FREE Kansas City Ballet performance Thursday at MCC-Longview

Using simple lighting, the narrated INFORMances will feature excerpts from Kansas City Ballet's varies and eclectic repertory, which ranges from the classic story ballet, 'Giselle', to the upbeat jazz work, 'Hey, Hay, Goin' to Kansas City', and bits of the ever-popular The Nutcracker and much more.

Ballet professionals will be available following the demonstrations for Footnotes, a question-and-answer session for audience members.

The event if FREE and all donations will benefit Hope House.

Talking Pointes: a behind-the-scenes glimpse of dance

Thursday, March 24

Two free performances

5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For reservations, call 816.604.2200

MCC-Blue River hosts African Awareness Celebration

African dancing and drumming riveted the attention of students and staff at the African Awareness Celebration at Metropolitan Community College-Blue River on March 9. The hours long cultural event also featured a tasty selection of Ethiopian foods provided by Blue Nile Café. Many students tried sambusa, a tasty fried pastry filled with vegetables or beef, and other traditional Ethiopian foods for the first time.

Sounds of Africa supplied musical entertainment for the event. The performers explained the traditional roots of their ethnic style of percussion and the cultural significance of various drum beats and dances which they performed. The dancers even invited MCC-Blue River students to join them on stage to learn traditional African dances.

The event, which was free and open to all MCC-Blue River students, staff and faculty, was well attended and left quite an impression on participants and spectators.

Discover the World: Japan @ MCC-Longview

It was a night of performances that were rhythmic and powerful as the MCC-Longview Discover the World international art series opened once again for a stunning look into the art and culture of Japan.

Inviting Japanese Drummers and musicians, the MCC-Longview Cultura Arts Center offered an exciting look into old customs and rituals as performed by area residents.

For more photos from the evening, be sure to swing by the MCC-Longview photo blog.

A brand new musical season with the chorale

The Metropolitan Chorale, conducted by MCC-Blue River’s own Dr. Rebecca Johnson, is gearing up for a brand new season of the melodic and harmonious musical delight!

The next Chorale performance is Oct. 23, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. They will be at the Community of Christ Temple at 1001 W. Walnut in Independence, Mo. A freewill offering will be taken for that performance.

Vox Luminese will also perform Nov. 14 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church located at 1207 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. This performance will be $6.00 for adults and just $4.00 for seniors and children.

Learn more about MCC-Blue River's esteemed Metropolitan Chorale of Kansas City on the MCC website.

Arts in the Afternoon

The MCC-Blue River Theatre Troup launched their 2010-2011 season yesterday (October 12) in room 124 inside the Arts and Sciences building on the Blue River campus!

Students skillfully performed several scenes and monologues from plays penned by American playwrights. Among them were colorful scenes from Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” as well as a hilarious portrayal of Neil Simon’s the “Odd Couple”.

If you missed Tuesday’s performance, you're not out of luck! The Troupe will do another performance on Wednesday, October 14 inside the Arts and Sciences building. Join them from 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. You won’t be disappointed!

For more information, contact theatre director, Anne Mahoney by phone at 816.604.6676 or email Anne Mahoney. You may also visit the MCC-Blue River Theatre Troup website at: http://mcckc.edu/blueriver/culturalarts/performances.html