Artful Connections Along the Streetcar

KC Studio
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Arts
  • Updated Monthly

Get ready for bold conversations and a deep dive into Kansas City's arts scene – one Streetcar stop at a time. This is Artful Connections Along The Streetcar, with KC Studio and host Michael Mackie.

Episodes

  1. Jun 3

    Conversation with Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Their discussion centers around the upcoming 2026 production of Macbeth. Garrett discusses tips for the ultimate "theatrical tailgating" experience and why Southmoreland Park is the ideal place for residents and visitors to the upcoming World Cup to experience classic Shakespeare in an inviting setting for ​free. They also discuss continuing educational partnerships with local organizations such as The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City and plans for their big 35th anniversary in 2027. Garrett hopes that the recently opened KC Streetcar extension will allow more visitors and residents to experience future Heart of America Shakespeare Festivals.

    36 min

  2. May 6

    Conversation with Dr. Peggy Shannon, The Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Dr. Peggy Shannon, The Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute, to explore the school's evolving strategic vision. They discuss Marble & Canvas, the new on‑campus retail store showcasing student and alumni work, and how the Streetcar extension is already boosting foot traffic along The Arterie—Kansas City's emerging cultural corridor. The upcoming Selfie Love Scavenger Hunt will allow residents and World Cup visitors to experience the entire cultural corridor, take pictures and win prizes throughout the summer.

    33 min

  3. Apr 1

    Conversation with Kathy Nelson, CEO & President of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Visit KC, and Lindsey Douglas, Chief Operating Officer of KC 2026

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Kathy Nelson, CEO & President of the Kansas City Sports Commision & Visit KC, and Lindsey Douglas, Chief Operating Officer of KC2026, to discuss how the World Cup will impact international, national and regional visitors and local residents. Transportation options including the new Streetcar extensions are discussed as key components of accessibility for all events from May through July in Kansas City and for easy accessibility to cultural arts activities for residents and visitors after the World Cup.

    40 min

  4. Mar 4

    Conversation with Jon Stephens, KC Port Authority

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Jon Stephens, CEO & President of KC Port Authority to discuss the development of the River Market and Riverfront areas, their current and upcoming programs and future strategic plans. Jon discusses exciting new projects, like the transformation of the historic Scarritt Building into the upcoming UMusic Hotel, which will provide a unique experience for performers and hotel guests. He also discusses how the upcoming extension of the Streetcar to Berkley Park and expanding the riverfront trails from Rock Island Bridge to the East Bottoms will enhance accessibility and improve walkability to residents and visitors alike.

    30 min

  5. Feb 4

    Conversation with Eric Dorfman, CEO of Linda Hall Library

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Dr. Eric Dorfman, CEO & President of the Linda Hall Library, to discuss the 80th anniversary of Linda Hall Library, their upcoming program and future strategic plans. Dr. Dorfman discusses the Arboretum and Arbor Day plans, the popularity of their sports analytics programs, including the upcoming program on soccer, and how he would like to see the Linda Hall Library become a 3-legged stool focusing on collections, public amenities and their own research within their organization. He also discusses Linda Hall Library's first gift shop, opening every Saturday instead of just once a month and how the new streetcar extension will make their organization more accessible to residents and visitors alike.

    33 min

  6. Jan 7

    Conversation with Julián Zugazagoitia, CEO & President The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Julián Zugazagoitia, CEO & President of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to discuss the expansion of the Museum with a new wing on the west end of their campus, with expanded spaces for education, performance, events and dining and which would be the biggest investment in arts in Kansas City. Julian will also discuss the impact of the Streetcar and the upcoming World Cup on the Nelson-Atkins Museum's attendance expansion plans.

    34 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Conversation with Rick Truman, CEO Folly Theater

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Rick Truman, CEO of the Folly Theater to discuss the Theater's 125th anniversary programming and the impact of the Streetcar for their theater attendees. Note: This episode was recorded prior to the recent break-in and vandalism that caused an estimated $750,000 in damage to the Folly Theater. The Folly is currently seeking community support for restoration efforts. Please consider donating at follytheater.org.

    34 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Conversation with Tom Gerend, Executive Director of KC Streetcar

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Tom Gerend, Executive Director of KC Streetcar, to discuss the October 24th opening of the extension to the Plaza, the 2026 opening of the River Market Streetcar extension and the impact of the Streetcar for residents, arts lovers and visitors to the area including during the World Cup 2026.

    34 min

  9. 10/01/2025

    Conversation with Stacey Paine, President of Crown Center Redevelopment

    Host Michael Mackie sits down with Stacey Paine, President of Crown Center Redevelopment, to discuss a variety of cultural arts activities and exhibits that have been showcased at Crown Center, the impact of the KC Streetcar and World Cup 2026 on visitation at Crown Center and what is coming up in the next year including Oktoberfest and the Hallmark Christmas Experience.

    36 min

  10. 09/03/2025

    Conversation with George Guastello, President of Union Station Kansas City

    Host Michael Mackie, sits down with George Guastello, President of Union Station Kansas City, for the inaugural episode of KC Studio's new monthly arts podcast, "Artful Connections Along The Streetcar." George discusses a variety of cultural arts activities and exhibits that have been showcased at Union Station including the Disney, Auschwitz and Princess Diana exhibits, which ones were his favorites, the impact of the KC Streetcar and World Cup for residents and for visitors at Union Station and what is coming up for 2026 including during the World Cup.

    40 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Get ready for bold conversations and a deep dive into Kansas City's arts scene – one Streetcar stop at a time. This is Artful Connections Along The Streetcar, with KC Studio and host Michael Mackie.

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