Present Magazine

A Moon for the Misbegotten

Through March 14, 2010, A Moon for the Misbegotten, by Eugene O'Neil and directed by Karen Paisley, is at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre at 3604 Main. This masterwork is a sequel of sorts to O'Neil's Long Day’s Journey into Night.

Romantic and tender, funny by turns, this beautiful piece of American theatre takes the stage, featuring Kevin Albert, Forrest Attaway, Tanya Barber, Ari Bavel, and Joel W. Moses. Director Karen Paisley shared some thoughts about the production's challenges and favorite qualities of O'Neil's storytelling.

"Arts" is proudly sponsored by the Actor Training Studio.

Presenting: Browne's Irish Market and Deli

Writer Megan Browne Helm talks all things Irish with Kerry Browne, co-owner of Browne’s Irish Market and Deli. On Sunday, March 14, 2010, the historic Irish market will host an upcoming visit by Fergal Murray, Master Brewer for the Guinness Company.

Plus, a select listing of Irish-related events through St. Patrick's Day.

Rockin' Rhonda's Advice for SXSW Virgins

I’m not an expert, but I’ve been down to SXSW about four times now and I’d like to share what advice I have that might make your first trip a little more enjoyable. SXSW can be overwhelming if you have never been.

Courtesy of Midwest Music Foundation. "Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

The Farmhouse - Pear Apple Pie with Lavender Ice Cream

The photographer known as The Swim Back dropped by The Farmhouse near the River Market and shot tantalizing images of pear, apple, and nut pie with lavender ice cream.

Cooking Class: Boiling

With wet cooking methods, ingredients are partially (in the case of braising) or fully immersed in a flavorful cooking liquid. The definitions of wet cooking techniques are often as murky as the delicious broth in which you cook the food. Terms like stewing, simmering, poaching, and boiling are bandied about and often used interchangeably when they refer to different things. Chef Chris Perrin discusses the perfect boil and shares a recipe for Spaghetti in a Garlic Tomato Cream Sauce.

Post-Oscar Commentary

Images that have stuck in my mind from my seeing previous Oscar ceremonies were, sadly, in absence here. The only elation evinced was by directors of documentaries and shorts, so it really doesn’t count (at least not until they release full-length features)...

"Voices" is proudly sponsored by KCPT.

The Mailbox, Show #26

Michael Byars compiles the best from It's True, Cowboy Indian Bear, Daphne Willis, The White Stripes, and more.

Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

Amulet of Hope

An amulet of strength, hope and love to you.

Thomas A. Gieseke

Tom Gieseke has been a freelance illustrator for over 32 years. His work has appeared in advertising, editorial, institutional and other areas, with clients too numerous to list here. "Illustration was all I wanted to do. I drew my inspiration from magazines and album covers, not art galleries. I had no aspirations of joining the gallery art world. At the time, it just seemed so pretentious and silly."

In Focus: Popwreckoning Pre-SXSW Showcase

Photographer Ryan McElwain (R. Patrick Images) snapped shots of the Popwreckoning Pre-SXSW Showcase at Beaumont Club on March 5, 2010, featuring Olympic Size, Thieves, Capybara, Roman Numerals, Dreams are for Rookies, and Grisly Hand.

Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

Photography: Waldo Brookside Prayer Vigil

Phil Peterson shot these photographs of the Waldo/Brookside Prayer Vigil in late February.

March 2010 Poets-in-Residence

March poetry from our poets-in-residence. "When Kelley Hunt Sings" by Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, "Still, I love you" by Natasha Ria El-Scari, "Dear Lucille" by Shawn Pavey, "Found on an Unknown Soldier" by Donna Trussell, "Attention: Oak Street Residents" by Gustavo Adolfo Aybar, and "Pretty Picture" by Reach. These poets and spoken word artists will be featured in our spring spring showcase on March 21. Read on for more details.

"Voices" is proudly sponsored by KCPT.

Interview with RJD2

RJD2 worked with the likes of MF Doom, Aceyalone, Copywrite. He released the acclaimed album Deadringer on the label Def Jux.The diverse DJ, Producer, and Musician RJD2 sat down and talked about he recent release, The Colossus, the difficulties of running a music label in 2010, choosing to start his label (RJ's Electrical Connections), and his production tools of choice.

"Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

Film Review: Alice in Wonderland

Sure, Tim Burton directed this new loose adaptation of the Lewis Carroll novels Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, but you know exactly what to expect with him: Gothic art direction and loony characters.

What makes a Tim Burton movie something more than just a visual delight is its screenplay.

"Arts" is proudly sponsored by the Actor Training Studio.

Preview: Green Whales, Interview: Playwright Lia Romeo

A video preview of Unicorn Theatre's world premiere Green Whales by Lia Romeo. This twisted romantic comedy follows a woman with Turner's Syndrome in her unconventional search for love. Also, Unicorn Theatre's Producing Artistic Director talks with Playwright Lia Romeo about the developement that went into her play Green Whales making its world premiere March 5-28, 2010.

"Arts" is proudly sponsored by the Actor Training Studio.

Interview with Kyle Akers, Antennas Up Heads to SXSW

Local power pop act Antennas Up scored a slot at the official SXSW showcase, performing 8 PM, Saturday, March 20 at Spill. Kyle Akers (bass/vocals) shares more about the band's upcoming performance. Catch the band at recordBar (1020 Westport Road) on Friday, March 12 with Via Audio and Pattern Is Movement.

Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

Julian Zugazagoitia

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art announced today that Julián Zugazagoitia has been named the new Director/CEO of the Nelson-Atkins, the fifth director in the Museum’s 75-year history. Zugazagoitia, 46, an international scholar, museum director and consultant who has served for the past seven years as the Director/CEO of El Museo del Barrio in New York, was the unanimous choice of search committee members and will begin his position September 1, 2010.

"Arts" is proudly sponsored by the Actor Training Studio.

Sonic Spectrum Podcast 110

Robert Moore's playlist this week includes tracks by The Nice Boys, The Scientists, Arab Strap, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and more.

The Sonic Spectrum podcast is proudly sponsored by Temple Slug, The Roasterie Cafe, and KCPT.

Midwasteland Takeover - KC Bands at SXSW

A sampler of songs from some of the 30+ acts in Kansas City attending South by Southwest this year. A wide variety of artists from the local music scene are heading to Austin en masse to show the music industry and fans what we've known all along - Kansas City has talent.

"Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

Boulevard Brewmaster Luncheon

Boulevard Brewery has started up their Brewmaster Luncheons again, kicking off 2010’s series last week with a meal prepared by J Gilbert’s. My husband, John, and I had the opportunity and pleasure to attend this one – our first since they started the events.

The Scary Prairie, or Kansas in Proper Focus

The woman was terrified of the vast, open prairie. Something about the empty space created a feeling of dread. She kept having this fantasy nightmare of a menacing stranger on a motorcycle. The figure and his Harley were roaring down the gravel road in front of her fragile wood frame house, which on the infinite prairie was obvious, exposed and vulnerable. Just like her.

Courtesy of http://fireeatingpressphotographer.blogspot.com. "Voices" is proudly sponsored by KCPT.

Merits of Mead

The Kansas City Bier Meisters hosted their 27th Annual Homebrew Competition in late February, and my husband and I both had an opportunity to participate in judging. The competition was held at the Holy Field winery out in Basehor on Friday night and Saturday, during which about 30-35 judges tasted, judged, and ranked submitted beers, ciders, and meads.www.holyfieldwinery.com/

Alaadeen: Kansas City Slick and Other Stories

Jazz musician, composer, and educator Ahmad Alaadeen, who is equally skilled and original on tenor and soprano saxophones, has made a major impact on the Kansas City jazz scene ever since he settled back in his native Kansas City in the early 1970s. In an ongoing series of articles, he shares recollections of his life in jazz.

"Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

Alaadeen: Sweat Equity and Other Stories

"Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.

Dance Review: KC Ballet Winter Performance

The Winter Performance of The Kansas City Ballet opened with "Lowell Liebermann’s Piano Concerto #2." The piece, originally commissioned by the Steinway Foundation to commemorate the completion of the 500,000th Steinway piano, was all over the board – the keyboard. Running a gamut of temperament and theme, the piece flows seamlessly despite abrupt changes in tempo and mood. The unpredictability and complexity of the composition is precisely what attracted choreographer Robert Hill to the music.

"Arts" is proudly sponsored by the Actor Training Studio.