I reviewed the Kansas City Ballet's production of "Romeo & Juliet" for The Kansas City Star. Choreography by Ballet Arizona artistic director Ib Andersen, beautiful sets and costumes from Boston Ballet, and great dancing (and acting) from the resident company.
COVER STORY on KCMetropolis.org: newEar’s “Worlds Apart”
I reviewed newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble's "Worlds Apart" concert. The performance featured two excellent pieces by Kansas City resident composers Nicholas S. Omiccioli and Ingrid Stölzel. Read it here.
Reading with newEars: “No Such Thing As Silence: John Cage’s 4’33” “
A group of mostly strangers sat in an old house in the Valentine neighborhood staring at the walls. We were listening to a recording by Frank Zappa, performing the most famous piece by one of the last century’s most innovative composers. The HVAC system swirled, the beams of the old house creaked. Bewildered, some people... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Father and Son at the Piano
“Piano for Two Large Hands and Two Small Ones” by Wisman the Elder and Wisman the Younger, performed by the composers. The indeterminate display featured amorphic responsorial effects, laced with motivated sequences. In an atypical situation, the players performed with Wisman the Younger sitting on the lap of his compositional partner, Wisman the Elder. The... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Grace Kelly Quintet and Phil Woods for Folly Jazz Series
I reviewed the Grace Kelly Quintet, with special guest Phil Woods, for The Kansas City Star.
REVIEW for KCMetropolis.org: “The Wrestling Season” at Coterie Theatre
I reviewed Laurie Brooks' "The Wrestling Season" at the Coterie Theatre. A relevant, inventive teen drama, with some updating from the 2000 version the Coterie commissioned. Read it here.
REVIEW for KCStar: Chiara Quartet at Lied Center
I reviewed the Chiara String Quartet for The Kansas City Star. They performed at the Lied Center in Lawrence KS.
REVIEW for Kansas City Star: Parsons Dance
I reviewed Parsons Dance for The Kansas City Star. They performed at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series.
REVIEW on KCMetropolis.org: Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band
I reviewed the final performance of Johnson County Community College's Jazz Winterlude. The audience had a difficult time loosening up, but a good time was had by all, led by the showmanship and incredible playing of Poncho Sanchez et al. Read it here.
These three ladies: Duo Lorca, KC Renegade Cobra, and Snuff Jazz
The week past and this one have seen a whirlwind of talent spin through town. I look at my calendar and there are more amazing performances happening than I can comprehend. Maybe Kansas City doesn’t offer the breadth that New York or Paris might, but it’s not for lack of trying. Though I’m batting a... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 