Take note

Jon's gone
The Red White and Boom! festival Friday at Sandstone Amphitheatre
has lost a bit of its bang.
Singer Jon Secada (above) has backed out of the show,
Contemporary Productions has announced. No reason was given for
Secada's cancellation, and no replacement has been named. Other acts
on the bill, which starts at 5 p.m.: 10,000 Maniacs, Richard Marx,
Bon Jovi and the BoDeans.
Contemporary also confirmed that the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
has backed out of the July 29 Lollapalooza Festival, also at
Sandstone. No replacement has been named.
- Timothy Finn

Slime time
Nickelodeon didn't become the most popular kids' network - and
for that matter, one of cable's biggest channels - by being subtle.
So when the "U Pick Nick" live touring game show rolls into
Starlight Theater for performances at 5 p.m. today and Thursday,
expect a lot of pie throwing and "sliming" - that green liquid that
falls from heaven onto the head of its unlucky recipient.
Audience members at "U Pick Nick" will get to vote for which
games they want to see played, and contestants will be chosen from
the crowd.
It's part of Starlight's new series of programs aimed at kids,
and your $ 5.55 ticket is good for a dollar off at the Kansas City Zoo
and at its IMAX theater. Call 363-7827.
- Aaron Barnhart