Lydia Allen, ArtsKC Fund Manager, Loves Art & Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It has all the trappings of Christmas – families gathering together, delicious food made from time-honored recipes (or, the back of the StoveTop box), warm fires, laughter, pie – without all of the pressure to get your uncle who has everything something he’ll never use.
As we head into the holiday season, I am reminded that I have much for which to be thankful. Among the warm glow of happiness brought by the purchase of our new home, my upcoming marriage, closeness of my family, and fulfillment of my daily work, I am more thankful every day for the arts community that lives here in Kansas City. I encourage you to show your thanks for the important people in your life by sharing an exceptional arts experience with them this November. For some pre-holiday drama, check out the Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s production of Rusalka, which opens this weekend and will run through November 15. Perhaps leave the kids at home for this one, because although Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Dvorák’s Rusalka are based on the same Hans Christian Andersen fable, “this isn’t your daughter’s Ariel.”
As we get closer to the Thanksgiving holiday, you may be looking for a more quiet kind of night and a break from your “deep-fried vs. baked turkey” pros and cons list. If so, I recommend The Blue Room’s Monday night jam sessions. I’ll definitely be getting my new hubby out to celebrate our nuptials with a drink and some live jazz in this iconic club. Bonus – no cover on Mondays!
On Thanksgiving night, you’ll be able to find me (by the pie crumbs I’ll trail behind me) at the 86th Annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony! Last year, this Zacharias family tradition became a Zacharias/Allen family tradition, incorporating my fiancé’s family into the festivities. The weather outside may turn frightful, but I’ll be nice and warm surrounded by so much love and beautiful lights.
I hope you also enjoy your cozy spots with the ones you love this November. Happy Holidays!