All-Ages Author
SUN 5/30
Considering that the kids’ bookstore Reading Reptile (328 West 63rd Street) has a spokesman named A. Bitterman who talks about his time in prison and demands that people “READ, DAMMIT,” Jules Feiffer‘s appearance there Sunday makes perfect sense. The 75-year-old cartoonist, author and screenwriter is as well known for his children’s books as he is for writing Carnal Knowledge, the dirtiest Art Garfunkel movie ever. Starting at 1 p.m., Feiffer shows a 16-mm print of his Oscar-winning short Munro, about a 4-year-old who gets drafted into the Army. Afterward, Feiffer speaks, draws and signs copies of the dozens of books he’s written or illustrated: middle school novels about 10-year-old cartoonists, bedtime tales of barkless dogs and collections of political cartoons that mock presidential administrations from Kennedy to Reagan. In a world of Raffis and Teletubbies, this is the rare opportunity for kids and grown-ups to hang together without anyone ending up bored. Reservations are required; call 816-753-0441. — Christopher Sebela
Killer Bodies
MON 5/31
The latest burlesque troupe passing through Kansas City is the Suicide Girls. These ladies, who boast a super-scandalous Web site and a scary, bewildering name, are coming to the Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire in Lawrence) at 9 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $9; call 785-841-5483 for information. — Annie Fischer
Feeling Fela
THU 5/27
Fela Kuti invented Afrobeat, a musical genre that combines traditional African rhythms with jazz and funk influences. Kuti filled his music with potent political messages about his native Nigeria, which bounced back and forth between corrupt military regimes and civilian democracies. He died in 1997, but his spirit lives on Thursday night at EightOneFive (815 New Hampshire in Lawrence). The bar once known as Raoul’s Velvet Room hosts Music Is a Weapon, a show named after Kuti’s philosophy and mantra. Afrobeat DJs and polyrhythmic beats from Djembe Khan, a traditional African percussion group, should keep the crowd going throughout the party, which starts at 9 p.m. Call 785-842-8200. — Michael Vennard
Just Beachy
SAT 5/29
Summertime is officially here: This weekend marks the opening of Jackson County’s beaches. Slip on your swimsuit, drag out the brightly colored towels and make like Ryan and Marissa on The O.C. Shores at Longview, Blue Springs and Fleming Park lakes are open from 12:30 to 8 p.m. daily starting Saturday for swimming and boating. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children 15 and younger. Group rates are available. Call 816-795-8200, ext. 1277, for more information. — Fischer
