KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For two months, Open Spaces have highlighted arts and music in Kansas City and a homegrown talent was on display Saturday night when Kansas City, Kansas, native Janelle Monae headlined a concert at Starlight Theatre.
“It is celebrating the arts of Kansas City and all around the world," Open Spaces Event Producer Keli O'Neill Wenzel said. "We have 40 installations around the city."
Open Spaces started last month and runs through the end of October. Its goal — to profile arts and music.
“I have a vacation and I wanted to come to Kansas City, so I Googled what was going on this weekend and found open spaces,” said Darnita White who drove in from Little Rock, Arkansas.
Before her performance, Monae met with Kansas gubernatorial candidate Laura Kelly and Kansas third congressional district candidate Sharice Davids.
Open Spaces has staged 40 exhibits around town.
“Having Janelle Monae headlining has been exciting for everyone, including Janelle," O'Neill Wenzel. "She is super excited to be back. She has made a big name for herself. Even if she wasn’t an artist from Kansas City, she would be a prime example of an artist that has gone beyond the singing. She is an actress."
For concert-goers, the cool weather and music was a good combination.
“I love music," White said. "I think it is a great way for people to express themselves."
Danielle Garter agreed, “I like that it charters to a diverse group of people who love art and music and it is for everyone."
