writing by Libby Hanssen
I am very picky about roast beef. Really, any beef. I worked in a deli for about a decade and there is no comparison of the slimy, bloody, vacuum-packed meat wads that passed for roast/corned beef to the real thing. Whenever I see a Reuben on a menu, my first question is "do you make... Continue Reading →
I wrote an article for the Kansas City Star about a new piece, visible, that was partially developed in Kansas City by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Nora Chipaumire. Zollar is a Kansas City native and founder of the dance group Urban Bush Women. She brought the international ensemble, cast specifically for this project, to... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the music for the KC Symphony/Quixotic Fusion collaboration Symphonic Quixotic, a multi-media performance work with musicians, dancers, aerialists, visual and sound artists. Read the double review here.
I reviewed the Kansas City Chorale's Sunday, May 15th concert of "Shakespeare in Song." They performed song settings of Shakespeare's text interspersed with dramatic readings by actors from the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival: Robert Gibby Brand, Merle Moores, Jon Rensenhouse and Cinnamon Schultz.
It was announced Tuesday, May 10th, that Brownback's Secretary of Administration sent a letter to the Commission telling the five government employees of the Kansas Arts Commission they were out of a job - laid off immediately and unemployeed come June 10th. Brownback had pushed to disband the Kansas Arts Commission back in January, but... Continue Reading →
I reviewed singer/pianist Karrin Allyson for the final performance of the 2010/2011 Folly Jazz Series for the Kansas City Star. She performed a number of pieces from her latest album, 'Round Midnight, with an amazing band: Rod Fleeman (guitar), Steve Nelson (vibes), Gerald Spaits (bass), and Matt Wilson (drums).
Of late, I am unable to partake in one of my favorite pastimes: drinking. My husband has been very generous over the last few months by allowing me to smell his beer and wine, but even the heady aromas can't fulfill my desires. The past few days, though, have offered some beer -related distractions from my forced ascetic... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra for the Kansas City Star. They performed with legendary musician Gary Foster, vocalist Kathleen Holeman and performed a tribute to Tony DiPardo, long time leader of the KC Chiefs Pack Band. This was the first concert under new artistic director Kerry Strayer.
Playwright Laurie Brooks’ subtle mix of fiction and history (including a bit of modified history) craftily portrays the obsessive curiosity of one of America’s best-loved founding fathers, as well as the social environment of his time and the ongoing clash of religion with science. Directed by Kyle Hatley, the production was imaginative, inventive, and visually... Continue Reading →
Finishing off their second year, Black House Improvisors Collective performed their 7th cycle of original music in a reed heavy line-up Friday night at City Center Square. Staged in an abandoned floor of an office building downtown, the group works with the support of the Charlotte Street's Urban Culture Project. During each cycle, they rehearse once a week leading up to the performance. ... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 