As lifestyle columnist for The Kansas City Star, I have the awesome responsibility of writing about everything under the sun and on most days, I love it.
I started working here in 2002. A year before that I graduated from Norfolk State University with a B.A. in Journalism in 2001. Shortly after, I became a Knight Ridder Rotating intern, spending four months at The Kansas City Star, four months at The Contra Costa Times and four months at The Pioneer Press.
By the end of the internship I was offered a job at The Star. So I left my home state of Virginia and moved to Kansas City. I started off as a general assignment writer for FYI and Preview and within a year I added "The Scenario," a nightlife column, to my duties. Yes, I got to write about clubs and dates and all things fun and fabulous!
Last year, I made the jump to lifestyle columnist, a great but welcome challenge and I look forward to sharing my stories and the stories of Kansas City, with you. My column runs in FYI every Tuesday and Saturday. You can also find me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/jeneeinkc.
Submitted by Mike from Kansas City, mO
Q: Wondering if anyone knew Steve Harvey Show broadcasted from UMKC this morning? Special guest was Alicia Keys, who stopped by while in town for her concert last night. Great to know celebs dont have to be in NY or LA to get together!
Answered 05/02/08 12:38:04 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: Yes! It was on the radio! People say it was a good time, did you go?Submitted by Gina III from Lee's Summit, MO
Q: I sure asked the right person! Now we have to go. But it sounds like maybe we should plan that for an evening by itself, when we don't have someplace to go afterwards. So, I'll get my tickets for Wild Women of Jazz, and hit Tasso's another night. Thank you so much for your help. We will have a drink to you at my birthday celebration.
Answered 03/31/08 12:33:04 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: i hope you had fun!Submitted by Easy from KCMO
Q: Looking for a place to chill in the Power and Light district. Any suggestions?
Answered 03/31/08 12:32:47 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: it depends on your mood, i like vinino for a jazzy atmosphere and good bellinis. mcfaddens is more energetic and young, bristol is absolutely awesome for seafood and wine lovers. there's that cool, new bowling alley too!Submitted by Chad Manuel from
Q: Hello Jenee, After reading some comments from your readers on where to go in KC for live music I would like to tell you about our new venue in south KC, 'Manhattans Lounge'. We are an upscale lounge more geared for the 30 and up crowd. We offer live music on Fridays with local bands that cater to the taste of out clientle but also offer DJ's on tuesday through Saturday. We open at 4 p.m. and close at 1:30. Becuase we are new we will develope our entertainment options to include a Thursday night jazz happy hour. Hope this gives your readers additional options for their entertainment choice for the evening. Thanks, Chad Manuel Manager Manhattans Lounge 816-200-4433
Answered 03/31/08 12:31:58 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: thanks!Submitted by Gina again from Lee's Summit, MO
Q: You are so sweet! I checked the Blue Room's website before I wrote to you, and there is a $10 ticket required, but what a bargain! I just couldn't tell if it was the kind of show where it would be disruptive if you walked in and joined a group while it was in progress. You might be able to help with more birthday planning questions. My daughter thought it would be fun to have dinner at Tasso's. I checked with Lauren Chapin, but she hasn't been. Can you recommend it? Thanks! P.S. The Star is so lucky to have you!
Answered 09/17/07 20:01:20 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: Thank you so much! And I have been to Tasso's! It was three years ago but it is perfect for large groups and it would be a good time!Submitted by Gina from Lee's Summit, MO
Q: Dear Jenee, I have the wonderful problem of wanting to be in two great places at the same time. My family is taking me out for a birthday dinner on Fri. the 21st, and my sorority is going to The Wild Women of Jazz later that evening. What I'd love to do is enjoy a leisurely dinner with my family and then join the fun at the Blue Room, but I don't know if it's okay to just walk in anytime. What do you know about the show? Thanks! P.S. Love your column!
Answered 09/17/07 18:11:27 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: You have to go see the Wild Women!!!! It should be fine for you to just walk into the Blue Room as long as you pay the cover, if there is one!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!!Submitted by chuck from topeka, kansas
Q: I have written you before inquiring about the loud prominence of the drum at jazz concerts. Now I am again complaining about local jazz being so loud that I have almost decided to not go to any more jazz shows. The last one was Ida McBeth at the Blue Room. It was so loud I had to leave. I bet it was over 100 decibels. So loud Ida's wonderful singing voice was distorted. Played softly good music is listened to with so much intent that all is heard and other noises in the room vanish. Enjoyment is mental, not physical. Why is noise considered music?
Answered 04/01/07 03:16:53 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: I agree that it's hard to enjoy music when it's played too loudly. I myself have never encountered that problem at the Blue Room. But the next time it happens, you should voice your concerns with management.Submitted by Jamon from Kansas City, Mo.
Q: I was wondering why is it, that you feel that hip hop is dead. There are many facets of rap. I was wondering why we can't celebrate all of them. Instead of putting one down and the building up of another. I like some of the so-called "purist" rappers, but I also like the "reality" gangster rap.
Answered 04/01/07 03:13:52 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: My column never said that I thought hip-hop was dead. The entire column is actually about how it will live on. But thanks for sharing your thoughts.Submitted by doug from phoenix az
Q: Thats amasing I asked you about concerts from 4/23 to 5/8 and you gave me 3/30. Also is that the only place that has live music.
Answered 03/30/07 19:47:44 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: If you look on ticketmaster.com you can find shows for the next three months, so you can find what you might be interested in for the dates you are here. There are lots of live music venues, it just depends on what you are into. The Blue Room and Jardines offer live jazz. They have some funk and dance bands at the Levee. Then there's other venues like the Brick, the Record Bar and the Peanut that have all kinds of music from rock to hip-hop. It just depends on what you are into. Again, enjoy your vacation.Submitted by doug from phoenix az
Q: I'm coming back to K.C. during the last week of April. Where are the concerts being held at and is there a schuedlefor all the concerts between 4/24 and 5/7. I grew up there and graduated in 72. I emagine some of the old venues have been closed. I guess the bottom line I would like to take in some live music while I'm in town
Answered 03/30/07 19:12:29 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: The Blue Room on 18th and Vine always has live jazz. You can also check out ticketmaster.com for concerts going on that particular week. Enjoy your vacation.Submitted by HK from Overland Park, KS
Q: How did you get your start in journalism? I work at a newspaper now writing feature articles, but my true passion is writing columns...any advice?
Answered 03/27/07 16:02:14 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: After college, I got a yearlong internship. Then I got into feature writing, just like you! Within two years I got the chance to write a nightlife column and through that I was given the challenge to write the lifestyle column I currently have. I never pursued being a columnist, but when the opportunity presented itself, I took the challenge. My best advice would be pursue your passion, share your ideas with editors and create opportunity through blogs, commentary or any chance you have to write the way you want to. Never quit writing, look for a mentor and love what you do.Submitted by Anonymous from Gardner, Ks
Q: Jenee, I don't have much time today and I am not really good a suffing the web. But, since I read your column regulary I am writing to you. I enjoy your column and your recent story about your mother brought tears to my eyes. I am 67 years old and grew up reading the KC Times and the Star as well as the The KC Kansan. I am still working 2 jobs. I have a BS degree. Reading the newspaper has always been a part of my morning. I am a subscriber, but probably not for long. This morning, Mar. 13, really made me angry. It stated that advice was needed from women 18 to 44. FYI is the most interesting part of the paper. The rest I get from TV. I miss reader recipes swap, TV mailbag, (only 3 letters this week), household tips, (Helosie), Tad Bartimus, and anything that concerns the mature person. I love Marlee Murphy. Sorry to unload on you. But, you are the only bright spot along with Marlee. Thank you
Answered 03/14/07 20:51:06 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: Thank you, I appreciate your readership and hope you continue to read the paper. And I would love to hear more of your ideas!Submitted by Anonymous from Kansas City
Q: Jenee, I see you like beautiful art! Check out this website: www.marlenehaynes.ourownimage.com for beautiful, artistic, functional African American products for your home. This company is 100% owned by a mother/daughter team!
Answered 03/14/07 20:14:19 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: Thanks! I will check it out!Submitted by Warren G from St. Louis MO
Q: not a question hip/hop will never die, maybe rap music. There is a big difference RAP would include Lil John, lil scrappy, young jeezy and so on. Hip hop will live on forever with The Roots, 9th wonder, Little Brother, The Strange Fruit project its so many underground HIP HOP artist where is woun't die....A former Kansas City resident who moved to Saint Louis...HIP HOP 4 liofe
Answered 03/14/07 20:14:01 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: You are very right. And thanks for sharing.Submitted by Debbie from Shawnee, Ks.
Q: Jenee I heard you today on Coach K's radio show. You were a delightful guest and I wish you had been on longer. I always read your column and look forward to it. I discovered Shatto milk and Chick-Fill-A because of you. Your topics are always interesting and worthwhile. Your family should be very proud of you.
Answered 03/14/07 20:01:12 by Jenee Osterheldt
A: Thanks Debbie! I was so nervous!