Stories for January 2014

Divas duel for Theatre Lawrence

When it comes to fundraising, a little competition is good for the bottom line. So the thinking goes at Theatre Lawrence, which is preparing to hold its annual “Dueling Divas” event Saturday night at its 4660 Bauer Farm Drive location. Eight local singers compete against each other “American Idol”-style to see who can raise the most money.

Area bands to compete for Wakarusa Festival slot

The Lawrence-born festival can only host one competitor from the Waka Winter Classic. Who’s it going to be?

Off the Beaten Plate: Honey Fried Bananas at Little Saigon Cafe

It’s almost like they’ve disguised the banana by turning it into a fritter dessert with a delicious candy-like coating.

Style Scout: Ashley Tini

Describe your style: My mother always said “bohemian class.”

Style Scout: Spencer Ward

Tell us a secret: I want to rock a skirt before the trend is over.

Mrs. Mass.: Englewood Florist is a master of the bouquet

If I had my way, I’d have fresh flowers in my home year-round.

A couples guide to Valentines Day

Get some tips from three Lawrence couples on thrifty and luxurious ways to celebrate an often pressurized holiday.

Fashion Column Twins: Picking out the right Valentine’s Day dress for you

Tips to help you find the perfect Valentine’s Day dress

Off the Beaten Buy: Solve your single problems with a deck of cards

This deck of cards offers you 52 ways to find your true love.

Lawrence Arts Center hosting annual Souper Bowl

Get your homemade artisanal bowls, soup included.

January Final Friday Preview: New year, new venues

The new year brings a number of new venues for Final Friday art lovers.

Swedish meatballs make for perfect Super Bowl snack

I think sports-watching food is best when it’s bite-sized and will keep well if the game gets exciting and everyone forgets it for awhile. My grandmother’s Swedish meatballs meet both criteria.

Kansas City Connection: Comfort food like grandma used to make

Now that Restaurant Week is over and the fancy prix fixe menus have been shelved for another year, I thought I’d dial in some comfort food at a cozy, unpretentious location on 39th Street called Anna’s Oven.

Hot streak: Local team is tops on national competitive barbecue circuit

There are people who drink beer and smoke meat at a handful of barbecue competitions a year. Then there are people who win. Then there are people who win it all — and a local team has just joined that elite echelon, where barbecue isn’t just for fun anymore. By Sara Shepherd

North Lawrence's first coffee shop in years now open

A new coffee shop is now pouring in North Lawrence, ending a decidedly decaf decade on that side of the river. Owned by four Lawrence residents, the Brewhaus opened this month at 624 N. Second St., next door to the Iwig Dairy Store. By Sara Shepherd

Make More Love exhibit explores the many realms of affection

Leaving it up to the community entirely to decide, people of all ages contribute love-inspired work to the Percolator Artspace.

Prolific local songwriter Katlyn Conroy takes on new projects, European tour

Cowboy Indian Bear’s Katlyn Conroy has been an active artist in her native town of Lawrence for 10 years, developing and embracing the different sides of musician within her.

Lawrence.com live tweeting Transformations pageant this weekend

This weekend, Lawrence.com will be live tweeting the Transformations Charity Gala, where 10 local women will be competing in pageant events, with the help of a female impersonator coach, on behalf of a local charity of their choice.

Style Scout: Leah Bye

Tell us a secret: I’ve never been on an airplane!

Style Scout: Jeff and Penelope Hicks

Describe Penelope’s style: She’s eclectic. She’s a year and a half and (personality-wise) she is really rambunctious and really rowdy.

Off the Beaten Plate: Turkey Fries at Six Mile Chop House

It’s looks like your standard deep-fried dish, but it’s far from it.

The Fashion Column Twins: Casual style for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is on its way, so it’s time to start planning your outfit. Your Valentine’s Day outfit solely depends on your plans. A night in should definitely call for a much more casual and cozy look than a date at a super fancy restaurant. By Emily and Elizabeth Kennedy

Mrs. Mass.: Wild things

Lawrence offers a few shops that specialize in vintage — or retro — attire. One of the more well-known boutiques is Wild Man Vintage, and rightly so. By Jessica Pauly

All about eggs Benedict

The history of a classic brunch dish and where to get it

The culinary folklore tells of the suave, flamboyant stockbroker Lemuel Benedict stumbles into the old Waldorf Hotel one New York morning in 1894. Battling a hangover, he orders buttered toast, bacon, two poached eggs and some hollandaise.

Winter-proof your windows to save energy at home

There’s nothing worse than cranking up the heat every winter just to layer up to walk across the cold kitchen floor of your home.

Citrus chicken provides warm flavor in cold weather

I’ve always believed that citrus season happens in winter as the Earth’s way of reminding us that it’s not going to be cold and dreary forever. Somewhere in a warm orchard the sun is shining as brightly as the flavor of the sweetest clementine, and that warm sun will rotate around to our part of the world soon enough.

Call for small art draws big response

Wall space won’t be a concern for the year’s first exhibit in the gallery at the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City.

Kansas City Connection: Bring your appetite for Restaurant Week

This week is the fifth annual Kansas City Restaurant Week. From now through Jan. 26, over 125 different restaurants and cafes have prepared special lunch and dinner menus to give people a chance to taste why so many have hailed Kansas City as one of the nation’s top emerging culinary destinations.

Behind the Lens: Planning for the perfect photo op

I was standing in the balcony of the House of Representatives, just above the Speaker’s chair where Gov. Brownback would give his State of the State address, when a nearby photographer mentioned the importance of luck in getting good photographs.

Winners of Langston Hughes 2014 writing award announced

This year's winners of poetry and prose writing awards are Justin Runge and Crystal Boson.

New community-based brass ensemble hosts inaugural concert

Free State Brass Band is introducing its unique British-style sound to the Lawrence community in a couple weeks.

Baker University Community Choir to start rehearsals

Rehearsals begin Jan. 30 in preparation for the spring repertoire of the Baker University Community Choir.

Award-winning Turkish film to play at Liberty Hall

Filmmaker Pelin Esmer will answer questions and meet guests following the free screening of her film "Watchtower."

Meet the Buskers: getting to know the local street acts

Busking, or street entertaining, isn’t uncommon in these parts of town, often hearing a slow transition from lively zydeco music to moving jazz solos as you walk from one side of the block to the next. Let us introduce you to a few of the stories behind the street performances. By Nadia Imafidon

Percolator looking for love-themed artwork

The deadline to submit to the "Make More Love" exhibit has been extended to Sunday, Jan. 26.

Wilt Chamberlain film 'Jayhawkers' premiering Feb. 14

Kansas University professor Kevin Willmott will premiere his new film "Jayhawkers" at the Lied Center February 14.

Style Scout: Blake and Monique Spencer

Fashion trends you hate: What were those crop tops those young girls were wearing last season with the muffin tops? They do not match!

Fashion Column Twins: Post-holiday bargains

Most people would probably be burnt out on shopping after the holidays, but as a veteran shopper, I say get out there and take advantage of those deals!

Mrs. Mass.: Burgers on tap

A really great pub can be difficult to find. A pub should serve delicious food, have good service and make for a memorable night. You should be able to grab a table and carry on a conversation. These are the kinds of details that can make or break a pub. Fortunately for us, there’s a place in Lawrence that seems to get everything right: Dempsey’s Burger Pub.

The psychology of the 'winter blues' and 'retail therapy'

It’s cloudy and bitterly cold, a good explanation for our winter misery. But the fact that you find yourself in the mall to combat the “winter blues” is no coincidence. It’s refuge from undesirable weather and more active than watching television on the couch all day, but there is a biological explanation for the mood change and urge to fill voids with the latest apparel. By Nadia Imafidon

Theatre Lawrence takes on Hitchcock in spoof 'Wrong Window'

“Wrong Window,” which opens Friday at Theatre Lawrence, is about as different from heavy drama as one could imagine. The 2008 comic caper spoofs a number of Alfred Hitchcock films, especially “Rear Window.”

Frank's hosting night of '90s TV nostalgia

The cast from Under the Table Productions is putting together their own live-stage rendition of a well-known episode of early ‘90s sitcom “Saved by the Bell.”

Off the Beaten Plate: Spam Musubi at Ramen Bowls

Nicknamed “Hawaii’s Steak,” the salty luncheon meat has found its way onto the Japanese, Hawaiian-Pacific menu.

Bite Sighs: Dine and dash with these toasty pocket sandwiches

Well, we made it to the other side of the holiday season. The big parties are over, and all of the guests have gone home. You are now faced with a refrigerator full of leftovers. Get creative and turn boring leftovers into homemade hot pock..., er, toasty pouches! Yeah, that’s a good name.

Quilter, historian receives grant to create storytelling quilts

Textile artist Marla Jackson has received a grant from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area to fund a series of storytelling quilts.

Documentary on East Hill Singers prison choir to air on PBS

“Conducting Hope” will be featured on Kansas City Public Television, airing on January 12, at 3 p.m.

Theatre Lawrence to hold auditions for 'Other Desert Cities'

Theatre Lawrence is holding auditions for Jon Robin Baitz drama “Other Desert Cities” at 7 p.m. Monday.

Writer, iconoclast, 'creative observer': Celebrating 100 years of William S. Burroughs

The Lawrence Arts Center will feature Burroughs artistic life works in an exhibit in honor of the 100th birthday of literary genius, artist and social critic.

Kansas City Connection: Library events branch out beyond books

In addition to its extensive collection of books and reading materials, the central branch of the Kansas City, Mo., library system serves as an exhibit space, event center, movie theater and a home for frequent author talks and visits.

Behind the Lens: Cold-weather photo becomes a hot-ticket item for other newspapers

Like the shy, quiet child who surprises you with an over-the-top performance in a school play, some photographs can surprise you with their moment in the spotlight. A recent photograph of mine did just that, going viral within 24 hours.

Born again: Old Lawrence churches converting to new purposes

Several pre-1900 Lawrence churches are finding new life after once-thriving congregations abandoned them. Tenants love the typically light, airy spaces, and architecture buffs love seeing the unique buildings carry on, despite often costly and challenging renovations. Here are five of Lawrence’s oldest churches, reborn. By Sara Shepherd

Style Scout: Ryan Evans

Describe your style: It’s a little bit of preppiness, urban styles, flashes of color here and there and a mix of East and West coast — it’s all over the place.

Style Scout: Nicole Alison McGrew

Describe your style: My style is very eclectic; it doesn’t always make sense but it always works.

Lawrence Libations: Hawk Bomb at Yokohama

Chanting, pounding on tables and school spirit.

Fashion Column Twins: Dresses for winter

Even with the holidays behind us and a new year ahead, there’s still room for a little sparkle as we finish out the winter season. Whether it is a winter wedding you have to attend, a black-tie event, or even a small dinner party, it’s always a good idea to have a wintery dress in your wardrobe.

Mrs. Mass.: Brits is royally good

It takes no stretch of the imagination to see how British culture has had an effect on American culture. Have you heard of the shows “Downton Abbey” and “Doctor Who”? Or perhaps that little group called The Beatles rings a bell?

Grilled cheese, please

Local restaurants offer their takes on gooey comfort food

Being deep into the throes of winter, there may not be a better time of year to munch down a grilled cheese and dunk it into a bowl of soup. Here's how six local restaurants serve the classic sandwich. By Elliot Hughes

This year is blooming with ‘purple’ magic

Pantone has revealed the official 2014 color of the year as Radiant Orchid, the color that should be warmly welcomed into the home, wardrobe and beauty regime.

Cooking with snow: Maple syrup candy is simple, fun to make

If you read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books as a child, you’ll undoubtedly remember the chapter in “Little House in the Big Woods” where Wilder attends a “sugaring-off” party and they make maple syrup candy in the snow.

Delicious/Nutritious: Preparing parsnips

This month's Delicious/Nutritious focuses on the parsnip. It can be roasted, mashed, pureed, fried, baked or sauteed. It goes well in many combinations or stands on its own quite nicely because of sweetness and crunch. By Sarah Henning and Megan Stuke

Arts Center holding ‘Pinocchio’ auditions

It’s no lie: The Lawrence Arts Center will be holding auditions for its upcoming production of “Pinocchio” this week.

Kansas City Connection: The fun, fresh flavors of Westside

For this first column of 2014, I’d like to continue our exploration of some of Kansas City’s most interesting neighborhoods, businesses and events.

The nature of DIY collective, tape label, friend group Whatever Forever

With such a high concentration of talent in just one area, why not combine forces as a music collective inspired solely by the friendships developed from putting different music perspectives in one room, and playing?

Body found in park identified as missing local DJ

A body found at Clinton State Park Friday morning has been identified as 26-year-old Lawrence resident Michael Packard, according to Clinton State Park Manager, Dale Schwiger.

Style Scout: Kelsey Ranjbar

Tell us a secret: Usually people are shocked when they hear that I don’t like cheesecake!

Style Scout: Devan Ryan

Describe your style: Well, I don’t always wear what I am wearing, but I’m big into the steampunk culture. It’s a combination of the Victorian era with the future. It’s very interesting!

Off the Beaten Plate: Homemade Marshmallows at The Roost

What better way to complete a cup of hot cocoa or coffee than by submerging a giant homemade marshmallow into the beverage.

The Classic Sartorialist: Fitness fashion

Health-related goals top the list of New Year’s resolutions every year. Unfortunately, goals like eating healthier and getting fit usually get pushed aside by the time Valentine’s Day candy hits the shelves. And while plenty of websites and apps help you set and track fitness goals, few offer guidance on what to wear.

Mrs. Mass.: Peak performance

To say it can be difficult to make exercise a daily/weekly/fill-in-the-blank habit is an understatement, but there are certainly a few places around town that make this lifestyle change a little easier on us. One of these places is The Summit.

Off the Beaten Buy: Mugs that aim to please

Like Buzzfeed in mug, it seems Kathleen and Dee Swayze from Oregon have found another way to use cute, cuddly animal to get a rise out of people. By Nadia Imafidon

New Year, new you: Lawrence services help to tackle resolutions

Another year has passed, and you've once again promised to follow through with your New Year's resolutions. To help make those promises stick in 2014, several Lawrence services available to people commit to them. Here are five resolutions to get you started. By Nadia Imafidon

Class dances away from the past with annual New Year's Day event

On display at a downtown dance studio, as it has been for more than a decade each New Year’s Day, was the delicate art of avoiding collision in a closed space where the number of fellow twirling bodies releasing energy has grown considerably. By Stephen Montemayor

Lawrence Magazine 10 Year Anniversary Stories

Lawrence Magazine to release top stories from past decade to celebrate 10-year anniversary.