
Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
WMM presents: Lava Dreams + Julie Bennett Hume + Amelia Rose + Alan & Janice Wasserman

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

- FlareThaRebel – “Mixology”
from: “Mixology” – Single / Shafer / May 1, 2026
[“Mixology” from his upcoming full length album DEAR CITY. // Flare Tha Rebel’s lead single “Mixology” is a confidently smooth record that uses the art of the cocktail as a metaphor for ambition, drive, and balance. The song is produced by longtime collaborator, Bob Pulliam (“Happy Clouds (Bob Ross Flow)”, “Rose’ All Day”, “Royalty Pt.1/2”). The single precedes the release of Flare’s upcoming album, Dear City, which drops Friday, May 1st. // Amplifying the tension between having love for one’s city while not dismissing its inequities, Dear City is a lyrical reflection of truth-telling and hometown pride. The album highlights commonalities experienced by many urbanites regardless of where they call home. // In the weeks leading up to the album release concert, Flare has been releasing music video reels on social media featuring snippets of the new songs from Dear City. Filmed by Flaming Heart Productions, each reel features only the first verse or at most the first verse and chorus of each song, giving fans a taste of what’s to come and building hype for the album’s release. // Elevating the concoction further, Flare collaborated with bar owner, Bryan Ari, to film the music video reel of “Mixology” at Fern Bar. Flare turned the filming into a “fishbowl experience” inviting guests to watch him create the reel live while sipping cocktails of their own. Flare landed the scene, which involved rapping while mixing a cocktail and flaming an orange rind a precise moment within the song’s verse. The outcome? Confidently smooth – after about six takes and some hands-on coaching from Bryan Ari.// Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel™ back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which sparked a creative renaissance. As The Pitch noted, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ’00s, he’s now back…” His homecoming has proved fruitful – his track “Playground” was voted the Number 1 Song of 2022 by listeners of 90.9 FM The Bridge. Throughout his career, Flare has shared stages with heavyweights including Chance The Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. His most recent release is the locally acclaimed EP, “Summer You, Summer Me”, followed by his feature on the Kemet Coleman song “Android”. // Flare Tha Rebel aka Jeff Shafer is Executive Director for City Year Kansas City, an educational-equity nonprofit that places mentors/tutors in schools to keep kids on track to graduate. This was the job that brought Jeff back to KC, where he became Executive Director.]
[FlareThaRebel plays an album release concert at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 7:00pm featuring performances by Flare Tha Rebel, Black Light Animals, and Eddie Moore.]
[FlareThaRebel join us on WMM on May 27 just before his appearance at Manor Fest 8, and just after his performances in Ireland with Kadesh Flow and Kemet Coleman on May 13 – 22]

- SEYKO – “Anybody High”
from: “Anybody High” – Single / Groove King Records – Fat Beats / December 1, 2023
[Produced by Colby Bales of the band Black Light Animals and also a bandmate of SEYKO’s in The Freedom Affair. // Seyko released the single “What I Want” on June 23, 2023. //From http://www.seykomusic.com: Seyko has always found music to be a reflection of her innermost thoughts and feelings, a way of self-expression but even deeper than that. Music was always a life-giving, constant companion from the happiest moments to the darkest days. Music continues to be Seyko’s way of communicating with the world around her. // Seyko developed her musical talent during her formative years through church and school choirs, friendships that evolved into singing groups, and professional training through voice lessons and songwriting. Opportunities presented themselves, but Seyko also created opportunities for herself as she chased her dream to create and perform her own music. // The Freedom Affair and SUNU, two Kansas City bands Seyko performs and writes with, have solidified her place in the music scene and provide a solid foundation for beginning her solo career. Seyko’s singing and songwriting career has spanned twenty years, and it shows! Her creative growth has led to her being a well-respected artist in Kansas City, allowing her to participate in recording projects for fellow musicians and even singing background vocals for Michael Bublé at a live concert in 2022.]
[Seyko plays WOMEN OF THE REBELLION, a special concert headlined by Seyko and Carolina Mendoza, with Gracie Caggiano, Julie Bennett Hume, and Emma Jo, at recordBar, 1527 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm, presented by Heartland Song Network, KKFI, Folk Alliance International, and Missouri Arts Council.]

11:11 – Interview with Julie Bennett Hume
Singer-songwriter Julie Bennett Hume shares details about WOMEN OF THE REBELLION. For over 35 years Julie has played bass, guitar, banjo and performed with: The Alferd Packer Memorial String Band, The KC Cajun Band, The All Night Fiddlers, the Afro-Cuban ensemble Manos, The Euphoria String Band, Table for Three, and Lost Cowgirl Revue which toured Germany and the Netherlands. With Leslie Giggler she performs as The Stray Grays. Julie worked for several decades as a High School teacher, and served as producer & host of “River City Chautauqua“. She is currently working with eight women in producing & hosting SHE TALK WHA?, Saturdays at 3:00pm on 90.1 FM. Julie has released four albums: “Late Bloomer” (2017), “Vinegar,” (2019), Songs Of Latter Days With Chris Hudson as The Multiverse, (2020), and “The Lorelei” (2025). Julie Bennet Hume plays WOMEN OF THE REBELLION, headlined by Seyko and Carolina Mendoza, with Gracie Caggiano, and Emma Jo, at recordBar, 1527 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm, presented by Heartland Song Network, KKFI, Folk Alliance International, and Missouri Arts
Julie Bennett Hume thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
WOMEN OF THE REBELLION, a special concert headlined by Seyko and Carolina Mendoza, with Gracie Caggiano, Julie Bennett Hume, and Emma Jo, at recordBar, 1527 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm, presented by Heartland Song Network, KKFI, Folk Alliance International, and Missouri Arts Council

Juoier Bennett Hue is the coordinator of She Talk Wha hosted by a team of 8 women who represent The EPA, The League of Women Voters, Habitat for Humanity, area Public High Schools, Metropolitan Community College system, and more. She Talk Wha? airs every Saturday, 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
The title track of “The Lorelei” is based on the poem of the same name by the German poet Heinrich Heine and revisits the theme of the dangerous siren. Songs on her latest project deal with politics, family dynamics, love and loss .
Julie Bennett Hume partial Discography
Julie Bennett Hume – “Vinegar / Lost Cowgirl Records / November 1, 2019
Julie Bennett Hume is a singer-songwriter from Stilwell, Kansas. She has been playing folk music for over 35 years in the Lawrence/Kansas City area. She has played bass, guitar, banjo and sung in numerous folk ensembles such as The Alferd Packer Memorial String Band, The Kansas City Cajun Band, The All Night Fiddlers, the Afro- Cuban ensemble Manos , The Euphoria String Band and Table for Three. She currently performs solo and with the duos The Stray Grays (with Leslie Giggler), The Multiverse (with Chris Hudson), the string band Wolves a’ Howlin’ and the group Lost Cowgirl Revue, which recently toured Germany and the Netherlands. Julie also teaches German part-time at a local high school and is the producer and host of the KKFI program “River City Chautauqua”. Her newest CD, Vinegar, was released in November of 2019.]
Chris Hudson & Julie Bennett Hume – The Multiverse / 2020
Chris Hudson & Julie Bennett Hume have been playing and creating songs for decades in the KC – Lawrence area. Prolific songwriters with a love of poetry and prose, their music is an eclectic mix of folk, blues and country. For this recording of 13 songs Chris wrote 6 and Julie wrote 6 and they wrote one song together. They play on all songs together with help from the Kansas City acclaimed alternative string duo The Wires with Laurel Morgan parks on violin and Sascha Groschang on cello. Also contributing to the recording was Jason Beers. Chris Hudson also plays solo and with the bands “Gullywasher” and “The Bard Owls”. More info at: http://www.themultiversekc.com
Julie Bennett Hume’s – “The Lorelei” / February 9, 2025 Part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2025. More info at: http://www.juliebennetthume.com
Julie worked for decades as a High School teacher who teaches German in public schools.
Julie Bennett Hume thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Julie Bennett Hume plays WOMEN OF THE REBELLION, a special concert headlined by Seyko and Carolina Mendoza, with Gracie Caggiano, Julie Bennett Hume, and Emma Jo, at recordBar, 1527 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm, presented by Heartland Song Network, KKFI, Folk Alliance International, and Missouri Arts Council
11:26

- Julie Bennett Hume – “One Man”
from: The Lorelei / Julie Bennett Hume / February 9, 2025
[4 years in the making, “The Lorelei” was produced by Chad Brothers and includes musicians: Chad Brothers, Marco Pascolini, Brandon Day, Scotch Hollow, Mark Montgomery, and Ernest James. // Julie Bennett Hume has been playing and writing music for over 35 years in the Lawrence/KC area. She has played and sung in various ensembles including a blues trio, an Afro-Cuban ensemble, various string bands, a Cajun ensemble and folk/Americana duos and ensembles. Her music shows a strong Cajun, Old-time and Blues influence with a nod to some of her favorite songwriters such as Stephen Stills, Maggie Roche and Gillian Welch. Julie has released four CD’s of original music including “Late Bloomer” in 2017, “Vinegar” in 2019, “Songs of Latter Days” in 2021 with the Multiverse and “The Lorelei” coming in February of 2025. The title track of “The Lorelei” is based on the poem of the same name by the German poet Heinrich Heine and revisits the theme of the dangerous siren. Songs deal with politics, family dynamics, love and loss. http://www.juliebennetthume.com]
[Julie Bennett Hume plays WOMEN OF THE REBELLION, a special concert headlined by Seyko and Carolina Mendoza, with Gracie Caggiano, Julie Bennett Hume, and Emma Jo, at recordBar, 1527 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm, presented by Heartland Song Network, KKFI, Folk Alliance International, and Missouri Arts Council.]
10:31 – Underwriting

- Ivory Blue – “History”
from: “History” – Single / IVORY BLUE / April 3, 2026
[IVORY BLUE released the singles: “afterglow” on February 20, 2026; “Forevermore” on November 28, 2025; and “Echo” on September 5, 2025. // Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. // IVORY BLUE released the singles “Mirrors” on August 1, 2025; “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025; “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // “Exiled” on November 29, 2024; “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 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. // 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’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 when 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 with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, Middle of the Map Fest, Westport Roots Festival, KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at KC 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. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // 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. Info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]

10:35 – Interview with Amelia Rose
Amelia Rose, a 21 year old, transgender filipina student currently in her third year attending UMKC. Amelia is majoring in Media Arts and Design. After she graduates, she hopes to pursue a career in either radio broadcasting or graphic design. Amelia is working with other students doing a group oral history project which revolves around LGBTQ+ movements in Kansas City in the 1990s, with a bit of an emphasis on Transgender Rights. This project is part of Dr. Sandra Enríquez ‘s Oral History Class. Dr. Enríquez is an Associate Professor of History / Director of Public History Emphasis; Faculty Internship Coordinator; Associate Director of the Mellon Internship Program School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Enríquez is also the director of the Latinx KC Oral History Project and the co-editor of a digital project on Kansas City activism.
Amelia Rose thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Amelia Rose, a 21 year old, transgender filipina student currently in her third year attending UMKC.
Amelia is majoring in Media Arts and Design. After she graduates, she hopes to pursue a career in either radio broadcasting or graphic design.

Amelia is working with other students doing a group oral history project which revolves
Amelia is working with other students doing a group oral history project which revolves around LGBTQ+ movements in Kansas City in the 1990s, with a bit of an emphasis on Transgender Rights. This project is part of Dr. Sandra Enríquez ‘s Oral History Class. Dr. Enríquez is an Associate Professor of History / Director of Public History Emphasis; Faculty Internship Coordinator.
10:51

- Flamy Grant – “Fortune Teller”
from: “Fortune Teller” – Single / Glam & Glory Records / October 24, 2023
[Produced by Ben Grace. Sound engineer and electric guitars by Daniel Shearin. // Flamy Grant is winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and the 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music record by a drag performer. With influences from gospel, blues, folk & rock, hines light on queerness, faith, and overcoming spiritual trauma so often endured by LGBTQ+ people and others who grow up in conservative religious spaces. // Flamy’s iconic roots-rock sound is influenced by singer/songwriters like Natalie Merchant, Tracy Chapman, Over the Rhine, and Amy Grant. Her art shines a spotlight on the queer spiritual journey, telling stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma. With a bold lip, a big lash, and a blistering voice, Flamy is here to rewrite the rules when it comes to faith-based entertainment, demanding a reckoning for an industry that for too long has silenced and shut out its LGBTQ+ artists and fans. // Flamy’s single “Good Day” released 9/6/23 is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital chart. Flamy Grant played an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance Intern. Feb 22.]
Fortune Teller (Lyrics)
I’m a medium, I’m a fortune teller
I know every word you’re gonna say
I’m a headstrong, lifelong city dweller
I can take you where you’re going by the fastest way
It’s gonna be okay
I traveled time, I’m here from the future
I can show you how this all turns out
I can save you with the data in my computer
We can flourish in the flood and avoid the drought
Yeah, we’re gonna make it out
You feel it in your bones
But your head is moving slow
I’m a scientist, I got a method and a measure
For observable, reliable, repeatable fact
I’m a decorated educator in the field of pleasure
I’ve learned a lot of lessons I can reenact
Yeah, I been keeping track
You sense that I am true
But your heart is split in two
I’m a prophetess, singing my story
A dressed-up, effervescent, ethical fraud
But this world ain’t ready for an allegory, no
We’re still waiting on a literal god
I just smile and nod
You have intuition
And it’s telling you the story isn’t done

- Leela James – “Be Your Baby (Nour-Eddine Remix)”
from: Be Your Baby (Nour-Eddine Remix) – Single / BMG / February 13, 2026
[Alechia Janeice Campbell, was born June 2, 1983 and is known professionally as Leela James, is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. // James made her debut on the soundtrack to the 2000 Jamie Foxx film Bait on the Roots song “Work”, credited as Alechia James. // In 2004, James toured as an opening act for the Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray. That same year, she was featured on hip hop producer, DJ, and emcee Pete Rock’s album Soul Survivor II, providing vocals to the track “No Tears”. In 2005, she lent her voice to the posthumously released Ray Charles album Genius & Friends, duetting with the singer on the song “Compared to What”. // ames’ debut album, A Change Is Gonna Come, was released on June 21, 2005. James co-wrote most of the tracks on this album, two exceptions being her covers of the pop rock band No Doubt’s 1996 hit “Don’t Speak”, and the Sam Cooke song “A Change Is Gonna Come”. Notable collaborators on the album include Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West and Wyclef Jean. // James guested on Robert Randolph and the Family Band’s 2006 album Colorblind, lending her vocals to “Stronger”. // After parting ways with Warner Bros., James signed with the independent label Shanachie Records and released her second studio album on March 24, 2009, an all-cover set entitled Let’s Do It Again, in homage to the Staple Singers. // In June 2009, James appeared on the Moby album Wait for Me, performing the vocal on “Walk with Me”. // James’ third album My Soul, her first with the Stax label, was released on May 24, 2010, and debuted on the US Hip Hop/R&B chart at No. 7. Speaking in May 2010 to UK soul writer Pete Lewis of Blues & Soul, she stated: “With this album I wanted to make sure that I showed all sides of me – in terms of variety in the music and in my vocal range – while at the same time making it clear that every song deeply came from my soul. Plus I also wanted to incorporate a little more hip hop this time, and infuse it with my traditional R&B – because I felt that. By making my beats edgier and harder-hitting, I’d show there was more to me than just doing ballads and things of that sort.” // On July 31, 2012, James released her fourth studio album, Loving You More… In the Spirit of Etta James. Originally the album was going to have one song honoring Etta James, but with her death it became a full tribute album. It was released by Shanachie Records. // On July 8, 2014, James released her fifth studio album, Fall For You. The album’s first two singles, “Say That” feat. Anthony Hamilton and “Fall For You” both reached Top 15 on the Billboard Urban AC charts, with “Fall For You” reaching No. 12. James supported her album with tours nationwide, including performances at Essence Music Festival, Arizona Jazz Fest, San Diego Jazz Fest, Capitol Jazz Fest, and more. // James’ sixth album, Did It for Love was released on March 31, 2017, by Shesangz Music under license to BMG.[5] The album has the singles “Don’t Want You Back” released on October 28, 2016,[6] “Hard for Me” released on February 25, 2017,[7] “Don’t Mean a Thang” released on March 27, 2017,[8] and a video single “All Over Again” on May 4, 2017.[9] The single “Don’t Want You Back” reached number 1 on Billboard’ Adult R&B Songs chart on April 15, 2017, becoming her highest-charting single ever. // In February 2021, James debuted the song “Complicated”, the first single off her seventh studio album See Me. It peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’ Adult R&B Songs chart becoming her second number one. Its music video is her most successful with more than 28 million views on Youtube. // In 2014 & 2015, she starred in seasons 2 & 3 of the TV One reality show R&B Divas: Los Angeles. // James cites singers James Brown, Roberta Flack, Toni Braxton, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, and Etta James as influences. // James is an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority; she was inducted on July 27, 2024 at the sorority’s Boulé in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Leela James Discography
A Change Is Gonna Come (2005)
Let’s Do It Again (2009)
My Soul (2010)
Loving You More… In the Spirit of Etta James (2012)
Fall for You (2014)
Did It for Love (2017)
re You Ready? EP (2019) (with The Truth Band)
See Me (2021)
Thought U Knew (2023)
2BHONEST EP (2025)
[Leela James plays The Madrid, 3810 Main Street, KCMO, on Friday, May 1, at 8:00pm]

- Jamogi – “HOLLABACK (feat. Les Izmore)”
from: “HOLLABACK (feat. Les Izmore)” / Jam Tunes / May 15, 2026
[Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California.// Jamogi released the single “Georgia Peach (feat. Burgandy)” on September 5, 2025. Jamogi released Jamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live) through Jam Tunes on April 11, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Do It To Me” on March 28, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Go Big or Go Home” on August 30, 2024, Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire. Kamogi and the Jammers played Boulevardia 2025] // Les Izmore is a Africanfurist, a multi-disciplinary artist, a lover of music. Les Izmore is a musician, spoken word artist, producer, director, curator, poet, DJ, writer, percussionist, songwriter, music composer, beat maker, emcee and vocalist. Les Izmore is a creative centered around experimentation and love. His current project is now known as Les Izmore & The GOATS, it is a project that opens a portal to decolonized worlds using the technology of live looping, hand percussion, vocalization, collaboration and improvisation based off lyricism and heartfelt structured vibrations. Les is part of Arquesta Del SolSoul, a Kansas City-based, cosmic music collective, teleporting through indigeneity, decolonization, love and freedom. Les Izmore has shared the stage with such acts as: Kendrick Lamar, Shabazz Palaces, Public Enemy, Seun Kuti and the Egypt 80, Tank and the Bangas, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force ft. Mádé Kuti, KRS-ONE, dead prez, SOUL GLO, Lupe Fiasco, Mobb Deep, Reflection Eternal (Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli), Sadat X, Slick Rick, Snoop Dogg, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tef Poe, Hermon Mehari, Joc Max, Deejay Platinum, Emcee Reach, The Roots, Chance the Rapper, Del the Funky Homosapien, Combo Chimbita, Earthgang, Fashawn, Exile, Bahamadia, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Clipping, Mobb Deep, Radkey, Ozomatli, Making Movies, Las Cafeteras, Gio Chamba, Busdriver, Milo, Nocando, Open Mike Eagle (Hellfyre club), and The BUHS.]
[Jamogi played KKFI’s Band Auction Last Sat, April 25, at 12:20pm]
[Jamogi plays Manor Fest 8]
11:02 – Station ID

- Blue Swede – “Hjooked On A Feeling”
from: Hooked On A Feeling – 40th Anniversary Collection/ Parlophone / 2014
[Hooked on a Feeling is an album by Swedish rock band Blue Swede released in 1974. They became internationally recognized largely due to their ‘ooga chaka’ cover of Jonathan King’s 1971 version of the 1968 Mark James song “Hooked on a Feeling”. // Blue Swede (Swedish: Blåblus) were a Swedish rock band fronted by Björn Skifs which was active between the years 1973–1979. Blue Swede released two albums of cover versions, including a rendition of “Hooked on a Feeling”, which brought them international chart success. The band consisted of Anders Berglund (piano), Björn Skifs (lead vocals), Bosse Liljedahl (bass), Hinke Ekestubbe (saxophone), Jan Guldbäck (drums), Michael Areklew (guitar), and Tommy Berglund (trumpet).[2] They disbanded after Skifs decided to embark on his solo career. // Blue Swede was first formed in 1973, when Björn Skifs, a top vocalist in Sweden, was looking for a band to accompany him during his concerts. // The band was originally called “Blåblus” (Swedish for “blue blouse” [could be made out of denim], a pun on the word “blues”) and featured Skifs singing the lead vocals. The band got their international breakthrough in 1974 with their cover of the 1968 B. J. Thomas song “Hooked on a Feeling”. Blue Swede recorded Thomas’s song in 1973, but based its rendition of the song on a 1971 version released by British pop eccentric Jonathan King, which created the “ooga-chaka” introduction.[clarification needed] The producer at the recording sessions was Bengt Palmers. Blue Swede released “Hooked on a Feeling” in Sweden in May 1973 and in the United States in February 1974. The song reached number one in the U.S. for one week in April 1974 and stayed in the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 18 weeks. The track also topped charts in Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands, where it reached a peak chart position of 26. To capitalize on the success of the song, Blue Swede released the album Hooked on a Feeling that same year. // Throughout the rest of 1974, two follow-up singles from the same LP were released: “Silly Milly”, which peaked at position 71 in the U.S., and a cover of The Association’s “Never My Love”, which made the Top Ten by peaking at position 7. From the band’s 1974 follow-up album, Out of the Blue, they recorded a medley of “Hush” by Deep Purple and “I’m Alive” by Tommy James and the Shondells (not The Hollies’ song of the same name), peaking at position 61 in the U.S., and achieving its greatest chart success in Scandinavia. Skifs left the band in 1975 and the band continued as Blåblus, releasing a further two albums.

11:05 – Interview with Alan & Janice Wasserman.
Alan & Janice Wasserman. Alan was recently elected to his second term as a Board Member for KKFI. Janice has done three Guest DJ appearances on KKFI. Alan & Janice were both born and raised in The Bronx, NYC. The building where Janice grew up was also the home of Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band. Alan graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Industrial Engineering. After leaving New York City, Alan & Janice lived in Tennessee, Illinois, and Mississippi, before landing in Kansas City in 1981. Alan started his own business in 1994. Through all of this time Alan worked in the apparel industry. Janice has received degrees in Speech Pathology and Special Education and has worked in Kansas City, Kansas, and Blue Valley District schools. Janice operated her own Sylvan Learning Center for five years. Besides KKFI, Alan volunteers at his synagogue and Janice volunteers at Children’s Mercy South, both volunteer at The Folly Theatre. Alan & Janice have been married for 52 years and have two children and five grandchildren.
Alan & Janice Wasserman, Thanks for being with us on WMM.
Alan Wasserman was recently elected to his second term as a Board Member for KKFI.
Janice Wasserman has done three Guest DJ appearances on KKFI.
Both are Longtime KKFI Listeners

Alan Wasserman was born and raised in The Bronx, NY. He met his wife Janice while in high school. Alan graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Industrial Engineering. After leaving New York City the Wasserman family lived in Tennessee, Illinois, and Mississippi, before coming to Kansas City in 1981. Through all of this time Alan worked in the apparel industry since I graduated college and started his own business in 1994.
Janice Wasserman was also born and raised in the Bronx. In the building where she grew up Peter Wolf of the J. Geils band also lived. Famous artist Stan Lee of Marvel Comics is her father’s first cousin. Alan Wasserman mother is a cousin to Arthur Murray. She has received degrees in Speech Pathology and Special Education and has worked in District #500 in Kansas City, Kansas and The Blue Valley School District in Shawnee Mission. Janice also operated her own Sylvan Learning Center for five years. Janice has also worked as an actress in community theater and then stand up comedy.

Longtime listeners Janice has done three Guest DJ appearances on KKFI. Recently Alan began is second term as Board Member at 90.1FM. He also volunteers at his synagogue and Janice recently started volunteering at Children’s Mercy South. Both volunteer at The Folly Theatre. Alan and Janice have been married for 52 years and have two children and five grandchildren.
In the 50s, Ann Bancroft went to our HS as well as Christine Jorgenson- 1st transexual. And in more recent years, David Berkowitz aka Son of Sam (my father’s name was Sam!).
Janice plays Mah Jong once a week. She say that it is hilarious like a reality show.
Janice also dabbles in stand up-adult material.
Alan & Janice Wasserman Thanks for being with us on WMM
11:26

- Radkey – “Ain’t No Sunshine”
from: “Ain’t No Sunshine” / Little Man Records / April 7, 2020
[Radkey released the EP Victory on July 30, 2025. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2025. // single “Falling Out of Grace” on October 24, 2025. Radkey released the single “Victory” on March 28, 2025. On September 23, 2022 Radkey released the single “Better Than This.” The band released “Games (Tonight)”: on January 28, 2022 on Little Man Records. Isaiah, Dee, and Solomon Radke of the critically acclaimed rock trio Radkey joined us live in our 90.1 FM studios on September 5, 2018. Radkey was formed in 2010 in St. Joseph, where the brothers were raised. The family moved to Kansas City. The band has released multiple full-length recordings. In 2021 Radkey was featured in Dave Grohl’s van-touring documentary film, WHAT DRIVES US. Radkey released GREEN ROOM on Little Man Records on November 27, 2020. On Green Room the band serve as their own producers. Radkey released DARK BLACK MAKE UP in 2015 and DELICIOUS ROCK NOISE in 2016 — plus multiple EPs and singles, and were part of a MasterCard advertising campaign on digital billboards in NYC along with a national television commercial that aired during the 2018 Grammy Awards that brought the band to the attention of Jack White who asked the band to tour with him. In 2018 the band went back on the road with The Damned throughout the United States. In December they went back into the studio to record with producer Bill Stevenson of the California punk rock group Descendents. In early 2019 they played shows in Amsterdam and Stockholm. In 2018 the band released “Basement,” “St. Elwood,” “Rock & Roll Homeschool,” as well as several other singles. On February 22, 2019, Radkey released “No Strange Cats…P.A.W.” a 7-song EP is essentially a collection of the band’s most recent singles. It comes after the January 11, 2019 release of No Strange cats…Spiders – EP a 6 song EP of several new songs mixed with several singles from late 2018.]
[Radkey plays Hammers’s Piano Bar, 3901 Main KCMO, for Lowkey Wednesday, TONIGHT!!! – April 29, 6:30pm w/ Of Tree.]

- Anjimile – “Turning Away”
from: You’re Free To Go / 4AD / March 13, 2026
[Anjimile also released the singles “Waits For Me on March 13, 2026 and “Like You Really Mean It” earlier this year. Today North Carolina based singer-songwriter Anjimile announces plans to release the full-length album You’re Free to Go, due out March 13, 2026 on 4AD. The announcement comes with the luminous lead single “Like You Really Mean It” which overflows with tenderness and vulnerability, accompanied by a beautiful video directed by Caity Arthur. // Anjimile shares: “I wrote this to make my girlfriend want to give me a kiss. We live about an hour apart, and I was just by myself thinking about her. Thinking about wanting a kiss. What could I do to get a kiss from my sweetheart? Write a song about it! Anyway, it worked.” // “Like You Really Mean It” comes after the November single “Auld Lang Syne II,” a tender note-to-self on resilience and hard-fought freedom, characterized by delicate finger-plucked strings, charming horn passages, and intimate vocal delivery, which Stereogum called “stunning” upon its release; a song Anjimile says was: “originally intended as something of a wedding present for my best friend, who got married a few years back.” // Contrasting the intricacy and complexity of The King, You’re Free to Go unfolds organically under the intuitive direction of producer Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mavis Staples). The album’s songs bloom naturally, grounded in warm acoustic guitars, subtle synth textures, lush string arrangements, and delicate rhythmic layers. Collaborative efforts with musicians Nathan Stocker (Hippo Campus), Matt McCaughan (Bon Iver), and guest vocalist Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) – a personal hero of Anjimile whose music deeply influenced the album even before his involvement – cultivate an exploratory yet intimate atmosphere, perfectly aligned with Anjimile’s nuanced storytelling. // Anjimile (ann-JIM-uh-lee) Chithambo has forged a distinctive musical path characterised by unflinching introspection and deep honesty. Emerging from Boston’s vibrant indie scene while studying at Northeastern University, Anjimile captivated audiences with earnest songwriting, delicate sonic textures, and performances that felt like prayer and celebration. // Critical acclaim quickly followed; 2020’s Giver Taker, hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the year’s best albums, positioned him as a compelling voice exploring enduring themes of spirituality, identity, and liberation. With The King(2023), Anjimile intensified his examination of Black and trans existence amid personal and societal turbulence, reaffirming his courageous commitment to navigating discomfort as a means of liberation. // You’re Free to Go picks up where The King left off, but with its hands open wide – a central question being: what happens when you let go and let love in? // Crafted over years marked by transformation, the album traces vividly the profound complexities of change – from breakups to new love; deep grief and loss to renewal and rediscovery. “The past two years have been a deeply transitional point in my life,” Anjimile explains. On You’re Free to Go, he learns to trust life again. The album’s title symbolises Anjimile’s expansive perspective on love and personal freedom, influenced profoundly by his relationship with his partner and their joyful embrace of non-monogamy. He describes this dynamic playfully: “I view non-monogamy as setting out milk every night on your porch for the cats; they can come if they want,” – a reminder that connection thrives when it’s truly chosen and not confined and restricted by normativity. This same playfulness runs through “Rust & Wire” which captures the exhilaration of falling in love again and again (“ripen in the heat like wine”). // Elsewhere, You’re Free to Go explores heavier, darker truths; ‘Exquisite Skeleton’ hauntingly portrays the ache of familial estrangement and ‘Ready or Not’ the exhaustion of facing transphobia. “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be free… When I was a little boy, I wanted to be real.”, he disarmingly reflects on “Waits For Me,” a powerful reckoning on childhood identity. But even in its most searching moments, the record radiates light. // Each song holds space for healing – for turning pain into something tender, communal, and free. // Spirituality remains the heartbeat of Anjmile’s work. “Songwriting feels like a prayer, a plea, or a question,” he says. Across You’re Free to Go, sacredness feels alive and imperfect — a practice of breathing, wondering, forgiving. The album hums with that same sacred energy: messy and full of grace. // Throughout You’re Free to Go, Anjimile skilfully integrates a variety of musical inspirations to heighten the album’s emotional impact. Tracks such as “Turning Away” and “The Store” channel the raw and unadorned authenticity reminiscent of early Modest Mouse. The collaboration with Sam Beam on “Destroying You” adds a gentle warmth that beautifully complements Anjimile’s refined vocal expression. Melodically, the album evokes a subtle nostalgia for late-’90s alternative pop, seamlessly blending folk sensibilities into inviting, memorable hooks. Anjimile has notably evolved, adopting a more relaxed and expressive approach to his singing, partly due to his ongoing hormonal therapy – a transformative journey he embraces gladly. This newfound vocal depth amplifies the album’s emotional resonance, allowing him to express himself with greater authenticity. // As Anjimile prepares to share You’re Free to Go live, he envisions intimate performances that reinterpret rather than replicate the album’s recordings. He aims for the authenticity and vulnerability embedded in these songs to resonate deeply, emphasising, “This record feels very authentic to my life experiences. It’s about as close to getting to know me as you could ever get with a record.” // You’re Free to Go is a portrait of transformation — not as a wound, but as an opening. Richly textured, this collection of songs is an honest reflection of life’s fluctuations. It holds space for contradiction and finds liberation in tenderness. As Anjimile beautifully articulates, the album embodies “breathing into the question,” acknowledging that life’s most profound moments often come without clear answers, but rather exist in the gentle tension of uncertainty and discovery. In every note, Anjimile provides space for each listener to reflect and uncover their own truths, while gently reminding us that freedom isn’t the absence of pain, but the courage to love, to ask, to keep beginning again.]
11:30 – Underwriting

- Lava Dreams – “Chemistry”
from: “Chemistry – Single / Lava Dreams / February 19, 2026
[Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Spencer Hoad. Lava Dreams (she/they) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. / Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. / Lava Dreams released the single “Thirsty” on September 12, 2025, “Your Warrior” on August 9, 2024, “Driver” on May 24, 2024, “R.I.P. The Old Me” non July 28, 2023, “Thrill Ride” on July 1, 2022, “Galaxies” on July 9, 2021, and “The Amazing Wave” on January 8, 2021. Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. / Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. Lava Dreams released the single. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Lava Dreams (Julia Hamilton) is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila University. More info at: LavaDreamsMusic.com] [Lava Dreams played Apocalypse Meow 18, Saturday, November 1, at recordBar, with: Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream.]
[Lava Dreams plays Concert 333: with Shay Lyriq & Jass on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00pm at Vine Street Brewing, 2019 Vine Street, KCMO.]

11:34 – Interview with Lava Dreams
Lava Dreams is a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in KC. Known for flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances. Lava Dreams released the singles: “Chemistry” on February 18, 2026, “Thirsty” on September 12, 2025, “Your Warrior” on August 9, 2024, “Driver” on May 24, 2024, “R.I.P. The Old Me” on July 28, 2023, “Thrill Ride” on July 1, 2022, “Galaxies” on July 9, 2021, and “The Amazing Wave” on January 8, 2021. Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 90.9 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Lava is also a filmmaker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila University. Info: LavaDreamsMusic.com
Lava Dreams plays Concert 333: with Shay Lyriq & Jass on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00pm at Vine Street Brewing, 2019 Vine Street, KCMO.
Lava Dreams thanks for being with us on WMM.
Lava Dreams released the singles
“Chemistry” on February 18, 2026,
“Thirsty” on September 12, 2025,
“Your Warrior” on August 9, 2024,
“Driver” on May 24, 2024,
“R.I.P. The Old Me” on July 28, 2023,
“Thrill Ride” on July 1, 2022,
“Galaxies” on July 9, 2021, and
“The Amazing Wave” on January 8, 2021.

Lava Dreams plays Concert 333: with Shay Lyriq & Jass on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00pm at Vine Street Brewing, 2019 Vine Street, KCMO.
Lava Dreams (Julia Hamilton) is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila University.
Collaboration with FlareThaRebel
Lava Dreams played Apocalypse Meow 18, Saturday, November 1, at recordBar, with: Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream.
Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called YOUR WARRIOR. She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release.
Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music.
Solo artist Lava Dreams is the electronic music project of Julia Hamilton who writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Hailing from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric.
Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018.
Lava Dreams thanks for being with us on WMM.
Lava Dreams plays Concert 333: with Shay Lyriq & Jass on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00pm at Vine Street Brewing, 2019 Vine Street, KCMO.
Info: LavaDreamsMusic.com
11:54:30

- Lava Dreams – “Thirsty”
from: “Thirsty” – Single / Lava Dreams / September 12, 2025
[Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Spencer Hoad. Lava Dreams (she/they) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. / Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. / Lava Dreams released the single “Thirsty” on September 12, 2025, “Your Warrior” on August 9, 2024, “Driver” on May 24, 2024, “R.I.P. The Old Me” non July 28, 2023, “Thrill Ride” on July 1, 2022, “Galaxies” on July 9, 2021, and “The Amazing Wave” on January 8, 2021. Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. / Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. Lava Dreams released the single. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Lava Dreams (Julia Hamilton) is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila University. More info at: LavaDreamsMusic.com] [Lava Dreams played Apocalypse Meow 18, Saturday, November 1, at recordBar, with: Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream.]
[Lava Dreams plays Concert 333: with Shay Lyriq & Jass on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00pm at Vine Street Brewing, 2019 Vine Street, KCMO.]

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

NEXT WEEK on May 6, we talk with Diane R. Scott – Director of Artist Services at the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and founding director and principal designer of the Artist INC professional development program. Now in its 17th year. We also talk with Krysztof Nemeth, Dedric Moore, and Dawn Don of REVISER. AND we welcome direct from shjows at Yhe Emerald, The Black Box, KC Fringe Fest, and Edinburgh Festival Ned Stacie of Ned’s Nighthole LIVE! Joins us to share all of the details of their new show: NED’s Friend-Hole Cabaret LIVE Saturday, May 16, at 8:00, at The Warwick Theater, 3827 Main Street, KCMO. And ambient experimental musician Jesse Bartmess who records as Sinple shares new music.
THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’a Winter Fund Drive during Wedneday MidDay Medley we had a total of 49 individuals doante $3924.00 ngoing way over our show goal!
Thank you to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
You can find our playlists at: http://www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & http://www.kkfi.org
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
http://www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made 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 #1145








































































































































