This week in Wichita: What’s going on March 18-24, 2016
The Cult at the Stiefel
Be part of a true head-banging hard-rock show as the United Kingdom’s post-punk band the Cult makes a stop in Salina on its “Alive in the Hidden City” tour. In February, the Cult, which has been around since the early ’80s, released “Hidden City,” its first album since 2013. The band’s rise to popularity in the United States began in 1985 after the release of its fourth single, “She Sells Sanctuary.” Fans can probably expect to hear classics such as “Love Removal Machine” and “Fire Woman” along with newer material. Holy White Hounds is the opening act.
Details: Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Sun., Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe, Salina. $49-$67. 785-827-1998, ticketmaster.com
Excision and Colt Ford at the Cotillion
Experience a complete sensory overload as bass music extraordinaire Jeff Abel, better known by his stage name, Excision, comes to Wichita on Wednesday along with opening artists Figure and Bear Grillz. Excision, known for his thrilling light and sound displays, boasts that his shows bring “a face-melting 150,000 watts of pk sound.” The Canadian producer and dubstep DJ will surely have a bass-bumping set that will leave concertgoers’ ears ringing for days.
If country music is more your speed, Colt Ford will bring his unique blend of rock, country and hip-hop to the Cotillion on Thursday. Ford, who is set to tour with Brantley Gilbert and Toby Keith, is ready to make the leap from cult artist to household name, landing six of his songs on the Hot Country Songs charts. His latest album, “Thanks for Listening,” features collaborations with country hot shots such as Keith Urban and Randy Houser.
Details: Excision – doors open at 8 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Wed., the Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg, $26.50 in advance, $31.50 day of show; Colt Ford – doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Thu., $25 in advance, $28 day of show; the Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg. 316-722-4201, www.thecotillion.com
Legacy Big Band featuring Brad Leali
Grammy-winning saxophonist Brad Leali joins Wichita’s Legacy Big Band and Wichita Collegiate’s Upper School Jazz Ensemble this weekend for a jazz concert. Leali, professor of jazz saxophone at the University of North Texas School of Music, performed at President Obama’s inaugural celebration. The Legacy Big Band, directed by Friends University jazz director Lisa Hittle, connects professional musicians with Wichita-area school music programs.
Details: Doors open at 7:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. Thu., Wichita Collegiate Upper School’s Galichia Auditorium, 9115 E. 13th St. $10 for adults, $5 for students, forms.diamondmindinc.com/wcsks/jazzconcert
Grinnell singers at Salvation Army
Experience contemporary gospel music as the Young, Gifted and Black Gospel Choir from Grinnell College performs at the Salvation Army. The choir, from Grinnell, Iowa, is made up of singers from different cultures and countries including Jamaica, Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The program includes classic gospel songs such as “Ride on King Jesus” and “Melodies From Heaven.”
Details: 7 p.m. Sat., Salvation Army, 1910 S. Everett. Free.
Svetlana Smolina in El Dorado
Classical music fans will want to head to El Dorado on Sunday to see internationally renowned pianist Svetlana Smolina perform as part of the El Dorado Community Concert Series. Smolina, who has soloed with the Mariinsky Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, contributed to the soundtrack for the Hilary Swank movie “You’re Not You” and recently toured in China and Thailand.
Details: 3 p.m. Sun., El Dorado High School Auditorium, 401 McCollum Road, El Dorado. $45 for adults, $10 for students. 316-321-6742, www.eldoradokscca.org
Messiah Festival in Lindsborg
Enjoy art, music and entertainment at Lindsborg’s 135th Messiah Festival of the Arts. The festival will include art exhibits, theater productions and concerts. It has six featured artists, including Leslie John Flanagan, who has performed at the Sydney Opera House. The events will span the next week and a half and will conclude with an Easter performance of Handel’s “Messiah.”
Details: Fri. to March 27, Presser Hall, 421 N. First, Lindsborg. Ticket prices vary by event; call 785-227-3380, ext. 8229, or visit www.messiahfestival.org for more information.
Blues and BBQ at Crown Uptown
Blues and barbecue seem to go hand-in-hand, and you can get a taste of both Saturday at the Crown Uptown Theatre. The tunes will be provided by Moreland & Arbuckle, Hamilton Loomis and Lauren Anderson, with the barbecue from Pig In Pig Out. There will also be a silent auction. Comedian Dan “The Man” is host. Proceeds benefit the Boy Scouts of America.
Details: 5:30-11:30 p.m. Sat., Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas. Tickets $20 show only, $30 dinner and show, $50 VIP, eventbrite.com
Kids Easter egg event at Towne East
Bring your little ones to enjoy an Easter celebration courtesy of Towne East Square. The Easter Eggstravaganza event will feature the Easter Bunny, a chance to dance to the bunny hop, face painting, a balloon artist, arts and crafts and more. Two family fun packs that include four tickets to see Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Orpheum Theatre will be given away during the event.
Details: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., Towne East Square lower level in Sears Court, 7700 E. Kellogg. Free. www.simon.com
UKC dog show and Meet the Breeds
If you like companions of the canine variety, two events this weekend will interest you. On Saturday and Sunday, a United Kennel Club dog show, hosted by the Wichita Dog Owners Group, will include a 50-50 cash drawing and raffle drawing for various prize baskets. The family-oriented event also includes junior categories for children showing their dogs.
On Sunday, the Wichita Kennel Club will host the sixth annual Meet the Breeds event from noon to 4 p.m. at Century II. More than 20 breeds will be in attendance, along with their owners to answer visitors’ questions. The event offers prospective owners a chance to see which breed might best fit their home environment.
Details: Dog show – shows at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sat. and Sun., Sedgwick County Fairgrounds 4-H Building, 215 E. South St., Cheney. Free. www.facebook.com/WichitaDogOwnerGroup; Meet the Breeds – noon-4 p.m. Sun., Century II, 225 W. Douglas. Free.
Watoto Children’s Choir at West Heights church
The Watoto Children’s Choir, which is made up of orphans from Uganda, performs at West Heights United Methodist Church on Thursday. The choir travels the world, celebrating African culture and educating people about its journey.
Details: 7 p.m. Thu., West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 N. Westlink. Free. 316-722-2781
Thomas Frank at Watermark Books & Cafe
For those of you who have politics on your mind, swing by Watermark Books & Cafe and check out the reading and signing of Thomas Frank’s book “Listen, Liberal.” Frank, bestselling author of “What’s the Matter With Kansas,” takes a look at the nation’s misunderstanding of the Democratic Party and sardonically explains how the party has changed over the years.
Details: 6 p.m. Wed., Watermark Books & Cafe, 4701 E. Douglas. Free. 316-682-1181
This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 2:05 PM with the headline "This week in Wichita: What’s going on March 18-24, 2016."