KU MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. K-STATE
TUESDAY
The Sunflower Showdown once again represents a marquee college basketball matchup. Kansas has been its usual dominant self this season, boasting a No. 4 national ranking after rattling off 14 straight victories. The surprise, though, has come with Kansas State. Under first-year coach Bruce Weber, the Wildcats have jumped to a 13-2 record and No. 16 national ranking, despite entering the season with a number of question marks. Rodney McGruder and Angel Rodriguez have led the Wildcats to victories over then-No. 8 Florida and then-No. 22 Oklahoma State and will look to do the same against the Jayhawks on Tuesday in
Manhattan. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Missouri men’s basketball vs. Florida
SATURDAY
The Tigers slid from the top 10 following an underwhelming overtime loss to UCLA on the road, but they’ll have a chance to make up for it Saturday against Florida in Gainesville. Mizzou had a strong December, finishing the month 5-1, and Frank Haith’s team looked good in its Southeastern Conference debut against Alabama. Florida, though, enters the game 10-2 and as recently as December was ranked as high as fifth nationally. Kenny Boynton and Patric Young lead the Gators, who haven’t yet lost at home this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Shen Yun
TUESDAY AND Jan. 23
The classic Chinese dance and musical production is about as large scale as it gets. Featuring everything from drums to vocals to ethnic dancing, the 100-member performance seeks to honor 5,000 years of Chinese culture. The group was founded seven years ago, in 2006, and though the Chinese government has tried to have performances canceled, Shen Yun has performed in more than 130 cities across the globe. The group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $56 to $126 at kauffmancenter.org.
Bloc Party
SUNDAY
The indie rock credentials of Bloc Party may be impeccable, but the heart of a mainstream pop act pulses underneath its slightly discordant guitar attack. The London-based band’s deployment of insinuating melodies, relatable lyrics and irresistible dance beats polishes the harsher approaches of seminal British acts like Joy Division, Gang of Four and the Jam into a smoother sound. Bloc Party may not be the best band of the past decade, but it’s certainly one of the most likable. IO Echo, a Los Angeles-based ensemble with a dreamy sensibility, opens the show.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $37.50 and $25 in advance.
Bill Brownlee, Special to Ink
Big Central Barista Competition
FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY
The Specialty Coffee Association of America rolls into town this weekend as Kansas City plays host to the annual North and South Central Regional Barista Competition. The event features more than 35 of the region’s best professional baristas, including local representation from Latteland, Oddly Correct and Parisi. The winner moves on to the U.S. Barista Championship in April. Sixteen states — including Missouri and Kansas — will be represented at this weekend’s competition, which runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at The Guild KC, 1621 Locust St. Go to usbaristachampionship.org for more information.
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