While Cutest was away visiting family in Dallas, cute puppy Sola and I wandered over to the Hot Dog Festival. The purpose of this event was to raise money for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
What a great tie in: Hot dogs synonymous with baseball, and 18th and Vine is Kansas City’s long time ground zero for jazz. And there I was with my dog on the west side of the 18th and Vine district. By closing Paseo from 15th to 18th street, the broad, grassy median became the perfect venue. Several hundred families laid out their picnic blankets or unfolded lawn chairs to relax and soak in the entertainment. Sola had company.
In order to purchase food and beverages, several long lines led to the concession tent. Being a warm day with minimal breezes, the wait seemed long. However, it did present opportunities to chat with fellow food liners and take in the sights.
Food selection was typical summer fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and fries. Beverages available were water, pop, beer, wine, and canned, burp, cocktails. Finally, with sustenance in hand, Sola and I located the softest street curb I could find, sat and consumed our dinner. Summertime delicious!
Five jazz groups were listed on the bill. We stayed for two, a flutist and a sax player. Both were top notch female performers backed by drums, guitar, and keyboard. KC Parks and Recreation has a terrific elevated portable stage, complete with several big monitors.
After returning home, I glanced out my windows that oversee Crown Center’s entertainment plaza. An Innovation Festival (?) event/concert/whatnot was underway. Compared to Hot Dog and Jazz, the Innovation Festival was a distinct loser. First, in my opinion, innovation is a horrible name for this ticketed event. There was beer and some fringe bands, and those were the main calling cards. Only a tenth of the numbers of attendees were walking in the plaza compared to the hot dog festival. So my advice (sorry Cutest, you weren’t there to vote): attend the Hot Dog Festival next year and skip the Innovation or lack of innovation Festival. I dunno, thought, maybe the latter will improve by then. But do think about how quickly KC’s list of festivals and general entertainment has grown – by jumps and springs (no clichés here) in such a short period. As more people, especially young adults, move downtown, more opportunities are becoming available. What a change from just a few years ago. So just get out and enjoy. We are living in Kansas City's 21st Century Renaissance! Don't miss it! (Speaking of that, see below.)
Comentários