The east courtyard of the Kauffman Center buzzed with energy last month as local business leaders gathered for another memorable PNC Pop-Up. These exclusive networking events, which are hosted three times a year, bring together the Kauffman Center Ensemble members for networking, curated hospitality and surprise performances that celebrate the vibrant arts scene in the Kansas City region.
For this PNC Pop-Up, members and guests experienced an unforgettable twist: a pop-up organ concert featuring Kansas City’s own Dr. Jan Kraybill, a Grammy-nominated organist and the Kauffman Center’s organ conservator. This particular performance on the Julia Irene Dennie – Kauffman Casavant Organ, Opus 3875, began with Jan zooming by the guests as she made her entrance onto the Helzberg Hall stage riding her beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycle, setting the tone for an exhilarating program titled: “Pipes and Pipes: How Playing a Pipe Organ is Like Riding a Harley.”
Prior to Jan’s unforgettable performance — and entrance — guests had gathered outside in the Kauffman Center Courtyard for pre-show networking, drinks and appetizers. After which, Kauffman Center staff and volunteers guided guests to the surprise location, where the stage was transformed into an open road. As the lights dimmed, Jan, dressed in a sleek black leather jacket and helmet, rolled onto the stage on her Harley. With the roar of the engine still echoing through the hall, she shed her motorcycle jacket to reveal a sequined black top and sparkling baseball cap, then made her way to the organ. It was an electric moment that was bold, artistic and full of personality.
Throughout the performance, Jan shared how playing the organ mirrors the experience of riding a motorcycle: the coordination, the footwork, the focus and the thrill.
Pop-Up Setlist:
- “Pedal exercitium” (BWV 598) by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
“[The song is] played mostly by the feet,” Jan explained. “Just like riding a bike, footwork is essential.” - “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar (transcribed by Pierre Gouin)
“[This is] Elgar’s tribute to a close friend,” Jan shared. “Bikers form lasting friendships, too. And both riding and playing this piece require deep coordination of hands, feet and mind.” - “Rhumba” by Robert Elmore
“Risk is part of both riding and performing,” Jan noted. “And this piece? Definitely a risk-taker’s delight.”
To cap off the night, Jan veered off her planned setlist and delighted the audience with a tender, unexpected encore: “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. A perfect close to an unexpected and joyful evening.
Why We Host PNC Pop-Up Events
PNC Pop-Up events are one of the ways in which the Kauffman Center facilitates business-to-business connections. All Ensemble events also serve to thank these businesses that invest in and uplift the arts in Kansas City. PNC Pop-Ups offer an opportunity for members to connect, unwind and experience first-hand the creativity and talent that make our city’s arts scene truly exceptional.
PNC has been the presenting sponsor of Ensemble since 2017. Their commitment to the arts and early childhood education runs deep and their continued support helps make events like these possible.
Ensemble is the Kauffman Center’s business membership program, bringing together nearly 100 companies from across the Kansas City metro area. As members, businesses enjoy year-round networking opportunities, business development support, exclusive hospitality benefits and recognition as dedicated supporters of the arts. Whether your goal is to grow your business, reward your employees or align your brand with the cultural vibrancy of the Kansas City area, Ensemble offers a meaningful way to connect with the community and make an impact.
To learn more about how your business can get involved with the Ensemble membership program, visit our website.
Thank you to PNC and each of our Ensemble business members for making events like these possible. A special thank you to Dr. Jan Kraybill for making it a memorable evening at the Kauffman Center.
Photos by John McGrath.
