WMM Playlist from March 27, 2024

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Jackson County Legislator, Manuel Abarca + Rural Grit All Stars: Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders discuss KC Royals Stadium in Crossroads Arts District + Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske & Isaac S. Cates share “I’m So Glad”

“It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM theme]

Ibibio Sound Machine – “Pull the Rope”
from: Pull the Rope / Merge Records / May 3, 2024
[Ibibio Sound Machine is an English electronic afro-funk band from London. Formed in 2013. // “Pull the Rope” is about the hope of finding a peaceful way to overcome our differences in the world. The idea of standing at two ends of a rope symbolizes this. We recruited our friends Richmond Kessie and Helen McDonald as well as Eno’s mum to lend a bigger sound to the chorus vocals. Musically it’s a mix of post-punk and electronic sounds. // “Pull the Rope” is accompanied by a Darlington Anyiam–directed music video. The spacefaring clip evokes Afrofuturism and classic dance video vibes. “My fascination for Eno’s beautiful voice and presence makes me turn her visual performances into impersonations of powerful entities,” Anyiam explains of Williams’ turn as a celestial pharaoh. // Pull the Rope, the new record by Ibibio Sound Machine, casts the Eno Williams and Max Grunhard–led outfit in a new light. The hope, joy, and sexiness of their music remain, but, further honing the edge of their acclaimed 2022 album Electricity, the connection they aim to foster has shifted venues from the sunny buoyancy of a sunlit festival to a sweat-soaked, all-night dance club. The atmosphere has changed, but you’re still having the time of your life. // Williams and Grunhard attribute this shift to a matter of collaborators, recording Pull the Rope with Sheffield-based producer Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, M.I.A.) over the course of two weeks. The way the pair wrote songs changed significantly—rather than Eno penning lyrics to music generated by Max and company’s jamming, Orton started with Eno and Max writing together before adding the band. With less time in the studio and a new way of considering how they built songs, the duo found making decisions about Pull the Rope’s sound quicker and more instinctual than before. // “Ross is from Sheffield, which has an edgier, more industrial vibe than London,” Grunhard explains. “He hears things differently than us, is more grounded in rave and grungier sounds, and knew when to add drums or push the instrumentation more. It was very different for us, but it lends itself to where Ibibio Sound Machine is going.” // In melding their songwriting process, Grunhard and Williams have, impossibly, pulled the trick of making Ibibio Sound Machine a tighter band than ever before, building out from their core in a way that highlights the electrifying group of musicians they play with. Rather than recording with the full band in the room, Pull the Rope was sculpted, elements added and shaped by Grunhard, Williams, and Orton along the way. As a result, Pull the Rope is a nimble, sleek machine that’s thrilling from the first note of the opening title track, Eno’s otherworldly voice and PK Ambrose’s throbbing bass driving through a kaleidoscopic array of house, post-punk, funk, Afrobeat and disco, bangers and ballads, making an argument for unity that begins on the dancefloor. // “We are the places we grew up, the places we’ve been, and the people we’ve met along the way,” Williams says. “Hopping around the globe, we’ve found that people are fundamentally the same—they’re people. Opposing sides push and pull, but there is an alternative to war, violence, and suffering.” // That belief is the blood that pulses like Grunhard’s hypnotic bass lines throughout Pull the Rope. Lead single “Got to Be Who U Are” literally globetrots, name checking locales across the world that would feel disparate were it not for how well-traveled they are. Eno growing up in the musical melting pot of the Ibibio region of Nigeria and Max being a conservatory-trained musician from Australia, one could call their meeting in London and formation of Ibibio Sound Machine predestined. // “Mama Say” and “Let My Yes Be Yes” touch themes of female empowerment. They’re indicative of the band’s depth as they push further into the electronic; “Mama Say” hits notes of electropop while “Let My Yes Be Yes” fuses electro to Afrobeat. Ibibio Sound Machine have always imbued their music with political consciousness, and the light that shines through in Williams’ vocals and voice has never felt more necessary. // The sound of Pull the Rope, then, is hope in darkness, bliss in spite of bleakness. Once again, Ibibio Sound Machine are here to provide the soundtrack to the best night of your life, and the better world to come. // The name of the band itself finds influence from Eno Williams’ Nigerian mother, whose native tongue was Ibibio.]

Gossip – “Crazy Again”
from: Real Power / Ultra Records/Sony Music Entertainment / March 22, 2024
[Formed in 1999 in Olympia, Washington with vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Nathan “Brace Paine” Howdeshell and drummer Kathy Mendonca. All 3 were originally from Searcy, Arkansas; Mendonca moved to Olympia to attend Evergreen State College and Howdeshell and Ditto followed. Drummer Kathy Mendonca left the band to pursue a career as a midwife. Established punk drummer Hannah Blilie joined to replace her. Gossip’s album A JOYFUL NOISE was part of WMM’s 112 Best Recordings of 2012. // LA – Indie-pop rebels Gossip have made a triumphant return with their highly anticipated album, Real Power, marking their first album in 12 years. // The album marks a reunion with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, who helmed the band’s pivotal 2009 album Music For Men. At the coaxing of Rubin, the band started recording in 2019 after completing a tour for the ten-year anniversary of Music For Men. Recorded at Rubin’s home studio in Kauai, the process was temporarily halted by the pandemic and resumed when restrictions lifted. The result is an 11-track testament to the galvanizing might of music, the liberating joy of creative expression, and the profound power of chosen family amidst collective and personal upheavals. “Real Power” not only marks a new chapter of maturity and purpose for the trio but also showcases Gossip’s characteristic blend of sonic diversity, spanning from propulsive rock to jubilant disco, and delving into a rich tapestry of emotions that encompass the full spectrum of the human experience. // Reflecting on the intervening years since their last collaboration, frontwoman Beth Ditto shares, “We all experienced a lot of deep loss, and we each turned 40 since we last recorded together. Those are such big moments in your lives.” Since the band were last together, Ditto and Billie each got divorced, there were losses of close friends and family, and the world went through a pandemic. Working with Rubin again gave the band space and support to reconnect and create. “Rick is pure about his creativity. He’s not interested in fads or a label’s opinions. He’s a cheerleader—he tries to pull the best out of us. He has this ability to make an artist be their best when he’s working with them, because he works with people he believes in,” says Howdeshell. The band delved further into their long-awaited reunion in a recent profile with The New York Times. // In celebration of the album’s release, Gossip will be participating in a series of special events. The band will kick off with a vinyl signing at Rough Trade NYC on March 25th followed by The Grammy Museum on March 26th, who will host the trio for their SOLD-OUT ‘A New York Evening With’ at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, New York. It will feature an intimate conversation with Beth Ditto, moderated by T. Cole Rachel, followed by a performance by the band. Additionally, on March 27th, Beth Ditto will take center stage as a chat guest on The Late Show with Seth Meyers, accompanied by a full-band performance. // Highlights on Real Power include the invigorating “Real Power,” lauded by Billboard for its “infectious melodies and stratospheric vocals,” along with the first single and blissful pop classic “Crazy Again,” praised by Consequence for its “dazzling production and radiant hooks.” // A multi-platinum selling band, Gossip have sold over 10 million records worldwide and are one of Indie Rock’s most exciting acts from the early 21st century. Gossip consists of vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Nathan “Brace Paine” Howdeshell and drummer Hannah Blilie. The band’s 2016 breakout studio album, Standing In The Way Of Control, reached #1 on UK Indie chart (certified Gold) and solidified the band as a dynamic force in the music scene. “Standing In The Way Of Control,” the album’s battle-cry title track, is a queer anthem written in response to U.S. government’s proposition to define marriage and exclude homosexuals. The band achieved multiplatinum success with their follow up Music For Men, certified 2x platinum in Germany and France, 1x platinum in Australia and Switzerland with sales in excess of 1.5m copies. // Gossip is renowned for their high energy live performances and have delivered incredible sets at some of the world’s biggest festivals such as Glastonbury, Coachella, Pukkelpop Festival and most recently a triumphant headline set at BBC 6 Music Festival. The band’s first U.S. festival performance following the release of Real Power will be at Just Like Heaven in Pasadena, CA on May 18th. They recently launched their 30-city EU/UK tour on March 21st in Berlin, Germany, with stops planned in Milan, London, Zürich, Dublin, and many more. The tour is packed with festival appearances such as Glastonbury and All Points East. For information on upcoming tour dates, visit: https://www.bethditto.com%5D

Akkilles – “Online”
from: “Happily” – Single / David Bennett / March 15, 2024
[ Akkilles is the music project of David Bennett who makes music under the moniker Akkilles. He also helps other people make music. “Online” was written and produced by David Bennett. Performers include Nick Pickrell on bass, Ian Thompson on synth & keybopards, Baird Williams on lead guitar, Jared Bond on drums, Bryan Koehler on percussion and David Bennett on vocals & rhythm guitar. Recorded at: Aorist Studios in KC. // Akkilles released the single “Way I Feel” on May 5, 2023. Akkilles released the single “Happily” on April 21, 2023. Akkilles released three singles in 2019. “By Myself” – Single was released November 1, 2019. “Meet in the Middle” was released October 25, 2019. “Feelin’ My Self” was released February 1, 2019. Akkilles released the critically acclaimed debut record “Something You’d Say” on July 2, 2013.]

Julia Haile – “Up Late”
from: “Up Late” – Single / Julia Haile / June 16, 2023
[One of 4 new singles released by Julia Haile in the last 9 months. Julia released “Ave 4” on June 16, 2023. Julia released “Heavy Rotation” & “Set Out” on Sept. 30, 2022. Julia Haile is a singer & songwriter based in KCMO. Her natural talent & musical education fueled a career of exciting performances and beautiful music. From leading Neo-Soul band Hi-Lux and international collaborations to solo works, Julia’s goal is create meaningful musical experiences for all. Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux was a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group created music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b/w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. All 6 songs had previously been released as singles. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]

[Boogaloo 7 feat. Julia Haile play The Ship 1221 Union Ave., KCMO West Bottoms on Friday, March 29, at 9:00pm w/ Splatt – KC’s brass innovation pairing vocalist/trombonists Kadesh Flow & Trevor Turla.]

Trevor Turla – “No Reason”
from: “No Reason” – Single / Trevor Turla / October 26, 2023
[Trevor Turla released the single Walk With Love”on August 26, 2022, recorded with Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. Trevor Turla released his debut EP AND WE CONTINUE on April 21, 2022.. Trevor Turla composed all of the music on this EP that included Trevor Turla on trombone, Daniel Dissmore on trumpet, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Fritz Hutchison on guitar & banjo, Miki P on guitar & vocals, John O’Keefe on bass, Nik Douglas on drums, Carmen Dieker on fiddle, Jake Keegan on dobro, and Chris Hazelton on organ. “Let Go” was the second single released on February 17, 2022. We first played Trevor Turla on WMM on July 29, 2020. His track “Busted” was released on a compilation titled KANSAS CITY SYZYGY that featured over 25 Kansas City-based musicians who came together to create a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in the Spring of 2020. // Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Trevor Turla is now lives in Kansas City. Trevor defines himself as a musician. He started playing his first instrument, the bagpipes, at the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped the pursuit of music since. He received his Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies for trombone from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Trevor now creates music full time by playing, recording, and holding clinics around the United States. Trevor plays & sings in numerous bands, including Jake Wells, Grand Marquis, Miki P, Fritz Hutchison, & LA Jones. He was also the founder, lead singer & trombonist for the band Sulu Moon. Info at http://www.trevorturla.com.]

[Boogaloo 7 feat. Julia Haile play The Ship 1221Union Ave., KCMO West Bottoms on Friday, March 29, at 9:00pm w/ Splatt – KC’s brass innovation pairing vocalist/trombonists Kadesh Flow & Trevor Turla.]

Gary Clark Jr. – “What About The Children (Feat. Stevie Wonder)”
from: JPEG RAW / Warner Music / March 22, 2024
[Four-time Grammy Award winning artist Gary Clark Jr. releases his highly anticipated new album, JPEG RAW. This new body of work signals a brave new world for Clark’s ever-expanding creative palette. The new music is dense and adventurous with a more cohesive synthesis of his eclectic musical universe. His samples, Thelonious Monk and Sonny Boy Williamson, decorate flourishes of African, World Music, and even Jazz while merging with rock, R&B, hip-hop and blues; familiar areas he has ventured before, this time with more unity forging a fresh new style. Clark’s lyrics are pointed, deeply personal, outspoken and socially conscious with occasional forays into rap and spoken word from Clark himself. The sonics are immersive, verging on modern groove-oriented psychedelia with hip-hop driven beats in verses giving way to anthemic choruses, rich with power-chording and wide fuzz riffage.. // The co-written Stevie Wonder duet, “What About The Children,” feels like an immediate classic that could have lived on Innervisions or Talking Book if not for Clark’s fuzzed out riff and hip-hop pocket. // Clark will kick off his North American headline tour on May 8 in Fort Worth, TX. The tour will continue with shows in Chicago, Boston, and New York City before concluding with his set at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival in Manchester, TN on June 14. // JPEG RAW is Clark’s first album since 2019’s critically lauded This Land, which became his third consecutive top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and garnered three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance (“This Land”) and Best Contemporary Blues Album (This Land). Clark’s first Grammy win was awarded in 2014 for Best Traditional R&B Performance (“PleaseCome Home”). // Since its release, the singer-songwriter has toured extensively and stretched his wings as an actor, playing American blues legend Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which received eight Academy Award nominations. Clark also served as the official Music Director for Jon Stewart’s acceptance of the 23rd Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. In addition to programming the event, he delivered a powerful tribute on stage, which aired on PBS nationwide. // With an eclectic range that contains multitudes, Clark continues to defy boundaries of any kind. Highlighted by an impressive coterie of awards, critical accolades, collaborations, sold-out tours that span the globe, billions of streams, endless television performances, & appearances in acclaimed films & TV series, Clark steps back into the light with JPEG RAW and breaks new ground that is both thrilling & inspiring.]

[Gary Clark Jr. plays The Midland Theatre, 1228 Main St. KCMO, on Wednesday, May 15, at 8:00pm.]

French Cassettes – “White Noise”
from: Benzene / Tender Loving Empire Records / June 7, 2024
[Benzene is the band’s third album. // Benzene means nothing and everything. The title of French Cassettes’ new album is not an allusion to the dangerous fossil fuel byproduct, nor is it a nod to the anti-anxiety drug Benzos. As a child, Scott Huerta’s birth name—Lorenzo—transformed into Wren, then Renzo. Before long, he was Renzo Benzo. By the age of four, the family had largely settled on Benz, which is what they still call him today. // Benzene, Huerta’s own abstraction, was chosen on a whim. “I wish I had a better explanation,” he admits. “I guess I should have Googled it first.” The self-deprecation is classic Benz, as is this crossing of the wires between the flippant and the deeply meaningful. There’s a lot in a name, after all, and even more in a name that only those dearest to you call you by. // This sort of understatement is all over Benzene (the album), in big ways and small ones. It’s one reason the San Francisco band’s third album holds up so well to repeated listens: It contains a world of references, quotes and handmade word-puzzles that only Huerta can fully unpack. Some of the band’s influences are apparent: The Magnetic Fields in the tight song construction and humor, The Beach Boys in the harmonies and experimentation. But Huerta’s lyrical aesthetic is his own, and Benzene is packed to the gills with funny, memorable one-liners (“I’m sick of bar banter, but attracted to the neon”) and punctuated by knife twists (“Sometimes you swear you barely know her”). Its themes never veer too far from separation: from partners you still want the best for; from family members who have died; from a person you’re trying hard not to be. // Huerta was already working on the songs that would become Benzene during Rolodex’s release. He wrote and recorded songs in the bedroom while his then-girlfriend worked from home in the next room. “Sometimes I’d get a good take and then realize that the theme from Love Island was playing in the background,” Huerta says. His memories of this time are all positive, but the recording process would eventually outlast the romantic relationship. // Discussing “White Noise,” Huerta said, “The original title for the demo of this song was ‘Bruce’ because I thought I was writing a Springsteen song. My goal starting out was to not overthink it and just make a straightforward rock song, but that didn’t last very long, and next thing I knew I was listening to three guitar tracks playing lead lines at the same time thinking ‘what have I done?’ Instead of reeling it back in I decided to just lean into it, and when I found myself playing with an electronic drum pad I knew I was past the point of no return.”]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:33 Ticket Giveaway

Making Movies play a special Quinceañera…their OWN! To celebrate the band’s 15 years as a band, they are doing a “Quinceañera” Show, Saturday, March 30, at 9:00pm, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms. We have 2 tickets to giveaway. You’ll find them at The Door, night of the show. These 2 tickets go to the 3rd caller at 816-805-6326.

Making Movies – “Cuna De Vida”
from: A La Deriva / Independent / December 21, 2012
[For this recording: Enrique Chi (guitar/lead vox), Brendan Culp (drums), Diego Chi (bass), Juan-Carlos Chaurand (percussion /keyboard).] [[Latin Grammy nominated band Making Movies released their specual EP EN LA SALA containing 8 of the songs recorded LIVE, on January 12, 2024. Before that they released their single “Medicina” is an anthemic, cumbia-rock cut that immediately grabs you as soon as you hear the opening distorted guitar riff. Composer: Enrique Javier Chi. Produced by: Ben Yonas. Recorded by: Enrique Javier Chi, Diego Samuel Chi, Juan-Carlos Chaurand, and Duncan Burnett. Mixer: David Simon-Baker. Masterer: John Baldwin // Enrique Chi on lead vocals & electric guitar; Duncan Burnett on drums & background vocals, Diego Chi on bass, synthesizer & background vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & background vocals. Horn Arrangement: Asdru Sierra. Trombone: Adam Theis. Recording Studio: Memphis Magnetic Recording Co. Recording Engineer: Ben Yonas & Scott McEwen. Assistant Engineers: Omar Ruiz, Owen Reece, Felipe Villegas, Miguel Pons] [Most recently Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas and mixed by Tchad Blake. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Prior to that, Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021, which includes their single “La Marcha.” On February 5, the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP was ranked #25 inWMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. The EP also includes: covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available on BandCamp for only three days on February 5 through February 7, 2021. Since then it has been made private, an is not available anywhere. Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV..” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Enrique Chi joined WMM on May 19, 2021.]

[Making Movies play a very special Quinceañera…their OWN! To celebrate the band’s 15 years as a band, they are doing a “Quinceañera” Show, Saturday, March 30, at 9:00pm, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms.]

Bon Monarchs – “Gumdrop”
from: Spilling Mayhem EP / Psychic Bicycle Records / January 28, 2013
[Bon Monarchs are a Kansas City based band formed in 2019. Larry Grinder on bass, Brian Murray on guitar, Bob White on drums, Amy Wilson on vocals & guitar. The band are all former or current members of popular Kansas City bands. Amy Wilson and Larry Grinder both from KC’s MOLOTOV GRASSHOPPER, have merged with OTIS 13 drummer Bob White, as well as guitarist Brian Murray from SEE THROUGH HEAD.]

[Bon Monarchs play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC, Saturday, March 30, at 7:00pm with Times and Places, and Yes You Are (doing an acoustic set).]

Leyla McCalla – “Scaled To Survive”
from: Sun Without The Heat / Anti – Records / April 12, 2024
[Leyla McCalla on vocals, cello, banjo, guitars; Shawn Myers on percussion, drums; Nahum Zdybel on guitars; Pete Olynciw on electric bass, piano; Maryam Qudus on synthesizers, organs, backing vocals; Louis Michot on fiddle on “Tower”. Recorded and Produced by Maryam Qudus at Dockside Studios, June 20-29, 2023. Assisted by Justin Tocket. Mixed by Maryam Qudus at Best House. Mastered by Heba Kadry, NYC. All songs written by Leyla McCalla (Makala Music (BMI)) except “Love We Had” music by Ali Mohammed Birra, arrangement and lyrics by Leyla McCalla (Makala Music (BMI)) // On May 6, 2022 Leyla McCalla released Breaking the Thermometer on Anti- Records. // Leyla Sarah McCalla was born October 3, 1985. She is a classical and folk musician. She has been a cellist with the Grammy-winning string band Carolina Chocolate Drops but left that group to focus on her solo career. Both of McCalla’s parents were born in Haiti. Her father Jocelyn McCalla was the Executive Director of the New York-based National Coalition for Haitian Rights from 1988 to 2006 and is credited as translator on Vari-Colored Songs. Her mother Régine Dupuy arrived in the United States at age 5, is the daughter of Ben Dupuy who ran Haiti Progrès, a New York based Haitian socialist newspaper. McCalla’s mother went on to found Dwa Fanm, an anti-domestic violence human rights organization. McCalla was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey. She lived in Accra, Ghana for two years as a teen. After a year at Smith College, she transferred to New York University to study cello performance and chamber music. She then moved to New Orleans where she played music on the streets. We first played Leyla McCalla in 2016 the same year we saw her live at Folk Alliance International and the same year she released her critically acclaimed album Vari-Colored Songs on Music Maker Recordings on February 4, 2014. The album is a tribute to Langston Hughes which includes adaptations of his poems, Haitian folk songs sung in Haitian Creole and original compositions. McCalla says the first song she wrote for the album was Heart of Gold because it provided “a window into Hughes’ thinking”.McCalla chose to dedicate this work to Hughes because she says “reading his work made me want to be an artist.” McCalla started working on the album 5 years prior to its release. Commentators have noted the influence of Louisiana musical traditions such as old Cajun fiddle melodies and trad-jazz banjo on the album. Members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops appear on the album. Along with her solo work Leyla McCalla was part of Songs of Our Native Daughters is the debut Americana/folk album by four North American singer-songwriters collaborating as Our Native Daughters. The group includes Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell. The album was released on the Smithsonian Folkways label in early 2019. Songs of Our Native Daughters addresses American historical issues that have influenced the identity of black women, including slavery, racism, and sexism. The album features 13 songs, 11 of them written by the group’s members. It also includes a cover of a 1970s Bob Marley classic and a song that draws its lyrics from two poems.]

Valerie June — “Big Dream”
from: My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall / Oh Boy Records / Aspril 12 12, 2024
[Collaborative album celebrates the Black female experience in Country & Folk music with additional contributions from Adia Victoria, Rhiannon Giddens, Saaneah Jamison, Miko Marks, Leyla McCalla, Rissi Palmer, Allison Russell, SistaStrings, Sunny War & Alice’s daughter Caroline Randall Williams, Re-recording the greatest songs from New York Times bestselling novelist, award-winning songwriter & educator Alice Randall’s catalog. Produced by Ebonie Smith (Hamilton, Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy, Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer, Sturgill Simpson’s A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, founder & president of Gender Amplified) // Companion album to Alice Randall’s new book: My Black Country: A Journey through Country Music’s Black Past, Present and Future. // “Growing up, we all have dreams and wishes. Alice Randall’s lyrics capture the magic of our personal dreams. In the simplest way, she invites listeners to remember the power of collective dreaming. If God can be a woman in a patriarchal society, then there are no limits to what can be achieved. Balance is restored through the sacred art of dreaming, and each dream big or small helps to shape our world. I am a dreamer. Everyone on this record is a dreamer. Together we are breaking boundaries just as so many who’ve come before have done for us.” – Valerie June // On March 12, 2021 Valerie June released her 5th full length album The Moon And Stars on June Tunes – Concord records, co-produced by Jack Splash and Valerie June. // Valerie June Hockett was born January 10, 1982), known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Her sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. She is signed to Concord Music Group worldwide. // Born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 10, 1982, June is the oldest of five children. As a child growing up in Humboldt, June was exposed to gospel music at her local church and R&B and soul music via her father, Emerson Hockett. As a teenager, her first job was with her father, owner of Hockett Construction in West Tennessee, and a part-time promoter for gospel singers and Prince, K-Ci & JoJo, and Bobby Womack. She helped by hanging posters in town. Her father died in late 2016. // June relocated to Memphis in 2000 and began recording and performing at the age of 19, initially with her then-husband Michael Joyner, in the duo Bella Sun. After her marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist, combining blues, gospel and Appalachian folk in a style that she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”, and learning guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became associated with the Memphis-based Broken String Collective. // In 2009 she was a featured artist on MTV’s online series $5 Cover (following the lives of Memphis musicians attempting to make ends meet), and in 2010 she recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show. // In 2011 she was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at the Emissaries of Memphis Music event. She raised funds to record an album with producer Craig Street via Kickstarter.com, raising $15,000 in 60 days. Later that year she relocated from Memphis to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Shortly after, record producer Kevin Augunas introduced June to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, which led to the recording of June’s album Pushin’ Against a Stone in July 2011, which was co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas. // In 2012, June performed with producer John Forté on a collaboration called Water Suites (on the hip-hop-blues song “Give Me Water”), and with Meshell Ndegeocello on the song “Be My Husband”. She contributed The Wandering’s 2012 album Go on Now, You Can’t Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. In 2012 she performed in the UK for the first time, playing at Bestival and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland. // She has received substantial radio play in Europe on BBC Radio 6, including a feature on Cerys on 6 with Cerys Matthews. Mary Anne Hobbs of XFM has said of June: “This woman has already touched my heart, she really, really has.” // In February 2013, June was invited to support Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour. In March 2013, June performed two nights at South By Southwest. The first performance was on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet. On March 16, June performed again, this time as part of The Revival Tour. Rolling Stone June’s second album, The Order of Time one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, citing “her handsomely idiosyncratic brand of Americana, steeped deep in electric blues and old-time folk, gilded in country twang and gospel yearning….a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June’s pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center”. In a 2017 interview, Bob Dylan was asked what artists he listened to and respected; June was among the artists he mentioned in reply.More info at: http://www.valeriejune.com]

Mary Timony – “Looking For The Sun”
from: Untame The Tiger / Merge / February 23, 2024
[Untame the Tiger marks singer-songwriter and guitar hero Mary Timony’s (Ex Hex, Wild Flag, Helium, Autoclave) fifth solo album, her first in 15 years. It’s a startling document of an artist fully coming into her own power during the fourth decade of her career, the product of lessons learned during life-altering struggle. // Lead single “Dominoes” is a cynical and funny description of a relationship not working out, and a reminder of the healing power of music. “This song was almost not on the record,” says Timony. “We needed one last song, and I found a demo of it I had forgotten about at the last minute.” Mixed by Dave Fridmann (MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev), “Dominoes” features album contributors David Christian (Karen O, Hospitality) on drums and album co-producer Dennis Kane on bass.// For more than 30 years, Mary Timony has cut a distinctive path through the world of independent music, most recently as vocalist and guitarist of acclaimed garage-pop power trio Ex Hex (Merge) but also as a member of seminal post-punk band Autoclave (Dischord), celebrated leader of the deeply influential Helium (Matador), multifaceted solo artist (Matador, Lookout!, Kill Rock Stars), and a co-founder of supergroup Wild Flag (Merge). Described by Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein as “Mary Shelley with a guitar” and dubbed “a trailblazer and an innovator” by [Mary’s former guitar student] Lindsey Jordan AKA Snail Mail, Timony has distinguished herself as one of her generation’s most influential guitarists and songwriters. Although she has remained a cult hero and critical favorite since the early ’90s, appearing everywhere from 120 Minutes episodes to Coachella sets, Timony’s many triumphs have long been counterbalanced by crippling doubt and self-nullification. // The mystical, guitar-driven Untame the Tiger emerged after the dissolution of a long-term relationship, and was bookended by the deaths of Timony’s father and mother. The album was recorded during a two-year period during which she was the primary caregiver for her ailing parents. “This was the hardest thing I’ve been through. Every week I had to manage a new crisis.” The tectonic psychic shift Mary experienced informs many of her lyrics on the album. “I started realizing that I gotta control the things that I can,” says Timony, who would write songs while going on mind-clearing walks and bike rides around her native Washington, DC. “Because I was making impossible decisions on behalf of my parents, creative choices now seemed more manageable. Since I had to confront the reality of loss, I realized what was important to me about being alive, and I became less scared. The record became my anchor in a time when I was losing so much around me. It felt like all I had—a guide that helped me through, and gave me hope.” // Untame the Tiger picks up the thread woven through Timony’s freak-folk-anticipating solo albums of the early ’00s. Basic tracks were recorded at Los Angeles’ Studio 606, with Timony backed by Dave Mattacks, drummer of legendary British folk-rock band Fairport Convention. “Mattacks is a hero of mine and one of my favorite musicians of all time. He is a true legend. I never in a million years thought he’d agree to play on my record,” says Timony. “Before the session, I had a panic attack and had to go sit alone in the parking lot… Once we started playing together, it felt so great that the fear subsided and turned into excitement. His playing felt instantly familiar, which makes sense because it’s the foundation of many of my favorite records.” // Untame the Tiger was produced by Mary Timony, Joe Wong (composer on Master of None, Russian Doll, The Midnight Gospel, Krapopolis, host of The Trap Set podcast), and Dennis Kane. The album was recorded over the course of two years at Studio 606, Magpie Cage, 38North, and in Mary’s basement. Additional engineering by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines). Musicians include Chad Molter (Faraquet, Medications), David Christian, and Brian Betancourt (Cass McCombs, Devendra Banhart, Hospitality). The album was mixed by Dave Fridmann, Dennis Kane, and John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile, Waxahatchee). // Mary Timony also release music with her band Wild flag and Ex Hex is a power trio from Washington, DC. Ex Hex includes Mary Timony (Autoclave, Helium) with Laura Harris (The Aquarium, Benjy Ferree) and Betsy Wright from Virginia. Ex-Hex released Rips on October 7, 2014. It was part of WMM’s 114 Best recordings of 2014.]

Bolis Pupul – “Goodnight Mr. Yi”
from: Letter To Yu / DEEWEE – Because Music / March 8, 2024
[Bolis Pupul’s debut solo album touches upon some of life’s big themes – memory, loss, family and coming to terms and making peace with all of that – the album is a resounding audio triumph. It reconciles the competing sonic strands that make up Bolis’ aesthetic – his European and Asian roots, alongside the overarching presence of the twin American pillars of Detroit techno and Chicago house – in a manner that is pleasingly familiar and creatively inventive. // It’s no coincidence that Bolis Pupul’s music sounds the way it does. Born in Belgium to a Chinese mother, Belgian father, raised in the creative city of Ghent, Bolis’ music is a joyous cross-cultural assemblage. Mixing widescreen electronica. think early Mr Fingers-like techno and Yellow Magic Orchestra’s exuberant man-machine minimalism with the warm-hearted and wonky naivete of Belgian New Beat. // On March 4, 2022 Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul released the studium album, Topical Dancer co-written and produced by Soulwaxunder the label Deewee, Topical Dancer is Adigéry and Pupul’s debut album as a duo. // Pupul and Adigéry are both based in Belgium with shared heritage from Martinique, a French island. They first met while working for the soundtrack of Belgica, a 2016 Belgian drama, after being invited by Soulwax, who also co-written and produced this album. The album is influenced by experiences of racial discrimination and sexual abuse. In the album, Adigéry sings in English, Dutch, Creole, and French. The album features Charlotte Adigéry’s mother, Christiane Adigéry and was released under the label Deewee, which the duo previously released three EPs on. “Thank You” is the lead single of Topical Dancer and the second single is “Blenda”. “Blenda” was released on November 4, 2021 along with an announcement of the album and its release date. The first track of the album “Bel Deewee” is a field recording of Adigéry entering the Deewee recording complex, which is also where they recorded the album, and calling through the intercom. // On the review aggregator Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, Topical Dancer received an average score of 85, based on six reviews, indicating “universal acclaim”. Emily Mackay of The Observer called the album “banging fusion of funk, house and techno”. Paul Simpson of AllMusic claimed the album was “catchiest and most danceable songs Adigéry and Pupul have written to date” and that the lyrics “offer a lot of food for thought”. Eric Torres of Pitchfork called the album “riveting” and reported that the album had a “roguish charm”. Jasper Willems wrote on Beats Per Minute that Topical Dancer is “spiritual palette cleanser as much as it is a physical one” and “a record for literally anyone”. In a review written for NME, reviewer Max Pilley claimed that the album “arrived bursting with positive energy”. Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul played the Empty Bottle in Chicago on Sept. 19 at 8:00 PM. Topical Dancer was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022.]

Doubledrag – “Sound”
from: Alone With Everyone / Doubledrag / March 11, 2024
[Debut full length from the rising 4 member bone oscillating shoegaze band, Doubledrag, hailing from KC.]

[Doubledrag play an Album Release show Friday, March 29 at recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave. KCMO with Siilk, and Wire Twins.]

11:00 – Station ID

The views and opinions of this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of 90.1 FM KKFI, The MidCoat Radio Project, or KKFI Staff and volunteers.

11:00 – Interview with Jackson County Legislator, Manuel Abarca IV

Next Tuesday, on April 2, Jackson County Voter will go to the polls to decide whether to fund a new 3/8ths cent sales tax, for the next 40 years for The Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. The Royals have made a last minute proposal to build a new stadium in the heart of the East Crossroads Arts District that would force the removal or closing of 27 small business, and negatively effect 40 additional small businesses including many of KC’s most influential music venues including: recordBar, The Truman, The Brick, Chartreuse Saloon, The Pairing, and others. 90.1 FM in a non-commercial, 501 _c) 3 organization so we do not endorse political candidates or political issues, instead we offer information to our listeners, and because tWednesday MidDay Medley offers 150 interview each year, and we are dedicated to helping to tell the story of our MidCoastal Music Community we believe is is our responsibility to present two perspectives on this issue.

Jackson County Legislator, Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV represents the 1st District, where the KC Royals want to build a new Stadium. Manny prides himself on his working-class upbringing, he is the son to a 30-year Union Teamster father and dedicated, loving mother of three who worked her whole life setting an example of perseverance and the value of education. He has spent his entire life in the Kansas City Metropolitan area and has made his home with his wife, Alexis, and daughter, Camila, in the Historic Northeast. // Manny currently serves as the Treasurer of the Kansas City Public School Board and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. He is also currently serving Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as his Deputy District Director. Previously, he served on the Guadalupe Center Educational Systems Board of Directors and serves or has served on the Board of Directors for: MoKan Goodwill, ReDiscover Mental Health Clinics, Samuel Rodgers Health Center, Healing House Inc., the Northeast Chamber of Commerce, Historic Kansas City Foundation and the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association. He also represents the 12th Ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee and is a past member of the executive board of the Missouri Democratic Party. Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Central Missouri and is pursuing his Doctorate from Mizzou.

Mark: “Manny” Abarca , thanks for being with us on WMM.

Manny Abarca: Thanks so much for having me.

Mark: You are one of seven legislators who voted to override County Executive Frank White’s veto just 24 hours before the deadline to finalize the April ballot. Right?

Manny Abarca: Correct

Mark: You’ve said that you wanted to just get this on the ballot to let voters decide.

Manny Abarca: Yeah, I mean that was where we started this effort. I believe that it wasn’t up to nine members of the legislature or one member of the executive office to decide such a large issue for Jackson Countians, so the goal was to get it on the ballot and let the teams make the decisions for folks based upon what they presented that would create a for or against scenario, so here we are.

Mark: You have said in social media that the agreement includes funding for affordable housing, workforce training inclusion, and support for minority businesses, and the Kansas City Public Schools District will not lose any revenues.

Manny Abarca: That is correct, I mean from conversations I’ve been a part of, and even heard directly from these sources, that is what I have seen come to fruition, whether that be the community benefits that the county has negotiated, or the community benefits agreement that I have seen come out publicly in recent weeks.

Mark: There has been a lot of criticism that the “community benefits agreement” aren’t as good as they should be, you have endorsed these, how come?

Manny Abarca: I think as you compare community benefits agreements both locally on several projects whether that be the airport or downtown creations, or nationally as you look at sports team community benefits agreements this is transformative, it is unparalleled to anything that exists, and unfortunately just because it doesn’t include as many housing dollars as some would like, doesn’t make it a bad deal, it is in fact the best deal in the history of these franchises, present both in the documents and the lease, to come forward. Many folks are entitled to their opinion but the reality of the facts in comparison this is the best community benefits agree for any team across the country.

Mark: Your fellow legislator, Megan Marshall said “To place $2 billion in taxes on the ballot without legally binding agreements from both teams — which would ensure if the ballot measure passes, taxpayers actually receive what they voted for — goes beyond mere good faith,” Marshall said. “It is irresponsible.” The Jackson County Legislature wanted to put this on the ballot even before having a signed lease agreement or having details of the final Royals Stadium location was announced, why was this issued rushed so quickly?

Manny Abarca: It wasn’t rushed. It was started two and a half years ago, with a Country Executive who obfuscated his duties, and refused to actually hear out details of plans that whether he like them or not was something that should have been brought to the legislature. On top of that Legislator Marshall herself criticized the process of transparency, while being absent in the process for understanding, and so the reality now that she says no details were defined, she chose not be a part of those conversations, she chose not to be a part of the negotiating team, and is criticizing the very process that she chose to be absent from. So I think it is a little laughable to sit on your hands and say you can’t get up.

Mark: When the Kansas City Royals announced that they wanted to build their new Stadium in the East Crossroads Arts District it came as a big surprise to many voters and residents of that neighborhood. The Royals had earlier suggested the location the East Village where the old Greyhound Bus Station was located, an area of mostly vacant lots that would only force one business to move and would only negatively effect 3 businesses in this East Village location. But at the last minute the KC Royals announce a plan to build in the heart of the east Crossroads Arts District that would force the removal or closing of 27 small business, and negatively effect 40 additional businesses in the East Crossroads Arts District. Why make this change in location? How do you justify this to your constituents in neighborhood?

Manny Abarca: Sure, I mean I think it’s kind of misconstrued of the approach, because East Village would have impacted actually more residents that are actually living on the site of the location both the insulary potential development that was suggested there, going as far as Troost, impacting a lot more of the organizations that have an impact on reducing homelessness, but also low-income housing that are literally on the side of East Village. In addition to that there are several businesses, several non-profits, that also within that footprint west of Troost that would have also been impacted. So East Village wasn’t even in fact the most ideal location in displacement either. And as to who kind of drove the suggestion to move the location to the Crossroads, I think you have to look at City Hall for that answer, because the reality of that change happened faster than I realized, and what I’m gathering from the justification as to why, including the completion of those city parks, the reduction of debt obligations for city obligation in exchange for these templates, that all comes from City Hall, not from the county. So I mean obviously the team ownership group makes that decision, but if your are looking to curry favor from those that you need at City Hall, I would look at that top floor, and ask that question to them.

Mark: Did the Jackson County Legislature and KC Royals underestimate the citizens in Kansas City? I mean Kansas City Royals have recently doubled and tripled, I think they have put three million dollars into this campaign, they have been adding another million every week. Did they under estimate the opposition to this?

Manny Abarca: I won’t speak on behalf of the Royals organization by any means, but the point of this entire election, one of the reasons why I chose to put it on the ballot, in a unique election, by itself, was to get this focused level of attention here, and so the opposition campaign has undoubtedly come out with a lot of unfortunate misinformation, and it’s trying to counter that narrative, that has been so costly. The reality that the teams have contributed millions of dollars to this effort I think goes to show that there is further investment interest in staying here in Kansas City because if the teams truly didn’t care, they wouldn’t be investing this amount of money in trying to win this election.

Mark: KC Royals have hired former Mayor Sly James to go on TV to sell the yes vote. They have hired the same political consulting company AXIOM Strategies, owned by Jeff Roe a conservative Republican. Axiom is the same campaign team who worked for Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Ron Desantis in his presidential campaign. Even before the vote on Tuesday, It appears that KC Royals have successfully divided the Kansas City Progressive and Democratic communities. Do you see that?

Manny Abarca: I think that is an equal allocation there, as it pertains to kind of whipping up the response of the progressive base here, you don’t get any more progressive than me on the Jackson County Legislature. The reality that Remington was actually the group that is used, as a subsidiary of AXIOM, it’s used on every major city election, and every major poll, unfortunately, within our city. That is a product of what happens, not what we would like to see. I would strongly welcome a progressive statistician to show up and start creating polls, and think that is why you would see a use in a different area. When it comes to the progressive bases, you have seen a lot of progressive folks come out in opposition to this, but the reality and the brass tacks of these agreements, there is a labor agreement set in place, there are community protections set in place, that are all binding documents, they are all public, and if you want the documents you need to ask the Chair of the Legislature, who is a Republican, by the way, to share those documents. I can’t personally do it myself. And so these ideas of splitting the base, this is a city wide issue that is non-partisan, Republican or Democrat, this is a matter of whether or not we want to keep these teams in Jackson County or not, making an investment in our future as a community with these teams or not. That’s as simple as this is. It’s not partisan.

Mark: I know Jackson County is a very Democratic county. A lot of times people won’t even run on the other side of the political spectrum. That is why I’m concerned about the progressive base of this county being divided by this particular issue and by the Royals. What if the vote comes back “No” what if the results of the election on Tuesday come back “No.” What happens then?

Manny Abarca: I think you get what you pay for. You said no, and the tax will end in 2030, and the teams will be gone before then, I think undoubtedly. And that’s not a product of a fear factor as much as a business. You should also question why Walmart picks up and leaves after their tax incentive runs out, it’s the same mentality here. This is unfortunately the corporate welfare that folks are looking to see all a myriad of businesses here. It is a product of nature of these businesses here. So if you don’t think the teams are going to leave, that’s fine, but when they leave, look in the mirror and blame yourself for not making that level of investment. That is a personal choice, and again, the main reason what we put this on the ballot for folks to vote on.

Mark: Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us on the radio today.

Manny Abarca: No problem

Mark: Manny Abarca, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Manny Abarca: Thanks for having me.

Mark: Manny Abarca IV represents the 1st District, th area where the KC Royals want to build a their new Stadium. Manny currently serves as the Treasurer of the Kansas City Public School Board and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. He is also currently serving Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as his Deputy District Director. He also represents the 12th Ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee

Coming up we talk with members of the Rural Grit who have been working to help defeat the April 1 Vote Yes Campaign, but first…

Mikal Shapiro & The Musical – “The Distance of Elements”
from: Kansas City Syzygy / Kansas City Syzygy / July 17, 2020
[Kansas City Syzygy was a glimpse into the music created in the middle of the map in the middle of a pandemic. Mastered by J Ashley Miller, designed by JC Franco, with compilation direction by Robert Castillo. Over 25 Kansas City-based musicians came together to create “Kansas City Syzygy,” a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in April of 2020. From this amazing compilation on WMM we played 8 brand new original songs from: Miki P, Trevor Turla, Kemet Coleman, Calvin Arsenia, We The People, Rob Rice & The Devils Threesome, Johnny Hamil & Jeff Harshbarger as part of the GAV7D Project, and The Musical. The album can be purchased from Bandcamp. All proceeds will be donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone in KC has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home. // The Musical is Mikal Shapiro, on vocals & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Recorded separately and with social distancing. // Artist, Singer & Songwriter, Mikal Shapiro was our guest live in the studio on March 3, 2008. She has been one of our most frequent guests appearing on our recent 1000th show. // Mikal studied Film History, Film, & Writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She received her MFA in Film/Video/New Media/ Animation from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012. Artist, filmmaker, puppeteer, ring-leader, Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. A third generation storyteller, she draws inspiration from her travels, love life, and the state of the Union. She has toured extensively across the United States and has recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums. Mikal also performs with Shapiro Brothers, and Monta At Odds. Mikal was the original co-host and co-creator of River Trade Radio. She is also the creator and co-host of Siren Song, Saturdays at 11:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI KC Community Radio. Mikal also serves as Coordinator of Kansas City Folk Fest. Mikal Shapiro is founder of State City Films creating documentary and experimental filmmaking practices.// Mikal Shapiro released her critically acclaimed album The Musical II on May 26, 2018 which included “Everybody’s Baby” her pop song she wrote that got a lot of radio play, but all the songs on The Musical 11 are great. The Musical is Mikal Shapiro, on vocals & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Recorded separately and with social distancing. The Musical II is the sequel to Shapiro’s 2015 concept album, “The Musical.” Along with Mikal Shapiro, Chad Brothers, Johnny Hamil and Matt Richey, special guests include: Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Tina Bilberry on viola & violin, Damon Parker on keyboards, and Lauren Hughes on vocals. Engineered and co-produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording & Mastering Studios. KC Star and Tim Finn declared her album “The Musical” to be one of his top five releases of 2015.// Mikal Shapiro’s recording The Crow, The Lark & The Loon, released in 2008 made our list of The 100 Best Recordings of 2008.]

[Mikal Shapiro plays recordBar, at 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Tonight Wednesday, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, MIkal Shapiro & The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Multiple Guest Speakers.]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions of this program are those of its hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of 90.1 FM KKFI, The MidCoat Radio Project, or its Staff and volunteers.

11:13 – Interview with Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders of Rural Grit

Kim Stanton, is a teacher by trade. She returned to the midwest in 1996 and began providing support to one of her good friends’ band, Trouble In Mind. Through this work, she began helping to foster the making of the foundation of Rural Grit and by extension the Rural Grit Happy Hour produced for the past 20 years every Monday night at The Brick, 1727 McGee St. KCMO in the east Crossroads Arts District. Coming from a theatre background, Kim had an understanding of putting on a show and stage management. She curates the Rural Grit Happy Hour show each week.

Kristopher Bruders is a singer, songwriter, band leader, husband, father and event organizer. Many Kansas City music fans know Kristopher Bruders for his work with band, Cadillac Flambé with vocalist and keyboardist, Havilah Bruders. Kristopher Bruders has also released music as a solo artist and with his newer bands Copper Threading and Gascan. Kristopher Bruders is also one half of Freight Train Rabbit Killer with Mark Smeltzer. Freight Train Rabbit Killer released their album, HAMMER OF JUDGEMENT on April 30, 2022 on vinyl from Haymaker Records.

For the past three week Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders of Rural Grit at The Brick have devoted their stage each Monday to opposing Question 1. They’ve invited local leaders to speak to the audience. Multiple musicians have contributed verses to Kris Bruders “A Living Breathing Folk Song.” // On Wednesday, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Guest Speakers. // Rural Grit also announce a Rally on Monday, April 1, 4:00pm at Ilus Davis Park. Following the Rally the assembly will march to The Brick, 1727 McGee, for the final Rural Grit Happy Hour Vote No Show.

Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders thanks for being with us again on WMM.

RURAL GRIT HAPPY HOUR PRESS RELEASE AND CALL FOR ACTION:

Rural Grit announces its formal opposition to Question 1 on the April 2, 2024 special election ballot. The ballot measure proposes a 3/8 cent sales tax to fund stadium construction and maintenance for The Kansas City Royals Baseball Club, LLC. The Royals’ East Crossroads site selection threatens Rural Grit’s continued existence. We accordingly oppose Question 1 and encourage our members to vote no on April 2nd.

Rural Grit is an unincorporated, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of roots, Americana, and folk music throughout Kansas City. We have hosted the Rural Grit Happy Hour every Monday for 25 years, and more than 10,000 musicians have played more than 30,000 times on our stage, from living-room hobbyists to national acts. Our organization has also generated millions of dollars in local economic activity. We were instrumental in bringing Folk Alliance International to Kansas City. FAI’s annual music conference brings musicians to Kansas City from around the world, providing a significant economic impact to the area. We are proud to have helped make our city the international center of folk and traditional music, making Kansas City thrive both artistically and economically.

The Brick, located in East Crossroads, is our home. The construction site and the new stadium will be at our front door, and most of the roadways leading to The Brick will close permanently. If it survives construction, property taxes and demographic changes will challenge The Brick to stay open. For the Happy Hour, we need The Brick’s dedicated PA system, a food menu that low-income artists can afford, an owner willing to host us every Monday, and a central location downtown. Our home is here. If we lose The Brick, we lose the Rural Grit Happy Hour.

WHAT WE ARE DOING – Rural Grit Happy Hour and The Brick will devote our stage each Monday for the next four weeks to opposing Question 1. We are inviting all of our local leaders to join us, speak with us, and listen to our music. We are inviting representatives from both the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs to join us also to see how important our community is to the city. We are also inviting our local journalists to the Happy Hour.

The official campaign committee opposing Question 1, Royals Nation Against New Stadium Taxation, will also join us at the Happy Hour. They will have yard signs available, information on how to donate time and money, and will be on hand to answer questions.

Several of our musicians have also written a community song. Musicians from around the city continue to write verses, creating a collective message to our friends, our leaders, the teams, and the community at large. We are doing what we know, spreading our message through music.

WHAT YOU CAN DO – First, please share our message. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. We are “ruralgrit816” across all platforms. Share our social media posts, and place your privacy setting to “public” so your friends can re-share our message. We do not have a television budget, and as a grassroots organization, we rely on grassroots messaging. Please be our voice.

A representative will be at the Happy Hour to help sign you up, or you may volunteer through their website, http://alltaxedout.com/.

Rural Grit Happy Hour continues the opposition each Monday until the April 2nd election. Bring an instrument, bring a song, or just listen and support us. Let’s show our leaders how much support we have. Let’s overflow The Brick and sing on the sidewalk. We don’t have money, but we have numbers. Show up and support us.

Fourth, contribute to our community song by following our Facebook Page “A Living Breathing Folk Song.” You may submit your lyrics on the “submit” pinned post or you may directly share your own audio or video recording to the page. We hope for support from all of the city’s musicians, all genres, from professionals like the Kansas City Symphony, famous local songwriters like Taylor Swift, to kids learning to write songs for the first time. Everyone’s support is welcome.

11:24

17. Kris Bruders – “A Living Breathing Folk Song” (Live)

11:27 – More interview with Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders

Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders of Rural Grit at The Brick who have devoted their stage each Monday to opposing Question 1. They’ve invited local leaders to speak to the audience. Multiple musicians have contributed to Kris Bruders “A Living Breathing Folk Song.”

Tonight on Wed, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Guest Speakers.

Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders thanks for being with us again on WMM.

Rural Grit also announce a Rally on Monday, April 1, 4:00pm at Ilus Davis Park. Following the Rally the assembly will march to The Brick, 1727 McGee, for the final Rural Grit Happy Hour Vote No Show.

A Living Breathing Folk Song
Lyrics are updated daily.

“Hey pretty mama let’s go to Arkansas
Yeah, we’re gonna have ourselves a ball
Yeah, we’re gonna jump and twist and shout
Yeah, have ourselves a time no doubt
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone.” (Kris Bruders)

“Gonna hit the city, gonna shuffle and dance
Drinkin’ and a laughin’ with the Rural Grit band.
Gonna hit the city, gonna shuffle around
But the City tyrnna tear my dance hall down.
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone.
Me and my people found a place to go
Down in the Crossroads where they left us alone.
Built us up a neighborhood with businesses and such
Now, they’re swipin’ it from under us.
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone.
Going to the city where the people all hand
You can hear the people talk and you can hear the people sing.
Going to the city, for to get some rock and roll
But the city grabbed a shovel and they’re diggin’ them a whole.
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone. VOTE NO!” (Cody Wyoming)

“We gave you ⅜ in 2006
Still licking wounds of being bought on the fix
Same lies and fears and they’re trying it again
This time is different, let’s get on the right end.
Let’s goooo!
Hey Big Money, leave our home alone. Vote No!” (David Regnier)

“Billionaire borrowed my Cracker Jack
Couple a peanuts were all I got back
Man sure took me at the ol’ ball game
Paid with my taxes all the same
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone.
Can’t root no more for the ole home
Hard to root babe, while choking on the schemes
If billionaires win, it’s a rotten shame
We’re all striking out at the ole ball game
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money leave our home alone
Came to a Crossroads already occupied
Royals want a field of dreams subsidized
Now we’re down to the ninth inning
Game’s not over, we’re just beginning
Let’s gooooo! Get out and VOTE NO!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone.
Not every royal deserves to be king
Sometimes you miss when you swing
Don’t play people like a bad note
Know what to do? Get out and vote!
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone.” (Pete Dulin)

“Hey big money, leave us alone.
Don’t be messing with our home.
The place we built with our hard earned tax.
Any many a time filled to the max
Let’s gooooo!
Hey, big money, leave our home alone. Vote no!
Went to the games many a time.
The weather, the crowds were so sublime.
Peanut and hot dogs were the fare.
Just something magical in the air.
Let’s gooooo!
Hey big money, leave us alone.
Don’t be messing with our home. Vote no!” (John Fry Sr)

“Life is short – not too long
Take time today to share a song
Dance like time has no end
Be good to each other my friend
Be good to each other my friend” (Mark O’Renick)

“Big money don’t spend, oddly enough
A penny for your dollar and tuff luck stuff
Streets don’t work and your friends are broke
They can’t live in the town, big money woke
Let’s goooo. You are ruining our city man
Hey big money, leave our home alone.” (Tony LaCroix)

“See here see here come face to face
Your big money well it has no place
Take it down the road with your fancy suit
While we vote no to give you the boot.” (Heidi L Taylor)

“Think it’s Brett’s 390, no it’s Ken Harvey’s back.
They were born on third base, we’re left holding the sack.
It’s like Cone for Hearns, maybe Chris Stynes too.
Never say it can’t get worse, it’s what the Royals do.
Let’s goooo! (VOTE NO!)
Hey big money, leave our home alone.
Both Hunt and Sherman think they’re gonna win
Fueling up the doers with big fat grins
We’re pounding tequila not cookies and mile
To stop them at the ballot box before we get bilked.
Let’s gooooo (Nobody likes getting bilked you know)
Hey big money, leave our home alone.
Like Hosmer’s mad dash they are touching our home
But we have words, guitars and a microphone.
So, we’ll stand on the stage and sing this song loud
If you leave us alone, we’ll stay royal proud.
Let’s goooo! (We love the Royals and you know!!!!)
Hey big money, leave our home alone. “ (Rick Johnson)

“MD said it musta been a bad batch
Bored fat cats just had an itch to scratch
Countin their money at the company store
Pavin their way right over the poor.
The green dirt’s gonna get washed away
The saloon and the pairing aren’t able to stay
The say it’ll work if you walk real far
We’re drivin in circles tryna park the car
Back home they’re bringin out the wrecking ball
Their friends’ll get gigs in the parking lot
Taylor’s comin in through the VIP
Didn’t get an entrance for you and me.” (Jeremy Clark)

“Sherman drove the franchise down
They lost a hundred and six games
Ewing Kauffman must be rolling in his grave.” (Scott Hrabko)

“A billionaire owner makes a pitch
Give me your money ’cause I’ve got an itch
To build a stadium for my team
‘Cause making money’s the American dream
Meanwhile we’re here digging the ditch
Trying to keep up when life’s a bitch
It’s different for us, so it seems
Taking care of family’s the American dream
We’re at a Crossroads
Which way do we go?
Crossroads – go vote no
Give me some peanuts and cracker jacks
Just don’t get rich on my back
Do your part and I’ll do mine
The American dream is when we all do
We’re at a Crossroads
Which way do we go?
Crossroads – go vote no
Get up folks join the show
It’s game time baby – go vote no” (Mark O’Renick)

“The KC Crossroads is a place that’s well known
For the music and the art and it’s all home-grown
But now Big Money is coming around
And wants to buy it up but it’s OUR HOMETOWN
Let’s Go! Vote No! Hey big money, leave my city alone!” (Cee Dee Vee)

“I’m tryna buy a camper with my limited funds
To have a place to work and a little bit of fun
Yeah, I’m gonna write and I’m gonna sing
Yeah, I’m gonna do it on a tiny shoestring.
Let’s go! Vote, no!
Hey big money, leave our home alone.
I got a can o’beans and a lil’ bit of rice
Gonna cook up a dinner but it’s still a fat price
Cause they locked up the food, didn’t give us a key
And I can barely feed my daddy and me.
Let’s go! Vote, no!
Hey big money, leave our home alone!
The sun’s shinin’ down but I’m feeling royal blue
‘Cause my home team screwed me and I dunno what to do
But watch who rises like the cream to the top
The movers ‘n the shakers and the artists of the block.
Let’s go! Vote, no!
Hey big money, leave our home alone!
Now gather round children, let me tell you a tale
About the billionaires fall, and how they all went to jail
Because we called him on their BS and they were running scared
Now they’re eat’ cold beans from a crowded old can.
Let’s go! We voted, no! (That’s not the American way you know)
We told ya, big money, leave our home alone.” (Kasey Rausch)

“When I need a pick me up
I have one place that I go
To hear a little music down in the crossroads
Not the kind you hear on that pop radio
But the music of my friends that’s got heart and soul
Let’s go!
Vote no!” (Kristin Hamilton)

“Mayor Quinton Lucas, he’s nothing but a coward
He won’t address the culture that will all be devoured
By the billionaire investors who’ll park in helicopters
Time to vote no and send Sherman to the showers” (Jason Beers)
“Bully takes his right hand
Smacks it down on the little poor man
Feel the weight of that pinky ring
Sentiment don’t mean a damn thing
Let’s goooo! Vote NO!! April 2
Hey big money, leave our city alone.
You’re not blessing this great city
By tearing down part of its history
Move to the west move to the east
No more tax to leave our home in one piece.
Let’s goooo! Vote NO!
Hey big money, leave our city alone.” (Dave Duly)

“Kauffman is where we experienced our dreams.
With kids and friends and families.
Denny calling plays about Frank White.
Along the journey colored by Fred White.
George hit the ball like few before,
hustled round the bases and evened the score (pine tar and all).
With passion for the “K” he built the home.
Bridge named after him many families have strolled.
Everyone agrees he was one of the great.
And in the end he even kissed the home plate.
Buddy Biancalana played short in the games of his life.
Helpin’ win the Series in ’85.
Hosmer, Moose, Perez, and the great Wade Davis,
reminded us the “K” is one of those special places
Where tailgating with the family was a place one wanted to be.
Creating those special memories.
Now they want to take it away, in the name of big money Wanna Be’s
Interrupting a special synergy.
Disrupting a neighborhood built from the ground
Where art of all kinds became a place to hang out.
The “K” is the fourth oldest stadium in the MLB
Abandoning a place of KC history.
Ewing & Muriel will be rolling in their graves
If big money takes their icon away.” (Greg Neubauer)

“All these people coming around,
From outside the limits of this part of town,
Enjoying the culture of this place,
Could be torn down to play first base,
Let’s go
Hey big money leave our city alone
A billionaire huckster & a mayor
Throw some pixie dust in the air
In the name of commerce for the future days ,
To be torn down to play 3rd base
Let’s go
Hey big money, leave our city alone.” (Chris Hudson)

“Turned on the tube and what did I see?
Six billionaires lookin back at me.
Said as they smiled through a million dollar grin
“We’re here to bring life to the Crossroads again!”
While we appreciate what you’ve done
We’re here to save the Crossroads, Son.
We know what’s best to make it grow,
So just step back and watch us go.
I said “What?”. Just wait a damn minute.
Hell no!
No thanks Buddy, we’re doing just fine.
You can Put your plans where the sun don’t shine.
We were here first, we’re here to stay.
We got some Hillbilly music to play.
Don’t bet against the common man.
We’re liable to mess with your billion dollar plan.
As a tribe we’ve still got plenty of clout,
So Don’t let the door hit your butt on your way out.
Hell no. We won’t go.
Hey Big Money leave our Home alone!” (Leo Eilts)

“Progress come and progress go
Ever’thing changes in the ebb and flow
All we want is to keep our home
Down in the ol’ Crossroads
Hey, Hey! Let’s Go! Big Money leave our home alone!
Somebody tol’ me “Freedom ain’t free!”
but, Ain’t our money should hafta buy your scheme!
We already got our ‘Field of Dreams’
Its the art in the ol’ Crossroads that is our dreams
Hey, Hey! Vote No! Big Money leave our home alone!
Business men come and business men go
An’ ever’ time it come, seems to steal our soul
Remember, my friend, “all that glitters ain’t gold!”
When they tear down the ol’ Crossroads!” (Douglas Ward)

“You tell us your intentions, all the good things that you’ll bring
Gonna revitalize the city – details available next spring
Demolition and displacement are part of progress so they say
It’ll be pretty as a picture, if you get your way
Let’s go! Vote No! Hey, big money, leave our home alone.
(You’ve got) Few financial details, how about a CBA?
(You’ve got) Lots of intangibles and you’re wanting us to pay
Trust you with our money, never mind the cost
Gold plate the city, never mind what’s lost
Let’s go! Vote no! Hey, big money, leave our home alone.” (Susan Hodges)
“You’re piling on the lies just to get your way/you’re gonna take it all and make us pay/you’re handing us the match for our own funeral pyre/ but It’s just shining on the truth—you’re a goddamn liar.” (Val Tankard)
“He may sweeten it with honey but there’s poison in his money.” (Val Tankard)

“You can kick your balls up in the air
you can hit them with a bat and I don’t care
You can play with your little balls in your house
Don’t tear down mine to get your ya ya’s out
Let’s Goooooo
Hey big money leave my home alone
There’ a bouncing ball on the words I sing
We all join in and let the truth ring
The truth we sing will be heard
Cuz the little man has the final word
Let’s Goooooo
Hey big money leave my home alone” (Mark McGonigle)

“Rich mofos buying everything up.
All you care about is making bucks.
Your plan is stupid. Selfish to the core.
We barely get by and you wanna take more.
Let’s go. Oh no.
Hey big money leave the city alone.
The billionaires think they get to decide.
They are all criminals in disguise.
Capitalism in our face.
Sherman Stay the fuck away from our space.” (Don Dawn)

Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders thanks for being with us again on WMM.

Rural Grit announced a Rally on Mon, April 1, 4pm at Ilus Davis Park. After Rally folks will march to The Brick, 1727 McGee, for s final Rural Grit Happy Hour Vote No Show.

11:30

18. Steddy P – “Won’t Lay Down”
from: Style Like Mine / Indyground Entertainment / September 11, 2009
[It’s no secret in the Show Me State, that oddly familiar eyeball tag in the alley, in the venue, green room, light pole and usual suspect area where maybe a bomber climb the pole for the highest point, that’s what is truly from here to fame and of the culture, something fought for, forever. Fathom the leap of faith, fright of flight only to be late to the fight, that’s our culture, that’s 2022, sans Pandemic. // The Indyground eyeball represents one of the most progressive and relevant Hip Hop labels and culture movements ever to come out of Missouri, by way of the point guard, patient progressive prototype and proud parent, Steddy P, of Indyground Entertainment. // The original self-proclaimed OG Gonzo Rapper is armed with one of the livest progressively rooted rap shows in the business, offering his latest album, SOS: Toxic from the Indyground label.]

[Steddy P plays recordBar, at 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Tonight Wednesday, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, MIkal Shapiro & The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Multiple Guest Speakers.]

11:33 – Underwriting

11:35

11:35

The Whitney Tones – “Surely”
from: Gospel Greats Concert Masters Live / unknown / unknown

[I’m So Glad will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.

11:36 – Interview with Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates

Paul Wenske, is a former national correspondent & investigative reporter for The KC Star. Nancy Meis, is a former content marketing, creative industries and arts manager. Chris Wenske, a University of Kansas graduate, who works as a videographer and editor, who is also a singer, songwriter, guitarist currently living in Los Angeles California.

Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, thanks for being with us on WMM.

For more than 10 years, this three-person family collaborative, known as Electric Prairie Productions, with Paul as writer and director, Nancy as producer, and Chris as videographer and lead editor, have gone to historically Black churches to film amazing gospel music for their new documentary film, “I’m So Glad. The film that explores the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music narrated by internationally recognized gospel music conductor Isaac S. Cates.

Isaac Cates is an award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, composer, conductor, producer and Recording Academy member. He is conductor of the popular Kansas City gospel choir, Ordained. He frequently travels overseas to present gospel music concerts and direct gospel music workshops. He is Director of Music Outreach and Worship Leader at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.

Isaac Cates, thanks for being with us on WMM.

The film will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.

We just heard The Whitney Tones with the track “Surely.”

More than 200 performers (whether in choirs, quartets or solos) at 16 churches have been recorded for their new documentary film, “I’m So Glad.”

“I’m So Glad” that explores the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music

Many advisors and experts have assisted with this film and more than 100 interviews have been filmed with Black studies professors, archivists, historians, pastors, choral directors, performers, musicologists, and authors.

Film Synopsis:
Kansas City is known for its jazz and blues. But the same forces that shaped those American art forms also led to the development of Black Gospel music.

Our region’s gospel blues have a rich but largely overlooked history. In fact, historians say gospel music may be the best window through which to view the development of the Black community in and around Kansas City, MO, and its roots in pre-Civil War Kansas.

11:43

Genetter Bradley and The Bradley Singlers – “Right Direction”
from: Moving in the Right Direction / Recom Records /1 974
[Sister Genetter Bradley’s life activities include but are not limited to: She toured with such groups as the Staple Singers, The Caravans and many more. Sang and helped “The Kansas City Melody-Aires land their first recording contract with Simco Records and then Peacock Records. She performed at the Famed Apollo Theatre in New Your City in 1966. In 1974 she was introduced to Recom Records by Shirley Caesar and recorded her first Album titled “Moving in the Right Direction” with her own group “Genetter Bradley and the Bradley Singers”. Lead singer with the “Wings of Grace” in 1982.]

[I’m So Glad will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.

11:44 – Interview with Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates

For more than 10 years, this three-person family collaborative, known as Electric Prairie Productions, with Paul as writer and director, Nancy as producer, and Chris as videographer and lead editor, have gone to historically Black churches to film amazing gospel music for their new documentary film, “I’m So Glad. The film that explores the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music narrated by internationally recognized gospel music conductor Isaac S. Cates.

Isaac Cates is an award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, composer, conductor, producer and Recording Academy member. He is conductor of the popular Kansas City gospel choir, Ordained. He frequently travels overseas to present gospel music concerts and direct gospel music workshops. He is Director of Music Outreach and Worship Leader at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.

Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates thanks for being on WMM.

Issac Cates brought his own vast experience to this project.

10 years in the making. The film explores this rich legacy: featuring the music and the stories of the region’s pioneering greats.

Interviews with historians and scholars reveal a musical and cultural history never presented before. The film shows how the region’s gospel legends played key roles in developing gospel music nationally and helped introduce African American musical traditions into the nation’s mainstream culture.

Paul Wenske, Nancy Meiss, Chris Wenske you are a musical family. Paul Wenske, Nancy Meiss, are also regular performers at the Rural Grit happy Hour at The Brick. Chris Wenske, is currently working on a new recording project in Los Angeles

Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates, Thanks for being on WMM.

“I’m So Glad” will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.

11:54

Ivory Blue – “Flashback”
from: “Flashback” – Single / IVORY BLUE / March 15, 2024
[IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on November 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, and vocalist. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Howl” on February 16, 2024. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on October 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D [Ivory Blue was our guest on WMM on: March 8, 2023, June 7, 2023, our 1000th show on June 28, 2023, and September 27, 2023.]

[IVORY BLUE plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, on Thursday, March 28, at 8:00PM with Lady Revel, and Keelon Vann]

Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

On Friday, March 29 on MidCoast LIVE! At Noon, Mark will welcome Cody Wyoming, Mark Smeltzer, and Kris Bruders who will play a LIVE 60 minute concert in our 90.1 FM Studios.

Next week on Wednesday, April 3 we welcome special guests: Claire Adams who has a new EP called WORDS OF LOVE coming out on April 2, Claire Adams plays The Gospel Lounge at Knuckleheads on Sunday, April 14 with Jackie Myers and Fritz Hutchison. // also next week we’ll talk with Albert Racanati who records as ALBER about his new release and work with Charlotte Street. // And we’ll welcome Rick Truman – Executive Director at The Folly Theatre. // AND ALSO Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon will be here, to talk about MidWest Music Foundation’s Mental Health Care for Musicians Donation Drive, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. More info: https://midwestmusicfoundation.org

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

Show #1039

Wednesday MidDay Medley

Wednesdays, 10 – Noon, on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

WMM Playlist from March 27, 2024

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