Don’t be afraid of the obvious.
I get it. Every once in a while, for one reason or another, we all like to be hip or trendy. But the truth is that some of the best experiences can be had by doing things that are readily apparent.
And keep in mind: A thing can be so obvious that people might miss it. So if you do that thing, does that mean you’re secretly with-it? Obviously.
1. Mavis Staples and Nick Lowe
This double bill is a no-brainer. Singer/civil rights activist Mavis Staples is the revered gospel/r&b voice formerly of the legendary Staples Singers (“I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself”) and whose decades-long solo career keeps inspiring the forward-looking among us. It might seem a surprise for veteran pure popster Nick Lowe (“Cruel to Be Kind”) to share the stage with Staples. But it turns out Staples and Lowe, whom she affectionately calls “the Silver Fox,” are the best of friends. And it’s fun to tour with friends. Sometimes show business is so obvious.
Sunday, 7 p.m.; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Helzberg Hall, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $29-$79.
2. Eliot Sumner
Sting (aka Gordon Sumner) became a major pop star in the late 1970s as the charismatic front man of the Police. His daughter, Eliot Sumner, appears to exhibit a serener demeanor and may never rival her dad’s world-famous stature. But talent obviously runs in the family. Eliot is touring behind her debut album, “Information,” and even though her tunes offer more of a techno-chill than her father’s, darn it if there isn’t a vocal similarity.
Friday, 8 p.m.; Riot Room, 4048 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; cover: $12.
3. Greater Kansas City Regional FIRST Robotics Competition
It’s clear that much of the work we now do is going to be replaced by robots. It’s only a matter of time. So I say get on the bandwagon or be crushed by the bandwagon, which – of course – will be driven by robots. Too grim? Well, you can always look on the bright side at the 10th annual Greater Kansas City Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, where more than 1,000 students on 60 robotics teams will face off in the Medieval-themed “First Stronghold” game. Storm the castle, automatons! Spectators are encouraged to attend the free spectacle. Or be crushed.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; Metropolitan Community College-Business & Technology Campus, 1775 Universal Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.
4. “David Cross: Making America Great Again”
On his current stand-up comedy tour, politically liberal funnyman David Cross is obviously making fun of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s promise to “make America great again.” But that’s just the tip for Cross, whose credits include TV’s “Mr. Show” and “Arrested Development.” Cross’ keen eye for the disturbingly absurd and his ability to deliver artfully crafted rants hilariously coalesce into a variety of topical issues, including his strong views on the commercial exploitation of American patriotism. Laugh and learn.
Friday, 8 p.m.; Midland Theatre, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets; $40.
The most recognizable fairy tales can reveal the most hidden truths about ourselves. Such seemingly straightforward content proves excellent fodder for Stephen Sondheim’s renowned stage musical, “Into the Woods.” The stories of Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and other make-believe characters are imaginatively parlayed into a powerful mix of light and shadow, amusement and unease – and ultimately self-discovery. And you thought they were just bedtime stories. Presented by Kansas City’s own She & Her Productions.
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Central St. in Penn Valley Park, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $15-$18.
Obviously, dogs are our best friends, because they hang on our every encouraging word. Utilizing that relationship for the benefit of young readers is the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) literacy program, which offers children the opportunity to improve their reading and communication. Kids can share a book with a therapy animal in 10-minute time slots. Parents will need to sign a release form before their kids can “read the pooches some prose.” The activity returns on the second Saturday of April.
Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m.; Kansas City Public Library, Waldo Branch, 201 E. 75th St., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.
Brian McTavish is a regular arts and culture contributor for KCUR 89. 3. You can reach him at brianmctavish@gmail.com.
