1678. Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri

[@jhardy0786]

Lee the way you complimented the sound engineer is why you are a real good cat and a class act I wish there were more people in the world like you it would be such a better place

[@jackmalvern2394]

i thought the same thing. There's a reason his book is called Everybody Loves Me!

[@angelawhite4795]

Music makes my soul happy, I am so grateful to those with such outstanding talent bring it to the world💪🏻💖

[@phobicismist5858]

Brings back memories. As a kid I remember watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Uptown Theatre when it first came out and it looked exactly the same on the inside. We moved to Oregon in 1969. Thanks Lee!

[@brianloy7856]

YES! I saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Uptown as a kid too! Probably about 5 years old - 1968 or 1969. They did a great job restoring it a while back. I saw Kansas and King’s X there a few years back. Nicest venue of its size in the Midwest!

[@yoiamhere4737]

Thanks so much for making these videos. For an aspiring touring musician, it's such a fun form of content to watch! Stay safe Lee!

[@Mark_Brooks]

1926-1928 The original design for the Uptown was carried out by Kansas City architect, Robert Gornall. Construction first began on the portion of the Uptown that would house offices and shops along Broadway. This office and retail portion of the Uptown was completed in November of 1926; however work on the theater was halted until the Universal Film Company acquired the unfinished building in 1927. Completed in 1928, the Uptown Theater was Kansas City’s premier entertainment spot showcasing first-run movies. “The Irresistible Lover” starring Norman Carey and Lois Moran opened to a sold out crowd at the Uptown on January 7th 1928, as the marquee brightened Broadway for the first time.

[@Mark_Brooks]

1928-1929 Australian born John Eberson created Kansas City’s only “atmospheric” theater. The theater was designed to replicate a romantic, outdoor Mediterranean courtyard. The most prominent feature was the nighttime-sky ceiling - complete with twinkling stars, clouds and mechanical flying birds. Many of the biggest stars of motion pictures, stage and music and played the Uptown Theater. In 1928, an unknown comedian in his early twenties named Bob Hope performed his comedy act for a week long run of shows.

[@Mark_Brooks]

1930-1939 In the thirties, movies starring Will Rogers, Claudette Colbert and Shirley Temple were featured at the Uptown. Movie stars like Joe E. Brown, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Tom Mix along with his horse Tony, made personal appearances on the Uptown stage. At that time many Kansas Citians still traveled by streetcars and buses but as purchasing vehicles became more common, the Uptown began offering free parking across Broadway Boulevard. A white-gloved, uniformed attendant with a whistle and flashlight would help people to and from their cars. In 1939 the Uptown copyrighted “fragratone” in which fragrances would be funneled through the ventilation system, adding olfactory pleasure to the entertainment experience.

[@Mark_Brooks]

1940-1969 In the forties, the Uptown rode the success of Hollywood and the movie industry to unrestrained heights of box office success. Matinees with KMBC’s Big Brother Bob Club packed the theater on Saturday mornings. In the fifties and sixties, first-run movies along with live vaudeville and stage productions provided theatergoers with first-rate entertainment. The theater continued to feature stage shows and film until well after WWII, and remained one of Kansas City’s most profitable theaters as late as the 1960’s.

[@Mark_Brooks]

1970-1989 In the early seventies the theater housed the Lyric Opera Company for two years. Beginning in 1973, the theater became home to the Palace Dinner Playhouse. By the late 1970s the theater began to function primarily as a concert venue. On June 27th, 1979 the Uptown Theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the 1980s the Uptown Theater continued it’s prominence in the live music scene in Kansas City. Unfortunately, after years of mismanagement the interior of the theater had fallen into disrepair, and all of the original details were whitewashed. In 1989 the Uptown Theater closed and for the first time since the 1920s, Broadway was no longer lit up by the theater’s prominent marquee.

[@Mark_Brooks]

1994-1995 Following the closure of the Uptown Theater in 1989 the property was transferred to the Land Trust of Jackson County, a governmental corporation established by state law to sell properties in order to satisfy unpaid taxes. Larry Sells, the president of the Land Trust during that time spent a few years trying to sell the vacant theater to developers with no luck. In 1994, Larry Sells resigned from the Land Trust and purchased the Uptown on his own with plans to restore the theater as well as the entire commercial corridor of Broadway between 38th Street and Armour Boulevard.

[@thomasbcool]

HA. i watched this today June 30th and thought I'd share it with a bud who played there in '81. I looked it up and it was exactly this date! I was able to tell Larry Lynch, drummer of the Greg Kihn Band, I know where you were 43 years ago today. Larry still plays with a band called the Faves in SF with guitarist Robbie Dunbar (Earthquake and GKB).

[@randyschiffer3265]

Uptown reminds me of The Majestic in San Antonio.

[@stephenspencer4672]

What a lovely and ornate theater.😊❤

[@DanielWesleyKCK]

Welcome to Kansas City! Watch that big storm coming in tonight.

[@doloresvelez3243]

Thank you. Beautiful venue.❤❤🙏

[@spottorf]

During the '70's, I saw Weather Report there twice, George Benson, Al Di Meola, and many others. There were tables and chairs on the main floor. This brings back fond memories. Thanks!

[@sunshinesteve2820]

Going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come.

[@KittyCarlile-490]

They got some crazy little women there, are you gonna get you one...

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

​@@KittyCarlile-490careful, I think I have a relative that lives in the area.

[@fjeinca]

Lee, I hope you were able to get a meal at Pho Tower, which was right in the middle of your video frame right after you exited the theater. I became a big pho (Vietnamese clear broth soups) fan in L.A., and since relocating back home to K.C., they’re the best at it here! (Yummy and affordable.)

[@fjeinca]

L.A. was where I met (at the old Hollywood AFM bldg.) you and became an even bigger fan of yours. ✌️

[@fjeinca]

Aloha to you and the rest of Lyle’s team still crushing it on tour!!

[@philip2750]

Those old Hobart mixers were made in my town - Troy, Ohio.

[@skoughtw]

Leland has the best content on KZbin. Watching from the SF peninsula!!! 🎶🎵🎸🪕

[@KittyCarlile-490]

Where in the peninsula? I lived there for many years. Miss being there

[@dhix2388]

well said

[@Cathappyfishfry]

So interesting to see just a little of the real work that happens for shows! Thank you, Leland, lifting the veil for us to see just a tiny bit of that work world. Gorgeous place!

[@ResidentialCentersofAmerica]

Man, Such good fans for one of the greatest...well done, Leland!

[@brianloy7856]

Lee, you are so patient and kind with fans and your time - it’s just unbelievable. As a fellow musician, you have my respect as THE session bass player of our time but more so as a human being. Thanks for being you!

[@jackgill2501]

Sir Lee, Just love old school, what a beautiful venue! Hoping all is well the Saturday morning, take care, thank you so much for the tour and the greetings with fans. You are awesome! Safe travels!

[@DaleCrommie]

I really like being able to see everyone setting up for the show. Thanks.🔥🔥

[@rudiblankenburg5746]

Hallo Lee, es ist für mich immer wieder ein Erlebnis, wenn du vor deinem großen Auftritt hinter den Kulissen für uns das alles dokumentierst. Danke, dass ich dabei sein darf.😯👍🙏☮

[@kcctradio5751]

I've lived in KC for 40 years, The Uptown hosts many top bands. I've been a musician for 50+ years. I play several instruments but the Bass has always been my favorite. For those of you who play Bass and do NOT know the name Leland Sklar, you should look at the list of his credits. Lee, I first discovered you playing with James Talor and Carole King, two more of my all time favorites. Great video!

[@charliecontrino1626]

EXCELLENT! What a great Ministry he had! Thanks for sharing! Happy Sunday!

[@tommc49]

Beautiful venue with so many posters and memorabilia. Thanks for the tour.

[@shootingstaroriginalbandfu9452]

Love your heart and beautiful soul Lee.

[@wolfengel4557]

Looking forward to seeing Lyle, Clint Black and of course you and the Large Band tonight at Ravinia. Can't wait!!!

[@bobcat6653]

such a grand building, just so interesting!

[@ChefJamesRusk]

Wow Leland…Beautyful theatre… a true gem….Hoping friends in KC come to the show!🥰 Always enjoy these vids….blessings❤️🌀🌹🪷🌹🪷❤️🥰🖕🖕🖕🖕👍🙏

[@ericwalker6068]

Born and raised in KC. GREAT venue. Living in Wisconsin now, and will be seeing you guys in Madison this week.

[@m1nn1s]

'Fire 🔥 in the HOLE' 📸 Evening Leland 💖🧙🏼‍♂️☮️✨🌟 Beautiful Theater 🎭 Great Character... Healing energy ⚡ to Maureen ✨ and the boys 🐾 🐾 🐾 🧙🏼‍♂️ ☮️ 🤗 💖🧙🏼‍♂️

[@slipperynoodle20]

Sure you're asleep by now.💤 Healing energy ⚡️to you!

[@carolcorrigan3130]

Hi, Andy. Mom T. Corrigan check in. My great grandfather was born in Manchester. Kind of figures. Best to you always. Love Carol.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@m1nn1s]

@@carolcorrigan3130 Thankyou so much Carol... Just like my Grandma and Grandpa in the north always said health first, and a healthy family 👪 💖.. Love and healing energy ⚡ to you and the family, always.. 💖🌟✨🧙🏼‍♂️☮️

[@m1nn1s]

@@slipperynoodle20 Hi Tom, ☮️ 🙏 😇 best health and energy ⚡ ✨ back to you and yours, too ☮️🌟🧙🏼‍♂️💖

[@cushman1]

We were there in the late 70s. It was an eclectic and beautiful space, glad it's still there!

[@daveintx]

It only took one 2024 tour video to make me appreciate your venue tours again! Thanks for your work, Leland!

[@slipperynoodle20]

I'm always tickled to watch your fan interactions. In a way, we've had well over 1000 here. But, one in person? Someday. Love and Thanks❤👍❤👍

[@hans-christiantraute1914]

Hi Tom! Hans Peter told me that you are an aviation enthusiast as well and that you will be going (or flying?) to Oshkosh? 🤓

[@slipperynoodle20]

@@hans-christiantraute1914 Going to Oshkosh, I'm not a pilot. Any requests?

[@hans-christiantraute1914]

@@slipperynoodle20 well, I’m not so interested in general aviation, I love old classic civil aviation aircraft, DC 3 and so on… 🤗

[@slipperynoodle20]

@hans-christiantraute1914 Love the DC-3! Also, hope to see an Electra or two. They look like flying hot rods, and they were!

[@hans-christiantraute1914]

@@slipperynoodle20 You mean the 2-engine Electras, right? I’m always confused when I hear Electra because the L-188 was a regular visitor at „my“ airport when I was young.

[@FreedomRock44]

These are my faves.....Love these theatres.

[@scottbrewer9676]

Welcome back to KC, Leland, have a wonderful time tonight!

[@douglaschase8475]

Thank you for bringing so much joy to so many wherever you may go.

[@docnflossie7351]

Saw U2’s first tour there for $1.00. Peter Gabriel’s first tour too. A storied venue ❤🎉❤

[@ryankramer]

I hate you. And by that I mean I'm so so jealous. ^_^

[@scooter4196]

Hey! Just 20 minutes from me! That's an awesome venue.

[@kennonmoen4424]

What a lovely venue! I love your interaction with your fans. It’s obvious everyone *still* loves you!

[@lavatar3562]

Another iconic venue. It’s a treat to see all the kitschy paraphernalia but the real joy is watching Leland interact with his followers, to think that guy recorded at Sun Studios in’59, he’s older than Lee! 😂

[@davidmarais1048]

What a stunning venue, Lee - thanks for the tour.

[@Ajgreetings]

Such elegance.......beautiful

[@lethiapage4767]

Another lovely theater. And more great fans! Nice to see Mr Lovett himself.

[@MissingMars]

on tour with Le -again!!! thanks much bud, you travel for all of us!

[@jameslangford9347]

Thank you for taking time for your fans! It was a thrill to chat with you and get a picture together. The show was a blast and all y’all are great musicians! And the guy who sang bass? If you ever break your B string and he’s around he has you covered.

[@lelandsklar6363]

Willie Green is amazing.

[@m1nn1s]

@@lelandsklar6363..... and such a character! 🤗 ☮️ 🎶 💖 🧙🏼‍♂️🌟✨⚡🎶

[@1mmickk]

Be nice to see a video of the dogs when he gets home see their reaction.

[@TrystonL7]

Quite an exciting treat to be brought along for glimpses at these fantastic venues. Thank you so much Lee. Looking for Brad all the time now, such a nice man. How's Maureen?

[@InfiniteRhombus]

I saw gwar play in this venue, ended up being like 120 degrees inside that day

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Thanks for this awesome tour of another great looking venue. I wish Maureen all the best. Cheers, Leland! 🙏✌️

[@whodder06]

Pretty awesome venue Lee. Thanks for sharing!

[@beckyevepete]

What a gorgeous theater!! The modern ones are nice but just don't have the class of the old theaters! All the craftsmanship is amazing!! So happy to see you back out filming for all us fans!! ❤💋 🖕

[@earlcoli5607]

Hey Lee, I wanted to drive over from Lawrence just to say hey and pay my respects to you! Regretfully, I could not make it. Best wishes! Hope you had a good time in KC! Cheers!

[@splashesin8]

Wow! A lot of stuff happening. Hope you found some good food. I found myself wanting that woman's extra tickets. ...and brainstorming about rounding some up while my brain is not distracted here for a second. ❤😊

[@suecorrigan]

Good evening, Lee!! 😃😎🎸🎶 We were at a local fireworks display & community picnic here on Cape Cod! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🎆🎆🎆🎆😃 Love this venue and setup! Keep selling those books! 📖 Hope you guys had a great gig tonight!! Gosh, do I miss you! ❤🤗😙🎸🎶😎

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

Come out west and you won't have to leave the house to leave fireworks, they'll come to you! Hopefully you won't end up next to a house storing 75 tons of them, but there's 💥 aplenty.

[@suecorrigan]

​@@SoundsFair--M-and-Jyikes!! They're illegal to store & set off in Massachusetts, but not New Hampshire! 🎆🎆🎆

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

@@suecorrigan It's mostly illegal here too, but I guess that's merely a suggestion. Where the "safe" ones are legal, people come in to use the illegal ones. Great if you are into shock and awe. New Hampshire probably benefits from a smaller population and, maybe, less access to huge amounts of explosive/incendiary devices.

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

@@suecorrigan I posted a video just for you! I took it a few feet from the back door last year. Press the big S a couple times and it will take you to our channel and it will say "For Sue."

[@suecorrigan]

@SoundsFair--M-and-J Thank you, my friend!!! 🥰🤗🤗🤗

[@EddieLeeFunn]

Great place! We were there a few months ago for Adam Ant w/The Beat... You're #1, Mr. S.!

[@anthonycook4297]

So very cool, Lee! What a beautiful theatre. Love seeing these amazing theatres/venues. And the way in which you address people is just marvelous ! CLASSY, bass brother 🙌🏽

[@gustavoborchert]

Wow, you finally came to KC, Leland! Is it only tonight?… I saw The English Beat there not to long ago…

[@guitardog]

Love KC! Thanks again, Lee.

[@tomdulle1707]

You're in the stomping grounds of your old buddy, Gene Clark! Walt Disney's original Laugh O Gram studios are nearby as well! Enjoy KC, it's a great town! You're one of the all time good guys!

[@dallaswright9249]

Wow you guys are hammering down the road nice venue as always peace out cinvy

[@adoming6]

I didn't get to see you guys play, but our sax player did. I was there 2 nights before to see Little Feat. Such a cool venue. Thanks for the tour!

[@grammawpayton]

Thank you for posting, I loved seeing your fans so excited to meet you and the beautiful theater♥

[@tj10south]

Thanks for coming through! Always good to see you play live in KC.

[@mnpv7812]

Saw Buddy Rich there in 1977 and been drumming ever since.

[@evhwannabe6590]

Thanks for the BTS tour Mr. Sklar! We go to shows there a lot, but haven’t had the pleasure of playing there yet. ✌🏻

[@lance31415]

Everything's up to date in Kansas City, they've gone about as far as they can go...

[@lynnpeterthorson5277]

Lee, just LUV your venue tours!

[@labgnat]

Seen a bunch of amazing concerts there. Really cool spot for a show

[@rwest8905]

Another very cool theater. Thanks (again) for sharing!

[@MrKappa0815]

Love these inside / backstage vids. Thanks for sharing Lee

[@carolcorrigan3130]

I love the design work, all the effort it takes . Thanks Leland.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@erestube]

Saw Warren Zevon there on his Werewolves tour 78ish? Probably six or seven encores. The crowd would not let him go. He was down to playing half a song that he "was working on." He finally had to come out and say "That's all I've got." One note about the ceiling. It is molded to be curved for the acoustics a la cathedrals.

[@charleso.8998]

Saw Frank Zappa there in the late 70's great venue. saw Bohams led zepplin evening there a couple of years ago.. lot of memories on that stage.

[@kropotkinbeard1]

I've played there in a warm-up band for Paul Carrack and Nick Lowe. It's a cool venue.

[@randyschiffer3265]

Let me ask you something Leland. Do you go through peoples medicine cabinets when you visit? There's not a room that's safe when you're in the house.

[@SoundsFair--M-and-J]

👍👍 This tour is becoming a bit of an architectural revelation for me. It was such a pleasing sight to see the historical theater, but even across the street at that site you can see (what appear to be) new block like multistory apartments in the current style. I have seen a lot of it spring up very recently and very fast in areas that we are familiar with, but I had no idea it was happening all over until it showed up outside your venues 4 days in a row(?) even in Nebraska and outside a big city.

[@carolmoline6490]

YOU Really Bring so Much JOY to Fans. ❤❤❤❤

[@sharoncole4868]

The Uptown is a great venue. Have seen many shows there.

[@vanlifeonthego6684]

Site of my first concert, Head East around 1977. Some of the show was used for their Head East Live album. Great times

[@TakNishi]

Wow!! Lyle himself sets the stage!😦

[@1911wood]

The Uptown. Spent many a days there watching movies. James Bond - Thunderball. Godzilla. I went every weekend. My first concert there was Phoebe Snow, she was great. When you went outside if you would have went to your left, down Valentine Rd you would have seen a very cool neighborhood. Hey in the back of the Englewood Theater in nearby Independence you can see the the tagged walls backstage, where performers have written their names, even Elvis.

[@eddiethek]

"Kitschy." Absolutely. Hey, was that Roseanne?!

[@timc333]

@ 16:00 the guy didn't need to correct you , but he did need to feel important and in charge . they must relegate him to cleaning the restrooms , he seems so very happy to be alive . Kind of guy who hates a bright Sunlight day . I wonder if his Mom is proud of him . Bet she's tough on him too . Ball busters who can't tell the difference between a threat and the main act probably are in the wrong line of work .

[@RalphOnofrio]

THE BOSS IS WORKING......Great place................Ralph Onofrio

[@briangarrett6510]

Just read a James Taylor concert review from Syracuse the other night. Shame you and Russ don't tour with him anymore.

[@Larkpine]

Cool Lyle 😊 Hello Leland! 💜👩💜 Beautiful! Venue

[@DonaldHerron]

I am sorry we missed your performance ❤

[@jeffbangkok]

Good morning

[@Funkybassplayer]

Hey lee. Who’s Lyle Lovett????? Never mind. Her face when she said that. 😂😂😂😂😂 Those kids probably listen to that auto-tune crap. They don’t know great music. Your interactions with your fans is really something. Beautiful venue sir. Greetings 🙏🏻

[@BasicDrumming]

I appreciate you and thank you for making content.

[@m1nn1s]

Alan

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Missed hearing Brad’s sax….

[@ditchgator1]

😎👍👍 😎✌👍❤🖖 Love Brother

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Kitschy is definitely the right word……. Weren’t you here before? Looks familiar for some reason…..

[@pamr4040]

❤

[@tomcoryell]

I would fall on my 67 year old ass if I stumbled around dark theaters! Be careful Lee!

[@elcienechagas1981]

Leland Sklar 🎸🎶🎙️👑👏👏

[@FreedomRock44]

Topo Gigio....Hahahhaha.......Eddie Kiss me goodnight!!!!!!!! I screw the name of that water up all the time.

[@JimMcNicholas]

Where does lyle post his photos of the venues?

[@Soundhypno]

I think i saw True Grit there in 69

[@aussicd]

does Lyle publish his photos or are they for personal viewing

[@lelandsklar6363]

Posts them on FB and Instagram

[@sharoncole4868]

Was Larry Sells there? (The owner)