I Thee Wed
FRI 10/8
Book readings are typically staid affairs where an author drones through a chapter or two, pausing for polite laughter and applause. For people who attend such events with trepidation (and for those who stay far away), the literary marriage hosted by the Lit 6 Project is welcome relief — plus, there’s malt liquor involved. These Minneapolis writers seem to be very much about creating spectacle, bringing fun to literature and instilling their writing with a rock-star ethos. Their event includes an actual wedding ceremony, in which Lit 6 founder Sam Osterhaus makes use of his Internet ordination to marry a couple, as well as a performance by Minneapolis rock band Friends Like These and samples of flash fiction — stories told in no more than 1,000 words.
“You know your audience is going to be bored after five minutes, so a lot of waste that normally exists in fiction is cut, which makes it a lot funnier and heightens the heavier underpinnings,” Osterhaus says.
His group has garnered as much acclaim for its writing as for the meat auctions and retirement parties that accompany its readings. Osterhaus admits that the Bank Gallery (11th Street and Baltimore) is a bit ritzier than the group’s normal stomping grounds. “We’ll do readings at bars and rock venues because it’s easier to keep someone’s attention,” Osterhaus says. “We’re not Ayn Rand. A lot of our stuff is pretty funny and pretty raunchy.” The fun begins at 8 p.m. Friday; admission is $5. Call 816-221-5115. — Christopher Sebela
The Wizard
ONGOING
DJ Se’or Ozgood tells us that Kabal, with its newly remodeled basement, cozy couches, kickass dance floor and massive sound system (“The best in the city by far,” he says), has the greatest-kept secret in KC. He might be sort of partial, though; he’s running the show at Tighten Up — the club’s weekly Tuesday event. But along with his brother, DJ Cheo, he promises to “mix up the music and play to the crowds but always have new and old-school Jamaican dance hall, Afro-beat and classic funk.” There’s no cover, and there are two-for-one drinks from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Kabal is at 503 Walnut in the River Market. Call 816-471-0017. — Annie Fischer
Wanna Be a Star?
SUN 10/10
Reality TV might be on its way out, but style-obsessed people aren’t going anywhere. Knowing this, CBS is introducing The Cut, intended to find America’s fashion trendsetter of tomorrow. Producers aptly employed Tommy Hilfiger, a designer who has crafted an entirely all-American image, as host. For the other stars, casting producer Bonnie Clark says the show is looking for all types, including edgy fashionistas and moms who sew their kids’ clothes. “We want designers, stylists, colorists, etc.,” she says. “Schooled and unschooled, men and women.” There’s an open casting call from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Kansas City Art Institute’s Epperson Auditorium (4415 Warwick); call 816-802-3426. — Fischer
Shake Ya Tailfeather
SAT 10/9
“Who said a stepshow was a college thang?” ask advertisements for the 9th Annual Burning Sands Alumni Stepshow. Wasn’t us. The show, at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Overland Park Convention Center (6000 College Boulevard), brings fraternity and sorority alumni steppers from all over the country for some high jumpin’, hard steppin’ and cane twirlin’ like they used to do in college — oops, like they still do. BET comedian Mike Smith hosts, and the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver brings the old-school moves that are still making Jamie Metzl’s head spin. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Call 816-965-7697 or get tickets online at www.dstkcmo.org. — Jason Harper
