writing by Libby Hanssen
I wrote an article about the visit/discussion with (le) Poisson Rouge founders, hosted by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Does Kansas City need a venue like this? Could it support one? Read it here.
I wrote about the experimental music scene in Kansas City for KCM's 2011 fall preview. Read it here.
Nothing will stop us now - the baby headphones have arrived. Flamenco, folk, Mexican marimba, jazz and then some crazy-ass jazz - my kid has seen it all. In his short life he's been to over six concerts - that's more than one a week, not a stat many can claim. But as musicians (and... Continue Reading →
I want to recap a show that opened last month here in Kansas City. Well, more event than show, at least for my involvement and observation. “America: Now and Here” ran at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center in the Crossroads over the course of May. The project was conceived and spearheaded by artist Eric Fischl. The prescribed... Continue Reading →
I reviewed the Bach Aria Soloist's "Bach & Jazz Inventions" concert, which featured saxophonist Bobby Watson and bassist Jeff Harshbarger. The program contained many selections of J.S. Bach's work, obviously, along with some jazz pieces, a few jazz-ish interpretations of Bach, and songs from Brazilian composer, Guinga. And you can read a review of my review... Continue Reading →
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).
Filling the historic Folly Theatre with brilliant riffs and prolonged melodic concepts, Joe Lovano and Us Five were the latest installment for the Folly Jazz Series. Lovano has a heady, esoteric style of building sound, but his eclectic background meant Saturday’s performance was interspersed with Latin, swing, and bebop influences, allowing for accessible moments throughout... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 