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CAROLINE DAHM
Dancer, choreographer, producer, master teacher, adjunct dance professor at The UMKC Conservatory, assistant director at Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company
What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene: Kansas City is a very special place. Since moving here back in 2011, I have seen a steady rise in the arts. I love that the Kansas City arts scene is constantly growing, evolving, and supporting emerging artists. The audience here craves art.
What I would love to see more of in Kansas City arts: I would love to see more collaborations between artists of different mediums — and also within mediums. We are all striving for the same purpose: To share our story, others’ stories, to challenge thought, to inspire, and to find joy. We are only stronger together when we create together.
Where my passion comes from: My passion comes from the everyday human experience. Seeing the beauty in all things, interactions with people, the natural splendor of the world, but also life’s challenges and the inner workings of our mind that we dare to share through our artistic voice.
Current: I had the honor of choreographing for the Kansas City Ballet’s New Moves production in March. I will be creating a new work on SALT Contemporary Dance in Salt Lake City in May and a new work on Cincinnati Ballet in September. I perform with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and train the next generation of artists at The UMKC Conservatory and at Kansas City Ballet.
Contact: carolinedahm.com / Instagram: @sweetcarolinevd
NICOLE HODGES PERSLEY
Critically acclaimed theater and film director, professor of American Studies and African and African American Studies at The University of Kansas, artistic director at KC MeltingPot Theatre
What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene, and what I would love to see more of in Kansas City arts: I believe Kansas City has immense potential for more diverse and inclusive arts and theater offerings. I feel KC MeltingPot Theatre has helped advance this conversation in the city and we are seeing improvements for sure, but there is more work to be done. I would love to see more equitable and inclusive funding pathways that consider the unique contributions that artists of color offer in the city.
As we see a greater representation of voices, it would be great to see city and state funded initiatives that help to supplement the financial inequities that exist in the funding pathways for Kansas City artists and creators.
Where my passion comes from: My passion for the arts stems from a deep-seated belief in their power to transform individuals and communities. I have always been drawn to storytelling and the ability of theater to create empathy and understanding across cultural boundaries. I had the fortune of being mentored by Black artists in places like Detroit, Atlanta and Los Angeles who encouraged me to dream big dreams and to pursue them by any means necessary. I work to pay that passion forward to the artists I get to work with in Kansas City and beyond.
Current: Book talks for my recent book Hip-Hop in Musical Theatre (Bloomsbury, 2024); the launch of createensemble.com, an arts platform co-founded with Monica White Ndounou and Victorien Ndounou; KCMPT’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? directed by Ile Haggins (May 2nd through the 11th), in a special version amended by Edward Albee for a production at Howard University to support an all-Black cast.
Contact: hodgespersley.com / Instagram: @nikstagedoc
HEIDI VAN
Actor, creator, and producer of experimental live theater, owner/operator/CEO of The Black Box, founder and curator of Fishtank Theatre, and former interim artistic director at The Coterie Theatre
What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene: I love Kansas City for its eclectic independent arts scene and artist-run spaces. Within this thriving community, there is an unmistakable fusion of creativity and authenticity that truly embodies the essence of the city’s grit and spirit.
What I would love to see more of in Kansas City arts: To truly evolve, Kansas City must embrace and bolster support for independent artists and artist-run spaces, and not just the prominent establishments. By recognizing us as pivotal to the city’s tourism draw, nightlife vibrancy, and cultural enrichment, we foster a symbiotic relationship that champions creativity and inclusivity. As proud residents and creators, we invest our sweat and ideas and money into shaping this city, enriching its tapestry with businesses and ventures that make it truly compelling. It’s time to showcase us, the artists, with the same spotlight and recognition as athletes.
Where my passion comes from: My lifelong love affair with show-business fuels my boundless passion for The Black Box. Picture it: the ultimate hotspot where every night is an electrifying fusion of musical theater, cabaret, and avant-garde experimentation: which sparks laughter, conversation, and unforgettable moments. We present a wide variety, from classical theater to contemporary theater, live music and more. Patrons are always amazed and inspired by the vibe of the entryway to the theater — check it out!
Current: We have shows at The Black Box every weekend. Visit blackboxkc.com to stay in the loop: Each show promises a thrilling journey that will leave you buzzing with excitement, all while sipping on your favorite cocktail.
Contact: blackboxkc.com / Instagram: @theheidivan
TATIANA IOUDENITCH
Pianist, teacher, and owner/director of Young Artists Music Academy
What I love about KC arts life: The Kansas City performing arts scene holds a special place in my heart. Since making Kansas City my home in 1998, I’ve enjoyed the flourishing arts life, with great concert series and fantastic artists — both visiting artists and those who call this their home. Our Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is one of my favorite venues in Kansas City!
What I would love to see more of in Kansas City arts: Being a teacher and a performer for many years, I believe that the most important investment for the future of Kansas City arts life is high-quality music education. If we want our beautiful concert halls to be filled with people in 10 or 20 years, we should work today to provide music education. I would love to see more opportunities for young artists to be part of our arts community.
Where my passion comes from: Music and arts have been my passion since I can remember. They contain endless beauty, depth, and natural perfection, and I am very passionate to introduce and make music an important part of the life of every student and every friend of mine.
Current: The Park University International Center for Music recently presented Pianist Behzod Abduraimov and Violinist Daniel Lozakovich, on April 14th at The 1900 Building.
Contact: youngartistsmusicacademy.org / admissions@youngartistsmusicacademy.org
CHRISTY ELSNER
Singer, choral director, and founding artistic director of Allegro Choirs of Kansas City
What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene: Our Metro arts scene is vibrant and energized, especially in the choral world! We have multiple opportunities for our young singers to collaborate with professional musicians and arts organizations: the Kansas City Symphony, William Baker Festival Singers, area schools and universities, and more.
Allegro is filled with singers from excellent school music programs. Kansas City is also blessed to have stellar venues including the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Yardley Hall at Midwest Trust Center, the downtown Cathedrals, Visitation Catholic Church and others.
What I would love to see more of in Kansas City arts: The Kansas City arts scene is sometimes over-shadowed financially and in the news by our hot sports scene. General operating and scholarship funding are always huge needs: area non-profit organizations fight for few funds.
Where my passion comes from: Unwavering pursuit of excellence extends, for my entire staff, beyond singing: We fuel each other. I was blessed with the gift of communicating/teaching and motivating others. I lost my dad to a massive stroke my junior year of college: He was only 48. My desire to change the world with song, and my passion for living every minute to its fullest, became cemented with the loss of my dad at such a young age.
We as a society often underestimate what kids/teens can do. It’s a fun challenge to break norms. I love to see the “light” turn on in a singer’s brain and heart!
Current: Next year is Allegro’s 25th anniversary! Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, in partnership with the Youth Chorus of Kansas City, recently held the first ever All-Metro Fifth Grade Honor Choir, with over 100 singers from 27 area schools; Washington, D.C. and National Cathedral Tour; debut solo performance of our choirs at Carnegie Hall (2025); continued performance engagements with the Kansas City Symphony.
Contact: allegrochoirskc.org / Instagram: @christyelsner
Additional photos featured in the April 20, 2024 issue of The Independent.
More than 1,000 guests gathered at the Overland Park Convention Center on February 24th for Benedictine College’s 52nd annual Scholarship Ball. The sold-out event was a huge success. Lené Westerman and Kate and Patrick Carr were the co-chairmen, and John Holt served as the emcee. Colleen and Kevin O’Malley were honored with the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict Award.
“The modernity of yesterday is the tradition of today, and the modernity of today will be tradition tomorrow.” Jose Andres
Tradition is a beautiful thread that weaves itself throughout the tapestry of human history. It binds our past, guides our present, and helps to shape our future. At one end of the spectrum, it is the preservation of our identity. Traditions are a bridge that connect the past to the present and offer a window into the lives of those who came before us. At the other end of the spectrum, tradition isn’t stagnation, but rather a foundation for innovation. It helps us to embrace the possibilities for the future and thus transcend time.
Ever-changing traditions have found a welcome home here at The Independent. We have chronicled the history of Kansas City with many memorable occasions, such as the opening of Union Station and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. We have celebrated the momentous achievements of everyday people through births, college journeys, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and business accomplishments, in addition to galas and events. The magazine shows not only the changing of the world through prices, advertisements, and funny quips, but it also shows the impact that individuals had on Our Town, the region, and the world.
This year, The Independent turns 125 and we celebrate our quasiquicentennial. We are excited to share this occasion with our subscribers, friends, advertisers, and loyal readers. Although it is a significant milestone, it is more than just a numeric accomplishment. It is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and enduring love of Kansas City that have defined The Independent’s path for more than a century. It is a celebration of the traditions that have anchored us here and the progress that has propelled us forward. To commemorate 125 years of our history, we are excited to share snapshots through time with you in every issue. We have been thrilled to comb through our archives to find fun things to delight you all. We will acknowledge achievements and milestones celebrated by other organizations, along with the contributions of individuals, to illustrate the evolution and innovation of Our Town over the last 125 years. As we honor the traditions that have shaped our foundation for success, we want to revel in the lessons learned and the legacy that we continue to build. A legacy that we hope resounds for many years to come.
Jillian Grier Campbell and James Henry Helzberg were united in matrimony on September 30th at The Kansas City Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas. The bride is the daughter of Susan Grier Campbell of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Douglas Campbell of Kansas City, Missouri. Jillian is the granddaughter of Virginia and James Grier of Paradise Valley, Arizona, the late Maxine Lingwall, and the late Raymond Campbell. Her groom is the son of Reesa and Dr. John Helzberg of Mission Hills, Kansas. James is the grandson of Marjorie Morrow of Salina, Kansas, and the late Dr. Norman Morrow, and the late Rosine and Dr. James Helzberg.
The evening prior to the ceremony, the groom’s parents hosted a stunning outdoor rehearsal dinner at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Following the ceremony, the bride’s mother feted the couple with a gorgeous reception at The Kansas City Country Club. The wedding party included the maid of honor, Ann Campbell, and bridesmaids Molly Campbell, Leigh Campbell, Taylor Campbell, Elizabeth Helzberg, Annie Longfritz, Missy Mohler, Kristan Coppola, and Samantha Soldini. The best men were Cam Parker and Will Mahler, and the groomsmen were Tom Campbell, Peter Campbell, Brady Bates, Tyler Peterson, Sam Riehl, Leonid Askenov, Hunter Warwick, Zach Dionise, and Michael Cosiano. The ushers were Will Newman, Nick McGuire, Nate Goodwin, and Joe Wawrzynski. The flower girl was Hazel Gates. Jillian and James are both employed by Duke University Hospital and are at home in Durham, North Carolina.
Featured in the April 20, 2024 issue of The Independent.
Photo credit: epagaFOTO
The Overland Park Convention Center was the site filled with purple for the K-State Alumni Association’s Wabash CannonBall. The 17th annual event was held on February 23rd. More than 900 partygoers enjoyed a fun-filled evening and raised valuable scholarship funds for students from the Kansas City area.
Featured in the April 6, 2024 issue of The Independent.
Photo credit: David Mayes Photography
Behind the scenes of Kansas City’s most impactful causes are some of the hardest working, mission-driven people you will meet. One such person is Jason Banks, whom The Independent has recognized as one of its Rising Stars of 2024. Jason has consistently devoted himself to a variety of charitable organizations during the years, volunteering and holding positions of leadership. Those closest to Jason will tell you he has a passion for creating a more equitable playing field for everyone and ensuring that others have a voice. This is evident in his work and the organizations he has championed through the years.
As the son of a single mother and retired elementary school teacher, Jason is particularly drawn to serving in matters of early childhood education, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Growing up, he saw firsthand the impact that devoted teachers can have on the lives of children and families. “My mother sacrificed a lot to raise my sister and I on a teacher’s salary, and she just made it happen,” he said. “I’ve always viewed teachers as special individuals, but my mother particularly. Sometimes I joke that she must have had a clone to be able to do all the things she did, with the means that she had – both in resources and time.”
Recently, Jason’s mother had a short stay at the hospital. Coincidentally, one of the nurses was a former student from the third grade class she taught. Having recognized her, the nurse poured out gratitude for the impact she made on him and his family.
Seeing the positive influence his mother made in his and others’ lives, Jason knows firsthand the opportunity to thrive starts at an early age. Currently, he leads his church’s children’s ministry and serves on the executive committee of the board of trustees at The Pembroke Hill School. A recent addition to Pembroke’s mission, which lands close to Jason’s heart, is its vision to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community in which all individuals can realize their greatest potential.
Along those lines, Jason also currently serves as board president at Donnelly College, which was established to provide affordable Catholic higher education to urban immigrants and the working class. Its mission is to serve those who are most underrepresented in higher education settings, and might not otherwise have access.
Similarly, in the past, Jason was a board member and advisor for Entitled Learning, an organization rooted in Black culture and empowerment through education. By providing educational opportunities and resources, Entitled Learning is dedicated to making a positive impact on children’s lives, helping to break cycles of poverty, inequality, and marginalization.
Outside of DEI in education, Jason is focused on diversity and inclusion within his workplace at JE Dunn Construction, where he serves as Vice President, National Procurement Director. André Davis said, “Jason uses his platform to make sure that those without one have a voice. Most recently he led his company’s national Employee Resource Group (ERG) initiative to bring attention to the lack of minority leadership in his company.”
While a shortage of workers may be a common problem across industries, in construction it is punctuated by an underrepresentation of minorities. As someone who is passionate about DEI, and who actively volunteers to affect positive change, we can only infer that Jason stood out as an obvious choice to provide strategic support to the Blacks United in Learning and Development initiative (BUiLD).
As an ERG, BUiLD is a voluntary, employee-led group with an aim to foster diversity in the office, on construction job sites, and within the community. Jason and a couple of other Black executives at his company provide programming support and guidance to the BUiLD national committee, as well as to regional leaders. “When people see their interests reflected in bigger company dialogues and strategy discussion, that really means something,” Jason said.
From Jason’s perspective, his company’s four ERG’s create connectivity and make a 4,000-employee workforce feel more like a community of friends and allies. “In a large and growing company like JE Dunn, it can be easy to get lost,” he said. “And what the ERG’s do is create more opportunities to connect, to share common or even uncommon interests, to advocate for and champion each other’s work, and to lift one another up.”
In 2022, BUiLD hosted its first national summit in Kansas City, of which Jason was involved in planning and coordinating. The Summit included a full day of career development aimed at helping Black employees learn the necessary pathways to leadership roles at work.
This is only some of the charitable work and volunteer leadership Jason has engaged in through the years. Along the way, he has gained many close friends and allies. When asked how it feels to be recognized as a Rising Star, Jason said he is honored and humbled. Moreover, he said, it’s the people who nominated him that make the honor even more special.
One of the lessons Jason has learned from his teachers, mentors, friends, and colleagues is to make a conscious effort to lift others up, which he aims to do everyday. He said he is now passing that lesson on to his nine-year-old son. “Be the person that you need to show up to somebody else,” he said. “My service on boards, volunteer efforts, mentoring young professionals, I do it all because I’ve been blessed to have people pour into me my entire life. I wake up everyday thinking about those individuals and do my best to make them proud by being a blessing to others.”
Featured in the April 6, 2024 issue of The Independent.
By Monica V. Reynolds
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
Not surprisingly, books are my favorite gift to give. I love giving books because they aren’t just presents. They can be stories of adventure or romance, a way to try and step into another person’s shoes, a source of learning or inspiration, or even guidance for the next chapter in life. As graduation approaches, books are a font of wisdom as students transition, whether they are graduating from high school or college. Finding a special book to commemorate their achievement can be appreciated long after the cap and gown are donned.
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed
This book has been one of my longtime favorites to give. For years, Cheryl anonymously wrote an advice column called, “Dear Sugar,” where she answered likewise anonymous letters about a variety of topics such as grief and loss, romance, money, and family troubles. These are beautiful, heartfelt, thoughtful, and honest responses that are full of wonderful advice.
Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda, illustrated by Jonny Sun
Lin-Manuel has long tweeted short and inspirational messages to himself and his followers at the beginning and ending of each day. This book collects those messages with illustrations and makes for a wonderful source of comfort and motivation.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
A fantastic read that is focused on creativity and a great gift for anyone but especially those looking to do something creative. Rick lays out the process from start to finish in a startlingly beautiful and accessible way. He tackles struggles and self-doubt and couples that with wisdom about life and advice that everyone can learn from.
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama XIV and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams
This book is a conversation between the Dalai Lama XIV and the Archbishop Desmond Tutu about finding joy and happiness in the face of suffering and grief. Their conversation was facilitated, translated, and written down by Douglas Abrams, and it contains the wisdom of both spiritual leaders along with an outside perspective on how the two friends interacted. It is definitely a great read for those seeking more happiness and peace in a troubled world.
Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning by Leslie Odom Jr.
Originating the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton on Broadway, Leslie gives advice in his book as he navigates his professional life. He focuses on failure, and how it is good to fail as it helps us learn and grow. Leslie is all about going for what you want and being your own biggest advocate. Although it does have some of his stories interspersed throughout, it is mainly motivational and great for people who are just starting out.
Make Trouble by John Waters
John’s commencement speech at the Rhode Island School of Design ended up going viral and is in its entirety here accompanied by stunning pictures by Eric Hansen. His speech argues that although we are taught to pay attention and follow directions, we must forge our own paths and learn to be creative. He encourages grads to imagine and execute new ideas, to listen, and to never forget to dream big.
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster
In a world full of social media that has images of successful influencers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities, it’s easy to feel inadequate and envious all the time. It’s also important to remember that not everything on those platforms is real. Tara tells her experience as a television executive, and while her life looked glamorous, she was actually suffering from anxiety and depression. This book is about accepting who you are, owning your emotions, treating yourself with love, and building confidence; everything a recent grad needs.
Happy Gifting!
February 17th was the date for Inclusion Connections’ 10th annual FashionAbility Gala, which was held at the Embassy Suites in Olathe. More than 700 guests were treated to inspiring fashion presentations, heartfelt testimonials, and a fun evening to celebrate the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with all abilities. Debbie Horn, Inclusion Connections; and Jon Twidwell, board president; were honored at the event.
Featured in the April 6, 2024 issue of The Independent.
Photo credit: David Bram
As Children’s Mercy Kansas City celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, they would like to highlight some of the many volunteers who help the hospital run smoothly. With more than 700 people volunteering their time and talents, including guiding families through the hospital, comforting babies in the NICU, critical behind-the-scenes processing of donations of clothes and toys, and much more, Children’s Mercy is able to provide care, hope, and healing to all of their patients.
Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City celebrated a milestone with its 50th Anniversary Gala. The February 17th event was held at the Kansas City Convention Center. The celebration was led by Dr. Carmaletta Williams, Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City; and Dr. Marjorie A. Williams, board chair. Michael Harriot was the keynote speaker, and United States Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II was awarded the Horace M. Peterson III Legacy Award. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, followed by a program with the theme of: “No Revisionist History: Tell the Truth.”
Featured in the April 6, 2024 issue of The Independent.
Photo credit: Little Piggie Entertainment
The Independent is proud and pleased to be sharing a milestone anniversary with one of Our Town’s most significant civic treasures – The American Royal! As we celebrate their 125th year, we would like to share a few historical treats. Founded in 1899 as the National Hereford Show, the 300 head sold were at the Kansas City Stockyards for an average price of $344.00. In 1922, the first permanent structure for the Royal was built, but burned to the ground in 1925. The rebuilt version stood from 1926 to 1991, when the current complex was built. In 2026, the American Royal will open a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Wyandotte County.
As we look back into our agrarian history, we find what a large part the American Royal played in the lives of citizens. Whether we were being urged to help increase the world’s food supply, or viewing the possible fashion connections for spectators, to awarding many thousands of dollars to competition winners, the significance of this quintessential event was not to be underestimated.
The BOTAR Organization celebrated the launch of its 75th anniversary year with a glorious fashion show, Cocktails & Couture, featuring every single gown from every year of the Belles of the American Royal. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center, the showcase of the evening was the runway, adorned with large silver vases flowing with the traditional ostrich feather fans, by which the models presented each gown. The impressive event was led by Co-chairmen Julie McCann and Missy Schaffer, and the 75th anniversary is led by Kim Manka Mann. Also, the star of the show was the book created for the occasion, BOTAR The Gown.
Featured in the April 6, 2024 issue of The Independent.
Photo credit: Wirken Photography
The Midland Theatre was the site for “Defying the Odds”: A HALO Art Auction Benefiting Homeless Youth on February 24th. More than 350 guests enjoyed entertainment from HALO youth, silent and live auctions, and the premiere of the HALO Short Film Documentary, Caylin. Proceeds support HALO to provide housing, healing, and education services to homeless and at-risk children around the world.
Survivor Sarah Klein will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Community Luncheon to benefit MOCSA on May 1st at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. As an attorney and a survivor of Olympic women’s gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, Sarah is an ally and an inspiration to so many. Given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2018 ESPY Awards ceremony, she uses her voice and her story to fight sexual abuse. The Honorary Co-chairs are Kathy Koehler and Heather Bortnick, and the Event Co-chairs are Monica Gray and Chris Gray. Community Support Committee Co-chairs are Leah and Arlan Vomhof and Sujal Shah and Holly Garber.
It’s difficult to remember what the Kansas City skyline looked like 20 years ago, before the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts began to take shape at 16th and Broadway. Today anyone who drives through our city must remember one thing: This internationally acclaimed, 316,000-square-feet structure stands as a testament not just to the importance of arts in American lives but also to the power of women to get things done.
In particular, to the fortitude and persistence of Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, who brought all of her life-lessons to bear in a process that took 20 years of her life to bring about.
Nevertheless the Center, which opened in 2011, is just the most visible part of the activities of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, which each year gives grants to countless nonprofit organizations large and small: and not just in Kansas City, but also in New York and Toronto. Locally any time you attend a performance of music, dance, or theater, you are almost certain to find this Foundation listed among the major donors in your playbill.
Julia is recognized worldwide as a major North American arts philanthropist, but she prefers to give credit to others: beginning with her mother, Muriel McBrien Kauffman, who moved here from Toronto when she married Ewing Marion Kauffman, the legendary founder of Marion Laboratories, and brought a young daughter in tow. “I follow my mother’s mission, which was to give to hundreds of things, even down to $1,000, across a four-county area,” Julia said recently. “Because all of it helps to feed the arts and helps to feed the Center.”
These grants have become a sort of badge of honor for local organizations. “And it’s with the little groups that it can make the largest impact,” Julia said, adding that notable funding also goes to bringing some 50,000 students into the Kauffman Center each year. “My mother was adamant, and so am I, about getting children to come and hear music.”
It was Muriel Kauffman who brought the first female sales reps to Marion Labs; Muriel who was co-owner of the Kansas City Royals; and Muriel who reportedly became the first woman to step onto the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
And later it was Muriel, the philanthropist, who set Ken Dworak to work finding a venue for a performing arts center. “Everyone keeps saying Muriel Kauffman ‘dreamt’, ” Julia said. “My mother never dreamt in her life: She did things.”
Julia also gives a great deal of credit and honor to Ewing Marion Kauffman, who helped form her into the business-savvy donor that she is today. “He was one of the smartest men I ever met,” she said. “He was brilliant and fair … and he taught me about business. … He would pick out my courses in college: I took speed reading, I took business law. He was constantly teaching, and so I was constantly learning.”
Ewing was actually Julia’s second dad, and she also gives credit to her birth father, Lorne Dennie, for nudging her toward quality education. He also encouraged Julia’s musical ambitions. “He’s the one who insisted on my piano studies,” Julia said of Lorne, who died when she was 14, “and he’s the one who sent me to private school.” She pleaded with him not to send her to Branksome Hall, a prestigious Toronto all-girls school. But behold, its rigors paid off.
“He said to me: One day, young lady, you’ll thank me. And he was right: I’ve met Branksome Hall girls all over the world who are highly successful.” In tribute to the important role that Lorne played in her early life, Julia recently added his last name to her now-hyphenated surname.
Julia continued to foster the love of music she learned as a girl, earning a degree in piano at the University of Toronto. And that love, which she credits partly to Canada’s rich cultural life, has remained a driving force behind her belief in the importance of music in our lives.
It has also shaped every decision in the planning and construction of the Kauffman Center. “Because the arts can really help educate you,” she said. “It’s not just entertainment: When you are reading music, for example, it’s like working a crossword puzzle. It develops your brain.”
Staying “on mission” is critical for Julia, too, which is why the foundation named for Muriel Kauffman recently added a word to its name, becoming the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation. “I’ve watched what happens to other foundations with family names that have been taken away from the family … or that have not included the family, and then changed their mission statements.”
To make sure things stay on the rails, Julia has made certain that the foundation’s leadership includes her three daughters (Julia Irene Power Weld, Lauren Muriel-Marion LaPointe, and Alexandra Ewing Moore) and her granddaughter, Brittany Muriel-Marion LaPointe.
“I want it to stay on mission … and I want to keep it moving for Kansas City, for the arts, and for the Performing Arts Center.”
Looking to the future, there is still work to be done throughout the city, “including with some of the long-term projects,” she added. “The area at 18th and Vine is one I do not want to see fail. It’s really thriving, and I’d like to see it keep going forward.”
Cover photo of the Kauffman Center at dusk by Tim Hursley.
—By Paul Horsley
You don’t have to watch an Allegro Choirs of Kansas City rehearsal for very long before you start to understand why these youngsters sound so good. The founding director, Christy Elsner, knows exactly what she wants, and she will persist until she gets it. “On a scale of one to 10, that was about a two,” she told the 75 or so young trebles on a recent Monday night in the choir’s ample studios in downtown Bonner Springs. The combined Allegro Con Moto choir (middle schoolers) and Allegro Con Brio high schoolers tried again, and again. It got better each time, and the conductor was encouraged.
At another point in the rehearsal, Christy beamed. “That was 80 percent: Can you give me a hundred?” On the wall beside the bleachers was a display of colorfully framed “life lessons” (or “Christy-isms” as they are called around the studio). “Halfway does not count.” “Attitude is everything.” “We are only as strong as our weakest link.” “We believe you can do amazing things.”
Founded in 2000 as a single choir of 38 male and female treble voices, Allegro has become such a powerhouse that it performs for national choral conventions and on overseas tours (Italy, France, England, Germany, Austria, Sweden, to name a few). It has performed in New York and Washington, D.C., including an appearance at The White House for President and Mrs. Obama.
And its top two choirs are the consistent favorites of the Kansas City Symphony when it needs a chorus of young trebles for works such as Mahler’s Third Symphony or Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem.
The organization now boasts more that 200 youngsters in five choirs, including the tenor-bass Allegro Con Spirito, the Vivo Allegro (fourth and fifth graders), and the recently formed Primo Allegro. They rehearse Mondays and Tuesdays in a building owned by Christy and her husband: It includes a check-in lobby, an office/score library, two rehearsal studios, and a visitors’ waiting lounge.
“We take these kids who have an extra love for singing and ‘hone in’ on that passion,” Christy said. “We just have extremely high expectations, technically and artistically. … We instill in these kids a sense that there is a bar of excellence, and that we’re not just going to meet it, we’re going to exceed it.”
Of course, it’s not only about singing, she said: “All of these things that we learn from singing apply to life.”
A graduate of The University of Kansas who holds a degree in music education and is recognized as a leading figure in youth choirs nationally, Christy received her initial inspiration as an assistant to the person she calls a primary mentor, Janeal Crabb Krehbiel, who founded Lawrence Children’s Choir in 1990.
“Janeal is a wonderful singer herself, and so she trained kids the way you would a classical singer,” Christy said. “Posture, technique, resonance, tone, lift of the soft palate.” Janeal also taught an indefatigable drive for excellence, which seems to have rubbed off.
“To be a natural motivator means being 100 percent persistent,” Christy said. “Never letting them slack, because they can always do it better. … We focus on good basic singing techniques: things that you can use to sing for the rest of your life.”
Most any former Allegro member would confirm everything in the previous paragraph. “Christy is full of life-lessons, you learn all kinds of things if you hang around her long enough,” said Kelsey Abele, who sang with Allegro as a girl and is currently assistant professor of Communication Studies at West Texas A&M University. “She is a ball of absolute life, all the time.” For six years of her youth, Kelsey fervently looked forward to Mondays. “That was the best night of the week, hands down.”
She remembers the importance that Allegro placed on problem-solving. “One of the things that Christy does such a good job of is helping kids, youth, folks in general, consider the way that they approach problems. … That you don’t have to scowl or be angry, but instead approach problems with joy and creativity.”
Any difficult task that has a reward can bring great satisfaction, especially for young people. Singing three- and four-part harmony in tune, difficult as it might be, remains one of the joys of vocal music, and when a chorister hears it “click” for the first time, it can be magical.
“I love when they have a breakthrough moment, either individually or as a choir,” said Ryan Main, a prominent area choral director who formed the Youth Chorus of Kansas City in 2017. “You can see something change in them … their eyes light up the first time their choir really ‘locks’ on a three-part chord. That can be a ground-breaking moment for a young singer who has never really experienced it.”
Ryan formed his choir, which is incorporated in Missouri, to complement, not to compete with, Christy’s choir. (It is more centrally located, plans its first Carnegie Hall performance this June, and unlike Allegro it has an SATB youth choir.) The Youth Chorus joins other choirs in the area such as the Young MAIstersingers, the Lawrence Children’s Choir, and the Boys Choir of Kansas City/Girls Choir of Kansas City.
It’s a small wonder that youth choirs continue to thrive: Choral singing is just plain fun, for people of all ages and all skill levels. The beauty of Allegro is that, as much as its directors strive for sonic unity, the goal is still to let voices roam and explore.
“We like to let the voices be free, let the young people discover what it means to use their full voice,” said Kellyn Button, an Allegro assistant director who has also taught in Olathe schools.
Toward that end, the Molto and Brio choirs do not assign its treble singers a “voice part”: Each new composition involves a shuffle on the bleachers as the singers assume new voice parts for the next number.
A girl’s voice change can be nearly as drastic as that of a boy. At this age, Kristy said, “their voices are still changing, and they’re not altos or sopranos, right? They’re really all sopranos.” (This notion is backed by researched evidence.) “So why are we going to put them in a box? I think it’s important that they remain ‘Play-Doh.’ ”
Allegro has shaped world views, and “it has shaped how I approach teaching,” said Kellyn, who has a master’s in choral conducting from The UMKC Conservatory.
“There’s a human connection in choral music, you’re sharing this music … in way that you don’t quite get playing the violin.” During the occasional Allegro “reunions,” singers from all walks come from far and wide to join the choir. “Most of them are not in music,” Kellyn said, “but they still look for a way to be involved in music, one way or another.”
—By Paul Horsley
For more information about Allegro, which performs this April 7th at Graceway Church, go to allegrokc.org.
To reach Paul Horsley, performing arts editor, send an email to paul@kcindependent.com or find him on Facebook (paul.horsley.501) or Twitter/Instagram (@phorsleycritic).
This Women’s History Month, we reached out to women in the community to find our their favorite reads. I’m excited to share their responses below.
Kathy Donovan
I am a proud board member of United We, and an advocate for women’s empowerment. I am passionate about removing barriers around women’s entrepreneurship, licensing, childcare, or equal pay. I absolutely loved the character Elizabeth Zott in Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Despite her workplace discrimination, and trying to survive as a single mother in the 1950s, she remained steady in her belief that women could, and should, pursue their dreams. As Elizabeth said, “Courage is the root of change, and change is what we are chemically designed to do.”
Dr. Kirsten Brown Persley
I am the Founder and CEO of Persley Advisors, and the writer of the recently published, Delivering Dignity: A Guide to Cultivating Culturally Competent Organizations. I am involved in Women United because I care deeply about Kansas City and want to work alongside like-minded women to push towards greater change and impact through philanthropy. My favorite book I have read recently is The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck.
Torree Pederson
I am the President of Aligned, and a passionate advocate for educational reform and opportunity for all. My favorite book is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Set in World War II, it tells the story of two strong women who fight against oppression to not only survive, but to help others along the way. It exemplifies a willingness to remain steadfast in your beliefs, even when it is not popular or even dangerous.
Maggie Glenski
I am the Founder and CEO of Wrinkle’s Content Studio, a boutique agency providing social media, email, and blog content for female-founded lifestyle brands. My favorite book is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book has changed my perspective on life and opened my eyes to a world of wonder, positive energy, and creative freedom. It’s a permission slip to embrace your curiosity and live a creative life, without letting fear, rejection, or creative suffering hold you back.
Christine Thomas
I am the Senior Director of Public Relations, Communications and Strategic Partnerships for The University of Kansas Cancer Center. My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I love Jane’s wit and prose and the fact that each of her books feature strong, smart, and independent women who were way ahead of their time. I have read this book many times and still love the story as much as the first time I read it.
Jackie Feeney
I am the Vice President of Philanthropy at United Way of Greater Kansas City and am privileged to work alongside the impressive members of Women United who care so deeply about our community and make it a better place for all. My favorite book I have read recently is The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. The premise of the book is reviewing the current age on earth, but it is actually a beautiful and promising take on humanity.
Mary Beth Gentry
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Young Women on the Move. My favorite book is Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard. Dallas lays out a beautiful, divine process for transforming ourselves from the inside out. He gets to the root cause of our character faults and gives a pathway to becoming the person we were meant to be.
Dr. Julie Bradford
I am the Medical Director and Partner of GoodVets Prairie Village and Overland Park Leawood. My all-time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I’ve read it numerous times and find Jane to be incredibly witty. The book has some really great lines and has inspired numerous spin-offs and modern takes.
Rebeca Swank
I am the Director of Community Engagement at Job One KC. My favorite book is Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office by Dr. Lois P. Frankel. When I was 25, a female I looked up to at work recommended the original book to me. I still remember all of the ways I fell into the “nice girl” trap. I reread the updated version of the book when I turned 40, and I was so happy to have overcome some of the old tendencies that could have negatively impacted successes I’ve enjoyed through the years.
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health stressors weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of women and children alike. Whether it’s the soaring cost of living, the turmoil of politics, or the heartbreaking news of violence hitting close to home, the toll on our collective well-being is undeniable. In this whirlwind, self-care often takes a backseat for many adults, and the stigma surrounding emotional expression can leave us at war in a silent battle with our minds.
For therapists like Kelsey Foss and Donna Washington, who co-founded The Counseling Collaborative for women, the reluctance of potential clients to seek therapy is a common hurdle. “We talk to people all the time about what’s making it hard (to seek therapy),” Kelsey said. “A lot of times it is their beliefs and the stigma around it. This might be the first time in a long time that they are focusing on themselves and that can feel really foreign and different and uncomfortable.”
According to local mental health professional Carron Montgomery, nurturing mental health isn’t just a personal pursuit — it’s an essential piece of well-being for ourselves and our children. Carron is a mental health clinician, trauma specialist, author, speaker, and community advocate. She says raising a generation of resilient and balanced individuals begins at home. While parents navigate their own emotional landscapes, children pick up on those feelings and can be caught in what Carron calls a “riptide,” which she refers to, broadly, as the emotional current of the world. Feelings, Carron says, are contagious. “We need to support women having (mental health) support so they can have the skills to not have a riptide that’s out of control and is felt by their kids.”
Carron’s illustrated children’s book, Invisible Riptide, serves as a discussion guide to bridge the gap in knowledge and empower parents to have conversations about stressors. It’s meant to teach parents, as much as their kids, to create a common language to start those conversations and give parents the confidence to do so. The illustrated, all-ages book offers coping mechanisms and tools for communication to support children’s emotional development. “What I’m seeing is there’s a gap in knowledge and confidence to have conversations (about stressors) that now have become part of our daily life,” Carron said. “You can’t know what you haven’t been taught, and our generation wasn’t really taught about the purpose of feelings or about how to cope with mental health in a healthy way because we were more of a silent generation.”
Throughout their careers, Kelsey and Donna have come to recognize that different generations, walks of life, and countries grapple with distinct mental health themes. Donna stressed the importance for women to address emotional needs. She says each generation has a unique way of addressing stress and self-care – whether it’s to talk about it, or suppress the feelings and power through. Donna also emphasized the need for a shift away from the “pushing through” mentality and the idea that one can be everything for everyone all the time. “My generation was taught, ‘Push through, you’re fine,’” Donna said. “To ‘push through’ is not okay anymore.” Instead, she advocates for vulnerability, asking for help, and acknowledging that it’s okay not to do it all alone.
Kelsey and Donna have also seen a trend in many women seeking the most support on topics surrounding parenting, motherhood, and the pervasive tendency to compare oneself to others in terms of the “right” way to navigate these roles. Kelsey said, “We talk a lot about perfectionism and pleasing people. And then, of course, just navigating mood, energy, and motivation, and caring for yourself in ways that feel balanced. It can feel selfish, and so we’re navigating, ‘What does self-care actually mean?’” Donna said, “What people are seeking is to be more connected to themselves and more connected to other people. Lack of communication leads to disconnection, which leads to feelings of depression and anxiety.”
From Carron’s perspective, moms in particular need mental health support and education. “Parents now – especially women with young children – do not have the support they need to stay regulated,” she said. “I think there’s anxiety about having anxiety and then your kids feeling the anxiety, but not having the time and the tools.” She also takes into account the increase in violence, noting how difficult it is for parents, and especially moms, to find the time to process their own emotions and engage in the self-care that is needed. Unresolved emotions can affect a child’s emotional processing. “A lot of times I run into parents struggling because they don’t feel equipped, so they don’t have the conversation,” Carron said. “We don’t have as much time for that work and those organic conversations (don’t happen) just from the fast-paced society we’re living in – from people working, getting home later, and kids being involved in so many activities.”
In light of these perspectives, the journey towards mental wellness requires a collective effort, and women can lead the charge. By having open conversations, providing support, and bravely sharing our vulnerability with trusted people, we can create a healthier and more resilient community for ourselves and future generations. “Women haven’t always historically had a voice,” Kelsey said. “And so now that women are finding their voice, they’re empowering other people.” As a result of therapy, Kelsey hopes that more women can be less critical and more kind to themselves, to doubt themselves less and to be empowered. “When women feel well, they can better communicate and have those skills to pour out into the world and to their children and work,” she said. “And I think it will be amazing to see what happens the more that mental health and women learning those skills evolve over time.”
Featured in the March 23, 2024 issue of The Independent.
By Monica V. Reynolds
Beauty standards have changed over the decades, continuously shaping the expectations that society has for women. In the 1910s, the hourglass figure with a cinched waist was de rigueur. In the 1960s, being ultra thin with no curves was all the rage. From the ‘60s to the present, beauty norms have continued to shift. However, the most enduring standard of all has been the focus on youth. In a society where being a “woman of a certain age” has a less than positive connotation, women in their 40s and beyond grapple with what it means to be aging in our youth obsessed culture.
Keyonna Renea, photographer and storyteller at Copper Keys Studios, recently opened a citywide dialogue on this subject. With her photography project, 40 Over 40, Keyonna invited women of all backgrounds and experiences to lean into their stories, share their wisdom, and honor themselves in the process. The prevalence of young women in pop culture, and the scarcity of women over the age of 40 in the limelight, have inadvertently communicated that a woman’s value lies singularly in her youthful beauty.
Keyonna noted how television shows and movies portray women as the butt of jokes because of their age, and this has been internalized by women and men. “It subconsciously makes a woman feel a certain way and encourages treatment from the people around us,” she said. “They’ll be treated less than in the workplace, they’re looked over for promotion, or they’re looked at as not having as much value or as much intelligence as men.”
As part of her project, Keyonna interviewed each woman to capture her wisdom and perspective. “My clients were accepting themselves after 40, and grounded in who they were, or they were challenged by some of the things they internalized throughout their lives about being over a certain age,” she said.
Keyonna sat on an InnovateHER KC panel discussion in September of 2023. The conversation addressed systemic perspectives of aging among women, shed light on the inequalities of how aging women are treated, and addressed the psychological impact. In Keyonna’s view, the exchanges the 40 Over 40 project has fostered have had a ripple effect in the community. Her clients have reported having wine night discussions on aging with their girlfriends, which has shifted their perspectives. “The conversation is happening in households, it’s happening publicly in panel discussions, and sometimes very quietly from one girlfriend to another,” she said. “It’s affecting how women are showing up differently in their lives, and therefore everybody else in their life is going to feel that impact as well.”
Lauren Conaway, founder and CEO of InnovateHER KC, not only participated in Keyonna’s photography series but is also a community leader who champions women’s empowerment. Lauren acknowledged the pervasive beauty standards imposed on women. At InnovateHer KC events, she regularly sees the effects of these internalized guidelines. “I take a lot of pictures of people,” she said. “When I bust out my camera, it is almost always women who are hesitant to step in front of my camera.”
That hesitance, Lauren noted, stems from concerns about their level of presentability. “It’s always, ‘Is my hair okay? Let me fix it,’ ” she said. “Because I’ve been so conditioned by the idle expectations of beauty and what that means, I think a lot of women are paralyzed in that arena.”
While some women struggle to embrace themselves as they age, Kimberly Weaver has accepted what others might perceive as flaws. The 47-year-old cancer survivor has recently become increasingly disabled by fibromyalgia and relies on a walking cane. As a result, she now sees beauty in a person’s joy and authenticity. “In a space where people are looking for perfection, I have decided that I am going to be who I am,” she said. “I’m going to laugh out loud and you’re going to see these crooked teeth. I’m going to celebrate my body just the way it is.”
In her 40 Over 40 photos, Kimberly is pictured with her canes and she has one for every outfit. “One of the things that I’ve been trying to do as a disabled body is to make disability something that is normalized,” she said. “I was intentional about taking pictures with my cane because it’s part of who I am.”
As a catalog of her photography project, Keyonna pulled together a photo book of the 40 Over 40 participants and their stories. Within these stories, she noticed a few recurring themes. Many of the women want to be more accepting of themselves and to encourage others to do the same. They want to slow down sometimes and also take more chances.
From Lauren’s perspective, “… women should be able to celebrate themselves, and feel empowered to control their narrative.” While she was initially uncomfortable to be in front of the camera lens for something other than a headshot, she embraced it as an opportunity to model her beliefs and engage the InnovateHER KC community. “I wish we lived in a world where beauty didn’t matter and beauty had nothing to do with confidence,” she said. “I firmly believe that women are beautiful, complicated, dynamic, brilliant creatures with a lot of complexity.”
In Kimberly’s view, life doesn’t end after 40. “There’s life to live after 40 – even as a disabled person and even in an unconventional body – because that’s who I am. There’s still life to be lived, so live it.” Kimberly is currently learning to play the banjo, which she says is an enjoyable challenge. She relishes simple pleasures like a solo movie date or taking herself out for ice cream. Kimberly also enjoys her community and is looking forward to a local music night that her son has spearheaded.
As the page has been turned on her two-year-long photography series, Keyonna believes finding peace in aging stems from taking time to develop a relationship with ourselves. “The days feel long sometimes, but the years go by so fast,” she said. “One thing I have learned from photographing people for as long as I have is that your relationship to yourself should be a priority over everything else, and that’s not selfish. That’s the most important thing that you can do as a living, breathing person.”
Featured in the March 23, 2024 issue of The Independent.
By Monica V. Reynolds
Rose Brooks Center held its 37th annual Cabaret on February 25th at Loews Kansas City Hotel. Michelle Emanuel Johnson and Jeff Johnson were the event chairs. Guests enjoyed a special performance by Kansas City native Willis White performing with the Willis White Project. Proceeds support Rose Brooks Center’s mission of breaking the cycle of domestic violence so that individuals and families can live free of abuse.
