For reserve-quality culture at a screw-top price, you can't do much better than the Kansas City Symphony's
Classics Uncorked series. Tonight's program, titled "The Beat Goes On," puts up a half-dozen varied pieces (Beethoven, Saint-Saëns, John Adams, others), then throws in a post-show glass of wine or champagne, for $25. The ticket leaves you something for the weekend, and the music — well, they had us at Adams' "Short Ride in a Fast Machine." It's at 7 p.m. in the Kauffman Center's Helzberg Hall (1601 Broadway, 816-994-7200). For tickets ($25) and information, call 816-471-0400 or see
kcsymphony.org.
— Scott Wilson