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After our harrowing descent from the Bighorn Mountains, in our quest to locate sustenance after a long day on the road, we dropped in on the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo.  The plan was relatively simple; eat and return to basecamp for some well-deserved rest.  Other happenings would have it another way. We found a table easy enough, in spite of how busy it seemed on this particular Thursday night.  I commented as much to my partner in crime and a lady at the table next to us told us there was a reason for that. She went on to tell us that we had picked the perfect night for our first visit. In about 20 minutes, "the jam" was expected to begin. Our eyes turned quickly towards the corner of the room behind us identifying a makeshift stage with multiple microphones and string instruments.  Our new friend explained how this weekly Bluegrass tradition went all the way back to the year of our lord two-thousand-six. She did ...

Without knowing much more than the interwebs turned up on a quick search, we headed over to the Uptown Theater for the "Yacht Rock Revue."  What had turned up was a collection of short descriptions leading us to believe it was a different sort of take on soft rock classics from the 1970's.  It turned out something similar with a bit more energy. Yacht Rock Revue  could be called a cover band that enlists a repertoire of smooth hits from the golden age of soft rock in the late 1970's and early 1980's.  It is much more though, igniting memories of drifting through carefree summers under the sun, good times with friends, dancing and enjoying  a life without so much worry.  They know fully well that their track selection inspired an entire generation to dance a little longer, love a little more, and live a little brighter, recreating melodies that include the likes of of Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Toto, Hall & Oates and many more...

A chance invitation led to a beautiful fall evening on the grounds of the Kansas City Art Institute.  The opportunity offered the chance to view some of the latest works available from students and mingle with other alumni from across the years. This delicious evening full of cocktails, charcuterie, conversation, and creative craft showcased 180 works by 131 alumni. Works were available for purchase too, with proceeds from this biannual event benefiting the artists, KCAI Annual Fund, in support of student scholarships. Among the more notable works, a special performance of "The Waiting Room" by Ben Gould accompanied by live cello and percussion.   We had other plans for the evening though, so had to miss out on that descent "into chaos." learn more @  ArtSalon - Kansas City Art Institute

  Sprayed across the side of the Wash & Fold, in plain sight, is a piece that appears fading and somewhat ignored as part of the regular scenery.  The surreal circle scene displays strangely curved half-smiling lips and nose of a carved face, covered in I don't know what, perhaps tongues lapping as a couple of little corn minions lurk about.  The creator of the piece is not identified that I could find.  However, the miracle of modern technology enabled me to reach out across the interwebs and discover that it was painted by Sebastion Coolidge.  That same miracle went on to try and lie to me, telling me that it was "created during the 2018 SpraySeeMO Festival and is located on the west side of the building at 514 Southwest Boulevard." Hardly, I think.  It did lead me to SpraySeeMO  to discover it was done for 2019 festival.  Check out their site, if you have some time.  They have a lot of interesting graffiti art on display.

  Sometimes, art kind of grows and evolves over time, like this little spot in North Kansas City.  For several years it was only a collection of green line drawings.  While out walking today, I stumbled upon the original artist making some enhancements.  They are quite literally everything seen in the above photo that is not green.  A screenshot from Google Street View appears below, for reference. Stopping to speak with the artist, who chose to remain anonymous at this time, she was not entirely sure that she was done yet.  Indeed, she said, "I may never be.  I feel like there is always something else that I can add."  She was satisfied with her progress for the day though, enjoying a cool drink in the shade in the company of the homeowner.  She has definitely made her mark on this structure, with her own personal brand of colorful graffiti.  For reference, below is a screenshot from Google Street View.