We’d all like to make our mark and leave something of lasting value. Of course, some of us are luckier than others in that department.
As luck would have it, though, this weekend offers emblematic entertainment of undeniable significance, as well as the efforts of folks still seeking to make an enduring difference – from the “world’s greatest rock ’n’ roll band” still successfully chugging away in its sixth decade to aspiring young makers trying to shake up the world with their inventions.
Even if everyone can’t wear an ‘S’ on their chest, there’s something called “superior accomplishment by association.” Well, that’s what I call it. Hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
1. The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ron Wood have more than enough left in their electrified blues tank to delight the mostly mature throng that awaits the Rolling Stones on Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium. In the 1960s, the Stones were the prototypical bad boys of the British Invasion by inciting kids and scaring parents before eventually transforming into safe rock royalty. Although they haven’t been considered dangerous since the early ’70s, they can still convincingly perform in their 70s. If that isn’t “Satisfaction,” what is? Saturday, 8 p.m.; Arrowhead Stadium, 1 Arrowhead Dr., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35.50-$346.
2. Ronnie Milsap
Reportedly on his final concert tour, country-pop crooner Ronnie Milsap will be a hard act to follow when he hangs up his hits. In fact, they just don’t make ’em like Milsap anymore. In the 1970s and 80s, the sightless singer/songwriter and pianist crossed over from the country to pop charts with a steady stream of sing along smashes, including “Smokey Mountain Rain,” “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For the World,” “Any Day Now,” “There’s No Gettin’ Over Me” and “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life.” Catch Milsap while he’s still making a difference with his persuasive words and powerful music. Saturday, 8 p.m.; Ameristar Casino, 3200 Ameristar Dr., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $40, $50.
3. King Lear
They say it’s good to be the king, unless you happen to be one in a Shakespearean tragedy. And there’s no more illustrative downfall of a monarch than in Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” in which the aged title character loses his mind and his realm after putting his trust in two conniving daughters. Political intrigue, gratuitous violence and heart-wrenching soliloquizing ensues – that’s right, fun for the whole family! John Rensenhouse stars as the ill-fated Lear in this summer’s Heart of America Shakespeare Festival production. Thursday through Sunday, 8 p.m. (pre-show parody by Team Shakespeare, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.; pre-show talk, 7 p.m.); Southmoreland Park, 4598 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free general admission seating ($25 for reserved chair and blanket seating).
4. Maker Faire Kansas City
People who want to create something innovative and useful for society are the hub of Maker Faire Kansas City, the annual gathering of “makers, crafters, inventors, hackers, scientists and artists” at Union Station. The public is invited to see what these DYI folks of all ages have been up to, although it can be especially enjoyable to interact with youngsters and the gizmos they’ve designed to help make the world a better place. Get ready to be wowed by rockets, robots, alternative energy vehicles and so much more. And be sure to check out the electrifying Tesla coils display. Zzzzzt! Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: day/weekend passes $14/$22 for adults, $11/$17 for youths, seniors, military members.
5. Brian Posehn
Whether he’s grousing about George Lucas’ dreadful “Star Wars” prequels or how he’s given up sex with groupies (if he ever had any to begin with), gloriously self-absorbed stand-up comic Brian Posehn (“The Sarah Silverman Show”) is emblematic of Geek Nation, which, if you’ve noticed, is all the rage these days. If you like the strange fan-boy characters on “The Big Bang Theory,” you’ll love Posehn, who’s the real thing. How did sci-fi/fantasy-loving weirdos become cool? Ask Posehn, although he’s probably too busy freaking out about how “The Phantom Menace” let him down. Thursday, 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7:45 and 9:45 p.m.; Stanford & Sons Comedy Club, 7328 W. 119th St., Overland Park, Kan.; tickets: $10-$35 (dinner and show packages available).
6. Art of the Car Concours
Cars have legs. Well, wheels, actually. But when it comes to lasting cultural impact, the well-conceived automobile is in a cherished category by itself. More than 200 vintage, classic and historic concept cars will make road warriors sigh with dreams of the endless highway at this eye-popping outdoor display and fundraiser for the Kansas City Art Institute. It’s a good thing they don’t leave the keys in these things. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Kansas City Art Institute, 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20.
