Now up: Nordic finds, scratch-made bread, live theatre, and folk music.

Photos courtesy Excelsior Springs Cultural Guild

Gatsby Days
Circle Drive at Hall of Waters –
201 E. Broadway Ave. – Excelsior Springs – Website

Bank robbery reenactments, live jazz, poetry readings, window displays, a fashion walk, escape room games, and more allow you to explore the culture and history of the Golden Age at this annual event in downtown Excelsior Springs.

On April 30, immerse yourself in all the Roaring ‘20s fun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Laramie Project: Ten Years Later
Garrison School Cultural Center – 502 N. Water Street – Liberty –
Website

The Corbin Theatre Company will present the sequel to The Laramie Project, a documentary-style play based on the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay man who was brutally beaten, tied to a fence, and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998.

Ten Years Later explores the long-term impact of the murder through the lens of new interviews conducted a decade after the crime. The show will run May 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Photos courtesy Folk Alliance International

34th annual Folk Alliance International Conference
Westin Crown Center Hotel – 1 E. Pershing Rd, KC & Online –
Website

“Living Tradition” is the theme of the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry and community.

From May 18-22, this hybrid event will celebrate multiple genres including Appalachian, Americana, blues, bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, global roots, hip-hop, old-time, singer-songwriter, spoken word, traditional, Zydeco, and more, as well as, various fusions. The five-day itinerary features showcases, panels, networking, and peer gatherings.

Scandinavia Place
209 N. Main St. – Independence –
Facebook

Since 1987, Scandinavia Place has specialized in offering customers an eclectic selection of imported goods from countries like Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Shop for snacks, home goods, art, games, puzzles, jewelry, and more.

In addition to Nordic finds, there’s also a variety of items from other parts of the globe including local brands.

Photos courtesy Scandinavia Place

Photos by Alyssa Broadus (Little Fixations)

Housewife Cafe & Bistro
801 Main Street, Ste. 104 – Grandview –
Website

Enjoy scratch-made bread, pastries, desserts, sandwiches, soups, and salads alongside coffee and cocktails at Housewife Cafe & Bistro. Owner and executive chef Anna Sorge realized a longtime dream when she opened her “chic and effortlessly cool and casual” eatery and retail space in December 2021.

Try the KC Breakfast Burrito (Yoli pork fat flour tortilla, ham, potato, peppers, tomatillo salsa, cheese, and egg) for a filling morning meal. For lunch, the House Hero (house-made hoagie, mortadella, salami, provolone, giardiniera, and balsamic glaze) is just one of many options. Housewife also offers event space and catering services.