The concept of live music in the Crossroads started out as part controversy, part pipe dream…
But as they say, time flies.
"This must be year five for the Crossroads," says promoter Brett Mosiman. "Holy crap! That’s hard to believe. Who would have thought that we would have made it, huh?"
In addition to calming area loft dweller’s concerns, Mosiman and partner Stretch faced formidable competition for outdoor shows from established venues like Sandstone, Starlight, the City Market, Westport and more. But instead of playing it safe and booking a handful of concerts, Mosiman dived in full force and it’s been growing both in number and quality of the acts ever since.
"We did 24 shows our first year," Mosiman says. "This year we’ll have 30 shows and we get done each night by midnight. We try and open every year the first week of May and we go until mid-October. We’ve been averaging 30 to 40 events the last three years."
As for the immediate competition, eh!
"I think the City Market’s always in the two to three show range," Mosiman says. "They’re not really competition. Harrah‘s is doing fewer concerts and the Crossroads has established itself, and the artists and fans are kind of finding the place. It’s grown out of word-of-mouth – it’s been an organic rise. And it’s earned its reputation as one of Kansas City’s funner, finer venues."
That said, Crossroads didn’t just magically happen…
"We’ve really worked hard to keep free parking," Mosiman says. "Our drink prices are half that of other venues and our ticket service charges are less than half what they are on Ticketmaster."
Crossroads groundwork is paying off in musical dividends this year in the form of bigger name acts.
"I think every year we’ve increased the gravitas of the venue," Mosiman says. "This year we have Jamey Johnson, Elvis Costello, Ben Folds, O.A.R. and Ben Harper. Those are big names. Those are great shows and it’s a perfect time to visit the arts district.
"When we came into Kansas City there wasn’t much going on. The town was never the greatest touring town and most acts skipped coming here. And we’ve been trying to change that."
As for what’s new at Crossroads this year, "Some paint here and there," Mosiman says. "And refining the mulch."
The bottom line: "Music underthe stars is such a wonderful thing," Mosiman muses. "Andwe married that to what was becoming a vibrant arts district. I mean, you watch people come in for the first time and see their faces light up."
“Some paint here and there,” Mosiman says. “And refining the mulch.”
omg, more with this fkn joke?
One might think with all the money thie this greedy POS has made over the last 5 years he would do some real improvements, it is total BS.
Hearne have you EVER actually been to a show there? Have you PAID money?…. pIAD to stand INTHE HEAT on wood chips and piss in a stinky old fashioned,o ver flowing POS porta pottie? Have you ever PAID to see a show there?…. only to have it stopped because lightening was endangering customers?
Hearne, besides the obvious ads sales, why would you hype a place with NO HV/AC, NO ROOF AND NO PLUMBING? You are aare that there are plenty of REAL venue locally whe you can see a show without sweating your ass off or risk getting rained on or having to piss in stinky overflowing porta pottie….
Have you ever taken a date to show at this place? Did she have heels on?
Have you ever actually PAID to see a show there?
Try puttingf in a real customer’s position, look at it like that, then tell us what you think.
one more time
please delete the other… sorry for horrible spelling grammar
“Some paint here and there,” Mosiman says. “And refining the mulch.”
omg, more with this fkn joke?
One might think with all the money thie this greedy POS has made over the last 5 years he would do some real improvements, it is total BS.
Hearne have you EVER actually been to a show there? Have you PAID money?…. PAID to stand IN THE HEAT on wood chips and piss in a stinky old fashioned, over-flowing, porta pottieS? Have you ever PAID to see a show there?…. only to have it stopped because lightening was endangering customers?
Hearne, besides the obvious ads sales, why would you hype a place with NO HV/AC, NO ROOF AND NO PLUMBING? You are aware that there are plenty of REAL venue locally where you can see a show without sweating your ass off, risk getting rained on or having to piss in stinky over-flowing porta pottie?
Have you ever taken a date to show at this place? Did she have heels on?
Have you ever actually PAID to see a show there?
Try putting yourself in a real, paying customer’s position. Go there, look at it like that, then tell us what you think
OK, I’ll tell you what I think. I have been to shows there. With a date.
As for no air-conditioning or roof, it is an outdoor venue. Stinky? You got me there; I can’t smell. But I’ve not heard that complaint before. Porta Potties? Ever go to a KU football game and park in the VIP parking? Helloooo.
As a fellow Typo King, I’ll stand by my comments above.
It is what it is
Geeez,
Not all of us want sandstone venues. Don’t upgrade it. I don’t want a roof. I don’t want a stupid fucking date that doesn’t have enough sense to wear heels to Crossroads. It is a gritty neighborhood organic venue. Go buy your frigging Sprint Center tickets, pay the crooks at Ticketmaster, stand in line to get in and overpay for drinks if thats what you want.
Geeeze is Right
It’s a SHITHOLE. Stretch is turning into Guy Fieri’s bitch. He thinks he’s gonna be some bigshot reality tv star. No reason they can’t pour a concrete pad and put in a partial roof and halfway decent shitters. He and Brett are just cheap bastards.
Gitmo treats prisoners better than Crossroads treats patrons.
Jamey Johnson, Elvis Costello, Ben Folds, O.A.R. and Ben Harper. I wouldn’t call those BIG ACTS.
Good thing you can’t smell. The STENCH inside the shitters on a HOT AUGUST NIGHT is TOXIC. The couple of times I’ve been there I saw men and women just piss right on the mulch. Classy!
Great location and it could be a BRILLIANT venue but Stretch and Brett must have taken some classes from David Glass
Rockin
Way to go Stretch and Co.—30 shows– great niche names.
These guys took nothing And I mean NOTHING— and made it into a nice business.
I’ve never been to a show there but all of my sons have gone many times and really enjoy it…plus they get to hit Town Topic afterwards.
I go to both of the Grinders for lunch all the time, great food and great service.
Crossroads is happening…My wish would be to see a couple of big Street Fairs in Crossroads…SAT Sun type deal where we shut down Grand from 18th to 20th….I’m thinking like biggest Flea Market in Country type thing—bring in the Hippies and the Carnies and let it rip. $$$
Nothing needs to change
Cement? Roof? Bathrooms? What a bunch of whiners. If you don’t like it – don’t go. Dollar for dollar it’s absolutely the best outdoor venue in the city (maybe Knuckleheads – but they’re apples/oranges). Why fix it if it ain’t broke?
No reason for a band to play there
I actually dont care if they improve that dump, I just wish acts would NEVER play there, when there are a lot of REAL venues available in Kansas City for small to medium groups. Why subject YOUR fans to the heat rain and stinky portajohns?
I have no dog in this hunt, so I will let people suggest whatever REAL venues where bands should play….. but there is just no reason to have a show at a craphole when there are places that protect patrons from lightening and there (gurateeed) wont be rain and it will be cool from air conditioning. This is not to mention avoiding the stench of urine in an old fashioned johnny-on-the-spot.
There is no reason, except profit for the owners, to have a show there. I hope more and more acts reject that shit hole. I am not even sure how/why the city of KCMO allows that place to host concets on a “permanent” basis. It is set up like temporary, but run permanent.
PS
As I said, I am not affilaiated IN ANY WAY WITH ANY VENUE , but I will give HUGE props to Knuckleheads for the improvements they have done, at least setting up modern portablew bathrooms.
I ask again…… Hearne have you EVER paid to see a show there? how did you like it?
Hearne …
That was no porta john at KU’s football stadium. It was a luxury suite.
It’s a fine venue
I hate to use this construction, but it is what it is. It’s a relatively small, makeshift-looking outdoor venue. It has its certain charm. And it gets acts that are appropriate for the size. Went to Modest Mouse there last year. It was hot and humid and I was there with a date. Our shoes got muddy and the place smelled like a bad combo of barbecue sauce and sweat. And we left smelling and with mud on our shoes. Which was exactly what we were expecting.
It’s a concert venue, you don’t really go there expecting comfort and amenities. And if you do, you’re going to places like Sprint Center where you pay $60 for nosebleeds and get to watch Rod Stewart look like an ant prancing around on stage from your overpriced overhand seats.
A couple years ago, I paid $20 to see Sonic Youth at The Uptown, which has a roof and air conditioning. And guess what? It was still hot, muggy, stunk like shit and the bathrooms were filthy. And I still had a wonderful time with enough change in my pocket leftover to grab a meal at Chubby’s afterwards. You get the same pleasure at Crossroads.
OK OK I will list venues..
“”It’s a concert venue, you don’t really go there expecting comfort and amenities. “”
YES YOU DO!!
KC medium sized perfecto venues-
Voodoo lounge
Midland Theater
Uptown Theater
All three of those REAL VENUES host crossroads sized shows, and there is no leaving “”smelling and with mud on our shoes””
come on man.
really
You are listing indoor venues to outdoor venues. As was already stated, if you don’t like it, don’t go. I’ve been going to shows at the Crossroads since it started and as Ross said, Crossroads and Knuckleheads are two of the best concert venues in KC. I love the venues you listed but it is a totally different experience. Yes, I’ve taken dates to Crossroads and again as was mentioned, they are just smart enough to not have to dress in heals to go to an outdoor show. I don’t see girls wearing heals at Sandstone either.
Hmmmm…
If your date is wearing heels to Crossroads you should use a different escort service.
KCMO should inspect this permanent “temporary” facility
Oh no, you think I am a clown, should I be heart broken??
How about…. I dont give a fuck what you think, you can go
fuck yourself. The crossroads books acts that should NOT
be playing in that shithole / dump. These acts should play at a REAL VENUE.
The crossroads IS NOT real venue, it is a smelly dump,
it is set up like a temporary location…but after 5 years years it is permanent…..
something, besides the porta potties, smells here, Cit inspectrors need to take aclose look.
COME ON KCMO HAVE SOME PRIDE….. THIS PLACE IS A DISGRACE
The Crossroads is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the city.
When will KCMO get its shit together and close place this dump down.
So far this year KCMO is losing out BIG TIME to KCKS,
It is time to spruce things up or shut things down.
Its obvious GEEZ doesnt attend many outdoor concerts
or even much live music at all. I am an old tour head, been to dozens of venues, large and small. Each has their purpose. Crossroads fills a perfect niche. Its the niche that City Market used to fill, but did a very poor job. Ever go to the bathroom at a City Market show? Its like the Bataan death march. I love how I can go to Crossroads, eat some badass pizza/calzone, drink for a reasonable price and be merry. The vibe there is so laid-back. Ive seen 10 or so shows there. The vibe is very college town Bottleneck/Blue Note. Sure it has mulch, porto-sans, and stinky hippies. Thats part of the charm. Get over yourself! It’s music under the stars and the acoustics are remarkably good for music.
OH and one other thing
The fact that these guys cut ticketmaster out of the equation is enough for me to give them my support!
You are ignorant
How could you possibly know anything about me? you fkn dumbass.
I guarantee you that I have seen more shows already than you ever
will see in your life. Why do you think I care? I am pissed that the
dump books acts which I want to see…. but I wont go back to that shithole.
for the record……
I have seen over 1500 live shows, and counting…
what is your number??? …huh??? you fkn pussy.
I have seen more shows in more cities than you ever will,
I know all about concerts and venues and the business…. nationwide….
Go fuck yourself with your bullshit talking ignorance.
Get out in the world, see the sites….learn a litlle and then
you will agree that place is a shithole unworthy to book acts.
I am doing YOU a favor, standing up, saying something…….so …..fuck you very much.
how do I know?
How do I guarantee you that I have seen more shows already than you ever will see in your life? Becasue I have seen more shows than anyone I have ever met, and I paid for every fkn show. No back stage passes no media passes…nothing .I AM A REAL FKN FAN…. AND THAT IS WHY I AM PISSED AT THE DUMP …FK THEM… AND THIER SHIT HOLE!! I have seen every act ever worth seeing, and i am still searchinbg out quality rock and roll…. I do my best to learn these news acts and find ones that are worthy of seeing.. I hate rap…… I hate country…, I despise American Idol…I despise canned ass bullshit…. I hate Madonna redoers….
I love real fkn music played LIVE in quality REAL venues…. I love it more than you can possibly image… and I hate the dump as a venue just as much…If shows werre $15.00 then OK… IF beers were $2.00 then OK…but those assholes charge full price at a discount shithole…..AND THEY REFUSE TO IMPROVE IT IN ANY WAY!!!! FK THEM… it aint a country fest, it is in the city…fkn dumbasses.
More Mulch
Nobody is wrong– Dudes are making sense. Yes its in the City…maybe the City could help these guys out with some improvements or TAX help— I guess my glass is half full–they do book some pretty good talent.
Hypothetically speaking…I’m staying at Crown Center and see that Elvis Costello is in town…..its 75 degrees…I go to web-site see pictures of the venue–hey I’m in.
Ticking Time Bomb
Mulch is the perfect breeding ground for ticks, fleas and other disease carrying insects. So while you’re having a lime with your shot of Patron order up a side of lyme disease.
More Rubber Mulch
Smartman OT— what is your Hosmer bet selling for today on Intrade?
HOSMER HOMERS AGAIN— I haven’t watched 2 minutes of Royals baseball….but how cool would it be this guy delivers?
He appears to have a little attitude.
@bschloz
Still long and bearish on Hosmer. Lots of ball to play. Last night was a complete clusterfuck. I could have got on base last night. Those things happen. I think he’s a solid addition to the team. He’s a component not a catylast.
Geeez has never seen a live show before…
…it’s pretty obvious at this point. I’m going to guess he’s a prisoner with access to a computer, a 13 yr old fat kid – or possibly a shut-in of some sort with a touch of tourette syndrome. Definitely not the type of person who sees any live music.
Wrong. There are porta potties galore outside the high dollar tailgate parking area when the major donors party before the games.
Something tells me…
Hosmer could hit .350 with 40 HR’s and 120 RBI for eight straight years and all Smartman would say is “Oh yeah, he’s not as good as Pujols”. It’s funny how when the best closer in MLB history strikes him out you’re so excited, but when he HR’s in back-to-back games it’s pure luck. I don’t think you’d get on base if I was pitching…wanna lose another $100?
What is this, an interrogation? Yes, I’ve seen shows there. And I liked it quite a bit actually. I’ve done it in the regular section, VIP and reserved bleachers.
I’ve stood line line for concessions, you name it.
Look, I can’t smell but c’mon. The bathrooms are off to the side, yeah they may not smell great when you’re in them but how fleeting an experience is that?
Well said
But no romantic summer nights under the stars
Deer ticks infest the Crossroads Mulch
“”…it’s pretty obvious at this point. I’m going to guess he’s a prisoner with access to a computer, a 13 yr old fat kid – or possibly a shut-in of some sort with a touch of tourette syndrome. Definitely not the type of person who sees any live music.””
===========================================
Seriously? … that is the best argument you have? Are you kidding?
Because that is not an argument for or against the dump, it is trying to impeach credibility against some one you do not know. If you are going to post please dont be stupid about it ….. come on man.
===========================================
Yes, I hear deer ticks were espcailly bad this year, and the companies selling mulch DO NOT treat for ticks, so it is very likely that all the new muclh being put down is infested with ticks…. and when people go to a show there…. and they feel the ticks crawling up their legs…. and start sucking their blood, dont panic…. just enjoy the live music out doors, under the stars, it is all beautiful man, ticks are people too, and killing them would be a sin, so let that tick from the crossroads suck you blood, take it home, let it crawl into your bed, …….
maybe THE CROSSROADS STARTS DEER TICK EPIDEMIC, as music fans bring home deer ticks by the thousands.
Just got off the phone with Brett
And not only has the mulch be replaced and upgraded this year, an all new drainage system has been installed.
And while pretty much every outdoor venue have porta potties to whatever extent, indoor plumbing facilities for Crossroads is on the drawing board.
Geeeez what a whiney bitch
Crossroads is a cool place give Stretch some credit for being part of the revitalization of that area. IT’S AN OUTDOOR VENUE! You probably didn’t go to too many keggers. Same laid back vibe. I hear the new fine arts center will be opening soon.
Knuckleheads
looks like a hodge podge of shit thrown together. A cross between Bob’s country bunker and Roadhouse. It’s also the coolest place in KC.
There is no need for this place
“”And while pretty much every outdoor venue have porta potties to whatever extent””
Hearne , we dont really need small outdoor venues….and not porta potties. this is not a temp venue, it is permanant
I PAY FOR MY FKG CONCERT TICKETS, I EXPECT SOMETHING BACK!!!
If i was getting a fre pass to shws, sure i would defend the place too…. BUT I AM NOT
The whole idea of outdoor venues, is MASSIVE crowds… it is not about romantic “under the stars” BS, it is NOT about LIKING being out in the hot fkn Kansas City weather..it is either too fkn hot or raining or whatever…. For small sized shows we have fine indoor REAL venues, listed above. There is no need for a show to be played outside, it is not a cool vibe, it is not a back yard, it is not a kegger….
This is about some local promoter trying to make as much money as possible, charging top dollar while not supplying a real venue. People DO NOT FLOCK THERE FOR THE VENUE… they go for the bands. If this guy wants to promote, he should get a real venue, pay up and quit trying to cheap your way ouit of it.
I laugh my ass off that he claims he is the savior to live music in KC. Roger Nabor was bringing smaller acts to KC for years…
ps
as far as the pussy ass insulters to me???? you think I give a fuck what you idiots have to say about me? You dont know me, but I know the crossroads and it is a stinky crap hole…I just want to buy at ciket to a show and go without worrying about get rained on ….instead if we go to this dumop….we are subjected to paying top dollars to stand on wood chips, piss in a stinky porta pottie and get rained on… I am not a hillbilly, and this is anot an out in the country filed. IT IS IN THE CITY
IT IS NOT SOMEONES BACK YARD, IT IS A BUSINESS…
It a business that makes over $100,000 PER NIGHT….
$35.00 x 2000 = $70,000 + VIP($75 x 300) 22,500
PLUS BOOZE SALES plus T shirts etc
so cut the hippie crap …cut the ” its got a good vibe BS….they are juts cheeap money grubbers.
I went to early shows there, and I thought it was cool, I THOUGHT … these guys will get it going and then they will fix it up….WELL GUES WHAT….they pocket the money and subject fans to crap condiotions…….. I dont care what “paid to post” idiots have to say……. there is nothing like Air Conditionsing to keep you cool in 120 degree KC….A roof to keep the rain off…and taking a piss with out standing in a stinky 1800/s style out house.
Your arguments are lame
You’ve been to every show that’s ever come through KC yet you claim that no one here ‘knows you?’ I’ve been to tons of shows and I guarantee I’ve never met you. If I had, I would have pissed on you instead of in the porta potty. 120 degree KC heat? It has NEVER hit 120 in Kansas City. Again, if you do not like this or any other venue, DON’T GO! I’ve seen 20 or so shows there and I still love it. I just don’t get the same outdoor, view of KC, enjoying the elements experience anywhere else. You sir or madam, are the puss ass.
Look at the Weather Report
I want to go to shows where I do not have to look at this website before going…
http://www.intellicast.com/National/Radar/Current.aspx?animate=true&location=default
why is that wrong?
Look outside, LOOK RIGHT NOW, what if you were going to an outdoor show tonght? fkn rain
try craigslist for your perverted golden showers
“”You’ve been to every show that’s ever come through KC yet you claim that no one here ‘knows you?’ I’ve been to tons of shows and I guarantee I’ve never met you. If I had, I would have pissed on you “”
YOU WHAT?? WTF??
uuuhhh… Im not into your golden shower thing, maybe try craigslist…..
as for the rest of your comment, does not even make sense….and yes
I have been to more concerts than anyone I have ever met…
PS
Your insults are meaningless and childlike… but keep trying.
@Jimmy
Jimmy: I’ll mortgage my house and so will about 20 other people if you wanna pitch to me in a Joe’s versus Pro’s format. Besides runnin’ my mouth and and my business I’m wicked nasty in the batting cage. For shits and grins my nephew pitches golf balls to me at the park. Makes a baseball look HUGE.
If I’m wrong about Hosmer I’ll admit it. My point is this kid is being hyped like the second coming of Jesus and I don’t think that’s what he is. He’s been up a fucking week and everybody wants to give him A-Rod money. He was 0 for 4 tonight.
The more at bats he gets, the more film there is, the more analysis there will be. In the MLB the advantage is always with the pitcher. Batters have more weaknesses that can be exploited than pitchers do. I think he’s pretty solid for 21 years old but don’t think he’s gonna be in the same class as a Brett, Pujols, Jeter, etc.
If he even puts up halfway decent numbers Boras will have him out of here in pinstripes or red sox faster than a Bugatti Veyron.
40 degrees
I wonder how everyone who attended the show at the dump last night felt about an outdoor show in 40 degree weather? Anyone want to step up an spout off about how great it is to be outside, when you could have been more comfortable and warm at the Uptown?
And no fair saying “what about RockFest”?…. there were 55,000 people there, IT HAD TO BE OUTSIDE…. but small shows DO NOT HAVE TO BE OUTSIDE…..so why force people to be chilly outside, when they could be comfortable?
“The whole idea of outdoor venues, is MASSIVE crowds… it is not about romantic “under the stars” BS, it is NOT about LIKING being out in the hot fkn Kansas City weather..it is either too fkn hot or raining or whatever…. For small sized shows we have fine indoor REAL venues, listed above. There is no need for a show to be played outside, it is not a cool vibe, it is not a back yard, it is not a kegger….”
ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS WITH THIS SHIT? GO BACK TO THE NURSING HOME AND GET YOUR VAGINITIS CHECKED.
“I wonder how everyone who attended the show at the dump last night felt about an outdoor show in 40 degree weather? Anyone want to step up an spout off about how great it is to be outside, when you could have been more comfortable and warm at the Uptown?”
OMG EVERYBODY PANIC! YOU MIGHT HAVE TO PUT ON A JACKET!
YOU ARGUMENTS ARE PATHETIC AND WEAK, JUDGING BY THE TICKET SALES AT CROSSROADS. CHECK THE SCOREBOARD ASSHOLE.