Here are this week’s calendar picks from KC Studio editor, Alice Thorson. Stop by the Epsten Gallery this weekend to work by artist in residence Jose Faus, on view through the 20th. The Kansas City International Theatre festival is underway, with performances at MCC-Penn Valley and Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre through Sunday July 17. On Saturday night, stop by Concourse Park for Northeast Arts KC’s SummerDusk Concert Series, this month featuring Triflemore and the Rex Hobart Trio. Or see Ida McBeth at the Blue Room that same night. On Sunday, the Nelson-Atkins and KC Parks presents the Big Picnic on the Nelson-Atkins Museum lawn – fun for the whole family! For more ideas this weekend, visit Kansas City’s most comprehensive arts calendar at kcstudio.org/events.
The Epsten Gallery’s Pop-Up Artist in Residence Program
July 11 – July 31 | Free
The Epsten Gallery in Village Shalom
The Pop-Up Artist in Residence Program provides a unique experience for artists to share their studio practice in the public, yet intimate venue of the Epsten Gallery.
Work by Jose Faus will be on view through July 20. Jose Faus is a writer, performer, visual artist and independent teacher. He is a co-founder of the Latino Writers Collective. He is present of the board of the Writers Place and sits on the boards of the Friends of the Library of UMKC, Latino Writer’s Collective and the Charlotte Street Foundation.
Kansas City International Theatre Festival: The Invasion
July 14-17, 6:00 pm
Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
and The Theatre at MCC-Penn Valley
Since 2006, CST has presented the finest international fringe theatre. Artists from around the world have opened minds and hearts with their unique shows. Good stories, artfully told.
SummerDusk Concert Series 2016
July 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Free
Concourse Park
Triflemore w/Rex Hobart Trio (double bill – Scottish folk & Americana)
The SummerDusk Concert Series brings a variety of local and regional musicians to the Collonade for a series of free family-friendly concerts every summer.
Ida McBeth with Max Berry
July 16 @ 8:30 pm | $15
American Jazz Museum – The Blue Room
Kansas City’s Big Picnic
July 17 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Free
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Celebrate National Park and Recreation month as KC Parks partners with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to host the biggest picnic the region has ever seen! The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and Theis Park will be linked to become a giant space for Kansas City to come together for an evening of fun. Pack your own picnic or grab dinner from an on-site food truck! Rain or shine; no grills, no stakes, no tenting.
#KCBigPicnic Highlights:
- Lay your blanket down in designated areas to become part of a giant checkerboard-patterned display The Big Picnic by artist Alison Heryer
- Human ants, giant food and other whimsies create a larger-than-life picnic experience by StoneLion Puppet Theater
- Musical performances
- Plein Air “Quick Paint” Contest
- Recreation stations featuring badminton, lawn games and the Imagination Playground.
- Giant Adirondack Chairs and a giant picture frame for great photo opps
- Ride your bike and keep it safe in Southmoreland Park with Bike Valet services provided by BikeWalkKC
