In partnership with
@The Monarch Bar
“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” — Anamika Mishra
Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}
January nights in KC separate the dabblers from the real ones. It’s cold out, but the city’s still moving — jazz past midnight, DJs who know how to pace a room, and bars where the pours hit as the conversation does. This weekend’s for folks who don’t need the loudest spot, just the right one. If you know how to carry yourself, KC’s lined up just right to accommodate you.
I’ll see you at the bar.
—Jay, SecretKC editor
🗝️ The Pregame — Thursday
Free Jazz Thursday – Drew Williams Trio · Thu | 8:00 PM The Ship
A laid-back, no-cover jazz set in one of KC’s most intimate lounge rooms — easy entry into the weekend.
🔗 Event details & RSVP
The Short List
Our go-to rooms for cocktails, music, and unmistakable KC atmosphere.
Late Set Listening Session · Fri Night | XO HiFi
An intimate, high-fidelity listening experience where the room goes quiet and the music does the talking. Expect genre-hopping selections, impeccable sound, and a crowd that actually listens. Arrive early, stay late.
🔗 XO HiFi
Craft Cocktails, Properly Done · Evening | The Monarch
One of KC’s sharpest cocktail rooms and a flawless date-night opener. Polished without feeling precious — every detail earns its place.
🔗 The Monarch Bar
The Speakeasy Standard · Evening | Libations & Co. / 1909 Club
A true speakeasy with big energy and intentional pacing. Serious cocktails, sociable staff, and a crowd that knows how to linger.
🔗 Libations & Co.
Neon Nights & Playful Pours · Night | Brass Monkey
Vintage neon, unpretentious energy, and just enough mischief. A personality-driven cocktail bar that never tries too hard — and never has to.
🔗 Brass Monkey on Instagram
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🎶 Can’t-Miss Weekend Plans
Friday
Mike Ryan · Fri | Doors 6:00 PM PBR Big Sky Bar
High-energy country crowd, big room energy, boots & hats optional but encouraged.
🔗 Show info
The R.A.B. Soul Experience · Fri | 9:00 PM The Ship
Live soul built for dancing, grooving, and staying longer than planned.
🔗 Tickets & details
Friday Night Live — She Groove Jazz & Blues Trio · Fri | Sherri’s Executive Lounge
Classic KC lounge energy — smooth jazz, strong drinks, grown crowd.
🔗 Event details
Mutual Musicians Foundation Late Night Jam · Fri | 1:30–5:00 AM Mutual Musicians Foundation. Historic after-hours jazz in 18th & Vine — where the real night starts.
🔗 Jam session info
Saturday
Neko Case — Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour · Sat | 8:00 PM
Alt-country / indie icon delivering a focused, emotional live set.
🔗 Tickets
The Band That Fell to Earth (David Bowie Tribute) · Sat | recordBar
Beloved Bowie tribute with serious musicianship and crowd love.
🔗 Show details
Kay Fan & Sir Queen · Sat | 9:00 PM Nighthawk
Late-night DJ energy in a polished hotel bar setting.
🔗 Venue info
DJ Gio & DJ Crossfire · Sat | 9:30 PM Aura Nightclub
Full club mode — loud, late, and packed.
🔗 Event listing
DJ Ashton Martin · Sat | Late O’Dowd’s Gastrobar
Downtown DJ set — easy stop before or after bigger plans.
🔗 Event details
The Blue Room — Jazz / Blues Sets · Sat | The Blue Room
Straight-ahead jazz in an iconic KC room.
🔗 Lineup & details
Quixotic Presents Whiskey Dynamite · Fri–Sat | 8:00 PM Crown Center
Immersive music, visuals, and acrobatics — part concert, part spectacle.
🔗 Show info & tickets
👀 Spotted Live — Sunday
Phoenix Jazz Brunch · Sun | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM The Phoenix
Live jazz + brunch = the perfect Sunday reset.
🔗 Brunch details
Stockyards Brewing — Sunday Service Live Music · Sun | ~3:00 PM Stockyards Brewing Co. Easygoing blues/soul to coast into the week.
🔗 Music calendar
Crown Center Ice Terrace · Thu–Sun | Day & Evening Crown Center Ice Terrace
Outdoor skating downtown before you head back inside.
🔗 Skating info
Last Call @The Bar Stillwell
The Bar Stillwell is out here repping lobby bars.
I grabbed the Smoky Harvest: Los Siete, Lyre’s Blanco, pear-cinnamon syrup, agave, lime. Real smooth. Light smoke, not aggressive. Pear and cinnamon doing their thing without turning sweet-syrupy, and the lime keeps it clean. One of those drinks where you take a sip, nod your head, and keep it moving. I had two.
The vibe though? Clean, grown, relaxed. Great lobby bar energy — perfect for a first stop, a quiet link-up, or just sitting solo minding your business with a good drink. Not loud, not pretentious, just comfortable. Feels like a spot locals know but tourists sleep on.
Stay sharp, KC ☾