Brad Paisley
*thursday *
Rock and hip-hop fans regularly reward artists who are willing to make outrageous sounds and behave outlandishly. The opposite is true of mainstream country fans. Most treasure blandness and unassuming consistency. That’s why Brad Paisley, a humble everyman, is a superstar. His hits tend to be cute and corny rather than cutting-edge. Even so, Paisley’s talent is undeniable. He’s an effective vocalist and an excellent guitarist. The Band Perry, best known for its hit “If I Die Young,” and recent American Idol winner Scott McCreery serve as Paisley’s appropriately pleasant opening acts. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert range from $24 to $58.75.
— bill brownlee { special to ink }
College basketball: Missouri vs. Baylor
*saturday *
Two of the Big 12’s top teams square off in a mid-season matchup that could have conference title implications. Despite suffering their first loss of the season to Kansas State on Jan. 7, the Tigers have shot to a 17-1 record and a No. 5 national ranking. They rank first in the Big 12 in scoring offense, scoring margin, field goal percentage, assistsand turnover margin, and have rolled to victories over Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M to start conference play. But Baylor, a team that features a stout front court led by sophomore forward-center Perry Jones III (13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game), leaves little margin for error when the teams meet in Waco on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN. Check out our interview with Missouri’s Kim English.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
tuesday
Every so often a roots-oriented musical ensemble from outside the borders of North America and Europe manages to catch the attention of the entire pop music world. The Gipsy Kings and the members of the Buena Vista Social Club are beneficiaries of this phenomenon. Ladysmith Black Mambazo had their turn in the rotation in the ‘80s. The South African vocal group’s startling contribution to Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland charmed unsuspecting listeners across the globe. The fickle tastes of the majority of listeners may have moved on, but the heavenly vocal harmonies and soothing sensibility of Ladysmith Black Mambazo is timeless.
Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert are $29-$55 at kauffmancenter.org.
— bill brownlee { special to ink }
Author Sally Bedell Smith
tuesday
Sally Bedell Smith has carved out a distinguished reputation as a biographer. The longtime journalist and contributing editor at Vanity Fair has profiled the Clintons, the Kennedys and Princess Diana. Her new book, “Elizabeth The Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch,” paints an intimate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Bedell Smith stops by Unity Temple on the Plaza on Tuesday for a discussion and autograph session presented by Rainy Day Books. Admission packages are $30 and include a hardcover copy of the book and two tickets. Details on rainydaybooks.com.
Kansas City Restaurant Week
Friday through Jan. 29
More than 120 local restaurants including Julian, Garozzo’s and Le Fou Frog are participating in this year’s Kansas City Restaurant Week, which runs from Friday to Jan. 29. Each venue offers a $15 lunch and $30 dinner option, with 10 percent of those orders going to Harvesters. The event, started in 2010, is the brainchild of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association and the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association and was created to highlight the city’s culinary options. Find a list of participating restaurants at kansascityrestaurantweek.com, where you can also download an app to make reservations.
Party Arty
saturday
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s annual gala benefits the Young Friends of Art and is a staple of the young professional social calendar. The night begins at 8 p.m. in the Nelson’s Bloch building with drinks, appetizers, music and a performance by Quixotic Fusion. The Bloch galleries are open until 10 p.m. At midnight, the KC Strip trolley takes partygoers to Westport, where some bars feature Party Arty drink specials and breakfast/brunch options. The event is sold out. Details at nelson-atkins.org.
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