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Touring Guide: Kansas City, MO
Let's swing across the United States this month to cover a market right in the heartland of America, Kansas City, MO. They were close enough to call themselves Mark McGwire fans the last two summers, and now they need something new to go see live music. Kansas City actually has some wonderful venues to visit, so we'll try to get to most of them in this month's forum.
KC is a great touring stop when playing markets like St. Louis (MO), Lincoln (NE), Lawrence (KS), and anywhere in IA. There is a very large college scene in the KC area, so if your music fits the college scene, it could be a great spot for your band. There are two main streets to focus on while you're looking for clubs, Broadway and Main Street. Most of the clubs that we'll focus on are right in this area. It's not the NYC Village, but it will certainly keep you busy.
Before I introduce you to some of the venues in KC, let me share with you my biggest concern with the market so far. There doesn't seem to be too much money here, and some of the good clubs, aren't in the "best spots" in town. With some building though, you've got a shot at some of the larger venues where the pay is much stronger. Just my two cents
here's where you should focus your attention:
Venues
The Hurricane 4048 Broadway (816 753-0884)
This venue is considered one of the premier clubs in the area. It features many of the top acts in the region, as well as some good national acts. Small indie acts should pursue opening slots for some of the major acts. There are a few areas to the bar including an outside deck, which fits nearly 500 people.
Davey's Uptown Ramblers Club 3402 Main St. (816 753-1909)
With live music nearly 5 days a week, a fantastic new sound system, and a capacity of around 300, Davey's is a great place to break into the scene. Michelle is normally the person handling the booking.
Harling's Upstairs 3941 Main St. (816 531-0303)
I really haven't heard too much about this venue. Their capacity is a shade over 250. Awhile back, they were absent of a PA, but I've heard some talk about them moving one into the venue. Normal bookings are for alternative acts, and they mainly focus on booking the latter part of the week and weekends.
Blayney's 415 Westport Road (816 561-3747)
Blayney's is basically a club that is set up for live bands. They don't have too much other than that. The venue is booked for the majority of the week and features a variety of acts. This club will give a shot to some of the non-mainstream type acts. Dick has been booking the club for awhile and knows his music well. They do have a PA and can crunch in about 275 people.
Grand Emporium 3832 Main St. (816 531-7557)
Every city has to have its long-standing, traditional music venue; Grand Emporium is just that for Kansas City. They customarily will do live music every night, unless there's not a major act coming through town. The venue is over 10 years in the music business, and has changed its music types over the years. They are now open to most acts including college, alternative, jazz, reggae, and blues. The capacity is about 350.
McCoy's Public House 4057 Pennsylvania (816 960-0866)
McCoy's a good little place to play if you have a good draw in the city. It's not right on Broadway or Main St. like the others, so it's not directly in the people stream. Paul is a very good guy to work with if you get the chance.
The Graffiti Caf้ 1815 Wyandotte St. (816 756-3786)
This used to be a very hip place to play, haven't done business there in awhile, so it still may be. Their capacity is rather large, something around 500. They maintained a good PA and lights.
The University of Missouri @ Kansas City (816 235-1457)
This University has an enrollment of 10,000+ students. You want to contact the activities and programming council to talk about on campus events and shows.
Central Missouri State University Warrensburg, MO (816 543-4007)
Warrensburg is a town just outside of Kansas City, so I thought we should throw this in. Their enrollment is over 10,000 students. In the past, they have had a dedicated group called the Concert Board, which was responsible for booking most of the live entertainment for the campus.
Liquid Lounge 333 SW Blvd (816 421-6888)
The LL is another great, small venue in KC. They are, again, a club that looks for you to bring a good draw.
Hotels if the club isn't fronting the bill
Best Western Country Inn - 7100 NE Parvin Rd - (816) 453-3355
Best Western Inn - 11900 NW Plaza Cir - (816) 464-2002
Best Western Inn - 4309 Main St - (816) 561-9600
Best Western Inn - 2633 NE 43rd St - (816) 459-7222
Blue Bird Motel - 8920 E US Highway 40 - (816) 252-5488
Budget Host Inn - 15014 E US Highway 40 - (816) 373-7500
Capri Motel - 1437 Independence - (816) 471-8088
Cherry Street Inn - 921 Cherry St - (816) 471-1775
Comfort Inn - 11951 NW Ambassador Dr - (816) 464-5500
Crown Lodge - 8500 E State Route 350 - (816) 353-3000
Days Inn - 2232 Taney St - (816) 421-6000
Frontier Motel - 12015 E State Route 350 - (816) 356-8340
Inn Towne Lodge - 2620 NE 43rd St - (816) 453-6550
Where to eat For Cheap???
Gates I've heard these guys have some locations to eat in the area. In KC, they're known for their BBQ Sauce. So much so, that you can even order it online. Here's there number if you're in the area
and if you like it hot, ask them to stop by for a taste test: 877 G SAUCES
Don Chilitos Ahhh
mexican! They've served over 8 million customers in their nearly 30 years in the Mexican food business. They're known for their "Nine Layer Dip" and their Enchilada. Located at: 7017 Johnson Drive 913 432 4615
Where to Eat in KC? Does it get any better than an online guide about where to it? I love it
check this out before heading into the restaurants: http://cctr.umkc.edu/~eorenick/kc-eat.html
Press & Radio:
Pitch Weekly - Kansas City - 816 561-6061 Do interviews, CD reviews, and announce shows
KC Star - Kansas City - 816 234-4781 Cover bands who are doing well in the area
KKFI 90.1 - Kansas City - 816 931-3122 Community, jazz, alternative Craig is the MD
KYYS 102.1 - Kansas City - 816 561-9102 Rock radio
KMXV 93.3 - Kansas City - 816 753-0933
I, of course, need to put in my disclaimer that this review does not include everything going on in Kansas City. You know, I need to say these things because I get calls from angry clubs saying, "Hey, why didn't you put us in there?" So, if there's anything else that you would like to see added, please don't hesitate to drop a line. Enjoy touring the Midwest!
Keep Gigging and See You Next Time
Related MusicDish e-Journal Articles:
» Touring Guide: Raleigh, NC (2000-07-12)
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