Kansas City Parks and Recreation’s Swope Park Off Leash Dog Park is one of seven dog park contestants chosen to compete for a Beneful Dream Dog Park.
The voting period runs through November 1, 2016, during which time people can visit Walmart.com/Beneful to vote for the dog park they want to receive funding for a dog park makeover from Beneful. You can vote once per day until the deadline.
The dog park with the most votes at the end of the voting period will be the selected dog park to receive a Beneful Dream Dog Park package, which includes a $30,000 monetary donation to go toward dog park improvements and an equipment donation valued at approximately $5,000, to be installed in the dog park. Additionally, the Beneful team will coordinate with the selected dog park team to host a work day in the dog park, when local dog lovers and the Beneful team can come together to celebrate selection and what it means for the community, and help get park improvements underway.
Unconventional, comedic shows will be presented in Starlight’s intimate indoor setting
WHAT: The show lineup for Starlight Indoors, a live theatre series launched last January by Starlight Theatre, has been announced for the series’ second season. Included in the 2016-17 indoor series are five Off-Broadway-style productions, featuring unconventional and award-winning comedies.
WHEN: October 11, 2016 to March 19, 2017 (see specific run dates for each show below)
WHERE: Starlight Indoors is presented inside the heated, intimate performance space of Starlight’s Cohen Community Stage, on-site at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. Each show will seat 300 to 500 people.
THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN: GIRLS ONLY is an original comedic variety show that celebrates the honor, truth and humor of being female. The two-woman act, inspired by the earnest and sweetly ridiculous writings the two authors found in their own childhood diaries, blends sketch comedy, improv, audience participation, musical numbers and video. The result is high-spirited, good-natured humor and fun! Suitable for female audiences, ages 10+. October 11-23, 2016 16 performances – in Cohen Community Stage House at Starlight Theatre
Run time: 2 hours, with intermission
Cost: $36-$56
MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE! is an Off-Broadway hit. This one-man fusion of theatre and standup comedy, based on The New York Times best-selling book of the same name, moves swiftly through a series of vignettes – everything from dating to marriage to the bedroom. Since premiering in Paris in 2007, the show has been seen by more than 1 million people across Europe. It made its U.S. debut in 2013. Suitable for adult audiences. November 3-5, 2016
3 performances – in Cohen Community Stage House at Starlight Theatre
Run time: 2 hours, with intermission
Cost: $26-$52
SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM finds Sister returning to Starlight after schooling audiences in Late Nite Catechism last January. This time Sister takes on the mystery that has long perplexed historians: What ever happened to the Magi’s Gold? In this holiday mystery extravaganza, Sister retells the story of the nativity as only she can. Employing her own scientific tools and assisted by the Starlight STARS of Tomorrow youth choir and a gaggle of audience members, she’ll create a living nativity audiences won’t soon forget. Suitable for all audiences. November 26 – December 18, 2016
23 performances – in Cohen Community Stage House at Starlight Theatre
Run time: 2 hours, with intermission
Cost: $36-$56
FIRST DATE, a modern musical featuring a Kansas City cast, follows blind-date “newbie” Aaron and serial-dater Casey. Their casual drink at a busy restaurant quickly turns into a hilarious, high-stakes dinner, and, as their first date unfolds in real time, the couple soon finds they are not alone! Restaurant staff transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents who sing and dance the couple through ice breakers, appetizers and conversational land mines. Suitable for dating age and older. February 3 – March 5, 2017 32 performances – in Cohen Community Stage House at Starlight Theatre
Run time: 90 minutes, no intermission
Cost: $36-$56
DISENCHANTED is a hilarious hit musical that’s anything but Grimm when fairytale heroines come back to life to set the record straight. By tossing off their tiaras and serving up a sassy, subversive musical, these royal renegades have sold out multiple venues nationwide. The irreverent musical was conceived by Dennis Giacino, a former history teacher and musician at heart. Suitable for adult audiences. March 7-19, 2017 16 performances – in Cohen Community Stage House at Starlight Theatre
Run time: 95 minutes, no intermission
Cost: $36-$56
TICKET OFFERS: VIP tickets include premium seating, valet parking and one free cocktail. In addition to single tickets to each show, Starlight Indoors offers the following ticket discounts:
Guests who purchase tickets to three shows save 10 percent (excludes Men are from Mars)
Guests who purchase tickets to four shows save 15 percent (excludes Men are from Mars)
Groups of 10 or more guests save 15%
MORE INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE:
Online at www.kcstarlight.com Call 816.363.7827
Visit Starlight Box Office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132
About Starlight Theatre Starlight Theatre, recent winner of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City and the second-largest outdoor producing theatre in the country. Opened as a theater in 1950 and as a not-for-profit organization in 1951, Starlight presents and produces Broadway musicals and concerts. It also offers extensive community outreach and educational programming, including classes, scholarships and Starlight’s Blue Star Awards, one of the largest high school musical theatre award programs in the nation.
Located on 16 acres in Swope Park, Starlight’s venue includes rehearsal halls, gift store, club area for dining, concessions, gardens, fountains and a 10-story, climate-controlled stage. For more information, visit www.kcstarlight.com
Starlight Theatre audiences will be drawn into the ritz and allure of classic Las Vegas with a swingin’ party of a show. The Rat Pack is Back!, a tribute to the talented stars of the 1960s known as The Rat Pack, takes the stage for three performances the weekend of Sept. 9-11. The show is the finale of Starlight’s 2016 Broadway season.
The Rat Pack is Back! transports audiences back through time and space to a balmy night circa 1960 when three show business legends – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin – converged at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas for the very first time. These stars delivered style with substance, swing with swagger and a non-stop party to which everyone wanted access.
“We want Kansas City audiences to enjoy a September night under the stars with the songs that all generations know and love,” Starlight president and CEO Rich Baker said. “I predict this show will stir up great memories for some and make new, special memories for everyone else!”
The national touring production of The Rat Pack is Back! unites three highly accomplished singer/actors: Drew Anthony appears as Dean Martin; Kyle Diamond appears as Sammy Davis, Jr.; and Chris Jason, the trio’s newest cast member, appears as Frank Sinatra.
The show’s uncanny vocal re-creation of one of the Rat Pack’s raucous, antic-filled performances is paired with unbridled humor. A live 12-piece orchestra is onstage throughout, bringing to life crowd-favorites with period-perfect orchestrations. The hits include Sinatra’s “You Make Me Feel So Young” and “A Foggy Day,” Martin’s “That’s Amoré,” Davis’ “Mr. Bojangles,” and many more. The Las Vegas Sun raves “This is as close as anyone has come to capturing the feeling of the real thing!”
The Rat Pack is Back! is produced by Dick Feeney whose credits include Viva Las Vegas, Showgirls and The Great Gleason.
Tickets for The Rat Pack is Back! at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $14 to $120. Tickets are available online at www.kcstarlight.com, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight ticket office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132.
Discount prices for groups of 15 or more are available by contacting group sales coordinator Staci Shelman at 816.997.1137 or groups@kcstarlight.com.
About Starlight Theatre
Starlight Theatre, a recent winner of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City and the second-largest outdoor producing theatre in the country. Opened as a theater in 1950 and as a not-for-profit organization in 1951, Starlight presents and produces Broadway musicals and concerts. It also offers extensive community outreach and educational programming, including classes, scholarships and Starlight’s Blue Star Awards, one of the largest high school musical theatre award programs in the nation.
Located on 16 acres in Swope Park, Starlight’s venue includes rehearsal halls, gift store, club area for dining, concessions, gardens, fountains and a 10-story, climate-controlled stage. For more information, visit www.kcstarlight.com.
Take part in KC’s 5th Annual Brush Creek Art Walk as an anticipated 70+ artists take on the challenge of painting in the great outdoors! The public and painters alike are invited to come out and walk, bike or trike the nearly 4 miles of walkways along Brush Creek as Pleinair (landscape) painters, over the course of three days, work toward completing two finalized submissions in oil, pastel, watercolor and mixed media solely on site. Whether a single three-day painting or works done in a matter of hours, registered artists have the chance enter up to two completed and framed works for the chance to show for twelve cash prizes in an awards/opening reception.
QUICK PAINT EVENTS
This year features a total of three Quick Paint Events. Corporate or individual sponsorship of $1,000 provides the winning artist a $500 cash prize and the sponsor to walk away with an original (potentially framed) work along with notable promotional opportunities. Contact Alex Hamil for sponsorship responsibilties and availability for judging at these events.
Friday, September 16, 7-10 p.m. “Nocturne”, J.C. Nichols Fountain and Country Club Plaza
Saturday September 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. “Butterfly Day”, The Anita B. Gorman Disovery Center, 4750 Troost
Sunday September 18, 5-8 p.m. “East side Sunset”, Brush Creek Community Center, Lake of the Enshriners
NOTE: All registered artists are invited to join us for each and all of these events! Quick Paint
purchases, while property of the purchaser/sponsor, remain eligible for additional prize and
cash awards. These paintings will be on temporary display during the evening of the
reception and on view through the month of October at The Discovery Center.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Artists of all ages and media are welcome – Registration is $35 and will last through this
weekend event. Registration can be made online via PayPal or mail your check to “ArtsKC
(106 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106). Pay to the order of: Brush Creek Art Walk 2016.
Plein-Air Painters will have three days (and two nights) to complete two finished paintings
on-site along the Brush Creek corridor. Registered artists will submit two framed paintings
for a chance to show in this ‘juried’ gallery exhibition opening Tuesday, October 4h running
through the month of October. Paintings MUST be painted entirely on-site. “En plein air”
means “in the open air” and during this three day event four zones are designated along the
4-mile stretch of Brush Creek with prizes for the top three paintings from each zone and a
total of 12 awards and prizes. Zone 1 through Zone 4: $300 first place (x4), $200 second
place (x4), $100 third place (x4). All accepted paintings are eligible for one of 10 Honorable
Mentions (ribbons only)
BRUSH CREEK’S PARKS AND WALKWAYS
From Summit to Elmwood, there is a continuous trail along the Creek. Included in this year’s
event we are expanding the corridor even more. The goal is to pay particular attention on
the various parks and walkways that dot the landscape and may be often undervalued for
their contribution to making our’s an exceptional city with an urban core.
Brush Creek has gone through a major transformation since the devastating flooding back in
1977. Several new bridges have been built, the creek has been reshaped, and landscaping,
walkways, and fountains have created a beautiful greenway.
Photos are available upon request.
ART OPENING RECEPTION
The Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center,4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
October 4, 5-8 p.m.
The public is invited to view over 70+ juried paintings of Brush Creek on display through the month of October. Ribbons, certificates and cash awards will be presented to the winning artists promptly at 7 p.m. Paintings, though available for sale (online) beyond the reception, no cash transactions will be allowed following the reception. 20% of all proceeds from the evening’s sales will be donated to the Missouri Department of Conservation as a gift to our hosts for this event.
THE ANITA B. GORMAN CONSERVATION DISCOVERY CENTER:
This will be Brush Creek Art Walk’s second opportunity to display work for the month of
October in the gallery and conference room of The Discovery Center. Financed and managed
through the Missouri Department of Conservation and various donors, this 10-minute walk
from the Plaza shooping area is a unique, hands-on urban conservation education center
located on eight acres in the heart of Kansa City. Open to the public 5 days a week. Mon.-Fri
8am to 5pm / open until 7pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month / 1st and 3rd
Saturdays from 9am to 4pm / Closed all State Holidays (4750 Troost).
Citizens of Kansas City, Missouri will play a vital role in restoring our declining urban forests, thanks to a new partnership between Heartland Tree Alliance (HTA), a program of environmental non-profit Bridging The Gap, and Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation. HTA and Parks and Recreation will plant more than 1,300 trees in KCMO this fall and next spring, primarily with volunteer labor provided by Kansas Citians.
“We’re excited to work with Bridging The Gap’s Heartland Tree Alliance because they educate citizens about the importance of trees and get them involved in tree care,” said Kansas City Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Terry Rynard. “Because they use volunteers to plant and water, we can get more trees planted for the same budget. We’re proud that the citizens of Kansas City will play a vital role in restoring our tree canopy.”
Sarah Crowder, forester for Heartland Tree Alliance, adds, “Trees provide so many benefits to our city–shading our streetscapes, cleaning our air and cooling pavement and air temperatures.” Studies have shown that heavily “treed” neighborhoods have less crime because more people are outside; trees also slow traffic and add up to 20% to property values.
Thousands of trees are lost annually to disease, storm damage and old age in KCMO. With KCMO Parks and HTA working together, three new planting initiatives will invite citizens to help restore Kansas City’s urban forest canopy:
500 shade trees in public right of ways: HTA neighborhood coordinators will be scouting for planting locations that meet space requirements for 500 new shade trees, and neighborhood groups willing to help. Tree planting events will be held in neighborhoods, with education on tree planting and care; local residents will be asked to “adopt” a tree, by providing supplemental water over the next two years.
Local Boy Scouts will plant 3,750 small tree seedlings along stream corridors, where trees improve water quality and stabilize stream banks, preventing erosion. Participating Scouts will learn about the role of forests and earn forestry badges.
Several small arboretums featuring dozens of tree species will be planted in Kansas City parks, educating those looking to plant trees on their own property.
If you would like to see more trees planted in your community, including 17 cities in the greater metro area, donate to the Heartland Tree Alliance Tree Fund at www.treesformycity.com. Once a city’s fund reaches $1,000 HTA organizes a tree planting workday in that city.
To find out more information about Heartland Tree Alliance, suggest a tree planting location or to volunteer, contact Sarah Crowder, sarah.crowder@bridgingthegap.org.
Scotts®, the Kansas City Royals, along with Major League Baseball and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, celebrated the opening of a newly refurbished baseball field at Mulkey Square Park in Kansas City on Saturday, August 20.
The new field at Mulkey Square Park was unveiled at a special dedication ceremony with the Vice President of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Chuck Brady; Director of Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Mark L. McHenry, Kansas City Mayor, Sly James; Vice President of Community Relations for the Kansas City Royals, Ben Aken; and Manager of Consumer Marketing and Public Relations for Scotts®, Kim Markus. Enhancements made to the field include: sodding the infield, a new clay pitcher’s mound, new batter’s boxes, topdressing the base paths, reworking the infield arc, and restoration of the field staging area.
“These field refurbishments are just one way we can give back to youth and communities across the country,” said Josh Peoples, Vice President and General Manager of Scotts®. “Encouraging fans and family to get outside and enjoy activities like baseball is what this program is all about.”
“Kansas City is a baseball town. We always have been and we always will be. But, for that to remain a reality, we need to ensure that all kids in our community are given access to the game and to the valuable lessons that go along with being a part of a team,” said Mayor Sly James. “Today’s event does exactly that and I’m incredibly grateful to our partners, Scotts® and the Kansas City Royals, for their work in refurbishing this beautiful field and giving the kids in this neighborhood a safe place to play ball.”
This effort is part of Scotts® It’s Good Out Here™ Field Refurbishment program, a partnership between Scotts® and MLB to give back to youth and communities by renovating youth ball fields around the country over the next three years.
“This is another great example of partnerships that benefit our residents and, in particular, our youth,” said Mark L. McHenry, Director of Kansas City Parks and Recreation. “I’d like to thank Scotts for their generous donation of field improvements. With support like this, KC Parks is able to accomplish much more and better meet the needs of our entire community.”
The It’s Good Out Here™ Field Refurbishment Program is one of the key programs under MLB’s PLAY BALL initiative, which began last season to encourage widespread participation in all forms of baseball and softball activities, especially among youth. Scotts® is a supporter of PLAY BALL and also the title sponsor of Scotts® MLB Pitch, Hit and Run – MLB’s largest national youth skills competition.
About ScottsMiracle-Gro With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is exclusively marketed near worldwide by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In Europe, the Company’s brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®. In 2016, the Company ranked on Forbes 100 Most Reputable Companies in America. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.
About PLAY BALL PLAY BALL is a joint initiative between MLB, USA Baseball and USA Softball. In addition to encouraging participation in both formal and casual baseball and softball activities, PLAY BALL aims to give kids the opportunity to enjoy the game in a fun environment by highlighting the many ways baseball and softball can be played and providing memorable experiences; introduce young people to the sport who otherwise may not have the chance to experience it; and offer a healthy and active lifestyle option where many of those opportunities are being offered less frequently. PlayBall.org is the PLAY BALL initiative’s online home that provides parents, coaches and kids with information about baseball skills, links to youth-related news and events, searchable maps with links to community baseball leagues, health and safety information.
A key component of MLB’S PLAY BALL initiative is “PLAY BALL SUMMER.” This program was created in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to expose children to the sport of baseball and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for kids in all communities. Mayors across the country are hosting similar activities this summer to engage citizens, families, and city departments to organize individual and community events.
Kansas City Parks and Recreation’s Swope Park Off Leash Dog Park is one of seven dog park contestants chosen to compete for a Beneful Dream Dog Park.
