That’s not a cue, but I do know all the words to the song.  I think nowadays the locals prefer “Everything’s State-of-the-Art in Kansas City” though.  And no wonder!  I can’t speak to the veracity of that other Kansas City song–Jazz aficionados will know of which I speak…  But I do know that, wherever in the world I am, I always hear it. It’s one of the most ubiquitous jazz numbers around.  It’s probably fair to say that KC is known for its “crazy little women” in places that have otherwise never heard of the city.

If you’re a jazz fan, check out the American Jazz Museum, located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City.

Kansas City is still known for its jazz, but oh-my-golly, there is so much more in the way of performing arts here. And of the arts generally.  The just-opened Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is stunning.  Next Sunday I’m going to see the brand new ballet “Tom Sawyer,” which will have its world premier here on October 14.  I’m very excited.  Eat your hearts out, all of you who have to wait a while for it to come to your city!  🙂   In an unexpected stroke of brilliant timing, I will be leaving two days later on an odyssey that will take me through Hannibal, Missouri–the home of Tom Sawyer.  I’ll be sure to have a good look around while I’m there.

I love art galleries, as those who’ve been with me for awhile know.  The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is ‘world class,’ as they would say in Australia.  The building itself is very handsome, and houses some wonderful collections. In addition to the paintings, there are excellent collections of Native American art and artifacts, as well as of Chinese, and other Asian art. I recall going there every year as a primary school student.  The huge entrance hall still feels awesome, as it did then.  I can generally take in only so much at one time, so thus far I’ve only made one visit.  I hope to return a few times before I leave in January.

I haven’t yet been to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, but it is high on my to-do list.  So much art; so little time… The city itself is a rich canvas.

There are so many galleries, theatres, jazz and blues clubs…I can’t begin do them justice.  But I can say that they are very accessible, and there always are numerous special events happening.  Too many for this observer.  What ever happened to My Life in the Slow Lane?    Right now I’m enjoying being just one more crazy little woman in Kansas City.         MM