Kauffman Center is pleased to announce the launch of EncoreTix, a brand new program designed to make the performing arts more accessible for younger adults.

EncoreTix provides significant discounts up to 50% off of regular prices, special presales and free ticket giveaways to a variety of events at Kauffman Center each month. Participants can choose from a wide range of entertainers and performances from around the world, including classical, pop and jazz music, ballet and contemporary dance, operas, theatrical productions, and more. Open to anyone age 18-39, EncoreTix is a collaboration between Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the Harriman-Jewell Series.

Nutcracker 2013 dancer Rachel Coats photo by Kenny Johnson

EncoreTix partners are launching the program with the opportunity to win two free tickets to The Nutcracker presented by The Kansas City Ballet (a $188 value). Current Encore members and participants who sign up between October 28 and November 8 are eligible to win.

Younger adults become Encore members by signing up online to join a monthly email list.  Members pay for the performances and special events that most interest them.  There are no annual fees for the program. For more information and to sign-up, visit kauffmancenter.org/encore.

Serving the entire community
The Kauffman Center and its partners are increasing efforts to build future audiences for the performing arts in Kansas City and to inspire the younger set to become tomorrow’s devoted arts patrons. The Kauffman Center and its EncoreTix partner organizations realize the importance of reducing barriers for younger adults in order to reenergize a love of the performing arts and encourage lifelong arts participation.

“After surveying our audiences for the past two seasons, we have identified an opportunity to have a greater impact with younger adults in our community through EncoreTix,” says Jane Chu, President and CEO of the Kauffman Center. “It’s important to offer those aged 18-39 outstanding and diverse performances at a low cost.”

Kauffman Center’s commitment to serving everyone in the community is evident from the wide range of free or low-cost programming, including Kansas City Symphony Free Happy Hour Concerts. Audiences of all ages are also able to experience low-cost presentations and performances priced as low as $10, like the popular National Geographic Live series, part of Kauffman Center Presents.

“EncoreTix will extend additional offers and special opportunities to engage new audiences for the Kauffman Center. We strongly believe that at the Kauffman Center there is something for everyone,” added Chu.

The Kauffman Center would like to thank sponsor INK Magazine for its support of EncoreTix.

ABOUT ENCORETIX
EncoreTix is a brand new program designed to make the performing arts more accessible for patrons ages 18-39. EncoreTix provides significant discounts up to 50% off of regular prices, special presales and free ticket giveaways to a wide variety of events at Kauffman Center each month. Younger adults become Encore members simply by signing up online to join a monthly email list, and since there are no annual fees, members only pay for the programs and special events that interest them. For more information, visit www.kauffmancenter.org/encore.

ABOUT ENCORETIX PARTNERS
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a major center for music, opera, theater, and dance designed by Moshe Safdie, opened in Kansas City on September 16, 2011. Serving as a cultural cornerstone for Kansas City’s dynamic downtown, the Kauffman Center brings a new spotlight to the region’s performing arts community while simultaneously attracting some of the world’s most talented performers and entertainers, further establishing Kansas City as a major cultural destination.

Three of the region’s leading performing arts organizations — Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City — are in residence at the Kauffman Center. The nationally recognized Harriman-Jewell Series frequently presents acclaimed performers from the worlds of music, dance, and theatre in the Kauffman Center.

EVE: the Kauffman Center’s Iconic New Year’s Eve Event

December 2013

EVE is your chance to experience the Kauffman Center like never before. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in iconic style, enjoying great food and unlimited drink, eclectic and inspiring performances, and so much more!

We are thrilled to give you a small preview of what you can expect from the performers at EVE:

It’s going to be one incredible party! We can’t wait to see you!

Now in its third season, the Kauffman Center celebrates two years of artistic successes, increased outreach, and innovative collaborations nationally and within the Kansas City community

This week, the Kauffman Center celebrates two years of bringing extraordinary and diverse performing arts experiences to the Kansas City community. In its first two years, the Kauffman Center, in collaboration with its resident companies and community partners, has presented more than 600 performances, hosted more than 500 community and social events, and welcomed more than 900,000 audience members through its doors. Its diverse programming has shined a spotlight on Kansas City’s own vibrant arts community and attracted national talent from all genres.

On September 16, 2011, Kansas City gained worldwide attention with the opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, designed by award-winning architect Moshe Safdie. A record-breaking 55,000 people attended the free community open house to get a first glimpse at the performance spaces.

Since the opening, resident companies the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City, along with numerous other community arts organizations, have experienced record attendance in their new performance home. More than 55,000 students have attended a matinee performance at the Kauffman Center through the Open Doors Transportation Fund. And Open Doors Community Tickets has allowed more than 400 underprivileged Kansas City individuals and families to attend performances at no cost.

“We strongly believe that at the Kauffman Center there is something for everyone, and we will continue to work toward providing enriching arts opportunities for audiences of all ages and tastes,” says Jane Chu, President and CEO of the Kauffman Center. “People tell me they feel part of this place, and they should. There are many opportunities to become personally involved through volunteer work, donations, and support of our performances and activities.”

Kauffman Center’s commitment to serving everyone in the community is evident from the wide range of free or low-cost programming, including Kansas City Symphony Free Happy Hour Concerts. Audiences are also able to experience low-cost presentations and performances priced as low as $10, like the popular National Geographic Live series, part of Kauffman Center Presents.

“Complementing the programming offered by other arts organizations and supporting a diversity of artistic options, ticket prices, and audiences has always been an important goal,” added Chu. “Our ‘Kauffman Center Presents’ series was specifically designed to support this endeavor to bring artistic and cultural excellence to all.”

During its second season, the Kauffman Center’s presenting series ‘Kauffman Center Presents’ featured a diverse lineup of performances. Among these were Willie Nelson, Bernadette Peters, Frankie Valli, Carol Burnett, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, Grammy Award-winning Jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding, virtuosic organist Cameron Carpenter, Mariachi legends Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and dynamic a capella ensemble SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK. Collaborations with local ensemble Bach Aria Soloists for A Night of Tango featuring the music of Astor Piazzola provided audiences an opportunity support the talents of artists right here in our community. In addition, a partnership with the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists celebrating their 75th Anniversary showcased organist Chelsea Chen.

After sold out presentations in seasons one and two, the third season of the National Geographic Live speaker series will be held in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre to accommodate increased audience demand. Season packages to the National Geographic Live series are available now with subscriptions starting at just $46.

Starting in 2013, the Kauffman Center will offer another innovative arts and entertainment option with its own iconic New Year’s Eve celebration, EVE. EVE promises partygoers the opportunity to experience a night at the performing arts center like never before, including eclectic performances, great food and drinks, and a signature midnight ball drop. More information and tickets are available at www.evekc.com.

KAUFFMAN CENTER’S FIRST TWO YEARS AT A GLANCE  

– More than 900,000 people attended Kauffman Center events.

– More than 600 performances occurred in first two years.

– More than 550 community or private social events were held at the Kauffman Center.

– Approximately 18,000 people took a Kauffman Center tour.

– 55,000 school children from 28 school districts had the opportunity to experience a student matinee at the Kauffman Center through the Open Doors program.

COMING SOON TO ‘KAUFFMAN CENTER PRESENTS’

– September 29: Dr. Carol Williams (The Blanche Gangwere Organ Series)

– November 17: Elizabeth & Raymond Chenault (The Blanche Gangwere Organ Series)

– November 15: Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro

– February through May: National Geographic Live speaker series

New programs will be announced throughout the year. To learn more and receive pre-sale offers, sign up for email updates!

Photo credits: Steve Mohlenkamp Photography

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts would like to invite you to a First Friday open house on August 2nd from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

We know that many Kansas Citians are looking for a way to beat the heat in August, and so Kauffman Center is offering a great opportunity to bring your friends and family to see the Center for the first time or just to get a closer look.

Please join us starting at 12:00 pm on Friday, August 2nd. Both performance venues, Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall, will be available for the public to view. Our excellent Tour Ambassadors will be on hand to answer your questions as well. Guests can also visit the Kauffman Center Gift Shop and Box Office.

We hope to see you then!

Peter Frampton, famed British rocker with top hits such as “Show Me the Way” and “Baby, I Love Your Way,” will perform at the Kauffman Center’s Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Sunday, August 18. Frampton’s Guitar Circus tour features fellow guitar legend B.B. King and will open with slide blues guitarist Sonny Landreth. Tickets go on sale May 31.

“Kauffman Center is excited to have Grammy Award-winning guitarists Peter Frampton and B.B. King share the stage for one very special performance. It is a unique opportunity to hear these two distinguished musicians perform together in Muriel’s Theatre,” said Jane Chu, President & CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Ticket prices for this event range from $59 to $139 and will be available through the Kauffman Center Box Office at (816) 994-7222 or online at www.kauffmancenter.org.

ABOUT PETER FRAMPTON
Beginning his career as a teenager, United Kingdom native Peter Frampton remains one of the most celebrated artist and guitarists in rock history. At age 10, Frampton co-founded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. At age 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British teen band, The Herd. His fifth solo album, the electrifying “Frampton Comes Alive!” is one of the top-selling live records of all time. His 2006 instrumental album “Fingerprints” won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

ABOUT B.B. KING
From the 1950s to today, there has been only one King of the Blues: Riley B. King, affectionately known as B.B. King. Since King started recording in the late 1940s, he has released over 60 albums; many considered blues classics, like 1965’s definitive live blues album “Live At The Regal,” and 1976’s collaboration with Bobby “Blue” Bland, “Together For The First Time.” Over the years, King has developed one of the World’s most readily identified guitar styles. He borrowed from Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise vocal like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of the rock guitarist’s vocabulary.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts would like the thank our official building sponsors, Aristocrat Motors and Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City, for their generous support of our 2013-2014 season.