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WINTER BREAK GUIDE
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2006
Kansas City offers winter fun
Concerts, lights highlight December activities, events around the area
BY GINA SOUDERS
With the last day of classes this week, students could be looking for more to do. The Kansas City area offers a variety of options.
Students are packing their bags to leave Lawrence and go home during the holiday break, but not all of them.
Some are spending the holidays in Lawrence. And for those who are staying in the area, there are some local events to keep them busy.
To escape the classic carols, people can go to one of the radio stations' holiday concerts during break. On Dec. 12, the All-American Rejects will play at the Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway St., in Kansas City, Mo., for "Mix 93.3's lingle Jam." Three Upstays Grace will play at the Uptown Theater Dec. 15 for "98.9 the Rock's Twisted Xmas," and Angels and Airwaves will play at 96.5 The Buzz's "The Night the Buzz Stole Christmas" on Dec. 16.
Tickets are between $27 to $28.
For a more romantic atmosphere, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform at Kemper Arena, 1800 Genesee St. in Kansas City, Mo.,
on Dec. 26. The rock orchestra is most widely known for its remakes of classic Christmas music.
"I've seen them twice already," jeff Seger, St. Peters, Mo., sophomore said. "The rock twist they put on holiday music is fun and they are excellent live. Their light shows are amazing and you really get a good value for your money for how long of a performance they give you."
Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets range from $30 to $40.
Those not into rock concerts can try some men in tights. The "Nutcracker," a classic ballet about a little girl and her beloved Christmas gift, will play at the Topeka Civic Theater, 3028 S.W. Eighth Ave, in Topeka, the Kansas City Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St. in Kansas City, Mo., and the Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St.
"I was a candy cane dancer when I was a little girl and continued to perform in it through high school." Leandra Monreal, Topeka junior, said. "I'm going to see it again over break at my old dance studio. It's a
Christmas tradition for me."
Tickets to see the "Nutcracker" vary from $14 to $75.
For another date idea, people can drive down to the Country Club Plaza and watch the lights. Carriage rides and sleigh rides through the
Until Dec. 17, Lawrence will hold its annual Festival of Nativities, with festival灯会 on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. About 300 Nativity sets representing a variety of cultures will be displayed at the corner of Fourth and Elm streets. The event is free.
plaza shopping center are offered for that touch of Christmas spirit. The carriage rides cost about $50 for two and the sleigh rides cost $10 per person for groups. Helicopter rides above the Plaza are also offered for about $99 per person.
Kansan correspondent Gina Souders can be contacted at editor@kansan.com.
Edited by Catherine Odson
alternative breaks
BY JASON BAKER
Alternative Breaks is taking students to several locations during winter break from Jan. 6 to 13. Here are descriptions of the programs:
Aids Foundation Houston
AIDS Foundation Houston works in collaboration with other organizations to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and to support those living with HIV/AIDS. Participants will be involved in many of the foundation's support programs, including a soup kitchen and an educational outreach program, in which participants walk the streets handing out safe sex packets.
Give Kids The World
Give Kids The World is a non-profit resort that creates memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Volunteers will work in the Give the Kids the World Village and Resort in Orlando, Fla., in a range of capacities, such as operating rides, planning family activities and helping at concession stands.
The Nature Conservancy Center in Tulepo, Miss., is an ongoing effort to protect swamp habitats for plants and animals as well. Participants help environmental restoration of the area by planting trees and removing non-native species. The effects of Hurricane Katrina are still seen in this area, and participants will help repair some of the ecological damage.
>> Nature Conservancy
Participants will assist first- and second-year teachers, who have dedicated two years to teaching in urban and rural underreseruced schools. Participants will have the opportunity to observe classroom dynamics and help with classroom, extra curricular and community activities. The program is located in Chicago, IL.
Teach for America
United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Dallas seeks to improve the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The center works with people of all ages and backgrounds. Participants will have the opportunity to personally interact with children and adults, assisting them with everyday activities and providing them with emotional support.
Source: Steve Nichols, co. director of public
information. More information is available on
their Web site, www.ku.edu/~ubreaks/index.htm