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.

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.   Johnson County Government -Sunset January 26 2023, 8am - 12pm 11811 S Sunset Dr, Room 1055 Olathe, KS 66061 Schedule an appointment at savealifenow.org/group, enter Group Code: KCUH 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.

Described as a “brilliant young string quartet” by London’s Spectator and giving “certainly passionate performances” by The Kansas City Star, Opus 76 Quartet is proud to return to MTC as artists-in-residence. Program - String Quartet No. 22 in B-flat major, K. 589 - Film screening of “Amadeus”

The Johnson County Community College Procurement Department, Kansas SBDC and Kansas PTAC are excited to host you for the inaugural Supplier Diversity Reverse Expo, Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 10 am – 2pm at Johnson County Community College, Regnier Center – Room 101, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210. JCCC Supplier Diversity Reverse Expo was created to assist diverse businesses getting connected with Federal agencies, State of Kansas, local Kansas county/municipal procurement, local educational institutions, local certifying entities, prime contractors and potential opportunities as well as provide our exhibitors leads for more diverse vendor pools. Businesses will have the opportunity to meet with procurement professionals from public agencies and large prime contractors at one time AND in one location!  The procurement professionals are in the booths while businesses roam freely through the expo hall, meeting with agency representatives, learning of upcoming opportunities, marketing their company’s products and services and networking with other business attendees. https://jcccsbdc.com/supplierdiversity/

Join us to learn about the Infectious Disease & Zoonosis and Food Safety & Security tracks of the Master of Public Health offered at the K-State Olathe campus! Feb 1 at noon, register for the zoom link: https://k-state.secure.force.com/events/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a124P00000WQh6QQAT We look forward to helping you become the next Public Health professional.