MOTHER’S DAY COMEDY — “The Union,” a sketch comedy show featuring real-life married couple Corey Rittmaster and Monique Madrid is on tap for 7:30 p.m. Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 13) at ComedyCity, located at the Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Road on the Missouri side. Rittmaster grew up in Overland Park. Based in Chicago, the actor/improvisers and veterans of KC ComedyCity most recently toured with The Second City on board Norwegian Cruise Lines. They’ve written a new sketch comedy show that they’ll perform here. Madrid will also preview her new one-woman show that will make its debut next month at the Women’s Funny Festival, an event run by the same producers of the Chicago Sketch Fest. Be advised that the show is intended for those 16 and older as there may be some adult themes and language. Hey, with improv you just never know! For ticket information, contact ComedyCity at 816-842-2744 or visit www.comedycity.cc.
RUN BENEFITS JAZZ FEST — Alan Gaylin’s BRGR Kitchen + Bar is once again sponsoring the “BRGR LUV 4 JAZZ 5K” run to support the Prairie Village Jazz Festival, also presented by BRGR Kitchen + Bar in partnership with the Prairie Village Municipal Foundation and the City of Prairie Village. The run takes place Saturday, May 19, beginning and ending at BRGR Kitchen + Bar in the Corinth Square Shopping Center in Prairie Village. The beneficiary of the run, the Prairie Village Jazz Festival, takes place Saturday, Sept, 8, at Harmon Park. In its third year, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of musicians. Already booked is multiple Grammy-nominated singer and pianist Karrin Allyson, who will headline. A portion of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival proceeds will go to Heartland Habitat for Humanity, celebrating its 25-year anniversary this year. Those interested in participating in the BRGR LUV 4 JAZZ 5K can pick up registration materials at BRGR Kitchen + Bar or find information online at brgrkitchen.com or prairievillagejazz.org.
ISRAELI ATHLETE SINGS, TOO — A loyal reader sent me this little gem over the weekend by way of www.mideasttruth.com. JTA also provided this report:
Moran Samuel, a wheelchair-bound Israeli athlete, has another talent: singing. On Sunday, April 29, Samuel won the gold medal in rowing at the International Adaptive Regatta in Gavirate, Italy. But organizers had failed to secure a recording of “Hatikvah.” No anthem? No prob. On the podium, Moran took the mic and belted a dazzling a cappella rendition of the Israeli national anthem. From choppy waters to vocal chops, this athlete’s got what it takes. Hear her rendition of “Hatikvah” at http://www.mideasttruth.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10911.