Need a lift?
Whether you’re stuck on the side of the Road of Life or just feeling a bit down, we can all use a boost now and then.
So here are a few opportunities to feel better – not only about yourself, but about your fellow human beings. Wow, thank you, weekend.
1. Stevie Wonder
No matter the era, it’s uncanny how Stevie Wonder has always seemed to be at the height of his powers – from the time he burst onto the music scene more than 50 years ago as Motown’s “Little Stevie Wonder” to the incredible master of song that he remains today. On his current tour, Wonder is performing his classic 1976 album, “Songs in the Key of Life,” which includes perhaps my favorite Wonder track ever, “Isn’t She Lovely,” about the miracle of birth and family. One thing’s for sure: All of the songs will be in the key of wonderful.
Friday, 8 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $39.50 to $149.50
2. Laughs for Limbs
Kay Cameron, seasoned improvisational comedy performer and writer of the “Pitch Perfect” movie franchise, will be one of the special guests at Laughs for Limbs, an improv comedy show and fundraiser for Steps of Faith, which provides prosthetic care to amputees. Help others while helping yourself to an evening of laughter. What’s not to feel up about?
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. (silent auction 6:30 p.m.), ComedyCity, 3600 Broadway, Suite 107 (in the Uptown Shoppes next to the Uptown Theater), Kansas City, Mo.; Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20.
3. Boo at the Zoo
The attention is on the kiddies at this annual trick-or-treat event at the Kansas City Zoo, where little ones can be themselves while pretending to be someone (or something) else. A variety of Halloween-happy activities and entertainments will be offered to youngsters, such as the chance to explore the “Boneyard Graveyard,” where you can be a brave lion or a scaredy cat. Meanwhile, the greatest delight for oldsters is sure to be simply witnessing very young minds in spooky action. Boo! OK, you were ready for that one, but I’ll get you later.
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Mo.; free with regular zoo admission: $10:50-$13.50 (ages 2 and younger free).
4. Da Vinci: The Exhibition
Leonardo Da Vinci was a multipurpose genius. If you’re not – hey, everybody has a role to play – you can still be inspired by the remarkable contributions that Da Vinci made to the arts and sciences more than 500 years ago. Unless you’re traveling to Italy this weekend, the best place to do that would be at Da Vinci: The Exhibition, opening this weekend at Union Station. There you’ll be dazzled by dozens of historically accurate recreations of Da Vinci’s inventions and art studies, as well as informative and interactive displays extolling his many discoveries.
Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road; tickets: $10.95-$16.95.
5. Missouri Mavericks vs. Wichita Thunder
It takes teamwork for a hockey team to put the puck in the goal – and that team includes you in the stands. Are you with me? That would be nice, but what really matters is that you’re with your Missouri Mavericks when they take on the Wichita Thunder in the home team’s first home game of the season. Experience minor league hockey in major way, and be sure to take home a magnet schedule giveaway. That’s right, they want you back. Feels good, doesn’t it?
Saturday, 7:05 p.m.; Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway, Independence, Mo.; tickets: $16-$38.
6. The Spirit of India: Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India
Lights! Camera! India! Well, they’re not really making an over-the-top Bollywood-style movie, but the combined sights and sounds of this 17-person stage show will offer enough traditional Indian music and dance to make you feel like you’re in the middle of a cinematic spectacle. Get ready for your close-up!
Friday, 8 p.m.; Yardley Hall in the Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kan.; tickets: $30-$40.
