Gem Theater

Reviews & Tips

• 0

  I happened accross a Bloodstone concert - WHO KNEW!!  Eric Benet also played - wowsers!!
  
  The venue was awesome and i wuold definately attend other events there.  In fact on my next KC trip, i am checking out what's on the Gem's calendar first.  It reminded me of the old Howard Theater back home.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 11.16.11 Monica C.

  • Report
• 0

  Because part of my fascination with Kansas City has a lot to do with its "sordid" debaucherous past and its being a part of the "seat of jazz," it stands to reason that I love the 18th & Vine district. I think that if it keeps going in the right direction, this could be KC's Beale Street. As it is right now, there's the jazz museum, a couple jazz supper clubs and bars, the Mutual Musicians Foundation, some vacant storefronts and... the Gem Theatre. Dare I deem it the Hidden Gem Theatre? I mean, on a Saturday night at 11pm, this area should be jumping, not dead.
  
  I look at it from the outside and think of what all went on there, "back in the day." It's not such a stretch. The outside is restored, but the inside is rather modernized, I daresay, a bit soulless. I understand it-- concert goers of today are not going to sacrifice modern amenities just to be lost in a haze of saxophone and cigarette memories (I'm weird, of course). So, no protruding springs in the seats, no broken lights or dirty draperies. A clean theater with comfortable seats and leg room, good sight lines, good sound and lights. All you really need in a theater. All *you* really need. Sigh.
  
  By all means, attend a production or concert here. You kind of get the best of both worlds if you use your imagination a bit.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 07.27.11 Joi B.

  • Report
• 0

  The theater is amazing. It is in the Jazz District which is 18th and Vine. This neighborhood used to have a bad rep and it is getting better. I would still be careful at night.
  
  This last Saturday night I went to see the Freak Show Deluxe part of the Fringe Fest.
  
  The theater didn't seem to have a bad seat in the house. It still has the old 40's vibe to it. We sat down front close to the stage and the stage was rather big for the size of the theater. It is small than the Uptown but bigger than the Heartland or Off Center.
  
  Great seats, nice and big and plush. Plenty off on street parking or there is a small side parking lot.
  
  I will go back for sure to see some Jazz. I just loved the vibe of this place. It has been updated so it was nice and cool with the A/C and great lighting.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 07.25.11 Kim N.

  • Report
• 0

  The Gem is a fantastic place to spend an evening listening to jazz, if that is your thing. It's not my thing, but I went since we were given two tickets from a relative to attend a Duke Ellington tribute. I wasn't disappointed.
  
  I guess I was half-expecting more of an authentic old style theater much like the Uptown. After all it is at the historic 18th & Vine district. However, it is a very well done small venue, completely modern on the inside. The seats were comfy, the aisles were huge and the staff was extremely friendly and the acoustics were just right.
  
  The only odd thing was the "bar" that required you to buy tickets from one person and buy drinks from someone else. The two were literally standing within arms reach of each other. I'm sure it is some rule to be done that way, but it was just weird. Bar prices were not bad as well.
  
  If I actually liked listening to jazz, I would definitely go back.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 05.03.10 Scott S.

  • Report