American Guild of Organists Convention Here In Kansas City This Summer

I just learned the American Guild of Organists is meeting here in Kansas City this year for their national convention.

AGO 2018 National Convention - 

American Guild of Organists

The 2018 AGO National Convention 

It will be July 2 through 6th in venues across the city. Here's a bit about it from their website:

The AGO National Convention

At the 2018 AGO National Convention in Kansas City you will see and hear incredible performances by world-class organists and choirs, hear new music by some of the world’s best modern composers, be able to check out dozens of workshops and seminars, and enjoy creative worship services in some of the most beautiful and historic organ venues in the country. The members of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of The American Guild of Organists look forward to sharing the grandeur of the city’s organs and performance venues with you from July 2 – 6, 2018.

Our own local Joyce Didonato took a moment to welcome guests to the city and event.

It will, without doubt, be some fantastic moments, times and events at these different venues to enjoy the music but also the locations, people and energy, all.

Enjoy, Kansas City. And enjoy Kansas City!

Link:

Organ and Choral Performances during the 2018 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists

You Must Go to the Wornall House

I've lived in the Kansas City area more than 35 years. Heck, I was only born an hour North in St. Joseph but I've lived here for years. And in all that time, I've driven by the old Wornall House on Wornall Road more times than I can count. Heck, I now live in the neighborhood. Again.

So yesterday, I'm driving by, yet again, when I see what are likely Civil War re-enactors on the lawn. It's Saturday. I have my chores done. I decided I have time so I park the car and go.

Am I ever glad I did.

If you have either never been or it's been a long time? Go. Go back. It's a terrific education. The original Wornall family did more to help develop this city and area than you have any idea. And the ties to even JC Nichols and his development of the Plaza, the family ties to Liberty and William Jewell College, local banks, all of it. Fascinating.

Here are just a few of the shots I took, on the outside. This is on the front porch.

A soldier and an officer's tent.

The inside of said tent.

More of the re-enactors.

I'm telling you, you'll get a terrific, fast national education on the Civil War and even the nation, as well as one more on the state of Missouri, the region, the Missouri-Kansas border war, slavery and area, all. Seriously fascinating.

Then, when that's done, either same day or some other time, maybe some other weekend, make a point to go to the Majors house at 82nd and State Line Road. It's under the same non-profit organization and can give you more information and history, at least, if not also entertainment.

Links:

John Wornall House Museum

Majors House - The Alexander Majors House Museum

Home - Wornall Majors House Museums