Booms and Beats in Kansas City's West Bottoms Brings Entertainment Back to First Friday Weekends
The Californer/10083312

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Californer -- West Bottoms First Friday event organizers have announced their Booms and Beats theme for First Friday Weekend, this July 3-5. Weekend shoppers will enjoy free live performances featuring band BQ Ocean Blu. The band is newly signed with Union Entertainment in Nashville. Food trucks, area bistros, and coffee shops all compliment the experience of shopping in these vintage and apparel stores throughout the 13-block district.

Visitors may bring their leashed dogs and enjoy the band playing under the historic 12^th Street Bridge. The band will accept donations to share with the Great Plains SPCA Pet Adoption Center to assist with nurturing the animals in their care.

Visitors can also peek inside the historic Rumely event space while they are having an open house on Friday and Saturday to show the remodeled space and offer a chance to win prizes.

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"Families and friends are looking for something to do this weekend to celebrate Independence Day, and we offer a weekend of free entertainment," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, area spokesperson and 'queen of the West Bottoms'. "The West Bottoms First Friday Weekend is often called Festival of the Full Moon – a nod to Full Moon Productions that helps the district shine. The month's full moon falls on the last night of the First Friday Weekend. This July moon is the Thunder Moon, named for the common seasonal storms. Good thing our events are during the day and we expect it will be beautiful."

The West Bottoms is known for its charming, clean, vast spaces inside buildings and outside for visitors to stroll and enjoy the food trucks and band. Stores request masks to be worn and they will be following city occupancy guidelines to promote social distancing.

About the West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District:

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The West Bottoms Historic Entertainment District, located just off the 12th Street Bridge, has 22 warehouses in a thirteen-block area with approximately 600 vendors and more than 25 stores and restaurants.  Many of the large, multi-story buildings have histories starting over 120 years ago. They have now repurposed this vast space to earn the title of the largest, year-round, indoor vintage and entertainment district. Since 1988, the District is the destination for interior decorators and designers, collectors and consumers seeking stylish décor and gift options with history and patina that cannot be duplicated. The weekend's street entertainment, food trucks, and bars are all part of the Festival of the Full Moon. Full Moon Escape Rooms add another adventure option in the area.  www.westbottoms.com