Think of the weekend as a pizza. Or a taco. Or a bursting bag of potato chips. No, wait, make it an ice cream sundae with extra whipped cream and three cherries on top.
To be honest, I didn’t set out to reveal my diverse junk-food addiction in this space, but there it is. Just as you may not have intended to do something completely different with your weekend, but here we go.
Check out some things to do that are downright dissimilar from each other, even if your adventures are fueled by a run-of-the-mill healthy diet. Me, I’m cruising with a candy bar!
Go way out west – well, at least down to the West Bottoms – at this annual attraction mostly aimed at farm-and-ranch oriented folks. But you don’t necessarily have to pine for green acres or want to rope cattle on the Ponderosa to get a kick out of “low-stress livestock demonstrations.” You just have to be curious. There’s also a “family living” retail space, a cooking show sponsored by the Culinary Center of Kansas City and a “health and safety roundup” area that includes free skin cancer screenings.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; American Royal Complex, 1800 Genesee St., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $8.
2. Valerie June
Folk, soul, blues, gospel, Appalachian, bluegrass, pop-rock – so many influences simmer to a tuneful boil when it comes to Memphis singer-songwriter Valerie June. In 2009, she was part of MTV’s online series, “$5 Cover,” focusing on Memphis musicians trying to make a go of their craft. While initially getting more radio play in Europe than in the U.S. as an indie artist, June’s 2013 breakout album, “Pushin’ Against a Stone,” and its singles, “Workin’ Woman Blues” and “You Can’t Be Told,” have helped to spread her unquestionable musical sizzle in the states.
Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Knuckleheads Saloon, 2719 Rochester St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $17.50.
3. ‘No Talking’
This stage play about boys vs. girls in a no-talking contest will no doubt force audience members to take sides. Who can keep quiet the longest? Based on Andrew Clements’ popular children’s novel of the same name, “No Talking” is a Coterie Theatre world premiere that will do more than tickle funny bones for ages 8 and older. The story also raises thoughtful questions about the power of words, both vocalized and unuttered. Also: Do girls really think they can keep their mouths closed longer than boys? Ha! Couldn’t resist.
Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.; Coterie Theatre at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $11-$15.
Commercial country, y’all! The Randy Rogers Band has prided itself on delivering the real and accessible deal since forming in San Marcos, Texas, and releasing its 2002 debut studio album, “Like It Used To Be.” Rogers may not be a hunk, yet his hefty singing on such hits as “Kiss Me in the Dark,” “Interstate,” “In My Arms Instead” and “San Antone,” as well as a recent spot-on version of Merle Haggard’s “Misery and Gin,” can be counted on to hit country music bedrock whenever he hits the stage. And if you happen to think he’s a hunk, well, that’s OK, too.
Friday, 8 p.m.; Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20.
He’s not only gotten laughs over the years, but also into some scrapes with his fans and the law. Chalk it up to authenticity, which only adds to Katt Williams’ appeal for those who like their humor raw and honest. The veteran comic – who’s appeared in such big-screen comedies as “Epic Movie,” “Norbit” and “Friday After Next” – fears no topic in his fast-paced stand-up act.
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $54-$101.
6. Hairball
Look what the weekend coughed up: A heavyweight cover band with three rotating lead singers tackling the greatest 1980s arena rock bands: Guns N' Roses, Queen, Kiss, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Arrowsmith and more. Are you ready to – hack – rock? Be sure to clean up when you’re done.
Friday, 8:30 p.m.; VooDoo Lounge at Harrah’s Casino, One Riverboat Drive, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $9.50.
Brian McTavish is a regular arts and culture contributor for KCUR 89.3. You can reach him at brianmctavish@gmail.com.
