This first week is one of heavy anticipation because it features two killer bands: Mt. Joy and The Avett Brothers. Mt. Joy was the opener for Rainbow Kitten Surprise when I first saw them perform three years ago. Now the mellow, psychedelic rock band is filling up venues of their own, and I’ll be belting every word. Get ready Roos, because our week walks us around the globe and up through space, from Mexico, to Germany, all the way to Jupiter and Saturn. 

Monday night restaurant feature: Cancun Fiesta Fresh

Unexpected? Yes. Unassuming? Absolutely. Life-altering? Possibly. What looks like a simple take out counter in the heart of Westport is home to the most mouth-watering authentic Mexican food I’ve experienced in all my years. Prepare your taste-buds for cheesy, meaty, saucy birria tacos with a kick. And, gosh darn, can they whip up one refreshing Paloma that will pucker your lips. Do not miss this little gem. They have a cozy patio space available for you and your friends any day of the week, but why not Monday?

Category: Food & Drink

Location: Westport

Menu: https://www.cancunkc.com/menu 

TopGolf: Half-price Tuesday

You don’t have to have a top-notch tee shot to enjoy a trip to TopGolf. The venue hosts groups of six with a high-tech golf game, food, drinks and music. TopGolf in Overland Park is half price every Tuesday.

Category: Sports & Entertainment

When: Tuesday, Sept. 28th 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Location: Top Golf Overland Park

Tickets and information: https://topgolf.com/us/overland-park/ 

Concert: Mt. Joy and Trampled by Turtles

Mt. Joy marks the highlight of my week. This show is the third time I will have seen them live since the band’s inception back in 2016. Their album “Rearrange Us” is the essential soundtrack to my youth. Do not miss this indie rock band finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Category: Music

When: Wednesday, Sept. 29th. Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 7:30 p.m.

Location: GrindersKC

Tickets and information: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/6534126/mtjoy-trampled-by-turtles-fall-tour-2021-kansas-city-grinderskc 

UMKC Warko Observatory viewing

Need a little shift in perspective? Just after sunset, say hi to our distant neighbors Jupiter and Saturn and check out some meteorite samples. Other deep sky objects may be in sight depending on the evening.

Category: Science

When: Thursday, Sept. 30. Check in at 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. (after sunset) start

Location: UMKC Volker Campus, Royall Hall Roof

More information: https://www.umkcalumni.com/s/1236/16/index.aspx?sid=1236&gid=1&pgid=4293&cid=8244&ecid=8244&ciid=37098&crid=0 

Concert: The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers are an American folk-rock classic all the way from Concord, North Carolina. Their style is a blend of blue-grass, folk, country, rock and a dash of punk. They are sure to put on a great show at the Azura Amphitheater this Friday night. 

Category: Music

When: Friday, Oct. 1, 7:00 p.m.

Location: Azura Amphitheater

Tickets and information: https://www.kansascityconcerts.net/Azura-Amphitheater/The-Avett-Brothers/October-1st-2021-4630963/ 

Blue and Gold Week festivities

It’s Blue and Gold Week at UMKC! The Alumni Association and Kansas City Athletics partnered up to host some free activities prior to the Kansas City Volleyball game. The festivities will include Betty Rae’s ice cream, temporary tattoos, yard games and more! Come out and show your school spirit.

Category: Sports & Entertainment

When: Saturday, Oct. 2, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Swinney Center

More Information: https://www.umkcalumni.com/s/1236/16/index.aspx?sid=1236&gid=1&pgid=4257&cid=8188&ecid=8188&ciid=37099&crid=0 

Oktoberfest

A Kansas City annual classic affair packed with beer, brats and boogying down on the dance floor. Throw on a few layers for this evening of cool weather and German festivities. For all those of legal age, enjoy an ice-cold KC Bier Co Dunkel and charred meat smothered in sauerkraut, nestled between two warm buns.

Category: Food & Drink

When: Friday, Oct. 1, 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. / Saturday, Oct. 2 – 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Location: Crown Center

Tickets and information: https://kcoktoberfest.com/tickets/ 

Sunday movie night: “Hereditary”

There’s nothing like a little horror to transition us into the fall season. “Hereditary” is by far the most terrifying film I have feasted my eyes upon. This is one of those films you watch from between your middle and your ring finger. Ari Aster’s masterpiece of terror and psychological thrill makes an excellent date night or Sunday out with the homies. All I can recommend is don’t go alone! See the film at North KC’s Screenland Armour, which is a four-screen theatre featuring rotating beers on tap, a full bar, and housemate pizza and sandwiches to munch on.

Category: Entertainment

When: Sunday, Oct. 3 – 9:45 p.m.

Location: Screenland Armour

Tickets and information: https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/purchase/11535?siteToken=v2nrxd2m01t3jndx1d3haycd94 

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