Elyssa Bezner
Reporter
Recent Articles by Elyssa Bezner
Pandemic pauses genre-bending band’s tour, but amplifies message of music as a business, form of activism
In a world where empathy can be in short supply, the brothers behind Kansas City Latinx rock band Making Movies see music and songwriting as a way young people growing up in a divided country can level the playing field. The key is exposing them to mentors who can illustrate what’s possible, said Enrique Chi,…
Donations drop as KC reopens — but need for help outlasts COVID’s peak, says Merry Outlaw
Merry Outlaw’s quick pivot to a COVID-19 Mutual Aid app raised $11,000 in a little over a month — but donations slowed as people turned their eyes back to “normal life,” said Lindsay Smith. “Our first month we hit $10,000 — and you don’t want to get discouraged about this — but in the beginning,…
Women on the Rise: Female musicians tune out scarcity mindset within KC, music industry
Kansas City has room for more than one female singer or artist, said Leah Watts. Focused on collaboration rather than competition, Women on the Rise aims the spotlight at an erroneous industry assumption shared by too many music executives, audiences and even musicians, she said, explaining the need for the non-profit she co-founded to empower,…
Rockhurst teen turns ignition on Crossroads Cars show after COVID-19 stalls events
Drawing on deep familial ties to Kansas City entrepreneurship, 18-year-old Henry Accardo hopes to reduce stress and bring communities back together through shared passions — courtesy of a restored series of car shows as the metro begins to reopen. “We take time out of everyone’s possibly rough and stressful life to relax and have a…
Drinking in $100K investment, Elango Thevar ready to carry the water for Neer full-time
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Some products don’t require a pandemic pivot, said Elango Thevar, fresh off…
Common threads: Designer draws on solidarity with restaurant scene for ‘KC Runs on Hospitality’
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Even in an unpredictable world struck by COVID-19, imperfections often can strike…
On Call Halal connects Muslim healthcare workers with Ramadan meals amid COVID-19 complications
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Kansas City connections rallied around Kaitlin Abdelrahman to develop her startup offering…
Life Equals more than Zoom calls: How Balance builds trust, scaling health for leading KC startup
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Startups might be innovative, but they aren’t immune to the challenges of…
Flexy gets flexible in a newly all-virtual fitness world, but says there’s no substitute for in-person connections
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. If COVID-19 has a silver lining for Aja James and Mallory Jansen,…
Balloon pops on public art: Three ‘non-essential’ performers who refuse to be deflated by COVID-19
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. The show might go on in some fashion, said Molly Balloons, but…