Kansas
10 Kansas City concerts you just have to see in January
Whether you’re fulfilling a New Year’s resolution to more fully engage with the arts in 2024 or simply trying to shake off the bleak midwinter blues, live music is almost always a fulfilling pursuit.
Knowing where to begin, however, can be challenging. We’re here to help with our monthly concert guide. As usual, our recommendations range from high-brow art music to raucous rock and roll.
The homegrown opera star Joyce DiDonato’s concerts with the Kansas City Symphony open our picks, followed up with the luminescent pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, and WindSync, one of America’s leading chamber ensembles. They all make the month brighter for classical music enthusiasts.
Rock fans will be treated to performances by the storied troubadour Elvis Costello, a band led by Alabama native Jason Isbell and Kansas City’s beloved annual tribute to David Bowie.
A pair of ensembles from New York City, the Hot Sardines and the superlative party band Too Many Zooz, will heat up the Folly Theater and recordBar. A showcase by pop upstart Lyn Lapid and the praise-and-worship celebration Winter Jam round out our suggestions for kicking off a happy new year filled with rewarding music.
Joyce DiDonato: January 12-14
- When: 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12; 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14
- Where: Helzberg Hall, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64108
- Tickets: Starting at $39
Michael Stern, music director and conductor of The Kansas City Symphony, characterizes Joyce DiDonato as “one of the preeminent mezzo-sopranos of our time” ahead of the star’s forthcoming appearance with the Symphony at Helzberg Hall.
DiDonato became an international sensation after growing up in the Kansas City area. With an imagination no less extraordinary than her voice, DiDonato continues to expand the possibilities of operatic music.
The hometown hero will apply her instrument to classic works by Charles Ives and Gustav Mahler, as well as to Joel Thompson’s recent composition “The Places We Leave.”
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: January 18
Alysse Gafkjen
/
Jason Isbell
- When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18
- Where: Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas 66044
- Tickets: Starting at $71
The entertainment lineups at summer festivals are often the musical equivalent of buffet restaurants. Sampling a wide variety of flavors can be gratifying, but perfect main courses aren’t to be expected.
And though Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit were excellent as the top-billed act at the Boulevardia festival in Kansas City last summer, disruptive revelers and a condensed setlist disappointed some Isbell loyalists.
Neither limitation should be an issue at the sold-out Liberty Hall concert. Passionate aficionados will thrill to modern day Isbell classics like “Cover Me Up” without any distractions. It’s sure to be a lengthy night of literate root-rock.
Lyn Lapid: January 19
Nicole Hajjar
/
Lyn Lapid
- When: 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19
- Where: recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64108
- Tickets: $22
Lyn Lapid creates the sort of frothy pop that has propelled peers including Olivia Rodrigo to stardom. The 21-year-old Filipino American songwriter is on the precipice of similar fame.
The giddy “poster boy” and the wistful “do u really?” reflect Lapid’s commercial potential. She’s signed to Republic Records, the label that’s also home to blockbuster stars like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.
Having refined her sound and honed her style during several years as an increasingly prominent YouTube personality, Lapid should thrive onstage at recordBar.
Winter Jam: January 21
- When: 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21
- Where: T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64106
- Tickets: $15 at the door
Evangelical tent revivals aren’t an antiquated aspect of America’s past. The old-fashioned Bible-based gatherings have made a successful transition into new-fangled arenas in the form of the annual Winter Jam tour.
A fast-paced mix of preaching, fundraising, and music, Winter Jam events in Kansas City are attended by youth groups from hundreds of area churches and individuals seeking spiritual solace.
Lecrae devotees will also squeeze into the T-Mobile Center. The Texas rapper is the conscience of the contemporary Christian music community. Lecrae calls out religious and social hypocrisy on songs like “Still in America.” Crowder and Katy Nichole are also part of Winter Jam’s expansive lineup.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: January 23
Robin Clewley
/
Isata Kanneh-Mason
- When: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23
- Where: Helzberg Hall, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64108
- Tickets: Starting at $73
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed on the 1981 K-Tel novelty smash “Hooked on Classics” and on the posthumous Elvis Presley album “If I Can Dream.” The storied institution is unapologetic about its crossover strategies.
The Orchestra proclaims it is “equally at home recording video game, film and television soundtracks and working with pop stars, as it is touring the world performing the great symphonic repertoire.”
The latter pursuit will be exhibited in a concert presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series. Vasily Petrenko will conduct the Orchestra and star British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason in works by Claude Debussy, Sergei Prokofiev and Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Too Many Zooz: January 23
Shervin Lainez
/
Too Many Zooz
- When: 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23
- Where: recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64108
- Tickets: $23
Making an impression on the bustling streets of New York City isn’t easy, yet Too Many Zooz gained a following by busking on sidewalks and in subway stations.
Frenetic, fun-loving, and internet-savvy, the trio adds sprightly pop and infectious electronic dance music to its foundation in the New Orleans brass band tradition.
Too Many Zooz selections, such as a charming cover of Miley Cyrus’s recent hit “Flowers” and a delightful arrangement of the Gloria Gaynor anthem “I Will Survive,” are capable of inciting uncaged parties. Cloudchord opens the show.
The Band That Fell to Earth: January 25-27
Too Much Rock
/
Band That Fell to Earth
- When: 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25; 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26; and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27
- Where: recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64108
- Tickets: $50 on Thursday, and starting at $25 on Friday and Saturday
Kansas City audiences love cover bands, and few locally-staged tributes are more beloved than the annual homage to the late icon David Bowie.
More than a dozen of Kansas City’s most prominent musicians comprise The Band That Fell to Earth. Michelle Bacon on bass, Katy Guillen on guitar, vocalist Steve Tulipana and drummer Stephanie Williams are among the ensemble’s ringers.
The band invests interpretations of Bowie songs like “Golden Years” with admirable energy. This year’s tribute opens with an interpretation of Bowie’s 1971 album “Hunky Dory” on Thursday. Evenings of eclectic Bowie-mania follow on Friday and Saturday.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters: January 25
Mark Seliger
/
Elvis Costello
- When: 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25
- Where: Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64111
- Tickets: Starting at $69
Elvis Costello’s gradual evolution from angry young man to genial elder statesman is documented in an astoundingly varied discography that includes 38 studio albums and six live recordings.
The 69-year-old has tackled punky new wave with “No Action,” classic country on “A Good Year for the Roses” and arty chamber music in “I Thought I’d Write to Juliet.” His collaborations with the Kansas City native Burt Bacharach are no less compelling — take “Toledo” for example.
Abetted by his veteran band the Imposters and guitar slinger Charlie Sexton, Costello is expected to offer an expansive career retrospective at the Uptown Theater.
The Hot Sardines: January 27
Shervin Lainez
/
Hot Sardines
- When: 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27
- Where: Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64105
- Tickets: Starting at $25
Gypsy jazz, the life-affirming music perfected by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli in 1930s France, has never gone out of style. The form is now more popular than ever.
The Hot Sardines are leaders of the current gypsy jazz renaissance. The New York group’s renown is reflected by its multiple bookings in the Folly Jazz Series.
Nostalgic seniors and younger fans are smitten with the Hot Sardines’ ebullient renderings of vintage material like “When I Get Low I Get High” and “I Wanna Be Like You.”
WindSync: January 28
- When: 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28
- Where: Polsky Theatre, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas 66210
- Tickets: Starting at $25
WindSync celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024. The quintet of flutist Garrett Hudson, oboist Emily Tsai, clarinetist Graeme Steele Johnson, bassoonist Kara LaMoure and French horn specialist Anni Hochhalter has big plans for the year.
The Houston ensemble is slated to release an album recorded at the hallowed Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Known for unusual instrumentation and performing its forward-thinking repertoire without sheet music, WindSync opens 2024 with an extensive tour of the United States.
Kansas
Tyler Reddick needs OT at Kansas to claim fifth win of NASCAR season
It’s still more than a week until May, but Tyler Reddick already has racked up a fistful of wins.
The 23XI Racing hotshoe passed Kyle Larson in overtime to win the NASCAR Cup Series’ AdventHealth 400 on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, for his fifth victory in nine races.
After Cody Ware spun while leader Denny Hamlin and second-place Reddick were coming to the white flag for the race’s only caution for cause, the field pitted to set up a green-white-checker finish in overtime at Kansas Speedway.
From third, Larson charged past Hamlin on the restart to claim the lead. But second-place Reddick used his No. 45 Toyota to fly by Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet in Turn 1 after the white flag.
He held on to beat the Hendrick Motorsports driver by 0.118 seconds for his 13th career win and become the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to claim five of a season’s first nine races.
Reddick also won for the fourth time in a row when being the polesitter — a run that began Feb. 22 in Atlanta and included victories at Circuit of The Americas and Darlington.
Reddick appeared doomed with a few laps left when he screamed over the radio that he was out of gas, which allowed Hamlin to make what appeared to be the winning pass for the lead.
However, Ware’s spin sent the cars to pit road one last time.
“Just really blessed with the late caution,” said Reddick, who led only 10 laps and spun a Toyota stablemate in overtime’s frantic finish. “Not thrilled that I got Christopher Bell. … These late-race restarts get really crazy. Obviously, I had a run on the 5, and I was just shocked to get to his inside.”
Larson’s car would not turn in the corners.
“It all worked out great, but I was plowing in (Turns) 3 and 4,” said Larson, the race’s defending winner who became the track’s all-time lap leader — he paced 78 of them — but had his winless streak stretch to 33 races. “Reddick was really good there (at the end).”
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin and Bubba Wallace completed the first five finishers.
A Toyota won for the sixth time in the past 11 races at the Midwest speedway.
Polesitter Reddick, Hamlin and Briscoe showed Toyota supremacy early with the first two drivers swapping the lead. Then Hamlin stormed away to a 1.25-second lead 15 circuits into the 267-lap race.
Hamlin lapped up to the 21st-place car — Todd Gilliland — as drivers such as Joey Logano, Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain all were put a lap down. Larson was able to pass Reddick, but Hamlin claimed the 80-lap Stage 1 over Larson followed by Reddick, Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell.
In the second segment, Larson began to assert himself. He immediately snatched the point from Hamlin and led until Lap 125 when he, Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Reddick pitted to split Stage 2’s 85 laps.
The completion of the second stage also was rather tame. Larson claimed the segment followed by Hamlin, Reddick, Elliot and Bell as the only problems were drivers having minor setbacks with tires.
The only cautions through the first two stages were for stage-breaks, not incidents.
On Lap 175 shortly after the restart for the run to the race’s end, Bell maneuvered by Hamlin for the lead. Wallace and Reddick rounded out a four-car Camry train with six of the top nine being Toyotas.
Running third to leader Bell and Reddick, Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Briscoe began the cycle of pits with 52 laps remaining to set up the finish while Reddick and Bell waited five more circuits for service.
Kansas
Kansas Governor signs Caleb’s Law, targeting online sextortion of minors
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Caleb’s Law, strengthening penalties for online sexual extortion targeting children.
Governor Kelly says the law is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, who died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme.
What the Law Does
Caleb’s Law expands Kansas’s existing sexual extortion statute in three key ways:
- Broadens the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images – including AI-generated or digitally altered images
- Increase criminal penalties when an adult offender targets a minor or a dependent adult
- Creates two felony offenses: aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm and aggravated sexual extortion causing death
Under the new law, sexual extortion involving a minor or dependent adult is elevated from a severity level 7 to a severity level 6 person felony for coercive intent cases.
The legislation also elevates a level 4 to a level 3 person felony when the victim is caused to produce or distribute sexual content.
Statewide Education Requirements
House Bill 2537 also directs the Kansas Attorney General to lead a statewide public education effort on sextortion. The AG’s office will:
- Prepare and distribute educational materials for schools, students, parents and the public
- Collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies
- File an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the Governor, legislative leadership and the State Board of Education on implementation progress
The Attorney General’s Office estimates the education effort will require two new positions at a cost of around $213,900 from the State General Fund, rising to an estimated $20,300 in 2028.
In Their Own Words
Gov. Kelly said the law reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with digital threats facing children.
“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” she said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”
Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Garden City), who introduced the bill, added that it earned unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” he stated. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped.”
Rep. Dan Osman (D-Overland Park) credited Caleb Moore’s family for pushing the legislation forward.
“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” he added.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also voiced strong support, noting the law addresses one of the state’s most urgent child safety threats.
“HB 2537 is a critical measure to protect Kansans from sexual exploitation and ensure public awareness and education on this growing threat,” said Sarah Hortenstine, Division Chief of Youth Services, Kansas Office of the Attorney General.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Bill introduced, referred to House Committee on Judiciary |
| Feb. 5 | House committee hearing held |
| Feb. 16 | Committee recommends passage |
| Feb. 18 | House passes bill unanimously |
| Feb. 25 | Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary |
| March 17 | Senate committee hearing held |
| March 18 | Senate committee recommends passage |
| March 19 | Senate passes bill unanimously |
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers – with no recorded opposition.
Background: What Is Sextortion?
Officials noted that sextortion is a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce victims – often minors – into producing sexual images.
Those bad actors then use the images to demand more content, money, or sexual acts, according to investigators.
State leaders said cases can escalate rapidly, and the resulting trauma has led to severe psychological harm and, in some cases, suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
For mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Kansas Losing Momentum With Key Transfer Target After New Visits
Since losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller in the transfer portal, Bill Self has been tasked with rebuilding his frontcourt from the 2025-26 campaign. While he has landed former Utah forward Keanu Dawes to succeed Tiller at the four, the Jayhawks’ roster still lacks a true center to replace Louisville commit Bidunga.
One player KU had hoped to add was Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who tormented the Jayhawks when the two schools met this past February. However, the chances of him committing to play in Lawrence appear to be dwindling by the day.
The Senegal native recently wrapped up a trip to St. John’s and is set to visit Ann Arbor on Monday to meet with the defending champions, Michigan.
Source: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will visit Michigan on Monday.
Recently visited St. John’s.
Averaged 12.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2026
Kansas was initially supposed to be one of the top schools involved in Thiam’s recruitment, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. The Jayhawks have been relatively quiet so far and haven’t gained much traction toward securing an official visit.
Not only is Michigan a recruiting powerhouse coming off a national title win under second-year head coach Dusty May, but it also boasts one of the largest NIL collectives in the NCAA. If the Wolverines are seriously pursuing Thiam, it likely means he will come at a hefty price tag.
KU is expected to increase the NIL budget this year to handle its roster deficiencies from the past few seasons. Regardless, the program must be strategic with its spending, especially with the decision of 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes still looming.
Who Are Kansas’ Alternatives to Moustapha Thiam?
If the Jayhawks are unable to land Thiam, there are a few alternatives on the open market. Those options may not carry the same hype as the 7-foot-2 phenom, who is ranked as the No. 3 center in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings, but they could still provide solid production nonetheless.
One name to watch is Anton Bonke, another towering big man who has spent time at Providence and most recently Charlotte. He visited KU’s campus earlier this week alongside Dawes and remains a viable option.
Another possible solution could come from within if Paul Mbiya decides to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Kansas. The incoming sophomore flashed his potential during the postseason and is reportedly open to rejoining the program.
Finally, FC Barcelona center Sayon Keita is an international prospect who could make his college decision within the next month or two. He took an official visit to Kansas last July.
Whoever ultimately replaces Bidunga, Self will need to act quickly before the remaining top targets come off the board. Bringing back Mbiya and adding a transfer would be a strong start.
Follow
-
California1 minute agoCalifornia couple charged with murder in death of toddler skip court
-
Colorado7 minutes agoUPDATE: Northbound Powers reopned after major crash
-
Connecticut13 minutes agoCT Lottery Cash 5, Play3 winning numbers for April 19, 2026
-
Delaware19 minutes agoMan speeds past leading runner in photo finish at Delaware Marathon
-
Florida25 minutes agoFlorida Lottery Fantasy 5, Cash Pop results for April 19, 2026
-
Georgia31 minutes ago
Gaudette & Patel Pitch Past No. 3 UNC, 5-2
-
Hawaii37 minutes agoA Deep Dive into Hawai‘i’s Shell Jewelry Industry – Hawaii Business Magazine
-
Idaho43 minutes ago
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on April 19, 2026
