The Art of Listening: Inside Sound Mandala

More than Gold

What if music is humanity's oldest form of alchemy? For two seasons I've shared stories about opera, singer-songwriters, Shakespeare, cities, and remarkable women. This week, I finally understood they're all pointing to the same question: Why do I care so deeply about music? An unexpected visit to The Alchemy of Knowledge at Kansas City's Linda Hall Library revealed an answer I never saw coming. In this deeply personal episode, we journey from medieval alchemists to modern choirs, from Shakespeare to science, and from curiosity to transformation. Along the way, you'll hear  gorgeous choral performances from my own ensembles and discover how ordinary breath becomes extraordinary sound—and why that may be the greatest act of alchemy we know. Maybe knowledge isn't something we collect. Maybe it's something that changes us.

Permission to Create: Inside the KC Fr!nge Festival

What happens when artists realize they don't need permission? This week on Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, Amity explores the remarkable story of the KC Fringe Festival—where artists are invited not by a jury, but by courage. From the revolutionary beginnings of the Fringe movement in Edinburgh to today's vibrant Kansas City festival, discover why Fringe remains one of the most exciting expressions of artistic freedom. Festival Coordinator Katie Gilchrist shares the vision behind KC Fringe 2026, beloved singer-songwriter Danielle Ate the Sandwich takes us inside her whimsical new one-woman show The Magic of Grandmas, and founder of KC Canaries, Amanda Bernice, introduces Life of a Chorus Girl, celebrating the women whose artistry shaped generations of performers. Because every stage has a history… and every artist adds another chapter. ✨ Explore the full festival lineup at KCFringe.org and discover the show that's waiting for you.

Over, Around and Through: the Sound Mandala Experience

What does it feel like to be inside music? In this special follow-up to our conversation with Sound Mandala creator Tom Mardikes, Amity returns to the Unicorn Theatre to experience immersive sound firsthand—and discovers that the music doesn't simply surround you. It moves over, around, and through you. From firefly lights in the darkness to harmonies that seem to drift through the air itself, this episode explores curiosity, attention, and the art of listening through the lens of Signal & Soul and Indie Spotlight. Featuring reflections from a young musician experiencing Sound Mandala for the first time, this isn't just a review—it's an invitation. And Divas, Ingénues & Vixens listeners get a special discount code: DIVAS5   Some experiences can be described. Others have to be heard.

A few thousand miles later . . .

What happens when you travel thousands of miles only to come home seeing your own city differently? In this season finale of the June Welcome Basket, Amity shares unforgettable stories from international choral tours in Italy, Berlin, and France—from singing in the Vatican and performing beneath Renaissance masterpieces to a race across France to sing at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day on Omaha Beach. Along the way, she reflects on leadership, community, pilgrimage, and the lessons learned from traveling with remarkable young musicians: no complaining, no whining, and stay open to the possibilities. As Kansas City welcomes visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup, Amity turns her attention home—exploring Strawberry Hill, Southmoreland Park, the KC Streetcar, and the artists, neighbors, and stories that make Kansas City a city worth celebrating. A heartfelt episode about music, travel, belonging, and the power of listening. 🎶 Featured topics: • International choral festivals in Italy and France • Berlin, techno culture, and cultural discovery • The 75th Anniversary of D-Day • Kansas City's World Cup moment • Strawberry Hill, Make Music Day KC, and local artists • The launch of the Velvet Circle community A few thousand miles later, the greatest discovery might just be home.

The Sounds of Strawberry Hill: Listening to the Heart of Kansas City

What does a neighborhood sound like? As Kansas City welcomes the world for the FIFA World Cup, host Amity Bryson crosses the state line into Strawberry Hill, one of the most historic and vibrant neighborhoods in Kansas City, Kansas. Home to generations of immigrant families, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and community builders, Strawberry Hill tells a story that can't be found in a museum or guidebook—it has to be heard. In this episode of Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, Amity explores the history of Strawberry Hill, the cultural significance of Third Friday Art Walk, and the people who continue to shape the neighborhood's evolving soundtrack. Featuring artist and musician Tracey Myers, this episode asks a simple question: What does a neighborhood sound like? From church bells and family traditions to live music and community gathering spaces, discover why Strawberry Hill remains one of Kansas City's most compelling cultural destinations. Because a neighborhood remembers itself because someone is still listening.