Category Archives: Kansas City entertainment

July 17, 2007 · 1:35 pm

Kansas City’s New Sprint Center

This morning at the weekly Kansas City Breakfast Club meeting we had a guest speaker by the name of David Pulford. David is the Director of Operations for Kansas City’s new Sprint Center, the key component to the new Power & Light District.

Being both informative and fun, here were a few of the nuggets David shared with us…

  • There are 2,204 windows (that’s a lot of cleaning!).
  • There are 11,000 parking places in close proximity to the Sprint Center, or so he says…
  • The Sprint Center opens October 13, 2007.
  • There are 36 events planned between October 13th and December 31, 2007.
  • The Sprint Center will be open for public tours from October 10-12th.
  • Man hours to build the Center are approaching 1,000,000.
  • For basketball, the Sprint Center will seat about 18,000.

Now, because David is sworn to secrecy upon penalty of death he could not share with us all the events that are currently scheduled. He did say that information should be made public in the next week or two. David also brought up that Disney’s High School Musical would be coming as an ice production. (Sounds like a nightmare to me…though my 9 year old would love it.)

Regarding a permanent tenant David promised we would have both the NBA and NHL locked in by January.

Okay, the previous sentence is patently false. I just wanted to upset David. Although I’m sure he is working hard to do his part to make it happen.

On a personal note, and as a college basketball junkie, I am happy the Sprint Center is coming. The more Big XII basketball we can get here the better my life will be. Oh, and “Rock Chalk.”

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July 14, 2007 · 10:47 am

Free Concerts In Olathe, Kansas – A Great Evening For The Whole Family

One of the things about being a busy real estate agent based out of Olathe, Kansas is the crazy hours. There are a lot of times when I want to do something fun with the family but need to provide service to my clients instead.

But not last night. At 7:00 pm the Olathe Concert Series brought to our city Mark Selby along with opening act Fast Johnny Ricker. (Fast Johnny pictured right.) So Marie and I packed up the four kids +1 and headed over to Olathe’s Frontier Park. Now, I’ve written about the Olathe Concert Series before. And we’ve had fun there.

But last night was another level.

Before yesterday I had no idea who either of these guys were. I had heard of John Ricker. But never heard anything by him. I had never heard of Mark Selby. But as it turns out, these two dudes rock and can bend some strings and sing. For fun, you should check out their websites and listen to a few tunes.

So consider this post a plug to get out and listen to live music here in Olathe, Kansas. Jeez. They bring it to our front door. Cover bands. Singer/songwriters. Established bands. New bands. The works. It’s a good time and it’s FREE.

Two of my kids had fun.


Pictured is the actual shirt I bought along with the Mark Selby cd titled “and the horse he rode in on”.

Now, the license plate shirt is the one I bought. Though I should have gotten the Big Joe Turner shirt, as well. There is another great blues guy. And you KNOW he’s from Kansas City.

So citizens of Olathe and Kansas City, get out and have a good time. Now I’m fully aware that a man cannot live only on real estate, blues and bbq…but I’m doing the best I can.


Pictured left is Mark Selby.

Some of his song writing credits include;

– Blue on Black made a hit by Kenny Wayne Shepherd
– There’s Your Trouble made a hit by The Dixie Chicks

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July 13, 2007 · 11:40 am

Things To Do In Olathe, Kansas

If you are looking for things to do tonight in Olathe, Kansas don’t forget about the free concert series. My family and I will be out at Olathe’s Frontier Park to see Mark Selby play. Looks like he has impressive credentials.

Though I’ve never heard his music it’s a beautiful day here in Olathe and I love to hear non-top 20 music. In fact, I get sick of the radio!!!

If you see me there, introduce yourself…

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May 4, 2007 · 6:59 am

Getting the Blues in Kansas City

Last night over at BB’s Lawnside BBQ some friends and I met to eat good bar-b-q and listen to John Paul’s Flying Circus sing the blues. I had heard from many different sources that John Paul’s Flying Circus was a fun band to listen to, and talented too.

I had a great time watching and listening to them. John Paul can really play the harmonica and the rest of the band is tight. But I was blown away when the band featured a young guitarist by the name of Katie Guillen. I found out later that she was 21 years old and going to school and that she had been playing for years and years. And boy did it show! She could play unbelievable guitar and sing with a bluesy inflection and timing that was fun to listen to. She also had “it”. Whatever that is. She enjoyed playing/singing and it showed.

Katie Guillen, you have a new fan. Can’t wait to see you around town again.

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Filed under Kansas City BBQ, Kansas City entertainment

February 16, 2007 · 11:04 am

Blues. Beer. BBQ.

If that saying sounds familiar you must be a fan of B.B.’s Lawnside Bar-b-q. Located off 85th Street in Kansas City, Missouri this long time eating establishment is one of my favorites for a night out with my girl. The smoked meats are magnificent with a BBQ sauce to compliment them. (My favorite is the beef brisket…but that’s true of any good BBQ.) Good beans and fries. Great atmosphere. Heaping portions. Cold Boulevard beer. Do I need to go on? They even have a good cajun selection for those of you so inclined.

Run by Lindsay Shannon (you may have heard him on 101 the Fox where he does a blues show) and his wife Jo this place is pure BBQ fun. National and local blues acts play there just about every night of the week that they are open. Two of my favorites, D.C. Bellamy and Four Fried Chickens and a Coke are coming in the next few weeks and I’ll be there for at least one of the shows, if not both.

Make sure you visit their website and book a night that you and your special ones can go out for a good time. They even have a deck you can dine on. (When the weather is right and that seems so long ago!) There are many BBQs I like to frequent. This is the most fun.

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February 9, 2007 · 9:37 am

Random Thoughts While Pondering…

…that Yahoo! Maps says it’s only 2,094 from Olathe, Kansas to Vancouver, British Columbia. Do I feel a family road trip coming on?

Boulevard’s Pale Ale, brewed right here in Kansas City, has to be one of the best beers I have ever tried from anywhere.

I know where there are 4 duplexes in pretty good shape in a pretty good blue-collar type neighborhood in Wyandotte County, Kansas. (Kansas City) Asking price is in the $90’s for each and rents are $550 per side. They are not my listings. So email if you want more info.

Do you watch Boston Legal? It has to be the most clever show on television. I have to admit I don’t watch much tv (unless Jayhawks are playing) but I have a standing appointment on Tuesday evenings for this show. Denny Crane!

Why do so many photos of women in real estate look nothing like the women themselves? I swear, in some cases, there is absolutely no resemblance.

It would be bad if he Chiefs actually rename Arrowhead Stadium for some corporate sponsor. It would be tragic if the Royals renamed The “K”. The great Ewing Kauffman epitomized everything right with Kansas City. Keep his memory alive.

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February 8, 2007 · 8:35 pm

Kansas City Real Estate

If you ask me where I’m from, I’ll say Kansas City. Sure, Olathe is where I actually live. But most people around these parts, when traveling, will say KC. If you know the area they will then break down the actual part of the city or the appropriate suburb.

Overland Park, Olathe and Lee’s Summit…all major suburbs of Kansas City, MO, were all ranked very high in the Most Livable Cities survey that came out last summer. Known for their local economic impact, excellent school districts and quality of living those three cities garner a lot of attention for transplants looking to relocate here.

Like most cities, the cultural happenings are all downtown on the Missouri side. Home of the Royals (MLB), the Chiefs (NFL) and Wizards (MLS) Kansas City shows it’s passion for sports. Did you know more NCAA Basketball Final Fours have been held in Kansas City than in any other city in the country? Soon the College Basketball Hall of Fame will be opening at the Sprint Center in the new Power & Light District. The Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery is as nice as many I visited on the east coast. Our parks and boulevards keep the city beautiful. And the fountains….they don’t call us the City of Fountains for nothing.

The Crossroads area is great if you like local artists. You simply have to try First Fridays when you get here. Brookside for a great neighborhood feel on a night out. The Country Club Plaza for luxurious shopping, dining and romance. The Northland area is growing and growing and growing. Johnson County is/has been the economic engine that makes ole KC recognized. (Though, by in large, it is the epitome of what is right and wrong about suburbia. Talk about your Desperate Housewives. And endless miles of SUVs for those long (1 mile) trips to get groceries and go to soccer games.)

Yes, Kansas City is on the move and deserves your attention when considering where to live, where to locate your corporate headquarters or where to move your investment dollars. Our housing is constantly on the national median. Appreciation is good. Disposable income very good. Don’t believe me? Follow the links and see for yourself. Or better yet, schedule a visit. Give me a call while you are hear and I’ll buy you a beer a one of the local watering holes. Or if you prefer, show you where to take your kids for a great time…Crown Center.

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