There are more girls than boys in this world. In the next? For all we know, it might be all girls.
Whether you regard the above as a serious forewarning to misbegotten males trying to get to heaven or simply a silly fantasy, something tells me that gals could take over the planet if they wanted. Have you seen Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”? Don’t tell me you missed that metaphor!
In a far friendlier way, this weekend’s entertainment calendar delivers ample evidence of girl power. Hear them roar. And, guys, don’t be jealous just because you can’t hit the same high notes.
1. Ariana Grande
Still in her early 20s, pop princess Ariana Grande has run up the mountain of music stardom with dizzying speed and striking dexterity. Only a few years ago she was best known for playing the intentionally silly character of Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon TV series “Victorious,” and its spin-off, “Sam & Cat.” Then came the hit albums, “Yours Truly,” “My Everything” and last year’s mega-smash, “Dangerous Woman,” which sexed up her image considerably — which, of course, was no accident. Here’s a woman who knows what she wants and how to get you to want it for her, too. Now that’s power.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets; $27.95-$197.95.
At 72, soul sister extraordinaire Patti LaBelle has nothing left to prove. Just don’t tell her that. The woman who was part of the 1950s girl group the Ordettes, which became the Bluebelles in the 1960s and then LaBelle in the 1970s, sees no reason to take a breather if you’re not out of breath. Her concert this weekend at the Kauffman Center will no doubt include the singer’s signature cover of “Over the Rainbow,” as well as her own memorable solo hits, including “New Attitude.” But everyone in the building will want to hear her old group LaBelle’s 1974 smash, “Lady Marmalade.” Sweet – and potent – seduction.
Friday, 8 p.m.; Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $69-$129.
3. Sleigh Bells
Alexis Krauss supplies the vigorous vocals that zigzag over the big guitar sounds of Derek Miller in the noise-pop duo known as Sleigh Bells from Brooklyn, New York. The twosome’s latest album, “Jessica Rabbit,” includes the melody-meets-mayhem of “It’s Just Us Now,” a ditty that doesn’t mess around lyrically: “Starting line/Now I'm really, really racin'/Steppin' on throats, clippin' the knees/All that flesh and blood/The real thing/I can see the sun/Going down so rapidly.” In the song’s official video, even Krauss’s running mascara looks a little threatening. Definitely worth the drive to Lawrence.
Friday, 9 p.m.; Granada Theater, 1020 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kan.; tickets: $25.
4. Connie Dover and Kelly Werts
Connie Dover rightly caught the ears of many Kansas Citians as lead singer of the local Celtic music group Scartaglen back in the 1980s. That fine band is no more, but Dover’s truly beautiful voice has continued to enrapture folk music fans in the Midwest and well beyond. She’ll be joined by guitarist Kelly Werts in a St. Patrick’s Day weekend concert that should leave those in attendance feeling both blessed and blissed.
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Acoustic Alcove, 1901 N.W. Blue Parkway, Unity Village, Mo.; $20.
Youth Symphony of Kansas City and Music Theatre Kansas City have joined forces to present the stage version of Disney’s animated classic, “The Little Mermaid.” But the title is misleading. There’s really nothing little about how the story’s female protagonist goes about discovering life’s possibilities, whether they be “Under the Sea” or in her very big heart.
Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Goppert Theatre at Avila University, 11901 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $10-$20.
6. Kansas City Fairy Tale Ball
To cynics, it might seem misguided at best to throw a kiddie party hosted by more than a dozen fairy tale princesses. Are Prince Charming-seeking characters really the best role models for today’s little ones? I would humbly submit that empowerment comes in many forms, including the decision-making opportunities that come with a Tiara Decorating Station. There will also be singing, dancing, storytelling, group games and a candy buffet in both morning and evening sessions. Have a ball!
Saturday, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Hilton Kansas City, 8801 N.W. 112th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $25 for adults, $45 for children.
Brian McTavish is a regular arts and culture contributor for KCUR 89.3. You can reach him at brianmctavish@gmail.com.