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There is definitely something special about the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration that keeps us coming back for more, in spite of the typical Kansas City weather keeping us guessing. Moody skies, drizzle, outright downpours or frigid temperatures have caught us off guard nearly every year. We found some luck this year though! While the temperatures were distinctly cool and crisp, the rain found other places to be for this round. Returning to the familiar stretch of Central Avenue always brings a wave of nostalgia, but it also highlights how much things change year over year. The gathering felt only slightly smaller in scale compared to previous years, and many of the more independent mom-and-pop food spots that used to line the route were notably absent.  Economic realities have clearly touched the festival, too. Food prices across the board seemed to have edged up dramatically compared to what we experienced in the past.   In spite of t...

As "Dia de los Muertos" continues to spread beyond its origins, we wandered the halls of the Nelson to experience their take on the celebration.  Rooted in ancient Mesoamerican tradition dating back more than 3000 years ago, what began as a ritual honoring ancestors is evolving into a global expression of remembrance bringing communities together across cultures.   Greeting folks in the center of the grand hall, a massive ofrenda stood as the centerpiece, layered with orange and yellow marigolds and surrounded by intricate floral paper decorations. Each element carried personal messages and memories for those who have passed on, inviting a moment of reflection or opportunity to leave a note of their own. Moving into the Bloch Building, traditional dances, colorful art displays, and food greeted us at every turn, offering a fully immersive experience that gave everyone a chance to participate in the celebration.  Whether you came to admire the artistry of ...

Splitting off on US-36 just east of Denver, we completely stumbled into Open Laps Day at the High Plains Raceway .  This track was impossible to miss when we crested the hill and turned up a nice surprise just about the time we were thinking we should do something about a lunch anyway, at the same time realizing there was absolutely nothing out here. Rolling up to the entrance, the gatekeeper surprised us with the news that open lap days are totally free for fans.  As a bonus, he also informed us that a food truck was parked right up next to the pits for a front-row seat. The action that caught our eye from the highway had just wrapped up the morning session.  With the track on lunch break, engines cooled with hoods popped on a variety of race builds, giving us time to admire those built for speed and chat with their owners. The food truck had a good array of things to choose from, though the only front row offered at this particular moment was that of the track rules and...

A car show and craft fair appeared as advertised in the window of a Barber Shop in North Kansas City, and with some spare time in the afternoon, we were on our way to Claycomo.  The craft show was nothing to write home about but the cars were entirely different story. A wide array of classic and semi-modern vehicles sparkled between cloud cover weakly threatening to rain.  Hoods propped with owners proudly standing ready to talk about the details of their makeover, it was beautiful site to see.  A couple were even offered up for sale, if one had interest in a 1969 Corvette or a Mustang Terminator for the cost of brand new Ford Escape. These are from a different generation though, and built to last and outshine all modern competitors, even when they are a little rough around the edges.

  Chance found us down at Ameristar Casino in Kansas City to witness an appearance by Don Felder, guitarist for The Eagles.  His biggest contribution to that effort is likely one of the most recognizable tracks in the world.  Composing "Hotel California," he recorded the original instrumental in his home, later one of the most legendary trade-off solos on stage with Joe Walsh.   He delivered that track and whole lot more that nearly every rock fan knows by heart, alongside some seriously experienced session musicians that didn't miss a beat. The whole show was beautifully executed, down to the minimalist arrangement that greeted us this particular evening.  Two guitars, a bass, and a drum kit sat patiently waiting under dim lights of the Star Pavilion as the crowd rustled in.  Beyond a minor lighting rig that may have been house lights, nothing else stood on stage.  Indeed, lighting only emphasized his signature guitar work and vocal tone, letting...