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Paying For Streetcar Expansion To Riverfront, And Bringing Latin Jazz Back To Its Roots

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Two-time Grammy-winners Spanish Harlem Orchestra bring their signature big band Latin jazz to Kansas City this weekend.

In August, Kansas City voters made any future streetcar expansions a little more complicated. Nevertheless, the Streetcar AuthorityKCATA and Port KC are convinced they can come up with $32 million to extend service from River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park. Today, we find out where that money is likely to come from. We also get a round-up from KCUR contributor Kevin Collison of the big projects on-deck in the metro. Then, the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra has made waves with a return-to-the-roots approach to New York-style Latin jazz and salsa. We ask pianist and front man Oscar Hernández what it takes to make music that makes people move.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra will perform at the Folly Theater at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. For more information, visit FollyTheater.org.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.