Take in “Pops in the Park” this Labor Day weekend

Got plans for this Labor Day weekend?  If you’re staying here in Shawnee, how about taking in a free concert at Shawnee Mission Park (7710 Renner Road)?  On Saturday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m., The Kansas City Symphony will be performing Pops in the Park, a free concert at The Theatre in the Park.  The music will be inspired from classic american favorites, from The Sound of Music to Spiderman! 

Here is the program:  

1. Smith/Damrosch “The Star-Spangled Banner”
2. Glinka Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla
3. Suppé Overture to Light Cavalry
4. Dvorák Slavonic Dance, op. 46, No. 1 in C Major: Presto No. 1 in C major: Presto
5. Dvorák Slavonic Dance, op. 46, No.8 in G Minor: Presto
6. Respighi La Boutique fantasque
7. Intermission
8. Rodgers/Bennett The Sound of Music, A Symphonic Picture
9. Willson/Ricketts “Seventy-Six Trombones” from The Music Man
10. Elfman/Wasson Music from Spider-Man
11. John Williams Across the Stars: Star Wars Episode II
12. John Williams Star Wars Suite for Orchestra

Bring your family and friends, plus blankets and lawn chairs!  

(Photo Credit: vxla)

31st Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival, August 20-22

One of the cool things about living in Shawnee, around a major city like Kansas City,  is that we get to experience a lot of ethnic diversity.  After all, the world is a lot bigger than just the United States and it’s important that we all learn to respect and appreciate other cultures.

If you’re free this weekend, head over to Swope Park (about 20-25 minutes from Hampton Woods Apartments) and check out the 31st Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival (August 20-22).  There will be food, music and dance from cultures all over the world, including China, India, Germany, Nigeria and Brazil…and everywhere in between!

Check out the event schedule right here: Schedule – 31st Ethnic Enrichment Festival

See the stars!

Looking for something a little off of the beaten path to do with the kids?  How about a planetarium show?  On all days except for Monday, The Science Center (Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, 64108, 816.460.2020) is offering free shows with general admission at the newly reopened Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.

It’s really a neat experience, particularly if you or your children have any interest in the planets, stars and even history.  There are a variety of different shows that they offer, teaching everything from the Greek myths behind many of the constellations, to all of the unique environments and features on each of the planets in our solar system.

Seating is on a first come first serve basis, so they recommend that you get there early…at least 10 minutes before the start of the show.  Most planetarium shows are 20-30 minutes long.

(Photo Credit: flickr)

3D Pets

I know 3D versions for both the movies Jaws and Pirahna are due out eventually, but I think Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore will actually be the first official 3D movie starring animals.  Can’t wait to see dogs jump out of the screen.  LOL.

The movie is actually a sequel to a 2001 comedy. Kitty Galore is a spy who hatches an evil plan for world domination.  Sworn enemies (the cats and the dogs…duh) must unite in order to eliminate this new breed evil that Kitty possesses.

Cats & Dogs looks like cool family movie that the kids will enjoy.  It opens this weekend, so I’ve posted a trailer here, as well as movie times for theaters around Shawnee: Westglen 18, Phoenix Theatres Legends Stadium 14 and Cinemark Merriam