KC Independent

Oscar Award Winners Galore!

lcarpenter — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:55:57 +0000

Screenland at Crown Center will be showing all the big movie winners from the Oscars between March 11th and 14th: “The Hurt Locker” (Oscar winner for Best Picture), “The Cove” (Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary) and “Precious” (Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress). Check for showtimes by calling the theatre at 816-421-9700 or visiting http://www.screenland.com.

March Madness at the P & L

lcarpenter — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:53:38 +0000

	The Miller Lite Basketball Fan Fest presented by Sports Radio 810 will be taking place from March 10th to 13th at the KC Live! Block of the Power & Light District. Wear your team colors to this free celebration and take part in your team’s pep rally on the KC Live Stage before they play! For more details, visit www.powerandlightdistrict.com.

Hop Hop Hooray!

lcarpenter — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:25:58 +0000

This Friday, March 12th, will bring the Plaza’s transformation into an Easter Wonderland. This traditional display of bunnies and other animals is highly anticipated among the people of Our Town. Just west of Eddie Bauer is a collection of animals for children to play on, while the bunnies line the sidewalks of the area. Head to the Plaza to see Bess, Nicholas, Peter and the rest of the gang until they disappear on April 5th.

PYOTR, WE HARDLY KNEW YE: Musicianly conductor, spotty players present all-Tchaikovsky concert at the Folly

phorsley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:44:36 +0000

Alexei Kornienko

Sometimes a conductor of strong musicianship can make up for a multitude of orchestral sins. Such was the case, almost, on Saturday at the Folly Theater, when the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra offered an all-Tchaikovsky program on the prestigious Harriman-Jewell Series. The conductor, Alexei Kornienko, demonstrated a natural ease with Tchaikovsky’s music: The ebbs and flows of tempo felt organic, the pacing was thoughtful and free, and the attention to detail was that of one who has lived long with this music. The opening Polonaise from Eugene Onegin was played as an unabashed show-stopper, and in the Fourth Suite, Mozartiana, Kornienko downplayed any feeling of saccharinization of poor old Mozart’s fragile music. Tchaikovsky’s Third Symphony, the “Polish,” was a breath of fresh air after so many local performances of that composer’s Fourth, Fifth and Sixth symphonies in recent seasons. The Alla tedesca second movement showed an idiomatic sense for the rhythmic peculiarities of this dance-like music, and the nostalgic sweep of the central Andante elegiaco was gentle and unforced. The big finale avoided crassness but drove us to its climaxes with sagacity, high spirits and muscular vigor. And the “Grand pas” from The Nutcracker, played as an encore, had a palpable soulfulness to it.

The Moscow RSO is an odd mixture of seasoned players and green youngsters, and the result was some pretty erratic playing. Some of the principals were masters of their instruments: The principal horn played with maturity and a sweet, round tone. Others, including most of the young wind principals, were gifted players but sounded like recent conservatory graduates. One or two of the cellists and at least one of the violists had a hard time playing in tune, at times making their respective sections sound notably below par. The concertmaster’s solo in the Mozartiana was sprawling and off-pitch. At times the players seemed at war with the man on the podium.

Perhaps some of this can be attributed to the orchestra’s American tour schedule: 52 cities in two and a half months. Without hearing the group on its home turf under optimal circumstances, it’s hard to gauge the extent to which fatigue was a factor. But the fact remains that, as wonderful as this music is, it only occasionally sounded like it here. Tchaikovsky is a shining hero of Russian musical heritage, and an orchestra of his countrymen should be carrying that message proudly.

To reach Paul Horsley, performing arts editor, send email to phorsley@sbcglobal.net.

Little Models Wanted

lcarpenter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:46:04 +0000

Lauren Alexandra in Briarcliff Village presents “Little Models Wanted,” Saturday, March 6th from 1 to 4 p.m. Envision Studio is having a model call for children between the age of 6 months and 6 years. The afternoon will feature discounts from Lauren Alexandra, a red carpet for the little ones to be photographed on provided by Envision Studio, and snacks from GreenAcres Market & Deli. Please donate a new book or new pajamas to “The Pajama Program.” They will be given to local children waiting to be adopted and you will receive 15% off your purchase at Lauren Alexandra or Envision Studio on March 6th.

Lauren Alexandra at Briarcliff Village

First Friday

lcarpenter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:29:45 +0000

Looking for something to do tonight (March 5th)? The monthly First Friday is happening in the Crossroads Art District from 7 to 9 p.m. This eclectic collection of once vacant buildings transformed into unique shops, restaurants and a thriving art scene, is home to the much anticipated first Friday of each month. The FREE event is a KayCee favorite.

Attention, Brides-To-Be!

lcarpenter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:50:28 +0000

Brookside 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade

lcarpenter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:41:52 +0000

The Brookside 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade will be held Saturday, March 13th at 2 p.m. Themed “1980 Retro,” this family fun event will start at 65th and Wornall and end on Brookside Road. for more details, visit www.brooksidekc.org.

Cupcake A La Mode

lcarpenter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:29:34 +0000

Cupcake A La Mode’s second location is now open at Park Place in Leawood. Join them for the Grand Opening Party on Saturday, March 27th from noon to 4 p.m.!

A New Kind of BRGR!

lcarpenter — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:07:12 +0000

	Our wish for a fun, fresh and delicious dining option in Corinth has been granted! BRGR Kitchen + Bar is set to open March 10th at 4 p.m. This modern burger joint in the heart of the Corinth Square shops guarantees a value-oriented culinary experience for the grown-up burger lover. Check them out on the web at www.brgrkitchen.com.