Tag: Johnny Dawbarn

Blue collar Friday: Why a KC streetwear project in the works for a decade could sell out in one night

By Tommy Felts / December 5, 2024

A just-dropped collaboration between two Crossroads makers stitch together neighborhood history and vintage streetwear, according to the creatives behind the SewKC and MADE MOBB brands. “We’re paying homage to the craftsmanship of the past but bringing it into this new age,” explained Jesse Phouanphet, co-owner of the popular Kansas City streetwear apparel company MADE MOBB. …

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Don’t sleep on Kansas City: How this Killa collab draws out KC’s ‘Little Villains’ at just the right season

By Tommy Felts / October 26, 2024

Drafted from creativity in the Crossroads, a hand-sketched character inspired by Kansas City’s rising national profile (and the familiar personalities behind it) is now finding fans on and off the field … well, lawn. “The Killa” — a football player repping No. 87 — has made the leap from team yard decorations to a starring…

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Lei Away staycation: Festival celebrates shared language of Aloha, tiki culture and creativity in KC

By Tommy Felts / September 24, 2024

What began as a celebration of tiki vibes and tropical aesthetics has danced into an all-out luau that showcases authentic Polynesian traditions, culture and makers alongside local businesses and island enthusiasts, said Johnny Dawbarn. The three-day Lei Away 2024 festival returned this weekend to the Crossroads with events ranging from a talk on the history…

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‘A piece of something bigger’: Makers help raise fabric of community with Union Station quilt project

By Tommy Felts / June 7, 2024

A trio of Kansas City maker businesses wove together their talents this spring in support of a new, local health initiative — culminating in a towering expression of hope and healing at Union Station. Ampersand Design Studio, Tia Curtis Quilts, and Collective EX spent the past three weeks designing, fabricating, and displaying a colorful quilt…

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These ‘Urban Heroes’ are helping evolve downtown KC; here’s why they’re on the right path

By Tommy Felts / April 12, 2024

In a prelude to today’s celebration of downtown Kansas City’s evolution and momentum, four “urban heroes” were honored Thursday for their passionate work to make downtown a more vibrant place to live, work, and play, organizers said. Winners of the “Urban Hero Awards” ranged from honorees on the east side to the Crossroads and the…

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