Kansas City, Mo. – Almost 150 years after its resolution, the Civil War returns to Kansas City this May with two major events. From May 3 to 11, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents John Brown, a world premiere opera about the famous abolitionist. The following weekend, May 17-18, Kansas City will host Stand of Colors, the largest Civil War re-enactment the area has ever seen.

Situated between pro and anti-slavery forces, the Kansas City area was ground zero for the Civil War in the West. Several Civil War battles took place in and around KC—including the Battle of Westport, a crucial turning point in the war. Kansas City’s connection to the Civil War is the subject of these two marquee events.

John Brown, May 3-11 at the Lyric Theatre
Bringing to life one of history’s most controversial figures, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City will conclude its 50th anniversary season with John Brown. From Bleeding Kansas to Harpers Ferry, the world premiere opera will immerse audiences in the larger-than-life tale of the famous abolitionist.

Under the direction of Kristine McIntyre, John Brown features world-renowned baritone James Maddalena as the title character. Through gorgeous choral music, noted composer and Kansas native Kirke Mechem tells Brown's story with meticulous detail and the inclusion of historical figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Frederick Douglass.

"If this means ‘grand opera’ — then so be it. The epic subject demands grandeur," Mechem said. "I am trying to use the power of music and drama to bring to life our country’s greatest conflict ... through the lives of these very real people."

John Brown will be performed May 3-11 inside downtown Kansas City’s historic Lyric Theatre. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-800-OPERAKC or visit www.kcopera.org.

Stand of Colors, May 17-18 in Jerry Smith Park
Attracting history and military enthusiasts from across the country, Kansas City will host the largest re-enactment of Civil War battles ever held in the metro area. Stand of Colors will recreate the Civil War’s 1864 campaigns and battles, including the Kansas/Missouri border wars and the pivotal Battle of Westport. Referred by historians as the "Gettysburg of the West," the Battle of Westport was the largest Civil War conflict west of the Mississippi River.

Almost 15,000 spectators are expected to attend the two-day event in Jerry Smith Park (139th & Holmes in Kansas City, Mo.). In addition to battle re-enactments, the Stand of Colors cast of 1,200 will perform battlefield concerts, cooking demonstrations, camp tours, a grand ball, fashion shows and other living history demonstrations.

Tickets can be purchased at local Price Chopper grocery stores and cost $15 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Free parking and shuttle service are available at the Bannister Mall complex at 95th & I-435. Stand of Colors is sponsored by the North/South Alliance and is presented by the Downtown Kansas City Missouri Rotary Club. For more information, visit www.standofcolors.org.

For more information about Kansas City, go to VisitKC.com.

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