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Letter from the Editor
AND I DO MY LITTLE TURN ON THE CATWALK
By Brock Wilbur
Welcome, dearest readers, to the annual BEST OF issue of The Pitch We are so thrilled to have you joining us again this year—our 44th!—celebrating the highlights and heroes that define who we are as a city.
This special mega-issue is a huge undertaking, starting with groundwork for the process which we begin formulating in February. For an entire vertical of our publication, this represents its own separate endeavor from what we do in our day-to-day, making the moment you touch these pages a culmination of nearly a year of constant structuring, investigating, and systematically processing.
Over the last few months, a number of rounds of voting have washed through the city. We have 488 categories this year, representing a huge cross-section of facets of life in the metro area (and Lawrence) with everything from the best places to work, down to the best divorce attorney to hire for undoing your nuptials—conveniently located on our wedding biz winners page.
Starting back in July we opened up nominations for those 488 categories, and for a month, the entire city was invited to nominate people, places, things, podcasts, parks, and pets whose presence, products, and personality stood supreme. From there, a frantic, high-turnout three-week voting round kicked off in September, where the top candidates from the nomination rounds were placed in direct, head-to-head com-
4 LETTER
Letter from the Editor
And I do my little turn on the catwalk BY
BROCK WILBUR
6
COLUMNS
Check It Out BY THE PITCH STAFF
petition. The end results were tabulated and are presented here today.
8
BEST OF KANSAS CITY 2024
Our Picks
These are YOUR PICKS. This is who you, the people, chose, and those winners are conveniently labeled in the YOUR PICKS section. As per every year, I’ll just remind y’all here that if you have an issue with who won, do not yell at me. I don’t even vote in this. Yell at any random person on the street and you’ll find a person with more power over this process than the team here.
The team at The Pitch has dropped our selections into the clearly labeled OUR PICKS section of the magazine, where we opine on some of our favorite moments of 2024, the people who we loved covering, and the movements that made this sprawling city feel like a home. Obviously, this section could have run thousands of pages in length, as you can find the great reporting and important features we dive into each and every day of the year over at thepitchkc. com.
If you aren’t starting your day with us, I really think you should. This is the one issue each year where we get to go “full cheerleader” on the city at large, but loving Kansas City takes on many forms. One of the ways we love this place is by pointing out all the places where it could be doing better—not just by our personal standards or opinions, but on behalf of all of us. This has been a heavy year on so many fronts, and there are concrete ways we can push for change—change that lifts us all, spreads freedom, and reduces harm. Please come join us on the difficult, confounding, and rewarding journey to answer the difficult questions—because for all there is to celebrate here today, there is even more work that needs to get done.
Big shout-out to the sheer number of folks whose nominations for best local
From the fantastic footballers by our flowing river to the tremendous tastes at newly treasured tables, here are some of the people, places, and things that The Pitch thinks won 2024. BY THE PITCH STAFF
18
Your Picks
Pitch readers cast 517,861 votes in 488 categories, cementing these locals as the best the greater Kansas City area has to offer. From Best Drag Show to Best Divorce Lawyer, here are YOUR 2024 winners, KC! BY PITCH READERS
politician were some variation on “NOPE.” We’ve checked your math and we see how you got there. I’d be remiss to not also shout-out “Caleb” who nominated himself in every single category. I yearn to have your level of self-confidence—and free time—so please know you’re #1 in our heart for the category of “Best Dedication to the Bit.” With that, let’s let the high fashion evening begin, and may the winners proudly strut the catwalk. You’ve earned it. For everyone who was in the running, we hope to see you take your little spin in the spotlight next year.
So with 517,861 votes across 488 categories and 2,900 nominees, a very extra huge “thank you” to everyone who took part in this year’s competition.
Pitch in and we’ll make it through,
Cover Design by Keegan Hudspeth
All of the best rising stars, crashing cars, and absolute bangers are breaking each and every day in The Pitch’s music coverage Have you heard about what local acts The Creature Comforts or The Epitome have been up to lately? Did you know that rock legends Foreigner, Styx, and Judas Priest all rolled through town in the same week? Maybe you missed Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Starlight or Robert DeLong at The Madrid? If you let the talent slip by, chances are we didn’t. From preshow interviews, local round-ups, and record releases, all the way to concert reviews and exclusive launches, we’ve got it. If you’re seeking solid sounds, scan this QR code and head on over to the music section on our website for the personal, weirdo interviews and FOMO-reducing show play-by-plays that you crave.
High concepts and voracious vibes for a local industry/hobby on the rise
The Missouri cannabis market is dynamic, to say the least. So fresh to the city, closing in on two years since legal recreational cannabis was passed, it can be a struggle to keep up with the ever-shifting legislation and developments. That’s where Joe Ellett’s Smoke Show column has you covered. Recently, MoCannTrade—the lead advocates for the Missouri cannabis industry—have been voicing their opinions in Jefferson City, urging the state to scrap a double-stacking tax that has loomed over the state for several months. The organization says that the tax is unconstitutional and has led to Missourians paying an extra $3 million each month. Elsewhere, a MO VFW was raided on Sept. 11 to halt our veterans from consuming and distributing rumored THC products—which we find exceptionally un-chill and demanded law enforcement’s accountability. The Smoke Show is your one-stop shop for more information on this story and more— all of your cannabis coverage rolled up in our precious paper.
Delicious, devious, and delivered fresh all week long If there’s one thing that Kansas City is good for, it’s great eats. All across the metro, there are plenty of options for everyone—from the typical BBQ lover to the glutenfree, vegan-friendly folk. The food scene here in the city has become so sizable, to the point where it can be a challenge to find what spots best suits your taste and preferences. Our Food & Drink coverage helmed by editor Sarah Sipple’s steady hand—Mise en Place, Eat This Now, Drink This Now, and KC Sipps columns—has all of the hottest bites and gulps in one place for you to decide where to spend your next night on the town.
Your finger on the pulse of what happens next in Pitch politics deep-dives
The election may have passed but “politics” coverage becomes more important than ever TODAY. What happens next, who has control of it, and how do you push to make this a more equitable, welcoming world for all? We don’t have all the answers, but we’re demanding them from the folks who have ‘em. Our resources are dedicated to keeping you ‘in the know’ on all that matters to you and your people. Between our two converging states and the wider nation around us, there are simply too many important stories for you to miss out on who and how the future of your country is being forged.
Look for the helpers
Each Month, our KC Cares column takes a glance into the lives of Kansas Citians who are truly making a difference. Whether it be helping provide adequate furniture to refugees or local pantries offering nutritional meals to those in need, the column illuminates members of the community who have boots on the ground every day, genuinely impacting the metro in a positive manner.
This month, we dive into how
the Learning Club is extending a helping hand in assisting KCK students with after-school tutoring and academic development. To keep up with community leaders who are playing their part—and the folks who deserve your attention and perhaps final support as the year comes to an end—keep the column in your heart.
Play-by-plays and snapshots to make everyone’s
day
Although the KC Current’s season is nearing its end, and the Royals were knocked out of the MLB Playoffs in early October, there are still plenty of sports to go around in Kansas City. Of course, the Chiefs are all you’ll be talking about until our next Super Bowl victory, and the KC Mavericks are on the ice and gliding after their season kicked off in October. There is certainly no shortage of sports spectacles taking place across the metro, and we want you to see the action. Our photographers spent much of their summer on both the baseball diamond and the soccer pitch. Now, they layer up to snap flicks on the ice and gridiron as the winter grows closer.
Sex coaching for expanding your erogenous horizons and dabbling in delightful dalliance
Maintaining a healthy, safe, and fun sex life is a must. But what defines this? And how easy can it be? With so many different variables at hand, a healthy, safe, and fun sex life is completely up to an individual’s own standards and interpretation. However, those guidelines cannot be met without being set in the first place. That is where our Keep Them Coming column comes in handy. With opinions and statistics from firsthand professionals, you can learn more about how and what may help up the ante in bed. Whether that be some form of role-play or adding in some funky toys, Keep Them Coming has loads (no pun intended) of useful information that can lead to much more enjoyable sexual experiences.
Photo by Brock Wilbur
Photo by Rudi Keller
Photo by Tiffany Watts
Photo by Nicole Bissey
Art by Keegan Hudspeth
Photo by Tarik Sykes
Photo by Beth Lipoff
BEST OF KC 2024 OUR PICKS
By Ellen Beshuk, Joe Ellett, Kaylynn Mullins,
KC Current’s cultural currency as classy competitors earns their crowns
After the year that the KC Current had, there was no other way to begin the Our Picks section than with our favorite local sports team. Cemented in a sparkling new stadium, the Current has reached beyond expectations, and now we are delivering their flowers. The last thing the world needed was another star-studded sports team for us to rave about. Ever since CPKC Stadium opened on March 16, the Current have unleashed hell on their opponents. Kicking off the season with 17 straight games without a loss, with a record of ten wins and five draws, it seemed like this team may never see an L marked on their box score.
And while that dream did unfortunately come to an end, the team holds a record of 14-7-3 as of this writing, reigning fourth in the National Women’s Soccer League standings. The amount of records that this team broke is incomprehensible—most goals scored at home in a single season at 32, most goal scorers in a single season with 50 totals goals coming from 18 differ ent footballers, most goals scored through 14 games at 37, and longest streak without a loss at 17 games. Incred ible.
This season’s team has been a powerhouse, to say the least, and cred it must be given where credit is due—Temwa Chawinga is the best soccer player this city has ever seen. Near ly every single game, there are numerous highlight clips of her hauling ass down the field, squeezing past her opponents, and scoring with ease against the solo goal keeper. Oh yeah, she broke a few records as well—longest goal-scoring streak at eight straight games, first score against every active NWSL team (13), and most goals scored in a single sea son, booting in 20 through out the year.
Chawinga and the team are an absolute delight to have near the Missouri riverfront. Now, heading into the NWSL 2024 playoffs, they need the city’s support more than ever. And why wouldn’t we give it to em’? Kansas City natives should be proud to call this team their own, not just for their accomplishments this year, but for the fact that they have truly displayed their love for the city all year long. We don’t know about you, but you can find us at the first stadium built for professional women’s sports. KC Baby!
Blood on the big screen as Wichitashot Western pistolwhips the genre
In a tribute to classic filmmaking, Kansas-based filmmaker Austin Snell created
the low budget film, which was shot on 16mm film with an Eclair NPR camera.
They Call Her Death on June 20 at Screenland Armour Theatre and serves as a homage to spaghetti westerns and Italian horror. The movie tells the story of Molly (Sheri Rippel), who seeks revenge after her husband is killed by a bounty hunter. The movie was filmed in a variety of locations across Kansas, such as Wichi ta’s Cowtown Museum and the Missouri Town Living History Museum in Lee’s Summit.
According to Snell, he took inspi ration from the cult classic which was also shot on 16mm. The film is a grainy, gritty take on a classic film genre, with lots of fake blood that managed to leave its mark on set. Key highlights from the film include a miniature cabin set ablaze, unique practical effects, and hiring regional wrestlers, like Ryan Greeness (Moonshine Mantell), for stunt work, resulting in multiple amusing on-set challenges. As soon as this one gets off the festival circuit, or into a local showing, making sure to track it down.
take the kids but want
The Rabbit hOle digs deeper into their own private Narnia
Deb Pettid and Pete Cowdin—former owners of The Reading Reptile—began imagining in 2015. That imagination started to become more of a reality in 2018 when they purchased an establishment. Their idea; an immersive children’s museum aimed at furthering youth literature education.
to
up on
By March of this year, The Rabbit hOle was born. This step into an alternative fantasy is a children’s dream: tunnels, chutes, ladders, and more—all spaces encompassing different forms of literature, making the experience an engaging learning environment, yet also a trip out of reality.
Listed as one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ this year, we can say that they did not miss. Nearly ten years in the making— from the very first thought to the grand opening— Pettid and Cowdin executed their plan to a tee.
There is no place in Kansas City quite like The Rabbit hOle, as it truly is a trip in its own right to any child’s wonder-
Outrageous talent makes for
a
bodacious bloodbath in KCRep’s Little Shop of Horrors
It’s hard to serve up a bad production of Little Shop of Horrors. The musical is, even in the plot abstract, a total banger: a horror b-movie where fame and fortune come to a down on his luck orphan via horticulture haute couture… at the expense of his prize plant being an alien that feeds on human beings. A tale as old as time! Between the songs that are mostly short, straightforward bops, a short runtime, and that Roger Corman-esque aesthetic of schlock comedy, it’s just hard to bungle a staging of this. But that makes it equally hard to deliver a version that is truly out-of-the-park memorable—an improvement on generations of productions that came before it. Back in May, KCRep staged an adaptation that
them
stay
their reading game, The Rabbit hOle is the spot to dig.
KC Current .
Photo by Tarik Sykes
The Rabbit hOle. Photo Courtesy of The Rabbit hOle
They Call Her Death.
Photo by Matthew Lloyd
was, amid a year of city-wide theatrical excellence, simply one of the greatest live performances we’ve ever seen. Not just in musicals, but really in any kind of situation where someone stands on a stage and other people applaud.
The choice to have Shon Ruffin sing the Audrey II part from above the stage, among the band and visible to the audience, while Zachery Garner manipulates the gigantic plant puppetry? Stellar. Jordan Matthew Brown brought nuance and pathos to build a perfect Seymour while Chloe Castro-Santos’ take on Audrey (the person) was culturally elevated and remade some of Menken/Ashman’s greatest works in her image. The Greek chorus of Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette—played by Alyssa Byers, Amari Lewis, and Chioma Anyanwu, respectively—had vocal shredding that left our audience (literally) screaming for more.
Let this serve as a reminder that when you see announcements from one of the dozen god-tier local theatres about staging a show, even something that sounds experimental or a little too familiar/overdone, make time to get your ass in the seats. The metro is where live theater in the Midwest lives or dies… and you can watch the actors do a lot of both.
The Greeting Committee remains grounded amid take off
Coming off their latest record release featuring new members and a synth-heavy sound, The Greeting Committee treats their hometown to a star-studded concert extravaganza. On Aug. 17, the band planned a perfect Kansas City night for their tenth-anniversary show. Local vintage thrifters vended their curated finds before the openers took the stage. The Greeting Committee was joined by local comedian Caleb Hearon
and acts Beach Bunny, Boyish, and Miloe. The band thought KC deserved something special, and what better way to celebrate “10 Years of Blooming” than to throw a rager at The Midland.
Everyone’s Gone and I Know I’m the Cause dropped in June, and the album saw a pivot in the band’s initial direction. The shift from pure indie to indie pop didn’t break the core spirit of the band. With Addie Sartino’s lyrics continuing to peer into your deepest insecurities and joys, and Pierce Turcotte’s impressive work on the production end, the album still feels like the Overland Park band on 96.5. Their prefrontal cortexes have just fully cooked now, so the
fucks given about not changing their sound too much have vanished.
The album provided fans with some certified bangers like “Where’d All My Friends Go” featuring Flipturn, “Cyclical,” and “Sex and Taxes.” The setlist blended these new favorites with old ones like “Is This It?,” “Can I Leave Me Too?,” and, of course, their breakout hit performed with the band’s original guitarist Brandon Yangmi, “Hands Down.” After the celebratory concert, they announced another show for the next night, with $20 tickets. The proceeds were sent to a local nonprofit that helps young musicians. Now located in Nashville, The Greeting Committee still
wants to show Kansas City some extra love and appreciation for ten years of supporting and uplifting the band.
All-encompassing wrangling rodeo bulls over inequality
While LGBTQ+ equality and inclusivity can always be more widespread, barriers continue to be knocked down this year, making Kansas Citians an easy winner for being downright good human beings. Missouri’s All-Inclusive Show-Me State Rodeo brought boots and bucks to the metro in May of this year, where members of the community made their way to Hale Arena for a weekend full of Western tradition. Only this time, everyone is invited.
What started out as a speakeasy-esque event for misunderstood and misrepresented individuals in 1986 has now spiraled into a well-circulated spectacle where all feel welcome. The weekend consisted of everything that a traditional rodeo would offer—calf roping on foot, breakaway roping, team roping, pole bending, steer decorating, steer riding, ranch saddle bronc, chute dogging, goat dressing, barrel racing, flag racing, wild drag race, and bull riding.
Each year, the Missouri Gay Rodeo Association makes strides to bust down walls that have excluded LGBTQ+ individuals from partaking in Western rodeo culture. Participants and attendees come from around the country, proving that the notion of equality in this way of life is something that is still a battle for many, and can be found within the International Gay Rodeo Association.
Yes, there is still plenty of room to grow for the organization and LGBTQ+ inclusivity as a whole, but it is safe to say that this annual Western throwdown marks one step closer to becoming the new normal and is ultimately a win for the city. While the fight for equality may seem like a never-ending bucking bull, it’s going to take a whole lot more to knock this group of Western and Southern folk off the wagon.
Modern mocktails make their moment in 2024’s mainstream embrace
Mocktails, alcohol alternatives, n/a cocktails—You’ll see these bevvies by a variety of names, but one thing is certain: The era of non-alcoholic options is officially serving and slaying in KC.
2024 saw a growth in events like Dry Vibes, mocktail classes, and local n/a products hitting the shelves. Even KC brewing giant Boulevard Brewing Co. added two nonalcoholic brews to their lineup in the Quirk and Wheat lines. Searches for “mocktails”
The Greeting Committee. Photo by Sophia Ragomo
Photo by Chase Castor
in the KC metro have almost doubled over the last year—with Overland Park being the biggest thrist trap.
Alcohol—specifically spirits and beer from local icons—isn’t going anywhere, but the options have expanded. The charge is being led locally by trendsetting proponents like SipSteady, decidedly inclusive spots like Third Place Lounge and Wild Child, and even boozy staples like J. Rieger & Co and Stock Hill with their thoughtful mocktail menus.
On top of those going-out options, more and more national brands of canned mocktails and cannabis seltzers are hitting the shelves. Straight-edge or substance-proud, we beverage goblins are slaying in KC.
Celebrating weed without worry another year into recreational legality
Although it seems like it was just yesterday, recreational cannabis sales have been legalized in the state for almost two years now! Missourians have given the plant a warm welcome, topping $2.5 billion in sales, as of May, since medical cannabis sales were legalized in October 2020. Just last May, marijuana sales in the state reached $124 million, according to MoCannTrade.
It was a hard-fought battle for those on the forefront of bringing medical and recreational cannabis to the state, and now they can relish in the fruits of their labor. In turn, $370 million of cumulative sales tax revenue from the $2.5 billion dollars was generated for a good cause: expunging nonviolent marijuana-related criminal records and funding veterans’ healthcare.
While there have been some speed bumps and obstacles along the way that are (hopefully) getting resolved, it is safe to say that the Missouri cannabis market has satisfied expectations, creating nearly 20,000 jobs and delivering medicinal benefits to countless consumers across the state.
A full-time food editor favors these highlights from an overstuffed year of flavor
Disco Burger, Varsity Club, Orange By: Devoured, Bisou, The Wise Guy, Gnarly Hussle; This varied list of 2024 openings remains at the top of my mind amidst a myriad of openings and closings.
Bisou and The Wise Guy have nailed a distinctly memorable atmosphere without skimping on quality. Gnarly Hussle spoke to a not-so-niche group when they added a bar to their vintage clothing and thrift store.
Orange By: Devoured just has damned good pizza. And I have weekly cravings for the cool-kid smash burger & spaghett combo from River Market’s Varsity Club and Disco Burger partnership.
A common thread here is that they have all carved out a unique identity without relying solely on kitsch or branding, and they truly deliver quality eats and service. Coming in around the middle ground of restaurants, these aren’t the spots where you need a sports jacket, nor are they cheap eats. Instead, they’re each perfect in their own way for Midwestern sensibilities in the time where inflation clashes with treating oneself.
Supporting your go-to, long-standing, trusty neighborhood joints is a must. New isn’t always better. These, however, are worth adding to your rotation.
biguous name also lends itself well to their “American fusion” menu.
The bread starter, three panibus ($10), succinctly illustrates this American fusion genre and sets the tone for a meal. Focaccia, cornbread, and a biscuit represent variety, while the dipping oil, smoked peach jam, and honey butter show off Triune’s atten tion to detail.
And while it’s not literally designed as a see-and-be-seen type of social place, Triune’s goal is comfortable connection. Blakley says he wants guests to realize, “Oh, wow, two and a half hours have passed, and you’re just really enjoying the company that you come with and the space, but it’s all flowing together. And that’s where we talk about how there’s the atmosphere, the service—like the depth of the food and drinks, and how we’re treating you. And then there’s you, the individual. We are very much a part of the space when it comes to a restaurant.”
Voters overwhelmingly reject naked cashgrab for downtown stadium
In April, residents of Jackson County asked billionaires to put their money where their mouth is, rather than the other way
‘round.
Triumphant trek to top-tier tastes at Triune
Steven Blakley opened Triune this year—a restaurant and bar on the border of Kansas City’s Westside and Crossroads neighborhoods. The restaurant’s name is a nod to the three pillars of dining, according to Blakley: the diner, the atmosphere, and the service (which includes food and drink). The am-
with exaggerations, mistruths, and vague threats as to what would happen to the future of both the Royals and the Chiefs unless Jackson citizens agreed to a proposal with almost no real specifics, no oversight, and no consideration for how this would impact the people paying for a stadium to uproot the places where they live and work.
The massive pushback from voters was one of the most important, defining nights of our 2024. We often take joy (or at least entertainment) in how rarely this city can take the same perspective on anything. It’s part of what makes KC the proper blend of salty and spicy that defines how we tackle the world. To know we can all see through a transparent gamble to take advantage of our kin is a worthwhile rallying point, no matter how you cut it.
So we look to 2025, where this issue is far from over, as team ownership will undoubtably pursue a competition between incentives in both states or revert to gesturing vaguely at leaving town all together. They’re hollow threats from hollow people, but at least next time around they’ll know they have to turn in their homework before they demand a gold star.
ADHDIY Craft Cafe democratizes the hobby hubbub
Tristan Carlson and Austin Mosier—the duo behind 12th Street Post and West Bottoms Plant Co—have created (and literally trademarked) a clever new activity concept.
ADHDIY Craft Cafe opened in the West Bottoms in early 2024 and has already expanded to a second location in Lawrence and online offerings.
After more than a year of reporting from The Pitch and other area activists about backroom dealings around a proposed Royals stadium move, a thinly outlined plan to allocate funds for the next 40 years to John Sherman and co. was flatly rejected by nearly 60% of voters. The campaign to push this approval through was marred by constant missteps. Communication with area unions and organizers never materialized into the kind of community agreements that citizens of the metro demanded. Settling on a loca-
The restaurant-style crafting setup lets guests choose a hands-on activity from a menu of crafts such as terrarium building, embroidery, candle making, and more. Supplies and instructions are served on a dining tray to a family-style table. In-person assistance and professionally filmed tutorials guide crafters through their chosen activity.
One of its best features is playing up the ADHD reference: being able to try out a potential new hobby without the initial commitment of buying supplies, only to leave it unfinished in a tub of shame and forgotten projects. Plus, this indoor activity is a welcome alternative that does not center around drinking or sports. Groundbreaking.
ADHDIY Craft Cafe is nestled inside West Bottoms Plant Co—a store brimming
Photo by Zach Bauman
Triune Photo by Zach Bauman
with inspiration from local makers and vintage curators. However, Carlson and Mosier take supporting local small businesses a step further. While working on a new craft or skill, KC-made snacks from Quarantine Cookie, Yoli Tortilleria, Chamoy Boi, and Daily Culture Kombucha are available to fuel that creative spark.
Hockey’s new home begins to break through the ice
We might not be STL, but we have some love for hockey. The town’s ECHL team, Kansas City Mavericks, found themselves with yet another unforgettable winning season this past year. Finishing the regular season with a record of 54-12-6, the team was crowned with the Brabham Cup, claiming the best regular season record among all ECHL clubs for the second year in a row.
Heading into the postseason, the team looked untouchable, having set the ECHL all-time record for most regular season road wins. The club looked dominant to begin the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs, having swept the Tulsa Oilers in the first round and dropping just three losses heading into the championship series of the playoffs. The team would go on to face the Florida Everblades in the championship, ultimately falling 4-1 in the series.
Nevertheless, it was a historic season for the club and an exciting year for the fans. Having attended a few regular season and playoff matches, The Pitch got a chance to glimpse at how widespread our hockey fandom truly is. Each game that we attended was nearly packed, with fans roaring throughout.
Although the city has no NHL team to claim, those around the community seem to enjoy the KC Mavericks’ presence in itself. Regardless of whether the team is topnotch pro level or not, Kansas Citians are proud and willing to support any winning team, and the Mavericks have proved worthy of the Heartland’s love.
Fetch signs up to be KC’s unapologetic mouthpiece
The people of Kansas City clearly love Fetch, having voted the West Bottoms gift and vintage store the first or second-place winner in a resounding six categories this year. But beyond the store walls, Fetch uses its large social media following to share more than the details of its next event or latest wares.
With a letterboard sandwich sign on the front stoop, Fetch has drawn attention to hyper-local and global events, causes, and niche inside jokes. The sign first became part of the business’ charm in 2017 and has been entertaining, inspiring, and
calling out folks ever since. It’s about time we formally recognized it as a small part of KC’s blue-city-in-a-red-state culture.
This year, the messages started with a spirited run of Chiefs players’ quotes and celebrations, quickly followed by messages of “Wake up America. Gun control now,” after the Super Bowl parade shooting. Since then, the board has featured references to Taylor Swift songs, demands for a ceasefire and to free Palestine, and pop-culture references like “We exist in the context of all in which we live and came before,” almost as a litmus test for how chronically online someone is.
Want a visual summary of the past year of culture and politics? Look no further than Fetch’s iconic signage.
Inaugural Black Feast Week rallies for Willa’s Books & Vinyl and launches new tradition
A new type of food week pulled up a seat in Kansas City. For two weeks this October, Kansas City Defender—the youth-led Black media and community organization—hosted the first-ever KC Black Feast Week.
With a goal of highlighting KC’s Black culinary talent as well as uplifting
Black-owned businesses, the two-week event brought awareness of 16 dining spots to the greater community. Each participating restaurant offered a special or discounted feature item and was invited but not required to donate a portion of the proceeds. This event’s charitable cause supported The Ms. Willa campaign, which began this summer to prevent Willa’s Books & Vinyl— Missouri’s longest-standing Black bookstore—from being shuttered as the area is gentrified.
“Kansas City, perhaps most known for our football team and BBQ, wields one of the most diverse cuisines and outstanding selections of Black-owned restaurants in the country. By supporting these cherished establishments, you’re helping to ensure that these vital businesses continue to thrive,” the KC Black Feast Week website reads.
Hallmark films a fictional Taylor/Travis Christmas rom-com during Missouri summer heat
This summer, the Red Kingdom city had a sprinkle of green as filming took place for Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story The Hallmark Channel/ Chiefs partnership filmed on location throughout Kansas City, using locals as extras and taking advantage of the holiday backdrop of Independence Square’s Christmas in July celebration. The film, which follows the narrative of a Chiefs player falling in love with the winner of a “fan of the year” contest, seems eerily parallel to the national obsession with a current tightend and their high-profile relationship.
The big-budget film shoot saw a rare opportunity for folks in the metro to live out their Hollywood dreams. Shooting at the stadium for Christmas scenes (amid Missouri heat in July) tested die-hard fans by asking them to perform their hearts out—while bubbling under layers of winter coats, hats, and scarves. Everyone involved
seemed to have the time of their lives, and we look forward to pointing at the screen on Nov. 30 and repeatedly shouting “OH I KNOW HER!” Not just confined to roles for fans in the audience, plenty of local actors were hired to perform as fictional Chiefs players. We’re trying to imagine how quickly we’d die of overstimulation if we were cast to run down the tunnel and celebrate on field for a major motion picture, all while our friends and neighbors scream (and silently broiled) in the stands around us.
Here’s hoping that more than a few familiar faces and locations will elevate this from standard holiday rom-com into future KC classic—worth memorizing and revisiting for years to come.
Helping hands craft a new kind of hero at Happy Bottoms
Happy Bottoms—a local nonprofit organization that focuses on providing diapers to families in need—made quite the splash this year, helping thousands of families around the metro. Founded in 2009, the organization has continued to fill a growing need for families struggling to make ends meet. A hefty expense, it’s no surprise that, according to The National Diaper Bank Network, one in two families does not have the amount of diapers they need to keep their children clean and healthy.
Happy Bottoms is working to change this in Kansas City. This March, Happy Bottoms hit new heights, providing diapers to over 500,000 families in the Kansas City area. The donations came as a result of a partnership with KMBC 9 and The Kelly Clarkson Show, pushing awareness for diaper supply needs for local families struggling to make ends meet.
“Diaper Madness” occurred alongside March Madness, and gave Happy Bottoms the edge it needed to increase their monthly allotments for families from 50 diapers to 75. Many families in the metro are forced to make hard decisions everyday, like wheth-
Chiefs
Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Media
er to buy formula or diapers for their child. Even more concerningly, parents can be turned away from daycare centers for not providing enough diapers for their children, which deepens the financial burden as this consequently causes these same struggling parents to miss work.
Missouri Princess Chappell Roan’s rise and fall (and rise)
Missouri and the Midwest, in general, are too often overlooked in terms of the sheer amount of talent that lives here. Chappell Roan’s Lollapalooza crowd records, major debut album breakout, and catapult into stardom all began in Willard, MO. Find that hard to believe? The Red Wine Supernova herself is actually named Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, which is the most Missouri name we’ve ever heard.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess initially came out in 2023, but traction really built up when she began opening for Olivia Rodrigo. The campy lesbian drag queen has since won over the hearts and aux cords of the world. Roan speaks about her Midwestern roots frequently, especially about the queer communities in these rural areas. People like to put Middle America in a corn-fed, simpleton box. Hopefully the vivid, raunchy songs about both being gay
and “missing the seasons in Missouri” will change coastal residents’ perspective on the fly-over states.
According to The Star, Chappell Roan got her trashy, provocative drag inspiration from our very own Hamburger Mary’s off Broadway Blvd. Kansas City can’t wait to see the rise, and, hopefully, never the fall, of this super-graphic, ultra-modern Midwest Princess.
Green Dirt Farm delivers gastrorevolutionary goat cheese
What started as one woman’s love for farm life and fresh air grew into an award-winning cheese-making company for Kansas
City to enjoy. This year, Green Dirt Farm won four awards during the American Cheese Society convention in the categories of American originals, flavored cheeses, soft-ripened cheeses, and Feta.
As a first-place winner, their own ‘dirt lover’ is one of the only soft-ripened sheep milk cheeses in the world. It is aged seven to ten days before being packaged, allowing its flavor to continue development. At first, the dirt lover cheese is firm with a lemony, mushroomy flavor, but, with time, it grows softer, taking on a more earthy and nutty flavor. You can enjoy this Valençay of the Midwest at Green Dirt’s cafe in Weston or their restaurant, Green Dirt on Oak.
The success of these cheesemakers stems from the care of their farmland and farm creatures. Green Dirt Farm began with just sheep, which remains a large focus of their business. Even with the addition of
Anna Petrow
cows, this farm prioritizes animal health and nutritious products by grass-feeding their animals and developing high-quality soil. Sheep’s milk is known for being easier to digest than cow’s, and milk from grassfed animals contains much more nutrients than conventional cattle food. As their website states, more flavor in the milk means a lot more flavor in the cheese. Since their business has been accelerating so rapidly, they also support the smaller sheep and cow farms around them to keep their milk river flowing. So, no matter what cheese you buy from them, you can know you are supporting locals.
Wards rewarded as state staple Hembree finally achieves rockstar dreams
Kansas City’s Hembree released their third full-length album, Better Days, on Aug. 9. The group describes the album as their most upbeat yet, undoubtedly influenced by their sunny new stomping grounds of Los Angeles, not to mention the career renaissance they’ve recently found themselves in. After a challenging past three years dealing with the pandemic and the broken touring industry, Hembree has chosen to embrace a positive new attitude towards the
Green Dirt on Oak.
Photo by
music industry, which is heard throughout Better Days, especially on tracks like “Wonderful Life” and “Money Time Love.” Since moving to Los Angeles in 2019, lead singer Isaac Flynn has also worked as a professional songwriter for music publisher Peermusic. Working with the Ward brothers—Alex and Austin—the collaborations on this new LP set a new high water mark for how an incredibly young band can still shove several lifetimes of experience into 12 tracks.
In August, the band performed two album release shows at the Crossroads Hotel Rooftop and subsequently embarked on a national tour in support of the album— including gigs in Chicago, Cleveland, San Francisco, and more. Their regular appearances at some of the world famous venues like the Troubadour, joined by high profile guest performers from huge bands or famous comedians (Will Forte, keep showing love to KC!) are an excellent temperature guage for how hot the act is becoming. That they still make time to let us flood them at The Ship while one of their parents joins them to play lead guitar… that’s just keepin’ it real, man.
Shutterbug Tarik Sykes brought sports photography to life
Who is this guy? Photographer Tarik Sykes has been our eyes from the side of every major sporting event in town, providing all the expansive, dazzling scenes you’ve seen in galleries on ThePitchKC.com from KC Current, KU football, Royals, huge stadium concerts, parades, stand-up comedy gigs, BBQ events, weed events, combination BBQ/ weed events (yes, really), and anywhere you might be in danger of getting crushed by a monster truck. His camera leads him into uncharted territory and he just leads where it follows. If you’ve been decked out in KC gear, had your face painted to support your team, or generally just gone buck wild at an event in the metro, there’s a better than nonzero chance you’re spotlighted in one of Sykes’ signature fan appreciation pho-
tologs. Go check our site right now. Let us know if you want a high quality copy of a shot you’re in.
When we say the man “can’t stop, won’t stop” it is a frustratingly accurate summation of his 2024. In the summer, he was a no-show for a few events, and being the free spirit he is, we were kinda hoping he’d just fallen down some ridiculous new adventure’s rabbit hole. Nope. A major healh event nearly took him from us. Which we only found out about because we were one of his first phone calls as soon as he became conscious. And then he was back out in the field loooong before we would’ve preferred. On behalf of everyone you profiled, documented, and celebrated this year, God bless you, bud. But take it down a notch in 2025, yeah? [He is almost certainly mad we suggested he give anything less than 200% but he had to try.]
Chiefs on pace for the triple crown
Here we are again, raving about how Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are the best in the world. Well, they are, or at least have been for the last two years now. With the team starting the 2024-25 season as back-to-back Super Bowl Champions, it’s time to face the truth: The Chiefs are a dynasty.
When Mahomes became the starting quarterback back in 2018, he went on to throw for 5,097 yards, 50 TDs, and only 12 INTs, and would later be crowned MVP of the 2018 season. Although the team lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC Championship that year, he was still the MVP in the eyes of Kansas Citians. And, there was a persisting feeling that, soon, we would get a second Super Bowl victory.
Six years later, the Chiefs have claimed three Super Bowls under Mahomes’ reign, showing no signs of letting up. After kicking the 2024-25 season off 6-0, the team and city are hopeful that another Super Bowl ring is on the horizon. The three-peat is near and locals are aware. As the season carries on,
we can only hope that the Red Kingdom will be the first to win three consecutive Super Bowl Championships. Tom Brady can’t say he’s done that.
Ryan Reynolds flick IF features Simple Mischief Studio’s savoir-faire
Not everyone gets to achieve their childhood dream, but Spencer Lott has managed to turn his passion for puppetry into a professional-level career at Sesame Street, where he voices the character Samuel. As a teenager in Lawrence, Lott worked for The Jim Henson Company and Kansas City’s legendary Mesner Puppet Theater before moving to New York to pursue his dreams.
Following the COVID pandemic, Lott and his wife—artist and social worker Grace Townley—co-founded Simple Mischief Studio—a shop that develops and builds puppets. The couple’s work has managed to appear in KU theater productions, the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and most recently, the John Krasinski family film IF, released on May 17.
IF tells the story of a young girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming), who has the magical ability to see imaginary friends, also known as ‘IFs,’ and reconnect them with their grown-up kids. While there are no puppets on screen, Lott and Townley were brought on by Eric Wright—founder of the New York City-based shop Puppet Kitchen—to create puppet versions of each character for cast members to have something to act against while filming.
combining their love for storytelling and puppetry in future projects.
Audio experiment Sound Mandala combines tech and tremendous dreamlike adventures
Tom Mardikes stands on the precipice of an audio technology that transforms the human perception of sound into a body, mind, and soul experience. Debuting first in Kansas City, the Sound Mandala brought new stories and songs to the 2024 Fringe Festival, and has nothing but potential. Each voice, instrument, and sound effect was placed one at a time into one of 80+ speakers all around an enclosed room to form a completely encapsulating and sometimes startling experience. Eyes can’t help but track the sound’s movement as it orbits around the listener, trying to place its source and see what it is hearing.
This experimental show displayed its range and opportunity from atmospheric Celtic music to frustrated females coping with loss, social isolation, and misjudgements. Although no longer with us (for now), the Sound Mandala’s evolution will continue through Mardikes and the many UMKC students he brings along, which may become a permanent, stand-alone theater. In the future, Kansas City may be able to boast that we were the first to experience the technology that has become the standard for museums, haunted houses, theaters, and more.
Throughout the film editing process, Lott contributed to the creative process by suggesting materials, colors, and techniques for the CGI characters to ensure a cohesive vision between puppetry and digital effects. After completing the product with big-name actors such as Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carell, and Brad Pitt (just to name a few), the couple hopes to continue
Royals throwback to 2015
Fall in Kansas City is quite lovely. We lose the nearly unbearable humidity that has lingered for months, aromas of pumpkin and apple-flavored treats and goodies fill the air, and the city is painted red as the Chiefs’ sea-
Simple Mischief Studios.
Photo by Justin J. Wee
Tom Mardikes. Photo by Ellen Beshuk
son gets underway, waving goodbye to the leaves who have strived since April.
But fall is feeling just a tad bit different in KC this year. The more we look around, the more we see blue. Could it be? A blue October? Yes, that’s right. The Kansas City Royals mustered up enough wins this season to send them to the MLB Playoffs. Ending the season with a record of 86-76, the Royals found themselves sneaking into a wildcard position.
Many thanks must be given to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who has cemented himself as a Royals legend regardless of how the rest of his career goes, in KC or elsewhere. But, considering he signed an 11-year contract worth $288 million, we don’t think he’s headed anywhere anytime soon. Witt finished the regular season with a .334 batting average, 32 HRs, and 32 SBs, among plenty of other unfathomable batting statistics throughout the season—He may have had the best July of any MLB player we’ve ever seen, batting .489 throughout the month. Please sit and ponder how hard it is to hit 50% of pitches thrown to you for an entire month—just absurd.
There’s something very similar about this kid, Bobby, and the well-known football tosser across the parking lot, Patrick— something that Kansas Citians should be truly excited about.
It’s feeling like 2015 again here in Kansas City. After the team swept the Baltimore Orioles in the MLB Wildcard round, the team went on to face the MLB’s juggernaut, New York Yankees. With a payroll of over $300 million to the Royals’ $115 million, it was no surprise that the team with a roster filled with star-studded players came out on top. While the Yals took game two, the Yanks finished off our boys in blue with a 3-1 series loss.
Regardless of this defeat in the ALDS, it will be all right. Witt is here to stay, and a new storms a-brewing within the Royals organization. So, as long as the team stays in the city, there is something for KC baseball fans to look forward to. The boys are playing some ball.
Brat summer steers citywide celebrations into indie sleaze fall
The pandemic aftermath had all of us crocheting, drinking sleepy girl mocktails, and
wearing beige linens. Charli XCX saw this and decided that we should all be in the club instead. Brat has dominated this summer with neon green, irony, and party-girl culture. The Dare, Charli XCX, Tove Lo, and SG Lewis have been giving the people the sleazy hits made for the dance floor. Away with “clean girl” aesthetics and in with messy black eyeshadow, glitter, and thrifted flannels.
Kansas City openly embraces the resurgence of the club rat lifestyle brought on by Brat, and many local spots understood the assignment. Woody’s Bar hosted a Brat Party in June, and the line was stocked around the block. Love Stoned followed suit and threw their own Brat Summer Party in the Crossroads in August. The demand to hear those club classics led The Truman to host a Brat Rave in September.
Indie Sleaze may have started in New York City, but it doesn’t have to stay there. Strap on your Doc Martens, smoke a cigarette for the dramatic effect, and take nonchalant photos of your friends on digital cameras, Kansas City. Embrace the “devil may care” lifestyle and play hard; You can still debrief with friends over acai bowls and matcha in the morning.
Multi-hyphenate artistic entrepreneur The Epitome rebrands and expands
Glenn Robinson, who raps at The Epitome, has watched as everything he touches turns to gold. The King of Killer Content spent 2024 expanding his content empire far beyond the rap game, and into new genres of music, food reviews, short films, and so much more.
As he puts it, his “village just stood up” and helped propel the creator via his Hood Dude Food Reviews releases—on TikTok and Insta. What was once an infrequent, sporadic set of charming releases has now become a delight that graces our timelines with two or three new releases every week. Robinson loves to imitate how people
on the street will approach him and launch into their own impressions of his work. Strangers give him a deep, breathy, “We’re back…” and it just blows his mind. For the rare rapper who once struggled with any degree of self-promotion, watching Robinson embrace the spotlight—and the sidewalk interactions—with equal gusto serves as a powerful reminder of the power local fans have over platforming the next big internet sensations. Robinson is The Epitome of what can happen when you’re firing on all cylinders, and lord, we want some of that for ourselves.
It’s safe to say that the self-promo has panned out, as Robinson’s following is set to help him propel his next musical endeavor, Boujie in Venice. The Epitome, Glenn Robinson, whatever you want to call him, he is tackling his goals head-on, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll conquer next.
Fringe Fest’s Gulag Girls delivers international drama through feminist force
Fringe Fest offers the chance to discover the unyielding talent that lives in Kansas City. So many beautiful, funny, and heartbreaking stories were told over the two-week celebration of the local arts scene. However, one particularly stood out to audiences.
Gulag Girls was written by Shea Ketchum after a trip to Eastern Europe deeply moved her, specifically her tour of the Soviet Union Women’s prison. The stories of the women and their abusive matron sparked inspiration for the play.
The writing brought the audience to tears and laughter, sometimes in a whiplash-inducing fashion. During times of political upset or militant ruling, women’s stories are often overlooked. The play details horrors based on real women’s stories, making the room heavy with emotion, but the bonds between them brought a sense of hope and comfort. Though all terribly different and traumatized, they banded together to survive.
The play was truly brought to life by the outstanding acting. The raw and oftentimes comedic performances were elevated by the thick Russian accents they all adorned. It truly spoke volumes to the sheer amount of effort they put into these characters. The almost exclusively female cast was accompanied by one man who played three separate roles. When asked about this, playwright and actress Ketchum spoke about how it’s primarily women who have to be the interchangeable personalities on stage. She decided it was the men’s turn this time around, which was just another way to put women and their stories at the forefront of this play.
The story doesn’t end with simply informing people about the terrifying conditions people have to go through during times of war and unrest. The crew took it a step further and donated a portion of the proceeds to World Central Kitchen. The nonprofit works on-site at battlegrounds and natural disaster zones to provide food to those facing the threat of starvation. They’re currently helping the people of Gaza and Ukraine. A fantastic story, a knock-out cast, some important history lessons, and for a good cause—truly KC arts at their best.
Yet another year of James Beard Award nominations are a siren song to foodies across America
The rest of the country is paying a little more attention to us beyond sports and Taylor Swift. Foodies far and wide are realizing that we don’t eat barbeque for every meal. This year, seven semi-finalists representing the Kansas City metro were named for the James Beard Awards.
The best of the best includes Jeff Workman of The Campground, who was nominated for Emerging Chef. We profiled Workman and his journey from troublemaker to top chef in our October issue after his move to Tailleur.
The modern German restaurant Affäre was nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, and Shawnee’s Drastic Measures for Outstanding Bar. Semi-finalists for Best Chefs by Region (Midwest) included Johnny Leach of The Town Company, Katie Liu-Sung of Chewology, Romain Monnoyeur of Westport Cafe, and Rozz Petrozz of Saltwell Farm Kitchen. KC did not clinch any first-place victories this year, but we’re as proud as ever of the talent and care behind the eateries in our city. These seven nominees are an incomplete but fabulous microchasm of the variety that makes up KC’s culture. Like the dinner table, this issue is a place for gathering and reflection of the last year. It is with excitement, gratitude, and grit that we look ahead to 2025.
Kansas City Royals.
Photo by Tarik Sykes
The Epitome. Photo Courtesy of Glenn Robinson
HERE FOR THE MUSIC LOVERS
Local. Independent. Commercial-free. 90.9 The Bridge is Kansas City’s source for music discovery. Our memberpowered model makes room for diverse playlists, supports major touring artists and connects Kansas City’s community of music lovers.
BEST OF KC 2024 YOUR PICKS
&ENTERTAINMENT ARTS
BEST ART EXHIBIT
WINNER: “A LAYERED PRESENCE” AT THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART
Finalists: “Benediction from the Rubble” at Zhou B Art Center, “Niki de Saint Phalle: Rebellion and Joy” at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, “Omega Retrospective 1985-2022” - Presented by CaseTrick and ArtsKC, “Tranquil Reflections by Nicole Staab” at Powell Gardens
BEST ART FESTIVAL
WINNER: PLAZA ART FAIR
Finalists: Art Garden KC, Art Westport, Arts in the Park, Brookside Art Annual, KC Fringe Festival
BEST ART GALLERY
WINNER: MOD GALLERY & SPACE
Finalists: Belger Arts Center, Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery, Monarca Art Space - MÁS, Zhou B Art Center Kansas City
BEST BLUES VENUE
WINNER: GREEN LADY LOUNGE
Finalists: BB’s Lawnside BBQ, The Blue Room, Christine’s Firehouse, Knuckleheads, Lonnie’s Reno Club, The Phoenix
Finalists: DJ Diehard, DJ Ness, DJ Smiles Marie, Sheppa
BEST COMEDY CLUB
WINNER: THE BIRD COMEDY THEATER
Finalists: The Comedy Club of Kansas City, Funny Bone Comedy Club, The KC Improv Company
BEST CULTURAL EVENT
WINNER: KC FRINGE FESTIVAL
Finalists: AANHPI Heritage and Identity Festival, Alphabet Soup: Theater from Queer Voices - Whim Productions, The Cookout hosted by Karmella Uchawi, Ethnic Enrichment Festival, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
BEST DANCE CREW/STUDIO
WINNER: ETHEREAL
Finalists: Double Take Industries, The Kansas City Canaries, The KC Swingsters, The Next Paige, Shiny Dreamers
Saloon, Drag Brunch at Brick’s Pub & Grub hosted by Lana Luxx, LUXX Sunday at Missie B’s, RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party at Woody’s KC hosted by Glittah Gal, Sundays with Sasha - Drag Brunch at Gaels Public House & Sports
BEST FASHION EVENT
WINNER: KANSAS CITY FASHION WEEK
Finalists: Dormouse Daydream, West 18th Street Fashion Show
BEST FILMMAKER (ARTISTIC)
WINNER: LOLO LOREN & PATRICK POE
Finalists: Jill Gevargizian,
BEST HOUSE/COVER BAND
WINNER: LOST WAX
Finalists: Bound & Determined, The HooDoo’s, KCeMO, Soulshine
BEST IMPROV/SKETCH TROUPE
THEATER PLAYERS
WINNER: THE BIRD COMEDY
Finalists: Car Sounds, Explosive Group Chat, Improv SpringBoard, Truck Noises
BEST JAZZ ARTIST
WINNER: LONNIE MCFADDEN
Finalists: Alex Abramovitz, Brian Scarborough, Cynthia van Roden, Eboni Fondren
BEST JAZZ BAND
WINNER: BACK ALLEY BRASS BAND
Finalists: Alex Abramovitz and His Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band, Baby J and The Cradle Robbers, Brian Scarborough Quintet, Cynthia van Roden Quartet, Eboni Fondren Quartet, Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Marcus Lewis Big Band
BEST JAZZ VENUE
WINNER: GREEN LADY LOUNGE
Finalists: The Blue Room, Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille, Lonnie’s Reno Club, The Phoenix
BEST KARAOKE
WINNER: MISSIE B’S
Finalists: The Black Box, Carrieoke Productions, Hamburger Mary’s Maryoke, Hot Mics Entertainment, ReRoll after Dark at ReRoll Tavern
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE (KANSAS)
WINNER: AZURA AMPHITHEATER
Finalists: Aztec Shawnee Theater, The Bottleneck, Jerry’s Bait Shop, Liberty Hall, VIVO LIVE Eatery & Venue
Best Jazz Artist: Lonnie McFadden. Photo by Gavin Peters
&ENTERTAINMENT ARTS
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE (MISSOURI)
WINNER: STARLIGHT THEATRE
Finalists: Grinders KC, Knuckleheads, Lonnie’s Reno Club, The Midland, recordBar, The Rino, The Ship
BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE EVENT
WINNER: KC FRINGE FESTIVAL
Finalists: Alphabet Soup: Theater from Queer Voices - Whim Productions, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar, Rise Up! - Heartland Men’s Chorus, Stars & Stripes Celebration, Theatre Lab FEST
BEST LIVE THEATER
WINNER: STARLIGHT THEATRE
Finalists: The Bird Comedy Theater, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Whim Productions
BEST LOCAL ACTOR
WINNER: JESSICA WHITFIELD
Finalists: Bradley J. Thomas, Diana Watts, Emmy Panzica-Piontek, John Rensenhouse, Matt Rapport, Vanessa Severo
Finalists: Case Trick, Land Lion, Making Movies, Soul Servers, Soulshine, Timbers, The Village Prairie
BEST LOCAL CRAFT ARTIST
WINNER: SHUT THE FRONT DOOR KC
Finalists: Alisa Ross, The Frantic House, Gamer Girl Jewelry, Knight Owl Design, Who is She?
BEST LOCAL EVENT
WINNER: KANSAS CITY IRISH FEST
Finalists: Boulevardia, Comedy is Queer, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, KC Fringe Festival
BEST LOCAL PODCAST
WINNER: KANSAS CITY REVIVAL
Finalists: Always Be Cool (ABC), Beers with Nigel, Keep Them Coming, Live, Laugh, Larceny, The Lawnarchy, Nightmare Junkhead, Pour Deshishuns
BEST LOCAL STAND-UP COMIC
WINNER: JAMIE CAMPBELL
Finalists: Brittany Tilander, Carlos Chamon, Dan Rathmann, Evan Christian Goldt, J Petty, Janell Banks
BEST LOCAL THEMED TOUR
WINNER: KANSAS CITY GANGSTER TOUR
Finalists: Barley Bus Tours, Kansas City Fun Tours, KC Rainbow Tour, Union Hill Garden Tour
BEST MOVIE THEATER
WINNER: SCREENLAND ARMOUR
Finalists: AMC Ward Parkway 14, B&B
Theatres Mainstreet KC, Glenwood Arts, Stray Cat Film Center
BEST MUSEUM
WINNER: THE NELSON-ATKINS
MUSEUM OF ART
Finalists: International African American Art Museum of Kansas City, Kansas City Museum, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, National WWI Museum and Memorial, The Rabbit hOle, Spencer Museum of Art
Finalists: Alex Abramovitz, Bobby Kerr, Brian Scarborough, Drew Little, musicbyskippy, Nate Evans, Will Trigg
BEST NEW LOCAL ALBUM
WINNER: “SITUATIONSHIPS” BY MUSICBYSKIPPY
Finalists: “A New Way 2.0” by Nate Evans, “Bolt from the Blue” by The Village Prairie, “Girl Bandit” by Emma Jo, “I Write the Songs I Need” by Good Saint Nathanael, “Omega” by Case Trick, “Ultragenesis” by Regina Del Carmen, “We Need the Wind” by Brian Scarborough
BEST NIGHTCLUB
WINNER: MISSIE B’S
Finalists: Aura, Funky Town, In The Lowest Ferns, Nighthawk, The Ship
BEST OPEN MIC
WINNER: THE BIRD COMEDY THEATER
Finalists: Crows Coffee, Hot Mics Entertainment, Lumpy’s, Outlaw Cigar and Brewery, Poetic Underground, The Rino, Soul Sessions
BEST OUTDOOR EVENT
WINNER: KC PRIDE
Finalists: Boulevardia, Ethnic Enrichment Festival, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
BEST OUTDOOR VENUE
WINNER: STARLIGHT THEATRE
Finalists: Azura Amphitheater, Grinders KC, Lemonade Park
BEST PAINTING PARTY
WINNER: ART BY JONNIERAE
Finalists: AdhDiy Craft Cafe, Art Experience, Expressive Art and Music, Happy Trees Painting, Pinot’s Palette Leawood, Shut The Front Door KC, Whiskers Cat Cafe
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER (ARTISTIC)
WINNER: BEN MCBEE
Finalists: Chase Castor, Dawn Higgins, Katharine Kitty LeClair, Lexi Fox
BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
WINNER: KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM
Finalists: Expressive Art and Music, Get Air Trampoline Park, Lakeside Nature Center, Little Explorers Play Room, The Party Trend, Science City at Union Station, SuperKidz Club
BEST PLACE TO SHAKE YOUR BOOTY
WINNER: MISSIE B’S
Finalists: Funky Town, In The Lowest Ferns, Rhythm and Booze, The Ship, Woody’s KC
Best Burlesque Troupe: VAMP Kansas City.
Photo by Travis Young
BEST PLAY
WINNER: GULAG GIRLS BY SHEA
KETCHUM AT KC FRINGE
Finalists: Boxed by Kevin King - Whim Productions, The Head of Medusa - Kansas City Public Theatre, Heart of America
Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar, The Lehman Trilogy - Kansas City Actors Theatre, We Are Blood by Ryan BernstenOlathe Civic Theatre Association
BEST POET/SPOKEN WORD ARTIST
WINNER: ABBY BLAND
Finalists: Brandon Amayzn Nelson, Glenn North, José Faus, M’Vyonne Payne, Dr. Matt Turner, Melissa Ferrer Civil
BEST SONG BY A LOCAL BAND
WINNER: “IT’S NOT JUPITER”DANIELLE ATE THE SANDWICH
Finalists: “Honey Do” by Land Lion, “Howl” by Ivory Blue, “Living Room” by Kat King, “OnlyFans” by The Village Prairie, “Revive” by Case Trick, “Strange Bird” by Brian Scarborough Quintet
BEST THEATER COMPANY
WINNER: THE BIRD COMEDY THEATER
Finalists: Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, Late Night Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Whim Productions
BEST TRIBUTE BAND
WINNER: ALMOST KISS
Finalists: Bob Jovi, Elton Dan and the Rocket Band, Found A Job, The Phil Collins Experience, Shakedown Strings
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
WINNER: ALL-STAR TRIVIA AT HAMBURGER MARY’S
Finalists: Big 5 Trivia, Border Brewing Company, Hot Mics Entertainment Music
Trivia Gameshow at Revel Sports Tavern, Intelligence Check Trivia at Gaels Public House & Sports, Pop Culture Trivia Bingo at Rewind Video and Dive
BEST VOCALIST
WINNER: EBONI FONDREN
Finalists: Alex Abramovitz, Big Body Caprice, Cynthia van Roden, Josephine Eve, Maggie Boone, Morganna Lee, Nicole Springer
BEST YOUTH THEATER
WINNER: THE COTERIE THEATRE
Finalists: The Culture House, Music Theatre Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre’s Young Playwrights LIVE!, Team ShakespeareHeart of America Shakespeare Festival
BEST BRISKET
WINNER: Q39
BBQ
BEST BARBECUE
WINNER: JOE’S KANSAS CITY BBQ
Finalists: Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Jack Stack BBQ, Q39, Slap’s BBQ, Wolfepack BBQ, Zarda BBQ
BEST BARBECUE SANDWICH
WINNER: Z-MAN AT JOE’S KANSAS CITY BBQ
Finalists: Bob’s Burnt End French Dip at OurHouseKC, Burnt Heaven at Char Bar, Mr. Burns at Q39, Poor Russ at Jack Stack BBQ, Turkey Crunch at Zarda BBQ
BEST BARBECUE SIDE DISH
WINNER: HICKORY PIT BEANS AT JACK STACK BBQ
Finalists: Bacon Broccoli Slaw at Char Bar, Baked Potato Casserole at Slap’s BBQ, French Fries at Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, LTD. Reserve Burnt End Beans at Zarda BBQ
Finalists: Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Gates BBQ, Harp Barbecue, Jack Stack BBQ, Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, Slap’s BBQ, Zarda BBQ
BEST BURNT ENDS
WINNER: JOE’S KANSAS CITY BBQ
Finalists: Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Gates BBQ, Jack Stack BBQ, OurHouseKC, Q39
BEST CRAFT BARBECUE
WINNER: Q39
Finalists: 3Halves Brew Pub & BBQ, Chef J BBQ, Harp Barbecue, Joker B’s BBQ, Wolfepack BBQ
BEST MIXED PLATE
WINNER: JACK STACK BBQ
Finalists: Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Gates BBQ, Hawg Jaw Que & Brew, Q39, Slap’s BBQ
Finalists: The Jackknife - Char Bar, Veg an BBQ Ribz - Spicy Moon Foods
Best Brisket, Best Craft Barbecue: Q39. Photo Courtesy of Q39
CBD/HEMP/THC
BEST BUDTENDER
WINNER: DAMONE AT GREENLIGHT DISPENSARY
Finalists: Avery at From the Earth, Becky at The Forest, Chloe at ReLeaf Resources Dispensary, Jeremy at NatureMed, Ryan at BesaMe Wellness, Samantha at Kansas City Cannabis, Silas at Kansas City Cannabis
BEST CBD STORE
WINNER: AMERICAN SHAMAN
Finalists: High End Smoke and Vape, Midtown Kava, Rustic Oils CBD of Lee’s Summit, Smoke Tokz, Vape Stop Plus
BEST CONCENTRATE/DAB BRAND
WINNER: ILLICIT
Finalists: Elevate, Flora Farms, The Forest, From the Earth, HeadChange, Proper Cannabis, Smokey River Cannabis, Standard Wellness, Vivid
BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA CLINIC WINNER: ELEVATE HOLISTICS
Finalists: Bluebird Wellness Center, Kind Remedy, Verts Neighborhood Dispensary
BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA CLINICIAN WINNER: BLUEBIRD WELLNESS CENTER
Finalists: Lisa Roark at Roark Family Health, Dr. Marc Taormina, Dr. Micheal Poppa at Missouri Cannabis Clinic, Robin West at Family Health & Wellness
BEST PLACE TO BUY DELTA PRODUCTS
WINNER: IT’S A DREAM SMOKE SHOP
Finalists: American Shaman, Dr. Smoke, High End Smoke and Vape, Midtown Kava, Smoke Tokz
BEST VAPE CARTRIDGE BRAND
WINNER: GREENLIGHT DISPENSARY
Finalists: Aircraft, Elevate, HeadChange, Illicit, Rove, Timeless, ZEN
Photo by Zach Bauman
DRINKS
BEST 3 AM BAR
WINNER: HARRY’S BAR AND TABLES
Finalists: Buzzard Beach, Helen’s JAD Bar & Grill, John’s Big Deck, Kelly’s Westport Inn, Mainstreet Tavern, miniBar, Tool Shed Lounge
BEST BAR
WINNER: DRASTIC MEASURES
Finalists: Club 38 at Ameristar Casino, Fern Bar, Gaels Public House & Sports, Jim’s Alley Bar, King G, Mainstreet Tavern, River Bluff Brewing
BEST BAR [LAWRENCE]
WINNER: JOHN BROWN’S UNDERGROUND
Finalists:The Bourgeois Pig, Eighth Street Taproom, Red Lyon Tavern, Replay Lounge
BEST BAR STAFF
WINNER: TRANSPARENT BREWING COMPANY
Finalists: The Antler Room, Drastic Measures, Fern Bar, John’s Big Deck, King G, Mainstreet Tavern, River Bluff Brewing
BEST BAR TO MEET PEOPLE
WINNER: KING G
Finalists: Gaels Public House & Sports, Mainstreet Tavern, ReRoll Tavern, Revel Sports Tavern, Rhythm & Booze, River Bluff Brewing, Transparent Brewing Company
BEST BARTENDER
WINNER: LAURA AT CLUB 38 AMERISTAR
Finalists: Amber at John’s Big Deck, Drew at The Antler Room, Nigel at Transparent Brewing Company, Sage at Drastic Measures
BEST BEER TAPS SELECTION
WINNER: TAPS ON MAIN
Finalists: BRKTHROUGH, International Tap House, King G, Oak & Steel, River Bluff Brewing, Turn 2 at Hollywood Casino, Vine Street Brewing
BEST BLOODY MARY
WINNER: THE FARMHOUSE
Finalists: Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen, OurHouseKC, The Pressed Penny Tavern, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, Urban Egg a daytime eatery
BEST BOBA/BUBBLE TEA
WINNER: DRAGONFLY TEA ZONE
Finalists: Ari Delights, Boba Tea Hive, Bruú Café, Gocha, Kung Fu Tea
BEST BREW PUB
WINNER: MARTIN CITY BREWING COMPANY
Finalists: Brew Lab, City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen, River Bluff Brewing, Torn Label
Public House + Kitchen, Transparent Brewing Company
BEST CHEAP DRINKS
WINNER: JOHN’S BIG DECK
Finalists: Bobby Baker’s Lounge, Hillsiders, Jimmy’s Jigger, Keyhole Tavern, Patrick’s Bar and No Grill, Twin City Tavern
BEST COCKTAILS
WINNER: DRASTIC MEASURES
Finalists: The Campground, Fern Bar, Goat & Rabbit, King G, Mean Mule Distilling Co., Vignettes, Wild Child
BEST COFFEE SHOP FOOD/SNACKS
WINNER: MILDRED’S
Finalists: City Market Coffee, Crows Coffee, Messenger Coffee Co., Post Coffee Company, Rebel Coffee, Take Care by OLEO, Valley Social Coffeehouse
BEST COFFEEHOUSE
WINNER: CAFE CÀ PHÊ
Finalists: Bisou, Black Dog Coffeehouse, Oddly Correct, Post Coffee Company, Rebel Coffee, Take Care by OLEO, Valley Social Coffeehouse
BEST DIVE BAR
WINNER: HI-DIVE LOUNGE
Finalists: Buzzard Beach, Chez Charlie, Fitz’s Blarney Stone, Helen’s JAD Bar & Grill, Jimmy’s Jigger, Lucky Boys
BEST FRENCH 75
WINNER: WESTPORT CAFE
Finalists: Brown & Loe, Green Lady Lounge, The Pressed Penny Tavern, Swordfish Tom’s
BEST GIRL’S NIGHT OUT BAR
WINNER: HAMBURGER MARY’S
Finalists: Fern Bar, Gaels Public House & Sports, King G, The Levee, Revel Sports Tavern, Rhythm & Booze
BEST HAPPY HOUR (DRINK)
WINNER: GAELS PUBLIC HOUSE & SPORTS
Finalists: Fern Bar, Goat & Rabbit, Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen, John’s Big Deck, Mainstreet Tavern, Volleyball Beach
BEST HORSEFEATHER
WINNER: J. RIEGER & CO.
Finalists: Dodson’s Bar & Commons, Goat & Rabbit, Harry’s Bar & Tables, West Bottoms Whiskey Co.
BEST HOTEL BAR
WINNER: PERCHERON ROOFTOP BAR AT CROSSROADS HOTEL
Finalists: The American Reserve at Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection, Nighthawk at Hotel Kansas City, The Savoy at 21c, The Stillwell at Loews Kansas City, XR at Crossroads Hotel
BEST IRISH BAR
WINNER: BRADY & FOX
Finalists: Conroy’s Public House, Gaels Public House & Sports, Kelly’s Westport Inn, O’Dowd’s Gastrobar, O’Malley’s Pub
BEST LGBTQ+ BAR
WINNER: MISSIE B’S
Finalists: Bistro 303, Gaels Public House & Sports, Hamburger Mary’s, Woody’s KC
BEST LOCAL BEER (IPA)
WINNER: BLOCK IPA (CINDER BLOCK BREWERY)
Finalists: Counterculture (BKS Artisan Ales), Mr. Balloon Hands (Transparent Brewing Company), Speedliner IPA (River Bluff Brewing), That Box Fade Bro (Vine Street Brewing Co.)
WINNER: STREET LIGHT SOUR (TRANSPARENT BREWING COMPANY)
Finalists: Life of the Party (Vine Street Brewing), Sandy Pickle (River Bluff Brewing), Tea Weiss (Crane Brewing Company), Vacation Island (BKS Artisan Ales)
Best Neighborhood Bar: Jim’s Alley Bar. Photo by Zach Bauman
Finalists: Alma Mader Brewing, Big Rip Brewing Company, BKS Artisan Ales, River Bluff Brewing, Torn Label Brewing Co., Transparent Brewing Company, Vine Street Brewing
BEST MANHATTAN
WINNER: THE HEY! HEY! CLUB
Finalists: Goat & Rabbit, Harry’s Country Club, Mitch e Amaro, West Bottoms Whiskey Co.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
WINNER: JIM’S ALLEY BAR
Finalists: Charlie Hooper’s, Dodson’s Bar & Commons, Gaels Public House & Sports, Hillsiders, Jimmy’s Jigger, Mainstreet Tavern, Rhythm & Booze
BEST MARGARITA
WINNER: PONAK’S
Finalists: Barbacoa, El Patron, Fern Bar, Gaels Public House & Sports, Mean Mule Distilling Co., Mission Taco Joint, OurHouseKC
BEST MARTINI
WINNER: THE CAMPGROUND
Finalists: Fern Bar, Goat & Rabbit, Jim’s Alley Bar, RA Sushi
BEST MILKSHAKE
WINNER: WINSTEAD’S
Finalists: Caldwell’s Burgers, High Hopes, Simply Grand Kitchen and Creamery, The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive
BEST MOJITO
WINNER: MEAN MULE DISTILLING CO.
Finalists: Double Tap KC, El Patron, Fern Bar, West Bottoms Whiskey Co.
BEST NEGRONI
WINNER: THE CAMPGROUND
Finalists: Bar Medici, Drastic Measures, Fern Bar, King G, Mitch e Amaro
BEST NEW BAR
WINNER: VARSITY CLUB
Finalists: Barley & Vine, The Blue Palm, Fern Bar, Mainstreet Tavern, Moon Bar, Third Place Lounge
BEST NEW BREWERY
WINNER: BARLEY & VINE
Finalists: 9 Foot Brewing, 39th Street Brewery, Discourse Brewing
BEST OLD FASHIONED
WINNER: WEST BOTTOMS WHISKEY CO.
Finalists: The Campground, Drastic Measures, Fern Bar, Goat & Rabbit, JJ’s Restaurant, King G, Mainstreet Tavern
BEST PATIO
WINNER: THE CAMPGROUND
Finalists: Gaels Public House & Sports, Gram & Dun, Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen, Transparent Brewing Company, Vine Street Brewing
BEST PLACE TO DRINK WITH YOUR DOG
WINNER: BAR K
Finalists: BKS Artisan Ales, Char Bar, Transparent Brewing Company
Best Bar to Meet People: King G. Photo by Alyssa Broadus
DRINKS
BEST POP-UP BAR
WINNER: VIGNETTES
Finalists: Condor’s Cove, Conductor Club, Drinkaway Camp, Moon Bar
BEST ROOFTOP BAR
WINNER: PERCHERON ROOFTOP BAR
Finalists: John’s Big Deck, OurHouseKC, Prime Social, Up-Down
Finalists: Blue Pot Catering, Culinary Creations, Graze & Gather KC, Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen, Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions, OurHouseKC
BEST CHARCUTERIE BOARD
WINNER: GREEN DIRT ON OAK
Finalists: Affäre, Enzo Bistro & Wine Bar, Graze & Gather KC, The Pairing: Crossroads Wine & Grocer, Salumi Rose, Scratch Gourmet Kitchen, Third Street Social
BEST CHEAP EATS
WINNER: TOWN TOPIC
Finalists: Big Boy Burgers, Cosmo Burger, The Easy Inn, Paul’s Drive In, Tenderloin Grill, Tiki Taco, Winstead’s
BEST CHEF
WINNER: NICK GOELLNER - THE ANTLER ROOM
Finalists: Jeff Workman - The Campground, Jennifer LeBlanc - Tavern in the Village, Roman Raya, Jr. - Barbacoa, Terri AllenGourmet Grub
BEST CHICKEN (BAKED OR GRILLED)
WINNER: EL POLLO REY
Finalists: 54th Street Scratch Grill & Bar, Chicken N Pickle, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Redrock Canyon Grill
BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH
WINNER: THE BIG BISCUIT
Finalists: Gaels Public House & Sports, Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen, Minsky’s Pizza, OurHouseKC, Red Door Woodfired Grill, Rye, The Ship
BEST CHICKEN STRIPS/TENDERS
WINNER: MOTHER CLUCKER
Finalists: Burg & Barrel, Gaels Public House & Sports, The Landing Eatery & Pub, Rye, Strip’s Chicken
BEST CHICKEN WINGS
WINNER: THE PEANUT
Finalists: Al’s Bar & Grill, Brick House, Gaels Public House & Sports, Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen, Minsky’s Pizza, Q39, Tower Tavern
BEST CHILI
WINNER: DIXON’S FAMOUS CHILI
Finalists: Black Bear Diner, Hawg Jaw Que & Brew, Hayes Hamburger and Chili, La Fonda El Taquito, OurHouseKC, Tree Hugger Kitchen
Finalists: Academy Bank, First Federal Bank of Kansas City, nbkc bank, UMB Bank
BEST BANK (CONSUMER)
WINNER: CENTRAL BANK
Finalists: Academy Bank, Arvest Bank, BOK Financial, Capitol Federal Savings Bank, Commerce Bank
BEST BARBER
WINNER: JUSTIN LEMOS AT MIDWEST BARBERY
Finalists: Damon Hollingsworth at Paradime, Jerrin Hawes at Crimson Collective Hair Co., Maggie Perales at Spitfire Hair & Shop, Morgan Odney at Hairpins
Finalists: Boudoir by K Eden, Cassidy Drury Photography, Illuminated Palette Photography, Moonspell Studios, WMNKND, Wild Fyre Co
BEST BROWS
WINNER: LAURA CARLSON AT THE FACIAL BAR
Finalists: Amber Syer at Bad Cat Beauty, BellaBrows, Beth Guzman at Sacred Beauty Alchemy, Kara Gutierrez at Spot On Beauty, Minoo Brow Bar
BEST CAR WASH
WINNER: GO CAR WASH
Finalists: The Better Wash, Charlie’s Car Wash, Club Car Wash, Diamond Finish Car Wash, McBee’s Coffee N Carwash, Tidal Wave Auto Spa
BEST CHILD CARE CENTER
WINNER: THE GODDARD SCHOOL OF OVERLAND PARK
Finalists: Hide and Seek Learning Center, Primrose School of Ward Parkway, Purple Dragon Pre-School Day Care, Rainbow School, Spectrum Station, Stephen’s House
BEST CLEANING SERVICE
WINNER: LINDA’S CLEANING SERVICE, LLC
Finalists: Clean Heart Maids, Cleaning Maids In & Out, Shannon’s Cleaning Services, Triton Home Solutions
BEST CLINICAL TRIALS/ PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
WINNER: CHILDREN’S MERCY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Finalists: AMR Kansas City, Clinical Associates Midwest, Johnson County Clin-Trials
BEST COMPUTER/IT SERVICES
WINNER: AKINS PC REPAIR
Finalists: Allo Business, Integral, Kansas City Managed IT
Finalists: The CO-OP at Shoal Creek, Cowork Waldo, G.I.F.T., iWerx, ReThink KC Real Estate, Spark Kansas City, WeWork Lightwell
BEST CREDIT UNION
WINNER: COMMUNITYAMERICA CREDIT UNION
Finalists: Kansas City Credit Union, Mainstreet Credit Union, Mazuma Credit Union, Raytown Lee’s Summit Community Credit Union, R-G Federal Credit Union
BEST CUSTOM BLINDS/WINDOW TREATMENTS
WINNER: BUDGET BLINDS
Finalists: The BlindBroker, Custom Shutters by Doyle, Dunn’s Flooring & Blinds, Shawnee Blinds, Window World
BEST CUSTOM COUNTERTOPS
WINNER: ROCKTOPS
Finalists: Central Surfaces, Concrete Designs, Flintstone Countertops, Gaumats International
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
WINNER: ASH-THETICS BY ASHLEY PRATT
Finalists: BesaMe Wellness, The Facial Bar, Key Cannabis (Elevate), Midtown Kava, Pet Resource Center of Kansas City, Rocktops, The Running Well Store
Best Barber: Justin Lemos at MidWest Barbery.
Photo by Paige Ratzlaff
BEST DOG TRAINING
WINNER: THE DOGS’ SPOT
Finalists: Canine Dimensions, KC Dawgz Dog Training Academy, The Pet Connection, Pete and Mac’s Pet Resorts, Woof’s Play & Stay
BEST ELECTRICIAN
WINNER: IBEW LOCAL UNION 124
Finalists: CMP Electrical Services, Hoskins Electric, Ric Ginn Electric
BEST EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
WINNER: STAFFING KANSAS CITY
BEST HAIR SALON
WINNER: MOXIE BY KC
Finalists: American Honey Hair Co., Elevate Organic Hair Salon + Spa, The Gypsy Parlor, The Hairapy Co., Mandy Does My Hair, Skyline Salon, Society Salon and Spa
BEST HAIR STYLIST
WINNER: SHELBY JEWELL
Finalists: Aerotek, Cascade Health Services, Full Employment Council, Synergy Staffing Services, Vest Professional Placement
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNING
WINNER: CREATIVE PLANNING
Finalists: Buttonwood Financial Group, Falcon Wealth Advisors, Troy Ganson at Edward Jones, Wealth|KC
BEST GROUP THERAPY
WINNER: MOCSA
Finalists: Authentic Life, Brookside Counseling, The Counseling Collaborative, KC Well Co., Resolve Counseling, Simple Empathy
BEST GUTTER CLEANING
WINNER: CANDOR UPKEEP HANDYMAN SERVICES
Finalists: All Seasons Guttering, CJL Multi Services, The Gutter Guys, Rigdon, Triton Window Cleaning
BEST HAIR COLORIST
WINNER::SHELBY JEWELL
Finalists: Ashley Falzone - A|F Salon, Dalton QW - Pelo on Penn, Damaris NewtonMoxie by KC, Josie Stambaugh - The Gypsy Parlor, Kassidi Upton - The Hairapy Co., Kelsey Schuepbach - Society Salon & Spa, Taylor Crumley - Skyline Salon
BEST HAIR REMOVAL
WINNER: SUMMERS MEDICAL AESTHETICS
Finalists: Bare Med Spa, BeYOUtify, Brows Body Face, Hello Sugar, The Wax Co.
Finalists: Jackie Wilkes, Josie Stambaugh, Kassidi Upton, Kylie Crinnian, Morgan Odney, Trevor Allen
WINNER: ANTHONY PLUMBING, HEATING, COOLING & ELECTRIC
Finalists: Air Summit Heating & Cooling, Hoffman Heating and Cooling, Hotter Than Hell Heating & Cooling, Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
BEST HOTEL
WINNER: CROSSROADS HOTEL
Finalists: Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection, Hilton President, Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton, Loews Kansas City Hotel, The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
BEST INJECTOR
WINNER: JESSICA BROOKS - MIRABILE
M.D. BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS
Finalists: Ashley Pratt - ash-thetics, Ashley Williams - Monarch Plastic Surgery, Brittney Summers- Summers Medical Aesthetics, Kyleigh Armillio - Fiore Wellness Center, Megan Griffiths - Plaza Aesthetics & Wellness, Noreen Bollinger - AesthetiCare Medspa + Wellness, Samantha HunterEsse Aesthetics
BEST INSURANCE AGENT WINNER: MEGAN CONSIDINEGOOSEHEAD INSURANCE
Finalists: Andrea Johnson - USI Insurance Services, Mark Green - Bankers Life, Matthew Flax - Farm Bureau Financial Services, Nicole Feltz - American Family Insurance, Tim Dugan - State Farm
BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER WINNER: SURFACE TO SURFACE INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Finalists: Kali Buchanan Interior Design, KCBR Design | Remodel, Knapstein Design, Noble Designs, Trader Bec’s, Tran + Thomas Design Studio
BEST KITCHEN & BATH REMODELER
WINNER: SHAMROCK CABINET
Finalists: Bordner Home Improvement, KCBR Design Remodel, Schloegel Design Remodel
BEST LANDSCAPER
WINNER: NEXT TO NATURE LANDSCAPE
Finalists: Essence Lawn Care, The Greensman, Heinen Landscape & Irrigation, SK Lawn and Landscape
Best Tattoo Artist: Cat Wong.
Photo by Xay
Vongxay
GOODS & SERVICES
BEST LASHES
WINNER: LAURA CARLSON AT THE FACIAL BAR
Finalists: Beth Guzman at Sacred Beauty Alchemy, @bewitched.esti - esthetics by savvy, Brittany Manney at B Lash’d Studio, The Gypsy Parlor
BEST LAUNDROMAT
WINNER: TIDE CLEANERS
Finalists: The Laundry Craft, Midtown Laundry, Quinn’s Laundry, Walnut Place Laundromat
BEST LAW FIRM/LAWYER
WINNER: AIMEE THE ATTORNEY
Finalists: AGH Law, BG Law, Brandan Davies at Roth Davies LLC, David Bell, Jake Hanson at Hanson Law, LLC, Meyerkord,
BEST LIBRARY BRANCH: KS
WINNER: JOHNSON COUNTY LIBRARYCENTRAL RESOURCE LIBRARY
Finalists: KCK Main Library, Leawood Pioneer Library, Lenexa City Center Library, Monticello Library, Olathe Indian Creek Library
BEST LIBRARY BRANCH: MO
WINNER: THE KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - CENTRAL LIBRARY
Finalists: Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch, Mid-Continent Public Library - Green Hills Library Center, Mid-Continent Public Library - Woodneath Library Center
WINNER: ADRIANA BATES - CLEAR
Finalists: Austyn Anderson - Your Mortgage Queen LLC, Christopher ParrisLeaderOne Financial, Derek McGowan - McGowan Mortgages, Emily Conaty -
BEST LOCAL FARM
WINNER: GREEN DIRT FARM
Finalists: Antioch Urban Growers, Boys Grow, KC Farm School at Gibbs Road, Messner Bee Farm, Urbavore Urban Farm, Young Family Farm
BEST LOCAL MOVING COMPANY
WINNER: YOU MOVE ME
Finalists: Great Day Moving, Kingdom Movers, Moovers, Moving Proz, O’Connor’s Moving
BEST LUXURY PICNIC
WINNER: HAPPY CAMPERS GLAMPING PARTIES & PICNICS
Finalists: Bloom Picnic, Pop Up Picnics KC
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST
WINNER: GLAM & GLOW WITH KALSIE JO LLC
Finalists: Audra Ashlee Artistry, Bettina Delfin at Fringe Salon, Madee Stewart
Makeup Artistry, Makeup Undefined by Nichole, Mind & Muse
BEST MOBILE SPRAY TAN
WINNER: TANFASTIC MOBILE SPRAY TANNING
Finalists: Airbrushed by Rada, Glow Kansas City, Makeup Undefined by Nichole, TanTara Mobile Airbrush Tan
BEST MORTGAGE/HOME LOAN
PROVIDER
WINNER: CLEAR MORTGAGE
Finalists: First Fidelis, Flat Branch Home Loans, LeaderOne Financial, McGowan Mortgages
BEST MUSIC LABEL
WINNER: STRANGE MUSIC
Finalists: Datura Records, Manor Records, The Record Machine
BEST MUSIC STUDIO
WINNER: 64111 STUDIO
Finalists: Element Recording Studios, Markosa Studios, Weights and Measures Soundlab
BEST NAIL SALON
WINNER: TIPS N’ TOES
Finalists: Jasmine Le-Kiefer at Bella Nails & Lashes, Nail Noir, Nailed by Teennaa, Nails by Heather Lucille at The Gypsy Parlor, Organic Nails
BEST OIL CHANGE
WINNER: VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE
Finalists: Big O Tires, House of Lube, KC Autoworx, Oades Brothers Tire & Auto
BEST PARTY BUS/LIMO SERVICE
WINNER: RED MACHINE PARTY BUS
Finalists: 1st Shuttle Service, Barley Bus Tours, Vegas Limousine of Kansas City
BEST PEST CONTROL
WINNER: PETE’S PEST CONTROL
Finalists: Blue Beetle Pest Control, Bug Off Termite & Pest Solutions, Fountain City
Pest Management, Gunter Pest & Lawn, Joshua’s Pest Control, Norman’s Termite & Pest Control
Best Tailor/Alterations: KC Seamstress.
Photo by Rachel Green & Emma Lundberg
Megan Noble Fisher Law LLC Voted Best Divorce Lawyer 2024
FInalists: Bronzed By Bri, District Tan, Glo Tanning, HD Tan
BEST TATTOO ARTIST
WINNER: CAT WONG
KANSAS CITY
Finalists: Blue Springs Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, Eagle Animal Hospital, Family Pet Hospital, Independence Animal Hospital, Mission Road Animal Clinic, Union Hill Animal Hospital
BEST WINDOW CLEANING
WINNER: FISH WINDOW CLEANING
Finalists: Anya Arcane, Ellen St. Michael, Jessie Hopeless, Josh Martin, Kim Petty, Lindsay Cadillac, @tattoos.stephanie
Finalists: Squeegee Squad, Triton Window Cleaning
KC Aerial Arts Group
Dan Sperry: Anti-Conjurer Strange Magic
Burlesque Dancer Cervena Fox Activities for Kids: - Hair tinsel - Temporary tattoos
*Tattooers will accept walk-ups throughout the weekend
Hosted by Russ and Audrey Quinn
HEALTH
& FIT NESS
BEST ACUPUNCTURE
WINNER: STEPHANIE MCGUIRKTOTEM HEALTH
Finalists: Back On Track Chiropractic + Acupuncture, East Meets West Acupuncture, Dr. Jennifer Dilts - Bloom Pediatrics, Laura Ponce Acupuncture & Wellness, Taochemy
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
WINNER: KC CHIRO
Finalists: Dr. Charles Fredricks at Advanced Spinal Care. Crossroads Chiropractic & Wellness Center, F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic, Flourish Family Chiropractic, Journey Chiropractic, Whole Life Chiropractic
BEST COSMETIC SURGEON
WINNER: DR. SHERYL YOUNG
Finalists: Dr. Jeffrey R. Dillow, Dr. John M. Quinn, Dr. Jonathan Amspacher, Dr Joseph V. Cannova, Dr. Keith R. Hodge, Dr. Levi Young, Dr. Spencer Eagan
BEST DAY SPA (NON-MEDICAL)
WINNER: HAND & LAND
Finalists: Elevate Organic Salon + Spa, The Facial Bar, Haven Wellness + Spa, Spa on Penn
BEST DENTIST
WINNER: DR. RAGAN NEWLANDBLUHAWK DENTAL GROUP
Finalists: Dr. Anthony Marengo - Esthetic Enhancement, Jackson Family Dental, Dr. John Humphrey - KC Dental Works, Dr. Luke Joliff - Leawood Dental, Sloop Dental Co.
BEST DERMATOLOGIST
WINNER: DR. WENFEI XIE - KANSAS CITY SKIN & CANCER CENTER
Finalists: Courtney Snyder-Stene. Dr. David Kaplan, Dr. Kimberly Schoofs - Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, Dr. Ting Wang Weinman
BEST EYE CLINIC
WINNER: RIDGEVIEW EYE CARE
Finalists: Discover Vision, The Eye Station, Fairway Eye Center, Sabates Eye Center
BEST FITNESS CLASS
WINNER: VIBE DANCE AT GODDESS
MAKER FITNESS
Finalists: BridgeFit, Freight House Fitness, Hip Hop X WERQ with Tara J. at Dance Fit Flow, Revive Indoor Cycling
BEST GYM
WINNER: FREIGHT HOUSE FITNESS
Finalists: BaseFit Athletics, Body Shop Gym, BridgeFit, City Gym, Goddess Maker Fitness, MC CrossFit, Woodside
BEST HEALTH CLINIC
WINNER: PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Finalists: Enhanced Health & Wellness, Meritas Health Gashland, Plaza OBGYN, Saint Luke’s Perryman Primary Care-Plaza
BEST HOSPITAL
WINNER: THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEALTH SYSTEM
Finalists: Children’s Mercy, North Kansas City Hospital, Saint Luke’s Health System Kansas City
Finalists: Alexis Atwell at Salve Bodywork + Massage, Dona Lackey - Mind Body Balance KC, Katie Brock - Haven Wellness + Spa, Kolika Simmons at Elevate Organic Salon + Spa, Ruby Nichole at Ho’ōla Mind and Body, Sarai Williams at Return to Eden
Best Martial Arts: Team Vava Jiu Jitsu. Photo by Dylan Trigg
BEST MEDICAL SPA
WINNER: PLAZA AESTHETICS & WELLNESS
Finalists: AesthetiCare Medspa, Bare Med Spa, Face KC Medical Spa, The Grove Spa, Hollyday Med Spa + Aesthetics, mission:SKIN, Summers Medical Aesthetics
BEST MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER WINNER: THE COUNSELING COLLABORATIVE
Finalists: Caleb Adegoke, Dawna Daigneault, Healing Towards Wellness, Kieri Olmstead - Simple Empathy, Shannon Conover, Sunflower Counseling KC
BEST NUTRITIONIST
WINNER: KATE DWYER
Finalists: Ariel Johnston at The Tasty Balance, Brooke Seiz at Evolve Wellness & Counseling, Jackie Roth, Sarah Thompson
BEST ORTHODONTIST
WINNER: FRY ORTHODONTICS
Finalists: Braces by Billings, Dr Ed Kavanaugh, Heidi Harman Orthodontics, Dr. Kenneth Edwards, Oltjen Orthodontics
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
WINNER: DR. LANCE SLAYMAKERVILLAGE PEDIATRICS
Finalists: Dr. Aaron Mayer - Meritas Health Pediatrics, Dr. Julie Brown, Dr. Lauren Hughes - Bloom Pediatrics and Lactation
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
WINNER: NICK STOPPELRINICKULOUS FITNESS
Finalists: Brandon Smith - Freight House Fitness, Caleb Blankenship - Blankslate Fitness, Deshae Betts - Total Body Fitness, Dustin Yantzi - BridgeFit, Justine TappTapp Into It Fitness, Steven Colyer - BaseFit Athletics
BEST PHARMACY
WINNER: HY-VEE PHARMACY (PRAIRIE VILLAGE)
Finalists: Crosetti Health and Wellness, Genoa Healthcare (Lee’s Summit, Rice Rd.), Ken’s Sunflower Pharmacy, Phillips Family Pharmacy
Finalists: Float Spa Kansas, Salinity Salt & Flotation Spa
BEST SWIMMING POOL
WINNER: WOODSIDE
Finalists: The Campus Recreation
Aquatics Center at Swinney, UMKC; Matt Ross Community Center; Prairie Village Swimming Pool; Three Light Luxury Apartments
BEST WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC/ COUNSELING
WINNER: SUMMERS MEDICAL AESTHETICS
Finalists: Bloom Health & Wellness, Enhanced Health & Wellness, MoKan
Weight Loss and Metabolic Health, Total Weight Loss Center
BEST YOGA STUDIO
WINNER: POWER LIFE
Finalists: Core Balance Yoga Center, HOTWORX, Inner Space Yoga, True Love Yoga, Vybe Hot Yoga, Yoga Patch
Best Mental Health Provider: The Counseling Collaborative. Photo by Ciarra Criddle
PEOPLE & PLACES
BEST ATTRACTION
WINNER: THE NELSON-ATKINS
MUSEUM OF ART
Finalists: Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park, National WWI Museum and Memorial, Powell Gardens, Union Station
BEST BUSINESS THAT COULD ONLY
EXIST IN KC
WINNER: MADE IN KC
Finalists: BRKTHROUGH, Charlie Hustle, Gates BBQ, Jaycee Designs KC, Muscle Cars KC, MYKC Eyewear, Shop Local KC
BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN
WINNER: EWING AND MURIEL
KAUFFMAN MEMORIAL GARDEN
Finalists: Colonial Church Garden, Ivanhoe Community Garden, Kansas City Community Gardens, Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park, University of Kansas Medical Center Botanic Gardens
Finalists: Hazel Krebs, Jessica Ann Disciacca, Dr. Matt Turner, MS Chambers, Sierra Simone
BEST LOCAL BLOG/SUBSTACK
WINNER: PEOPLE I WANT TO PUNCH IN THE THROAT BY JENN MANN
Finalists: Enthusiastically You by Hazel Krebs, Faith Matters by Bill Tammeus, Haterade by Liz Cook, Jana Style Blog
BEST LOCAL CHARITY
WINNER: PET RESOURCE CENTER OF KANSAS CITY
Finalists: Assistance League of Kansas City, Friends in Service of Heroes - F.I.S.H., Harvesters - The Community Food Network, Hillcrest Platte County, Hope House, Operation Breakthrough, Women’s Employment Network
BEST LOCAL HERO
WINNER: SCOTT POORE
Finalists: Alan Kneeland, Hazel Krebs, Maximilian Mendoza, Sherry Turner
Finalists: Brookside, Downtown Overland Park, Plaza, Roeland Park, South Hampton, Volker, Waldo
BEST PARK
WINNER: LOOSE PARK
Finalists: Heritage Park, Lake Olathe Park, Meadowbrook Park, Shawnee Mission Park
Finalists: Lake Olathe Park, Loose Park, Midtown Kava, ReRoll Tavern, Up-Down
BEST PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE
WINNER: UP-DOWN
Finalists: Bar Medici, BRKTHROUGH, Lake Olathe Park, Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park, ReRoll Tavern, Rozzelle Court Restaurant at Nelson-Atkins Museum
BEST PLACE FOR A LONG WALK
WINNER: OVERLAND PARK
ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS
Finalists: Berkeley Riverfront, Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail, Lake Olathe Park, Little Blue Trace Trail, Loose Park, Rock Island Trail, Shawnee Mission Park
BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC
WINNER: THE NELSON-ATKINS
MUSEUM OF ART (LAWN)
Finalists: Lake Olathe Park, Loose Park, Meadowbrook Park, Shawnee Mission Park
Best Local Activist, Best Local Hero: Scott Poore. Photo Courtesy of Scott Poore
BEST PLACE FOR A VIEW OF THE CITY WINNER: LIBERTY MEMORIAL
Finalists: The Blue Palm in Strawberry Hill, KC Wheel, The Mercury Room, Percheron Rooftop Bar, The Village at Briarcliff
BEST PLACE FOR STARGAZING WINNER: POWELL OBSERVATORY
Finalists: Lake Olathe Park, Liberty Memorial, Power & Light Apartments, Starlight
BEST PLACE TO GEEK OUT WINNER: DOUBLE TAP KC
Finalists: Level One Game Shop, Olathe Indian Creek Library, Rapid Fire Arcade,
BEST PLACE TO MEET SINGLES WINNER: WESTPORT
Finalists: Gaels Public House & Sports, In the Lowest Ferns, Midtown Kava, ReRoll Tavern, Volleyball Beach
BEST PLACE TO PICK UP A COPY OF THE WINNER: HY-VEE
Finaists: 7th Heaven, The Brick, Broadway Cafe, Jazz a Louisiana Kitchen
BEST PLACE TO PLAY BOARD GAMES WINNER: MISSION: BOARD GAMES
Finalists: Crane Brewing Company, Double Tap KC, Game Cafe, The Geekery, Pawn and Pint, ReRoll Tavern
BEST PLACE TO TAKE A SELFIE WINNER: UNION STATION
Finalists: CPKC Stadium, Fountain in Mill Creek Park, Museum at Prairiefire, Under the Cover Romance Bookshop
BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWN GUESTS
WINNER: JOE’S KANSAS CITY BBQ
Finalists: Country Club Plaza, Crown Center, Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park, The Mercury Room, National WWI Museum and Memorial, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Union Station
BEST PLACE TO WORK (OVER 50 EMPLOYEES)
WINNER: GARMIN
Finalists: Acendas Travel, Cornerstones of Care, Price Brothers Management Company
BEST PLACE TO WORK (UNDER 50 EMPLOYEES)
WINNER: PET RESOURCE CENTER OF KANSAS CITY
Finalists: Elevate Organic Hair Salon + Spa, The Facial Bar, The Grove Spa, Inland Associates, Inc., Kala Performance Homes, Spa on Penn, Women’s Employment Network
BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP
WINNER: CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION
Finalists: The Cure Church, HopeCity KC, Living Water Christian Church, The Table Blue Springs
BEST PUBLIC RESTROOM
WINNER: QUIKTRIP
Finalists: Cafe Cà Phê, Kansas City International Airport, Union Station, Voltaire
BEST SHOP PET
WINNER: CONWAY AT MILLS RECORD COMPANY
Finalists: Buddy at Wound for Sound, Burt at Budget Blinds, Ruby at Duet, Stout at Java Garage
BEST SPORTS TALK RADIO HOST
WINNER: BOB FESCOE
Finalists: Carrington Harrison, Cody Tapp, Soren Petro, Steven St. John
BEST YOUTUBER
WINNER: MIDGE MUNSTER
Finalists: Adventures with C3, Burton Kelso, Cynthia Doll, Defunctland, how bout those CHIEFS, Noelle Loves Sloths, TextuaryElf
Finalists: BRKTHROUGH, Chicken N Pickle, Double Tap KC, Kansas City Current game, Overland Park Farmers’ Market, The Rabbit hOle, Sinkers Lounge
BEST LOCAL STADIUM/ARENA
WINNER: GEHA FIELD AT ARROWHEAD
STADIUM
Finalists: Children’s Mercy Park, CPKC Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, KC Soccer Dome
BEST ORGANIZED FOOTRACE/RUN
WINNER: CCVI TROLLEY RUN
Finalists: Garmin Kansas City Marathon, Girls on the Run, Kansas City Zoo Run, Rock The Parkway
BEST PLACE TO GET AN ADRENALINE RUSH
WINNER: WORLDS OF FUN
Finalists: BRKTHROUGH, Double Tap KC, KC Sportbike Society, Volleyball Beach
BEST PLACE TO PLAY PICKLEBALL
WINNER: CHICKEN N PICKLE
Finalists: Antioch Acres Park, Char Bar, The Sandbox, SERV
BEST PLACE TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES/ ARCADE
WINNER: UP-DOWN
Finalists: Double Tap KC, Draftcade, Main Event Kansas City North, Rapid Fire Arcade
BEST PLACE TO PLAY VOLLEYBALL WINNER: VOLLEYBALL BEACH
Finalists: Berkley Riverfront Park, The Sandbox, Shawnee Mission Beach Volley ball
BEST PLACE TO SHOOT POOL WINNER: SIDE POCKETS
Finalists: Chartreuse Saloon, Gerard’s at The Belfry, Sharkeez
BEST PLACE TO TABLE TOP GAME WINNER: PAWN AND PINT
Finalists: Cardboard Corner Cafe, ReRoll Tavern, TableTop Game & Hobby
BEST PLACE TO THROW DARTS
WINNER: CASUAL ANIMAL BREWING CO.
Finalists: Blade & Timber, Boomer’s Bar and Grill, Chartreuse Saloon, Chez Charlie
BEST ROLLER DERBY TEAM
WINNER: KANSAS CITY ROLLER
WARRIORS ALL-STARS
Finalists: Fountain City Krakens, Lovely Lethals, Strawberry Hellions
BEST SPORTS TEAM
WINNER: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
FInalists: Fountain City Roller Derby, Kansas City Current, Kansas City Goats, Kansas City Royals BEST VIRTUAL REALITY
WEDDINGS
BEST BACHELOR PARTY LOCATION
WINNER: SUNSET RANCH WEDDING AND EVENT SPACE
Finalists: Barley Bus Tours, The Basement: A Live Escape Room Experience, Smithville Lake
BEST BACHELORETTE PARTY LOCATION
WINNER: HAMBURGER MARY’S
Finalists: Barley Bus Tours, The Basement: A Live Escape Room Experience, The Facial Bar
BEST BRIDESMAID DRESS SHOP
WINNER: TRUE SOCIETY BY BELLE VOGUE
Finalists: Amore Bridal and Tuxedo, Bella Bridesmaids, David’s Bridal, Wedding Expressions by Geri
BEST COUPLES THERAPIST
WINNER: KIERI OLMSTEAD - SIMPLE
EMPATHY
Finalists: Christine Fuhrman, LSCSW, Shawna Shaw
BEST DIVORCE LAWYER
WINNER: MEGAN NOBLE - FISHER LAW
Finalists: Jennifer Benedict Raines, Kathryn L. Beeman, Mandee Rowen Pingel - Pingel
Family Law, Shipman & DeHardt, PC
BEST ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
WINNER: STAG & BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
Finalists: A Day to Adore Photography, Adelynn Reese Photography, Cassidy Drury Photography, Juliana Noelle Jumper, Monphotography
BEST HOTEL FOR YOUR WEDDING NIGHT
WINNER: CROSSROADS HOTEL
Finalists: 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City; Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection; Hotel Kansas City, InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza; No Vacancy; The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
BEST LOCAL WEDDING CATERER
WINNER: BRANCATO’S CATERING
Finalists: Blue Pot Catering, Culinary Cre-
BEST PLACE FOR A REHEARSAL DINNER
WINNER: LIDIA’S
Finalists: Glory at Midtown, Harvey’s at Union Station, The Hobbs, The Juliet, OurHouseKC, The Rockhill Grille
BEST PLACE FOR WEDDING PHOTOS WINNER: THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART
Finalists: Country Club Plaza, Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden at Loose Park, The Loretto, Serendipity Farm & Vine, Union Station
BEST PLACE TO GET A TUX WINNER: DAN’S CLOTHIER & TAILOR SHOP
Finalists: Amore Bridal and Tuxedo, Houndstooth, Slabotsky’s Menswear + Tailoring
BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING CAKE WINNER: SUGAR WHIPPED BAKERY
Finalists: Baking with a Bass, Clever Cakes, Kate Smith Soirée, KcCakeLady, Taylor Elizabeth Cakes
BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING CAKE ALTERNATIVE
WINNER: SUGAR WHIPPED BAKERY
Finalists: Kate Smith Soirée, Morgana’s Glu-
BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING DRESS WINNER: TRUE SOCIETY BY BELLE VOGUE
Finalists: Amore Bridal and Tuxedo, bridal by SHL, Bride KC, Emily Hart Bridal, High Vibe Bride, Stephanie’s Bridal Boutique
BEST WEDDING BAND WINNER: LOST WAX
Photo
BEST WEDDING DJ
WINNER: SMOOV CONFUSION - HOT MICS ENTERTAINMENT
Finalists: Complete Weddings + Events, DJ Alex Reed, DJ Ray - Icon Events Group, Feel The Music DJ, Fernando Productions
BEST WEDDING FLORIST
WINNER: LILY FLORAL DESIGNS
Finalists: All A’Bloom Flowers & Gifts, Botanical Floral Design, Daylight Flora, Elizabeth Mckenzie Florals, EverWild Florals, Floriography, Wild Hill Flowers and Events
