Libby Hanssen

Libby Hanssen covers the performing arts in Kansas City. She maintains the culture blog, “Proust Eats a Sandwich,” and writes poetry and children’s books. She holds a master’s degree in trombone performance from UMKC Conservatory and currently works at UMKC’s Music/Media Library.

Arts News: Charlotte Street Renews Commitment to Cutting-Edge Choreography

Making Moves is moving. After a successful establishment year, Charlotte Street Foundation renewed the monthly choreographic showcase for 2020 and is bringing it to the Foundation’s new location at 3333 Wyoming. Previously, “Making Moves,” produced by Charlotte Street studio resident Kyle Mullins, was presented every second Thursday at the Charlotte Street Foundation’s Capsule Performing Arts […]

May 11, 2020
0

For Now, the Small Screen Reigns Supreme

Not so long ago we were debating if it was gauche to clap between the movements of a symphony. Now, the argument is whether or not pajama bottoms count as pants. With a stay-at-home order for Kansas City and, as of midnight Sunday, all of Kansas, there’s a new chamber music that is proving essential: concerts only available through social media. For the time being, at least, the small screen reigns supreme.

April 1, 2020
1

Arts News: Kansas City Women’s Chorus Combines Music and Social Justice

Cancellation notice: The Kansas City Women’s Chorus concert, “Reach Out, Reach Up,” April 17 and 18, is one of many performances throughout the city that have been cancelled because of the coronavirus threat. With hearts inspired by a love of music and driven with a mission for social justice, the Kansas City Women’s Chorus celebrates […]

March 24, 2020
0

Love, Death and Power – On Steroids

What should you expect from an opera based on one of the most terrifying horror stories of all time? Believe it or not, a story about humanity. That’s what composer Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell discovered when they turned Stephen King’s novel into an opera for the Minnesota Opera.

March 17, 2020
0

Concert to Come: William Baker Festival Singers Perform the Music of Ed Frazier Davis

When the William Baker Festival Singers step into Helzberg Hall to perform the music of Ed Frazier Davis, it’s not just a concert. It’s a celebration of friends, family and renewal. “Ed writes like no one else,” said William Baker, founder and director of the Festival Singers.

February 27, 2020
1

newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble Challenges Apathy with “Dislocation + Defiance”

The city was bathed in fiery light the evening of newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble’s “Dislocation + Defiance” program. The anticipation of the Chiefs’ impending Super Bowl game has the city in a spirit of jubilant civic pride, eager to spotlight our culture, energy, and creativity, shared with two billion people tuned in worldwide. It’s a […]

February 2, 2020
1