Powwow Wow

It’s not often that the word science springs to mind in conjunction with powwows. A powwow, after all, is a time-honored American Indian tradition that involves singing, elaborate dancing and beautiful costumes. Bunsen burners, lab coats and nerd glasses don’t usually fit into the mix. But scientists will definitely be in attendance tonight when the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science throws a community powwow celebrating Native American and Latino achievement in science. The California-based organization, which has served the underrepresented communities since 1973, brings its national conference to KC this year and, with it, all the makings for a history-minded yet contemporary powwow, featuring traditional, fancy, grass, shawl and jingle dress dancing. Tonight at 9, catch the merger of science and culture at the Imperial/Colonial Ballroom at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown (200 West 12th Street, 816-421-6800). For more information, see sacnas.org.