Just one hour of your time could make the difference of a lifetime for a patient in need! Please donate at our upcoming blood drive. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins will be accepted as capacity allows.   Saint Andrew Christian Church January 4 2023, 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm 13890 W. 127th St. Friends' Hall Olathe, KS 66062   Schedule an appointment at savealifenow.org/group, enter Group Code: KC81 or contact: Logan Marney lmarney@cbckc.org, 816-977-7959   Remember to bring a photo ID or donor ID card. For questions about eligibility due to travel outside the U.S., medications or medical conditions call 1.800.688.0900. To learn more about the importance of donating at this time and to answer your questions about COVID-19, please visit www.savealifenow.org/coronavirus.  

For more than three decades, Watson has contributed consistently intelligent, sensitive and well-thought-out music to the modern-day jazz lexicon. A saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator, Bobby Watson grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, and trained formally at the University of Miami. He earned his “doctorate” – on the bandstand – as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, which showcased a rotating cast of players, many of whom would go on to have substantial careers as bandleaders.

The Overland Park Convention Center will be hosting the 49th Annual Snow Ball on January 21, 2023. Snow Ball is one of Kansas City’s most memorable charity events that has funded the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for more than four decades. The black-tie event will include a cocktail reception, delicious dinner, and dancing. Snow Ball is a celebration of volunteers, donors, and the individuals who are served each day by Catholic Charities’ 30+ programs. All event proceeds are earmarked to support the organization’s mission of giving help, hope, and hospitality to the most vulnerable men, women, and children. Visit snowballgala.org to purchase a ticket or table to Snow Ball. Registration closes December 29, 2022.

The MTC Kids Jam concert series is specially designed with families in mind! Join us in the MTC lobby at 10 a.m. for art activities led by the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, followed by a 60-minute concert with an acclaimed children’s musician. This performance tells the story of Clara Net (a clarinet), who meets new instrument friends from around the world and creates new music as the cultures meet. It is accompanied by a new album, recorded on location in Zimbabwe, Czech Republic, China and Turkey as Etkin toured. This project further redefines the creative process by gathering the fruits of these encounters into one album, which tells a tale of friendship and understanding.

Etkin's unique sound on the clarinet, bass clarinet and saxophone comes from an openness to deep musical connections that transcend cultural and generational boundaries. Oran Etkin, described as “ebullient” by the New York Times, was voted No. 1 Rising Star Clarinetist in DownBeat Magazine's 2016 Critics Poll. He has been invited several times to be a guest lecturer at Harvard University. Etkin's music can be heard on concert stages worldwide and numerous recordings, including a Grammy Award-winning anti-bullying compilation album. Etkin reimagined how touring could become part of the creative process with his “Gathering Light” project. Flipping the traditional record-then-tour model, he first toured in Indonesia, China, Japan, Israel and West Africa and then let the rhythms and melodies he encountered influence the music he created with his New York-based band of Nasheet Waits, Ben Allison, Lionel Loueke and Curtis Folks.

Join us as we kickoff the 2023 Relay season on Tuesday, January 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 at Chicken N Pickle, 1761 Burlington St, North Kansas City. There will be door prizes, Relay For Life goodie bags for the first 15 people through the door, guest speakers, and important information about the 2023 event that you won't want to miss! Please click HERE to RSVP or email sheila.cline@cancer.org by January 16.