Kids have already started heading back to school. Yet, seasonally speaking, it’s still high summer out there.
And if summer’s traditionally about anything, it’s about putting down the work and picking up the play. So, this weekend, go and do whatever you want to in a carefree, summertime way – while you still can.
Alas, no vacation is endless. But maybe we can make this one last just a little bit longer in spirit. Yay, summer!
1. Grub & Groove Festival
Get fed and get down at this heart-of-the-city food and music fest for the whole family. The outdoor lineup of mostly old-school r&b, funk and soul acts is headlined by the Whispers (“Rock Steady”) with One Way (“Cutie Pie”), Rose Royce (“Wishing On a Star”), Tony! Toni! Tone! (“Whatever You Want”) and Keke Wyatt (“Soul Sista”). Eat. Dance. Celebrate.
Saturday, 3-11 p.m.; Parade Park, 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35-$65.
2. ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly: The Best of Lerner and Loewe’
Some of the finest ditties in Broadway history – the kind you’re still humming when you walk out of the theater – were created by legendary songwriting partners Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe for such shows as “Brigadoon,” “My Fair Lady” and “Camelot.” Catch the opening weekend of Musical Theatre Heritage’s original revue paying tribute to Lerner and Lowe, featuring eight of Kansas City’s zippiest vocalists and hosted by MTH’s resident musical theater expert George Harter. Yes, hum and learn stuff at the same time!
Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.; Musical Theatre Heritage at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $10-$55.
3. Archaeology Day
What have they dug up in the last 60 years at Fort Osage, the former U.S. military outpost established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1808? That’s for the professional archaeologists to show and tell at Archaeology Day at Fort Osage, which was constructed under the supervision of William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Artifacts might include old money, since soldiers at the fort were paid $5 a month during their five-year enlistment on the American frontier. Too bad they had to spend it all in one place.
Saturday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Fort Osage, 105 Osage St., Sibley, Mo.; admission: $3-$7.
4. Quixotic presents ‘Gravity of Center’
Avant-garde Kansas City dance troupe Quixotic is celebrating its 10th anniversary of flying high, often suspended by wires. To mark the lofty occasion, Quixotic’s latest idiosyncratic performance will seek to demonstrate the elusive equilibrium between what it calls “the gravity that keeps us grounded and the lightness that uplifts and inspires us.” Just make sure those wires are good go.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Dr., Lawrence, Kan.; tickets: $30, $20 (students and youths)
5. Bozz Scaggs
He used to sing with the Steve Miller Band in the 1960s, but it was in 1976 that Bozz Scaggs released his career-making album, “Silk Degrees,” which delivered the spunky yet smooth FM radio staples “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown.” A profound yet accessible singer-songwriter, Scaggs remains a total pro whose serenades have lost none of their sizzle.
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $55-$145
6. Unico’s Microbrew Festival
Beer and summer – say no more. Except to say this: 100 different craft beers will be available for the tasting at this seventh annual microbrew fest in the Northland. Curious imbibers can try unlimited samples in the 4 oz. souvenir glass that they take home – if they can remember where they live. Designated drivers get in free!
Saturday, 1-5 p.m.; Zona Rosa, 8640 Dixson Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $25.
7. Gillian Welch
Folk singer Gillian Welch makes what’s basically old-timey music sound new again – that is, she makes the years disappear and puts you in a timeless moment. Welch has released several notable folk and Americana albums with her performing partner David Rawlings, and she contributed to the Grammy-winning movie soundtrack for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” If you like Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss or the Decemberists – all of whom Welch has gigged or recorded with – you’ll go for her, too. Oh, sister!
Friday, 8 p.m.; Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $27.50-$37.50 ($3 more day of show).
