One woman, standing alone onstage. No pianist, no music-stand: Just Hilary Hahn and her violin, creating miracles. That is what Harriman-Jewell Series audiences are likely to experience this October 13th, when one of the most gifted violinists of our time performs works from J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin. It’s difficult to think of […]

When Martha Deardorff Shields and Edwin W. Shields began building Oaklands, they had been married for more than a dozen years and were the parents of a daughter and a son. Edwin was a grain dealer. Martha’s father had been a lumberman, and her maternal grandfather had been a judge. In July 1909, the Kansas […]

As we celebrate the summer (and the end of that crazy heat dome), autumn is heading toward us full steam ahead. There is something about September especially that just has an educational vibe. It makes me want to run out and stock up on pens, pencils, and, of course, new books. Every September I find […]

Charlie Lynn volunteers at the SKC Serve & Lift Center of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. What does he do there? He helps in any way he can. Charlie has been described as humble and strong. In addition, he is always smiling.  Featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent.

Missy Schaffer’s lovely home was the site for the BOTAR Mothers’ Dessert on June 22nd. Excitement was in the air for The BOTAR Ball, which will be held on October 28th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.           Featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent. […]

The 19th annual Night Out with MOCSA Cocktail Party and Auction will be held at The Midland Theatre on November 4th. Tiffany Melton Meeks and Lisa New are serving as the event co-chairs. Partygoers will enjoy cocktails, delicious bites, and wonderful art and music celebrating the Paris of the Plains and highlighting Kansas City’s jazz […]

The residents of Our Town love the summer months, and The Independent delights in sharing your special moments.                               Additional photos featured in the September 2, 2023 issue of The Independent.

As a model of Kansas City’s civic spirit, Amy Guerich’s steadfast altruism has earned her the title of Rising Star by The Independent. With a diverse range of philanthropies and a particular focus on education and the arts, Amy’s story is one of passion, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to making Our Town a better place. […]

The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens was the site for Stems: A Garden Soirée. Janet Long served as the honorary chair for the event, a benefit for The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, which was held on June 24th. Guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the new visitor center, LongHouse, plus cocktails […]

Oh the weather outside is frightful(ly hot). But it won’t be for long, so take a close look at this fall’s diverse and provocative mix of music, dance, and theater: with representation from six of the world’s seven continents! (We’re still working on Antarctica…)  SEPTEMBER  6-24: Unicorn Theatre; Native Gardens; The Mexican-born Karen Zacarías, one […]

The Symphony Ball auction items are here, hooray! Nervous spouses and significant others are concerned that their loved ones may be bringing everything home. So do your part by planning to bid. The Symphony League’s Symphony Ball will be held on September 9th. Julie McCann and Gina Penner are the co-chairmen, and Shirley Bush Helzberg […]

October 1st is the date for Powell Gardens’ annual Under a Harvest Moon. The festive evening will be held at The Missouri Barn at Powell Gardens. Susan Ambler Spencer is the event chair, and Courtney Earnest is being honored posthumously as the honorary chair. Guests at the festive soiree will enjoy an evening of cocktails, […]

Join us in our proud send-off to the Class of 2023. We wish the best to these amazing students as they start their exciting journeys around the country!                  

You already know that Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, but did you know that he started the Humble Beginnings Foundation this year? Legends Field was the site for the first annual Marquez Valdes-Scantling Charity Softball Game, featuring Marquez and his teammates, which was held on June 9th. Proceeds are […]

Susan Lordi Marker and Dennis Marker will be the honorary chairmen of the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s 56th annual Nutcracker Ball. The December 1st event will be held at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Jo Anne Dondlinger is the chairman. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Proceeds support Kansas City Ballet performances, […]

Henry Francis Sorenson was born on January 26th. He was 22 inches long at birth and has blue eyes and brown hair. His older brother, Wyatt Timothy, age two, is known as “Tiny,” and so Henry is called “Tinier.” (We suspect they think of themselves as “Big” and “Bigger”  – we’ll know more when they’re […]

Mrs. Grant Matthew Wilkerson (Nancy Freeman Wilkerson) is serving as the 2023 BOTAR president, and she is the epitome of what a family tradition looks like. There have been myriad family members involved in the BOTAR organization, as well as the American Royal through the years, and this is the natural culmination of that familial […]

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee will honor Joe Reardon with the Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award at the annual Human Relations Event on November 19th at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Joe’s career highlights have included serving as mayor and chief executive officer of the United Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas […]

Kansas City may be landlocked but that hasn’t stopped a local rising star from making waves with her contagious energy for making a difference. Meet Sarah Owings, a compassionate individual  whose volunteerism has brought joy and positive change to the lives of many. Recently recognized as a Rising Star by The Independent, Sarah has made her […]

Jazzoo, a benefit for the Kansas City Zoo, was on June 2nd. The co-chairmen were Hayley Hanson, Todd McGuire, and Maurice Watson. Guests enjoyed strolling the grounds and sampling tasty treats from more than 50 restaurants and caterers. The festivities included live bands, dueling pianos, DJs, dancers, and aerial performers.            […]

Jewish Family Services’ Birthday Bash celebrated the organization’s 120th anniversary with festivities that included family-friendly activities, hands-on service projects, and a birthday-themed food drive, in addition to a birthday party. The icing on the cake? An interactive performance with Lisa Loeb, the Grammy Award winner! Jenny Isenberg served as the chair. JFS provides essential services […]