As the cultural arts community begins to unite with community presentations, Arts Alive continues to discover unique venues where artists are coming together again. We don't have access to visit intimate personal collections in homes, so the next best approach is to seek out the best local artists in their studios. On Friday, June 17th, we've organized a visit to a building in the West Bottoms where a large number of artists have their studios. Referred to as the Seed Crusher Studios, this four story warehouse building will open their studios for a visit, to discuss their art, and see their latest work. We'll have supper and drinks in the building. Tours begin at 6pm on the ground floor. Many of the 15 studios will be open. We'll meet Laura Nugent, Susan White, Lori Raye Erickson, Joe Gregory and Mark Hennick plus others who may be present.

At 7:30 we'll head to the Black Box Theater just a block away and settle into our seats for an evening with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. Heidi Van runs the theater and the locatioin among the warehouses in the West Bottoms offers a unique setting for theater and live music performances. The KCJO brings together the best of local jazz artists. This evening features Kelley Gant with her beautiful voice backed by Alyssa Murray on piano, Seth Lee on bass and Matt Leifer on drums. The concert begins at 8pm. Our group has reserved seating as the sun sets on a beautiful June evening. The venue has a bar where additional drinks may be purchased. Get a group of your friends together and come on down for another wonderful Arts Alive evening. Now in our 23rd year, we find the best artists and venues in our wonderful city. The cost is still the same $45 and includes both venues, boxed supper and drinks with dinner. Addresses for both buildings are found below and your GPS will get you to the venues.

Seed Crusher Studios-1200 W. 12th(just under the 12th Street bridge)

Black Box Theater-1040 Union Street(one block to the north of the Studios)