KC Currents

New KC Library Bridges Centuries, Riles Historians

Alex Smith — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:42:42 +0000

Say you’re researching for a book report. Or looking up local history. Maybe you want to learn to some do-it-yourself home repair. Chances are good you’ll log on to the internet and get your answers in a few minutes without leaving your chair.

This leaves old-fashioned libraries with a problem: how to get people back to the stacks.

One local library has a unique solution for facing the future by embracing the past. The new branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library literally joins a 21st century building with a pre-Civil War home.

But not everybody is happy about it.

KC Currents' Election Special

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:35:04 +0000

Kansas Voter ID Law Faces Biggest Test

Requiring voters to show a photo ID has been a controversial issue in recent years with many states considering the requirement. A photo ID law got vetoed last year in Missouri, but Kansas lawmakers passed a measure last year requiring a photo ID when voting. That law got its first test in August.

Farmers Put Aside Differences, Push For Farm Bill

Healthy Hip Hop With Local Rapper Roy Scott, Inside The Studio & Documentary Of Artist Jim Leedy

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:46:05 +0000

Healthy Hip Hop With Local Rapper Roy Scott

Favorite Love Songs: "Carinhoso"

Tomeka Weatherspoon — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:28:58 +0000

KC Currents' Sylvia Maria Gross tells us about a Brazilian anthem for unrequited love.

"She says 'my heart, I don't know why, beats happily when I see you,' " Gross translates the Portuguese lyrics of the song "Carinhoso" to English.

She continues alongside the singer's voice, " 'And my eyes will smile and follow you down the road, but still, you run away from me.' "

Romare Bearden's Prints At The Nelson-Atkins

Susan B. Wilson — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:09:00 +0000

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Artist Romare Bearden was born in North Carolina, and he grew up in the middle of the Harlem Renaissance during the 1920's. Much of his work depicts African Americans, but Bearden said his real focus was the universal human experience.

Search for Birth Mother Uncovers Difficult Truths

Sylvia Maria Gross — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:10:00 +0000

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Growing up in Overland Park, Brian Stanton always knew he was adopted. And like many adoptees, he wanted to know something about his birth parents.

Local Cave Canem Poets Perform at Jazz Museum

Susan B. Wilson — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:59:00 +0000

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City native Glenn North is well known locally for creating regular outlets for poetry and spoken word.

Spanish and Latin American Art Music

Sylvia Maria Gross — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:07:00 +0000

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Lawrence, KS – A KU music professor teams up with a Spanish vocal coach and master pianist to plan the second Festival of Spanish and Latin American Art Music in Kansas.

Interview with Oleta Adams

Susan B. Wilson — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:17:00 +0000

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One of Kansas City's favorite daughters Oleta Adams was back in town recently for a performance on 18th and Vine.

Anatomy of the Pedal Steel Guitar

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +0000

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Kansas City, MO – Local musician Russ Wever has been playing the pedal steel guitar for more than forty years. He's performed at the Grand Ole Opry and on Broadway, and has had a big influence in the pedal steel guitar world.

Jazz Singer Angela Hagenbach Releases New Album

Alex Smith — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:36:00 +0000

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Kansas City, MO – Kansas City's Angela Hagenbach talks about the music business and her new album.

Century-Old Pipe Organ Inspires Unique Congregation

Alex Smith — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:40:00 +0000

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Kansas City, MO – Historic pipe organ holds special significance for the homeless members of a downtown church.

The Little Piano Girl

Alex Smith — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:23:00 +0000

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Kansas City, MO – Local author Ann Ingalls' new children's book introduces young readers to the legendary pianist Mary Lou Williams.

Master Luthier Finds Voice in Wood

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:49:00 +0000

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Merriam, KS – Anton Krutz believes that string instruments resonate with people in a unique way. And he'll tell you that it takes more than quality wood and a good craftsman to make a great sounding instrument. It's the varnish that counts.

Dutch Pianist Mastered Classic KC Jazz Techniques

Alex Smith — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:21:00 +0000

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Kansas City, MO – When the Majestic Steakhouse in downtown Kansas City shut down in May, Bram Wijnands was forced to look for a new way to spend his Friday and Saturday nights. For the previous 16 years, the Dutch pianist had delivered authentic 1930s KC-style swing and boogie woogie in the cellar which once served as a speakeasy.