Night & Day Events

29 Thursday

For 10 days Starlight Theatre will host the Kansas City premiere of Miss Saigon. It’s a moving love story about a young Vietnamese girl and an American soldier who fall in love during the time of the fall of Saigon in 1975. Of course, like most enduring love stories, theirs is torn apart at the seams by a cruel world. Miss Saigon has made millions of dollars since its debut in London in 1989 with the largest advance sales in the history of the West End. The show set another record in 1991 when the Broadway production generated $37 million in advance sales. Kansas City may not break any fiscal records, but on the newly remodeled Starlight stage, Miss Saigon is bound to sell the crowd. Single ticket sales range from $9 to $70. For more information, call 816-363-7827.

What exactly might traditional music of the 1800s sound like? Amp-less and much quieter, one would think. There’s only one way to find out: Let Jim Curley show you. There might be resounding scrapes up and down washboards or the twang of a banjo, or maybe just some “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” The answer to what this music sounds like is at Billie Miller Books at 6104 Johnson Drive tonight at 7:30. The event is free, but space is limited. For more information, call 913-362-1779.

30 Friday

Since Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, people of all ages have dreamed of going there to frolic in the California sun, ride the rides, smell the smells, and see the wonders. The “Wonderful World of Disney” is bringing a little bit of that magic to Kansas City in a “first-of-its-kind” exhibit that provides a look at the making of the theme park. This isn’t VH-1, folks; it’s a slice of the American dream. The Architecture of Reassurance: Designing the Disney Theme Parks examines the architecture of Fantasyland, provides interpretations of Frontierland and Adventureland, and reflects the ongoing Imagineers’ (the Disney design team) efforts to keep up with a world of ever-changing technology and futuristic concepts becoming realities. The exhibit will remain up through September 3. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children and seniors. For more information, call 816-751-1ART.

I Never Picked Cotton …, sang Roy Clark in the late ’60s and early ’70s, making more appearances on Hee Haw than Minnie Pearl’s damn hat. The country legend will appear tonight at Station Casino’s Grand Pavilion at 8. The 67-year-old banjo-playing, mandolin-plucking dude became a guitar legend known for the fact that he couldn’t even read music. Alas, Clark began headlining for folks like Hank Williams and Wanda Jackson in the ’50s, but it wasn’t long until the stage was his own as he began his journey toward recording 23 Top 40 country hits, including eight Top 10 singles. See the captain of country for between $28 and $36, and then, if you want, you can say to ol’ Roy: “Thank God and Greyhound You’re Gone.” For more information, call 816-414-7000.

1 Saturday

Yee haw, buckaroo, saddle that bronco and get ready to lasso that baby cow. The 43rd Annual Greater Kansas City Jaycees Pro Rodeo gallops into town today and will kick up clowns and dust through July 4. In the spirit of America’s independence and ability to conquer cattle, Benjamin Ranch hosts this Kansas City mainstay. A large fireworks display will close each night’s show. Rodeo events include bronc riding, bull riding, barrel riding, and more. Events that the average cowgirl or

-boy can partake in consist of free pony rides, petting farms (the kind with fuzzy animals), chuckwagon and wild horse races, and more. The Benjamin Ranch is located at 6401 E. 87th Street. The fun begins every night at 8, but the doors open at 6 p.m. for the eager rodeoers. For more information, call 816-761-1234.

The Good Samaritan Project is hosting a comprehensive HIV/AIDS orientation for those interested in volunteering with the Project to help increase awareness of HIV/AIDS through education and advocacy, as well as provide support and care for the community of individuals affected. The volunteer-training program begins today with professional educators from the medical and social services community relating their experiences in working with the disease, and providing educational information. The day’s agenda includes: Identifying Stereotypical Concepts, Medical Overview, HIV/AIDS’ Social Impact, Risk Awareness, and more. For information on how to participate, call 816-561-8784.

2 Sunday

Get Up Stand Up…. Stand up for solidarity with Kansas City’s 11th annual International Arts & Reggae World Music Festival at the Uptown Theater, which begins today and runs through July 4, 3 p.m. to midnight daily. It’s been said that the goal of reggae music is to change the way the world thinks, to bring about positive change through positive music. As in the past 10 festivals, this year’s theme, “Solidarity 2000,” brings the message of peace and harmony, and “fun in the sun.” Some might wonder why the festival isn’t at the Liberty Memorial, where it always was before. The answer: renovation. The festival will include local arts and crafts, diverse food and music, and much more. The Uptown is located at 3800 Broadway. Tickets are $18 at the door, or a three-day pass is available for $40. For more information, call 816-960-3400 or visit www.friendsofreggae.com.

3 Monday

In case you didn’t know, a pinafore is a sleeveless, usually low-necked garment fastened in the back and worn as an apron or dress. This is important to know in deciding whether to visit the Bingham-Waggoner Historical Society’s newest exhibit. Pantaloons & Pinafores will be on exhibit through July and is a collection of Liberty’s own Martha Sprague, who has a passion for sewing. When her first granddaughter received her first “American Girl Doll,” Sprague began creating outfits for the dolls. The collection has become, it seems, quite a sight for doll-lovers. The exhibit is on display today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it costs only $3 to see the miniature wardrobes. For more information, call 816-461-3491.

4 Tuesday

If you’re a patriotic sort of soul, then today is definitely your day. It’s the 4th of July. Luckily for almost everyone in America, except for the underpaid service-industry workers, the day is free for them to enjoy watermelon, booze, fireworks, and other activities that no one ever owns up to. The greater Kansas City area has many fireworks shows. Locations include Worlds of Fun, the City Market, Old Lenexa Town, Corporate Woods, the Mormon Visitors Center in Independence, and, of course, various side streets throughout the city. For more information, see the Calendar’s Event section or contact the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce at 816-221-2424.

5 Wednesday

The Independence Farmer’s Market is now open every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October. The hundreds of vendors provide only homegrown produce raised in Jackson County and adjacent counties in the greater Kansas City area. Items are harvested no more than two days before they are brought to the Market. Items available include vegetables, fruits, plants, flowers, eggs, honey, and more. The Market is located on Truman Road between Main and Liberty streets in Independence. For more information, call 816-254-4338.