Artful Connections Along the Streetcar

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. Get an inside look at Mayor Lucas's insights on the FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City and what it means for Kansas City's future. Hear the mayor's thoughts on the City's growing cultural landscape, including the new arts destinations in the 18th & Vine area and the Kansas City Symphony's new venue in the South Plaza dis...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Their discussion centers around the upcoming 2026 production of Macbeth. Garrett discusses tips for the ultimate "theatrical tailgating" experience and why Southmoreland Park is the ideal place for residents and visitors to the upcoming World Cup to experience classic Shake...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Dr. Peggy Shannon, The Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute, to explore the school's evolving strategic vision. They discuss Marble & Canvas, the new on‑campus retail store showcasing student and alumni work, and how the Streetcar extension is already boosting foot traffic along The Arterie—Kansas City's emerging cultural corridor. The upcomin...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Kathy Nelson, CEO & President of the Kansas City Sports Commision & Visit KC, and Lindsey Douglas, Chief Operating Officer of KC2026, to discuss how the World Cup will impact international, national and regional visitors and local residents. Transportation options including the new Streetcar extensions are discussed as key components of accessibility for all even...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Jon Stephens, CEO & President of KC Port Authority to discuss the development of the River Market and Riverfront areas, their current and upcoming programs and future strategic plans. Jon discusses exciting new projects, like the transformation of the historic Scarritt Building into the upcoming UMusic Hotel, which will provide a unique experience for performers...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Dr. Eric Dorfman, CEO & President of the Linda Hall Library, to discuss the 80th anniversary of Linda Hall Library, their upcoming program and future strategic plans. Dr. Dorfman discusses the Arboretum and Arbor Day plans, the popularity of their sports analytics programs, including the upcoming program on soccer, and how he would like to see the Linda Hall Libr...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Julián Zugazagoitia, CEO & President of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to discuss the expansion of the Museum with a new wing on the west end of their campus, with expanded spaces for education, performance, events and dining and which would be the biggest investment in arts in Kansas City. Julian will also discuss the impact of the Streetcar and the upcoming Wo...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Rick Truman, CEO of the Folly Theater to discuss the Theater's 125th anniversary programming and the impact of the Streetcar for their theater attendees. Note: This episode was recorded prior to the recent break-in and vandalism that caused an estimated $750,000 in damage to the Folly Theater. The Folly is currently seeking community support for restoration effor...

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Tom Gerend, Executive Director of KC Streetcar, to discuss the October 24th opening of the extension to the Plaza, the 2026 opening of the River Market Streetcar extension and the impact of the Streetcar for residents, arts lovers and visitors to the area including during the World Cup 2026.

Host Michael Mackie sits down with Stacey Paine, President of Crown Center Redevelopment, to discuss a variety of cultural arts activities and exhibits that have been showcased at Crown Center, the impact of the KC Streetcar and World Cup 2026 on visitation at Crown Center and what is coming up in the next year including Oktoberfest and the Hallmark Christmas Experience.

Host Michael Mackie, sits down with George Guastello, President of Union Station Kansas City, for the inaugural episode of KC Studio's new monthly arts podcast, "Artful Connections Along The Streetcar." George discusses a variety of cultural arts activities and exhibits that have been showcased at Union Station including the Disney, Auschwitz and Princess Diana exhibits, which ones were his favori...