A vibrant sports culture shapes the KC region and nurtures a community of champions.
By Pete Dulin
Fandom itself is practically a sport in KC. Native residents and transplants find a common language, a mutual enthusiasm for sports that lasts a lifetime.That invigorating spirit resonates through every season.
Each spring, Kansas City hosts the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship, where more than 150,000 ticket holders watch hoops at the T-Mobile Center. March Madness fans rally behind powerhouse and Cinderella-story college basketball teams. We attend watch parties at the Power and Light District to root and hope, rain or shine. Electric cheers reverberate city-wide.
And when football season rolls around, members of Kansas City Chiefs Kingdom flock from Midwest cities and gather at Arrowhead Stadium. The Sea of Red begins in the parking lot. Fragrant smoke whets our appetite. We prepare barbecue slow and low, temperature rising at the tailgate, and show hospitality to visitors. Since 2014, Arrowhead has held the Guinness World Record for the loudest outdoor stadium, with crowd chants and decibel-busting roars frustrating opponents and thrilling fans.
Generations of sports lovers pass on traditions backed by local pride. Young athletes throughout Kansas City learn and grow not only in schools, but also on the field, in gyms and at sports complexes. They develop leadership and sportsmanship skills that serve them in competition and in life.
Backed by family, coaches and friends, we show solidarity after a setback. We bond over triumph and celebrate achievement.
Our winners’ list is long and worthy. We tout Super Bowl wins, World Series championships and MLS Cups.
Champions themselves, KC Current has made history by playing at CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s professional sports team. Fan-based KC Blue Crew and Undertow KC keep Teal Rising spirits raised high on match days.
And the ultimate win for KC? Hosting fans from around the globe for FIFA World Cup 26™.
Nothing slows us down. We are home to champions, a community proud to support our sports heroes and each other year-round.
Explore KC’s diverse pathways to balance, health and living your best life.
By Maggie Smardo
Wellness is about discovering what ignites your spark — and KC offers an array of avenues to do so. There’s something here for every path toward well-being, so embrace the journey and step confidently into the best version of yourself.
HAND & LAND Tucked into the historic Luzier Building in Midtown, Hand & Land is your destination no matter where you are in your journey to “clean things up.” This tranquil spa and shop offers sustainable, organic products — each one intentionally curated. From holistic spa treatments to planet-friendly gifts, it’s a trusted space for anyone seeking mindful self-care in Kansas City.
CHIEFS FIT With locations at The Country Club Plaza and in Overland Park, Chiefs Fit is an elite wellness destination where high-performance training meets restorative recovery. From personal training to Normatec compression, every detail is designed for champions. Plus, with KC’s only rooftop training turf, it’s the ultimate environment for maximizing fitness potential and enjoying the city view.
KALOS Breathe. Move. Feel. The KALOS Experience in Westwood reimagines every element of yoga by honoring body movement as a form of art. Combining traditional flows, breathwork and an uplifting environment, they’ve reconceptualized the feeling of group fitness.
WOODSIDE Woodside is a luxury health club with a deeply devoted following. Specializing in collective spaces within their Westwood campus, Woodside offers more than 50 group fitness classes, tennis courts, pools and more.
ZEN DONKEY FARMS Wellness with a cause. Zen Donkey Farms is tapping into both ends of the wellness pendulum by supplying a fresh-pressed juice delivery and a space for people with special needs to experience donkey-assisted activities. Patrons of this unique farm concept can order juice straight to their doorstep, catch the team at a pop-up event or schedule a meet-and-greet with their herd in Greenwood.
KLĀ SANCTUARY Celebrate the ritual of pause at the serene Klā Sanctuary, located in the heart of the West Bottoms. This urban oasis bathhouse blends sanctuary with specialty treatments, offering a transformative sensory journey. Connected to the space is Selah, a haven for reflection and replenishment where anyone — spa guest or not — is invited to indulge in tea and small bites in a soothing setting.
Kansas City’s international food scene is a world of its own.
By Tyler Shane | Photos by Anna Petrow
Some may view Kansas City as a flyover country, not a cultural destination. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. With deep immigrant roots, a spirit of collaboration and a growing sense of pride in its diversity, KC’s dining scene tells a global story — one dish at a time. From James Beard-winning tortillerias and nationally recognized delis to Thai-spiced barbecue and locally invented Italian dishes, KC is full of surprises. It’s the kind of place that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Midwestern food.
You may have already heard of Baba’s Pantry, a tiny, ten-seat Palestinian deli in Brookside named one of Bon Appétit’s best new restaurants in the country in 2022. Or Yoli Tortilleria, founded by Sonora, Mexico native Marissa Gencarelli and her husband, Mark, which won a James Beard Award for Best Bakery in 2023. Caramelo Tortilleria, known for its delicate Sonoran-style tortillas, was recently profiled in The New Yorker and featured on Netflix’s David Chang Live. Add in Lidia’s Kansas City, the namesake Italian restaurant from world-renowned chef Lidia Bastianich, and you’re just scratching the surface.
Even with these nationally celebrated names, some of KC’s most exciting flavors can be found in unexpected places.
In Overland Park, one of KC’s top pitmasters, Tyler Harp, is adding Indian spices to his Texas-style barbecue to cater to the local Indian population. Think of andouille sausage with tandoori notes and a hint of turmeric. Not far away, Chef Swetha Newcomb blends the Indian and Midwestern flavors of her upbringing at her upscale restaurant, Of Course Kitchen & Company. French fries dusted with peri peri spice, filet mignon swimming in coconut moilee and lamb ragu with pumpkin masala are just a few examples of her modern cuisine.
Travel a little farther east on the culinary map and Japan’s quintessential eats — ramen, sushi and egg sandwiches — are all well accounted for. At KC Craft Ramen, Tokyo native Kenichi Ota makes his noodles in-house. The way they grip the pool of rich, flavorful broth is incomparable. For sushi, there are omakase-style restaurants like Sushi Kodawari, helmed by Karson Thompson, a lawyer-turned-sushi-chef, or Akoya Omakase. For the lesser-seen hand-rolled variety, head to the 24-seat sushi bar in the Crossroads Arts District, Kata Nori. There, the chefs present you with some of the best quality fish around town and you can order sake in a wooden box, complementing the experience. Looking for Japan’s beloved egg sandwich? James Beard-nominated Chef Johnny Leach has created one for the bar food program at XO in the Westside, where you can enjoy it infused with bits of nori while listening to hi-fi Japanese beats on vinyl.
Other global highlights are just as eclectic. Rakar Dumpling House, a Chinese restaurant that operates out of an antique furniture shop, serves Beijing-style dumplings. Clay & Fire, a Persian and Turkish restaurant that sits in a classic Westside home, uses a wood-fired hearth to infuse each kebab and vegetable with irresistible char and smoke.
And then, of course, there are tacos. Kansas City, specifically the Kansas side, is considered America’s Taco Capital, with the city’s Taco Trail mapping more than 60 taquerias. You’ll find everything from street-style al pastor to Tex-Mex fusion. GiGi’s Barbacoa brings barbecue traditions from Tabasco, Mexico, while T’ÄHÄ on the Plaza takes things upscale with tender rabbit in a deeply layered mole sauce made with more than 20 ingredients.
With the city’s Vietnamese food scene growing quickly, there’s no shortage of brothy bowls of pho and crisp banh mi sandwiches. Locally owned Vietnamese coffee shops such as Café Cà Phê and Origin Coi Nguon Coffeehouse are drawing crowds for their bold, Robusta-based brews and community vibes.
For more romantic nights out, French spots like Le Fou Frog and Westport Café offer European elegance with Kansas City soul. Helmed by French chefs, both restaurants have that elusive je ne sais quoi that never goes out of style.
All of this adds up to a dining scene that’s as diverse as it is approachable, where international flavors are part of the local fabric, and where chefs are constantly blending heritage with heart.
For those considering a move to Kansas City, the food is just one window into the culture here. But it’s a pretty delicious one.
These restaurants have a following that is as devoted as KC sports fans.
By Michelle Bacon
Food has a way of evoking fond memories and deepening our connection to the world. Inspired by family vacations and inherited traditions, these KC-area spots have gained a cult-like popularity for providing a delicious sense of familiarity, comfort and community.
SLOW RISE Jessica Dunkel has doughnuts down to a science, evident by the hours-long lines at Slow Rise pop-ups. Her 72-hour fermentation process ensures a tangy sourdough and a pillowy mouthfeel, with freshness at the vanguard of each bite. We can’t wait to grab our dozen at their upcoming permanent Overland Park location.
Recommended: the popular pandan coconut doughnut, harkening to Dunkel’s Indonesian roots.
LUCA BAGEL Luke Salvatore’s New Jersey-style bagels have found a rabid contingent in Kansas City with Luca Bagels. Since his first pop-up at Providence Pizza (which he co-owns with brother Aaron) three years ago, the hand-rolled delicacies have become one of the biggest draws of the Overland Park Farmer’s Market, leading to the now-open Brookside brick-and-mortar.
Recommended: a delightfully piquant cheddar serrano bagel with a heaping spoonful of hot honey schmear.
AURORA CAFE & BAKERY A beloved confection, the concha is a standout staple in Mexican households and panaderias. Husband and wife Javier and Kerianne Nuñez put their spin on the multicolored seashell sweet breads at Aurora (the namesake of Javier’s grandmother). Both seasoned professional bakers, the couple offers scratch-made pastries and sandwiches.
Recommended: the crème brûlée conchita, topped with a satisfyingly crunchy glaze of caramel.
Fashion has long been woven into the vibrant landscape of Kansas City. Dating back to the mid-20th century, KC’s Garment District grew to be one of the largest in the nation. Now, the metro continues to celebrate innovation in fashion through local designers and high-profile events.
KC RUNWAY Mark your calendar for the second Saturday in June when the 18th Street Fashion Show takes over the vibrant blocks between Wyandotte Street and Baltimore Avenue. Models strut the catwalk under the stars for a close look at some of the metro’s freshest designs.
In the fall, get ready for Kansas City Fashion Week which makes its mark each year with two full weeks of designer runway shows. The event draws fashion lovers and industry insiders for high-energy runway shows, designer showcases and plenty of wow moments. Grab a ticket to be dazzled by both established and emerging designers.
ETHICAL FASHION In a world of fast fashion, Amy Appleton, creative director and founder of Blackbird Collection, started her clothing and interiors business with a vision to support marginalized communities and ethical manufacturing. Her goal is to educate people on using personal fashion to connect with others. “But it’s really more than just fashion,” Amy said. “It’s a whole movement towards less consumption, sustainable living and intentionally dressing, which also includes intentionally buying.”
ART X FASHION KC’s world-renowned arts scene brings big names to the metro. The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College presented A Match Made in Heaven, a mashup of two Missouri natives — fashion designer Jeremy Scott and contemporary artist Katherine Bernhardt — for a colorful and cheeky exhibition of pop culture. Smiles are inevitable as you walk through dresses made from windshield wipers and iconic branding.
LOCAL DESIGNERS The KC region is booming with world-reaching design talent. Check out a few of the metro’s finest:
CHEATIN SNAKES Think of gritty streetwear with a vintage flair. Even Post Malone couldn’t resist the distinctive designs of Grant Kratzer, founder of Cheatin Snakes. Grant’s creative streetwear not only graced Post Malone’s stage but also earned him a partnership creating merch for the musician’s tours.
MADE MOBB Founded in 2013 by Vu Radley, Jesse Phouangphet and Mark Launiu, MADE MOBB features streetwear with hip-hop and Midwest roots. The founders’ passion for Midwest values takes their business beyond a clothing brand to community mentorship, sometimes visiting local schools to help students learn about entrepreneurial options.
WHITNEY MANNEY Making a statement is an everyday occasion for Whitney Manney, who positions fashion as art. Bold colors and custom prints that reflect street art and cultural movements are signatures for Manney’s successful clothing line.
PAOLINI Known for polished menswear, Paolini delivers luxury textiles and custom-tailored garments for its loyal clientele. With every detail personalized, customers walk away with one-of-a-kind pieces that last a lifetime. n
The people of KC are passionate about shopping local — bolstering and uplifting businesses and organizations born from our very own community. While these makers abound, here are a few making big impacts in the region.
WEST BOTTOMS WHISKEY CO. Known for exceptional whiskey and award-winning cocktails that pay homage to the region and its storied history in the pre-Prohibition era, West Bottoms Whiskey Co. seamlessly blends craftsmanship and community into an incredible creation.
SANDLOT GOODS Completely designed and handcrafted in Kansas City, Sandlot Goods specializes in hats inspired by your favorite vintage gear, worn throughout the United States and by some of the most recognizable celebrities.
SIERRA WINTER JEWELRY The pieces from Sierra Winter Jewelry are designed in Kansas City and influenced by the Midwestern prairie, landscape and culture. The stories they inspire are as unique as the wearer, making each piece individual and timeless.
CHERRY Curating some of the most popular KC-inspired and fashion-forward sports gear since 2012, CHERRY is women owned and promotes individuality, innovation and comfort. From premium tees, sweatshirts, blazers and everything in between, CHERRY helps keep Kansas City fresh.
WEST BOTTOMS PLANT COMPANY Housed within the maker’s paradise of 12th Street Post, West Bottoms Plant Company offers specially sourced, high-quality plants in the ultimate downtown oasis. This artisan hub blends lush greenery with local creativity in a welcoming, inclusive space for the community.
CHRISTOPHER ELBOW CHOCOLATES Colorful confections that are decadently delicious, Christopher Elbow Chocolates blends stunning craftsmanship with mouth-watering flavor into each chocolatey bite. These masterful, artful morsels are a great gift for any occasion, even though they may not last long.
HAMMERPRESS Locally designed and created, Hammerpress is a letterpress print shop specializing in cards, stationery, art, posters and more. Make those handwritten notes or invitations that much more special with a personalized touch or a little flair.
It’s true — you won’t find mountains or an ocean here.
But through four distinct seasons, this area teems with natural beauty and countless ways to enjoy it.
Kansas City sits at the confluence of two rivers. While the mighty Missouri is more rowdy than most of us care to tackle, the Riverfront Heritage Trail isn’t.
This pedestrian and bike-friendly route starts at Berkley Riverfront Park, runs along the banks where steamboats once docked, and into Kansas City, Kansas, at historic Kaw Point.
The Kansas River is considerably more user-friendly. These days, it’s not unusual to see kayaks and canoes gliding along it, passing farms and forests on their way into the urban heart of town.
Lovely lakes for swimming, fishing and boating dot the map in every direction. Smithville Lake, just twenty minutes north of downtown, is the metro’s largest.
The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit harbors a dozen small lakes, linked by trails that wind through woods and wetlands.
Across the state line, Wyandotte County Lake boasts the kind of hilly terrain that mountain bikers can’t resist. Its rocky bluffs offer great views even in winter.
Shawnee Mission Park makes it easy to get into the water. The marina rents pedal boats, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. And the 53-acre dog park abutting the lake is one of the best your hound will ever explore.
Streamway trails are another great way to catch a glipse of wildlife while getting a workout. The Mill Creek Streamway Park runs 17 miles from the Kansas River to Olathe.
Of course, if you just need some green space and picnic tables, the metro has hundreds of parks. Most notably, KC’s Swope Park. With 1,800 acres, it’s large enough to contain both the Lakeside Nature Center and the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
Antioch, Meadowbrook and Sar-Ko-Par offer vast acres of scenery and whimsical playgrounds for little ones.
Finally, let’s talk about fall.
The foliage is fabulous and temperatures are mild. For hayrides, pumpkin picking and plenty of other autumnal festivities, check out Faulkner’s Ranch, Louisburg Cider Mill and Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch, to name a few.
You may have heard Kansas City referred to as the “Paris of the Plains.”
We do have a lot of fountains, museums and great music, but that’s not what the term referred to originally.
In the 1930s, writers used it to describe the many ways that “sin” flourished here under the protection of Boss Tom Pendergast’s powerful political machine. Prohibition or not, this was a town that liked its liquor — and the jazz clubs that lined the streets weren’t the only places to find it.
Eventually, Pendergast went to prison and a wave of reformers “cleaned up” after him. The underground liquor establishments would vanish into history, but the “Paris of the Plains” would not be gone forever.
Fast forward to 2008, when a speakeasy named Manifesto opened its unmarked door, bringing the thrill of clandestine cocktails back to Main Street.
Though Manifesto has since closed, the iconic basement bar ushered in a new era of speakeasy culture to downtown Kansas City. In 2014, Manifesto owner Ryan Maybee partnered with Andy Rieger to revive the historic J. Rieger & Co. distillery, continuing the legacy started by Manifesto.
J. Rieger & Co. hit the ground running, reviving an old practice of mixing sherry into whiskey for what’s now known as KC Whiskey. And Maybee is back behind the bar again at the speakeasy-inspired Hey! Hey! Club inside Rieger’s Electric Park entertainment complex.
After 95 years without a distillery, it wasn’t long before KC had two.
In 2016, Tom’s Town Distilling Co. (named for the Boss himself) set up shop along the streetcar line, crafting bourbon, gin, whiskey and a line of canned beverages.
A few blocks away, Swordfish Tom’s takes the craft cocktail vibe even further. To reach it, journey through an alley, down some stairs and (if the light is green) into a cozy space that holds around 40.
The Mercury Room, on the other hand, is an elegant 14th-floor experience, featuring a celestially themed bar and great views of downtown through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Campground in KC’s historic Stockyards District puts on a rustic face. But drinks like the Desert Paloma are far more complex than what our forefathers poured.
These days, it seems that every corner of the metro has an intriguing place to sip and chill.
In Lee’s Summit, it’s the W. In Shawnee, Drastic Measures and its sister bar Wild Child are playing a key role in the nightlife that’s sprung up along Johnson Drive.
In Weston, step through the local boutique Celtic Ranch to discover The Whisky Snug — a destination tasting room for whiskey, scotch and bourbon.
And in Kansas City, Kansas, the Blue Palm will take you on a tiki trip — with lively libations, campy decor and an outdoor deck that’s perfect for grazing and gazing across the Kansas River.
With a mix of thriving industries and talented professionals, KC empowers global leaders, creative dreamers and cutting-edge businesses to take flight.
Talent Finds a Home Here
Working in Kansas City comes with a unique set of advantages. A diverse industry makeup that closely mirrors that of the U.S. overall means a stable economy and freedom to grow beyond your current role. Combine that with an unemployment rate that’s consistently at or below the U.S. average, and you have a recipe for a fulfilling lifelong career with an abundance of opportunities.
CoworkingCafe cites KC as the No. 3 best city for working moms. Thanks to factors like lower cost-of-living and an average commute time of just 23.3 minutes, families can settle, thrive and grow within the region.
Kansas City consistently ranks as a top city for millennial and Gen Z workers. This is unsurprising, considering there’s no shortage of opportunities for early-career professionals to bolster their resume or expand their professional circle. Access to non-profit board leadership, professional trade associations and social networking events is unrivaled.
Connected at the Core
Smack-dab in the heartland, KC is the center of industry and innovation in North America.
At the crossroads of the nation’s transportation network, KC’s superior access to road, rail, air and river transportation allows companies to reach 90% of the contiguous U.S. in two days or less. Top brands, including Panasonic and Nuuly, have taken note, strategically harnessing KC’s prime location to easily access suppliers and customers.
Fueling continued growth across the region, KC’s manufacturing and logistics sectors boast a workforce of 200,000 people, with more on the way.
At the Forefront of Technology
Aptly dubbed “silicon prairie,” KC has emerged as a star in the technology economy. In fact, one in 10 employees is a tech worker, making the sector one of Kansas City’s largest economic pillars.
Home to both nimble startups and legacy brands, KC’s tech scene boasts some big names. Google, H&R Block and T-Mobile — to name a few. As a leading global provider of financial technology solutions, Fiserv’s recent decision to establish a new strategic fintech hub in Overland Park, KS, further proves the region is ripe for innovation.
Digital health — the use of information technology to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes — has a long legacy in KC, where companies including Garmin, Netsmart and WellSky are all headquartered here.
Shaping a Healthier Future
The Kansas City region is home to one of the nation’s most dynamic healthcare communities. Anchored by nationally ranked institutions such as The University of Kansas Health System, Children’s Mercy Kansas City and AdventHealth, the region not only attracts top talent but also gives residents access to world-class care close to home.
KC’s bioscience strength extends beyond hospitals. KCAS Bio provides advanced laboratory analysis that powers the development of life-saving therapies, while research leaders such as MRIGlobal are solving some of the world’s most pressing scientific problems.
And it’s not just about humans. The KC Animal Health Corridor — an area stretching from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri — represents more than 50% of global animal health and nutrition sales. Here, a robust network of manufacturers, researchers and educators is tackling challenges ranging from preventing zoonotic diseases to ensuring global food safety and security. The region is also home to the first BSL-4 laboratory in the U.S. capable of housing large livestock, allowing scientists to safely study and diagnose a variety of high-consequence animal pathogens.
Designing the World Around Us
From user experience to urban infrastructure, Kansas City’s designers, engineers and creators are shaping the way people live, work and connect.
With more than 1,200 firms in the region, the architecture, engineering and construction industry is a powerhouse. KC professionals pioneered the sustain¬ability-focused Green Revolution and are leading the way in the development of power and telecommunication systems.
Sports architecture is another KC specialty. Nearly half of the world’s major sports venues originate here and, KC firms were key to the design of 13 of 16 FIFA World Cup 26™ stadiums.
But design in Kansas City goes beyond the built environment. The greeting card you mailed your grandma last week? Likely created by an artist at Hallmark, headquartered here since 1910. The sleek website you just browsed? Quite possibly crafted by the experts at VML, one of the world’s largest marketing agencies.
Together, KC’s web of creative and professional services firms showcases the caliber of innovation and imagination that flows from this region — design that doesn’t just stay local, but shapes the world.
KC’s performing arts scene is energetic, accessible and teeming with talent.
By Addie Linn | Photo by Cody Boston
KC’s nonprofit arts and culture sector has a $600 million impact on the local economy, supports nearly 9,000 jobs and inspires 4.5 million audience members annually. It may be unexpected for a mid-sized, “secondary city” — but KC is accustomed to overdelivering.
The numbers say a lot, but what really speaks is the caliber of talent gracing stages across the region. The city’s symphony, opera and ballet troupes attract top performers, conductors and choreographers from around the nation, forming a powerhouse of artistic prestige.
Homegrown virtuosos emerge from area schools including William Jewell College, Park University and the highly-regarded University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Rooted in KC but performing worldwide, Quixotic Fusion stuns with a dynamic mixture of live music, dance, aerial stunts and technical mastery that blend into an immersive cirque experience you can’t miss.
The city is also filled with venues that are sure to take your breath away. Most notably, the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts — which has cemented itself as a destination for world-class performers and as an iconic piece of the KC skyline.
Starlight Theatre brings Broadway outside with its open-air amphitheater, while Overland Park’s New Theatre and Restaurant dazzles indoors with LED panels that give life to a unique auditorium atmosphere.
Our storied jazz legacy lives on today in historic venues — The Blue Room, Green Lady Lounge and The Phoenix, to name a few. There’s also the Mutual Musician’s Foundation, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as the world’s longest-running jazz venue.
These striking locales make KC an attractive place for touring acts, including concerts, comedy shows, Broadway musicals — you name it. Variety is undoubtedly a strength of the market and there’s no shortage of events available to fill your calendar.
Perhaps what’s most unique about the arts in KC: accessibility. Like an unspoken rule, the importance of arts exposure is collectively understood, and patrons of all ages, backgrounds and tax brackets can be a part of the scene in KC.
Kansas City Symphony goers can snag a ticket for as low as $37, or catch its Mobile Music Box to see a performance at no cost. Sprawling into suburban and rural communities, this outdoor concert series brings free chamber music to zip codes across the region.
The Drop, an ArtsKC program, works to remove barriers to the arts, while ArtsKC Go, an online platform, curates a calendar of free and low-cost events throughout the year.
Art as Mentorship connects young artists to seasoned musicians with a deeper goal of combating the youth mental health crisis. Founded by Enrique Chi, lead guitarist and vocalist of local Grammy-nominated band Making Movies, the program offers a variety of camps, workshops and the annual Celebrate Ameri’kana festival.
Far more than a “highbrow” pastime, KC’s performing arts scene aims to connect, engage and bridge gaps between neighbors. It’s an essential part of the region’s cultural heartbeat, reverberating across the Midwest.
