Local music

A symphony commissioned for the University of Kansas music program in response to the Syrian refugee crisis turns out to be relevant in a pandemic, too.

Kansas City struggles for a share of coronavirus relief money and a solution to violent crime, Prairie Village rejects a requirement to wear masks in public, local music enthusiasts provide performers a safe live audience, and the commencement speech of a valedictorian of Ewing Marion Kauffman School.

Kansas City jazz clubs have been shut down since mid-March. Across the metro, veteran musicians are finding new ways to reach their fans as the virus continues to take its toll on the local music industry.

Johnson County's top health official discusses who should get tested for COVID-19, major sports leagues propose adjustments to their season schedules, barbecue joints and meat distributors are dealing with a meat shortage, and a Kansas musician sings the stay-at-home blues.

With music venues shut down, some Kansas City musicians have been playing impromptu concerts for their neighbors.

Back in March, flights in Europe were being cancelled and borders were closing due to COVID-19 fears. Two Kansas City musicians were in Paris, France, trying to get home.

Producers of events like Boulevardia and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival spend a year or more getting ready for annual experiences.

Before they could prevail over spotty internet service and nudge unmotivated students, some teachers had to overcome their own resistance to online learning.

Part of this year's Parker centennial, the American Jazz Museum's competition was well-timed for musicians out of work due to COVID-19.

Starting May 1, arts organizations plan lottery distribution of $1,000 checks to artists hurt by coronavirus shutdown.

Why Kansas City just extended its stay-at-home order, how the especially vulnerable are dealing with COVID-19, advice for using face masks, how to assist less tech-savvy seniors and a new music video gives people at home something fun to do.

Using math to interpret music is not new — Pythagoras supposedly discovered the connection between ratios and consonant sounds back in the 6th Century…