KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It was supposed to be a major celebration for Kansas City’s recordBar— 15 years of bringing bands to Kansas City and putting on shows.
But the coronavirus pandemic shut everything down.
“We haven’t had an event at our other location since March 15," co-owner Steve Tulipana said. "It’s been rough, it’s been really rough."
With city restrictions still in effect, recordBar was forced to go dark until Voltaire’s Wes Gartner approached Tulipana with an idea.
Together, the businesses owners createdLemonad(e) Park, an outdoor venue that mixes food with music in a socially distanced, COVID-19 friendly way.
“It seems like it was a year ago, but it was only a couple months ago that we just put this together," Gartner said. "To see this coming to fruition and see this become a thing is pretty amazing, and it also gives you faith in the people of KC and the community that they want to support something like this."
The outdoor space is located behind Voltaire in the northwest corner of 17th and Wyoming Streets in the West Bottoms.
Capacity is limited 100 people per night.
Tickets are sold in groups of four to secure socially distanced picnic tables, whereas single-person general admission is limited to standing room only. Lawn chairs are “allowed and encouraged.”
“We are just trying to cover our lease and honor our debt service to make sure we are financially strong before we reopen,” Tulipana said. "Being creative and doing, trying to find ways to exist is what we do."
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the music runs from 8 to 11 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased through the recordBar’s website.
