There’s nothing better than listening to music live and in person. Getting to listen along with a crowd creates an experience like no other. Here are some recommendations on where to listen to live music in Kansas City from a lifelong native.
The Green Lady Lounge pays tribute to Kansas City’s jazz legacy with local musicians playing their own compositions. A retro atmosphere free of screens awaits patrons so they can focus entirely on the music and the people around them. The dimly lit bar has excellent cocktails for you to sip on while you enjoy the amazing music.
This historic theater holds shows and events for a wide variety of musicians that all music lovers will enjoy. Following a $15 million renovation, Uptown Theater is one of the few atmospheric theaters still operating and is a must-see for any music fans.
Knuckleheads has five stages that provide five different concert experiences for guests. For those seeking out big outdoor concerts, visit the Outdoor Stage and Courtyard Theater to see your favorite artists perform. For those seeking bigger venues with their own unique charm, visit the Knuckleheads Garage or the Saloon Stage. If you’re looking for a place to dance and drink, stop by the Fender Stage or check out the Gospel Lounge for a more intimate listening experience.
The outdoor venue CrossroadsKC at Grinders has artists playing everything from rock to reggae and country to hip-hop. There’s something for everyone here though it’s always good to keep the weather in mind when planning on attending. With great food and an exciting environment, this is one of the Premier venues for live music in Kansas City.
T-Mobile Center is an arena downtown that hosts popular artists for large-scale, crowd-packed concerts. As Kansas City’s premier home for live entertainment and sports events, it’s a popular destination for those looking to see a live performance so be sure to get your ticket early.
Kansas City has a musical history that visitors and natives alike should take the time to appreciate. These venues are just some of the many options for music lovers to get their fix.
If you want my recommendations on the best sights to see in Kansas City, check out my blog here.
Traveling can be stressful. As a seasoned traveler myself, I know how much effort goes into trip preparation. Today, I wanted to share some tips about aspects of your vacation you may put on the back burner. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your next vacation.
Never Underestimate Lines at the Airport
It may seem overkill to get to the airport hours ahead of takeoff but it’s essential to keep in mind. Some international travelers are waiting up to four hours to get through security. Don’t miss out on your dream vacation because the line for TSA is moving too slowly. Better to be early and bored than to miss your flight entirely. If you’re looking for a good read to pass the time waiting in the terminal, check out my blog about some of my favorite mystery novels.
Budget Accordingly
Traveling expenses can add up pretty quickly. Create a travel budget that will account for essentials like food and lodging but remember to take experiences into consideration. Give yourself room to make some pre-planned “impulsive” decisions on your trip.
Invest in a Quality Suitcase.
Many travelers fall victim to the overpacking impulse. This can be a pain when you’re trying to consolidate the number of bags you’re checking at the airport. Invest in a suitcase that can compensate for any last-minute additions to your clothes for the trip and anything you decide to purchase while you’re away.
Study Up.
It’s always important to know some of the ground rules for where you’re traveling. You should know. What’s a big no-no? Are there any cultural differences? Is there any special clothing you need to pack? Look at the weather forecast and be prepared for different climates depending on the time of year. You don’t have to know the ins and outs of everything but it’s good to have a general knowledge of the area you’re visiting so you can ensure you have the best trip possible.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Tourist Label
Tourists tend to get a bad rep. Many people get caught up trying to avoid judgment from locals but as long as you’re being respectful, embrace your status as a traveler. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or visit the monument already clogged up with other visitors. They’re popular for a reason!
Preparedness pays off but make sure you don’t get too caught up in the details when you’re traveling. It’s good to have a plan so you can make the most out of your time but don’t sweat it too much if things get knocked a bit off course. Wherever you’re going, enjoy your visit!
As a lifelong Kansas City native, I’m always eager to show off the sights that make this city special. Though the Midwest can sometimes be overlooked for its vacation appeal, there’s plenty of hidden treasure to explore, especially here in Missouri. Here are some of the best sights Kansas City has to offer.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum offers an in-depth look at the historic sinking of the Arabia in 1856, as well as its recovery in 1988. The Missouri River claimed hundreds of steamboats along its 2,500-mile route throughout the 1800s. When the Steamboat Arabia originally sank in 1856, it brought down 200 tons of unknown cargo. Over a century later, the recovery of the ship brought with it a modern-day treasure-hunting story. Visitors get a glimpse into the past through the Arabia’s uniquely preserved materials. From clothing to fine china to children’s toys, this museum will capture the attention of all ages. The Arabia’s preservation is still in progress, so you always have more to look forward to in future visits.
Founded in 1909, the Kansas City Zoo has reigned the wild into the city for locals and tourists alike. The Kansas City Zoo is home to over 1,700 animals. They even have cameras for a live look at the animals after zoo hours. Their website offers a sneak peek at the more than 200 species represented at the zoo so that visitors can familiarize themselves before getting to meet them in person. From Allen’s Swamp Monkey to the American alligator, the Kansas City Zoo has everything an animal lover could want.
Another must-see, especially for any baseball fan, is the Kauffman Stadium. Originally opened as the Royals Stadium in 1973, Kauffman is the sixth oldest stadium in the country. It gained its new name in 1993, in honor of the team’s former owner, Ewing M. Kauffman, and his contributions to the team. I recommend taking the chance to watch the Kansas City Royals play at home during their 50th season. Kauffman Stadium has seats that can accommodate any price range and guarantee an exciting ballgame experience for everyone. View the Royals Hall of Fame or book a stadium tour.
If you’re looking for the “billion-dollar experience” at no cost, visit the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The Money Museum shows visitors how millions of dollars are processed through the Federal Reserve Bank each day. Guests can view Harry S. Truman’s coin collection, lift a genuine gold bar, and interact with numerous digital exhibits. The Money Museum is a fun and free way to learn more about the U.S. economy.
Kansas City has something to offer for all ages and interests.
Hi everyone! Michael Gortenburg here! Over the course of my career, I have always put focus on how to make housing more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
In 2022, it is easier to make environmentally-friendly changes to your home that will save energy and money. If you dread getting your electric or gas invoice every month, here are a few upgrades you can make to help shrink your bill.
Solar Panels
If you are looking for a new way to power your home, consider installing solar panels on the roof of your house. Solar panels convert sunlight and heat into energy and reduce your reliance on the more traditional power grid. You can use the energy directly or store it for later use. While this option can be a bit costly, it is a long-term investment in using a renewable and sustainable resource that will save you considerable money down the line.
LED Lights
LED lights are the most energy-efficient bulbs on the market, so you can have incandescent lighting without the environmental impact. Unlike halogen or CFL bulbs, LED bulbs don’t radiate as much heat. They don’t emit UV rays or contain any toxic materials like mercury. LEDs are also incredibly durable, some even lasting up to 20 years without going out, saving you money every year.
Smart Thermostat
Another must-have piece of green tech for your home is a smart thermostat. As summers get hotter and winters get colder, you may find yourself adjusting your thermostat more and more just to stay comfortable at home. Smart thermostats control the temperature for you, making sure that your home stays the perfect temperature regardless of if you need heat to keep warm or air conditioning to cool off.
Smart Power Strips
We are all familiar with the traditional power strip. You know, the ones that plug all of your cords into a single outlet? If you keep those strips on even when you aren’t using your devices, you might not be thinking about how much energy you’re still using by keeping them plugged in. If this sounds like you, consider switching to a smart power strip. This piece of tech uses a remote to turn off the device and save energy, money, and the environment.
Making your home environmentally friendly is an investment that shouldn’t break the bank. Adding green tech to your house is a simple way to live a more sustainable and energy-efficient life. Do you have any green tech in your home already? Let me know on social media!
As many of you know, I take pride in my Jewish heritage. The values of Judaism have always guided me in my personal and work life and today I wanted to talk about one of the most important values: Tikkun Olam.
Tikkun is most often translated to “repair,” but it can also be used to mean improve, fix, or prepare, among other definitions. Olam in modern Hebrew has come to mean “the world.” So Tikkun Olam is a concept that means “repair the world.”
In Jewish teachings, it is any activity that makes the world a better place, and everything we do is an opportunity to fulfill this task. Whether we are fixing what is broken in the world or improving something that already does some good. It’s a key theme in Jewish tradition, and in the stories, we pass down through the generations. Whether it’s donations to those who need it most or days of community service, we can all do little things to make the world a better place for everyone.
I want to encourage everyone to take some time out of their week to make the world a better place, to repair the world bit by bit. There are opportunities everywhere and all we have to do is take them. As a matter of fact, here in Kansas City, there are many organizations that you can volunteer with to take part in Tikkun Olam. Here are a few recommendations for places to start.
Volunteer KC, Inc.
Volunteer KC works to support nonprofit organizations and homeless outreach groups by providing volunteers and donations to those who need it most. In 2020, their volunteers spent 1,830 hours putting together food boxes, donations, and resources that totaled $482,000. That is an incredible impact on the local community, especially at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in volunteering with them, visit https://www.volunteerkc.com/volunteer to learn more.
NourishKC
Nourish KC works to ensure that everyone has access to hot, fresh, and nutritious meals. They have three different programs: Kansas City Community Kitchen (KCCK), Food Rescue, and Culinary Training. They envision a community where all people have equal access to healthy food. During the height of the pandemic, the KCCK served nearly 88,000 free meals to anyone that came to their door. NourishKC’s volunteer program offers two shifts every weekday and some weekend opportunities. To learn more, visit their website here.
Wayside Waifs
This is the perfect place to volunteer for anyone who loves working with animals. Wayside Waifs is committed to finding the perfect home for adoptable pets and is the largest pet adoption campus in the area. Whether you like dog walking, community education and events, or working in the vet clinic, Wayside Waifs has opportunities in nearly every area of the shelter. For more information on volunteering your time, click here.
These are just a few places where you can spend your time embracing Tikkun Olam in the local Kansas City community. Tikkun Olam isn’t difficult, but we must commit to making it a part of our everyday lives.
I think author Krista Tippett said it best, “It insists that each one of us, flawed and inadequate as we may feel, has exactly what is needed to help repair the world that we can see and touch.”
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a soft spot for automobiles (you can check out my previous blog on this subject here). I love that each one provides an entirely unique experience. A car doesn’t need to be fast to give me a thrill. All it needs to have is soul.
What does that mean? It means a car that is itself an experience. A car that has its own personality, its own flaws and defects, its own unique way to move along the road. A car that reminds you at every moment that you are in something special, and the experience is yours and yours alone.
Modern cars with all the bells and whistles can give you that, and I’ve driven some incredible ones that use hybrid technology. The electric motors provide tons of torque while the engine gives it power once you off the line. There is nothing like being pushed deep into the seat by the g-force of a launch. It is invigorating.
At the same time, old cars (most of which are pretty slow by today’s standards) can provide unique experiences as well.
Recently, I’ve been interested in something that bridges the gap between old cars and new – they are called “resto-mods.”
Resto-mods are essentially old, classic cars that have been completely stripped down, then rebuilt using modern parts. So, for example, you could have a 1969 Lamborghini Miura, an absolutely beautiful car but with incredibly unreliable performance, and replace its engine, suspension, transmission, and brakes with modern parts from a contemporary Lamborghini. Is this sacrilege? To some people, yes absolutely it is. But if you are more concerned about enjoying your car than getting the approval of others, it could be a good option. After all, would you rather spend your time fixing your car, or driving it?
Resto-mods are still considered the black-sheep of the car collecting world; however, but I believe that is going to change. Younger people are used to driving reliable cars and most are completely unaccustomed to doing their own repairs. They want immediate gratification, and a resto-mod can give that to you.
Most of the resto-mods currently on the market are American cars, especially muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s. That makes sense because those cars are notoriously easy to work on. Large engine bays mean you can reach everything without removing half of the bodywork, and simple engineering with minimal electronics makes doing things like engine swaps a lot easier.
Now most of those resto-mods are done by home mechanics, so just imagine what you could accomplish if you used the kind of resources that could pay for a hypercar. You could have one of the most unique classic cars around, with modern-day performance to match.
Imagine a Jaguar E-Type from the 1960s with a reliable and efficient drivetrain. Or a Mercedes Grosser with a Bentley W12 engine. Or, for a laugh, how about a Volga with a new Porsche engine and carbon brakes? You get the idea. The possibilities are endless and there is nothing wrong with having a little fun, no matter what the purists say.
What do you think? Do you think this modern twist on classic cars is a cardinal sin? Or are they ok in your book?
Talk soon,
Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri
Before
my partner and I built the foundation for Eighteen
Capital Group (18CG), I started buying and flipping residential properties
around the age of 36. Flipping residential homes in the Kansas City area soon became
a passion of mine, and a few years later with a couple of flips under my belt,
I was ready to elevate this hobby of mine. Within the next few years, I went
into the apartment building and management business where the idea for Eighteen
Capital Group came to life.
My
career has been shaped by making smart and informed real estate investments–as
this market has the ability to bring great wealth to individuals who have a
keen eye for investment, economics, and of course, risk. With the right
strategies, real estate investments can generate extra income and propel your
business forward.
If you have an interest in real estate ventures but are unsure of where to start, here are three of my top strategy recommendations.
1.) Fix it and Flip it
Flipping houses was my first step through the door of real estate investments, and it truly gave me a deeper appreciation for the industry as a whole. You value the time, the money, and all the details that go into each renovation. The fix and flip strategy is optimal for those who like a good challenge. The key to flipping a home is locating a property that exudes potential. You’ll want to think carefully about the location, the market, and the type of client the finished product will draw in. The fix it and flip it method is an excellent way to generate cash and support future projects.
2.) Rentals and Short-Term Buys
Holding short-term rental properties–typically one to five years–allows for property appreciation through rent prices, remodeling, and lower expenses. On the other hand, short-term buys are quite beneficial for those who invest in multi-unit apartments or have various flipping projects. Short term buys and rentals tend to work best in higher prices markets.
3.) Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT)
For those who are interested in real estate
investment, but don’t have the time to be too hands-on during the process, you
may want to weigh the option if REITs. Real estate investment trusts allow
individuals to invest in real estate without the need to be involved in every
step of the way. But first, you have to select the type of REIT that will be
most beneficial for you and your specific needs:
Equity REITs: property investments
Mortgage REITs: mortgage investments
Hybrid REITs: a mixture of property investments and mortgage investments.
While it’s essential to select the type of real estate
investment trust that works for you, do note that each of them offers higher
yields. This means you will receive a return in finances from the interest that
others are paying on their mortgages.
What
started off as a hobby, turned into a long-time and successful career for me.
With the right strategies and mindset, the same can happen to you too. I hope
you find these strategies useful in your next real estate investment endeavor.
They say that moving into a new home can be one of the most
stressful things that a person can deal with. Maybe that’s because there are a
lot of things to consider: the commute to work, the kids’ new schools, learning
how to get around the general area and more…there’s a lot. In fact, some people
might feel a little overwhelmed throughout the whole process.
With such a stressful time, the one thing that shouldn’t be
stressful is the actual move itself. As a Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City,
Missouri, I have seen a lot of movers in my time through our work developing
and managing multi-family housing.
I’d like to share a couple of quick moving tips to make your
next move a lot easier.
Tip #1: Start Early
After you’ve decided to move into a new home – it’s never
too early to start planning. The planning phase includes researching your new
area, strategizing for commutes, boxing up all of your belongings, scheduling
movers, and a million other things that have to be completed over the course of
weeks.
One helpful way to handle this often-challenging phase is to
break the process down into small chunks and knock out the steps at a slower
pace to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Make a list of steps that must be
completed before/after the move (change your addresses, inspect and childproof
the new place, etc.)
As far as packing – this is a perfect opportunity to throw
out or sell all of those items that have been cluttering up your closets and
spare rooms. You would be shocked at how much you can actually get rid of when
you take the time for an honest assessment of what you need. It’s quite a
freeing feeling to drop items from your past.
Another note on packing is to start with the nonessentials.
Put away as many things as you can prior to the moving date, then once the
final day rolls around – you will have very little to do. When you are
packing for the final move, group boxes by room so that you can easily unpack
them in your new place accordingly.
Finally, avoid harder-than-necessary moving experiences by
place heavier items into small boxes
Tip #2: Make All Arrangements Ahead of Time
So, it’s move-in day and you’ve finally arrived with your
new things, but there’s just one little problem – there’s no power!
After managing housing units for years, I am never surprised
by the amount of people who forget to notify or setup utilities for their new
place prior to moving in. Ideally, you should make contact with all services to
have everything squared away by the time you arrive.
You will obviously need power to move in and will want the
A/C circulating to clear out any sitting air. You will also need the water on
and running, as you never know what impromptu cleaning may be needed when you
start to settle in. And I would be shocked to see a family that doesn’t require
the internet/cable for personal or work purposes upon moving in. All of these
things can be arranged ahead of your move-in to avoid any last-minute
headaches.
Also, make sure you work with any moving teams in advance so
that everyone is on the same page for the big day. You don’t want to be sitting
around waiting to load up your things. Luckily, most moving companies are very
professional and will work to ensure your experience is as smooth as can be.
Tip #3: Settling In
Once you’ve finally gotten everything moved into your new
home, it’s time to start the long process of settling in.
First, I always recommend a careful walk-through of the new
property just to confirm that there aren’t any lingering issues that need to be
dealt with. And make sure to check cabinets and to test out things like
faucets, AC units, and power switches. Never just assume that everything works
perfectly, because a previous tenant/owner may have neglected maintenance.
If you’re renting, go room to room and make a list of any
problems that you encounter. You should have an opportunity to alert the
landlord for repair and avoid responsibility for any damages.
Once, you’ve cleared the new place and you’re ready to begin
unpacking, start with the essentials first. Things like setting up your bed,
stocking away any groceries that you might have, and organizing your bathroom
are all great places to begin.
Then it’s really a matter of taking your time and unpacking
as you go. You may wish to experiment with furniture placement, or you might
want to just dive right in – but this is the part of the process where you can
relax and have fun with it.
Moving In and Moving On
Moving to a new place can really be stressful. Don’t make it
extra work with added difficulty. It ultimately comes down to planning. The
earlier you start, the more time you have to prepare and the easier the process
will be.
Hopefully by following these simple tips, you’ll be more
prepared to deal with the day when it inevitably comes.
If I left anything out, feel free to drop some tips in the
comments below.
You can get a stylish room for a decent price on Airbnb if you know how to properly use the platform.
It never ceases to amaze me just how dramatically technology
can change the way we live our lives. When the personal computer was
introduced, it took a couple of years for use to become mainstream – but now
you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t use a computer throughout
the day.
Now with the smart phone and constant access to the
internet, we have more options available to us than ever before and entire
industries are being revolutionized – including the travel industry.
For those who might not know, Airbnb is a platform that
allows users to host/rent rooms with a simple tap of the finger. Hosts prepare
a room in their home or property and place an ad on the platform which then
allows guests to browse and secure dates for the room as needed. Airbnb rooms
essentially function as a less expensive hotel room – or even an apartment for
long-term use.
The great thing about Airbnb is that it gives shared control
of the stay to the host and guest, without corporate policies getting in the
way of a mutually beneficial deal. And Airbnb rooms can be found all over the
world – opening up new traveling options that would otherwise be impossible.
Today, I’d like to share some quick tips for using Airbnb to
maximize your traveling plans.
Review the Listing Carefully
Reading the full review and paying attention to small details can mean the difference between an amazing stay and a bad experience.
It goes without saying that you should take a careful look
at any listing before booking. Some hosts will have “creative” ads to entice
guests, and while they may have the best intentions, you want to ensure that
the place fits your expectations on your trip.
For example, sometimes a room may be described as “cozy” but
should really say “small.” Or if a listing says “private” but doesn’t indicate
a separate room – there may just be a curtain blocking your bed from view of three
other people in a shared room.
Make sure to look at the photos that are posted. Does the
room look clean? Does it show all of the things listed in the ad? A picture is
worth a thousand words.
Most Airbnb hosts are honest enough with their listings (they
want good reviews after all), but it’s always best to really look over the ad
to avoid any disappointment. Speaking of reviews, read them. Reviews will also
give insight into the listing as well as the host. If a host has dozens of
positive reviews claiming that the spot is a good deal, is clean, is
convenient, etc. – then it’s a safe bet that you will enjoy your stay there.
Like all things, learning how to spot a good deal on Airbnb
can take some time and experience. The higher the price for your stay, the
nicer the place will be – but you can find some really good deals on a room
that fits both your expectations and budget with a little investigating.
Booking for Deals
Book your room at the rice place at the right time for extra savings on your trip.
When you are booking Airbnb rooms, it’s important to
understand and anticipate any fluctuations that may affect pricing. For
example, if the place you’re traveling to has a tourist season, the prices
might be higher during a time when more people are booking Airbnb stays.
Naturally, hosts don’t want to lose out on any opportunities
so keep this in mind when booking your stay. One way to grab the best deals and
the best rooms is by booking weeks in advance. One of the benefits to Airbnb is
being able to seamlessly secure a stay, but you will get better deals and
better rooms by taking the time to book early.
Depending on how long you will be in the area, you may want
to book for extended stays (a couple of weeks or even months.) Airbnb and even
hosts will factor in discounts for extended stays – saving you hundreds of
dollars that you would have otherwise paid for the spot.
When you do book a room –MAKE SURE YOU BOOK
THROUGH TO THE NEXT DAY!
Airbnb calculates the last day as move-out day, so book
through to the day you want to leave.
Contacting Hosts & Support
Airbnb has a phenomenal customer support team who are
available at all hours in case there is an issue with your stay. If you are
unhappy with your room or if you cannot contact the host – the Airbnb support
team will work tirelessly to address your concerns.
They are also known to offer you discounts or comped
services if things don’t work out with your experience. For example, if a host
accepts your booking but does not coordinate with you for your arrival, you may
want to contact Airbnb support as they can offer you hundreds of dollars in
credit toward another room. That means you will get a much nicer stay for the
same price.
Also, it is always a good idea to contact hosts prior to
your stay. Some hosts leave their listings in auto-accept, but may never check
their app – meaning they might not know that you’re arriving! To avoid any
issues with your trip, just contact the host through the Airbnb platform before
your stay and sure up everything.
Final Thoughts
Travel the globe and get great places to stay through the power of your mobile phone.
Airbnb’s are a great experience and a great deal for anyone
looking to travel on a budget or for people who want to avoid stuffy hotels. A
lot of Airbnb rooms are really nice places with even nicer hosts who will
entertain you and give you a glimpse into the life of a local.
When you use Airbnb, make sure that you are respectful and
treat the room as if it were your own. There is a review system after all,
which could determine your opportunities later on. And make sure to leave an
honest review of your stay – it keeps the platform accurate and hosts always
appreciate good feedback and credibility.
Hopefully you can use these tips on your next trip if you’re
interested in using Airbnb.
There are many areas of the country where you can
find great barbecue, but there’s something special about Kansas City.
One of the reasons Kansas City
stands out is the high concentration of amazing barbecue restaurants we have in
a relatively small area. Today, there are over 100 area barbecue
establishments, each boasting its personal house specialty – ribs, pork, ham,
mutton, sausage and even fish.
But few people know that the
Kansas City barbecue tradition actually started with a man named Henry Perry in
the 1920’s. Perry had a stand in downtown Kansas City where he served smoked
meats to nearby workers. Using an outdoor pit, the man who is simply known today
as
the “The Barbecue King,” sold slow-smoked meats wrapped in newspaper for 25
cents in the Garment District.
Perry’s stand was an instant success and the barbecue trend quickly caught on. He later opened what many people believe was the first barbecue restaurant of its kind in North America. The restaurant, a converted trolley barn, quickly emerged as the city’s major cultural point during the 1920s and 30s.
Over a period of more than 100 years, the city generated its
own style of barbecue, which is commonly known today as Kansas City barbecue. Often described as the “world’s barbecue
capital,” Kansas City is home to large, well-attended barbecue cooking
contests – the two most notable being in nearby Lenexa, Kansas and at the
American Royal.
Barbecue in Kansas City is more than just a menu item or a method of preparation. It’s an institution, rich with history and culinary tradition that has shaped the city’s dining landscape since the early 1900s. For decades, visitors from across the globe have traveled here, drawn by the smoky aroma, just to get a sample of KC’s acclaimed cuisine.
Michael Gortenburg 