Whether you’re young or old, you can’t help it. So own it. Share it.
With that in mind, this weekend offers a spectrum of events that can be relished by many different ages actually mixing together. Imagine that.
But you won’t have to make believe once you’re having fun next to someone who could be seven or 70. Oh, the shared humanity!
1. Youth Symphony of Kansas City
To be it, you’ve got to see it. So consider taking the kids to the Youth Symphony of Kansas City’s 60th anniversary gala, featuring pianist Drew Petersen and the organization’s Academy and Symphony Orchestras. It might help you tell if any young miss or mister in your care might care to one day play the piano or the flute or the trombone. Well, no hurry on the trombone – one can always slide into that, right? As a former trombonist I reserve the right to make fun of myself.
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Yardley Hall at the Carlsen Center Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kan.; tickets: $25.
2. Eric Church
Versatile country star Eric Church brings his “Double Down Tour” to KC, performing two “unique” shows on back-to-back nights. If you’re not that into country, don’t let the tag fool you. Church can get as rocky and funky as he can back-porchy and both shows should appeal to popular music fans of many ages and persuasions. Expect plenty of hits, including “Springsteen” and “Desperate Man,” as well as fan-favorite deep cuts from his six studio albums. Whoa, Eric, maybe you should leave something on the table for next time.
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $46-$136.
3. Kansas City Comic Book Convention
The special thing about this one-day comic convention is that it isn’t special. There will be no celebrity comic creators or autograph-charging multi-media guests, only boxes of comics offered for sale or trade from a roomful of Midwest dealers. Kids looking for an Archie or Batman or Spider-Man comic along with gray-hairs looking for an Archie, Batman or Spider-Man comic are expected to attend. With any luck, they won’t grab the same book at the same time. And if they do? Respect your elders!
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Veterans of Foreign Wars, 8804 Grant Ave., Overland Park, Kan.; admission: free.
4. Mid-America Train and Toy Show
If it goes choo-choo, you’ll likely find it in miniature form at the Mid-America Train and Toy Show, with more than 200 merchants reaching out to both veteran collectors and the merely curious. Talk about an ideal grandparent and grandchild outing. Hardcore automotive admirers may also watch “free train movies” – and if you already know what that means, I assume you’re going.
Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; KCI Expo Center, 11728 Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $5, ages 12 and younger free.
Responsible wine drinkers 21 and older are invited to ramble the vineyards with their leashed dogs, sample food truck fare and play yard games for any or all of three days to the musical strains of Red Guitar (Friday), Erica McKenzie Music (Saturday) and Billy Ebeling & the Late for Dinner Band (Sunday). Don’t let this be you: “What day is this? Who cares? Hey, this isn’t even my dog! Poochie, where are you?” Just in case, make sure there’s a designated driver.
Friday, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-6 p.m.; KC Wine Co., 13875 S. Gardner Rd., Olathe; admission: free.
Who doesn’t like a shrimp boil with a house DJ stirring up the soul of Mardi Gras? Wait, that’s a rhetorical question. All ages are welcome to eat, dance and maybe win a prize for best outfit or mask. Of course, showing up in any festive costume is a prize for all eyes. Share the experience!
Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m.; St. Monica Catholic Church, 1616 The Paseo, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $20.
Brian McTavish is a regular arts and culture contributor for KCUR 89.3. You can reach him at brianmctavish@gmail.com.
