Divas, Ingénues & Vixens Podcast

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.

The Music of Shakespeare

What if Shakespeare is less like a textbook... and more like a symphony? This week on Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, we continue our summer "Welcome Basket to Kansas City" with one of the city's most treasured traditions: Shakespeare under the stars. Join me for a conversation with Sidonie Garrett as we explore Macbeth—a story of ambition, prophecy, power, and the dangerous pursuit of greatness. As a musician, I've always been drawn to Shakespeare's rhythm. His language has a pulse. His stories build like crescendos. Long before we understand every word, we recognize the emotions underneath: desire, fear, jealousy, wonder, grief. That's why Shakespeare endures. And that's why this conversation isn't just about theatre. It's about excellence. In a summer when the world's greatest athletes have come to Kansas City, we're exploring another kind of mastery—the artists who dedicate themselves to telling stories that continue to move audiences centuries later. Whether you're a lifelong Shakespeare fan or you've never attended a production, consider this your invitation. Bring a blanket. Bring your curiosity. And spend an evening listening to one of humanity's greatest stories. Heart of America Shakespeare Festival presents Macbeth 📍 Southmoreland Park, Kansas City 📅 June 16–July 5 For performance details, FAQs, and visitor information, visit kcshakes.org. This summer, Kansas City is singing. Come listen.

Make Music Day KC: Plan Your Route

Welcome to Kansas City-the town I love! As the world arrives for a summer of soccer, music, theatre, festivals, and celebration, Divas, Ingénues & Vixens is kicking off a special June series exploring the people, places, and experiences that make Kansas City unforgettable. In this episode, Amity takes listeners on a musical journey through the city with a simple challenge: Plan Your Route. Inspired by memories of her grandfather, the streetcar, and a lifelong love of Kansas City, Amity explores how music helps us experience a city—not from the interstate, but from sidewalks, neighborhoods, parks, and unexpected encounters. Plus, a conversation with Heidi Markle, organizer of Make Music Day KC, about the global celebration that transforms Kansas City into one giant stage on June 21. Whether you're a lifelong Kansas Citian, a first-time visitor, or one of the thousands of international guests arriving this summer, consider this your musical welcome basket. Ride the streetcar. Follow the music. Discover the city. Because the best routes through Kansas City are rarely the ones we plan. They're the ones we find by listening.

The Art of Listening: Inside Sound Mandala

What if listening is more than hearing? This week on Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, Amity explores the art of listening—how attention, curiosity, and presence shape the way we experience music, sound, and one another. Inspired by Sound Mandala, an immersive sonic experience coming to Kansas City's Unicorn Theatre, this conversation with creator Tom Mardikes and collaborator Jacob Souders asks a deceptively simple question: What happens when listening becomes the art form?     Tickets available at purchase.UnicornTheatre.org

What does music smell like V: Santiago

This week on Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, Amity journeys into the world of The Alchemist with Lauren and Taylor of Apothogothic for a sensory exploration of pilgrimage, intuition, flamenco, Andalusian music, and the fragrance Santiago. Inspired by Paulo Coelho’s beloved novel and a fantastic playlist, this immersive episode blends literature, scent, music, memory, and storytelling into a journey about longing, destiny, and the search for meaning. Featuring: ✨ passages from The Alchemist ✨ flamenco and Andalusian musical influences ✨ a guided “Listen While You Smell” experience ✨ reflections on pilgrimage and transformation ✨ and the beginning of a mysterious summer arc still unfolding The treasure was real. But so was the journey.