The suburbs need more crime

From F5:

by Don Winsor

Since returning to Wichita in November, I've heard every stripe of complaint about Wichita. "There's nothing to do." Not true. "I like ___, but around here the ______ is mostly horrible so I don't go." Well, keep trying.

People are doing more and more new things here. Of course, not everything that exists is great simply because it is happening. There are areas that need improvement. That said, you can't go to one or two shows and judge the entire available music, theater, dance or whatever particular scene by that one possibly amateur effort. Just because one band, show or venue sucks doesn't mean they all do. That's true anywhere.

A few months ago, I wrote in this space a column entreating people to GO DO THINGS rather than complain that there is nothing to do. Since returning, I've been busy doing shows and making Dead Martin happen in the eveningtime, so I haven't had a lot of chance to put my money where my mouth is on that one. So, the past two weeks, I decided to do that. I would go to whatever things existed, regardless if I knew anyone or if I really knew what the hell I was getting into. I didn't go to things I knew weren't my thing — like tiny crowded bar/inscrutably loud music, but I got out… even when I just wanted to stay home and watch Daredevil on Netflix.

I found most if not all of the events I went to through F5, and I was crafty about finding ways in sometimes. But I got out, and I had a great, exhausting couple of weeks. Obvious highlights were the Tallgrass events — Shaken, Not Stirred and The Wrecking Crew. The Color Party at the Wichita Art Museum was very nice. The Big Bang at Roxy's Downtown was something I'd have gone to regardless, but was great.

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