Time for another round of weekend calendar picks from KC Studio editor Alice Thorson for this beautiful spring weekend. It’s your last chance to see the Kansas City Ballet‘s Director Choice, featuring Val Caniparoli’s adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” through May 21st. Tonight, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and music from the Kansas City Symphony at the Kaffuman Center with Classics Uncorked. Tomorrow night, the Jazz Series at the Folly presents pianist Aliane Elias. On Saturday morning, the Nelson hosts a panel discussion with local artists whose creative process is inspired by the natural world. And Saturday night, the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College presents piano prodigy Joey Alexander at Yardley Hall. For more events, visit Kansas City’s most comprehensive arts calendar at kcstudio.org/events.
THE LOTTERY
May 19 & 20 @ 7:30 pm
May 21 @ 2:00 pm
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City Ballet’s spring production is a showcase of Kansas City Premieres for both new and venerable choreographic masters. Jerome Robbins’ exuberant, jazz-infused Interplay, Val Caniparoli’s suspenseful The Lottery, based on Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” about a small town’s shocking annual ritual, and George Balanchine’s epitome of classical ballet Theme and Variations all combine to make for a memorable evening in the theatre.
CLASSICS UNCORKED: SHALL WE DANCE?
May 18 @ 7:00 pm
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Tap your toes, twirl your partner and sway through the evening with symphonic dance music performed by your Kansas City Symphony! Soar through the sky with Stravinsky’s Firebird, revel in Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, celebrate Americana with Copland’s “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo, and even sample some techno with Mason Bates’ “Warehouse Medicine” from The B-Sides. After the concert, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or champagne and mingle with Symphony musicians in Kauffman Center’s Brandmeyer Great Hall lobby.
ELIANE ELIAS
May 19 @ 8:00 pm
Folly Theater
Born in São Paulo, Ms. Elias started studying piano at age seven and at age twelve was transcribing solos from the great jazz masters. By the time she was fifteen, she was teaching piano and improvisation. Her performing career began in Brazil at age seventeen, working with Brazilian singer/songwriter Toquinho and touring with the poet Vinicius de Moraes. Her 2013 release, I Thought About You reached No. 1 on USA and France Amazon.com, No. 2 on iTunes USA, France and Brazil, and No. 4 on Billboard Jazz Charts.
Natural Inspirations: KC’s Artists Inspired by Nature
May 20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Free
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Welcome spring with an inspiring panel discussion with local artists, all participants in the Spencer Art Reference Library’s Artists’ File Initiative, whose creative process is inspired by the natural world.
JOEY ALEXANDER JAZZ PIANO
May 20 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | $23 – $38
Carlsen Center – Yardley Hall
Joey brings a delicate, profound and soulful touch to his own interpretation of such classics as “Giant Steps,” “Over the Rainbow” and of course, “My Favorite Things,” showcasing his talents as an arranger, composer and bandleader.
“Giant Steps” earned a 2016 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Improvised Jazz Solo.
Joey taught himself to play piano by listening with his father to classic jazz albums. His father soon recognized his son’s gift and his ability to grasp complicated musical concepts. Joey began attending jam sessions with senior musicians and he flourished, as did his love of playing jazz.
The world has taken notice of this phenomenal and exciting pianist with the astonishing technique and soulful sound. His recording debut album, “My Favorite Things,” was nominated as best instrumental jazz album for the 2016 GRAMMY® awards.
