The Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College is set to host a diverse array of cultural events that promise to captivate audiences of all ages. From the enchanting art of puppetry in 'Shiver Me Paintbrush: A Pirate's Adventure in Art' to the soulful harmonies of 'Christmas with The Celts,' the season is brimming with performances that celebrate creativity and community. The lineup also includes contemporary dance renditions of 'The Nutcracker & the Mouse King,' the lively Irish spectacle 'Christmas in Killarney,' and many more. Join us for an unforgettable journey through music, dance, and theatrical artistry.

A Spectacular Winter Showcase: Celebrating Art, Dance, and Music at Midwest Trust Center

The Midwest Trust Center is gearing up for an exhilarating lineup of events that promise to enchant audiences with dynamic performances and diverse artistic expressions. From the soulful tunes of the Winterlude Jazz Festival to the exhilarating rhythm of Bollywood and the timeless appeal of 'The Addams Family', each event offers a unique experience. Attendees can look forward to a variety of genres and performances including jazz, theater, cultural showcases, and family-friendly events, all set to take place at the Johnson County Community College. Get ready for a cultural feast that celebrates creativity and passion.

Experience the Vibrant Tapestry of Arts at Midwest Trust Center's Winterlude and Beyond

March 2025 promises to be a vibrant month at the Midwest Trust Center, located at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS. From the distinctive sounds of Goitse to the awe-inspiring performances by Rhythm India, and the heartwarming 'Maya and the Magic Ring' by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, there is something for everyone. This month-long series of events highlights diverse artistic expressions that span music, dance, theater, and family entertainment, offering attendees an immersive cultural experience.

Experience Culture and Creativity: A March to Remember at Midwest Trust Center

This upcoming spring, the Midwest Trust Center is set to dazzle audiences with an eclectic lineup of performances that span the spectrum of music, theater, and cultural storytelling. From the enchanting tale of 'Maya and the Magic Ring' to the soulful harmonies of Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar, and the empowering narratives of country music icons, the center promises a captivating experience for all. Join us at Johnson County Community College to explore these diverse events that celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and the timeless power of storytelling.

A Symphony of Culture: Midwest Trust Center's Vibrant Spring Lineup

The Midwest Trust Center is set to host a diverse lineup of events at Johnson County Community College, promising a rich blend of creativity and culture. From the whimsical tale of 'Maya and the Magic Ring' to the empowering tunes in 'Trailblazing Women of Country,' and the visually stunning 'Our Planet Live' series, audiences are in for a treat. This season, the Center is featuring a variety of performances that highlight the power of storytelling, music, and the human spirit.

A Cultural Extravaganza: Artistic Delights at the Midwest Trust Center

Prepare yourself for an enthralling lineup of events at the Midwest Trust Center, where nature, culture, and music intersect to spark curiosity and creativity. The series kicks off with 'Our Planet Live,' an immersive live show that delves into the stories behind our planet's natural wonders. Following this, Mister G brings engaging multicultural storytelling to the forefront, while the Opus 76 Quartet, joined by David Kim, offers an enriching classical music performance. Rounding off the sequence, The Brother Brothers' indie folk melodies capture and share tales from diverse journeys.

Exploring Connections: Unveiling Nature and Art at Midwest Trust Center

The Brother Brothers are the indie folk duo of Adam and David Moss. The identical twins were born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. They were originally based in Brooklyn but have been profoundly shaped by a life surrounded by travel and the web of community worldwide. They are the kind of people who have a story about everything, and more so, one you might genuinely like to hear.

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The Brother Brothers

Johnson County Community College

Adding to its previous recordings of “The Complete Works for String Quartet by Ludwig van Beethoven,” (broadcast live on Kansas Public Radio KPR in 2020), Opus 76 recorded Mendelssohn’s Op. 44 No. 1, Schubert’s Quintet in C, Brahms’s F minor Piano Quintet, Mozart’s Quintet No. 3 in C Major, Bartok’s Quartet No. 1, and Mozart’s The Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn, a project also supported by KPR.

Opus 76 Quartet with David Kim, violin

An official partner of the United States Forest Service and the author of four multicultural picture books published by Penguin Random House, Mister G’s stories and songs aim to help children see each other across borders and foster cross-cultural connections.

MTC Kids Jam – Mister G

Four billion years. Millions of species. Five mass extinction events (and counting). It’s the story of ‘Life on Our Planet.’ From the Emmy® Award-winning team behind Netflix’s 'Our Planet' series, comes a new natural history speaker series event: ‘Our Planet Live.’ Brought to you by Silverback Films and Producer esk in association with Netflix, ‘Our Planet Live’ is a new and immersive live show featuring behind-the-scenes stories from the explorers, filmmakers, scientists, and adventurers that created some of the most eye-catching footage of our planet. Join us live on stage as we bring to life these stories from the natural world. With a focus on climate fragility and climate migration, ‘Our Planet Live’ tells an unprecedented story about overcoming obstacles on a global scale and explores the messages at the heart of these action-packed, emotional, and unforgettable sequences.

esk and Silverback Films present 'Our Planet Live – A Netflix Documentary Series' with Dan Tapster

This original production introduces audiences to the Native Hawaiian relationship to pa‘akai (salt). Traditionally, pa‘akai is food, medicine, sacrament, and treasured gift. Created in partnership with the Bishop Museum and cultural elders and leaders, the performance is intended for a multi-generational audience so audience members young and old can have this restorative experience together.

'The Pa'akai We Bring'

Each member of Uptown is a soloist, bringing a unique flavor of performance that will have any crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along. Regardless of the genre or era of music, the Uptown show exudes freshness and fun in a way that everyone will enjoy. Choreography, vocals, and stage presence… you do not want to miss out on Uptown!

Uptown

Omnium Circus is the best in whole family entertainment: A world renowned, fully inclusive circus company bringing excitement, thrills and joy to the young and young at heart as only a circus can! Step into a world of all things possible where we discover the power of the human spirit within in each of us!

Omnium Circus 'I'm Possible'

“Trailblazing Women of Country,” featuring Nashville-based singer Kristina Train and a five-member all-female band, will entertain and inspire. With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, Cline, Lynn, and Parton wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music, resulting in unprecedented commercial success and earning each a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Trailblazing Women of Country: From Patsy to Loretta to Dolly Featuring Nashville-based singer Kristina Train

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar have carved out a unique place for themselves in the music industry through soul-stirring arrangements of contemporary gospel, musical theatre, and rich original compositions. The ensemble, organized in 2009, has performed with gospel greats such as William McDowell, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Richard Smallwood, VaShawn Mitchell, Earnest Pugh, and James Fortune.

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar

Maya and her grandmother are living an ordinary day in their ordinary living room. As Maya works on her homework, her grandmother prepares to go shopping. As she leaves, she cautions Maya to lock the door and let no one in. Bored, Maya looks for something to do. In her grandmother’s cedar chest, she discovers an enormous dazzling ruby ring. Noticing the ring is a bit dusty, Maya rubs the jewel with her scarf. What happens next is anything but ordinary—a large genie appears!

Lyric Opera of Kansas City 'Maya and the Magic Ring'

The concert features all your favorite hits in one evening, including “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect” and many more. You’ll be out of your seat and dancing in the aisles as you lose yourself in the music that inspired a generation.

'R.E.S.P.E.C.T. — A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin'

Directly following the film, the band and singers will throw an encore party that will take you back to the time of your life as you sing and dance to your favorite “Dirty Dancing” songs.

'Dirty Dancing in Concert'

Joya Kazi is a Telly Award-winning, World Choreography Award-nominated, and Universal Dance Award-nominated multi-hyphenated artist. A choreographer, actress, dancer, educator, and entrepreneur who founded her company at just 16, her work has earned her a spot on the DissDash list of Coolest South Asians. She also is featured on a public mural at the Artesia Library of Los Angeles County, representing the city's South Asian influence of art and culture. She is a member of the Emmys/Television Academy, has served on the Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominating Committee, and has also served on countless judging panels, including at the World Choreography Awards. Behind the camera, she represents and casts the finest South Asian dance talent and consults on productions from stage to screen worldwide.

Rhythm India: Bollywood and Beyond

Freelon’s critically acclaimed work has been featured on the “Today” Show, NPR, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Parents Magazine, and the PBS Kids’ animated series “Alma’s Way” and “Work it Out Wombats!” He is also the cocreator and talent of the PBS Kids’ podcast “Jamming on the Job,” and has written two children's picture books with Little Brown.

MTC Kids Jam – Pierce Freelon

Goitse has released six critically acclaimed recordings and maintains a year-round touring schedule that includes performances throughout Ireland, UK, Germany, France, and the United States. Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with age-old traditional tunes which make each performance unique.

Goitse

This season, two powerhouse ensembles will join forces once again to create a "super band" collaboration featuring the music of the iconic, multi-Grammy-winning musician and composer, Arturo Sandoval. The program will also include music by Khachaturian, Bach, de Falla, and Piazzolla, as well as modern masters D'Rivera and Simon.

Imani Winds and Boston Brass

“The word 'narratives' encompasses not only the existing cultural messages that hurt people individually and collectively,” Amador says, “but also the revolutionary power of writing ourselves new narratives; rejecting a culture of fear; and catalyzing a culture of honesty, bravery and self-love in the process.”

Alisa Amador Trio

Embracing the wackiness in every family, this comical feast and original story features every father’s nightmare. Daughter Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met.

'The Addams Family'

Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS brings the soul of New Orleans and the spirit of Mardi Gras to this amazing evening, celebrating the composers and inspired songs of Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz. From Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong to Ellis Marsalis and James Black, New Orleans has long been an apex of innovation and inspiration. Led by pianist, Luther S. Allison and vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs, New Orleans Songbook immerses audiences in the captivating and timeless spirit of this vibrant city.

Winterlude Jazz Festival featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS: 'New Orleans Songbook'

Live performances include Lynn Zimmer and Friends, Eddie Moore, Doug Talley Quartet, Ensemble Ibérica, and the Deborah Brown Quartet. These leaders in Kansas City jazz will lead up to the festival’s headliner, Jazz at Lincoln Center PRESENTS: “New Orleans Songbook!”

Winterlude Jazz Festival

TF3’s longstanding history of collaboration with contemporary classical composers continues to thrive. The trio – Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals) – combines instruments and voices in a remarkable sound, establishing a distinct voice of expression that resonates with listeners worldwide.

Time for Three

Homer Bryant is the founder of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center and creator of the Hiplet technique. Bryant’s time with the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) was a catalyst for success in both his professional and personal life. In 1978, he married fellow DTH ballerina, Ronda Sampson, and three years later their daughter, Alexandra Victoria, was born with cerebral palsy. Bryant’s career highlights include performing in “The Wiz” motion picture alongside Michael Jackson and Diana Ross; in Broadway’s "Timbuktu!" starring Eartha Kitt; and in Drury Lane Water Tower’s “Evolution of the Blues.” He also has trained and toured under prima ballerina Maria Tallchief (one of Balanchine's wives) at the Chicago City Ballet and has worked with Cirque Du Soleil on the creation of “Mystere,” “Alegria,” “Quidam,” and “Saltimbanco.”

Hiplet Ballerinas

Funky Mama (Krista Tatschl Eyler), who has been creating original rock ‘n’ roll for kids and families for 20 years, was long ago dubbed “Kansas City’s favorite singing mama.” Beloved by families across the metro, Funky Mama scored national recognition when she performed at the 2007 White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington, D.C. Her fun and funky music covers many genres and styles and has been played in hundreds of cars and kitchens across the country.

MTC Kids Jam – Funky Mama

Created by the 2009 World Champion of Irish Dance Scott Doherty and worldwide-touring Irish musician Chris Smith, “Christmas in Killarney” combines the excitement of Irish dance with the harmonies of traditional Christmas classics.

'Christmas in Killarney'

With this mission in mind, founders Jennifer Owen and Brad Cox bring together some of Kansas City's most talented artists, representing a variety of genres, to perform contemporary dance with live music. With diverse backgrounds ranging from the Bolshoi Ballet and the Leningrad Chamber Orchestra to Alvin Ailey and Dave Brubeck, these dancers and musicians form a highly skilled and multifaceted corps. The collaborative results speak for themselves: Fresh and vibrant new works that are classical in form, but contemporary in expression.

Owen/Cox Dance Group 'The Nutcracker & the Mouse King'

The Celts pack concert halls around the world, including the Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium and Lincoln Center, as well as theaters and performing arts centers across the country. They have made numerous appearances on WSM Radio, NPR, PBS shows like “Bluegrass Underground,” “Music City Roots,” and “WoodSongs Ole-Time Radio Hour.”

'Christmas with The Celts'

Over the past three decades, What If Puppets has captivated nearly 2 million people through its productions and educational programming. Audiences delight in the puppetry craftsmanship, which ranges from glove puppets to marionettes to innovative shadow and object-based puppetry. Using humor and heart, they present stories that connect to the complex social-emotional experiences of young audiences.

What If Puppets 'Shiver Me Paintbrush: A Pirate's Adventure in Art'

This new PRO program reunites stirring world’s fair hits with the continuous projections of magnificent fairground images. PRO gets the audience involved (“Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis”), and as a finale, the orchestra accompanies the Moving Picture Travelogue — historic world’s fair films by Thomas Edison and company. All is accompanied by evocative narration from conductor Rick Benjamin.

Midwest Trust Center

May 16, 2025

The Brother Brothers

May 10, 2025

Opus 76 Quartet with David Kim, violin

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