public library system always has something amazing to do. This week the library is hosting a free showing of the movie Beloved at the Plaza Branch on Thursday (2/4/16) It’s a great way to kick off Black History Month.
 
It’s the first week of the month, which means First Fridays in the Crossroads. Weather gurus say it’s going to be 50 degrees during the day. No whining about being cold. Head out and enjoy.
 
It’s Groundhog Day on Tuesday. If you’re not home watching Bill Murray in the infamous movie, stop by the Uptown Art’s Bar and join owner Greg Patterson for his annual Groundhog Day celebration! Don’t miss the $2 wells.
 
Get outside, people! Really. It helps with the cabin fever in the winter. A great place to get outside is at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center. Explore eight acres of gardens, including a pond, walkways, and watchable wildlife. Don’t forget to breathe deeply and enjoy the winter air.
 
Participate in the Red Dress Dash in the Power and Light on Friday at 5 p.m. Yes, guys, you can throw on a dress too. February is heart-healthy Go Red for Women month. Kick it off right in the Red Dress Dash. You’ll find face painting, drink specials and more.
 
That’s your Free Fab Five for the week.