I reviewed the third annual Prairie Village Jazz Festival for The Kansas City Star. Headliners Bobby Watson and Karrin Allyson put on a good show, with excellent performances throughout the event.
Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Cage!
Today would have been John Cage’s 100th birthday. I threw a Birthday Bash on Monday in celebration and it was loads of fun. We had cake, balloons, toy musical instruments, bubbles, goodie bags, and a performance of 4’33”, along with a heartfelt rendition of The Andrews Sisters’ hit “Happy Birthday”, conducted by a four-year-old. As... Continue Reading →
Kawsmouth, Issue 5: Men’s ties $1.00 ea.
The latest issue of Kawsmouth, Life Sustaining Life, includes a poem of mine along with two other poetry submissons and an essay and film clips from "Worried about the Fire," shown at the 2011 Kansas City Film Festival.
the musiC/yOu make/insN’t/Like/any Other:/thaNk you.
The title above appears in John Cage's "A Long Letter" from Empty Words: Cage is either a yes or a no, depending on your particular philosophy. He's a through-the-looking-glass figure in American history. Once you find him and try to understand, you can't go back; you can't arrange a musical life without him. I've written about his... Continue Reading →
PREVIEW: Fall 2012, Smaller, Independent Arts Organizations
The Kansas City Star published its Fall Arts Preview for 2012. I reported on the events for smaller organizations and university series, featuring chamber music, dance and keyboard work. There are some exciting events ahead and my wishlist for this season is filling out quickly. My highlights for the next few months: newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble at... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Willie Nelson at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
I reviewed the man, the legend, Willie Nelson for The Kansas City Star. He performed at the Kauffman Center's Muriel Kauffman Theatre with his family band. He's a showman, and he and his family band put on a smooth act, but presented the material without any dross. No pandering to the audience, no talking about... Continue Reading →
Beers with Alarm Will Sound
In this age of ridiculous celebrity, it was a treat to knock back a few with some of the members of Alarm Will Sound after their concert Thursday night. It was doubly so not only because we got to discuss music with artistically driven performers we respect - come on, I get to do that... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Summerfest Concert 4
I reviewed the final concert for Summerfest's "An Invitation to the Dance" for The Kansas City Star.
REVIEW: Jewell Early Music Summer Fest Concert 3
I reviewed the Jewell Early Music Summer Fest for The Kansas City Star. The Saturday night concert of their four-part series was performed at St. Andrew's Christian Church. It was a nice setting, but the instruments suffered from being moved about and the choice to turn off the AC during the first half wreaked havoc... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Summerfest Program 3
I reviewed Summerfest's third program for their "An Invitation to the Dance" series for The Kansas City Star. And I have a beef: Before beginning the concert's third piece, one of the ensemble member's spoke about her thoughts during preparation. She went on to say that the piece was "weird" and "wacky," primarily in reference... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 