“The modernity of yesterday is the tradition of today, and the modernity of today will be tradition tomorrow.” Jose Andres Tradition is a beautiful thread that weaves itself throughout the tapestry of human history. It binds our past, guides our present, and helps to shape our future. At one end of the spectrum, it is […]

It’s that time of year again when spring break beckons. Whether you prefer carefree days spent in the sun, or the wind and snow of the slopes, this time of year embodies the chance to escape to a different setting. Not everyone will be traveling during spring break, but you can always travel through the […]

The River Club was the site for the members of the Symphony League of Kansas City’s Holiday Luncheon on December 13th. Outgoing President Linda Stevens passed the gavel to Incoming President Melanie Fenske, while guests enjoyed a festive celebration.        Featured in the March 9, 2024 issue of The Independent.

The Lyric Opera Circle hosted its first New Year’s Eve Party at the historic Hilton President Hotel. Guests celebrated with dinner and dancing in anticipation of the Lyric Opera Ball, to be held on April 20th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.     Featured in the March 9, 2024 issue […]

The 2024 Symphony Ball, to be held on September 7th at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, will launch the tenure of music director Matthias Pintscher. His Kansas City premiere public performance with the Kansas City Symphony will be celebrated with a spectacular Ball, hosted by the Symphony League of Kansas City. Barbara Haviland […]

Dr. Nicole Alexandra Hefner and John Kennedy Goodwin, Jr. will meet at the altar of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois, this August to exchange vows. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Drs. Denise and George Hefner of Lincolnshire, Illinois, and she is the granddaughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Peter Verges […]

Catholic Education Foundation is so very grateful to Karen and Craig Gaffney for their leadership and support of the organization’s 2023 Gaudeamus Gala, which raised a record-breaking $2.4 million for scholarships for students in need at Catholic schools throughout northeast Kansas. Catholic education is what brought these two graduates of Bishop Ward High School together […]

And then there were three – three girls, that is – for Amy and Matt Snively of Our Town! Lillian Blair Snively joined the family on December 15th, weighing six pounds, 12 ounces, and measuring 20 inches long. The blue-eyed, dark-haired beauty is the little sister to siblings CeCe, age four; and Mags, age two. […]

Kansas City Ballet’s Bolender Society members enjoyed A Musical Evening with Ramona, featuring the Ballet’s music director, Ramona Pansegrau, on January 18th at the Carriage Club. The evening featured a dessert reception and a program about George Balanchine’s ballet, Jewels, with its captivating music. Guests enjoyed a presentation by Ramona and performances by KCB’s Company […]

The cosmos was full of bright Rising Stars and Top Ten winners, as more than 200 guests gathered to celebrate with The Independent at the 1900 Building on February 22nd. Seven of Our Town’s brilliant denizens were honored as the 2024 Class of Rising Stars, while more than 50 star-studded events were recognized for outstanding […]