Arts & Culture

Vivian Wilson Bluett is an emerging, self-taught artist who wants her art to create community conversations around social and racial justice and history.

The gallerist and curator has kept busy during the pandemic, and has big plans for the rest of 2023 — she wants to finish two books and has her sights set on building a women-focused recording studio.

The traditional art of printmaking is a process that hasn’t changed much since the 15th century, when Johannes Gutenberg's first printed Bible changed the world. Last week, students at the Kansas City Art Institute used a more modern tool to make prints.

Kansas City is known worldwide as a jazz town, home to the likes of Charlie Parker, Andy Kirk and Count Basie. But what about the women who helped shape the genre? To celebrate Women’s History Month, Up To Date looked at some of the city’s most iconic female jazz luminaries.

Christina Anderson's play follows a Black family's journey through the years after desegregating the public pool in their fictional Kansas town. The show will tour 10 Kansas City community centers and libraries, after completing a run at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Kansas City may have a long legacy of jazz musicians, but it’s not known these days as a destination for musical artists. Manor Records is trying to change that by funding local artists and music venues.

The Spencer Museum of Art has a new gallery and curators have been deliberate in their selection of more diverse artwork — and an unexpected literary twist. Plus: The Kansas City jazz community is mourning the sudden loss of Ronald McFadden, legendary tap-dancer and musician and one half of the McFadden Brothers.

When the Spencer Museum of Art, at the University of Kansas, spent $4 million to redesign its fourth floor, curators were deliberate in their selection of more diverse artwork. Then, they asked a poet to chime in.

McBeth, who died Wednesday at age 70, was known for her captivating stage presence and deep, commanding voice. She was a mentor and role model for younger generations of Black women coming up in the Kansas City jazz scene.

McFadden, was one-half of the internationally known McFadden Brothers. He died, passed unexpectedly after a performance with his brother Lonnie McFadden at the Loews Hotel in downtown Kansas City.

Ida McBeth started her career as a teenager singing at the Playboy Club in downtown Kansas City. She went on to earn mayoral proclamations and a lifetime achievement award from the American Jazz Museum.

World-touring jazz trumpeter Hermon Mehari is back in Kansas City to perform music from his new album "ASMARA," inspired by his family's Eritrean roots, at the Folly Theater.