Welcome to the Lowdown! I am so glad you’re here!
Lee’s Summit North just brought home state titles. Savers opened in the old Big Lots spot. And someone named a cocktail after me. Not a bad week. Here’s your Lowdown. 👇
🛍️ Savers Opens on 291 (The Old Big Lots Spot)
If you’ve been eyeing that empty space in the Summit Springs Shopping Center off MO-291, the wait is over. Savers officially opened Thursday, April 30 at 901 E. Langsford Rd.
For the uninitiated: Savers is a for-profit thrift chain that partners with nonprofits to accept donations – in this case, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City benefits every time you drop off your stuff. You declutter, someone else scores a deal, and a local org gets support. Triple win.
Store hours: Mon–Sat 9 AM–9 PM | Sun 10 AM–7 PM
🏆 LSN Wins (A Lot)
Lee’s Summit North had massive success at the MSHSAA State Tournament, and the school might need to clear some shelf space in the lobby.
The Speech and Debate team finished 2nd overall in Debate and 3rd in Speech. Jake Johnson and Jaelyn Jensen led the way, both coming home as individual state champions.
Not to be outdone, the bowling team won the Missouri Western Zone championship — proving the Broncos can win on the stage or at the lanes.
Hall-of-fame week. Full stop.
Lee’s Summit Is Growing (For Real)
We’re officially the #1 fastest-growing city in the KC metro and the top-growing city in Missouri for our size. Not bad for a town that started as a simple train stop.
A few more things buzzing around the city right now:
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Local Art: Matthew Sikora is 3D-printing stunning maps of KC landmarks and mounting them in handmade hardwood frames – out of his garage. His pieces are stocked locally at Inspo by KHL Design Studio on SW 3rd St. Worth a look (and a gift idea, just saying).
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Giving Back: Over 3,600 neighbors have joined local Buy Nothing groups to give away everything from furniture to groceries – no strings attached. If you haven’t joined yours yet, it’s worth a five-minute search.
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Dutch Bros: The beloved (and slightly cult-following) drive-through coffee chain is headed to Oldham Village East, near Casey’s. No opening date yet, but they’re projecting around 1,640 cars a day through that kiosk – so if you’ve ever been stuck behind a Dutch Bros. line in another city, brace yourself. Worth the wait, though. We’ll keep you posted when doors open.
🍸 Someone Named a Drink After Me
The new cocktail of the month at The Pink Elephant is… “The Foley.”
I feel famous. It’s a dairy-free espresso martini, and honestly it sounds like a perfect Tuesday evening. Go try one, tell me what you think, and support a great local small business while you’re at it.
⏪ The LS Loop
What happened while you were living your life last week.
The City Council took a breather after the April 21 reorganization and swearing-in of new members. Fresh faces, new term – it could be worth tuning in. They’re back in chambers for their first regular session Tuesday, May 5 at 6:00 PM.
No LSR-7 School Board meeting this week – their next regular session is May 21.
🎸 Live & Local
Where to find the best tunes this week.
Tuesday, May 5
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The M80s: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Habanero’s (It’s Cinco de Mayo — they’re celebrating all day!)
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Karaoke: 8:00 PM | The Pink Elephant
Wednesday, May 6
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Mikey Needleman (Solo): 7:30 PM | Iron Horse Bar & Grill
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Karaoke: 8:00 PM | Brick’s Pub & Grub
Thursday, May 7
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Open Mic Night: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | The Fillmore Café
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Jam/Open Mic: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Jack Ray Post 5789, VFW
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The Mikey Needleman Band: Evening | Iron Horse Bar & Grill
Friday, May 8
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The Jackie Myers Trio: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The 1909 Club
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Bryan Fontenot: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Lotawana Brewing Company (Award-winning singer/songwriter making his debut here — don’t miss it)
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Micah Burdick: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | The Pink Elephant
Saturday, May 9
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Heath Church at the Farmers Market: 8:00 AM | Green Street (Yes, 8 AM live music is a thing — and it’s wonderful. FREE.)
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Josephine Eve: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Roots. Seasonal Cuisine (20-year-old KC singer-songwriter with a sound that defies genre — worth the trip)
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Mari and The Music: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Goat Brewing Co
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Dating Sarah: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Iron Horse Bar & Grill
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Blues Fest – Nick Schnebelen & Chris Shepherd: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Legacy Park Amphitheater (Two legit headliners on a Saturday night. FREE. Gates open at 7 PM.)
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Dogzilla: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Captain’s Sports Lounge
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Echoes From The Basement: 8:30 PM – Midnight | Konrad’s Kitchen and Tap House
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The Chris Hazelton Quartet: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The 1909 Club
📝 The Weekly Lineup
Put these on your radar so you don’t miss out.
Tuesday, May 5
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A Very Tipsy Cinco De Mayo: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Tipsy Taco (Live music by 77 Jefferson from 5–9 PM, happy hour 3–6 PM, margarita specials all day)
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The Devil Wears Prada Trivia: 7:30 PM | B&B Theatres Lee’s Summit New Longview 7 (FREE to play, all ages, prizes — first come first served so arrive early!)
Wednesday, May 6
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Downtown LS Farmers Market: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Green Street
Thursday, May 7
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Happy Hour Unwind & Relax: 4:00 PM | Stuey McBrew’s
Saturday, May 9
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Farmers Market Spring Celebration: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Green Street Market
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Women’s Support Group (Hormonal Changes): 10:00 AM | 300 Unity Cir N
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Money & Mimosas: 11:00 AM | Bridge Space (Financial education + brunch.)
Sunday, May 10
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Mother’s Day Brunch at Wally’s: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Wally’s Grill & Drafthouse (Special dishes + the full brunch menu. Reservations recommended — call 816-537-3451.)
🤔 Lee’s Summit Trivia
Why are we called a “Summit” when there’s not a mountain in sight?
Lee’s Summit sits at the highest point on the railroad line between St. Louis and Kansas City – roughly 1,000 feet above sea level. The elevation made it a landmark on the old railroad maps, and the name stuck.
So yes, technically, you live on a summit. You’re welcome.
🐾 One Last Thing (It Involves a Tick)
That’s the Lowdown for this week! Before I let you go — thank you, genuinely, for being here. Every open, every click, and every kind word makes this whole project worth it. I’m so grateful for the community we’re building together.
Now, the less charming part of my week…
While sitting next to one of my dogs, I looked down to find a Lone Star tick crawling on my leg. Cue immediate panic. If you know me, you know I am not a fan of creepy-crawlies – but the thought of Alpha-gal syndrome (the red meat allergy ticks can cause) had me ready to burn the house down and move to the Arctic.
With our unusually mild winter, the tick population is already out in full force. Learn from my mini-meltdown: check your pups, check yourselves, and stay safe out there. I’d like for all of us to keep enjoying Lee’s Summit BBQ without any medical drama.
Have a wonderful, tick-free weekend! ❤️
Thanks for being part of the Lowdown crew!
– Jen
Editor, Lee’s Summit Lowdown
P.S. If you see me out and about this weekend and I suddenly start doing a frantic, uncoordinated jig… don’t worry, I’m just doing a “tactile inspection” to make sure I don’t have any eight-legged hitchhikers. 🕵️♀️🚫🕷️
On that note – What is the weirdest or most “Missouri” thing you’ve found in your yard (or on your leg) so far this spring? I need to know I’m not alone in this!
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