I don't disagree...but the OP established his acceptable definition of "medium" as being cities like KC and the Twin Cities, both metro areas with over a million people.

Also to the OP: I originally threw Austin and Madison onto my list because of music. I think of both of them as much more than the typical college party scene - a little more cosmopolitan with good food, more sophisticated nightlife, etc. The colleges themselves will both have fine arts offerings. The other Big Ten towns on the list (Lansing, Columbus, etc.) will too but for some reason I find Madison more...I don't know...interesting than those. I think of Lansing as a place I'd go for a football weekend.

Kansas City will have a new performing arts center in a year or so...new home for the Lyric Opera, the KC Symphony, and perhaps the KC Ballet (not sure about the ballet...). Stay downtown or in the Crossroads district...you'll be walking distance to 40-50 small art galleries and many of the city's best restaurants.