Libby Hanssen
CONTRIBUTOROriginally from Indiana, Libby Hanssen covers the performing arts in Kansas City. She's written for KCUR, KC Studio, The Kansas City Star, The Pitch, and KCMetropolis. Libby maintains the culture blog Proust Eats A Sandwich and writes poetry and children's books. Along with degrees in trombone performance, she was a Fellow for the NEA Arts Journalism Institute at Columbia University.
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Once prairie and then a major transportation hub, Waldo has transformed into a funky southern Kansas City neighborhood with a growing restaurant scene and a lot of local pride. -
From Kansas City to Carnegie Hall: These local ensembles are headed to the world's most famous stageCarnegie Hall is a name that is world-renowned and for a few Kansas City ensembles, they have the rare opportunity to step onto that stage themselves. Learn about the groups that will be headed to New York to perform there this upcoming season.
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There aren't many saxophone concertos that exist, let alone one written for a Black musician, by a Black composer, and commissioned by a group of major orchestras. This month, saxophonist Steven Banks will perform the world premiere of Billy Childs' new saxophone concerto with the Kansas City Symphony.
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Amateur music-making is an integral part of Kansas City's arts scene. Whether you're looking for creativity, connection, or a chance to see your neighbors perform, learn more about a sampling of Kansas City's vibrant ecosystem of community music ensembles.
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Want to discover something new in our region? Here are some of Kansas City's best-kept secrets, recommended by residents like you.
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A hidden gem of Kansas City's historic Roanoke neighborhood, the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio takes you back in time to the place Benton lived, worked and died.
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'Tis the season! Pair your favorite winter activities in Kansas City with festive musical selections from Kansas City musicians.
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November is Native American Heritage Month. Many composers and musicians are carving out a space in classical music that reflects their identity and reshapes what "classical" music can mean. Explore music from indigenous composers based in Kansas City and beyond.
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Since its film debut in 1897, Kansas City has shown up in movies, television and short films as both backdrop and star. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at some of those iconic cinema settings.
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Some of Kansas City's historic cemeteries — including Hill Park and Elmwood — and are reported to be haunted, with rumors of glowing figures appearing in the dark or following visitors through the grounds.
