writing by Libby Hanssen
I don't tend to commemorate death-dates but during a sleepless moment - beyond medication and meditation - I started thinking about Lester Bangs, who died on this day most-of-my-life ago. Timing is everything, even posthumously. Reading his "How to Be a Rock Critic" is one of my return-to pieces when I start to get cranky with... Continue Reading →
I spent the weekend camped out at Helzberg Hall. I reviewed the esteemed and unparrelleled Bobby McFerrin on Friday night and "A Night of Tango" with the Bach Aria Soloists with special guests Héctor del Curto, Alon Yainaz and Jeff Harshbarger for The Kansas City Star. That was a good way to spend a weekend.... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's new production of "The Mikado" for The Kansas City Star. I'm more of a "Penzance" girl myself (anyone raised on the Kevin Kline version would be) but "Mikado" is all fun, once you get past the steroetypes. The language itself is witty and amusing and takes multiple... Continue Reading →
In today's A&E section of The Kansas City Star, I previewed the upcoming seasons for the Friends of Chamber Music and Johnson County Community College's Performing Arts Series.
I reviewed Brazilian pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias for The Kansas City Star, performing with her trio for the Folly Jazz Series. During intermission and as I walked out of the theater, I overheard numerous patrons commenting on her barefoot style of playing, as well as how smoothly and efficiently she slipping in and out of... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the Kansas City Symphony's pops concert with guest vocalist Jennifer Holliday and pianist Rich Ridenour for The Kansas City Star. The late, great Marvin Hamlisch was originally booked for this performance and the performers offered tribute and memories to him. For a short time, the review is available here.
I reviewed a performance of MOMIX's "Botanica" for The Kansas City Star. Read the review here.
I reviewed a performance of J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion for The Kansas City Star. The work was performed in combination by the Spire Chamber Ensemble, the Spire Baroque Orchestra, William Jewell College Schola Contorum, Trinity Choir and Lawrence Children's Ambassador Choir in Helzberg Hall.
I reviewed the Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Tour for The Kansas City Star. They performed for the Jammin' at the Gem series.
I reviewed the Kansas City Ballet's production of William Whitener's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for The Kansas City Star. They also performed Pimble's "Concerto Grosso" and Jessica Lang's "Splendid Isolation III."
Proust Eats a Sandwich 