(Blog Sunday 5/30/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: It’s been sort of a lazy weekend around the Kennedy household. On Saturday, Liz and I didn’t do much of anything other than yard work. Sunday’s major activity was a treat for the dogs. We took them to the recently opened dog park that is located at Wichita’s Chaplin Park. This facility consists of two areas, one for large dogs (25 lbs and above) and one for small dogs. This is the one public place in Wichita where dogs are allowed to play off-leash. The two areas are large enough so that you can easily play fetch with your dogs. It’s hard to tell, because our dogs like any trip in the car, but they seemed to have a good time using up some of their excess energy. Certainly, they both fell asleep as soon as we got back home.

Remember that tomorrow is Memorial Day. This holiday, observed on the last Monday of May commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, the holiday was expanded after World War I. Whether or not you agree with our current military involvements, please remember that service members are where they are due to political forces beyond their control. They enlisted to serve the country and they are doing so, many at the risk of life and limb. Those of you on Facebook might want to check out this page.

May 31-June 6, 2010: There are a number of events of interest this week.

First, given that I totally forgot last week was May’s Final Friday, let it be known that Friday of this week is First Friday. A schedule of this Friday’s performances can be found on the First Friday website.

On Thursday (7 pm), Friday (7 pm), Saturday (11 am, 3 pm, & 7 pm), and Sunday (1 pm & 5 pm) the Intrust Bank Arena is hosting Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Zing Zang Zoom. Circus goers will watch in amazement as the high flying circus is literally turned upside down. They will witness apprentice illusionists from the audience mysteriously levitate their parents, and they won’t believe it, as a four-ton elephant disappears before their very own eyes. Spectators’ jaws will drop wide open when they behold Mr. Gravity transform from a human into ferocious tiger. Illusions and magic won’t be the only acts to excite and astound audience members. This all-new circus has some of the most incredible thrill acts ever seen. Families will be breathless as they watch fearless human cannonballs blasting through the air in a dramatic display of daring bravery. Moms, Dads, and kids will teeter on the edge of their seats as they watch the Qi Qi Har Chinese Swinging Log Trapeze act making its debut in North America. A treacherous never before seen quadruple Russian fire-swing sends acrobats crisscrossing two stories in the air and the renowned dangerous dueling wheels of steel defy gravity and logic. Tickets are available through Select-A-Seat.

Wichita Community Theatre‘s upcoming production, Rumors begins this week. Performances of this Neil Simon farcical comedy are this and next week Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are available by calling (316) 686-1282.

Just a last minute reminder that Botanica is offering a free Memorial Day concert by the Wichita Community Band which will be playing a series of marches and other patriotic music between 2:00 and 2:45 pm.

There are more things to do! Check the All About Wichita calendar for additional events and exhibits that we didn’t have the room to list here. In the meanwhile, have a good week.

(Blog Sunday 5/16/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: Liz and I visited the 44th Annual Woodcarving Show this afternoon. As noted last week. the event featured woodcarvers from around the country. The variety of work was quite broad. I tend to like cartoon-type carvings (click photo at left), but there were also carvings of animals, birds, people, mythical figures and more. Though it is only May, my sense is that the most popular carving was of Santa Claus. Unfortunately, I was unable to photograph one of the most impressive works at the show, which was a bas relief, approximately four by eight feet in size, in which the artist had carved an intricate series of birds, branches, and leaves. A label noted that he has spent the last ten years working on this project. The show was well worth the visit. Being someone whose only attempts at woodcarving have resulted in self-inflicted cuts, I was amazed at the talents on display.

May 17-May 23, 2010: Though the River Festival is done for another year, there are a variety of things to do this week and in upcoming weeks.

First, for those who enjoy Norman Rockwell’s Americana, the Wichita Art Museum is featuring an exhibit entitled, American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. Rockwell was known for his carefully choreographed reflections on childhood innocence and documentation of popular culture. This exhibition traces the evolution of Rockwell’s art and iconography throughout his career. American Chronicles includes forty-two original artworks and many archival Saturday Evening Post cover tear sheets, which span forty-seven years. Museum hours and other visitor information can be found on their web site.

Are you an artist looking to stock up on supplies? The Society of Decorative Painters, as part of their Annual Conference and Expo, features an open to the public painting and art supply expo. This event features more than 125 booths of art supplies including paints, brushes, surfaces, books, videos, demos, make-it-take-its and more.
Lots of bargains and new products. Dates and times are Thursday (10am – 6 pm), Friday (10 am – 5 pm), and Saturday (9 am – 2 pm) at Century II Expo Hall.

Professional minor league baseball is back! The Wichita Wingnuts open their home season Tuesday evening at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Wingnuts are a member of the American Association, an independent league which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. In 2009 the team won the North Division title for the first half of the season. In 2010 the Wingnuts will host the American Association All-Star Game. Check the Wingnut web site for the complete 2010 schedule.

We normally don’t highlight garage sales, but this one is for a good cause. Our friend Denise Townsley who runs Corgi Rescue, has been collecting items for a massive sale this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I don’t know what all Denise has collected, but Liz and I have donated a couple of laser printers, paperback books, clothing, luggage, vases, costume jewelry, and the like. All proceeds from the sale will go to support her corgi and her friend Joy’s minpin rescue efforts. The sale starts at 8 am each day. The address is 915 North Brookfield.

This seems to be an appropriate time to remind you again that farmers’ markets are beginning to open for the season. These markets provide an opportunity for shoppers to reduce the burden on the environment by buying locally grown produce. We have found three groups that hold markets in the area. They are Kansas Grown Farmers’ Market, Old Town Farmers’ Market, and the Reno County Farmers Market. Check websites for locations and hours.

Last, but by no means least, new this year is the first Wichita Highland Games & Celtic Festival. It is anticipated that this will become an annual event. This year’s event will feature athletic contests, entertainment, vendors, and other activities all with a Celtic flair. The Festival is being held in Sedgwick County Park on Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.

There are more things to do! Check the All About Wichita calendar additional events and exhibits that we didn’t have the room to list here. In the meanwhile, have a good week.

(Blog Sunday 5/9/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: For me this weekend was pretty much of a bust. What started as a sore throat early Thursday morning turned into three days of not doing much except coughing and sleeping, interspersed with brief periods of reading. Liz, however, did celebrate a Mother’s Day tradition – attending the annual Art, Book and Craft Fair with our daughter and her family. This was the 51^st year that the Fair has been held and, as usual, the event featured a variety of high-quality arts & crafts, as well as lots of donated books. The event was presented by the Friends of the Wichita Art Museum.

My health had improved sufficiently for me to treat Liz to a Mother’s Day dinner at China Inn. We’ve enjoyed China Inn over the years in several locations; it’s one of our favorite restaurants.

May 10-May 16, 2010: This week continues to offer lots of things to do with both River Festival events and other activities to choose from.

First, the Wichita River Festival continues Monday through Saturday. Still remaining are a host of athletic contests, lots of food and, the week’s grand finale, the Twilight Pops Concert, immediately followed by a full-featured fireworks display. A schedule of events is posted on the Festival’s website to help you track all the events.

For those interested in dinner theater, there are two stages lit up this week. The first is the Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre, which is featuring “Church Basement Ladies: A Second Helping.” Performances are Thursday through Sunday. The second is Mosley Street Melodrama which is presenting “Sedgwick County Bandstand.” Performances are Thursday through Saturday. Check web sites for times and ticket prices.

Lastly, the 44th Annual Woodcarving Show will be held on Saturday (10:00 am – 5:30 pm) and Sunday (11:00 am – 4:00 pm). Woodcarvers from across the U.S. will display their works of art. The carvers and sculptors will compete in many categories, including relief, busts, human figures, wildlife, caricatures and miniatures. The event will be held at the Cessna Activity Center.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.

(Blog Sunday 5/3/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: Saturday morning Liz and I visited “Herb Day” at the Sedgwick County Extension Service building. This annual event featured seminars about growing and cooking with herbs. In addition, there were vendors selling herb plants, herbal products and other gardening items. There was also a booth where Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners were available to provide information about a wide variety of gardening topics. Master Gardeners also held a plant sale and provided activities for kids. Needless to say, Liz and I left with a box full of herbs to be planted in our wildflower garden. As an added bonus, the Kansas Grown Farmers’ Market was in full swing outside the Education Building. While I attended a lecture on attracting butterflies, Liz toured the Farmers’ Market with the result that our dogs, Gracie and Rogan, got an unexpected treat of locally-made gourmet dog biscuits. The Kansas Farmers Markets website has a listing of markets for those seeking a farmers’ market close to home.

May 3-May 9, 2010: If you are looking do something to do, this week offers many, many choices.

The annual Wichita River Festival begins its ten-day run on Friday. This year’s Festival promises more activities than you can shake a stick at. There will be the annual Sundowner Parade plus entertainment, entertainment and more entertainment. There will also be a host of athletic contests, lots of food and two nights of fireworks. A schedule of events is posted on the Festival’s website to help you track all the events.

From Friday through the following Monday, the Dyck Arboretum is holding its FloraKansas Spring 2010 Sale. This is Kansas’ largest native plant sale offering a variety of wildflowers and grasses, many of which are rare in cultivation. If you are aiming to develop an interesting garden that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance to survive in the Kansas environment, you need to check out this sale. Sale hours are Friday (8:00 am to 7:00 pm), Saturday (8:00 am to 4:00 pm), Sunday (12:00 pm to 7:00 pm), and Monday (8:00 am to 6:00 pm).

If you are into hot air balloons, the Sunflower Balloon Fest is being held from Friday through Sunday. This event will be held at the Anthony airport. In addition to hot air balloons, there will be a parade, food, a car show and a motorcycle stunt show by Repeat Offenders. Balloon launch begins at 6:30 am each day. A schedule for other activities can be found on the Fest website.

Last, but not least, this week is First Friday! A schedule of this Friday’s performances can be found on the First Friday website.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.

(Blog Sunday 4/18/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: I spent a portion of Saturday afternoon at Old Cowtown Museum’s Civil War Weekend. The event featured reenactors, several military encampments, a series of workshops, period music and the perennial Dixie Lee Saloon Girls. There were also a number of displays, including a group from the Great Plains Woodcarvers. The highlight of the afternoon was a mock Civil War skirmish between the “blue coats” and the rebels. I took over 100 photos, and as soon as I delete the not-so-good ones, I’ll make a slide show which will be posted.

Today, I went to the celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday at Botanica. This event featured Renaissance period music, readings from the Bard’s works, period dancing, and fencing demonstrations, all surrounded by thousands of blooming tulips and pansies. I managed to take a few pictures, but my camera’s battery ran out, so couldn’t take anywhere near as many as I wanted to. Too bad because the slightly overcast sky was perfect lighting for digital photography.

April 19-25, 2010: In terms of entertainment, this week promises to be an active one.

First up we have one of my favorite events, the Great Plains Renaissance Festival. This Spring’s ‘RenFest’ will be held Friday and Saturday at Sedgwick County Park from 10:00 am through 6:00 pm. The Festival features jousting knights, a royal court, martial arts, bagpipers, magicians, sword fighting, acrobatics, puppetry, dancing (including the popular Amira dance troupe), children’s activities, and food. Ticketing information is available at the Festival’s web site.

From Wednesday through Sunday the event at the Intrust Bank Arena will be Walking With Dinosaurs. This award-winning BBC TV series has been turned into a stunning theatrical event. Internationally renowned designers working with scientists have created 15 life-size dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-rex! You will be fascinated and in awe as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes. Performance times are Wednesday through Friday (7:00 pm), Saturday (11:00 am, 3:00 pm, & 7:00 pm) and Sunday (1:00 pm & 5:00 pm). Tickets are available through Select-A-Seat.

At the Orpheum Theatre we have Let Freedom Sing. The Heart of America Men’s Chorus will celebrate our great nation through song. This is a fundraiser for the Wichita Fraternal Order of Police. Performances are Saturday (7:00 pm) and Sunday (4:00 pm). Ticketing information is available at the HOAMC web site.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.

(Blog Sunday 4/11/2010)

Liz and I spent a pleasant Sunday afternoon enjoying the 100th anniversary celebration at the Bartlett Arboretum. To learn more about the Arboretum’s interesting history, see the recent Wichita Eagle article. We enjoyed the natural beauty of what is one of the most mature stands of trees in Kansas, with splashes of color added by numerous tulip plantings. There was also music, including performances by Robin Macy. The Crowsons, and many other musicians. Food was also available and for everyone’s viewing (and shopping) pleasure the annual “Art at the Arb” exhibits. The Bartlett Arboretum is only open to the public several times a year, and it is well-worth a visit.

In order to avoid a charge of favoritism, let me note two other major horticultural attractions in the region, namely Botanica, The Wichita Gardens and the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Botanica currently has 80 different varieties of tulips in bloom. They will also be having a plant sale on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. This is a unique opportunity to shop from an incredible variety of unique Botanica-grown plants and a hand-picked selection of shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs all of which are adapted to Wichita’s climate. The Dyck’s plant sale, known as Spring FloraKansas 2010: Great Plains Plant Bazaar, will be held Friday, May 7 through Monday, May 10. This is Kansas’ largest native plant sale offering many species of wildflowers and grasses a number of which are rare in cultivation. A large selection of adaptable perennials is also available.

On the humorous side, the Wichita Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists presents Gridiron 2010: Gridiron for Governor. This is Wichita’s news parody musical comedy and provides the audience with an opportunity to see Wichita’s reporters and others spoof the year’s newsmakers. Amongst others, the production features Bucky Walters, Bonnie Bing, Ted Woodward and Randy Brown. Money raised from this show will be used to provide scholarships for young journalists. Performances are Thursday through Saturday, April 15-17. Show time is 8:00 pm at the Orpheum.

Another event of interest this week that caught our eye is Old Cowtown Museum’s Civil War Sampler. This event features a variety of activities including re-enactors, soldier campsites, workshops, and the like. Hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Saturday, April 17 and noon to 4:30 pm Sunday, April 18.

Oops! I can’t believe that we almost forgot to mention Arts Partners’ annual fund raiser, Tunes on the Tarmac. This event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a fabulous dinner and drinks (including a signature martini bar) with delicious cakes on every table. After dinner you can dance through the decades with Fanfare, one of the top bands in St. Louis. The group, back by popular demand, plays favorites from Big Band, Motown, R&B, Disco, Pop, Country, and Rock & Roll. Lastly, you’ll find something you can’t live without in the auction of great “experiences” and unique items. Proceeds from this event supports Arts Partners whose mission is to enhance children’s learning by integrating the arts into the preK – 12 curriculum in collaboration with educational, civic, and cultural organizations. The event will be held Saturday evening between 6:30 and 11:00 pm in the Midwest Aviation hanger at Jabara Airport. Tickets are available by calling (316) 262-4771.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.

(Blog Sunday 4/4/2010)

If you are a dog aficionado, you’ll enjoy attending this weekend’s Sunflower Cluster Dog Show. Contests include conformation, obedience, agility, lure coursing and herding. In addition, there will be vendors and the Art Show at the Dog Show. Clubs participating in the three-day show are the Hutchinson Kennel Club, the Salina Kennel Club, Wichita Kennel Club and the Wichita Dog Training Club. This major canine event will be held at the Kansas Coliseum starting at 8:00 am Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Admission for spectators is free. Please note that the only dogs permitted on the show grounds are those that are registered participants. More detailed information may be found here.

Liz wanted to make sure I told you that the Bartlett Arboretum will be celebrating its centennial anniversary Saturday and Sunday. The Arboretum will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm both days. Saturday and Sunday will feature the annual “Art at the Arb” show and live music. There will also be a series of speakers on Saturday and events will conclude with the birthday celebration. Sunday events will begin with an ecumenical church service, followed by a noon performance by Rachelle Coba and Jerry Hahn. The Arboretum is located in Belle Plaine on the southwest corner of 55 and Line Streets.

If you’re looking for an interesting lunch hour activity, Botanica offers Lunchtime Lectures most Wednesdays. Generally these talks are gardening related, but not all the time. This week’s lecture is entitled Perennials For All Seasons. Those attending will have an opportunity to learn about a variety of outstanding summer blooming perennial selections that retain interest, even through the winter. Upcoming talks are listed on the Botanica web site. Lectures begin at 12:15 pm. Botanica is located at 701 North Amidon.

Just a reminder from Lisa Hittle at Friends University, the last home jazz concert for this school year will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm in Sebits Auditorium. A great night of jazz will feature the Jazz Vocal Ensemble (directed by Craig Curry) and Jazz Ensembles I and II (directed by Lisa Hittle) performing a wide variety of jazz styles that you are sure to enjoy. The show will be honoring the jazz program’s graduating seniors. Tickets are only $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for students. You can purchase tickets at the door, or by calling the box office at (316) 295-5535.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.

(Blog Friday 4/2/2010)

Liz and I would like to wish all of our Christian readers a Happy Easter. If you don’t have a “church home” and are looking around for a service to attend this Sunday, please check out our Religion page. Here you will find links to many of Wichita’s places of worship. We would also refer you to Central Christian Church’s “The Stations of The Cross” event as something a bit out of the ordinary and spiritually rewarding.

Please also be reminded that tonight is the first anniversary of Wichita’s First Friday. You can hear free music from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in a variety of styles. For something perhaps a bit “extra special,” Adam Hartke’s FaceBook post notes, “We are a go for the anniversary party in the Farm & Art Market! Come on down right after work! We will have plenty of food and refreshments. In the case of a rogue storm the party will be moved to Rock Island Live, but it looks like the weather is going to co-operate!” For a complete schedule of tonight’s events, check the First Friday page.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.

(Blog Saturday 3/27/2010)

Liz and I enjoyed breakfast this morning at the Twisters’ all-you-can-eat pancake feed. Breakfast for two, a souvenir coffee cup, and the opportunity to support a worthy cause helped start our day on the right foot (Sorry for the pun, it was unintentional.). The Twisters are AYSO Region 208′s National Game team and will be traveling to the AYSO National Games this July. They need to raise $15,000 and this is one of their fundraisers to reach their goal. If anyone wants to help with this endeavor, please e-mail Dennis, and I will forward your message to the appropriate party.

Don’t forget that April 2 is First Friday which means that Wichita’s musical talent is on display. Events are usually free from 6pm-9 pm. After 9 pm some venues start charging a cover and that money usually goes directly to the band. To date the First Friday website lists 13 participating venues for April.

Those that remember the early years of Rock (the 50s) might want to go to The Winter Dance Party. This is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by both the Holly and Valens estates. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50′s era: That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh, Boy, Rave on, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, and many, many more. The show is Saturday, April 3 at 8:00. Additional information is available at the Orpheum Theatre website.

The All About Wichita calendar lists a wide variety of additional events and exhibits.

(Blog Sunday 3/21/2010)

The following is a list of things to do this week that particularly caught our eye.

Also, remember that this week includes Final Friday. That means that many art galleries will be offering special shows and other activities during the evening.

You can refer to our calendar for added details of these events or for additional additional things to do.