The Harlem Quartet debuted in 2006, named to honor the Harlem Renaissance of 100 years ago. The ensemble was founded by the Sphinx Organization, which uses classical music to further social justice. It has traveled the world promoting diversity in classical music and engaged young audiences by presenting both traditional string quartet repertoire and a variety of styles by underrepresented composers.

Arnold Epley has devoted nearly half his life to the musical culture of Kansas City and he’s not finished yet. “I used to say, if you wake me up at 3 a.m. and shake me and ask, ‘What do you do?’ I would say, ‘I’m a singer,’” said Epley. Epley turns 80 years old May 18.

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the second home of New York City-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, plays a major role in combining modern..

Musica Vocale ends its 11th season with “Resist” at Westside’s Sacred Heart Guadalupe May 19. The concert, featuring Melissa Dunphy’s “American DREAMers,” focuses on the..