Paging Bettie Page
Pomp(adours) and circumstance bring rockabillies running.
SAT 9/3
Anyone who thinks the swing-dance revival died in 1999 clearly hasn't been to Knuckleheads Saloon. One-part biker bar, two-parts upright-bass haven, Knuckleheads (2700 Rochester, 816-483-1146) attracts tattooed rockabillies who were doing the East Coast Swing long before Swingers was released, and continue to do so long after Squirrel Nut Zippers had its moment. They'll be on the dance floor for Midwest Rockabilly Meltdown, which includes the offerings of Paulie Bluenote and the Dukes, the Silvermen and Knuckleheads regulars the Rumblejetts. Chicago's the Honeybees and St. Louis' Scott Kay and the Continentals also perform. Along with some sweet hot rods and bikes, vintage clothing vendors are on hand; PBR (predictably) sponsors the event, so watch for door prizes. The show runs from 3 p.m. to midnight and costs $12 at the door, $10 in advance. -- Sarah Smarsh
Key Expert
Tickling the ivories, Chopin-style.
SAT 9/3
Graciella Kowalczyk, a French-born pianist, took classes at the F. Chopin School of Music in Warsaw, Poland, before relocating to Kansas City to study at Park University. She's made some fans: "I thought that Chopin was sissy stuff," opens a recent entry on the Kansas City-based blog Happy in Bag. "Kowalczyk obliterated that misconception with [her] piano recital." Classical music connoisseurs who consider Frédéric Chopin's minor-key works somewhat fey should feel emboldened to attend Kowalczyk's all-Chopin concert Saturday at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church (4501 Walnut). Chopin enthusiasts should feel confident about the performance: Kowalczyk has qualified as a finalist in September's International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. The show is at 8 p.m.; call 816-531-2131. -- Andrew Miller
