Libby Hanssen

Libby Hanssen

Libby Hanssen lives over the state line with her jazz musician husband, Ivesian little boy and star-bright baby girl. As a writer and poet, she is consistently impressed and inspired by Kansas City’s artistic community.

Meet “The Classical Challenge”

Meet “The Classical Challenge”

Every Wednesday evening, radiating 80 miles from 39th and Main Streets, eclectic, rambunctious music permeates the Kansas City airwaves when “The Classical Challenge” broadcasts on KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio. “The Classical Challenge,” the only classical music show on KKFI, is unlike any classical music radio show in the region. “We try to play things that are either experimental or challenging...” said Mike Pettengel, host and founder of the show.

“Between Silence and Light”

“Between Silence and Light”

This June, Kansas City Baroque Consortium began its first summer series, “Between Silence and Light.” The series explores the journey artists make from inspiration to realization and the connections between, linking music with architecture, dance, writing and painting. The series got its name from John Lobell’s book, “Between Silence and Light,” a collection of words and images from architect Louis Kahn.

Concert to Come: “Goldberg Variations”

Concert to Come: “Goldberg Variations”

Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental “Goldberg Variations” is at once staggeringly difficult and uniquely beautiful, challenging and enamoring musicians for centuries. Kansas City’s Owen/Cox Dance Group will display these compatible contrasts in their final performance of the season, in collaboration with pianist Kairy Koshoeva. This is the second presentation of the work for Koshoeva and the company, which they premiered in June of 2013.

KC Ballet Spring Program Mines the ’40s for a Dynamic Mix

KC Ballet Spring Program Mines the ’40s for a Dynamic Mix

The 1940s in America were a time of unrest, with the atrocities of World War II, the terror of the atom bomb, and the rising threat of Communism. It’s also the decade that gave us “Bambi,” bobby soxers, and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” From this era, Devon Carney, artistic director of the Kansas City Ballet, […]

KC in the spotlight for this year’s Dance/USA Conference

KC in the spotlight for this year’s Dance/USA Conference

Dance makers, movers and shakers from across the country will gather in KC June 7 to 10 for the 35th annual Dance/USA Conference. The four-day event connects dance professionals — artists, presenters, artistic and executive directors, service organizations, advocates and arts funders — and highlights the region’s artistic output. The conference, which moves to a […]