Category Archives: Lifestyle

Paris of the Plains 2.0

KC – the city that never ran dry. 

By Randy Mason | Photos by Anna Petrow

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. 

Cocktail glass with a rainbow swirl on top

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. 

Heartland of Opportunity

Come for the job, build the career.

By Addie Linn and Laura Phillips

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. 

Employee working on a Panasonic battery line.

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.

Employee working at Zahner.

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.

Arts Within Reach

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.

Touchdown in Kansas City

Supported by family, former Chiefs player Danan Hughes scored big in KC.

By Pete Dulin | Photos by Paul Andrews

“Neither of us foresaw being this far from New Jersey. We sat down at a table and made a list of pros and cons,” said Danan Hughes, recalling when he contemplated his next steps after six years of playing wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hailing from the East Coast, Danan and his wife, Tiffani, faced a life-changing decision. Stay in Kansas City or leave? By 1999, they were parents of four children with a fifth to come later. 

Overwhelmingly, their list favored staying. Kansas City won them over with the affordable cost of living, excellent area schools, quality of life and the ability to maintain a connection with the Chiefs.

Danan Hughes and family sitting around a table at Third Street Social.

The appeal of KC drew in many of Tiffani’s family members, who packed up their lives in New Jersey to settle near the Hugheses. Danan’s family in New Jersey regularly makes the journey to Kansas City as well. 

“There’s a different style and speed to living here. It’s family first for me and my wife, slow enough to raise a family but fast enough for every lane of life,” said Danan. 

Their adult children and grandchildren have continued their lives in the area. “They see the value in living here,” said Danan. 

The connections and community Danan found as part of the Chiefs were especially valuable when transitioning from pro-player to business pro. Following his football career, a banking contact helped him land a six-month internship, which sparked a long-term career in mortgage lending and business development. 

Over the years, Danan has counseled and aided many families, young athletes and entertainers, teaching them how to manage their credit and loans as first-time home and auto buyers. Most recently, Danan brought that expertise to CommunityAmerica Credit Union, where he continues to help others build strong financial futures. 

Beyond the nine-to-five, Danan fuels his passion for sports as a coach and analyst.

“In the locker room, I coached up many young athletes and became an educational force not only in Kansas City but across the country,” said Danan.

Danan Hughes hands with Chiefs rings.

And his commitment to the Chiefs hasn’t wavered. Danan is the second-term director and president of the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors, a group of nearly 60 retired players who work to continually serve the community. 

“The Chiefs teach you early to stay connected. Serve on the board of a charity, raise funds and donate it,” said Danan.

Danan also serves as a color analyst for the Kansas City Chiefs, one of only 32 team-affiliated analysts in the NFL. 

“I’m the only color analyst and former athlete currently doing college basketball, football and baseball as well as professional sports for ESPN and the Big 10 networks. I keep one foot in the locker room. It’s a blessing for me to do this work and zigzag across the country,” said Danan.

And when Danan takes breaks from ‘zigzagging’ the country, the comforts of Kansas City and his family await when his work is done. 

Danan Hughes and his family sitting around a table at Third Street Social.

Contributors | KC Options 2026

PAUL ANDREWS | Photographer 
Paul is a seasoned freelance photographer hailing from the vibrant heart of Kansas City. Paul specializes in environmental portraiture, leaving an indelible mark in prominent local and national publications.

MICHELLE BACON | Writer
Michelle has cultivated a career around her devotion to Kansas City’s music and arts scene, having performed or recorded with more than 30 acts on bass and drums. She amplifies the community through her work as Content Manager at 90.9 The Bridge.

KELLY BUNCH | Writer
Kelly is a thoughtful communicator, creative builder and lifelong learner with a career that bridges product management, marketing, writing and community building. When she’s not
writing, you can find her sailing at Lake Jacomo or giving back to Kansas City.

PETE DULIN | Writer 
Pete has 25 years of experience as a writer and reporter, crafting stories for numerous publications and tailoring content for clients. He is the author of four books and is currently writing Barons, Brewers, and Bootleggers: A Social History of Beer in Missouri.

DUANE HALLOCK | Photographer
Duane is a hobbyist photographer who sees familiar things in new ways. He grew up in Colorado and moved to KC from Oregon. Now, he explores Kansas City with his camera, discovering the quiet, often-overlooked beauty that lies “hidden” in plain sight.

SIMON KUO | Photographer
Simon is an experienced Kansas City photographer who counts many local and national brands as his clients. He is grateful for a career that lets him combine his love for creativity with his short attention span.

RANDY MASON | Writer
Randy has been lucky enough to tell stories about this chunk of the globe in print and on video for, well, “a very long time.”

WESTON OWEN | Writer 
Weston has been a resident of the Kansas City metro for nearly 20 years. He prides himself on being engaged in the community. A seasoned public relations and social media professional, he writes for numerous publications, highlighting all the city has to offer.

ANNA PETROW | Photographer
Anna is a culinary, travel and lifestyle photographer based in the Midwest, following her lens coast to coast and beyond. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Fathom, Jetsetter and more.

TYLER SHANE | Writer 
Tyler is the food editor and restaurant critic of Kansas City magazine. She has more than a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, ranging from chocolatier to pasta maker.

Additional photography courtesy of:
AdventHealth; Ali Nassir; Annie Lynch Photography, Zen Donkey Farms; Austin Mosier, West Bottoms Plant Co.; Blake Hamilton, Sandlot Goods; Brian Turner, Boulevardia; Brooke Buck Photography, Sierra Winter Jewelry; Christopher Elbow Chocolates; Cody Boston, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts; Cordish Living; Denis Nicholson Photography; Dimensional Innovations, Atlas9; EG Schempf, Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art; Elicia Castillo, Aurora Cafe & Bakery; Gabe Cross, MADE MOBB; Garrett Blackwell, Long Shots KC LLC, West Bottoms Whiskey; Grace Linn; Group O’Dell; Nicole Bissey, Hand & Land; Hella Good Deeds; Jack Carr; Jauqui Craig; Jeff Roberts, JLR Photo; Kara Brock; Kansas City Royals; KC Current/NWSL; KKFI Crossroads Music Fest; Nick Geels, Design Ranch, Klā Sanctuary; Messner Bee Farm; Misty Rodda Photography, Faulkner’s Ranch; Panasonic Energy; Ryan A. Kemper, MR340; The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; Pilsen Photo Co-op; Sporting Kansas City ;Tatianna Roch, KC Fashion Week; Travis Young; VisitKC, Whitney Manney; Zach Bauman, Luca Bagel

Special thank you to:
Amante Domingo, Chandler Brandes, Dani Welniak, Ellen McDonald, FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City, La Casa del Padel, Le Champion, Missy Jenkins and Paulyn Walcott

Letter From the Editor

Welcoming the World

Forever etched in history, 2026 will be remembered as a momentous year for Kansas City.

No longer a best-kept secret, KC has become the ultimate backdrop — whether that’s for season 4 of Ted Lasso, a renowned pop star’s love story or your life’s next great adventures.

Now, stepping into the global spotlight for the FIFA World Cup 26™, soccer fans from around the world descend on the region. With open arms, we welcome them and encourage all to experience what our city has to offer.

It’s about much more than hosting matches. It’s about opening the doors to the dynamic, unexpected and ever-evolving Kansas City experience. It’s about sharing our sense of community, spirit of innovation and culture of creativity — all through the unifying language of sports.

Throughout these pages, you’ll discover some of what makes us so proud. We took a cue from our favorite barbecue joints and served up a sample platter. A few of our vibrant neighborhoods, a smattering of places to go out dancing and some of the most innovative new developments impacting our region.

You’ll meet artists, entrepreneurs and athletes that call KC home —

including our cover star, Lo’eau LaBonta, who embodies the passion, grit and heart that make this place shine.

And yet, even in 112 pages, it’s impossible to capture everything we love about KC. You’ll have to take it one step further. Explore. Dig in. Let one happy hour hotspot lead you to the next. Step into an underground jazz club and discover a sound you didn’t know you loved. Find your perfect bite at one of the region’s dozens of James Beard-recognized restaurants.

What you find here, has been long in the making. We’ve never been more ready to share it with the world.

Addie Linn
Editor-in-Chief
KC Options
linn@onekc.org

A Kingdom for Kiddos

A local mom’s guide to family-friendly activities.

By Sarah McGinnity

As a Kansas City transplant of almost 15 years, I have explored the ins and outs of the region while raising my now four kids, discovering diverse, accessible and fun destinations. It doesn’t hurt that my role as the owner of Kansas City Mom Collective — a parenting resource site that connects KC parents to resources, information and each other — gives me the opportunity to explore family-friendly attractions all over the metro. Here are some of my favorites.

Sports for All

There isn’t anything that makes me more proud than our city’s support of the first professional stadium dedicated to a women’s sport in the world. Our kids won’t remember a world that didn’t include a sold-out crowd in an impressive new stadium centered around female athletes. In my kids’ short lifetime, we’ve also seen two Super Bowl wins and two World Series appearances. (And, they get an extra day off school for championship parades!)

Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village

This golf course turned massive park features three playgrounds including a treetop-themed play area and a charming cafe, The Market. The best feature, though, is the sledding hill that the developers specifically planned for kids, who flock here on snowy days. No matter where you find yourself in the metro, you’ll find parks, splash pads and nature centers to love.

Barbecue

When you live in KC, you must have an answer to the question: “What is your favorite barbecue restaurant?” My kids started eating ribs in their toddler years, and we treasure the pictures of sauce dripping down their chins. There is something for every style and perhaps most importantly, you can order meat by the pound (we recommend chopped burnt ends) when cooking is too much effort.

Streetcar Adventures Through Downtown

The FREE KC streetcar makes for a great urban adventure. We start at the downtown Central Library and take the route to Union Station, which boasts Science City, a model train gallery, featured exhibits, the largest movie screen in the city and a planetarium.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

It might be surprising that an art museum lands on this list, but hear me out. With family programming for special holidays, along with weekly kid-focused activities, the Nelson is truly a family destination. Our favorite is the Art Course — an annual mini golf course with holes designed after art from the museum.This is also where you’ll find those iconic shuttlecock sculptures that adorn the lawn.

Best in Show

Kansas City attracts all kinds of performances — from Disney on Ice and Monster Jam to Taylor Swift and a lineup of Broadway shows. Our own KC Symphony even has a family series that includes movies on the big screen with live soundtracks, holiday shows and petite performances where the littlest ticket holders can try out instruments.

More Ideas

That’s just a small snapshot of all KC offers kids and their families. Follow @KansasCityMomCollective for even more ideas for kiddos in KC.

Game On!

In KC, everyone gets to play.

By Ann Clifford

Listen… do you hear it? The rhythmic bounce of a basketball. The chirp of a whistle. The cheers of a friendly crowd. Throughout KC, fields, courts, pools and parks all pulse with the energy of people coming together to compete, exercise and simply have fun. 

Leagues of Our Own

Looking for competition? Just name your sport. You’ll find leagues for flag football, softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, tennis and hockey — for people of any age and experience level. For example, the Jewish Community Center — locals call it “The J” — is known for its racquetball and handball leagues. Johnson County Parks and Recreation hosts a pickleball league with flexible scheduling. And for a game with a view, check out the KC Softball Club, which plays at Penn Valley Park overlooking downtown. 

Soccer City, USA

In the KC metro, soccer isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned striker or eager to learn, there’s a place for you. Soccer Nation in Kansas City, Kansas, offers 40,000 square feet dedicated to year-round soccer leagues and instruction for all ages. The Soccer Lot in downtown KC provides co-ed leagues, youth development and pick-up games. Feeling competitive? Heartland Soccer is the largest league and tournament host in the U.S., with options from recreational to premier. 

No Boundaries

Across the region, the playing field is truly level. A vibrant adaptive sports scene ensures that athletes of all abilities can experience the thrill of competition and the joy of play. Archery, basketball, tennis and more are available through organizations like Accessible Sports of Greater Kansas City, The Whole Person and Midwest Adaptive Sports. And, of course, it wouldn’t be KC without the first soccer pitch in the Midwest for the visually impaired, located on the campus of the Kansas State School for the Blind. 

Just for Fun

If you’re looking for recreational options where laughter counts more than points, the KC metro doesn’t disappoint. KC Crew is a social sports league offering everything from basketball and volleyball to dodgeball and fowling (a hybrid of football and bowling). You can also try your hand at a cornhole or urban golf tournament. Kick back with KC Sport and Social Club’s kickball leagues for kids and adults. And check out Stonewall Sports Kansas City, an LGBTQIA+ sports community with plenty of choices, including softball, billiards and trivia. 

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there are plenty of outside-the-box recreational sports to try like ultimate frisbee, BMX racing, fencing, rowing, curling, cricket and quidditch. Play on!

Dive into the Rabbit Hole

By Weston Owen | Photos by Paul Andrews

When we’re children, the world is full of unimaginable experiences where anything is possible and the absurd is almost attainable. For many, this sense of wonderment is born from bedtime stories and children’s literature, full of vivid and brilliant landscapes, curious characters and otherworldly adventures. 

But as we grow, that luster is easily lost. The vivid and brilliant can often become dull and mundane. Yet one of Kansas City’s newest immersive experiences looks to restore our sense of awe and whimsy, from the tiniest of tykes to the most spirited of seniors.

The Rabbit hOle, located in North Kansas City, creates a living culture around literature, one that’s accessible to all and nourishes, empowers and inspires the reading lives of both children and adults.

Co-directors Deb Pettid and Pete Cowdin have cultivated an intimate, inviting storybook world in which to lose yourself, showcasing more than 100 years of children’s books, spanning over 150,000 square feet in a historic, century-old warehouse.

Tens of thousands have already dived into this endless wonder, guided by Fox Rabbit — a curious and crepuscular fellow who, as the tales say, is a fox who was orphaned at birth yet raised by rabbits. While visitors may never actually see Fox Rabbit, he is the guiding force behind the museum’s storybook fantasy. 

Within the three floors of radically immersive, creatively curated space, magic truly comes to life. Multi-sensory and discoverable environments help tell children’s stories in ways never before imagined, which can be equally as thrilling for the nostalgic parents reliving their childhood. Whether it’s whispering “goodnight moon” in the great green room or getting a whiff of the pungent tales of the Stinky Cheese Man, each experience is different than the last. 

The Rabbit hOle is constantly changing and ever-evolving, thanks to the brilliant, passionate in-house team of designers, artists and fabricators tasked with bringing each story to life. The mythical landscapes are painstakingly perfected to ensure that the story scenes stand the test of time… and withstand the havoc our little ones can sometimes wreak. For these reasons, The Rabbit hOle will never be truly “finished” but will always offer fresh stories and experiences time and time again. 

What’s more, these thoughtfully inspired spaces will host events with authors and illustrators, while also serving as a backdrop for literary workshops, literature-inspired programming, featured exhibitions and so much more. Featuring a Print Shop and Story Lab, The Lucky Rabbit Bookstore, a Makerspace, Resource Library and a Discovery Gallery for original book art, The Rabbit hOle’s programming delivers for both the young and old, elementary to educators and everyone in between. 

Museums like The Rabbit hOle are communal safe havens that implore us to think critically, live empathetically and dream astronomically. An educational experience where age, race, gender and background are left at the surface as we tumble down this hole of adventure together, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, exploring every exciting turn. So gather your loved ones of all ages and dive into one of the most unique and memorable museum experiences in Kansas City.

Live from the Heartland

Live music hits all the right notes in KC.

By Ann Clifford

From the area’s deep roots in jazz to ranking as the No. 3 city for alternative music, KC delivers a mix of tunes and venues to fit every taste. 

Get into the swing by exploring the historic 18th & Vine District, home to The Blue Room and weekly jam sessions for up-and-coming jazz musicians. For more Kansas City jazz, visit the Green Lady Lounge in the Crossroads Arts District. 

Blues music is right at home in KC, too. The Phoenix, one of KC’s oldest jazz and blues clubs, features live music six days a week. Or if a casual setting is more your style, try BB’s Lawnside BBQ, which pairs authentic blues with delicious barbecue. 

Ready to rock? Head to The Bottleneck in nearby Lawrence or The Truman in the Crossroads, which both host some of the best in the rock and alternative music genres. For up-close experiences across the rock music spectrum, check out recordBar, Grinders and Knuckleheads. 

Country music is always popular in the Heartland, with the biggest stars taking the stage at GEHA Field at Arrowhead or T-Mobile Center. For live country in a smaller setting, check out Guitars and Cadillacs in Overland Park. Or, fill your calendar with live music nearly every night at Tin Roof in the Westport entertainment district. 

On any given weekend, hip-hop, rap and R&B artists take the stage across the region, with local talent defining a distinct KC style. Explore clubs like North Kansas City’s VooDoo Lounge, larger venues like the Uptown Theater and the multiple stages at Boulevardia, one of the area’s many music festivals. 

Classical music in many forms rounds out KC’s musical mix, with the renowned Kansas City Symphony and Lyric Opera leading the way. And for an experience only America’s Heartland could deliver, make sure the Symphony in the Flint Hills — an annual celebration of music and the region’s tallgrass prairie — is on your bucket list.