Which matters most: The mind or the body? Or to put it another way: Albert Einstein or Marilyn Monroe?
The question (at least the first one) has echoed through the ages. Yet it may be ultimately a false dilemma, since ideally both the physical and the metaphysical are needed to max out human potential. Hey, I didn’t get a C in philosophy for nothing.
Regardless, the mind-body question is definitely out there this weekend, with some strenuous and inventive ways to work your muscles and/or explore the deepest recesses of your ever-searching cognizance. Either way, break a sweat!
1. Meshugge CrossFit Summer Melee 2017
Three hundred local athletes will push themselves to their limits at this daylong event devoted to pain and pleasure. The pain: swimming, running, rope-climbing, assault-biking, acrobatics, weightlifting and lots of other wildly strenuous stuff done the CrossFit way. The pleasure: watching the dozens of participating four-member coed teams give it absolutely everything they’ve got, so I absolutely don’t have to. Of course, if anyone goes down, feel free to jump right in. Yeah, you, not me.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, Kan.; free to observe.
Funk, yeah! Now in their fourth decade of performing a super-charged physical fitness workout to their own funky, punky, psychedelia-tinged rock songs, the Red Hot Chili Peppers no longer come out at the end of their shows wearing only strategically placed white tube socks. Well, they say life is change. Instead, the band just socks it to the music that’s taken original members Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass) and Chad Smith (drums) from playing L.A. strip clubs in the early 1980s to concert arenas around the world in 2017. The Chili Peppers’ latest hit album is “Getaway,” but there’s no escaping the groove.
Sunday, 8 p.m., Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $51-$101.
This yoga-happy “mindful triathlon” for New Agers and others has three main components: A 5K walk or run to warm up, a music-fueled yoga class to get hot and guided meditation to cool down and clear the mind of extraneous thoughts, perhaps including “Ow.” Fear not, the spirit is strong. And so is the question: What does the “108” stand for in Wanderlust 108? The number is considered hallowed in Hinduism and yoga for a variety of reasons, including the supposed 108 sacred places in the body – all of which may be going “Ow” by the time you’re done. Again, you, not me.
Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $45.08 (must be purchased by Friday).
The hard-charging pickin’ and grinnin’ should be both physically impressive and expand your mental space during Knuckleheads’ two-day bluegrass celebration starring Greensky Bluegrass on Friday and Railroad Earth on Saturday. The slew of support bands include the Infamous Stringdusters, the Naughty Pines and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades on Friday; and the Yonder Mountain String Band, Fruition and Whisky for the Lady on Saturday.
Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $41, $71 two-day pass.
OK, time to get purely corporeal with R-rated magic from two guys from Down Under. Australian illusionists Christopher Wayne and Mike Tyler will aim to dazzle with their entertainment packages. Presto – no clothes! Admit it, you’re only jealous because you didn’t think of it first.
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets; $25-$65.
6. Historical Epitaphs, Voices from the Past
A guided tour of Kansas City’s historic Union Cemetery cleverly combines the physical and the metaphysical with actual visits to the gravesites of notable Kansas Citians and actors playing the formerly alive local movers and shakers. Well, they’re supposed to be actors. I don’t believe in ghosts, but you might want to stay on your toes. After your head is fed, everyone gathers at the sexton’s cottage for drinks and desserts, because man does not live by supernatural things alone.
5:30 p.m. Saturday, Union Cemetery, 227 E. 28th Terr., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20.
