Tell ho-hum to take a hike. Say so long to the snow shovel.
Then throw yourself at weekend happenings both extraordinary and fortunately snow-free encompassing amazingly catchy pop, unusual standup comedy and the St. Patrick’s Day season’s super-lively kickoff hooley.
Whatever happens, it won’t be the same ol’ same ol’. Plus no sore back!
1. Shy Boys
The buzz around Kansas City popsters the Shy Boys has grown in recent years. The band’s well-received sonic sparkle led to its 2018 signing with Polyvinyl Record Co., which released the Shy Boys’ second album, “Bell House.” Such shimmering, falsetto-driven ditties as “Something Sweet,” “Evil Sin” and “Champion” may sound on the shy side, but these boys are well on their way to something extraordinary.
Friday, 9 p.m.; recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $12.
2. KC Superman Retirement Run — Farewell To The Cape
Kansas City native, marathon runner and humanitarian Michael Wheeler – better known as KC Superman – will finally say “farewell to the cape” in a family fun run/walk named in his honor and devoted to peace. All ages are invited to participate and dress up as their favorite superhero. Run along and say thank you to KC Superman, an extraordinary human being with or without his cape.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; run/walk starts at east lawn of National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, Mo.; run ends at KC Superman Mural, 42nd St. and Broadway. Admission: free.
3. Gene Watson
Old-school country singer Gene Watson could look back on his extraordinary accomplishment of 75 chart hits since the 1970s and leave it at that. But Watson (who also happens to be 75) is still on the road performing the best of his memorable stuff. Sometimes the playful titles belie the moving sincerity behind them, including “When We Were Down to Nothing (Nothing Sure Looked Good on You),” “Should I Go Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)” and “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without.” Here’s another favorite: “Maybe I Should Have Been Listening.” Maybe? The heart wants what it wants, but menfolk need to pay better attention. You tell ‘em, Gene.
Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Star Pavilion at Ameristar Casino, 3200 Ameristar Dr., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20-$85.
4. Steve-O
Self-endangering “Jackass” reality TV star Steve-O (Stephen Gilchrist Glover) tackles stand-up comedy in a multi-media show focusing on his most extraordinary stunts. Between punchlines, Steve-O will share videos of himself doing precarious things that are so bizarre and tasteless that they have yet to be publicly broadcast. Perhaps one day a TV bigwig will turn them all into a Steve-O comedy special. But fans shouldn’t hold their breath – unless they pass out, because if anyone would go for that it’s Steve-O.
Friday, 7:30 and 10 p.m.; Saturday, 7 (sold out) and 10 p.m.; Kansas City Improv; 7260 N.W. 87th St. at Zona Rosa, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $25-$50.
5. Ain’t Misbehavin’ Charleston Lesson
Learn the basic moves to that extraordinary dance of the 1920s – the Charleston – at this all-ages occasion brought to you by the Kansas City Museum and their friends at That’s Entertainment KC. During the Roaring Twenties, jazz rose to prominence, celebration became an end in itself and flirty flappers flat-out flourished. Nearly 100 years later, you can rotate your feet, boost your elbows and swivel your knees with the best of them – well, that might take more time. But you don’t even need to bring a dance partner to give it a spirited fling this weekend. Be sure not to misbehave … too much.
Saturday, 1-2:30 p.m.; Kansas City Museum at the Historic Garment District, 800 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $10.
It’s never too soon to wear the green. So be part of the eighth annual Irish Winterfest that commences the St. Patrick’s Day season with ample Irish music and dance by local and regional performers, plus food from Brown’s Irish Market. Singer/songwriter Eddie Delahunt, a Kansas City treasure from the Emerald Isle, closes out the fest with his authentically warm way with Irish story songs. Free advice: Pace yourself. Even if you don’t bend an elbow at the bar, you can have an extraordinary time. Then again, I’m Scottish, so if you’re buying count me in.
Saturday, 3-10 p.m.; Drexel Hall at the Kansas City Irish Center, 3301 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $10 ($30 VIP), ages 12 and younger free.
Last weekend’s Teddy Bear Clinic at the Kansas City Zoo was snowed out. So take advantage of the nicer weather this weekend and bring a tattered teddy bear or other well-worn stuffed animal to the zoo for while-you-wait repair. It’s also an opportunity to mingle with other cuddly toy fans, from eager kiddies to sentimental gray hairs. There’s just something about an old teddy in need that can make a new friend indeed. Extraordinary!
Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free with regular admission of $13-$16 (ages 2 and younger free).
