Did you know that every day is Mother’s Day? If you’re fortunate enough to have your mother in your life, just ask her. She’ll tell you.
Even so, extra-special attention is formally awarded to Mom once a year. When that happens this weekend, grateful progeny will honor the woman who brought them into this world and did her best to set them on the right path. Cards, flowers and brunches will ensue.
What else might you do with Mom to show your appreciation? Naturally, I have suggestions. Or just ask her. She’ll tell you. That’s Mom.
1. Rick Springfield
A lot of moms have a thing for Rick Springfield. While a soap-opera idol on “General Hospital” in the early 1980s, Springfield also became an international pop-music hero with the hit, “Jessie’s Girl,” a catchy little tune that snagged him a Grammy. He’s successfully inhabited the celebrity musician spotlight ever since, while taking the occasional guest-starring TV role. Springfield remains easy on the eyes in middle age and will be in KC as part of his current “Stripped Down” concert tour. Have fun, gals. Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; Midland Theatre, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35-$225.
2. Mary Chapin Carpenter with the Kansas City Symphony
Back in the late 1980s, Mary Chapin Carpenter was packaged as a country singer. But even as she pleased audiences and won awards on the strength of such ditties as “Down at the Twist and Shout,” it seemed like there was more to her talent. Carpenter’s instinct to grow artistically may not have made her a superstar, but it allowed her to take more chances over the years. The latest example is the thoughtful singer/songwriter’s first orchestral album, “Songs from a Movie,” inspired by her fascination with symphonic film music. Carpenter will join the Kansas City Symphony for cinematic takes on some of her songs, including “I Am a Town” and “Goodnight America.” Friday, 8 p.m.; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: Start at $40.
3. ‘Sticky Traps’
On the day of her son’s funeral, a mother is confronted by anti-gay protesters who are convinced that his sexual identity was a sin. That’s the disturbing setup for “Sticky Traps,” the world premiere drama written by Nathan Louis Jackson and directed by Kyle Hatley now playing at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Will love and understanding conquer hate and ignorance? This show needs all the moms it can get! Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.; Kansas City Repertory Theatre Copaken Stage, 1301 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20-$59.
4. Lewis Black
Willing to get worked up so you don’t have to, professionally exasperated comic Lewis Black’s current tour is dubbed “The Rant Is Due.” Oh, it’s due alright. The famously fuming Black will exhibit his signature yelling-is-cleansing stand-up demeanor while decrying pomposity and stupidity wherever he finds it. And he pretty much finds it everywhere. The result is smart comedy at its volatile best. Although a mother would surely warn him that he’ll burst a blood vessel. Friday, 8 p.m.; Midland Theatre, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $39.50-$59.50.
5. SpongeBob SquarePants 400
NASCAR meets Nickelodeon when Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Danika Patrick are among the big-name drivers to compete at this weekend’s SpongeBob SquarePants 400 at the Kansas Speedway. Just don’t laugh too hard at the name of the event, racing fans. None of the rich and famous competitors behind the wheel can hope to approach the beloved stature of cartoon icon SpongeBob and his pals, who will visit with kids at the Speedway’s Nickelodeon Kids Zone. Will moms have fun? Well, mothers love to see their children happy. Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, Kan.; tickets: $114 in Turn One ($29 ages 12 and younger), $130 in Center Grandstand.
6. V-E Day & Truman Birthday Celebration
Have a piece of cake with Mom at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in dual honor of the 131st birthday of the nation’s 33rd Commander in Chief and the 70th anniversary of the allied victory that ended World War II in Europe. Yes, on the same day! Festivities include a presidential wreath laying ceremony; a V-E Day keynote address featuring Maj. General Karen LeDoux and WWII Brig. General Bob LeBlanc; and a visit from a Truman reenactor. Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. U.S. Highway 24, Independence, Mo.; admission: $8 adults; $7 seniors, $3 ages 6-15; free ages 5 and younger.
