Sound and style collide at the West Bottoms hi-fi club In the Lowest Ferns: April 2025

In the Lowest Ferns, the West Bottoms’ high-fidelity club, may have only opened up last year, but it already feels like a long-standing institution.

Half of the magic lies in the space itself, aptly described as an “industrial garden” by co-founder Jason Eubanks. The DJ booth, framed by mid-century-inspired screens made out of scrap metal, serves as the room’s nucleus. The cafe tables were built by hand, and the bench seating was a $10 Facebook Marketplace find. Towering houseplants, skylights and deep-red lighting soften the rustic edge.

“Our approach was very organic,” says co-founder DJ Dante Walton. “We used our resources—estate sales, vintage stores, thrift stores, you name it. It worked well with the space.”

The owners want to carve out the venue’s reputation as not just a bar but also a community-centric space. Their Nomada Movement Series—which debuts this month on every Friday and Saturday before service begins—will include a wide array of activities in their line-up, including yoga, heels and tai chi.

This month also marks DJ Dante Walton’s return to performing with a new residency, Dante’s Infinite Frequencies. Taking place every last Saturday of the month, his series kicks off with special guest dancer Haley Kostas for a mixed media performance.

“After a year of business, I’m really looking forward to creating space for myself as an artist and to create a fun, connecting experience,” Walton says. 

GO: Dante’s Infinite Frequencies featuring Haley Kostas.
April 26. 8 pm. In the Lowest Ferns. 1105 Hickory St., KCMO. 

Visit inthelowestferns.com to learn more about specific programming.

April

3–27

Carousel

Of the many musicals composed by Richard Rodgers—including classics like Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music—Carousel goes down in history as the composer’s personal favorite. Based on Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play Liliom, the plot follows carnival barker Billy Bigelow’s turbulent romance with millworker Julie Jordan for a tale of love, tragedy and redemption. Music Theater Heritage’s production marks the musical’s 80th anniversary. April 3–27. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.

4

Big Read Storytime with Rebekah Taussig

KC author Rebekah Taussig brings her latest children’s book, We Are the Scrappy Ones, to life with a storytime event. Drawing from her own experience of losing the use of her legs as a toddler, Taussig’s book celebrates resilience and creativity. Attendees will receive a free copy of the book at the family-friendly reading. April 4. 5:30 pm. Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch.

4

Midwest Jazz Collective: Benny Benack III Quartet

The Midwest Jazz Collective—a consortium of a dozen jazz clubs across the region—brings Harlem-based trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III to KC’s The Blue Room. Known for his bebop and swing stylings and magnetic stage presence, Benack and his quartet will deliver an upbeat performance that channels the likes of legends Frank Sinatra and Chet Baker. April 4. 8:30 pm & 10 pm. The Blue Room.

5 

Helen Sung with Bach Aria Soloists

Globetrotting jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung joins forces with KC’s own Bach Aria Soloists for a world premiere that bridges classical and jazz traditions. The Folly Jazz Series’ performance will honor the improvisational spirit of Johann Sebastian Bach in Sung’s latest work. April 5. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.

10 

Larkin Poe 

Sister duo Larkin Poe embodies Americana music with a rocking, bluesy and tinged-with-twang sound—a concoction that scratches the brain just right. In support of their latest and eighth studio album, Bloom, the new release features driving grooves, sincere lyrics and powerful, belting vocals. April 10. 8 pm. The Truman.

11

Les Arts Florissants with Théotime Langlois de Swarte

Three hundred years ago, Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi published his iconic violin concerti, The Four Seasons. To commemorate the anniversary, French violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and chamber orchestra Les Arts Florissants will close out the Harriman-Jewell Series season with one of the most familiar classical pieces of all time. April 11. 7 pm. Folly Theater.

12

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes

Actor Cary Elwes is offering a behind-the-scenes look at the cult classic film The Princess Bride. Elwes, who portrayed farm boy Westley, will share secrets and stories from the movie and beyond at the Kauffman Center’s moderated discussion. April 12. 7 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

12

Country Club Plaza Spring Market and Shopping Stroll

Welcome the arrival of spring at Country Club Plaza’s first annual Spring Market and Shopping Stroll. Located on Nichols Road between Jefferson Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, shoppers can experience a vibrant lineup of local artisan pop-up vendors, seasonal tastings and interactive experiences at the stores and restaurants, all the while being entertained throughout the day with live music and other activities. April 12. 11 am. The Country Club Plaza.

19

Spring Song

Grammy award-winning Kansas City Chorale will fill the Nelson Atkins’ lofty and reverberant Kirkwood Hall with lush harmonies for the choir’s annual Easter eve celebration of spring. Led by conductor Charles Bruffy, this year’s program includes Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor alongside a preview of music from the ensemble’s forthcoming album, The Lost Birds, set to release next year. April 19. 6 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. 

21

chrysalis, Kirstie Lynn and JOBIE

Singer-songwriter Kirstie Lynn is a gem of KC’s music scene. Originally from upstate New York, the operatically trained musician’s pivot to folk was a natural one with her warbling, songbird-like vibrato and poetic storytelling. Lynn will be joined by Nashville-based chrysalis and Boston’s JOBIE at Greenwood Social Hall. The cozy and eclectic Westside venue is a former historic Baptist church turned listening room. April 21. 7 pm. Greenwood Social Hall. 

25 & 26

Ailey II

The second company of the world-renowned and revered Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Ailey II is a leading force in the modern dance world and a cultural institution. Showcasing both newly choreographed works and classics, the program includes the company’s beloved signature work Revelations. The powerful piece—set to spirituals, blues and gospel—tells a resilient story of the Black experience in the United States. April 25, 7:30 pm; April 26, 1 pm. Folly Theater.

25–27

Spring Plant Sale

Offering over 250 varieties of perennials and annuals, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ annual plant sale is a must for those with a green thumb. The weekend-long event features locally grown native plants—many of them pollinator-friendly—with proceeds supporting the Arboretum. April 25–27. 9 am. Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

26 & 27

Connor Wood Presents: Fibs & Friends Featuring Maggie Winters

Known as @fibula on TikTok and Instagram, Connor Wood went viral for his comedy sketches during the pandemic, ranting about his relatable struggles as an unemployed, quarantined 20-something. Wood has since branched out into stand-up, delivering clever observational quips. He will be joined by Chicago-based comedian Maggie Winters. April 26 & 27. Times vary. Funny Bone Comedy Club.

30

Count Basie Orchestra

A cornerstone of jazz, the Count Basie Orchestra has carried on the legacy of its legendary namesake and the Kansas City style for 90 years. Although Kansas City jazz pianist Count Basie passed away in 1984, the big band continues to swing on under the leadership of trumpeter Scotty Barnhart. The internationally touring 18-piece ensemble is returning to where it all began in honor of International Jazz Day. April 30. 7 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.

April 2025 calendar.

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