Sly James' election-night watch party at the American Jazz Museum at 18th and Vine was the most entertaining political event in decades. It had everything: jazz musicians, rappers, free
food, dapper volunteers and supporters, an ice sculpture that doubled as a shrimp platter, and
freeloaders in droves.
Guests were firmly encouraged to don name tags at the entrance to the museum. The logic behind the mandate quickly revealed itself. Name tags are Awkward Moment Repellent! No more panicky seconds spent racking your brain for that nice lady's name as she descends upon you faster than your $3-domestic-beer-soaked synapses can fire.
Coleman performed his Sly
James rap, which put a fresh spin on what can oftentimes be boring,
boilerplate campaigning. Especially when the candidates are being so nice.
Another big plus: free food. Folks weren't too shy to park themselves by the spread and go to town on fruit, cheese, crackers, cocktail shrimp, lil' barbecue sandwiches, and chicken wings.
Oh, did I mention shrimp?
Manager
Troy Schulte was spotted in the crowd. (It's nothard, since he's like 6 feet 5.) Presumably, he stopped by to
extend his congratulations to our new mayor, 'cause he's no fool.
Last night, 18th and Vine was alive. The burly shoulders of firefighters stretched the seams of suit jackets, lawyers shelled out at the cash bar, politicians' kids preened, and activists and campaign workers fantasized about City Hall paychecks. And this reporter did her best to hide her pleasure at the thought that suddenly, Kansas City feels like a town with some promise.
Showing 1-6 of 6
Of course, because the food served at an election party are significant indicators of how a mayoral term will function. 'Awful way to earn a reputation' for whom, people with severe shellfish allergies? Or maybe people with a biased disdain for music that they don't understand that wasn't designed for their demographic in the first place?
Thank you, Andrew. Your comment just saved me a lot of trouble looking through my desk drawers for something sharp enough to drive into my wrists.
Two Questions: Do you hate bbq, shrimp, and chicken wings? And, how is that food ghetto? That is the same sort of food you can get at any restaurant or bar in KC.
"Just hate that this is the beginning of his era, and it's more stereotypical than ever."
I just don't understand what you are talking about. What is stereotypical about awesome food and awesome music? What would you have preferred? Cheese platter and crackers with light classical music? I mean, I would be down with that too (free food and entertainment is almost always great), but that is kind of dull in comparison. I just don't see what your complaint is.
Not really much of a rebuttal there. I live in KCMO. Just hate that this is the beginning of his era, and it's more stereotypical than ever. Rappers, BBQ, shrimp and chicken wings? Pretty awful way to earn a reputation after a campaign. Oh well, no big deal, less than 1/4 of the metro lives in KCMO.
like
dislike
