Our Man BY
IN KC
Damian Lair
dlair@inkansascity.com
: @damianlair #OurManINKC
Ailey Returns
I
‘‘
n Good Company” was the theme for this year’s Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey Gala—and with the most recent gala having occurred in spring 2019, supporters were ready to party—in good company. The evening’s festivities began with guests, donned in their best finery, lined up to enter the historic Folly Theater. It felt like I was on 42nd Street in New York. The only thing missing was the hum of Times Square and a wafting scent of honey-roasted nuts. We were gathered for a performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Ailey II. But first, we were greeted by gala co-chairs, Gina Hull and Dr. Marjorie Williams and honorary co-chairs Sharon & John Hoffman and Drs. Everlyn & Roger Williams, Jr.. Though I hadn’t made it to my seat yet from being backstage, I heard from numerous people that the Hoffmans gave the most touching (and tearful) tribute to this organization that captured their hearts decades ago. I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a nod to Sharon, who personally recruited me to join the board earlier this year, as she does her best to “retire.” We all know she can’t. Ahead of the performance, Debby Ballard was also recognized for her years of support with the Janet K. Miller Award. At long last—a night of dance in a packed theater. And there’s nothing quite like an Ailey II performance. It’s an indescribable, transportive experience, full of fluidity and sensuality. It takes you to church, then moments later plunges you into uncomfortable feelings of cultural exclusion. And then brings you back. Following the performance, we made our way en masse to the neighboring Downtown Marriott Hotel ballroom. Tammy Edwards
Damian Lair with Sharon Hoffman at the KCFAA Gala.
and Melanie Miller stroked our heartstrings before a lively round of live-auction bidding and fundraising to support the programming and opportunities that KCFAA provides to our community all year long. We dined, and then we danced—like it had been three years. From the first spin, Joseph Macklin had the dance floor covered, and it remained that way for hours. Sometimes, you just need to dance. SPOTTED: Congressman Emanuel & Dianne Cleaver, Christy & Bill Gautreaux, Nancy Lee & Jonathan Kemper, Charlotte Kemper, Mary Kemper Wolf & Gary Wolf, Bunni & Paul Copaken, Andrea & David Feinberg, Maurice Watson, Ursula Terrasi, Gloria Rudd, Ratana & Oscar Tshibanda, Terry Anderson & Michael Henry, Lynn & Lance Carlton, Kim Klein, McClain Bryant Macklin, Brian Williams, Crissy Dastrup, Jermaine Reed, Meredith Miles
MAY 2022 |
26 | INKANSASCITY.COM
A TALE OF TWO TACOS (+ MEZCAL) YOU MIGHT BE familiar with Tiki Taco— that adorable little walk-up taco shop on 39th Street. But you might not know that it recently experienced a major growth spurt. New owners and a cheeky new vision have expanded the late-night window into a fullblown restaurant next door. (Don’t worry— you can still order at the window until midnight on weekends). Its 90’s-inspired interiors vibed clear references to The Max on Saved by the Bell. Which—when did I become old enough that my TV adolescence has suddenly become retro? “Yikes—I need a drink,” I thought. And a drink I was served. I smartly ordered “whatever will look the cutest on Instagram,” and a Lava Flow piña colada with strawberry purée was whipped up for my screen-worthy
