With the opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in mid-September, the word inaugural has been used often and rightfully so. After all,..

Arts organizations, especially those in the performing arts, perceive that palpable energy and almost giddy eagerness in the opening of the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts. Regional, national and international attention has already turned toward Kansas City with the focus on this center.

Why did Daedalus and Icarus strap wings to themselves? Why did Leonardo Da Vinci sketch bat-like wings and fantastical flying machines? Why did the Wright brothers construct a plane? Why do many people like to fly in dreams? Gravity has locked people to the earth, but for a select few, the chance to escape the physics for a few minutes is a rare treat.