Building a stronger community, one initiative at a time. | Photos via KC Culture Compass
What is a better way to grow and flourish in a city like ours than to join forces with like-minded folks? KC Culture Compass was thinking the same thing.
This alliance is made up of three local organizations — Art Garden KC, Troost Market Collective, and The Prospect KC. Its mission? To bridge divides by encouraging the arts + entrepreneurship in KC.
“By popping up in diverse areas of the city and intentionally curating a diverse group of makers, artists, and performers, we drive tourism and travel to parts of the city that don’t normally get it,” Communications, Grants, and Executive Assistant Gabrielle Stanley said.
About the orgs
🍽 The Prospect KC This social enterprise supports individuals from disenfranchised communities with nutritional education, kitchen training, and culinary entrepreneurship support.
📈 Troost Market Collective The collective creates equitable economic opportunity for creative entrepreneurs through innovative partnerships + event programming like Troostapalooza.
🎨 Art Garden KC This nonprofit hosts weekly market-style events to empower + support a diverse community of local creatives, entrepreneurs, and artists.
Come together
Earlier this year, the organizations’ leaders banded together to engage in creative placemaking — offering support to each other + working together rather than competing. Teamwork makes the dream work.
The high priority goal is creating coordinated programming year-round to sustain the creative entrepreneurs who don’t have access to storefronts or consistent revenue streams.
“Each organization has their own goals and plans, but as a coalition, our main goals are to be inclusive, empowering, and collaborative with even more organizations in the future,” Gabrielle told us.
What to expect
After a successful two-festival weekend (remember that?), KC Culture Compass is ready to take on the holiday season.
Its next project is the Big Balloon Build KC — an international interactive exhibit curated and built by 60+ balloon artists. The family-friendly event is Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4 at 18th and Vine.
“Without each other, we wouldn’t have been able to execute Gumbo Fest or Troostapalooza, and we definitely wouldn’t be able to offer the incredible Big Balloon Build. We need each other,” Gabrielle said.
Manic Mondays | Monday, Nov. 14 | 8 p.m. | Tin Roof, 424 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Listen to the locals jam at this open mic. 🎸
Europe’s New Postwar Era | Monday, Nov. 14 | National WWI Museum and Memorial | Free | Join Martin Conway as he gives a lecture on how Europe’s leaders and cooperative structures navigate the fallout from the 2022 crisis in Ukraine. 🇺🇦
Tuesday, Nov. 15
A Charlie Brown Christmas | Tuesday, Nov. 15-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m. | Crown Center | $14-$18 | Watch this animated classic come to life on The Coterie stage.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. | Tuesday, Nov. 15-Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Kauffman Center | $82 | Listen to this electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin. 🎶
Wednesday, Nov. 16
Leawood Wellness Consortium | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 8-9 a.m. | CommunityAmerica Credit Union, 5601 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS | $15 | Connect with KC metro health + wellness providers and vendors about making a difference in the community.
Book Munch for the Lunch Bunch | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Irina’s Gourmet Bakery, 12805 S. Mur-Len Rd., Olathe, KS | Free | Come hang out with other book lovers at this nontraditional book club. 📖
Thursday, Nov. 17
KC Holiday Boutique Show | Thursday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Nov. 20 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Overland Park Convention Center | $13-$30 | Shop for holiday gifts at this festive marketplace. 🎁
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m. | Photo by Rodrigo Pérez
Just a few days ago, we took you along with us to see incredible live chamber music performed by the Verona Quartet.
Now, Kansas Citians have another opportunity to enjoy world-class chamber music, just in time for the holiday season.
The Tallis Scholars(read: a British vocal ensemble formed in 1973) are coming to Kansas City on Fri., Dec. 2. The group will perform “Hymns to the Virgin,” a beautiful collection of works by Renaissance composers Lassus and Josquin, and works by Stravinsky and Arvo Pärt. 🎶
New to chamber music and not sure what to expect? According to Friends of Chamber Music, the nonprofit organization that brings performances like this to Kansas City, these works (written in honor of the Virgin Mary) are among the earliest notated music in the European tradition. Listeners can expect “some of the most hauntingly beautiful music” that ranges from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
Pro tip: Friends of Chamber Music has lots of exciting performances in the works, so if you plan on seeing three or more, grab the bundled ticket option. 🎟️ *
Oh the weather outside is frightful — meaning we might be in for a winter wonderland. Evening rain will likely turn to snow as temperatures will dip below freezing as early as 7 p.m. Ready the scrapers. ❄️
Show
Swifties, rejoice.Taylor Swift announced a second concert at Arrowhead the day before her existing show on Saturday, July 8 next year. Register soon for the new July 7 concert, as tickets go on sale tomorrow. 🎤 (KCTV5)
Watch
OP-native Jason Sudeikis announced that Thundergong — a charity event for Steps of Faith hosted by Jason — will appear in the upcoming season of “Ted Lasso.” In a press conference Friday, he said, “It’s really, really not that vague. You’ll see it.” (Kansas City Star)
Drink
The Mercury Room celebrates its two-year anniversary today. The exclusive cocktail bar is commemorating this milestone with its new menu, featuring 16 new cocktails all month long. 🍸
Sports
The Chiefs beat the Jaguars this weekend at Arrowhead, 27-17. Patrick Mahomes passed Hall of Famer Dan Marino in number of touchdowns in the first 75 games, 176-173. KC’s next home game is against the LA Rams on Sunday, Nov. 27. 🏈 (FOX4)
Community
The Chinese Warrior statues are back at the Plaza’s Sister Cities bridge after being away for restoration. The statues, donated by our sister city Xi’An in China, first arrived in 2000 and were replaced with bronze in 2005.
Health
A new Health Department office is now open in the Northland — at 5340 NE Chouteau Trfy., KCMO — established in partnership with Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. Keep up to date on COVID, flu, shingles + pneumonia vaccines at the upcoming clinic on Thurs., Dec. 8.
Answered
Yesterday we asked you what kind of events you’d like to see this winter. The winner: light shows. Well, you can look forward to the Plaza Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24 — just like you can look forward to our winter events guide later this month. ⛄️
Development
The Brim KC began construction on its new facility, swapping out the wedding tent for a permanent reception space. Booking is open for the June 15, 2023 opening day and beyond. Additional spaces include a chapel with a 30-ft bell tower.
Wellness
Oh hey, November. The key to keeping your spirits up and avoiding seasonal affective disorder this time of year? Sunlight. Magic up more sunshineindoors with a light therapy lamp. This glare-free mood light is height and angle adjustable, while this subtly designed lamp lets you adjust light warmth and brightness. ☀️*
Learn
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You’ll see Keystone around the festivities — in case that wasn’t obvious. | Photo by KCtoday team
Global Entrepreneurship Week — Kansas City is celebrating our local small business owners this week, Monday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 20. The theme this year is “You Belong Here.”
The 15th annual GEWKC event will feature 150+ free in person and online workshops and networking sessions. Anyone with an interest in local business is free to register. Sessions include:
The Artist Chase: How to Build a Career in the Arts | Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 2-3 p.m.
Show Up for Yourself and Your Business | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 7-8:30 p.m.
The Keystone Innovation District — 800 E 18th St., KCMO — will offer additional programming, including sessions on scaling, investments, and virtual reality.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Dayten.
Editor’s pick: Sarah Naler of Shoeless Acres asked us to pass along a message: thank you, KC. You answered the call to drop off used pumpkins, which go to help feed the animals. We haven’t heard from the animals themselves, but we assume they also thank you for a good meal — all tasty, no waste-y.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out six places to dine in or carry out Thanksgiving dinner.
Connect with us.
Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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