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6 Legendary Things To Do This Weekend In Kansas City

Ethan Hickerson
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Flickr -- CC
Catch a glimpse of the legendary Easter bunny this weekend at the Kansas City Easter Parade.

Legends loom large. It’s what they do.

Still, they come in all shapes and sizes and even species, like the Easter Bunny or Mickey Mouse – yes, “cartoon character” is a genus, at least in my pop-culture-infested mind.

So buckle up this weekend. It’s going to be a legendary ride.

1. Kansas City Easter Parade

The fabled Easter Bunny will hold court during annual Easter Parade festivities up north at Zona Rosa. Besides getting your picture taken with the holiday rabbit (own camera required) and participating in the parade that kicks off the celebration, the fun includes a “best-dressed” awards ceremony, a petting zoo, an assortment of family games and upbeat performances by the School of Rock and Mr. Stinky Feet. Phew. And I thought it was a hardboiled egg gone bad.

Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Zona Rosa Town Square and surrounding streets, 8640 N. Dixon Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.

2. Uncorked: Kansas City Wine Festival

The history of wine is legendary. For example, did Noah and his sons really make the stuff as it says in the Bible? Was there really a Noah? And what about that ark? Anyway, it’s going to be Vino Central with more than 50 wineries represented at this exclusive excuse to drink red or white or both. What am I saying? Both, of course! If you want to get something on your stomach before the glug-fest gets going, gourmet food trucks are expected to be in the vicinity. Organizers request cocktail attire, but it’s not required. Thanks for the flexibility, but after the second glass, who cares?

Saturday, 1-4 p.m. (5-9 p.m. session sold out); Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $50.

3. ‘Disney on Ice: 100 years of Magic’

More than 50 Disney characters and 30 Disney songs on ice – who can’t warm up to that? If you’re scratching your head about the “100 years” part, it’s probably pegged to Walt Disney seeing the silent film version of “Snow White” in 1916 when he was a lad of 15. As legend has it, the grown-up Disney used the childhood memory as inspiration for his first feature-length animated film in 1937, the classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” But I get it; any excuse to hit the century mark is virtually irresistible. Kind of like Disney magic.

Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $22-$92.

4. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses – Master Quest’

Cosplayers are expected to be in abundance when a touring orchestra performs favorite music from Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” video game franchise. If, like me, you couldn’t name a single legendary character from the series – other than Zelda – this is the perfect destination to get educated. Just walk up to some wildly attired cosplayer and ask, “And who are you?” The only problem might be getting them to stop talking about their costume.

Saturday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $30-$100.

5. ‘The Whale’

The reviews are in, and they’re raves for Phil Fiorini’s tragicomic performance as a 600-pound man struggling to make sense of his life in this moving stage play written by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Sidonie Garrett. Is Fiorini as “The Whale” deserving of legendary status? Time will tell, but why not see it and weigh in with your own opinion? FYI: The show’s run has been extended through April 3.   

Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.; Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $32.50, $37.50.

6. Robby Krieger Band

Even living legends like to make a living. Ergo, original Doors guitarist Robby Krieger playing his old band’s greatest hits with some guy singing like Jim Morrison. If you’re a hardcore Doors fan, then you may already have your ticket to this nostalgic showcase, featuring such 1960s chestnuts as “Light My Fire,” “Touch Me” and “Riders on the Storm.” If nothing else, it’s your chance to be the last hippie standing – or sitting’s OK, too. I mean, we’re not getting any younger.

Thursday, 8 p.m.; Voodoo Lounge at Harrah’s Casino, 1 Riverboat Drive, North Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35.50 to $48.

Brian McTavish follows popular culture in the belief that the search for significance can lead anywhere. Brian explains, "I've written articles and reviews ... reviewed hundreds of concerts, films and plays. And the thing is, these high arts all sprang from the pop culture of their day. Don't forget: Shakespeare was once Spielberg."
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