Kansas.com: Music

Saturday

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:39 CST

Fall Craft Fair & Bake Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Mary's Cathedral, 307 E. Central. Admission $1. Information, 316-943-0960 or 316-775-6911.

Western Days Rag Rugs, workshop, 10:30 a.m., Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. Ninth St. Free. Information, 316-688-9361.

Downtown Throwdown II, 10 mixed martial arts fights, 7 p.m., Century II Convention Hall. Ringside $38.50-$63.50, loge $23.50, balcony $8.50, at www.wichitatix. Presented by Havic Prizefighting. Charge by phone, 316-219-4TIX.

Saturday-Sunday

U.S. Weapons Gun Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., Kansas Coliseum, 85th North off I-135. Tickets $6, free for ages 10-under. Information, 316-660-1000.

ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:39 CST

Today

Public reception for "Hot and Cold: Images of America in Conflict," by Jim Johnson, 5-7 p.m., Steckline Art Gallery, DeMattias Fine Arts Center, Newman University; on exhibit through Dec. 12. Free. Information, 316-942-4291, ext. 2199.

Opening reception for theKansas Watercolor Society Great 8 Exhibition 2008, 5-7 p.m., Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 E. Central. On exhibit 1-5 p.m. Tue.-Sun., through Jan. 4. Free. Information, 316-634-2787.

Raisa Garayeva, Ikat weaving reception and presentation, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wichita Center of the Arts, 9112 E. Central. Free. Information, 316-634-2787.

Photography party for "Illuminations -- Wichita's Black Community in the '40s and '50s," photographs by Leon and Rosie Hughes, 6-8 p.m., Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water. On exhibit 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 2-6 p.m. Sat., through Dec. 12. Free. Information, 316-262-7651.

Wichita

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:39 CST

• CENTURY II, 225 W. Douglas. Tickets available at www.wichitatix.com, 316-219-4TIX, or Select-A-Seat outlets, 755-SEAT.

Oak Ridge Boys, 7:30 p.m. Mon. Tickets $42.25.

Mannheim Steamroller, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16-17, Concert Hall. Tickets $53, $69, at WichitaTix.

• COTILLION BALLROOM, 11120 W. Kellogg. Tickets available at Select-A-Seat outlets, the Cotillion and plant employee clubs, unless otherwise noted. Charge by phone and information, 316-722-4201.

Mudvayne, with 10 Years and Snot, 7 p.m. Mon. Advance tickets $30, $35 day of show.

Wichita Symphony Orchestra fills its concert with treasures

DAVID BAXTER — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:40 CST

Audiences at this weekend's Wichita Symphony concerts at Century II were treated to a splendid array of musical treasures.

From Bach's high-spirited Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 to the awe-inspiring grandeur of Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass, there was an impressive architecture to the concert. Each piece prepared the listener for the next and the entire audience was surely transported by the closing chords of the Mass.

Communicating the air of an amiable gathering of friends, 11 musicians took the stage to perform Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. This piece is one of a group of six concerti that Bach composed for Christian Ludwig, the Margrave of Brandenburg.

Sadly for the court of Brandenburg, the pieces were never performed there and the manuscripts remained in an envelope, unopened for years. These concerti have long since come to be regarded as some of the best of the Baroque era.

Performing without a conductor, in the tradition of chamber music that Bach intended, the musicians of the Wichita Symphony rendered the work with grace and vigor.

ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:39 CST

Today

Opening reception for "Brenda Jones, New Works on Paper," 5-7 p.m., The Fiber Studio, 418 Commerce; exhibiting through Nov. 28. Free. Information, 316-303-1996.

Artist Lecture: Roger Shimomura, with reception and book-signing, 5:30 p.m., Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU. Held in conjunction with "Zeitgeist in Babel: The Postmodernism Symposium." Free. Information, 316-978-3664.

Reception for "Absolutely Abstract: A Glass and Painting Show," 6-9 p.m., Karg Art Glass, 111 N. Oliver, Kechi, with glassblowing demonstrations and music by Martina and Gino Salerno. Free. On exhibit 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., through Jan. 4. Information, 316-744-2442.

Today-Saturday

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:39 CST

Today

Laurel and Hardy films, "Busy Bodies" and "The Further Perils of Laurel and Hardy," 6:30-10 p.m., Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Road. Presented by the Sons of the Desert Laughing Gravy Tent Oasis No. 229 of Wichita. Donation. Information, 316-841-8312.

"The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover," film, 7 p.m., WSU ShiftSpace, 803 E. Third. Bring pillows or chairs for seating. Free. Information, 316-978-3518.

Saturday

Blings for Ballet, Ballet Wichita fundraiser with light food and shopping, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wichita Country Club, 8105 E. 13th St. Admission $10. Information, 316-687-5880.

Chesney, Paisley, Underwood take home CMAs

JOHN GEROME — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:45 CST

Kenny Chesney won his fourth entertainer of the year award -- tying Garth Brooks for the most wins in the category -- at Wednesday's CMA awards, a ceremony highlighted by a lavish performance by Taylor Swift, a surprise appearance by rapper Lil Wayne, and the return of one of country's biggest stars, Shania Twain.

Twain is one of country's best-selling artists, but has spent the past several years out of the spotlight. She hadn't been on the show in four years.

After winning the evening's top award, Chesney said: "As much as tonight is about awards, I really believe that being able to stand up here is more about great songs, more about the fans, more about being on stage every night in front of a lot of people that really make it happen for me and the band out there."

The award -- his third straight win in the category -- helped Chesney avoid a shutout. He was the night's lead nominee with seven but did not pick up a trophy in the other categories.

George Strait won single and album of the year. Strait thanked the songwriters for "letting me sing such a beautiful song" after the poignant "I Saw God Today" won single of the year. He later won album of the year for "Troubadour."

REGIONAL CONCERTS

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:43 CST

Wichita

• CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 2929 N. Rock Road. Tickets available at Perfect Peace, Family Christian Stores, the church, online at www.itickets.com or www.praisecalendar.com, or by calling 800-965-9324. Information, 316-612-7983.

Amy Grant, 7 p.m. Nov. 16. Tickets $30, $35.

• CENTURY II, 225 W. Douglas. Tickets available at www.wichitatix.com, 316-219-4TIX, or Select-A-Seat outlets, 316-755-SEAT.

Terry Fator, "America's Got Talent" winner, 7:30 p.m. today. Tickets $50, $60 at WichitaTix.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:42 CST

Today-Sunday

Holiday Tables, annual exhibit of elaborately decorated holiday tables hosted by Designing Women, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun., Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 E. Central. Children over age 8 may attend. Tickets $10. Tearoom open 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 6-8. Lunch $10. Groups of 10 or more may call ahead and ask for extension 214. Information, 316-634-2787.

Saturday

Fourth Annual Arts & Crafts Fair, with baked goods and door prizes, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Explorer Elementary School, 424 S. 167th St. West, Goddard. Admission $1. Presented by Church of the Holy Spirit. Information, 316-794-3496.

33rd Annual Clearwater Christmas Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Clearwater Middle School, 140 N. Fourth, Clearwater. Free admission. Information, 620-584-4454.

ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:42 CST

Today

Alice Watterson, drawing class on "interior personas," 2-3:50 p.m., Franz Art Center, Bethel College, 300 E. 27th, North Newton. Free. Information, 316-284-5222.

Opening reception for "Linda Kamille Schmidt: Paintings and Drawings," 5-7 p.m., Bethel College Fine Arts Center, 300 E. 27th, North Newton. Free. Information, 316-284-5222.

Opening reception for "What About Us?," works by Jeff Pierson, "Up in the Air," by local and regional artists, and Kansas Art Guild, 6-8 p.m., CityArts, 334 N. Mead; on exhibit through Nov. 29. Free. Information, 316-462-2787.

Reception for "Kansas Art Quilters: Altered Views," 6-8 p.m., Coutts Memorial Museum of Art, 110 N. Main, El Dorado, with artist talk at 7. On exhibit through Dec. 19. Free. Information, 316-321-1212.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:39 CDT

Today-Saturday

Autumn Harvest Extravagaza, women's shopping event, fashion show, prizes,10 a.m.-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., Century II Expo Hall. Presented by S&L Enterprises. Tickets $6, $5 seniors, $4 children, on sale at www.wichitatix.com. Charge by phone, 316-219-4TIX.

Saturday

Benefit Sale, Christmas items, furniture, home decor, books, clothing, CDs and DVDs, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Arkansas Avenue Gateway School, 3361 Arkansas. A benefit for the school. Free admission.

Trail of Tears Memorial Walk, 10:30 a.m., from Wichita Indian United Methodist Church, 1111 N. Meridian, to Mid-America All-Indian Center, 650 N. Seneca. Walk ends with lunch, arts and crafts booths, silent auction, traditional games and storytelling and free flu shots by Hunter Health Clinic. Free. Information, 316-262-3611, ext 1124.

REGIONAL CONCERTS

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

Wichita

Amy Grant, 7 p.m. Nov. 16. Tickets $30, $35.

• CENTURY II, 225 W. Douglas. Tickets available at www.wichitatix.com, 316-219-4TIX, or Select-A-Seat outlets, 755-SEAT.

Terry Fator, "America's Got Talent" winner, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Tickets $50, $60 at WichitaTix.

ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

Today

Art for Lunch, lecture by Paul Flippen, noon-1 p.m., Steckline Art Gallery, DeMattias Fine Arts Center, Newman University. Free. Box lunch available to first 20 guests. Information, 316-942-4291, ext. 2199.

Final Friday, gallery crawl, 5-7 p.m., at Steckline Art Gallery, DeMattias Fine Arts Center, Newman University (Paul Flippen reception); 5-8 p.m. at Springpark Gallery, Clifton Square, 3700 E. Douglas, No. 60 (George Bair and others); 5-9 p.m. at Millyrose Photography & Design, 110 E. Second (Taci Fast); 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Riney Fine Arts Gallery, Riney Arts Center, Friends University (William and Marvel Nye reception); 6-9 p.m. at Sandbar Trading, 922 E. Douglas (Ron Mitchell); 6-9 p.m. at United Country Real Estate, Eaton Hotel Plaza, 509 E. Douglas (C. Matt Foley); 6-9 p.m. at Beadazzled Art Glass Studio, 300 N. Mead, No. 109 (lampwork bead demonstration); 6-9 p.m. at Rock Paper Scissors, 300 N. Mead, Suite 105 (Lyda Andrews reception); 6-9 p.m. at Wichita Gallery of Fine Art, 100 N. Broadway, No. 210 (Todd Matson); 6-9 p.m. at Redline Gallery at Lawrence Photo, 401 E. Douglas, Suite 100 (Buz Johnson/April Scott/Charlotte Martin reception); 6-9 p.m. at Bungalow 26, 535 W. Douglas (Pam Bugler reception); 6-10 p.m. at CityArts, 334 N. Mead (Day of the Dead Show reception/music by Victor Rose and Nicholas Wagoner); 6-10 p.m. at The Art of Healing, 130 N. St. Francis (Fred Lassmann reception); 6-10 p.m. at Robert Carver Studio Gallery, 209 N. Emporia(monotype demonstration by Robert Carver); 6-10 p.m. at Jones Gallery, Positive Directions, 414 S. Commerce (Monette Mark); 6 p.m.-midnight at Caffe Moderne, 300 N. Mead, Suite 108 (Jodi Drinkwater); 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Artists at Old Town, 412 E. Douglas (Dwayne Lamar Mitchell reception); 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Upfront Gallery, 412 E. Douglas, Suite B (Teressa Sliger/Lynn Nolte/Faye Neill/23 regional artists); 6:30-10 p.m. at Mead Street Gallery and Gifts, 121 N. Mead, Suite 107 (Steve Dudek reception); 6:30-10 p.m. at Gallery XII, 412 E. Douglas (Carole Branda/Greg Lathrop reception); 6:30-10 p.m. at Lotus Beauty Bar, 575 W. Douglas (Katie Sykes/Halloween face and body painting); 7-10 p.m. at Center Gallery, 111 S. Ellis ("Left of Center" closing); 7-10 p.m. at Eye of an Eagle Gallery, 322 E. Evans (J.E. Crawford); 7-10 p.m. at The Fiber Studio, 418 Commerce (reception for seven artists, music by Trevor Stewart); 7-10 p.m. at Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main ("Campaign for Volts: Wichita and the Electric Guitar" with music by Clif Major, Jerry Hahn and Rachelle Coba); 7-10 p.m. at Bruce Ward Photos, 239 Pattie, Suite 1 (Night Moves Photo Contest entries and Halloween party); 7-10 p.m. at 7-10 p.m. at Firehouse Gallery, 1402 W. Douglas, No. 103 ("Eight" reception); 7-10 p.m. at WSU ShiftSpace, 803 E. Third ("Dames and Dollfaces of the Apocalypse"); 7-11 p.m. at Tangent Lab, 143 N. Rock Island, Third Floor ("Nightmare Lab"); 7 p.m.-midnight at Commerce Gallery at Go Away Garage, 508 S. Commerce ("Robot"); 7 p.m.-midnight at The Glue Factory, 1712 W. Douglas (wearable art by local artists, costume contest); 8-10 p.m. at Caffe Posto, 4714 E. Douglas (Paul Harrold reception). Free admission and trolley rides between most venues.

Saturday

Meet-the-Artist, Ron Mitchell, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sandbar Trading, 922 E. Douglas. Free. Information, 316-303-1005.

Symphony's sound comes together in time and space

DAVID BAXTER — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:40 CDT

Guest conductor Mark Laycock gracefully led the Wichita Symphony and its audience through an engaging tour of time and space Sunday, beginning with a glimpse into the supernatural world through Carla Maria Von Weber's "Overture to Der Freischutz" and ending with Franz Liszt's "Les Preludes," a contemplation of life itself.

Written in 1821, the "Overture to Der Freischutz" was instantly popular with audiences. At the premier of the opera for which the overture was written, the audience called for it to be played again.

A melding of folklore and fantasy, Von Weber's opera tells the tale of a marksman who, in despair at his lost shooting abilities, is convinced to make a deal with the devil. The overture provides insight into the themes of the opera; forces of good and evil are pitted against each other in music presentation. The symphony played beautifully throughout, with a wonderful blend of pitch and balance.

On the second piece, Joaquin Rodrigo's "Fantasia para un Gentilhombre," guest soloist Robert Belinic displayed glowing virtuosity and projected as natural a tone as the microphone he was playing through would allow. Surely if technology is to be used to enhance a performance it can be more transparent than this. There were balance and pitch issues in this piece, which is a suite for guitar and orchestra, but the difficulties were more within the orchestra than between the orchestra and the soloist.

Belinic returned to the stage after intermission to perform Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Guitar Concerto N 1. The orchestral balance was far more satisfying in this piece, with the ensemble perfectly supporting Belinic's sensitive playing. Oboist Andrea Banke and bassoonist Scott Oakes projected their solos with grace and beauty, and melded their sounds beautifully in duet passages.