Archives: January 2023

Zócalo closes its doors after 11 years on The Plaza

Zócalo Mexican Cuisine and Tequileria permanently closed its doors Jan. 29. Zócalo Mexican Cuisine and Tequileria announced Saturday that the restaurant will be permanently closing Jan. 29. Zócalo served Mexican cuisine on the Plaza for 11 years, but when their lease was up at the end of January, they decided it was time to close their doors. Owner Chris Ridler…

Black-owned manga publisher Darkmoon Comics release new series Reign of Chaos

A few panels from the new issue out Jan. 31. // Courtesy of Brandon Calloway. Darkmoon Comics, a Kansas City-based comics, manga, and graphic novel publisher, will launch the second issue of their original series, Reign of Chaos, on Jan. 31. Brandon Calloway, founder of Darkmoon Comics—which launched in Nov. 2020—also authors the Reign of Chaos series, which is illustrated…

Folk Alliance Band of the Day: Les Hay Babies

Les Hay Babies. // photo courtesy the artist The Folk Alliance International Conference, presented by Folk Alliance International, has its 2023 iteration this February 1-5 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. With well over 100 artists performing over the course of five days, “crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time,…

Missouri Republican pushes to legalize ‘magic mushrooms’ to treat depression, PTSD

Psilocybin, other psychoactive drugs showing promise in treatments, with FDA approval likely within two years

State Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-O’Fallon, speaks during floor debate in May 2022 in the Missouri House. // Courtesy Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications This article was originally published by The Missouri Independent. The magic in “magic mushrooms” may be the ability to defeat post-traumatic stress disorder, and a St. Charles County Republican lawmaker wants to make them legal in a treatment setting….

KCI’s new $1.5 billion terminal opens to the public Feb. 28

A computer rendering of the new single terminal airport at KCI, published by Build KCI in April 2021. // Build KCI Kansas City International Airport announced today that the new terminal will be opening Feb. 28. JUST IN: The new @KCIAirport terminal will open February, 28th! ✈️ #KCI @kmbc pic.twitter.com/v6d3Ifkjia — Jackson Kurtz (@jacksonKMBC9) January 30, 2023 The 50-year-old terminals…

Folk Alliance Band of the Day: Larry & Joe

Larry & Joe. // photo credit Zion McKnight The Folk Alliance International Conference 2023 will be held February 1-5 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. With over 100 artists performing over the course of five days, “crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various…

The Lone Bellow recorded their new album at Roy Orbison’s house

The Lone Bellow . // photo credit Eric Ryan Anderson When we speak with Zach Williams, guitarist and lead vocalist for the Lone Bellow, it’s the day after the tenth anniversary of the band’s debut. The self-titled 2013 album—featuring Williams, along with Kanene Donehey Pipkin on mandolin, bass, keyboard, and vocals and Brian Elmquist on guitar and vocals—gained plaudits for…

Disney and Y2K nostalgia lights up The Truman

This Is What (some) Dreams Are Made Of

When Y2K and Disney collide. // Photo by Sarah Sipple On Friday, January 27, it wasn’t rock or fresh hip-hop blasting inside The Truman. This time it was a young crowd screaming songs from High School Musical and Destiny’s Child. Le Petite Fête, an entertainment group from Florida, brought the sounds of Disney and the early 2000s for a free-spirited…

Sunshine Law violations by AG’s office under Josh Hawley could cost Missouri $300K

A Cole County judge in November concluded Josh Hawley’s staff illegally refused to turn over public records out of concern it could have hurt his 2018 Senate campaign.

Hawley urged the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. // Image courtesy of Josh Hawley Following a Missouri judge’s determination that the attorney general’s office “knowingly and purposefully” violated the state’s open records law while it was being run by now-U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, plaintiffs in the case say they are owed more…

Powell Gardens announce 2023 season

Pink orchids are prepared for Orchid Delirium at Powell Gardens. // Courtesy Powell Gardens Powell Gardens has announced its upcoming 2023 calendar, packed with exciting new and recurring events, festivals, and exhibitions. While the garden closes for daily admission during January and February, they’ll be open Feb. 11 to showcase their two brand new events.  Enjoy delicious waffles from The…

Letter from the Editor: This must be the place

Pitch Bitch. Lovebirds, welcome to the February issue of The Pitch. While spirits are high and rebirth is in the air, as we ride the wave of enthusiasm for a new year, this magazine brings together our traditional (yet wildly untraditional) look at sex, love, and relationships in the City of Kansas. Within these pages, you’ll find our approach to…

Four Inane Questions with Chef/Pitmaster Scott Umscheid

Courtesy Scott Umscheid Nearly 14 years ago, Scott Umscheid entered his first barbecue competition alongside family and friends. “It was during the 14th annual Platte City BBQ cook-off held at the famous Basswood Resort,” he says. “My responsibility was chicken, so I did some research and several practice cooks beforehand.” When the announcer yelled out Umscheid’s team had won the…

Recs with Merritt previews February’s best vinyl releases—including Bowie, Sunny War, and Boogarins

Photo by Travis Young, design by Cassondra Jones. Records with Merritt is Marion Merritt’s vinyl store in Westport with partner Ann Stewart. As a staple in our community for nearly a decade, we’ve partnered with Merritt for a new monthly column, where the tastemaker shares her picks for the best wax releases to look forward to grabbing, divided by release…

Missouri child welfare agency pitches plan to ‘rebuild’ overburdened foster care system

Missouri brings kids into foster care at a rate among the highest in the country. DSS leaders this week said they want to rebuild the Children’s Division — first by hiring 100 staff to limit caseloads and shift toward prevention work.

Robert Knodell, acting director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, addresses a group of state employees on May 24, 2021 (photo: Missouri Governor’s Office) The director of Missouri’s child welfare agency told lawmakers this week that the state has “effectively legally orphanized” around 1,500 children. Those children have had their legal ties to their biological parents severed…

Sundance 2023: Thriller Eileen is a jagged ride full of beautiful turbulence

Eileen. // Courtesy Sundance Institute “Some people, they’re the real people, like in a movie—they’re the ones you watch,” a grizzled man (Shea Whigham) gently tells his daughter (Thomasin McKenzie) about halfway through Eileen. “Other people, they’re just filling space. That’s you, Eileen.” Eileen’s cruel alcoholic father might be referring to her, but his words could easily apply to most…

Folk Alliance Band of the Day: Aysanabee

Aysanabee. // photo credit Jen Squires The Folk Alliance International Conference 2023 will be held February 1-5 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. With over 100 artists performing over the course of five days, “crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, Zydeco, and various fusions,” it…

Bamboo Penny’s three-course lunch is worth every penny

Red Curry at Bamboo Penny’s. // Photo by Lauren Textor When you’re visiting with a friend you haven’t seen in almost two years, where do you suggest for lunch?  If you’re meeting during Kansas City Restaurant Week, you don’t need to put too much thought into it. At $20 for three courses, Bamboo Penny’s couldn’t have been more right.  As our…

Missouri Republicans push for state to take over control of St. Louis police department

Legislation would penalize and ‘forever disqualify’ the St. Louis mayor or any city officer if they tried to ‘hinder’ work of the new governor-appointed board of police commissioners.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers in the juvenile unit visit with St. Louis Public Schools students on Dec. 8, 2022 (Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department) Kansas City is the only major city in the country where the city’s elected leaders don’t control the local police department — a state-appointed police board does. Up until 2013, St….

Folk Alliance Band of the Day: Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys

Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys. // photo credit Brad McCloskey The Folk Alliance International Conference 2023 will be held February 1-5 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. With over 100 artists performing over the course of five days, “crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Old-Time, Singer-Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional,…