Of course, his legacy in music is undeniable. The iconic songs he created as the little brother with the giant charisma and big voice in the Jackson 5. His first classic solo effort “Off The Wall.” And, of course, “Thriller,” an undisputed, groundbreaking musical juggernaut, commercial success and pop culture phenomenon that will be forever studied and probably never duplicated.
If you looked up “tribute bands” in the dictionary, it would probably read: “Two words that immediately evoke a chuckle or an eye roll.”
They have names like Head Zeppelin, Shania’s Twin and Blue Oyster Culture Club. Some of them take pride in looking almost identical to Bret Michaels and C.C. Deville of Poison. Did you know there’s a KISS tribute band from New York that consists of only little people? They’re called Mini-KISS. I mean, come on. It’s hard to take these guys seriously.
That is, until you see one.
Of the many classic songs that soul, R&B and pop music legend Stevie Wonder has created, the most fitting for this area’s music lovers would probably be “I Wish.” That’s because it’s been more than 20 years since Wonder has made a concert appearance in Kansas City and his fans probably wish he’d come back sooner or later.
If you are one of these people, consider your wish granted.
The Plaza 8 will begin its first-run series of independent films with the documentaries “Nelly Don: A Stitch In Time” and “Black Hand Strawman: The History of Organized Crime in Kansas City” this weekend.
I’ve dealt with many dating challenges. A year-long dating drought. Painful breakups. Having to re-enter the dating world after years of being part of a couple. Being part of the singles scene when I really don’t want to be. And having to convince myself time and again not to give up and resign myself to a life of bachelorettehood.
This film is exactly what you’d expect. It’s a Michael Bay explosion-fest with plenty of giant robot fighting scenes and hot chicks in skimpy clothes. It’s not a mind-bending thriller with intelligent acting, but a special effects-inflated action flick.
In Hollywood, the bombshell has long been the quintessential image for women in cinema. Otherwise, Marilyn Monroe wouldn’t be such an icon of old Hollywood. But through the years, audiences have sometimes wanted to see something different. Something like Winona Ryder in the 1990s. Women whose main characteristics were that they were dark with issues instead of being bleach blonde and buxom.
When you want to take someone out for a nice dinner in town, La Dolce Vita at 36th Street usually comes to mind. Now in its 30th year, the restaurant has become a tradition for birthdays, parties, proms and special occasions.
Between performing in St. Joe for 10 years and his brief stint performing in Nashville last year, local country singer/songwriter Casey Brett has shared the stage with everyone from Dierks Bentley and Richochet to Jake Owen and Tommy Tutone.
But this weekend, his performance resume is about to get a big boost.
