PNC Pop-Up in Brandmeyer Great Hall

Local businesses kicked off the holidays on Nov. 28, 2023, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with a jazz performance from the Marcus Lewis Quartet, the surprise artist for the third Ensemble PNC Pop-Up event this year.

With the soulful sounds of jazz and views of the Kansas City skyline from Brandmeyer Great Hall, Ensemble members and guests donned their holiday attire and enjoyed a reception of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. When guests departed for the evening, they were given holiday cookies and hot cocoa to go from Kauffman Center Executive Chef Laura Comer.

The Marcus Lewis Quartet performed at the event

Marcus Lewis currently lives in Kansas City, Mo., where he leads his own bands from a trio to an 18-piece big band. His latest project, “Brass and Boujee,” debuted on the iTunes Jazz Charts at #2 and the Billboard contemporary jazz charts at #15. Marcus is also the Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Kansas City-Missouri UMKC. Some notable artists who he has performed and/or recorded with include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Janelle Monáe, Bruno Mars, Prince, Musiq Soulchild, Avery Sunshine, The Barkays and many more.

PNC, the presenting sponsor of Ensemble and official bank of the Kauffman Center, has been an Ensemble member since 2017. PNC has a strong commitment to the arts and early childhood education.

Kim Herman, senior vice president and director of client & community relations at PNC, believes PNC Pop-Ups are an opportunity for members to hear from local and talented artists in Kansas City.

Ensemble members and guests attended

“It is extremely intimate, and each performance is a complete surprise. You don’t know where the reception will be or the artist until you arrive for the performance. Everyone likes surprises and every artist to date has been outstanding!” Herman said.

Ensemble is the Kauffman Center’s business membership program consisting of more than 75 businesses in the KC metro area. Businesses can join the Ensemble group to network with others, grow their business, reward their employees and support the arts.

Ensemble members receive year-round business development, recognition and hospitality benefits. These benefits have impacted PNC in a multitude of ways.

“Early on with our sponsorship and membership, Ensemble provided PNC with an opportunity to network with other business leaders,” Herman said.  “Since then, we have watched attendance grow at the PNC Pop-Up performances, our employees have enjoyed young professional events and private tours, and we have been able to leverage the PNC Pop-Up artists outside of Kauffman Center to further enhance their exposure and our commitment to the arts.”

To learn more about Ensemble, visit our website.

Event photos by Don Ipock.