Busking for Better Days

When Winston Apple retired after 21 years of teaching social studies, the local songwriter set his sights on something more realistic than inspiring punk teenagers: ending America's unemployment crisis. Well, Apple at least hopes to create a bunch of jobs in Kansas City through his newly created nonprofit, Workfare Inc. Once Workfare raises some startup dough, Apple plans to embark on a project to convert a blighted urban core block into a community of town houses. "It'll be sort of a gated community for lower- and middle-income people," he says. "The hope is that once we get people starting to work, they'll continue." As with most great visions, it's going to take an army to make it happen. You can get on board tonight by attending a Workfare benefit show at Eclipse Bar and Grill (6512 Raytown Road, 816-356-0550). The bands Apple, Pieces of Jake and Babakuul take the stage for an all-ages 7 p.m. show and a 21-and-older 9 p.m. show. Tickets cost $5 in advance or $7 at the door. See workfareinc.org for more information.
Sat., July 26, 2008