Ensemble Members Celebrate the Holidays with PNC Pop-Up

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.


Celebrating Ensemble 5- and 10-Year Business Members

Nine local businesses were recognized Thursday evening in Brandmeyer Great Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for being Ensemble members for 5 and 10 consecutive years.

Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, addressed the audience with a heartfelt message of gratitude after sharing her vision and leadership that made the Kauffman Center a realty in downtown Kansas City in 2011.

Kudos to the following businesses who received awards for 5-years of Ensemble membership: B&B Theatres, IMA Financial Group, In-Tone, Loews Kansas City Hotel, Saint Luke’s Health System, Aristocrat Motors and Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City, and Stephens & Associates.

Congratulations to Hawthorn Bank and Henderson Engineers for receiving awards for 10-years of Ensemble membership.

Thank you to PNC, the presenting sponsor of Ensemble and the official bank of the Kauffman Center. Businesses join Ensemble to network with others, grow their business, reward their employees and support the arts. Learn more at kauffmancenter.org/ensemble.

Event photos by Don Ipock.


Striving for Excellence from Journey to Destination

Epic surprise finale for wedding guests in Brandmeyer Great Hall | Photo by Mullinix Weddings

It is often debated whether the journey or the destination holds the most significance. For the special events team at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the answer is both. The destination includes dazzling spaces, unique customizations and superb food, but the journey is equally important as client needs are prioritized from the first meeting all the way through to the end of the event.  

Executive Chef Laura Comer crafts delicious dishes for special events at the Kauffman Center | Photo by Fantasia Ta

Lisa Voss, senior director of sales, special events, leads a team who is eager to elevate projects with focused planning and attention to detail. Every event looks different based on the client’s vision, but the planning process is consistent and guarantees success. Voss and her team take pride in effectively leading client meetings to understand the vision and scope of the event. From there, it is all about time management and organization to create the more than 100 events Voss’ team averages a year.  

Widely known for exceptional catering, the Kauffman Center is fortunate to have award-winning Executive Chef Laura Comer preparing culinary selections that highlight her talents from the first bite to the last crumb of each dish. What sets Chef Comer’s culinary abilities apart is her attention to detail and eagerness to fulfill every client’s wish… and of course, a touch of edible glitter when she has the chance! With flexibility and patience, Chef Comer crafts menus considering dietary restrictions and specialized requests. 

In addition to an exceptional special events team, the Kauffman Center offers unique spaces providing clients with the flexibility to design the aesthetic of their dreams. Three main spaces, Brandmeyer Great Hall, Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall, offer vastly different experiences for both big and small occasions. 

Brandmeyer Great Hall features a wall of windows with gorgeous views of the Kansas City skyline to the south. This stunning space is a blank canvas of white walls and floors allowing clients to bring their ideas to life. Brandmeyer Great Hall holds up to 450 guests for a seated dinner and up to 1,000 guests for a cocktail reception.

An array of hors d’ourves for a special event | Photo contributed by Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Muriel Kauffman Theatre’s breathtaking interior in shades of red provides an elegant backdrop for any event. The stage in this space can be used for onstage presentations with the addition of a large screen. Additionally, the 5,000 square-foot stage can accommodate 300 guests for a seated meal. 

Helzberg Hall is a space known for its amazing acoustics as well as the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ, Opus 3875, which is a focal point of the hall. This space has a capacity of 1,600 seats for a performance or presentation and can seat 80 onstage for a culinary event. 

The exceptional staff, services and spaces at the Kauffman Center combine to create unforgettable  experiences for the Kansas City community year after year. The journey and the destination are filled with magic at the Kauffman Center! For pricing, booking and more information about event rentals, visit kauffmancenter.org/specialevents or email events@kauffmancenter.org.

Cocktails and amazing views under the Kauffman Center cables and glass curtain | Photo by Jessica Roark

Helzberg Hall awaiting guests for a special event | Photo by Freeland Photography

Brandmeyer Great Hall transformed for a private dinner | Photo by Kyle Rivas


Q & A with Kate Cosentino

Kate Cosentino

Five Questions with 2023’s Spotlight Members Concert Artist, Kate Cosentino

Kate Cosentino is a hometown talent and the Kauffman Center’s guest performer at this year’s Spotlight Free Members Concert & Reception. Cosentino captivated viewers with her humor, personality and stage presence throughout Season 23 of The Voice. Don’t miss the chance to watch this talented artist as she takes the stage in Helzberg Hall on Oct. 30!

How do you think growing up in Kansas City affected your songwriting/singing?

Growing up in Kansas City immersed me in a really unique and fun music scene. The rich jazz history influenced my desire to study jazz guitar. The thriving indie/alternative rock scene sparked my love for live shows and influenced a lot of my lyric writing. In my experience, KC celebrates creativity and music so I was exposed to a lot of great art and music from a young age which made me feel passionate about making it my career.

What are you looking forward to about performing at the Kauffman Center?

I am absolutely giddy about performing at the Kauffman Center. It’s one of the most iconic venues in Kansas City AND it feels like a homecoming. I was in the children’s choir of the first show that opened the Kauffman in 2011 – Turandot. That was one of my first experiences on a stage that large and gorgeous. It’s really full circle for that little girl to have continued music and now be headlining a show there. Also I love Halloween so I’m excited for the costumes.

What can patrons expect from your performance in October?

Patrons can expect me in all my quirky, colorful, dad-joke-making glory. They’ll hear songs from my post-graduation EP Note to Self, songs from The Voice AND some un-released songs as well. I’m excited to tell stories from my time growing up in Kansas City, pursuing music in Nashville, and from my recent endeavor of being on The Voice.

What is your favorite song to perform and why?

I love to perform “Emergency Contact.” It’s by far my funniest song and I just love to get the room dancing and laughing.

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City?

It is impossible to name just one thing but I’d have to say the people. Some of the kindest, most hardworking and most genuine people come from Kansas City. I’ve always felt encouraged and supported by my hometown to keep making music and that has made all the difference in my life. Oh, and Grinders Pizza.


Prior to the performance, enjoy Halloween-inspired appetizers and cocktails in Brandmeyer Great Hall. Guests are invited to come in costume for this festive evening of music and fall-inspired treats. Following the concert, join the artist and her band members in the lobby for photos against the stunning Kansas City skyline, and don’t forget your spooky treat to go. 

Free tickets to see Kate Cosentino are available now for Spotlight members. To reserve seats, visit tickets.kauffmancenter.org/cosentino and enter the promo code sent to you via email or call the Kauffman Center Ticket Office at 816.994.7222. 

Not a member? Join Spotlight, the Kauffman Center’s individual membership program, to reserve your free tickets at kauffmancenter.org/spotlight. Memberships start at $75 for one person and $125 for two. Questions? Call 816.994.7927.    


Customer Service Week

Kauffman Center Celebrates Customer Service Week:

A Tribute to Exceptional Patron Experiences

Photo by Jenny DeFreece

Excellent customer service is a cornerstone of the Kauffman Center experience. This year, during Customer Service Week, we would like to thank our Patron Services team, Theatre Operations team, Bonterra catering, SG360, P1 Group, Titan Security, NPB, Park-it and Laz Parking and KC Medical.


To celebrate, we spoke with Columbus Leveringston, the face of the Kauffman Center Gift Shop:

My title is gift shop attendant and I have been working in the Kauffman Center Gift Shop since day one in 2011.

Before Kauffman Center construction was complete, I was employed part time as an event staffer by NPB, the Kauffman Center’s security. I saw the Gift Shop being assembled and asked, “What will that area be?” The guide said, “The Gift Shop.” I said right then I wanted to work there.

The Gift Shop was originally managed by Connie Silverman and I worked closely with her. Connie later resigned and Barry Myers took over. We were another match! I retired from my role as director of admissions and marketing at Delaware Highland Assisted Living after 10 years.  Later, Kauffman Center subcontracted me from NPB to help manage the Gift Shop. Barry called me the gift shop manager.  I appreciate all trust Paul Schofer, president and chief executive officer, Bill Miller, vice president of operations and mostly Barry Myers, senior director of patron services put in me. Today, I have been employed part time by Kauffman Center for three years.

It’s a joy to be greeted and loved by all at Kauffman Center from the parking garage attendants, tunnel attendants, security, volunteers, staff and our patrons.