The Pitch: May 2022 by The Pitch KC

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THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

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May 2022 CONTENTS THEPITCHKC.COM

Photo by Liz Goodwin

Food & Drink

Mise en Place BY LIZ GOODWIN Mise en Place is a new series chock full of culinary wisdom and local flavor from the pros who make Kansas City’s food scene so delicious. In the first installment, Liz Goodwin sits down with Teddy Liberda of Buck Tui BBQ to discuss his food philosophy and where he goes for an upscale meal and some late-night grub (often in the same night).

Music

Guilty Pleasures BY NICK SPACEK Victoria Cable likens herself to Michael Jackson. Manny Cable wants to be Beyoncé. With songs that are extended dirty jokes and soulful reflections on love and lust, VCMN’s debut album is so powerful, the bass will knock your speakers clean off the table. This husband-wife duo has created a masterclass in marital communication—all while sitting next to each other on their living room couch.

5 LETTER

14 FOOD & DRINK

24 FILM

6 CULTURE

15 Eat This Now

26 EVENTS

Letter from the Editor Pot Roast and the TikTok clock of morality BY BROCK WILBUR

The Good Batch The 501st Legion Star Wars cosplayers make the city a better place BY MICHAEL CRIPE

8 SPORTS

Heel Turn Daingersnake Designs sews a straight stitch for AEW BY KARI WILLIAMS

Hive Mind Fox & Pearl nourishes produce, pollinators, and backyard presence BY LIZ GOODWIN

The KC Irish Man from Brady & Fox BY KALA ELKINTON

15 Drink This Now Snail Jail Pale Ale from Strange Days Brewing Co. BY LIZ GOODWIN

18 Belden Momentum Back to the lab again with KC Bier Co.’s secret weapon BY JUSTIN BURNELL

Photo by Chadwick Christopher

A Space to Recognize Black Filmmaking The Black Movie Hall of Fame aims to adjust our cultural discourse BY ABBY OLCESE

May Calendar For more events, visit thepitchkc.com/calendar BY MICHAEL CRIPE, SAVANNAH HAWLEY, FANTASIA WESLEY, THOMAS WHITE, LILY WULFEMEYER

28 LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Cover design by Miroslav Pavlovic Photo by Chris Manning

Keep Them Coming Divorced and dating again BY KRISTEN THOMAS

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

May 2022 CONTENTS THEPITCHKC.COM

29 Savage Love Love and leashes BY DAN SAVAGE

30 KC CARES

Camp Encourage BY BETH LIPOFF

The 501st Legion using the force at an event. Photo by Angela Stokes

Letter from the Editor POT ROAST AND THE TIKTOK CLOCK OF MORTALITY In the social media world, there’s a term called “parasocial relationships.” It’s what happens when you watch too many Instagram posts or YouTube videos from a content creator, and start to believe that you are actually friends. I’ve personally wound up in this trap a few times. Few have ever asked as much of me as my investment in Pot Roast and Pot Roast’s Mom. Pot Roast is a white with black-spotted cat. Pot Roast’s Mom is a 26 year-old electrical engineer. Both live in KC. Via TikTok (@ potroastsmom), they amassed an army of supporters. More than one million followers on that platform alone, and nearly 90 million likes on their videos. How and why? A combination of snuggles and darkness. Pot Roast’s Mom does not want her name out in the open, for employment reasons, so she’ll just be PRM moving forward here. PRM brought in this cat that, as we’ve reported on previously at The Pitch, endeared itself to the masses by being a mix of begrudgingly alive and the best friend anyone could ask for. The matted fur-baby was known for her hijinks, her stubborn refusal to be anything less than a stone-cold queen, and for overcoming aging ailments in the most ridiculous manners imaginable—including an assortment of messy eating habits. Pot Roast as a cat would be someone I would follow and adore from afar. Pot Roast’s Mom is the element that made this whole situation viral. PRM is one of the most bleakly hilarious performers I have ever known. She matched a disgruntled feline to videos with songs, digitally accompanied narratives, and gentle snapshots of life—most always delivered

with a combination of dirt dry sarcasm and, somehow, overwhelmingly supportive positive vibes. Pot Roast was not a cat on the internet. Pot Roast was a cat that seemed to belong to all of us. I spent enough time with videos of Pot Roast over the last few years that, would she have crossed my path at The Pitch offices, I would not not have been surprised. And then we lost her. It had been a long-running sort of joke, that Pot Roast was old and angry and toothless and falling apart on some level. But it was always that; just this joke about existence, emotions, and how we all process waking up each morning anew. Then in February, there was just a day where Pot Roast was not here anymore. It felt like, perhaps, this was just an extension of the dark humor inherent in everything around that cat. Pot Roast was in the vet hospital for a blood transfusion, after experiencing a seizure. Within a matter of hours, things took a turn for the worst. “My little bird flew away at 11:47 a.m. this morning,” PRM wrote atop a video of her holding her cat. “When I saw Pot Roast this morning I could feel that she was done fighting and even though I wasn’t done fighting for her I let her go. She went to sleep in my arms.” “In the end, it was just her and me,” PRM said. “And I am grateful for every moment we had together.” There are few days in my life where I have sobbed as unbecomingly as I did that Wednesday. If you want to see an adult man do a real ugly cry, come talk with me about Pot Roast. That was not my cat. That cat’s owner is not a person that I have ever met in the real world. But there is something beautiful in the ability to share the joys and sorrows of life with a person, and with an angry furball, and to know in your heart that you are better, happier, and more joyous for the experience. Parasocial or not, I am better as a person for having known anything about that little dummy. Pot Roast’s Mom has, in the weeks since,

Pot Roast and her mom are judging you. Courtesy Pot Roast’s Mom

been processing loss via her social media. Sometimes, you see people performing an act around pain online, and you can feel like there’s a hollow motivation. PRM has been open and honest about a gigantic gaping wound in her life. Beyond how invested I am as a person, there’s a fascinating element in seeing how an electrical engineer from KC is using the gigantic internet platform built by her deceased cat to impart some challenging life lessons onto an unsuspecting audience. And to help others work through their own grief over other things across the spectrum, in real-time. On The Pitch’s website, we’ll be running an extended interview with PRM when this issue hits stands. She has a lot of fascinating, kind things to say, and we want to print them in full. Pot Roast, a cat I never met, taught me a lot about how I want to leave this world, how I want to be remembered, and how many laughs I hope everyone can take from my journey. For a parasocial relationship with a cat and her owner, I just feel lucky to have been present. Maybe treat yourself to a half-hour of Pot Roast on TikTok, whose journey will live on, and whose light will never go out. Pitch in, and we’ll make it through.

Editor-in-Chief Brock Wilbur President & Chief Operating Officer Andrew Miller Director of Strategy Lily Wulfemeyer Staff Writer Savannah Hawley Director of Marketing & Promotions Jason Dockery Assistant Editor Steph Castor Community Manager Sarah Sipple Music Editor Nick Spacek Film Editor Abby Olcese Contributing Writers Emily Cox, Liz Cook, Barbara Shelly, April Fleming, Liz Goodwin, Justin Burnell, Hannah Strader, Beth Lipoff, Tyler Schneider, Kristen Thomas, Elliott Lee Scott, Kala Elkinton, Kari Williams Little Village Creative Services Jordan Sellergren House Designer Miroslav Pavlovic Contributing Photographers Zach Bauman, Chase Castor, Travis Young, Jim Nimmo, Chris Ortiz, Chadwick Christopher, Chris Manning, Angela Stokes Contributing Designers and Illustrators Jasmine Ye, Nidhi Shenoy, Megan Galey, Katelyn Betz, Shelby Phelps Editorial Interns Michael Cripe, Fantasia Wesley, Thomas White

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DISTRIBUTION The Pitch distributes 20,000 copies a month and is available free throughout Greater Kansas City, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $5 each, payable at The Pitch’s office in advance. The Pitch may be distributed only by The Pitch’s authorized independent contractors or authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Pitch, take more than one copy of each week’s issue. Mail subscriptions: $22.50 for six months or $45 per year, payable in advance. Application to mail at second-class postage rates is pending at Kansas City, MO 64108.

COPYRIGHT The contents of The Pitch are Copyright 2022 by The Pitch LLC. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without the express written permission of the publisher. The Pitch 3543 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111 For information or to share a story tip, email: tips@thepitchkc.com For advertising: andrew@thepitchkc.com or 816-218-6792

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

CULTURE

The Good Batch THE 501ST LEGION STAR WARS COSPLAYERS MAKE THE CITY A BETTER PLACE By Michael Cripe In St. Louis, there was a horrific car accident. A 12-year-old boy survived. The crash killed his parents and his brother was left in critical condition. His grandfather had only one plan for how to provide a spark of joy that would distract the shell-shocked kid from the apocalyptic situation he was attempting to navigate. He called for help from the one thing that unequivocally cracks a smile on anyone’s face: a little magic from a galaxy far, far away. The boy’s grandpa didn’t call for the aid of a lightsaber-wielding Jedi. Instead, he reached out to Rich Heffernan, a professional Darth Vader and the Commander of the 70th Explorers Garrison. The Garrison is a branch of a global nonprofit called The 501st Legion—a Star Wars cosplay group that does live-action roleplay for charity. This was precisely the kind of mission that Heffernan and his Stormtroopers gear up to engage. Without a second thought, a squad of troopers was ready to march. Heffernan took the opportunity to provide a spark of hope, despite the concerns of the hospital holding the child. Official policy was to keep weekday visits to a minimum, but no one wants to tell a group of hard-headed Stormtroopers what they can and cannot do. “We got in trouble for it, but we didn’t care,” Heffernan says with a laugh. “They weren’t mean or anything. They just kind of scolded me for a little bit.” The grandparent forewarned the squadron of soldiers that the kid they were engaging with might not respond at all—he was nearly catatonic from processing such excessive tragedy. “We went in there and we had the kid out, walking around, talking, jumping,” Heffernan says. “Completely 100% turn from what we were told to expect.” While the Galactic Empire isn’t exactly known as a beacon of positivity, the Garrison’s hospital visits are a common occurrence, as are its hosted pancake breakfasts and group marches by the houses of ill children. The 501st is known for launching

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

an eclectic series of public events, always with the intention of raising funds for various charitable organizations. Just as with any great Star Wars story, it’s the individual, meaningful moments that leave an impression. Like invading a children’s hospital to brighten the day of one traumatized child, no matter how many administrators stand in its way. It’s a raiding party of joy. “Seeing him light up like that, this is why I do it,” Heffernan says.

The Power Of The Dark Side The 501st is a real-life organization, based on a fictional group of elite soldiers commanded by the most infamous Sith Lord himself, Darth Vader. Referred to as Vader’s First in Star Wars lore, these comically ineffective henchmen form an army that is hellbent on maintaining the fascist status quo. In Kansas City, these joyful recreationists want to do anything but. “I would say 80% of what we do is actually related in some way, shape, or form either to supporting or trying to actually generate money for charity,” Heffernan says. His Garrison functions as a branch of an

exponentially larger, expansive 501st nonprofit. There are 175 members in Missouri and Kansas, with 75 residing in KC alone. The 14,495 registered 501st members stationed across the globe spend much of their time dressed up as Stormtroopers, Imperial Royal Guards, and other villain-aligned infantry. Still, it’s admittedly a bit jarring to see Darth Vader pocket his Force-choking hand to go on an Easter Egg hunt, while bounty hunters hand out baskets. “If we know of a nonprofit or event that needs the participation, we’ll seek it out,” says 70th Explorers Garrison Firehawk Squad Leader Jim Thayne. “We’ll do Star Wars Day at Kauffman Stadium and Planet Comicon, but we’ll also show up to a terminally-ill child’s birthday in the middle of the week at six in the evening.” Kansas Citians might spot seemingly ominous platoons of Stormtroopers walking in parades, participating in Step Up for Down Syndrome, or working with Children’s Mercy Hospital. Many 501st events focus on the overall experience, but they do aim to raise money for those in need whenever possible. At

Members of the 70th Explorers Garrison—the local branch of the 501st Legion—cosplay at multiple events across the city. Photos by Angela Stokes and Jim Thayne

Planet Comicon 2019, the group brought in $2,500. They also offer special interactions for a price, from standard photo-ops to the endlessly satisfying Blast-a-Trooper—where would-be Rebels only need three things: a few bucks, a Nerf gun, and sharp aim. Nailing the bucket heads with a dart is fun on its own, but Garrison member Kristopher Heid says some light taunting might be the best way to keep Nerf gunners engaged. “Every kid is a little different,” Heid says. “Some are even scared to approach us. I’ve taken off my helmet to show kids that I’m just a regular person underneath, so they know we’re all here to have a good time.” The 2019 Comicon funds were submitted to Kansas City Hospice and Camps For Kids, while an additional $1,500 from Comicon 2021 went to Saint Luke’s Hospital. In addition to local contributions, a percentage of fiscal intake is sent up-chain

CULTURE

You Belong At...

to a national 501st collaborative endowment fund, established for Make-a-Wish. The Garrison’s national participants have contributed $2,093 to that fund, which currently sits at $323,256 of its projected $501,000 goal. It’s all part of the 501st’s charity umbrella: “Bad Guys Doing Good.”

A Hive Of Scum And Villainy Whether Trooper, Vader, or something more “vile,” each cosplayer must have their self-crafted costume(s) approved if they want to join the Legion. Outfit production can cost the participants up to thousands of dollars, depending on the character being replicated and the level of dedication to detail. “To get approved with the clubs, your costume has to be what we call ‘film-ready,’” Heid, who moonlights as Darth Revan, explains. “So, if you were asked to walk onto a Star Wars set, you would not look out of

These satires of faux-war characters are, somehow, the heroes KC deserves. place. Sometimes that does give the misrepresentation that we’re very strict on our costuming and gatekeeping, but it’s not so much we’re gatekeeping—we just have a set of standards.” Heid, Heffernan, Thayne, and the other thousands of 501st members put hundreds of hours into perfecting costumes and attending events, but they don’t get paid for the work they do. The 74 members in Kansas City all have their own interests, careers, and families to go home to, but Star Wars is the passion that binds them. Between the blaster fights and squad meetings, Heid is a warehouse worker at Amazon, and Thayne is a claim adjuster. Heffernan, the head of 501st operations for two states, is an IT professional. While Star Wars fans may not ever agree on the direction the franchise should take, the 501st is too focused on creating the perfect outfit to be bothered by the discourse. At least for her part, Lael Holloway doesn’t get too cross-Jaig-eyed about it. Holloway collaborates with the Garrison as a member of the Rebel Legion and

Mandalorian Mercs—two groups that are part of the Star Wars cosplaying community but are not officially affiliated with the 501st. She joined in March of last year after her son created a Captain Rex armor set that was approved at the height of lockdowns in April 2020. Holloway says new spinoffs such as The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+ simply add to the addictive art of costume-making. “For example, I have the Mandalorian Armorer costume from The Mandalorian season one, and she also appeared in The Book of Boba Fett episode five,” Holloway says. “I immediately was drawn to, ‘What did they change? How is it different, and what kind of differences are there? Is it something I could easily do, to have a second costume that is both things, or is it changed enough that you would have to have two separate costumes?’”

Blast ‘Em You’ll find the 501st’s mission statement on its website: “Some fans collect action figures. Others want to become action figures.” With its collective action in the community, the group certainly falls into the latter category. These satires of faux-war criminals are, somehow, the heroes KC deserves. “I enjoy building the costumes, but it’s really about the charity events, meeting people, and making the world a better place,” Thayne says. “I don’t think there’s anybody in our group that would say anything different. We’re close-knit here in Kansas City.” Yes, the 501st is held together at the (literal) seams, and there’s no sign that it won’t keep growing in its darkly comedic contributions to the city, the organizations that can always use more support, and individual children that might need a little spark of joy at their lowest point. “One of my peers said it really well: ‘This is where your passion meets your purpose,’” Holloway says about posing as intergalactic police stationed in Missouri. From First Order gear to TIE Fighter pilot attire, every plastic-coated commando hopes to make a difference in someone’s life. Anyone can submit a request for a public appearance, but instead of payment, the 501st asks those interested to donate toward one of the suggested organizations, which you can find via its website and social media pages. The 501st’s 70th Explorers Garrison just made its 14th appearance at Planet Comicon Kansas City. Check its online event calendar for other opportunities to catch up to the cosplayers in person. And, as always, if you have someone in your orbit who could use a supportive raiding party, don’t hesitate to send a transmission to your friendly neighborhood Death Star.

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THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

DAINGERSNAKE DESIGNS SEWS A STRAIGHT STITCH FOR AEW By Kari Williams

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

SPORTS

io’s “Rainbow in the Dark” pumps through the speakers as a figure steps into view. He’s draped in a glimmering turquoise and violet floor-length coat with tights in the same color scheme, and holding the Gateway Heritage Championship belt. The costume is Chris Estell’s creation come to life on its wearer, Jeremy “The Monarch” Wyatt. He was one of the first pro wrestlers to wear ring gear from Estell’s business, Daingersnake Designs. “He’s been my wrestling hero for the longest time,” Estell, a wrestler-turned-wardrobe-artist from Kansas City, Kansas says. “He kicked me in the back, knocked the wind out of me, and said, ‘Welcome to the business.’” Last month, the gear maker landed a role on the wardrobe team for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), barely two years into teaching himself to sew. Before that, he worked overnight security and made gear during the day. “With AEW, that was just luck,” Estell says. “Right place, right time.”

Having previously been introduced to Sandra Gray—one of the foremost gear makers in the industry—Estell attended a November 2021 AEW show in Independence, Missouri, portfolio in tow, with the intent of asking her for advice. “[Two days later], she called me and asked if I’d like to come to New York City and do the show there with them,” Estell says. He’s been working with AEW ever since and was officially signed in February.

From wrestling to sewing Estell broke into the wrestling business a decade ago, initially training as an inring competitor. But the combination of COVID-19 and the deaths of his father and a tag-team partner stalled his in-ring aspirations. In the meantime, he asked National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) competitor Marti Belle (of KCMO) if she would wear gear he made for her. Belle said yes. “It’s easy to do stuff for her because

Left to Right: Marti Belle wearing Daingersnake, The Monarch wearing Daingersnake, Estell pointing to his design worn by Niles Plonk. Photos by Chris Manning

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

SPORTS

Marti Belle and The Monarch with the Gateway Heritage Champion Belt, both wearing Daingersnake Designs. Photo by Chris Manning

we can have frank conversations about her likes and dislikes,” he says. “How she wants it cut and stuff like that.” Belle, who is currently the NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champion with Allysin Kay, said that the first set was “obviously a work in progress.” But she still wore it on TV, and the two continued working together, perfecting her look. She now has 15 sets

“Here he is, traveling and working for one of the biggest companies in the world, and making people on TV look good.”

from Estell and refuses to go to anyone else. She was decked out in Estell’s gear when she and Kay won the NWA women’s tag team titles.

Growth of a designer Wyatt said Estell profusely apologized for the quality of the first set of tights that he

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SPORTS

sewed for The Monarch. “He encouraged me and said, ‘Find the right stuff, do it again, and I’ll wear it again,’” Estell recalls. That support and communication brought a new level of creative freedom to their working relationship. “Now he has some of the best gear out on the indies,” Estell says. One of the latest designs is a black and gunmetal gray set in the guise of Batman— the most recent in a line of themed gear. Belle’s gear, similarly, evolved to include knee-high custom socks and extra panels. “He definitely has gotten a little more confident in finding himself and finding himself as an artist,” Belle says.

Finding a niche in AEW Other wrestlers and companies soon started to take notice of Estell’s high-quality products. His workload has been increasing through word of mouth. Since that trip to New York City, Estell has worked with AEW’s Shawn Dean, Fuego Del Sol, Ruby Soho, and Butcher and the Blade. Getting to make Soho’s gear, Estell says,

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

was fate. Her normal gear maker couldn’t complete her costume for the January AEW TBS title match against Jade Cargill. She sent Estell a photo of what she was looking for, said she trusted him, and let him do his thing. “I took elements from the picture she sent me and basically just freehanded it all the way until we got to the finish,” Estell says. When he started making gear, he had no goal of signing with a big company. “[Making gear is] something he would’ve never fathomed even two years ago,” Wyatt says. “Here he is, traveling and working for one of the biggest companies in the world, and making people on TV look good.” Estell wants others to know it’s possible to have a place in wrestling without physically competing. “You don’t necessarily have to be an in-ring talent to be successful,” Estell says. “If you have a passion for writing or making gear—you can still love wrestling and still be part of it.” Marti Belle in the ring. Photo by Chris Manning

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FOOD & DRINK

Hive Mind FOX & PEARL NOURISHES PRODUCE, POLLINATORS, AND BACKYARD PRESENCE By Liz Goodwin I want you to imagine a world without avocados. For those who shudder at the thought, it gets worse. Picture farmers markets and retail giants alike with no strawberries, no tomatoes, no apples, and—perhaps the biggest gut-punch of them all—no coffee. But that’s just the beginning. “What kind of twisted nightmare is this?” you may ask. It’s more of an encroaching reality than a bad dream: it’s a world without bees. These pollinators face many challenges from human hands that cause their population to dwindle. As urban development sprawls into territory formerly occupied by nature, bees have less room to buzz about and help local growth thrive. Fox & Pearl wants to change that. The bistro—led by its two owners, Chef Vaughn Good and General Manager Kristine Hull— is building an urban garden. Complete with six beehives courtesy of a collaboration between Fox & Pearl and urban beekeeping organization Bee KC, the garden is situated in a formerly vacant lot across the street from the Westside restaurant. Visitors can traipse up the hill behind a bus stop to see the bones of the project, guided by the beacon of glittering aluminum garden beds eagerly awaiting their inhabitants. That’s what I did, following Hull’s lead as she pointed out which perennials, herbs, and edible flowers would plant roots where. “These will be fairly low-maintenance plants that we can use in the restaurant,” she says about the future crop. “The in-ground beds will be butterfly bushes, wildflowers, and a lot of native plants that create visual interest and draw pollinators over. I’m not a professional gardener, so I’ve got to start with something easy.” The flora in the garden will enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the bees, their multicolored hives located just behind the growing area. Hull smoothed her hands over the boxes to feel their vibration and activity levels. Once, she heard a story about beekeepers having longer lives due to the sonic frequency of the buzzing. She says she’ll be a frequent visitor of the hives. It is a beautiful irony that such a small

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

creature may hold the power to extend the fate of humans and much of our preferred vegetation. Fox & Pearl’s bees will spread their wings to local foliage and backyard gardens for miles, nourishing local and seasonal eating beyond the James Beard-nominated kitchen. The insects fit right into the restaurant’s farm-driven and micro-seasonal approach to cooking. In fact, the bees themselves may be the most hyperlocal farmer the eatery has on their supplier list—they’ll be using raw honey from the hives in marinades, vinaigrettes, desserts, and cocktails. “One of our big internal projects is bringing people closer to their food. We want the farmer to be at the forefront because we aren’t here without them. I think people have a disconnect to that in urban environments,” Hull says while circling the bee-borhood. She crunches honeycomb-imprinted wax under her boots with each step. Not only is the quality of locally-grown food just plain better, but Fox & Pearl feels better about spending their cash with the little guy. “I firmly believe the saying ‘your dollar is your vote,’ and what you spend your money on is what you are supporting,” Good says while listing the reasons why he chooses to support Midwest growers. “If we want to have rich and diverse local food options, you have to be aware of where those ingredients are coming from. I also believe I have a responsibility to represent the farms well on our menu.” The eatery wants to bring people close to their food, but not too close. There will be barriers to prevent visitors with excess amounts of liquid courage from accidentally damaging the urban ecosystem. Still, the team wants the concept to remain as open as possible. The hives will be in a protected area adjacent to a hog pit, where barbeque and other types of cookery will commence, and a collection of fruit trees whose bounty can be plucked by all passers-by. “I like apples, pears, maybe a plum or two,” Hull says. “We have a pretty big transient community here, so we could use the fruit in the restaurant, but that would be more of a ‘help yourself’ thing just to give back.”

The inclusiveness of the outdoor space fits well with their indoor one, designed with nature as a main focal point. Sunshine oozes through the windows at all hours, backlighting table-side jungles before being fragmented by glass carafes and wine glasses. The interior almost feels like a greenhouse, which makes the farm-to-table meal experience even more enjoyable. Before I knew it, four plates with unmatched aesthetics and drifting aromas had populated my table. “I realized I didn’t even let you order,” Hull chuckles. Each dish was crafted with raw honey from bees in the Bee KC on-site network, soon to be replaced by the amber sweetener from the restaurant’s own hives. Nearly all the dishes were made featuring local ingredients, traceable via the lengthy list of farm partners the menu has on its underside. A few were also decorated with herbs and flowers from Missing Ingredient, a local fresh produce supplier. But in a few months, these elements, too, will come from the garden across the street.

FOX & PEARL

2143 Summit St., Kansas City, MO 64108 HOURS Monday-Tuesday, Closed Wednesday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

EAT THIS NOW | DRINK THIS NOW

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Kala Elkinton

The KC Irish Man from Brady & Fox BY KALA ELKINTON

Brady & Fox 751 E 63rd St., Kansas City, MO 64110 (816) 800-4141

Traditional Irish food is all about comfort. Who can say no to a thick cottage pie? As a fan of the bygone Brady’s Irish Pub that used to occupy the cozy interior on 55th and Troost, I was thrilled to see the brand new Brady & Fox opening just down the street. But I didn’t know when I stepped through the doors of the new East Brookside spot that I would be called to choose a more modern dish. Cue: the KC Irish Man sandwich. Brady & Fox’s menu, still in its infancy, calls this a “take on burnt ends.” I had to try it. The corned beef is lean and full of flavor, topped with onions caramelized in Guinness and aged white cheddar. The onions form a sweet sauce for the sandwich, and the whole thing comes piled on a farm-to-market potato bun. The fries and chips are both made in-house—either would be a good choice to accompany this delicious sandwich. While the modern building doesn’t scream “cozy Irish pub,” where I could sit and wash my week away with several pints, the menu has all the traditional Irish fare you could want, plus more with sandwiches like this.

Above (L to R): Fox & Pearl beehives from Bee KC; Kristine Hull, general manager and owner of Fox & Pearl; The Star Player cocktail made with reposado tequila, Oaxacan rum, coconut milk, local lavendar, vanilla, and honey; the Grilled Trout made with lemon vinagrette featuring Bee KC honey, coal roasted beets, orange caraway butter, and fried capers, topped with edible flowers. Below: The indoor lounge at Fox & Pearl. Photos by Liz Goodwin

Snail Jail Pale Ale

from Strange Days Brewing Co.

BY LIZ GOODWIN

Strange Days Brewing Co. 316 Oak St. Kansas City, MO, 64106 (816) 469-5321

I wonder if there is scientific evidence that beer tastes better in the afternoon sunshine on a day in the mid-70s. I believe with all of my being that that assertion is true. The Snail Jail Pale Ale from Strange Days Brewing Company certainly was delicious as I Liz Goodwin sipped it by one of their open garage doors. The venue is complete with an outdoor patio perfect for furry friends and humans alike to lounge and enjoy. The Snail Jail is brewed with oats and two hops varieties: Simcoe and Topaz. It’s light, crisp, and perfectly balanced so that you can enjoy several without getting too bloated. Enjoy it with a bag of Dot’s Pretzels, one of a few snacks available to munch on while playing board games over brews with your friends. THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

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Mise en Place BUCK TUI’S TEDDY LIBERDA ON HIS BEEF WITH THE WORD FUSION AND LAYERING FLAVOR By Liz Goodwin

SAVE THE DATE! JULY 18-24, 2022

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Teddy Liberda has a bone to pick with the word “fusion.”

He’s the pit-master and Thai-inspired barbecue connoisseur at Buck Tui in Overland Park, Kansas. He indicts the term for shortchanging many Asian cuisines, glossing over the nuances that make great food shine. “What does the word fusion even mean?” Liberda asks. “Is it supposed to be Asian that’s mixed with American—all of that is just one category? Nah. There needs to be more. And our barbecue is all about the culture; it’s real Kansas City authentic Asian barbecue.” He believes in the doctrine of heat and is playing the long game to get spice-shy customers to believe in it, too. He cooks with a colorful plate in mind, ends many parties with a pot of pho, and thinks food tastes best when it’s doing good in the community. And he’s serving some serious flavor near you. Below, Liberda dives into forging a new path for barbecue, the spots he’s loving as of late, and a tragic yet impressive tale about his commitment to cilantro.

The Pitch: Can you describe your food philosophy using three words? Liberda: “Community-driven for sure. It’s not about the money, it’s a way of life and about taking care of our people. Also, layered. It’s all about the palate for me; those four pillars of Thai that are sour, sweet, salty, and umami. We pull cultures together and make a new lane. There’s a stereotype that Thai food is so hot, so a lot of people are scared of it. But with barbecue and stepping into that game, that gets people to say okay, I’ll give it a try. And they say, ‘that’s good, and it’s different.’”

What’s the one thing customers should order when they come to Buck Tui? Get the brisket. That wears the crown here, and that’s any variation of the meat. Get it with the curry, or try it in the egg rolls. Don’t be afraid to mix and match and eat family style. If you want to, go ahead and splurge for the Salt Creek. Her beef is very unique in flavor, and combined with our process, you aren’t going to get it anywhere else.

g ro wn b y h a n d

What ingredients do you always have in your fridge at home?

ma d e b y h a n d

Meatballs and bones. And some type of fresh noodles always, with basil, cilantro, garlic, and sometimes chili oil. Of course, with the whole pantry of sauces. My wife [Pam Liberda of Waldo Thai] does soup Sundays, now we do it here instead of home and go all night with it.

816. 221 . 7 5 5 9 | b l u e b i rd b i s t ro . c o m 1 7 0 0 S u m m i t S t re e t

Mise En Place is a series of questions, answers, recommendations, and culinary wisdom from the food and drink masters that push KC flavor further. The following answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Above: Buck Tui pho, made with their signature brisket. Right: Teddy Liberda. Photos by Liz Goodwin

course, Michael Smith with his caviar sandwich, Colby Garrelts, and I’m good friends with Shaun Brady down at Brady & Fox. Me and him are always trading equipment. I just really love to support local, always.

What’s your go-to for late-night grub? I have to hit up Town Topic, or if I’m rolling through The Plaza my spot is Winstead’s drive-thru for that double bacon cheeseburger with a cherry limeade.

What Kansas City chefs and restaurants are impressing you?

What bar are you imbibing at before said late-night grub?

So many, man. Johnny Leach down at The Town Company—that dude’s a soldier. Just his carrot sauce alone with that bread his wife makes is amazing, and they’re just good people. Fernanda [Reyes] at Taco Naco, that girl is a hustler. She inspires me so much, so do all of the people up there at the Overland Park farmers market. Of

Canary, for sure. That place is so sick. If I was to go out drinking, I’d hit there first and have a couple of snacks, then Town Company for dinner. The next stop would be The Phoenix to listen to some jazz, and after that is when you hit up Winstead’s or Town Topic. The brunch at Buck Tui the next day, and boom, there’s your weekend.

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FOOD & DRINK

Belden Momentum BACK TO THE LAB AGAIN WITH KC BIER CO.’S SECRET WEAPON By Justin Burnell

Elizabeth Belden stands amid the gleaming cylindro-conical fermentation tanks at KC Bier Co. The last date they were chemically cleaned is written in blue ink on a whiteboard. Nearby, an industrial centrifuge whirs out the last bits of sediment from

“My hope for KC is that we can be a unified beer community, instead of thinking each thing we release is digging in to make something just for ourselves.” an IPL, KC Bier Co.’s German take on an IPA. Barley, the brewhouse dog, barks at me and shoves his head between Belden’s knees. Belden tells me he just wants attention. The dog keeps barking, but Belden ignores him to point at a pipe. She traces its path from one tank to another, then up the wall and across the ceiling to show me how everything in the brewhouse is connected. Over the mid-range thrum of machines and the boiler, she yells, “Everything’s really manual here. If something’s not flowing the way you think it should, just follow the hose.”

Brewer’s Process A sweet-sour earthy smell permeates the space at KC Bier Co. When Belden hands me a glass of fresh, not-yet-filtered IPL, I can smell the same notes in the beer. Belden didn’t plan to be here when she sat in her University of Missouri—Kansas City dorm room, staring at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. She wasn’t happy with the medical program, nor the six-year study path ahead. Her classes didn’t capture her like she thought they should. So she just started spamming the emails of anyone she could find at the school who worked in

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

FOOD & DRINK

Left: Belden in the brewing lab at KC Bier Co. Above: Fermentation tanks at KC Bier Co. Photos by Chase Castor

a lab. Didn’t matter what kind of lab, she just wanted to be doing science. “I cold-called the Stowers Institute and ended up being an intern there. I was way more interested in that, so I switched to biology. Then there was someone in my last class who worked at Boulevard Brewing Co. and I thought, ‘I don’t know a lot about beer, but it’s a lab, so I can probably do that,’” she says with an air of nonchalance. “I can probably do that” turned into more than a decade of experience in the beer lab, and a level of fame within the Kanbrewery scene for her exceptional work behind the curtain. KC Bier Co. sought Belden to set up their lab six years ago. What was supposed to be a temporary gig evolved into the platform for our city’s secret weapon in the booze scene.

Lab Rat When we get to the lab, I realize I’d imagined it as a commercial kitchen-sized room of metal tables with ongoing experiments, test tubes, blue-flamed Bunsen burners, and beeping machines—but Belden opens the door to a room the size of a nice closet. With the two of us inside it’s cramped. Belden says this is a lot more than most small breweries have. She shows me the sterilizer, the test strips, and a few bottles, then dives into her computer with the nervous energy of someone who needs a task. In the well-organized room, it’s easy to envision Belden alone, running chemical analytics and using the PCR tests we’ve all gotten to know well. But instead of COVID, she checks for DNA that produces “off” flavors. Belden explains that kegs are simple. The hermetically sealed environment prevents any unwanted bacteria from flourishing. So, even if something is present, it won’t alter the taste. Bottling is where the problems arise.

Bottles contain air, get exposed to light, and encounter temperature changes. These variables provide a hospitable home for contaminants. “In a bottle, some of the bacteria will metabolize and eat the sugars and create lactic acid, for example, so it ends up tasting like a sour beer,” Belden says. Ensuring the beer tastes how it should is the bottom line of what Belden does. After all the explanation of tests, data, and research I nod through without totally understanding, I see that at the bottom line Belden is the conservator of taste at KC Bier. A bad bottle of beer is pretty obvious. When Belden’s palate rings the alarm, she uses a gas chromatograph (GC for short) to isolate an outlier compound and label it. Once the computer knows the type of chemical spike to look for, Belden can test to confirm what her palate tells her. Yes, it takes a wildly expensive device to confirm what Belden can tell with a single sip. “We do a sensory panel every Wednesday just to take a look at how things are aging,” she says. The sensory panel compares new bottles with those three to six months old—in essence thinking about that bottle you forgot in the back of the fridge. Due to Belden’s efforts in the lab, and the rigorous schedule of cleaning and rotating cleaning agents, that little bottle left behind should taste the way you want it to. “The time shows less than I would think, which is a testament to our packaging people,” she says, sidestepping the spotlight. Instead of touting her own talent in this process, she brings up one of the many small details she retains from her early lab work in school. “If a fruit fly lands close enough, I can tell if it’s male or female. They like beer so I see a lot of them.” THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

FOOD & DRINK

Above: Belden works in the brewing lab. Right: Belden stands by the fermentation tank at KC Bier Co. Photos by Chase Castor

Phase Two Belden is thriving at KC Bier. She judges international beer competitions. She’s an officer for our regional chapter of the Master Brewers’ Association of America. She’s even cultivated a professional relationship with her former employer because she believes that a community of brewers make better beer. But, as we talk, the conversation often veers to Boulevard. Boulevard Brewing Co. was where Belden spent her time from age 23-33. Her time there turned sour when the company was purchased by Belgium company Duvel in 2013. What had been a dream job, which Belden had made into the cornerstone of her identity, suddenly began to unravel as communication, priorities, and production choices strayed further from what the company once stood for. “Little memories keep coming back and I’m like, fuck, I’m mad about a thing that happened 10 years ago,” Belden says. Years of being made to feel worthless and unsafe take enormous effort and time to undo. That process often means reliving wounds—and coming face-to-face with friends and family who want to deny them. “You try to talk to friends not in the industry and they’re like, ‘What could be so bad? You work in alcohol. It sounds so fun.’ But you’re being gaslit, and it’s not fun,” says Belden. “Yeah, it’s beer, but it’s also my fucking livelihood, and I don’t want to hate it.” Belden feels she lost years of professional growth. “There were instances when I would not ask my supervisor a question because the odds of getting a good response were so low. I’d either get made fun of or get dismissed. I just stopped asking questions, so I stopped learning,” she says. Belden says it took being at KC Bier Co. for a while to understand she was good at her job. It took time to rebuild her career and self-worth after years of being bullied, harassed, and gaslit. “When you hear only negative feedback for long enough, it’s the kind of thing that starts to get in your head,” she explains.

The Next Batch The rebuild is going well. Now that Belden is out of the Boulevard bubble, she’s found her peers through judging competitions and speaking on panels. In this expanded community, there are other women who share her experience.

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

“It’s nice to talk to them about how people are suddenly interested in what we’ve been dealing with for the past 15 years. You could have asked us a while ago if we like being talked down to. We don’t,” Belden says. But those speedbumps have only served to inspire Belden to push harder—for herself and for the community. “My hope for KC is that we can be a unified beer community, instead of thinking each thing we release is digging in to make something just for ourselves,” she says. “You can start something from scratch, and I try to be there when anyone is struggling. I know it’s a dumb cliché, but ‘no man

is an island,’ and I like when the world sees KC’s island becoming exponentially bigger and better. I’m not the smartest person in beer, but I know where to send people. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish.” Belden isn’t sure what’s next. When I ask, she shrugs and says she’s really happy where she is. Then she grins and rushes into the nuances of the beer she’s making for KC Bier Co.’s anniversary celebration. Watching her excitement, I almost feel guilty for asking about the future. Sometimes it’s enough to enjoy where you are.

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MUSIC

Guilty Pleasures

VCMN’S NEW ALBUM IS A MASTERCLASS IN MARITAL COMMUNICATION By Nick Spacek

was in the shower the first time I heard “Overdose,” the second track on VCMN’s upcoming debut album, The VCMN Project. Not 30 seconds into the track, there was a loud thwack! as something hit the floor. At first, I wondered if I’d knocked over a bottle of shampoo or body wash. Turns out the song’s bass vibrated the Bluetooth speaker clean off the windowsill and onto the floor. With power like that, I knew I had to meet these musicians. I met up with Victoria and Emmanuel “Manny” Cable—aka the “Vic” and “Man” of VCMN—for drinks at Henry’s Upstairs in downtown Lawrence. While the weather outside was blustery and depressing, the bar’s vibrant color scheme paired perfectly with the ebullient nature of this married couple who makes music that is, by turns, emotional and just plain raw. “Really, we’re honest with each other through our music,” Cable explains. “A lot of the time, we didn’t know what to say, so we’d write songs. Like, ‘I did this today!’” Manny then sings a bar from their song, “IDTY,” which stands for, “I don’t trust you!” Victoria nods her head in response and remembers her reaction when she first heard the lyrics: “It was like, ‘All right. Shots fired.’ And then the next week, I had something where I was like, ‘I got something for you to listen to.’” That “something” was “Forbidden Fruit,” which contains the line, “How can the love that brings me sanity be the same love to write my tragedy?” The pair laughs when I suggest that it’s like a musical version of passive-aggressive Post-its on the refrigerator, but, in truth, the Cables have crafted an album that’s pure collaboration. The two are working on the same wavelength—or soundwave in this case—rather than one person simply taking the lead and running with it. “We worked together through the whole thing,” says Manny. “Those two songs—even though we were fighting, we were working together.” They’ve been working it out with the rhythms and the rhymes for years now. VCMN Project was first birthed into existence when they were still dating; the album was finished after they tied the knot. “Lust” and “Overdose,” the two tracks that open the album, were written as Manny and Victoria sat together on their couch, responding to one another, after Manny heard “Lust” as part of a dream. It makes for a beautiful contrast. The songs’ earthy tones, club-worthy production, and sweaty beats were written by a couple that’s been married seven years while sitting in their living room. Somnambulist inspiration also struck for “Geriatric Action,” which comes at the midpoint of The VCMN Project. It’s exactly what you would expect from the title, and Manny’s lyrics leave nothing to the imagination. “Geriatric bae suffers from the dementia / But she’ll fuck you like a new man every time she forgets ya” are two of the most jaw-dropping lines I’ve heard in a while. The song feels like a joke pushed to its most-hilarious

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

extremes. As soon as I bring it up, Manny laughs uproariously and claps his hands, explaining that it was stuck in his head all day until he shot it to Victoria. “I’m a nurse, and I was literally in the middle of getting ready to go get one of my patients,” Victoria relates. “I was listening to it, and there was no one else around. I just burst out laughing. Then I was like, ‘Well, I can’t let you do this by yourself.’” At this point in our interview, all three of us are laughing to the point that other bar patrons are looking over. Manny admits that it’s a little near a novelty song, but that the few times VCMN has performed the song live, the audience reaction has been pure, unadulterated, “Oh. My. God.” He attempts to think of an equivalent song and latches upon Afroman’s 2001 hit, “Because I Got High.” “This song is highly inappropriate, but somehow I love it so much,” says Manny of the connective thread between the two tracks. For all of the laughing and joking around, both Victoria and Manny Cable are serious about music. Victoria grew up in the Bethel International Center of Worship church in Kansas City, Kansas, where her father, Cleveland Drone, was a pastor. From the ages of 10-19, she toured across the country singing gospel music. She says that not only what she learned onstage, but off, is integral to what she and her husband now do. “I know that we were doing gospel music and those kinds of things, but behind the scenes was a lot of show business, even in the church,” explains Victoria. “That definitely helped me to just be able to get out there and let it all out on the stage.” More than that, Manny and Victoria have a shared inspiration, courtesy of Bethel: Victoria’s father. Victoria calls him “my favorite male vocalist, famous or not.” Manny also admires Drone’s singing, sharing that the pastor’s vocal abilities inspire him and push him to work harder. Whereas Victoria cut her teeth on gospel music, Manny came to performance via a different path: ballet and modern dance. Perhaps this is why he feeds off of the energy that comes from the audience. “I feel like I shine on stage,” Manny explains. “You have to push me more in the studio. I don’t feel like I’m that good of a studio artist, but when I get up there, I’m used to being on stage and feeling it. I enjoy that energy and that give and take between crowd and artist. I want to be Beyoncé. I’m not joking about that.” Victoria concurs, saying that ego plays a big part of VCMN’s stage performance. “I swear up and down that I’m the female Michael Jackson,” she says, with the confidence of someone who knows what they, quite literally, bring to the stage. Victoria and Manny aren’t just up there singing—they are performing. There are dance moves. There’s audience interaction. VCMN is also in demand as performers at weddings and corporate events. At these hired events, their versatility allows them to slip their originals in between the usual covers, to the delight of the listeners.

“With weddings and things, we get to do our calmer things,” Victoria says. “We get to really show off our vocal abilities and draw in the emotion of the crowd and just bring in every ounce of love and all that amazingness.” Manny seconds this, saying, “I love that we’re able to do weddings and perform these covers and such.” He explains they’ll go from a cover to an original, and get equally positive responses from the crowd. As we finish our drinks and get ready to head back into the gray cold, Manny shares his main takeaway: the Cables enjoy the album they’ve created together. Making it was hard work, Manny says, but ultimately, he feels, “[It was] super-fulfilling and super-fun, ‘cause we do it together. It strengthened our marriage. I think getting this as an outlet to get our feelings out before we were married and finished it as a married couple, I’ve found that our communication is stellar.” “It’s always been easy,” Victoria concurs. “There have been challenges—I mean, I’ve literally been with this guy my entire adult life, and we’ve had growing pains, but it’s easy. It’s not hard. It’s not complicated. [It’s] something that’s enjoyable at the end of the day.”

LISTEN UP

VCMN’s The VCMN Project comes out May 13, with a release party that night at The Rino (314 Armour Rd., North KC, MO 64116).

MUSIC

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“I’m used to being on stage and feeling it. I enjoy that energy and that give and take between crowd and artist. I want to be Beyoncé. I’m not joking about that.”

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Emmanuel “Manny” and Victoria Cable of VCMN. Photo by Chadwick Christopher

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

FILM

A Space to Recognize Black Filmmaking THE BLACK MOVIE HALL OF FAME AIMS TO ADJUST OUR CULTURAL DISCOURSE By Abby Olcese Kansas City’s cultural contributions to the world at large are vast. We’re the home of the country’s best barbecue, the starting point of Negro League baseball’s Golden Age, and the birthplace of musical greats like Charlie Parker and Big Joe Turner. But one of the less-often discussed points is our region’s historical connection to cinema— particularly cinema’s rich relationship to Black culture. Shawn Edwards wants to help change that. “I don’t think there are too many other cities that have the richness of Black history and culture that Kansas City does related to America’s cultural landscape and impact globally,” Edwards, a film critic on Fox 4 News, says. “There’s a lot of history here, and the film component belongs right there in the mix.” Edwards is also the director of the Black Movie Hall of Fame, which will cel-

Fame, supporters can buy limited prints of Harvey’s artwork featuring the inductees through the Boone Theater’s website at boonetheaterkc.com. “This is going to be an immersive experience. We want to have a film series tied to the Hall of Fame, screen movies, bring in filmmakers, and create seminars all related to Black film,” Edwards says. “We want it to appeal to people and be a dynamic experience, as exciting for a 16-year-old as a 50-year-old.”

Reviving the Boone Theater The Black Movie Hall of Fame is part of a larger project to renovate the historic Boone Theater. In its heyday, the building sat alongside the Eblon, Lincoln, and Gem theaters as part of the vibrant jazz-age culture that defined Kansas City from the 1920s through the ‘40s.

Above (L to R): Don Cheadle, Janelle Monáe, Harry Belafonte, and Oscar Micheaux. Portraits by Warren “Stylez” Harvey Below: Hattie McDaniel— Wichita-born Black Movie Hall of Fame inductee and first African

“I’ve almost gone bankrupt trying to produce projects on the history of Black film. All these projects are finally starting to pay off, but this project is perhaps the most exciting.” ebrate Black contributions to the medium nationwide. The Hall will live in the renovated Boone Theater—itself a landmark of film, performing arts, and Black culture—in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. “The history of Black film has never been properly documented. There are so many things people don’t know, and I get annoyed with the narrative,” Edwards says. “We want to celebrate talented Black filmmakers who have been producing great films for as long as Hollywood’s existed, and create a place for discussion and dialogue.” The Black Movie Hall of Fame will take up part of the Boone Theater, as it becomes a multi-use space upon renovation. The Hall itself will include portraits of inductees by Kansas City-based artist Warren “Stylez” Harvey, interactive displays on the history of Black filmmaking, and programming that will take advantage of the Boone’s functioning theater space. As a fundraising effort for the Hall of

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

Shomari Benton, co-founder of the Vine Street Collaborative development group, says he was raised with stories about the area. He still has a photo of his grandparents dining together at the theater in the 1940s. “I’m 43, born and raised here, and a lot of the buildings in this neighborhood were decommissioned when I was born,” Benton says. “I grew up hearing stories about the Vine and its history and how great it was. Growing up, the physical form didn’t match those stories. But now it seems like we’ve kind of caught lightning in a bottle.” Benton and his partners Tim Duggan and Jason Parson are part of a growing movement to restore similar institutions in the historic area. Another Vine Street Collaborative project, 2000 Vine, redeveloped a historic neighborhood building to house office and retail space including Vine Street Brewing Co., the region’s first Black-owned

American to win an Academy Award—in a 1951 episode of Beulah. Courtesy of CBS Radio

FILM

brewery. Last fall, the city approved Vine Street Collaborative’s plan to develop the Boone Theater. “We believe you should breathe life into new buildings instead of tearing them down, and honor the historic character of the building while creating access and opportunity to the local community moving forward,” Duggan says. “We’re excited about how this approach and process has created a foundation of amazing local tenants like the Black Movie Hall of Fame, KC Black Repertory Theatre, and the Gem Theater Cultural Foundation. It’s a new development model where everyone can do good and do well.” The idea, Benton says, is to partner with community leaders and businesses to better reflect the community nature of what the 18th and Vine district has historically been. “The district, during the era of segregation, was the center of African American culture,” Benton says. “It wasn’t just jazz and barbecue. It was performing arts and professional services. It was a true neighborhood. We’re missing the boat if we focus on one or two items.” In its planned future iteration, the Boone Theater will include performing arts space and office space, in addition to serving as the location for the Black Movie Hall of Fame. There are also plans in the works to build a production space with outreach programming that teaches area youth about the filmmaking process. “It’s all part of a broader context around performing arts, and an entertainment space that both goes behind the scenes and is front-facing,” Benton says.

The Inaugural Class In March, a kickoff event as part of special programming for Kansas City FilmFest International. At the event, Edwards announced the first class of 10 inductees, all captured in vibrant portraits by Harvey. Edwards says it made sense that, for a Kansas City-based institution, the first inductees should have some connection to the area. “If you take Kansas City’s contributions off the map, there’s a lot missing from the world,” Edwards says. “The Hall of Fame is perfect to add to that legacy, because alongside the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the [American] Jazz Museum, it creates a great corridor that people from around the world should want to come and see.” The first set of inductees includes a number of area icons like Don Cheadle, Janelle Monae, and Kevin Willmott. Boundary-breakers like director Oscar Micheaux, Wichita-born Hattie McDaniel—the first African American to win an Academy Award— and Tressie Souders, a Kansas native who was the first African American woman to

direct a feature film, were also inducted. Other inductees like Forest Whitaker, Harry Belafonte, and Chadwick Boseman played characters with roots in Kansas City. Whitaker portrayed Charlie Parker in Clint Eastwood’s Bird, Belafonte played club owner Seldom Seen in Robert Altman’s Kansas City, and Boseman had his breakout role as Jackie Robinson in 42. Edwards says he’d like to make future inductee announcements into community events. “I think we’re starting a tradition that will carry forward,” he says. “We’ll have an induction ceremony each year. It’ll be a great event that people can look forward to.” Duggan says Edwards’ vision for the museum fits perfectly into the opportunities Vine Street Collaborative wants to keep creating for Kansas City residents and visitors alike. “With the surrounding infrastructure of museums and intellectual opportunities in terms of music and jazz and the Negro Leagues Museum, we have a really great opportunity that Shawn brought to the table,” Duggan said. “Moving forward, we can further curate an exhibit that recognizes the history and culture of Black cinema and Black film.” For Edwards, the project is the culmination of many years spent shining a light on the history of Black contributions to cinema. “I’ve almost gone bankrupt trying to produce projects on the history of Black film,” Edwards says. “All these projects are finally starting to pay off, but this project is perhaps the most exciting. I’m affiliated and aligned with a team I know will make this happen.” Edwards says that, with the renovated Boone’s functionality as a theater, the project serves as a puzzle piece, offering a service that’s currently absent in the district. “My heart has been broken for years because the district has been missing a theater. It’s so needed. We can have a venue where people can gather outside and watch a movie against the wall, a film series where you can watch classic Black movies, and dialogue after. That’s the experience we want to bring to the distinct, the city, the country.” All of it, Edwards says, can hopefully help change the conversation about Black filmmaking, both historically and now, and its overall place in the popular culture conversation. “Citizen Kane is a good movie, but enough. Godfather is cool, but enough,” he says. “What about these classic Black films that never get discussed? It’s hard for Black filmmakers to make a movie in 2022. How much harder in 1919 when Oscar Micheaux was doing it?” THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

En Vogue. Photo by Austin Hargrave

Photo courtesy of KC Summer Brew Fest

May 7

KC Summer Brew Fest Arrowhead Stadium

This is your chance to party on the playing field like the Chiefs just won the Super Bowl again! With a sizzling selection of over 150 beers from 60 breweries including regional favorites like Cinder Block Brewery, KC Bier Co., and Free State Beer, you’ll get tipsy on the turf and have a great time doing it. Good thing there will also be plenty of food trucks to balance out those brews! KC Summer Brew Fest is a 21+ event. Tickets range from $50-90 and are available through kcsummerbeerfest.com

May 15

New Kids on the Block with Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue T-Mobile Center

Dust off your mixtapes from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s and get ready for a night full of hits at the party that is the Mixtape Tour. Multi-platinum boy band New Kids on the Block is headlining the tour with special guests Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue. “Step by Step,” this lineup is “Never Gonna Give You Up” and will have you singing “Whatta Man” all night long. Tickets range from $85.95-115.95 and are available at t-mobilecenter.com

May CALENDAR By Michael Cripe, Savannah Hawley, Fantasia Wesley, Thomas White, Lily Wulfemeyer

Ongoing Events

Single Day Events

May 3-8

May 4

Fiddler on the Roof, Kansas City Music Hall

May 5-7

Boston Manor, The Bottleneck The HU, The Truman Justin Bieber, T-Mobile Center

American Royal Pro Rodeo, American Royal Center

May 5

May 6-8 Kansas City BBQ Festival, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

May 20-21 Manor Fest 4 (Weekend #1), Lawrence

May 21-22 Penguin March, Kansas City Zoo

May 26-28 Manor Fest 4 (Weekend #2), Kansas City

May 7

May 12

Wettest Block Party, West Bottoms (9th and State Line) Field Day, Arson Class, recordBar Hovvdy, The Bottleneck Derby Day, Julep

A.J. Finney, The Comedy Club of Kansas City CHNNLL, The Moose, Glass Bandit, recordBar

May 8

The Sluts, The Bottleneck The Whips & Friends Finals Funkstravaganza, The Granada

Car Seat Headrest, Grinders KC Maria the Mexican, Replay Lounge KC Current v Houston Dash, Children’s Mercy Park

May 13

May 14

Native Prairie Series: Tallgrass Prairies, Powell Gardens Pi’erre Bourne, The Granada

Shy Boys, Frogpond, C.S. Luxem, Replay Lounge Native Plant Sale, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center West Bottoms Heritage Days/Spring Swing, West Bottoms (14th and Hickory) KC Disc Golf Day, Waterworks Disc Golf Course

May 6

May 11

May 15

Beach Bunny, The Granada Equality Teen Prom 2022, Sar Ko Par Trails Park Friday Night Sound Bites, Lenexa Public Market

Gideon, Chamber, The RINO Danzig, Cradle of Filth, Crobot, Uptown Theater

Dan Andriano & the Bygones, The Bottleneck Star Wars Networking & Portfolio Building Photoshoot, Redux Society Family Timber Challenge, ZIP KC

LGBTQ+ Religious Trauma Support Group, Kansas City Center for Inclusion Felipe Esparza, The Comedy Club of Kansas City Buddy Guy, Knuckleheads

May 9 Sherman Irby Duo, Lied Center

May 10

May 16 Portrayal of Guilt, Yautja, recordBar

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

Photo by Friedman Bergman

FAIC Official Showcase Artist Making Movies. Photo courtesy of Elena Rodrigo

May 18-22

Folk Alliance International Conference Westin Crown Center Hotel

This one’s for you, our dedicated Midwestern folk fans! As the world’s largest festival dedicated exclusively to genre, the 2022 Folk Alliance International Conference will explore themes of preservation, migration, evolution, and authenticity under the thematic umbrella of “Living Traditions.” Whether you’re a fan of spoken word, Bluegrass beats, or lean more towards the Zydeco variety, now’s the time to get your tickets.

May 20

Brian Regan The Uptown

The only great clean comic, that other comics adore, is swinging back through town. Regan’s last stop-by was the start of a tour that got nuked thanks to COVID spreading in venues with poor protection protocols. His new tour is a gut-clenching mélange of physical goofs, high energy, and plain good joke-writing that your kids can laugh at, too. Tickets range from $45-60 and are available at uptowntheater.com/events/brian-regan/

View your registration options at folk.org/programs/conference/register/

May 17

May 22

May 27

They Might Be Giants, The Truman Russ, Cable Dahmer Arena Bark at the Park: Royals v White Sox, Kauffman Stadium

Called Charleston Workshop, Redux Society Ari Shaffir, Kansas City Improv Comedy Club Sporting KC Watch Party, Border Brew Company

Destroy Boys, The RINO mewithoutyou, The Granada

May 18 Rupi Kaur, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland Sum 41 & Simple Plan, Uptown Theater Wynonna Judd, Knuckleheads

Stay in the know about KC’s upcoming events on our interactive online calendar!

May 23 Homeshake, Salami Rose Joe Louis, recordBar

May 28 Still Woozy, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland Animal Collective, The Truman The Phantastics, The Bottleneck

May 29

May 19

May 24

Hot Milk, recordBar nothing, nowhere., The Granada

Modest Mouse, Grinders KC Limp Bizkit, Cable Dahmer Arena

BUMMER, Chat Pile, meth., NerVer, recordBar Bastille, Uptown Theater

May 20

May 25

May 30

William Clark Green, Knuckleheads Becky Robinson, The Comedy Club of Kansas City Art Walk, Epic Arts

Starset, The Truman Hump Day Happy Hour, Kansas City Zoo Duckhorn Wine Dinner, Rye Plaza

Kansas City Current vs. Racing Louisville, Children’s Mercy Park Bilmuri, Laur Elle, Uptown Theater

May 21

May 26

May 31

Family Activity: Cyanotype Prints, Powell Gardens The Crooked Rugs, Giovanni Ventello, Output, Iris Elke, Replay Lounge

Phoebe Bridgers, Starlight Theatre Tori Amos, Kansas City Music Hall

Marca MP, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland Nicole Springer, Miss Boating, Sister Bot, Lemonade Park Miss Juneteenth KC Pageant, Gem Theatre Garden to Glass: Vodka Edition, Powell Gardens

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

THE PITCH SEX & LOVE KEEP THEM COMING

study found that couples who met online were more likely to have a longer and happier marriage. Don’t be afraid to give online dating a chance—and don’t dismiss the possibility of meeting someone organically in real life. You could still have your dreamy meet-cute at a small get-together at a friend’s house! Be present and pay attention to people around you because you never know when you could meet someone you connect with. In other words, give both ways a shot.

Photo by Nicole Bissey. Illustrations by Shelby Phelps

Laws of attraction

DIVORCED AND DATING AGAIN In early April 2020, I started to worry that stocking my new office circa early March was gonna result in me emailing Nebraska Furniture Mart about their return policy. However, a whopping 20 days into the pandemic—in less time than it took me to start contemplating divorcing my new couch— there was a spike in searches about marital separation. According to data collected by LegalTemplates, April 13 saw searches up 57% compared to mid-February. Official data has not yet been released from the Census Bureau for the last two years, but the number of online searches about separation and divorce, the increase in downloads of legal documents for divorces, and the number of filings reported by municipalities across the U.S. show that there was a significant spike in couples parting ways in 2020 and 2021. As divorce attorneys and my clients have been saying, conditions were such that couples who were holding on by a thread— or thought they were okay—threw in the towel once they were home all the time and had to face some harsh realities. This means I’ve gotten to help a lot of semi-newbies entering the dating market. They aren’t new to dating completely, but it’s been a hot minute since they were single, and the dating world is not the same as it was when they were last in it. I love when clients and friends who are

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

freshly out of long-term relationships come to me for dating advice—and I know how overwhelming it can get. Most folks don’t even know where to start. So, let this be your three-step checklist.

Do you even swipe, bro? Some of these divorcees have never used a dating app; a few figured it out quickly, and

So, how do you get the attention of those potential matches you’ll actually be attracted to? First, you have to do what some elder in your life probably told you plenty of times as a kid—be yourself. By either crafting a profile that is authentically you or acting naturally in public, you will draw in the people that are like you. When you’re done messing around in an unhappy relationship, why then date someone that doesn’t line up with your needs and desires, whether or not you’re dating casually? Let your freak flag fly! Someone out there’s gonna love how it looks. The second part of attracting people? Be clear with yourself about what you want in a partner. Knowing if you’re in a friends-with-benefits phase or if you’re ready for something committed—then stating that to others—is vital. When you’re communicating these wants and needs with a potential partner, always frame things in the positive. You’ll get a lot further saying, “I want a serious relationship,” rather than, “I don’t like fucking around for fun.” This method of intentional dating has been covered by Time Magazine, USA Today, and other publications as a way to have more fun while dating and have an easier time

You’ll get a lot further saying, “I want a serious relationship” rather than, “I don’t like fucking around for fun.” others needed a tutorial. It’s adorable, humorous, and reminiscent of late-‘90s grandparents learning to use email. But more than anything, it’s brave that they’re learning this new skill and putting themselves out there! This is necessary because you can’t really escape online dating these days. Estimates show around 51 million U.S. users of dating apps last year. Considering around 50% of the adult population is single, that’s a huge portion of potential matches. Additionally, data from a University of Chicago

connecting with others. You’re also less likely to experience first-date burnout by having fewer dates, but higher quality dates.

How do you date safely these days? A common concern that’s existed since the advent of digital dating is safety. In a pandemic, that takes on new meaning. No longer is the only concern making sure who someone doesn’t rob you or end up wearing your skin. Most dating apps have added features

that allow users to share their vaccination status, whether they’d like to meet virtually or in person, and whether they prefer to wear masks or not. You still need to understand how to avoid unsafe situations, no matter your gender. Catfishing is still a real issue. Any profile that looks too good to be true probably is. It’s always smart to reverse image search a photo, especially if none of them look like candids or selfies. If you’re planning to meet up, ask for their full name first, and look them up online. They should exist somewhere. I don’t buy it when I can’t find a single shred of evidence that someone exists online when they’re…dating online. That signals that you probably got a fake name, and it doesn’t matter why. Do not go out with them under any circumstance. Once you’ve vetted the person and are pretty sure they’re real and not a creep, try to move to a video chat or phone call relatively soon. There’s now an in-app video call feature on my dating apps, so you don’t even have to give them your phone number. If you can have a good conversation for at least 15 minutes, then you’re more likely to have a great time in person. Remember that burnout I referenced? Trust me. You will get burned out if you keep showing up for first dates and find that you have no chemistry and you want to dip. We’re going for quality, not quantity, after all! Once they pass the phone call vibe check, you absolutely should meet in public the first time. Start off simple with coffee, a walk in the park, or a ball game. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Go somewhere you can have a conversation with few distractions. If at any time you get a bad vibe and you worry for your safety, fuck being polite. You owe people nothing if your gut is telling you that something is off. Your safety is your priority. You have my permission to end the date, sneak out the back, send up the Bat-Signal—whatever you need to do to extract yourself safely. • • • I wasn’t banking on the pandemic resulting in months of a lockdown that would force couples to face the issues in their relationships, nor am I glad that it happened. But it did happen, and people deserve to move on and find happiness and love in this crazy-ass world. Also, trust me when I say there are some wonderful people on dating apps. I met my partner on Hinge! Have fun, be safe, and go find the love you deserve. You can find Kristen @OpenTheDoorsKC on Twitter or openthedoorscoaching.com. Check out her podcast Keep Them Coming.

THE PITCH SEX & LOVE SAVAGE LOVE

carefully, and intentionally. And finally, BDSM, I would recommend reading whatever erotica your new girlfriend enjoys and/or watching porn that works for her. Then—like the newbie female dominant in Love and Leashes—talk about it together, plan a scene, and take it slow. (Also, choking is dangerous. So, no choking, or only symbolic choking. E.g., an open hand placed on or near the neck, no squeezing, no pressure applied.)

Dear Dan: I am a 29-year-old woman, and I

LOVE AND LEASHES Dear Dan: I’m seeing a woman after nearly a decade of being mostly single. Everything is wonderful; she’s funny, intelligent, creative, ambitious, and challenges me constantly. The sex is phenomenal—I’m 50, but she makes me feel 20 years old. She’s also into a fair amount of kink, whereas my sex life up until now has been fairly vanilla. Aside from a couple of drunken threesomes in my bartending days, I’ve had a plain (but satisfying!) sex life. This new situation is very exciting but also somewhat daunting. We have talked about a number of things—role play, bondage, choking, among others—and I really want to be as good a partner to her as I can be, but I really have no idea how to start. Two other complications: I’m not, by my nature, an aggressive or dominant person, and I abhor violence directed at women. I recognize in my logical brain the difference between violence and consenting kink, but my lizard brain echoes with the voice of my grandmother and father. Any advice? Books, podcasts, etc. where an old dog can learn some new tricks? —Basic Dude Seeks Mentors Dear BDSM: A few quick recommendations—check out the “Ask a Sub” podcast, hosted by frequent Savage Lovecast guest Lina Dune, who is the woman behind @ AskaSub on Instagram. Lina conducts online courses for people who are just beginning to explore BDSM, and you and your girlfriend might want to sign up for one. Love and Leashes is a charming romcom about a woman with no previous interest in BDSM who is inspired to explore BDSM after meeting a cute kinky boy at work. This South Korean film—with two mainstream pop stars playing the leads—shows two people negotiating a new relationship while, at the same time, negotiating kink thoughtfully,

have a problem when I have sex or masturbate. I always feel an annoying pain—a stinging sensation in my vulva at the entrance of the vagina—that does not allow me to enjoy it, as the pain is too overwhelming. Unfortunately, this situation has led me to avoid having sex or masturbating in order not to feel that pain. I have consulted several gynecologists, but no anomaly or infection of any kind has been found. With the last doctor, we also talked about a possible psychological component, but apparently, even on this level, everything seems normal. Do you or an expert have advice for someone with a problem like mine? —Lost And Baffled Inside America

Dear LABIA: “Vulvodynia, or pain in the vulva, is unfortunately very common, and it sucks,” said Dr. Rachel Gelman, a clinician, pelvic floor specialist, and author based in San Francisco. “But there are a variety of treatment options and providers that could help LABIA out.”

lature can contribute to or cause the pain LABIA is describing,” said Gelman. “Just like tight muscles in the neck can cause pain in the shoulder, arm, or jaw, a tight muscle inside the pelvic floor can cause pain at the opening of the vagina. A pelvic floor physical therapist, like myself, would be able to assess and treat this kind of muscle dysfunction, which would decrease LABIA’s symptoms and get her back to enjoying sex again.” But don’t stop at just getting a referral to a pelvic floor specialist. “Due to the fact that so many systems live inside the pelvis which impact the vulva, several specialists may be needed to investigate and treat the potential causes of LABIA’s pain,” said Gelman. So, in addition to seeing a pelvic floor specialist, Gelman recommends you consult with a vulvar specialist. You can find a list of vulvar specialists on the website of the National Vulvodynia Association at www.nva.org. “A vulvar specialist would be able to perform appropriate tests to tease out what is going on beyond what a general gynecologist may look at,” said Gelman. “It’s important to note that the tissue around the vaginal opening is highly dependent on hormones to stay happy and healthy. Certain medi-

cations or medical conditions can impact hormone levels, which can, in turn, impact vulvar tissues and lead to pain. There are also underlying inflammatory conditions that could also be causing this pain.” Even if you don’t have an underlying mental health or psychological condition, LABIA, the pain you’ve suffered—along with the resulting sexual deprivation—sounds like a lot, and talking about it with someone could help you reconnect more quickly with your ability to take pleasure in this part of your body again. “The brain is powerful and having vulvar pain or any kind of sexual dysfunction can be mentally draining, which can further exacerbate pain,” said Gelman. “So, a good sex therapist may also be a helpful ally here. Bottom line, vulvar pain is common and typically requires a team of providers—but help is out there.” Find Dr. Rachel Gelman online at www.pelvicwellpt.com and on Instagram @PelvicHealthSF. Question for Dan? Email him at mail@savagelove.net Follow Dan on Twitter @FakeDanSavage. Check out his new website at Savage.Love!

“Vulvodynia, or pain in the vulva, is unfortunately very common, and it sucks.” Gelman says it’s good that you’ve already had infection ruled out as a possible cause. But there are lots of other things that could be going on—nerve irritation, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, something genetic—and she urges you not to give up until you find an answer. And while Gelman is too polite to say it, I’m an asshole, so I’m just gonna blurt it out: It’s shocking that not one of the gynecologists you consulted referred you to a pelvic floor specialist. “The muscles inside the pelvis, aka the ‘pelvic floor,’ and the surrounding muscuTHE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

KC CARES

KC Cares

Camp Encourage By Beth Lipoff

When your child is on the autism spectrum, it can be hard to find activities for them where you know they’ll be comfortable and understood. For the last 15 years, Camp Encourage has been trying to fill that space. Located at the Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood, Kansas, the camp has four sessions—one in the spring and fall

Overall, Camp Encourage isn’t so different from your average sleep-away, but there are a few key modifications. Activities include the traditional lineup: zip-lining, swimming, arts and crafts, and more. But multiple things are always going on at once, so kids can easily opt out of something that makes them uncomfortable and select a more favorable activity.

“They don’t have to hide anything; they can be as quirky as they want, and everybody loves them.” and two in the summertime. Camp is open to children ages 8-18 anywhere on the spectrum as long as they don’t require one-onone support. “When we first founded Camp Encourage, we found there were lots of other camps serving those with more severe needs,” says Aimee Gorrow, the camp’s program coordinator. “There wasn’t really a space for those who couldn’t find a home at the more restrictive camps, but they weren’t quite ready to attend a completely traditional camp with no support.”

THE PITCH | May 2022 | THEPITCHKC.COM

In addition to visual schedules and activity choices, there are peer models on-site—kids who don’t have autism but participate like regular campers. They use their strong social skills to help the other kids learn to form better relationships and friendships. “Nobody really knows who is the peer model and who is not, except counselors,” Gorrow says. Most of the volunteer counselors have backgrounds in special education, occupational therapy, or speech and language pathology. They must go through significant training to volunteer at the camp. Camp Encourage also puts a premium on social-emotional learning and boosting self-esteem. That’s made a big difference for Parkville residents Brian Henke and Gabe York in sending their 9-year-old daughter, Kennedy, to the camp. “They’re patient with her and communicate with her, and they get her to a point where she’s rock climbing, which is something she would never normally do,” York says. “The confidence it gives her, it’s really pleasing to see as a parent.” It’s not easy to find a way to make that happen for kids like Kennedy. “I think the challenge with Kennedy is she has some social inhibitions or inabilities to form friendships,” says York. “She’s silly. Some of the things she does are maybe not age-appropriate. It’s been difficult in the past for her to partake in some things, even just going to friends’ birthday parties at school—she tends to be the odd man out.

Nine-year-old Kennedy York (in pink) participates in activities at Camp Encourage. Photos courtesy of Camp Encourage

She is sometimes left on fringes of whatever activity it is, and at Camp Encourage, she’s dead in the middle of everything.” Things Kennedy has experienced at camp have crossed over to her daily life as well. “Karaoke is something that she did at camp. It was really kind of shocking to see the video and photos of her just being that confident in a room full of people, picking up a microphone and singing a song,” Henke says. Although the summer camp is for the kids, it’s actually helping the whole family. “When you receive a diagnosis of any sort, especially when it’s with your kid, you lose hope. You have these dreams for children and what they can do and what the world has to offer, and that really plummets,” Henke says. “Something like Camp Encourage comes along, and it reenergizes that hope for parents, for the siblings, and for the kids with autism. Camp Encourage is just one of many organizations that help restore a little bit of normalcy and provide a glimpse into a world where your kid is accepted for who she is.” Henke and York are very involved with

Camp Encourage, and Henke is actually president of its board of directors this year. They want to make sure everyone can have an experience like Kennedy has. They’re not the only parents to feel that way. “We have received email after email saying, ‘Thank you for giving my son or daughter a place where they can come and unapologetically be themselves, where they’re accepted for who they are, where they are, no matter what,’” Gorrow says. “They don’t have to hide anything; they can be as quirky as they want, and everybody loves them.” Camp Encourage has space for about 250 campers a year across their four sessions. Spots are in such high demand that they take campers on a lottery system. A scholarship fund provides about $60,000 annually to allow kids whose families can’t afford the camp to attend. Applications to attend the summer session closed in February, but the camp is still looking for volunteer counselors. For more information, visit campencourage.org/volunteer

LOCAL 910

LEGALS

PARADE Kansas City Pride Community Alliance is planning the Show-Me Kansas City Pride Parade, set for Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. The roads along the parade route will be closed starting at 8:00 a.m. in some areas along Westport Rd. and at 10:30 a.m. for the remainder of the parade route until 1:30 p.m. If you are having guests over or if you need to leave during this time, please make arrangements before 9:00 a.m. Let your friends and relatives know that roads will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. This also means that no vehicles can be parked on the street along the parade route. The parade line-up will start at 8:00 a.m. If you have any question regarding the parade please contact Justin Mahaney at 816.859.4415 or visit our website to learn more

about 2022 KC PRIDEFest Festival & Parade: www.kcpridealliance.org and follow us on all social media @kcpridealliance.org.

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The Pitch: May 2022

Articles inside

KC Cares: Camp Encourage

Savage Love

Keep Them Coming: Divorced and Dating Again

The Black Movie Hall of Fame Aims to Adjust Our Cultural Discourse

VCMN’s New Album is a Masterclass in Marital Communication

Back to the Lab Again with KC Bier Co.'s Secret Weapon

Mise en Place: Buck Tui's Teddy Liberda on his Beef with the Word Fusion and Layering Flavor

Drink This Now: Snail Jail Pale Ale from Strange Days Brewing Co.

Eat This Now: The KC Irish Man from Brady & Fox

Fox & Pearl Nourishes Produce, Pollinators, and Backyard Presence

Daingersnake Designs Sews a Straight Stitch for AEW

The 501st Legion Star Wars Cosplayers Make the City a Better Place

Letter from the Editor: Pot Roast and the TikTok Clock of Mortality