Crossroads

A huge step up vs seeing a show at, say, the River Market. Where the River Market is all asphalt and concrete (that can wear on your feet if you're there for a long show) CKC@Grinders has a huge lay down of basically soft wood chips. Where River Market has an odd diagonal set up of the stage vs crowd with a lot of potential for bad sight lines, CKC@Grinders starts elevated at the back with a high enough permanent stage that you can easily see what the performers are doing all in a single straight line. (Basically a giant rectangle box)

I'm not sure if it was just the nights I was there, but the staff that checks your bracelet coming in and out of the adjacent restaurants (to make sure you aren't sneaking in for free) were also very polite and courteous.

No need to bring cash, every spot that sells drinks will take your card, and bottled water isn't a rip off.

The smoke can pocket pretty easily in the sitting area in the back, but that's my only minor nit. On a breezy night, and with a few minor amenity upgrades, this place would be basically perfect. (Of course, it's up to the performers to carry the rest. ^_^)

This is one of my favorite venues to catch a show everyone's always super nice and helpful.  Being outside in the middle of downtown also adds something to the experience.  The picnic tables are great if you wanna grab a slice of pizza during the show.  For alot of the shows you can bring your own chairs and blankets you just need to check the web site in advance to see if its allowed.

Not only is this one of the best outdoor venues in America, the staff and security crew are friendly, and helpful.  However, the KCMO POLICE, and their PARKING NAZI'S CAN LICK IT!!!  That's why your DOWNTOWN is RUN DOWN, because those pigs have nothing to do but harass people.  
Thank god there is one venue in downtown KC that does not have an ignorant staff, the people at Crossroads are top notch!  The VIP area and lounge are an awesome addition to this place, it really is a nice area they have put together back there.  
Thank you Crossroads, screw you KCMO PD.