Being the transplant that I am, I’ve started to try to explore all that the area has to offer. Given KC’s reputation for great jazz, I was excited to check out Jazz in the Woods at Corporate Woods, held in June annually. For those non-locals like me who haven’t been going for 20 years, it’s an outdoor free music festival held once a year in Corporate Woods Business Park. All donations and proceeds concessions and such go to local children’s charities. What I really appreciated about the event was that many of the concessions were run by local favorites like La Bodega, Jack Stack and Bo Ling’s. Don’t worry though, you can still get your nacho’s and funnel cake for those seeking a some traditional fair food. Beer, wine and sangria also flows aplenty! Live Jazz playing Friday and Saturday night and there’s a fun run on Saturday morning. Personally the run is not for me after all the Sangria from Friday night, you won’t catch this girl tackling a 5K or 10K. But don’t worry runners, I’m here for moral support! I’ll meet you for another glass of Sangria at the finish line! Hints — Don’t bring a cooler, they aren’t allowed as you are supposed to buy the food there. Before you complain remember it’s for the kids. Trust me I’m using that line all weekend«I need this kettle corn, it’s for the kids!» — Bring blankets and lawn chairs, no seating in the park. Unless you are going fancy and buying a seat($ 60) in the jazz pavilion(read: picnic tabled area with while picket fence)! — Bring cash. Enough said. — Come early to stake out your claim in the grass and to deal with parking. How can you not love it? Free jazz, an excuse to relax in the park all afternoon and evening and eat and drink your weight in goodies from local eateries! This might have to be my new KC tradition!