Hustle and Flow

FRI 9/30
Hey, Lawrence: Have you thirsted for underground gangsta ditties, only to find that the well has gone dry? Hustle Records owner Pete Yellow Bird’s got you covered. Tucked away in a side room at University Audio, his one-man operation is set to become the Lawrence hub for Bay Area rappers. “Since Seventh Heaven closed down here, there’s been a void in the underground rap scene,” Yellow Bird tells us. “You couldn’t get Rich the Factor anywhere in this town, along with the Fat Tones and the Mac Dres. You either had to go to the city or get it on the Internet.” For its grand opening from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Hustle Records (2319 Louisiana) brings in that elusive Rich the Factor (pictured), along with Bay Area OGs Smigg Dirtee and A-Wax, for an in-store performance, an autograph session and a free barbecue. “I also do gold teeth in here,” Yellow Bird says. But his dental work isn’t covered in most benefits packages. We checked. — Andy Vihstadt

Choc-Full
Let’s paint the town brown.

SAT 10/1
The Master of Sweets is exalted like a pagan god this Saturday at the first-ever Kansas City Chocolate Festival. And it’s long overdue, as far as we’re concerned. Major cities such as New York and Denver have been throwing cocoa-licious celebrations for some time now, thus escaping certain wrath (chocolate-covered-grasshopper plagues). Our festival includes lots of samples and demonstrations from top local dessert chefs. Also, area chocolatiers and pastry chefs offer their skills for a chocolate sculpture show. For children, the Kaleidoscope folks bring their craft activities over from Hallmark, and Paul Mesner Puppets and others perform. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Union Station (30 West Pershing Road, 816-460-2020). Admission costs $5 and is free for kids under 6; all proceeds benefit Friendship House, which supports women recovering from addictions.

— Sarah Smarsh

Public Art
We’re not teachers, but we like busting burnouts.

FRI 9/30
We love Antiques Roadshow and How to Cook Everything, but nobody ever wants to come to our PBS viewing parties. Why? KCPT Channel 19 totes aren’t required, nor will we ask you for money during a telethon. Friday’s Teacher Burnout Buster at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (4420 Warwick Boulevard) gives those in the education business a chance to watch another great PBS program, Art: 21. This particular episode, “Structures,” complements the Petah Coyne sculptures on display as part of the exhibit Above and Beneath the Skin. Participants can also ponder how to bring modern art into the classroom. Think anyone will notice that we’re not teachers? The program runs from 5 to 7 p.m., and registration is required. Call 816-457-6134. — Rebecca Braverman