The tide was turning – though many states in the South disagreed.  It would soon be illegal to segregate black Americans on public buses, in waiting rooms, or in restaurants. And yet, in the early 1960s, some cities and towns in America kept actively discriminating.  It was time to draw attention to illegal discrimination, and face terrifying violence with peaceful resistance.

This is a story of everyday people becoming a civil rights movement, taking on the establishment and changing the world.  What does it mean for people to come together and rise up?   And what do we think about segregation in relation to the present?

Indigo Hour in The Blue Room features drink specials, free live music, and the best Kansas City R&B and Neo-Soul acts every Friday night from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm. This week's Indigo Hour is hosted by Amber Underwood Project.

Amber has been a presence in the Kansas City jazz scene making a place and a voice for her instrument. In the beginning of 2014 the Amber Underwood Project was formed with original members Drew Davis, DeAndre Manning, and Tyree Johnson with the mission to showcase an instrument that is normally used as an auxiliary instrument in jazz but now as a solo instrument. AUP is a modern and fresh take on smooth jazz, contemporary, original and R&B sounds. AUP uses the rich tones and colors of the flute to interpret the various styles and genres of jazz.

A hugely popular and insatiably indulgent celebration of life and love. Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is a pulsating choral work that provides an incredible landscape for choreographed spectacle. Most have experienced Carmina Burana in choral presentation, but few have seen it as it was originally imagined.

FEATURING

CARMINA BURANA (world premiere)
Choreography: Adam Hougland
Music: Carl Orff

TULIPS & LOBSTER
Choreography: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Music: Purcell, Albinoni, Lambert & Vivaldi

PETAL
Choreography: Helen Pickett
Music: Philip Glass & Thomas Montgomery Newman

Live music performed by Kansas City Symphony

This sweeping musical portrait of early-twentieth-century America tells the timeless story of three families in the pursuit of the American Dream. The Tony Award winning score is just as diverse as the melting pot of America itself. A truly unique and powerful portrait of America, Ragtime is an inspirational musical that will live in your memory long after the curtain falls.

After slamming the door on her family all those years ago, Nora is back with one really awkward favor to ask. This bitingly funny sequel to Ibsen’s revolutionary masterpiece explores family, motherhood and the roles people find themselves playing... a timely conversation with over 100 years of momentum behind it. Will the walls stand up to this reunion? A must-see for anyone who’s ever tried to be married.

At a time when there were almost no stories about women of color, poet, activist, novelist, and playwright, Shange penned a play that has become a seminal and treasured work of American theatre. Seven African American women, each identified solely by a color, traverse class, gender, sexuality, and geography in this intensely personal “choreo-poem” that weaves spoken word and dance. Only the second play by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, it won Obie and Tony Awards and has been mounted on university campuses in every state in the U.S.

The Folly + 90.9 The Bridge Americana Series presents

Ruthie Foster

Friday, October 18th at 8 PM

Ruthie Foster is known for her powerful, soulful voice and Bluesy sound that can be heard across the U.S. on this artist’s expansive tour. Most recently awarded a Living Blues Critics’ Award for Female Blues Artist of the Year, Ruthie has gathered accolades including seven Blues Music Awards, three Austin Music Awards, and the title of an “inspiring American Artists” as a United States Artist 2018 Fellow, among many other awards.

Ruthie, a Texas native, draws her influence from legendary acts like Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin. Upon leaving the Navy, Ruthie signed with a major record label and moved to New York, only to feel pressured to change by the label. She walked away from the record deal to head back to the Lone Star state. Partnering with Blue Corn Music, Foster was able to expand the craft of her music and develop a truly unique sound. Her latest album Joy Comes Back, born out of love and loss, was widely well-received by critics and listeners alike!

Ruthie joins us back on the Folly stage for a moving, soul/blues/gospel performance on Friday, October 18th at 8 PM!

Learn more about Ruthie Foster at www.RuthieFoster.com

Bob Bowman learned to play the piano and clarinet before beginning bass lessons at age 12. He quickly became an award-winning performer. He won a scholarship to the Stan Kenton Jazz Clinic as a high school freshman, followed by study at North Texas State University.

In 1976, he joined the famous Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, touring and recording several albums, including the Grammy award-winning “Live at Munich.” Bob continued his performing and recording career by joining the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabakin Big Band in Los Angeles in 1979. He recorded numerous albums as a member of this band, many of which were nominated for Grammy Awards.

The Kansas City Symphony welcomes those with sensory and memory sensitivities as well as their caregivers to this special symphonic performance, a festive exploration of music throughout the Americas. We’ll learn about musical traditions in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Peru, Brazil and the United States through rhythm, singing and dancing. The program will be specifically adapted so families and friends of all abilities may enjoy symphonic music in a friendly environment.

Stereophile Magazine calls Nadine Sierra’s voice “alive, gorgeous, and positively thrilling.” Winner of the prestigious 2017 Richard Tucker Award and the Metropolitan Opera’s 2018 Beverly Sills Artist Award, Sierra is hailed as one of the most promising young talents in opera today. Now it’s Kansas City’s turn to discover this remarkable singer.

Sierra began her professional career singing with the Palm Beach Opera when she was only a teenager and her career has blossomed since. She’s been on the cover of Classical Singer magazine but has also been featured in Vogue, Nylon, and Bon Appétit. Sierra connects not just with classical audiences, but nonclassical as well. As Sierra prepares for a career in the stratosphere, this is one of those concerts where you’ll want to say “I was there.”

Ida’s musical style is so unique that it is hard to classify. Over the years, her repertoire has included pop-style ballads, jazz and blues, show tunes, funk, R&B, gospel and well known standards.

Critics have described her as “a jazz singer,” “a blues singer,” “a pop singer” and “a cabaret singer.” Still others have referred to her as “a story teller,” “a professor emeritus of body language,” “a consummate actress” and “the complete entertainer.” A song stylist is the title Ida prefers.

By the age of five, Ida McBeth knew she wanted to be a singer. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Ida was provided early exposure to a variety of talented vocalists by her mother. These singers included such greats as Nancy Wilson, Arthur Prysock, Nat King Cole, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight and Sarah Vaughan.

Bring your instrument and sit in at the weekly Blue Monday Jam Session – or just take in the sounds of one of Kansas City’s best jam sessions. Each Monday night begins with a set by a featured ensemble and then we open the mic to interested musicians. Doors open at 5:00 pm, live music starts at 7:00 pm, jam session starts at 8:00 pm. Arrive early to sign up! This week's Blue Monday Jam Session is hosted by trumpeter Al Pearson.

Al Pearson began his trumpet and flugelhorn career in Philadelphia. While being a studio musician for Philly Sound Studios, he played shows featuring Stevie Wonder, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Sammy Davis Jr., and Marvin Gaye. After moving to Kansas City, he's participated in jazz bands led by Basie trombonist Al Grey, pianist-trumpeter-composer Owen Marshall, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Jackie McLean, Jay McShann, Claude ‘Fiddler’ Williams, Myra Taylor, Queen Bey, and others.

Those faithful to the tradition of Swan Lake must see Russian Ballet Theatre’s new production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic. Choreographer Nadezhda Kalinina (Mariinsky Theatre, Teatro Lirico, Omsk State Music Theatre) lovingly retouches the oldest St. Petersburg version of the ballet and adds her vision and something more that undoubtedly will leave audiences flushed with emotion.  RBT’s dancers bring her choreography to life along with the new exquisite hand-painted sets and 150 new hand-sewn costumes. Designed by the young, accomplished Sergei Novikov (Mariinsky Theatre, Omsk State Music Theatre, St. Petersburg State Music Hall), these are in the century-old tradition of the great theatrical masters. SFX makeup by Award-winning Irina Strukova (Crazy Rich Asians, Netflix, HBO) completes the already perfect glittering fantasy that is Swan Lake!

Russian Ballet Theatre has partnered with PLUS1, an initiative that connects artists with causes so that $1 from every ticket sold will support local public school teachers and their classroom projects in Kansas City and surrounding areas through DonorsChoose.org.

http://russianballettheatre.com/

Groom-to-be Fadinard gallops all over Paris on his wedding day in search of a straw hat to replace one his horse has inadvertently eaten. Followed in hot pursuit by his fiancée, her blustering father and a giant wedding party of her country relatives, Fadinard makes his way through increasingly ridiculous situations to try to save his big day. In a new translation by Londré, with a contemporary pop music score, this hysterical French farce is not to be missed.

Steven Lambert is originally from Sioux City, Ia. He moved to Kansas City in 2006  to study with saxophonist Bobby Watson. He has been active in the music scene in Kansas City for 13 years. He has appeared on numerous recordings as a sideman and studio musician in a variety of genres and settings. Steven has released four records as a leader,  "Subject to Change" by the Steve Lambert Quartet (2010), " In the Moment," by the KC Sound Collective (2012), "Live", by the Steven Lambert Trio and Quartet, (2015) and "Seven Stories (2017).”

Indigo Hour in The Blue Room features drink specials, free live music, and the best Kansas City R&B and Neo-Soul acts every Friday night from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm. This week's Indigo Hour is hosted by Just A Taste A Jazz.

Some of the most exciting dance in America is coming out of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Founded in 1996, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet combines adventurous American athleticism with European classical and avant-garde traditions. The New York Times says that Aspen Santa Fe Ballet “raise the bar, and then they jump over it.”

The company is at the forefront of new choreography and commissioned works are a priority. Nicolo Fonte’s Where We Left Off will be danced in Kansas City to its Phillip Glass score, played live on stage by pianist Han Chen. After a thrilling evening of cutting-edge creations, you will discover why ASFB is described as a “dance lover’s dance company.”

Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Paul Jacobs, organ

J.S. BACH/ELGAR Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor
MICHAEL DAUGHERTY Once Upon a Castle for Organ and Orchestra
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4

Reaching the pinnacle of his art, Brahms’ Fourth and final Symphony balances intense Romantic passion with Classical tradition. Elgar’s arrangement of Bach’s Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor is an orchestral showpiece. The iconic Hearst Castle overlooking the California coast inspired Michael Daugherty’s Once Upon a Castle. Be transported as Paul Jacobs plays this breathtaking piece on the magnificent Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ. Join us as we celebrate David T. Beals III Associate Conductor Jason Seber’s Kansas City Symphony Classical Series debut!

Laura Taglialatela is a vocalist, composer and arranger born in the mediterranean city of Naples, Italy. Growing up in a house full of music and art of all kinds, she naturally developed a complex musical personality, which brought her into experiencing many different languages and genres.

Laura began performing music in church at the age of 10, an experience which consequently drove her interest towards black music. In 2009 she completed her studies in vocal jazz performance  at the Scuola Civica in Capannori, and decided to attend a Bachelor in Literature and Cultural studies at the Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples, while taking music private classes with some of today’s most internationally recognized jazz performers.

She graduated in 2014 presenting a thesis entitled "A unifying language: jazz”, a result of her active researches on the field on the impact of the inter-cultural crossover of the jazz scene on the language currently spoken in America by the new generation through the songwriting process, receiving audience acclaim and extra credits.

In 2016 Laura won the WinJazz Competition with her composition "Blue Moon". In March 2018 her song "Take Me Back" received the Runner Up Songwriting Award at the Song Of The Year International Contest (Steven Tyler, Gwen Stefani, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys among the judges). Her debut album "The Glow" received the Gianni Basso Award from the Piemonte Jazz Committee as best debut album from an italian artist. She has performed at multiple Jazz Festivals around the world, and has led her own band internationally including France, Croatia, Italy, Finland, Belgium, UK, US, Russia.

Perfect for infants through 6-year-olds! Join us on the Helzberg Hall stage as we move, listen, sing and play. The 20-minute performance featuring Kansas City Symphony musicians will be followed by the Jamie and Bush Helzberg Instrument Petting Zoo, where curious youngsters can try out various instruments. Each timeslot has seating for 150 guests.

The 37th Annual Folly Jazz Series presents

Stefon Harris & Blackout

Saturday, October 26th at 8 PM

JAZZTALK: TBA

SEASON TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY, AUGUST 19TH

Educator, Vibraphonist, and Composer, Stefon Harris has been heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” by The Los Angeles Times. Stefon Harris’ passionate artistry, energetic stage presence, and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him into the forefront of the current jazz scene. Widely recognized and lauded by both his peers and jazz critics alike, the award-winning musician is committed to both exploring the rich potential of jazz education and blazing new trails on the Vibraphone.

A four-time GRAMMY™ nominee, he is a seven-time Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalist Association, the recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award, Downbeat’s Critics Poll Winner for Vibraphone (2015, 2013) and 2014 Expanded Critic’s Poll for Vibes from Jazz Times. He won a 2014 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album for Wonder: The Songs of Stevie Wonder as a member of the SFJazz Collective.

BAND LINE-UP

STEFON HARRIS – VIBRAPHONE & MARIMBA

CASEY BENJAMIN – ALTO-SAXOPHONE & VOCODER

MARC CARY – PIANO

BEN WILLIAMS – BASS

MARK COLENBURG – DRUMS