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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kansas City
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DTSTART:20260308T080000
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DTSTART:20261101T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T190000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260517T164234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260517T164234Z
UID:1683-1779386400-1779390000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Think & Drink: How to Watch the World Cup Like You Know What You Are Doing
DESCRIPTION:As Kansas City steps onto the global stage\, this lively\, community-focused session is designed to build excitement for the FIFA World Cup while helping fans feel confident and connected to the game. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just starting to pay attention\, this panel breaks down what actually matters on the pitch—from formations and pressing to why possession doesn’t always equal control—alongside a clear\, engaging overview of how the tournament works. Featuring local voices who have helped shape Kansas City’s rise as a soccer city\, the conversation will spotlight key storylines\, teams\, and players to watch\, while offering practical (and fun) ways to pick a team to follow. Expect an accessible\, energetic 45-minute moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A. \n\n\n\nKey takeaway: You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the game\, a stronger connection to Kansas City’s soccer community\, and everything you need to fully enjoy the World Cup experience. \n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\nBlair Kerkoff\, sportswriter and host of Sportsbeat KC\, and Benny Feilhaber\, former professional soccer midfielder and current coach\, known for his time with the U.S. Men’s National Team and Sporting Kansas City. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this free Think & Drink lecture which is open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, May 21\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but registration is required. Click here and scroll down to May 21 to register. \n\n\n\nAbout Think & Drink Lecture Series: Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company\, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area\, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts\, academics\, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives\, ideas\, and discussion. No topic is off the table.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-drink-how-to-watch-the-world-cup-like-you-know-what-you-are-doing/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260602T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260602T190000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260525T164018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T164018Z
UID:1691-1780423200-1780426800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:An Evening of Poetry in the Garden
DESCRIPTION:Every so often\, the English-Speaking Union Kansas City Branch comes across an unexpected opportunity too special to miss\, even on short notice. We are delighted to share one of those rare finds with you—a free and extraordinary evening we hope you will add to your calendar. All ESU members and Friends of ESU are warmly invited to An Evening of Poetry in the Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Overland Park\, Kansas. \n\n\n\nThe program features a summer evening of poetry set in the serene Emily Dickinson Garden within the Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy readings by acclaimed poets\, Catherine Anderson and Robert Cole. Each poet will craft and debut an original poem inspired by Summer at the Pond\, adding a personal and meaningful layer to the evening’s readings. \n\n\n\nThe evening will also feature a special musical performance by vocalists Mark Fortino and Susie Corrigan\, bringing an added dimension of artistry to this immersive garden experience. After the poetry and music\, guests will gather in the LongHouse Visitor Center for dessert and conversation. This is a rain-or-shine event; in case of inclement weather\, the readings will be held indoors at LongHouse. \n\n\n\nLocation: Emily Dickinson Garden within the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden\, 8909 W. 179th Street\, Overland Park\, KS. \n\n\n\nTime: 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nPlenty of free parking \n\n\n\nThe program is free\, but RSVP is required. Click here to RSVP. This program is presented by The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park and is underwritten by the David W. Newcomer IV and Gene Ann Newcomer Family Foundation—celebrating the literary arts in connection to the natural world.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/an-evening-of-poetry-in-the-garden/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260412T173931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T173932Z
UID:1662-1780502400-1780506000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:The History of Shakespearean Theatre in Hawaii
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026 • 5:00 PM ETSponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches Did you know that Edwin Booth\, brother of John Wilkes Booth (President Lincoln’s assassin)\, performed Shakespeare plays in the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 1850s? And he wasn’t alone. The Hawaiian Kingdom hosted many actors who came to the fabled islands to perform Shakespeare. Our guest speaker\, Professor Mark Lawhorn\, will speak on the history of Shakespearean theatre in Hawaii. He put together a detailed display on this topic for the exhibit of Shakespeare’s First Folio at Kapi’olani Community College in 2016. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Hawaii and Seattle Branches. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Mark Lawhorn\, PhD \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMark Lawhorn is Professor of English at Kapi’olani Community College\, Honolulu\, Hawaii. In 2016\, he spearheaded the acquisition of a copy of the First Folio as part of the national tour of First Folios in all 50 States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Kapi’olani Community College was the only community college selected to host a copy of the treasured collection during its tour. Lawhorn is the President of the ESU Hawaii Branch and is a member of ESU’s National Board of Directors.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/the-history-of-shakespearean-theatre-in-hawaii/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T190000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260517T164619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260517T164620Z
UID:1684-1780596000-1780599600@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Think & Drink: Pints and Policy: The Documents That Built the Modern World
DESCRIPTION:Step beyond the familiar headlines and into the decisions that quietly reshaped the world we live in. In this engaging session\, we revisit the presidency of Harry S. Truman—not as a footnote defined by a single moment\, but as a force behind the modern global order. From the Oval Office of a plainspoken Missourian\, a series of executive orders\, doctrines\, and alliances helped end a war\, redefine civil rights\, and lay the groundwork for today’s international institutions and policies. \n\n\n\nYou’ll explore how Truman—born into a former slave state and shaped by its history—grew into a leader willing to challenge it. His bold actions\, including desegregating the U.S. military and elevating civil rights to a national priority\, came at significant political risk but permanently altered the trajectory of American leadership. This session invites you to reconsider what “founding documents” really mean—not just those of 1776\, but the pivotal decisions of the 20th century that continue to influence global politics\, equality\, and governance today. \n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\nCassie Pikarsky\, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Truman Library and Erica Benson\, The Third Place Historian. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this free Think & Drink lecture which is open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, June 4\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free admission but registration is required. Click here and scroll down to June 4 to register. \n\n\n\nAbout Think & Drink Lecture Series: Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company\, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area\, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts\, academics\, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives\, ideas\, and discussion. No topic is off the table.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-drink-pints-and-policy-the-documents-that-built-the-modern-world/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260426T170531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T170532Z
UID:1677-1782316800-1782320400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: America: Made in Virginia
DESCRIPTION:With the Commander of the American Forces from Virginia\, four of the first five Presidents from Virginia\, the authors of the Declaration of Independence\, the Bill of Rights\, and the Constitution from Virginia\, an early Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from Virginia\, multiple signers of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia and\, indeed\, the very land on which Washington D.C. stands from Virginia\, it is safe to say that Virginia was indispensable in the creation of our country.  Ellen LeCompte\, President of the ESU Richmond VA Branch\, will share the people\, places\, and things that Virginia contributed to successfully establishing our democracy. This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Richmond\, VA Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link.REGISTER HERE \n\n\n\nAbout Ellen LeCompte \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nEllen LeCompte is president of the ESU Richmond Branch\, a former Regional Chair\, and an ESU SSE alumna. She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and is a proud Virginian and an acknowledged expert on the UK listed by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of their top Advisors in the United States. She has co-authored two books on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s historic relationship between Virginia and Great Britain. In 2025\, Ellen was honored by King Charles III to be made a Dame of the Order of St John\, one of Britain’s oldest chivalric orders dating back to the 12th century.  \n\n\n\nCocktailIt should be a Mint Julep served in a pewter Jefferson Cup—preferably made with Bourbon from George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon! \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nIngredients8 mint leaves1/4-ounce simple syrup*2 ounces bourbonGarnish: mint sprigGarnish: Angostura bitters (optional)StepsIn a silver or pewter cup or rocks glass\, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).*Simple Syrup Ingredients1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup waterPrepare Simple SyrupAdd the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.Stir until sugar is dissolved.Let cool\, then pour into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.Simple syrup will keep\, refrigerated\, for about one month.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-america-made-in-virginia/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Happy Hours
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T223000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260301T191613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260517T163648Z
UID:1630-1782936000-1782945000@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:ESU Festival Group Night
DESCRIPTION:Macbeth is a Shakespearian tragedy play that tells the story of a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife\, Macbeth murders the King Duncan and soon becomes a tyrannical ruler marked by guilt\, paranoia\, and further bloodshed before his eventual downfall and death\, restoring order to Scotland. The play is filled with riddles\, prophecies\, and nightmare visions. Macbeth is so powerful that an old superstition says its name should never be uttered in a theatre. This is a must-see production by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and directed by Sidonie Garrett. ESU members and friends are invited to this special evening on Wednesday\, July 1\, 2026. We will have reserved seats near the stage at a special ESU discount price. We hope you can join our ESU Group.  \n\n\n\nThis promises to be a spectacular production with lavish stage sets\, colorful costumes\, and featuring an all-star cast. Southmoreland Park is the perfect outdoor setting to bring Macbeth to life and share a beautiful evening in the park with friends and family. \n\n\n\nWhen: Wednesday\, July 1\, Curtain is 8:00 pm \n\n\n\nWhere: Southmoreland Park\, just west of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. \n\n\n\nTickets: Tickets: We have arranged a group discount price of $22.00 per seat. To purchase your tickets\, simply phone the Festival’s office at (816) 531-7728. Tell them you are ordering a reserved seat(s) for the “ESU Group” so you will get the discount price. You can pay over the phone by credit or debit card. When you arrive at the Park\, just tell the staff at the entrance you are part of the ESU Group and have a reserved seat. \n\n\n\n6:00 PM—Gates open. \n\n\n\n6:30 and 7:15 PM—Pre-Show Parody: The Festival’s teen apprentice troupe called Team Shakespeare presents a hilarious parody of the Festival play. The parody will amuse both children and adults while helping them understand the plot of Macbeth. You will find the performance between the Festival Gate and the seating area. Two performances: 6:30 or 7:15 PM. \n\n\n\n7:00 PM–Show Talk:  “Show Talk\,” gives audiences an entertaining and educational preview of the play. Show Talk begins at 7:00 pm located near Festival entrance. \n\n\n\n8:00 PM—This production runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes\, including a 15-minute intermission.  \n\n\n\nFood Options— \n\n\n\n        A. You may bring your own picnic basket with food and drink items of your choice.  \n\n\n\n        B. You may purchase food and beverages from the various vendors at the park. \n\n\n\n        C. Other snacks are available too…funnel cakes\, kettle corn\, soft drinks\, bottled water and more! \n\n\n\nParking: Allow yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the Festival’s entrance.  \n\n\n\nCarpooling:  If anyone wants to use their car to carpool to reduce the number of cars\, let us  know and we will pass along information so members can contact the carpool drivers to make pick up arrangements. \n\n\n\n Weather:  It’s usually very pleasant in the park by showtime. Watch forecasts and plan accordingly. \n\n\n\nFriends of ESU and Guests:  If you have friends or relatives who would like to join our group at the discounted price\, please feel free to invite them.  \n\n\n\nQuestions?: Call Jeff Schnabel at (816) 878-1239. We hope to see you on July 1st at Southmoreland Park!
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/esu-festival-group-night-2/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260712T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260525T163822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T163823Z
UID:1690-1783843200-1784221200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:ESU 2026 Founder's Award Gala & National Patron Tour "Ovid & Shakespeare's Metamorphoses
DESCRIPTION:Dear Friends\, \n\n\n\nThank you again for being part of the truly special week in New York City this past April — a week that brought together the Annual General Conference\, the National Shakespeare Competition\, and\, as its highlight\, the Celebrate Legacy – Inspire the Future reception marking the 25th anniversary of the ESU House and honoring the leadership donors to the first-ever ESU Capacity Building Campaign. We appreciated the support\, enthusiasm and generosity you brought to the evening. Your presence made the event truly memorable\, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to the ESU. \n\n\n\nI am delighted to reiterate the wonderful news I announced that evening: in just one year\, the ESU Capacity Building Campaign has raised over $900\,000\, more than 90% of our $1 million goal\, thanks to you\, our most generous leadership donors. With one year remaining in the Campaign\, we will soon open this effort to the broader ESU community. I have every confidence that they will follow your example and help us exceed our goal. \n\n\n\nWe are profoundly grateful for the generous contributions of so many of you in attendance. Among our leadership supporters is Mr. Donald Best\, who will be the honoree of the 2026 Founder’s Award Gala in London on July 14 at the Oxford–Cambridge Club. \n\n\n\nMr. Donald Best is a distinguished Board member\, devoted steward of our mission\, passionate internationalist and one of the ESU’s most generous donors. His commitment to the ESU of the United States has extended far beyond our national borders: for many years he has championed ESUs around the world and enthusiastically promoted the global fellowship at the heart of our mission. \n\n\n\nHis recognition will be a highlight of an extraordinary week of activities surrounding the Gala. \n\n\n\nUnder the theme of Metamorphoses and guided by Dr. Catherine Loomis\, our program in and around London will feature a series of specially arranged visits to palaces and cultural institutions\, offering behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to meet members of historic families\, distinguished scholars and individuals whose work and insights illuminate the week’s theme. These exceptional experiences\, together with intimate receptions and shared moments with the international ESU community\, will culminate on Tuesday evening\, July 14\, with the Founder’s Award Gala at the Oxford and Cambridge Club honoring our dear friend Donald Best. \n\n\n\nIt promises to be a remarkable week of celebrations\, and I very much hope some of you will join us. Space is limited to 16 participants\, so I encourage you to reserve your place soon by following the link provided. \n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE  \n\n\n\nThank you once again for your support\, your friendship\, and your belief in the ESU’s mission. I look forward to seeing you in London. \n\n\n\nWith warm regards\,Dr. Quinn PeeperChairman\, The English-Speaking Union
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/esu-2026-founders-award-gala-national-patron-tour-ovid-shakespeares-metamorphoses/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T111256
CREATED:20260525T164246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T164247Z
UID:1692-1784131200-1784134800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Halifax Resolves
DESCRIPTION:During the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation\, many focus on the colonial activities centering around New England. A little-known event occurred in North Carolina in the little village of Halifax that helped turn the tide and create our nation. The Halifax Resolves and the three North Carolina Delegates that attended the Second Congressional Congress were the catalysts that brought us to the founding of the United States of America. \n\n\n\nWe invite all ESU members and guests to be part of ESU’s continuing celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary with this Happy Hour. Brian Burns will describe a historic event that was the first official action for independence from any of the thirteen British colonies in continental North America. \n\n\n\nThis ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Sandhills Pinehurst\, N.C. Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. Registration details coming soon. \n\n\n\nAbout Brian Burns \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nBrian Burns is a retired Army Officer living in Pinehurst\, NC. He is the President of the Sandhills Pinehurst\, N.C. Branch of the ESU. He is also on the ESU Happy Hour Committee\, and a member of the ESUUS National Board of Directors. An avid military historian\, Brian earned his degrees in US Military History from Purdue University and the University of Arkansas. With many of the battlefields of the American Revolution and the Civil War within driving distance\, Brian has traveled and visited most up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Although not known for the most famous actions in the American Revolution\, as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States\, he will show how North Carolina played a significant role in the formation of our nation. \n\n\n\nCocktail: \n\n\n\nColonial Rum Punch \n\n\n\nMake ahead: Oleo Saccharum (the colonial secret weapon) Peel strips of lemon zest and toss with ½ cup of sugar and let rest for 30 minutes. The oils from the peel dissolve into the sugar\, creating a fragrant\, silky syrup. \n\n\n\nPrepare: Combine one shot of rum\, ½ cup of citrus juice and one tablespoon of oleo saccharum. Add cold water (or cooled black tea for extra depth – a popular colonial trick). Add a large ice cube and enjoy.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-halifax-resolves/
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