UMKC Conservatory performs at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s medieval gallery
A contemplative stillness exists in the medieval section of the Nelson-Atkins that isn’t found anywhere else. Walking through, one can see calm, reserved statues of Mary, draped in flowing robes, and towering suits of armor stoically standing at attention, one sitting upon a large armored horse as though waiting for an unseen enemy. It’s a quiet section, connected both the Egyptian as well as the Greek and Roman sections. The Cloister in the very heart of the gallery is an area of great visual appeal. A simply square construction, it’s built with a large wall of stone that follows along the edges of the gallery making an empty space in the middle. The walls of the cloister are lined with decorative window spaces and include a tile roof, the center being left open … Read entire article »
Filed under: Events
HYPNOTIZED: ‘Trance Lady’ visits UMKC to teach hypnotic method
Dr. Joanna Cameron, a clinical hypnotherapist, performed as the “Trance Lady” for the second year in a row on Oct. 3 at the Student Union as part of APC’s Homecoming activities. Cameron is an author, entertainer, speaker and professional therapist who bases her work around hypnotherapy. She has practiced hypnotherapy for 14 years, and was the first hypnotist to visit UMKC. Cameron kicked off the event by engaging the audience in several introductory hypnosis exercises. In a matter of minutes, most skeptics became believers, and audience members were eager to rush to the stage for a chance to become completely hypnotized. Cameron assured the audience she would not be able to force the hypnotized participants to do anything morally or ethically unacceptable. “A hypnotized person is awake and aware of what is going … Read entire article »
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Musica Nova
The Conservatory hosted the year’s first Musica Nova concert under the direction of Zhou Long on Sept. 27 at White Recital Hall, featuring musical performances by the Conservatory’s composition faculty. The event included works and performances by James Mobberley, Mara Gibson and Long, among others. Musica Nova performances have often mixed electronic noises with traditional sounds such as brass and strings, which promises an intriguing and distinctive concert. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment, Events
Anti-abortion group unveils mascot
Last week, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the thriving metropolis of Wichita for a life-changing experience: a pro-life toy conference. Upon entering my final destination, Carlos O’Kelly’s, I immediately checked in on Foursquare and updated my Facebook status to let everyone know I treated myself to Wichita’s finest dining. Inside the restaurant, Kansans Raging against Sluts, Homos and Abortion (KRASHA) unveiled its new mascot, a singing fetus KRASHA spokesperson Mary Jane Pulp said she anticipates the doll will be a commercial success. Although the Tickle Me Fetus was invented to teach children about the evils of abortion, masturbation and premarital sex, its message is intended for a large, impressionable audience that extends well beyond Kansas. The Tickle Me Fetus will be sold online in the U.S. and in the gift shop of the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment, Events
album reviews: Jeff the Brotherhood keeps to its roots
Jeff the Brotherhood consists of brothers, neither of which named Jeff. Jake and Jamin Orral make up this alternative rock duo.Jeff the Brotherhood’s newest album, “Hypnotic Nights,” is a poppy electric garage mash-up with a hint of saxophone. Catchy melodies top off the solid collection of songs. The brothers calmed down since their previous punk rock album, “We Are the Champions,” securing a unique musical identity. “Hypnotic Nights” adopts slower tempos and abandons the punk atmosphere almost entirely, keeping the duo’s garage roots pure. The latest album opens with “Country Life,” encompassing Jeff the Brotherhood’s sound. Starting with a simple drumbeat, two measures later Jake Orrall adds ariveting three-string power chord, blasting listeners’ ears. The band shifts gears in “Region of Fire” by turning down the amp. The vocals are evocative with repeated … Read entire article »
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‘I’m not afraid to ask’ : UMKC to participate in Suicide Awareness Day
Sixteen percent of UMKC students have had suicidal thoughts. Of this percentage, only 40 percent sought help, according to Counseling Center research. Those suffering from suicidal thoughts often question their importance and begin to withdraw from their surroundings, according to Dale Voigt-Catlin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for UMKC. “Usually students change their behaviors and try to get their affairs in order, such as give their pets away whenever they are considering taking their own life,” Voigt-Catlin said. “They’re thinking they need to get everything organized.” Statistics show that not enough students holding suicidal thoughts are seeking help. According to Voigt-Catlin, only 50 percent of students considering suicide seek friends or family for life-saving help. But the majority of those close to the student already know something is wrong. “Most friends or family notice a … Read entire article »
The big idea gets bigger: Feasibility studies show promise for downtown UMKC arts campus
Photo by Sai Srikar Kadiyam A downtown campus for various UMKC arts programs has taken a leap closer to reality. Discussion began in spring 2011, when Conservatory Dean Peter Witte first announced the idea. At the time, it was just that – an idea, but one poised to gain civic endorsement. Last fall, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce announced the downtown campus as one of its “Big 5″ initiatives for the region. The project also received accolades from the Downtown Council as a catalyst to bring students downtown and create spinoff development. Since then, several programs in the College of Arts & Sciences have expressed interest in a move downtown. So have the Kansas City Repertory Theatre and KCUR, the local NPR affiliate housed in the 4825 Troost building. In December, UMKC embarked on a … Read entire article »
A rough start: Men’s soccer 0-3 in season play
Photo by Sai Srikar Kadiyam Sophomore forward Jordan Rideout scored the Roos’ first regular-season goal in a 3-1 loss to St. Louis University on the road last Saturday. The game, which was tied at halftime, dropped the Roos to 0-3. This wasn’t as lopsided as the 3-0 loss to Missouri State Bears last Tuesday at home. The first 15 minutes against Missouri State seemed promising for the Roos, who maintained 80 percent of the ball possession. But in the 19th minute, the Bears scored a long-range goal. The Bears scored again in the 21st minute, and again, one minute before halftime. The Roos attempted to rebound during the second half of the game. UMKC dominated play for the next 45 minutes, but failed to score. Rideout, last season’s leading scorer, said he remains confident about the … Read entire article »
Time to get ‘fringey’
Preparations for the 2012 KC Fringe Festival, a fun local avante-garde arts festival that debuted in 2004, are well underway. This year’s fest runs July 19-29 at a variety of venues throughout KC and will display UMKC playwright Pete Bakely’s play, “Skillet Tag.” “Skillet Tag” revolves around a group of corporate employees who are summoned to their boss’s remote house for a team building exercise. An accidental murder causes a downward spiral. “It’s another delicious dark comedy from Pete Bakely and it will offer up everything a night at the theatre should offer,” director Sam Slosburg said. “It’s timely and relevant, it’s absolutely mortifying and you may just pee your pants laughing.” Over the last eight years, FringeFest has become a local spectacular. From burlesque and theatre, to clowning and art and everything in between, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment, Events
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