Category: Events

Folk music comes to Kansas City in force

by William Crum

A lot of people really enjoy folk music, otherwise known as the common man’s music.

One of the biggest events in Kansas City music is currently underway. The event is the International Folk Alliance conference in Kansas City, Mo.

Some of the best artists from around the world are currently here in Kansas City. People come from all over the world just to be at this conference and the public has an opportunity to hear them. This event only happens once a year.

Recently Rita Coolidge, a nationally known singer, was at the conference. Coolidge reached the top of the music charts with several songs, including a remake of “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher” in 1977. Among her many other hit songs were “The Closer You Get,” “We’re All Alone,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “All Time High,” and “I Stand in Wonder.”

“Folk music is organic, it is about people and things that are going on,” Coolidge said. “It truly sets it apart from any other type of music.”

The Three Trails West Cowboy band is based here in Wyandotte County and was part of the annual conference last year. This band is playing again at the conference this year.

This year the event is even bigger and better than last year and the people of Wyandotte County are playing a major role. Many volunteer for this annual event, giving not only Kansas City, Mo., but also Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County international recognition. A lot of people who are attending this major event come over here to shop and eat as well as in Kansas City, Mo.

The International Folk Alliance conference is at the Sheraton Crown Center, 2345 McGee in Kansas City, Mo., and for $25 the public can see some of the best internationally known folk music artists. Or they may go to the website at www.folk.org for more information.

Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools to serve as host of listening tour session Wednesday

The Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools has been chosen to serve as host of one of the upcoming “listening tour” sessions that the Kansas State Department of Education is conducting throughout the state.

The session, titled “Kansas Children, Kansas’ Future” will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Central Office and Training Center, 2010 N. 59th St., Kansas City, Kan.

The purpose of these conversations is to bring together parents, educators, local school board members, higher education representatives, legislators, members of the business community and all other interested parties to discuss the future they want for Kansas children and the role they believe Kansas education should play in supporting that envisioned future, a spokesman said.

Attendees will work in small groups to discuss questions such as:
• What are the characteristics, qualities, abilities and skills of a successful 24-year-old Kansas?
• What is the role of K-12 education in achieving this future and how should K-12 measure indicators toward that success?
• What is the role of higher education in achieving this future and how should higher education measure indicators toward that success?

The outcomes of these conversations will be collected and used to begin building the state’s strategic plan for education. This represents a tremendous opportunity for residents, staff and community leaders to have a voice in shaping the future of education in Kansas.

KCKPS is one of 15 that will take place in locations across the state. For other sites or more information, visit the KSDE website, www.ksde.org.

Faith news

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Christ the King Catholic School, 3027 N. 54th St., Kansas City, Kan., is planning its 12th annual auction and dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the George Meyn Community Center, Wyandotte County Park, 126th and State Avenue. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. followed by the auction at 7:15 p.m. For more information, call 913-406-4505.

Donnelly College will hold “Donnelly Talks,” an evening of thought-provoking conversation, on Wednesday, March 11. The lecture led by Monsignor Stuart Swetland, Donnelly president, and Melissa Lenos, a faculty member, will focus on pop culture in a theological setting. Titled, “From Harry Potter to the Hunger Games: Theological Perspectives on Popular Young Adult Literature,” the discussion is open to Donnelly students, faculty, staff and the public. Donnelly Talks is free and open to the public, and will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations may be made to Craig Doty, annual fund manager, at [email protected].

A community forum is planned Feb. 21 for the community to meet local law enforcement officers. The coffee and doughnuts hour is planned at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the East Fellowship Hall, Mount Zion Baptist Church, 417 Richmond Ave., Kansas City, Kan. It is a joint effort of the Kansas City, Kan., Baptist Ministers Union and participating churches, with local law enforcement officers. Police Chief Terry R. Zeigler and Wyandotte County Sheriff Don Ash, with some of their officers, will be the guests at the meeting. The meeting will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. According to an announcement, the purpose of the coffee hour is to acquaint the public with the police and sheriff departments, in the hope of building the best possible relationship between the community and local law enforcement agencies. The Baptist Ministers Union Civic Committee includes the Rev. C.L. Bachus, the Rev. Jimmie L. Banks, the Rev. Rickey D. Turner and the Rev. Bobby Young, president.

A weekly Scripture Group with Bible Sharing and Reflection, Lectio and Journaling, is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Heather Neds is a pastoral minister and leads the group at Keeler Women’s Center. Call 913-906-8990 to register.

Open Door Baptist Church, 3033 N. 103rd Terrace, is planning a Sweetheart Banquet at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 at the George Meyn Center, Wyandotte County Park, 126th and State, Bonner Springs. Dinner, music and entertainment are planned. Tickets are $30 per couple. For information, call 913-314-3532. Open Door Christian School plans a chili supper and silent auction on Feb. 20. The event will raise funds that will be used for the computer technology and training program, and for a shade structure for the playground.

A Community Blood Center blood drive is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Parkway Baptist Church, classroom area, 12320 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org.

St. Mary – St. Anthony Church, 615 N. 7th St., will hold Sweetheart Bingo, an afternoon of bingo and fun, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in Bishop Forst Hall. A $5 ticket admission will get a bingo card, free desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and soda will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Carol Shomin at 913-897-4833 or the parish office at 913-371-1408. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event.

Members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1300 N. 18th St., will attend a meeting of the Northeast Convocation of the Diocese of Kansas at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Leavenworth.

Stony Point Christian Church, 149 S. 78th St., is planning is StoreHouse for food and clothes distribution on Feb. 18.

A Community Blood Center blood drive is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Wyandotte United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 7901 Oakland Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 816-753-4040 or visit www.savealifenow.org.

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