Blame it on Del Rio
SAT 8/27
Newcomers to the Del Rio (2934 Southwest Boulevard, 816-960-7072) see shot glasses full of clear, green and red liquids going by on trays (carried by a bartender with a sizable crucifix wedged into her sizable cleavage) and say, “Pinche! These guys can drink!” And they can, of course, but keep in mind that you’re looking at the Mexican-flag shot, which involves one shot of Corralejo tequila, one shot of fresh-squeezed lime juice and one shot of Clamato juice (because Mexicans loooove Clamato). The shot was invented by Estela Cabral, who is like your sweet grandmother — if your sweet grandmother fed you tequila. Cabral and her son, Art, have owned this dark, friendly little dive for eight years. This Saturday is its anniversary, which is a great excuse to go try Cabral’s other especials, including her piña colada or margarita. Don’t expect to see a real crowd until after 10:30 p.m., though. That’s when this quiet spot becomes an elbow-to-elbow party, complete with live music and couples dancing.
And try to ignore the fact that the bandera shot’s colors aren’t quite in the right order, or you’ll hurt Estela’s feelings and she might not drink any shots with you. — Nadia Pflaum
Raucous Caucus
Think globally, rock locally.
THU 8/25
July’s global-debt-minded Live 8 performances possibly played a part in the G8 Summit leaders’ decision, ann-ounced a week after the shows, to double developmental aid to Africa. This alone makes the charitable concerts a qualified success. However, MTV’s Live 8 coverage suffered miserable ratings, perhaps because viewers prefer not to be freeloaders at altruistic extravaganzas. It might seem counterintuitive, but more people might have watched if Live 8 were pay-per-view, with all proceeds going to an international relief fund. People like the convenience of converting an appealing purchase into a donation. For example, Thursday’s Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus benefit at the Brick (1727 McGee) at 8 p.m. proffers In the Pines, Alacartoona, the Afterparty and Shay Estes. Local-music aficionados would pay $10 to see this rich mix of moody atmospherics and sassy sirens under normal circumstances, but the opportunity to assist an organization that promotes women’s participation in the political process gives this ticket a philanthropic glow. For more information, call 913-709-1389.
—Andrew Miller
Good Housekeeping
The Writers Place sets sale.
SAT 8/27
We always envy those who hit garage sales and end up with a vintage Gucci tote in mint condition, a ’50s dinette set with chairs covered in pink vinyl, or the complete recordings of Serge Gainsbourg. Especially when our own discoveries usually include such tokens as overly loved Fisher-Price people, used Tupperware and issues of National Geographic dating back to 1965. We have high hopes for the Writers Place garage sale, though. Because if there’s one thing we expect to find nestled among the furniture and toys (and maybe, just maybe, an espresso maker), it’s a whole bunch of books. And we like books. The sale begins at 8 a.m. at the Writers Place (3607 Pennsylvania, 816-753-1090). — Rebecca Braverman
Earthy Delights
Kylie Grater gets in touch with her roots.
FRI 8/26
Kylie Grater, who was raised on a farm in Riley, Kansas, confesses that those organic beginnings inform her Early Jewelry designs. (Her materials include feather, leather and cow bone.) She divides the line into collections called “A.M.” and “P.M.,” using new and recycled materials, and though she already sells the work at various locations, Paragraph Gallery (23 East 12th Street; call Coby Newton at 816-674-7814 for details) celebrates the launch of her Web site — www.earlyjewelry.com — at 7 p.m. Friday. Go buy stuff. — Annie Fischer
