Playtime

Synergy is the name of the game for the Donkey Show, a local variety program that’s been tossing Kansas City’s salad for four years. It fuses the disciplines of music and gaming — the sort you might partake of at an 8-year-old’s birthday party. Pity the fool who embarks on a stare-down against Bacon Shoe; it’s hard enough to keep a straight face during the prank-rap duo’s outrageous performances. Kudos to anyone who can beat Abracadabras in a hula-hoop contest, what with the way those fellas shimmy and shake like Tina Turner in an earthquake. And considering that Erik Voeks’ immaculate pop songs are always one step ahead of the curve, don’t bet your entire vinyl collection on a round of rock-paper-scissors with the baron of Needmore Discs. Sorry, girls — burlesque queen Annie Cherry looks virtually unbeatable in the “Sexual Position Balloon Game.” Tonight’s one-ring circus begins at 10 p.m. at Crosstown Station (1522 McGee, 816-471-1522).

Fri., April 4, 2008