
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, October 14, 2026
Ned’s Fright-Hole Cabaret + Eboni Fondren + Truck Stop Love + Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain

- “It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980
[WMM’s theme song]

- Micronotz – “Blonde-Haired Ghost”
from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
[Originally recorded for Micronotz 1982 album The Mortal Micronotz, with Dean Lubensky on vocals; John Harper on guitar; David Dale on bass; and Steve Eddy on drums. Written by The Mortal Micronotz. Produced by Bill Rich and James Grauerholz. Recorded by Karl Hoffmann, Kelley Mascher. Graphic Design by Frank Loose and The Mortal Micronotz. // The Micronotz, also known as the Mortal Micronotz, were an American punk rock/alternative rock quartet formed in 1980 in Lawrence, Kansas, that, along with bands like The Embarrassment and Get Smart!, were prominent on the local music scene in Lawrence in the early 80s. // The band formed in 1980 when all the members were still teenagers. The Embarrassment were looking for an opening band for a show they had booked on December 12, 1980 at the “Off The Wall Hall” (now known as “The Bottleneck”). The Embarrassment knew John Harper and knew that he was putting a band together, so they asked him if his band could open the show, but the band hadn’t actually formed yet. At this point, the band just consisted of John Harper on guitar and David Dale on bass, so a drummer and singer needed to be recruited. Dean Lubensky and Graham Reece were recruited as vocalist and drummer. Dean was a good fit and became the permanent singer, and Steve Eddy replaced Reece as the drummer. // The band soon came to the attention of local music promoter, Bill Rich, who wrote about them for his “Talk Talk” magazine and then signed them to his Fresh Sounds record label. Their first release for Fresh Sounds was the 4-band split cassette Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) in December 1981, just one year after the band formed. The “Fresh Sounds” compilation series was organized by Bill Rich as a way to promote regional bands nationally. // When the band discovered that Bill Rich was an acquaintance of William S. Burroughs they asked for an introduction and Burroughs would end up giving them some lyrics for a song (“Old Lady Sloan” from the Mortal Micronotz album). // Lead singer Dean Lubensky left the band sometime after the 1984 Live Recording of the Video Soundtrack EP. He was replaced by Jay Hauptli, who would remain the band’s vocalist throughout the rest of their career and subsequent reunions. // After releasing three albums and two EPs, the band broke up in 1986. Bassist David Dale committed suicide on Sunday, January 31, 1993. The surviving band members reunited for a memorial show which was held at the Outhouse on February 6, 1993. // Renewed interest in the band lead Fresh Sounds to release two Micronotz compilations, called Complete Recordings Volume I and II where the first volume covered the Dean Lubensky recordings and the second covered the Jay Hauptli recordings. A tribute album was also put together featuring William S. Burroughs and various other artists. The band still does the occasional reunion show, with Matt Kesler, formerly of the Pedaljets, playing bass. // In 2016 the Bar/None label digitally reissued the band’s entire catalog. // The Outhouse was a popular venue in Lawrence for punk shows, the Micronotz helped get the venue into shape ready to have concerts. In 1984, the band built the stage, painted the walls and cleared the brush outside. // “these guys have your standard ’70s Ameri-punk moves down cold — sort of a sub-Dead Boys, but tighter” (Jack Partain, Trouser Press) // “Fueled by blazing electricity, right-angle tempo changes, chop-socky guitar riffs, and a vocalist who gargles glass and the leading shoe polish remover, the Micronotz go the distance to buy a metal sandwich at the ‘Psychodeli'” (Judge I-Rankin, Spin, 1987) // “Midwest teenage snot- rock at the outset, the trebly, tin-can production on early records actually worked to the bands ragged charm. The spanking riffs and barbed hooks served as a perfect backdrop for original singer Dean Lubensky’s caterwaul, sounding to all the world like Janis Joplin’s horny, pubescent, punked out suburban little brother.” (Oliver Hunt, SuperStarcastic.com, 2006)]
The Micronotz Discography
Albums:
1982 The Mortal Micronotz – Mortal Micronotz – Fresh Sounds
1985 The Beast That Devoured Itself – Micronotz – Fresh Sounds
1985 40 Fingers – Micronotz – Homestead
1995 Complete Recordings Volume I (1981–1984) – Micronotz – Fresh Sounds
1995 Complete Recordings Volume II (1985–1986) – Micronotz – Fresh Sounds
EPs
1983 Smash! – Micronotz – 12″, 8 songs – Fresh Sounds
1984 Live Recording of the Video Soundtrack EP – Mortal Micronotz – 7″, 4 song, live EP Fresh Sounds
Compilations
1981 Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) – Mortal Micronotz – 4-band split with Get Smart!, the Embarrassment and the Yard Apes – Fresh Sounds
1985 We Got Power No. 2:Party Animal Micronotz – includes track “Born to Kick Ass” – Mystic Records
1986 Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 3) – Micronotz- includes track “Gimme Some Skin” – Fresh Sounds
1995 The Mortal Micronotz Tribute – various artists William S. Burroughs/Eudoras, Stick, Kill Creek, Shower Trick, Cher UK, etc. Iconoclastic Pop!
Members
1981-1984
Dean Lubensky – vocals
John Harper – guitar
David Dale – bass
Steve Eddy – drums
1985-1986
Jay Hauptli – vocals
John Harper – guitar
David Dale – bass (died Jan. 31, 1993)
Steve Eddy – drums
2006-present
Jay Hauptli – vocals
John Harper – guitar
Matt Kessler – bass
Steve Eddy – drums
10:05

3. “Ned’s Night Hole Theme”

10:06 – Interview with Alec Nicholas
Direct from sold out shows at The Emerald, and The Black Box in the West Bottoms, from critcally acclaimed shows at KC Fringe Fest 2 years in a row, and performances at Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, performances in New York and Los Angeles, and their sold out epic NED’s Friend-Hole Cabaret last May 16, 2026, at The Warwick Theater. Ned Stacie and the Nighthole LIVE! Gang are back with a new show… NED’s Fright-Hole Cabaret, and three performances on November 7, 12, and 13, with doors at 7:00pm, and showtime at 8:00pm, at The Warwick Theater, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, presented by The Emerald.
Alec Nicholas thanks for being on WMM.
NED’s Fright-Hole Cabaret! A spooky comedy cabaret, featuring NED and his infamous Night-Hole cast, Kansas City’s craziest variety performers, and even some special guests.
Ned Stacie, Francois, Peter Pain joined us on May 6, 2026 to share details of their show: NED’s Friend-Hole Cabaret LIVE- a brilliantly bizarre live fever dream of comedy, chaos, clown logic, clever stupidity, and sincere nonsense, last May 16, at The Warwick Theater.

NED’s Fright-Hole Cabaret: and three performances on November 7, 12, and 13, with doors at 7:00pm, and showtime at 8:00pm, at The Warwick Theater, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, presented by The Emerald.
More info at: www.eventbrite.com/e/neds-fright-hole-cabaret
More info at: https://linktr.ee/theemeraldkc
10:27:30

- “Ned’s Night Hole Theme”
10:28 – Underwriting
10:30 – Station ID

- Eboni Fondren – “Ain’t Nobody Like My Baby”
from: Eboni Fondren, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love / Miss Wardine Records / July 23, ’24
[Eboni Fondren is a dynamic vocalist who captivates audiences with her passionate performances and unmatched energy on stage. Known for her precise interpretations of jazz standards, beautifully infused with a touch of R&B, Eboni lights up every room she steps into. Her smooth, sultry vocals and lyrical storytelling leave listeners entranced, craving more with every note. // A graduate of the Everette DeVan School of Groove in 2012, Eboni has since risen to become one of Kansas City’s premier jazz vocalists. Whether fronting her own projects, such as Eboni and the Ivories, lending her talents to Lost Wax Band, or collaborating with the city’s finest musicians, Eboni is a staple of the Kansas City jazz scene, entertaining audiences with her soulful swing at top venues around town. // Her accolades speak volumes about her talent and impact. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry. // Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024. With each project, she not only honors her jazz roots but also redefines what it means to be a modern-day jazz performer. // From Kansas City to international stages, Eboni Fondren continues to inspire with her passion, elegance, and infectious love for music.

10:35 – Interview with Eboni Fondren
Eboni Fondren is a powerhouse American singer, actress, and bandleader whose career spans over two decades. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Eboni grew up surrounded by music—a passion heavily influenced by her father and talented aunts, all accomplished singers in their own right. // From a young age, Eboni’s natural talents for singing, acting, and dance were undeniable. She developed her skills through various community productions, middle and high school performances, and competitive talent shows. Immersing herself in choir, voice lessons, and music programs, Eboni knew she was destined for the stage. However, it wasn’t until college that she fell deeply in love with jazz. // During this time, Eboni studied under the legendary Hammond B-3 organist and bandleader Everette DeVan, who taught her the art of showmanship and leadership while performing with jazz ensembles.// After earning a double degree in Business Communications and Broadcast Management, Eboni returned to Kansas City with big dreams and a steadfast determination to succeed. Her career blossomed as she became one of the most sought-after jazz vocalists in the region. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry. Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024
Eboni Fondren thank you for being our guest on WMM

Eboni Wardine Fondren is a powerhouse American singer, actress, and bandleader whose career spans over two decades. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Eboni grew up surrounded by music—a passion heavily influenced by her father and talented aunts, all accomplished singers in their own right. Her parents’ record collection—featuring the timeless voices of Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson—sparked an early love for old-school soul, classic R&B, and jazz that continues to shape her artistry to this day.
from Ebonofondrenmusic.com: A Lifelong Love of Music and Performance – From a young age, Eboni’s natural talents for singing, acting, and dance were undeniable. She developed her skills through various community productions, middle and high school performances, and competitive talent shows. Immersing herself in choir, voice lessons, and music programs, Eboni knew she was destined for the stage. However, it wasn’t until college that she fell deeply in love with jazz. During this time, Eboni studied under the legendary Hammond B-3 organist and bandleader Everette DeVan, who taught her the art of showmanship and leadership while performing with jazz ensembles. These formative years shaped Eboni’s signature style—an enchanting blend of precise jazz standards and R&B influences.
Creating a Legacy in Kansas City and Beyond – After earning a double degree in Business Communications and Broadcast Management, Eboni returned to Kansas City with big dreams and a steadfast determination to succeed. Her career blossomed as she became one of the most sought-after jazz vocalists in the region. Her captivating performances have led her to collaborate with top-tier musicians and bands, including the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra – Eboni’s influence extends far beyond Kansas City. Her exceptional talent has earned her recognition not only within the jazz community but also on the global stage. In a remarkable testament to her artistry, she was invited to represent America as a jazz ambassador at the G20 Summit in India in 2023. This prestigious invitation acknowledges her profound impact as a musician and her ability to transcend borders with her captivating performances. It is a remarkable honor that further solidifies Eboni’s status as a true ambassador of jazz, spreading its rich cultural heritage and universal language to audiences worldwide.
A Multifaceted Performer – Eboni’s talent isn’t limited to music. She has also carved out an impressive acting career. Her theater credits include standout roles such as Joanne in RENT, Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors, and Medda Larkin in Newsies. Her onstage charisma and versatility bring an unforgettable energy to every show she joins. In addition to her solo performances, Eboni has taken on the role of bandleader with the esteemed Lost Wax Band based in Kansas City. As the frontwoman of this talented group of musicians, she showcases her exceptional musicality. She brings a unique blend of jazz, soul, and funk to the vibrant Kansas City music scene. Together, they captivate audiences with their electrifying performances and ability to blend genres seamlessly. Eboni’s leadership and collaboration with the Lost Wax Band add another dimension to her already diverse and dynamic career in the music industry.
A Dynamic Entertainer with a Vision for the Future – Known for her smooth, sultry voice and magnetic performances, Eboni has been compared to jazz icons like Nancy Wilson and Ella Fitzgerald. Every song she sings is brought to life with passionate interpretation and the ability to connect deeply with her audience. Throughout her career, Eboni has honed her skills not only as a singer and actress but also as a songwriter and vocal coach, sharing her knowledge and passion with aspiring artists on their creative journeys. With her relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to her art, Eboni continues to captivate audiences with her extraordinary talent and inspire the next generation of performers. As she looks to the future, Eboni envisions pushing boundaries, exploring new artistic collaborations, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.
Paris: A Musical Journey – Eboni’s musical journey has taken her across the globe, including three transformative trips to the enchanting city of Paris. Immersed in the vibrant jazz scene of this iconic city, she has made a name for herself with her soulful performances and captivating stage presence. During her time in Paris, Eboni had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned local musicians, further expanding her artistic horizons. Eboni’s career continues to evolve. In a testament to her international acclaim, she recorded a critically acclaimed album during her time in Paris, capturing the essence of her musical prowess and the rich cultural fusion of jazz. Building upon her success, Eboni is set to embark on a thrilling tour in 2025, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique blend of musical artistry and magnetic stage presence. One thing is sure: wherever she performs—Eboni captivates her audience and leaves them wanting more.
Let’s Connect – Are you ready to experience the enchantment of Eboni Fondren live? Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, festival organizer, or club owner, Eboni’s dynamic performances promise to uplift and inspire. Contact us today to book Eboni for your next event or explore her upcoming tour dates.
Based: Kansas City, MO
Genre: Jazz, Blues, Soul
Years Active: 2012 – Present
Official Websites: ebonifondrenmusic.com
jukeboxxmedia.com/eboni-fondren
@jzzylady – Instagram
@ebonifondrenmusic – Facebook
Email: eboni@ebonifondrenmusic.com
Eboni Fondren –
Vocalist. Entertainer. Storyteller.

Eboni Fondren is a dynamic vocalist who captivates audiences with her passionate performances and unmatched energy on stage. Known for her precise interpretations of jazz standards, beautifully infused with a touch of R&B, Eboni lights up every room she steps into. Her smooth, sultry vocals and lyrical storytelling leave listeners entranced, craving more with every note.
A graduate of the Everette DeVan School of Groove in 2012, Eboni has since risen to become one of Kansas City’s premier jazz vocalists. Whether fronting her own projects, such as Eboni and the Ivories, lending her talents to Lost Wax Band, or collaborating with the city’s finest musicians, Eboni is a staple of the Kansas City jazz scene, entertaining audiences with her soulful swing at top venues around town.
Her accolades speak volumes about her talent and impact. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry.
Eboni’s One WomanShow – In Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me, internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Eboni Fondren steps into the spotlight to honor the iconic voices that paved the way—not just in jazz, but in womanhood, artistry, and fearless expression.
This one-woman performance is a profoundly personal musical tribute woven from the legacies of seven extraordinary trailblazers: Julia Lee, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, and Nancy Wilson. Through storytelling, powerful narration, vintage visuals, and her dynamic vocal stylings, Eboni breathes life into their struggles, celebrates their triumphs, and unveils the impact they’ve had on her journey as a Black woman and an artist.
Spanning the roaring resilience of Bessie Smith, the tender pain and protest of Billie Holiday, the effortless joy of Ella Fitzgerald, the operatic brilliance of Sarah Vaughan, the raw fire of Etta James, the sophisticated charm of Nancy Wilson, and the cheeky, commanding sass of Kansas City’s own Julia Lee, this show is a symphonic tapestry of soul, swing, and spirit.// Each segment is voiced by Eboni herself in poetic narration that plays over video montages, blending historic footage, artistic visuals, and ambient underscoring to bring each woman’s story to vivid life. Between scenes, 2–3-minute interludes allow for costume transformations that visually echo the eras and energy of each legend. These intermissions become breathers—moments for the audience to reflect and prepare for the next wave of brilliance.
More than a concert. More than a biography. Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me is a call-and-response across generations. Eboni not only tells their stories—she sings them forward. Her original songs and contemporary interpretations are not imitations, but evolutions born of their influence, shaped by her voice, and rooted in her lived experience.
At the heart of this performance lies a love letter. A thank you. A declaration: “I am because they were.” Eboni brings a modern reverence to these icons, illuminating how their legacies carved out space for voices like hers to thrive, and how their echoes continue to guide her artistry today. Elegant yet raw, nostalgic yet timely, this show is a stirring celebration of jazz womanhood in all its pain, playfulness, passion, and poise.
Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024.
Upcoming Shows:
03 Nov – 38 Riv Paris, France
19 Nov – Le Melville Paris, France
20 Nov – Le M. – Restaurant du Musée du Vin Paris, France
21 Nov – Sunset-Sunside Paris, France
Eboni Fondren thank you for being our guest on WMM
Ebonofondrenmusic.com
10:50

- Eboni Fondren – “I’m Afraid the Masquerade is Over”
from: Eboni Fondren, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love / Miss Wardine Records / July 23, ’24
[Eboni Fondren is a dynamic vocalist who captivates audiences with her passionate performances and unmatched energy on stage. Known for her precise interpretations of jazz standards, beautifully infused with a touch of R&B, Eboni lights up every room she steps into. Her smooth, sultry vocals and lyrical storytelling leave listeners entranced, craving more with every note. // A graduate of the Everette DeVan School of Groove in 2012, Eboni has since risen to become one of Kansas City’s premier jazz vocalists. Whether fronting her own projects, such as Eboni and the Ivories, lending her talents to Lost Wax Band, or collaborating with the city’s finest musicians, Eboni is a staple of the Kansas City jazz scene, entertaining audiences with her soulful swing at top venues around town. // Her accolades speak volumes about her talent and impact. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry. // Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024. With each project, she not only honors her jazz roots but also redefines what it means to be a modern-day jazz performer. // From Kansas City to international stages, Eboni Fondren continues to inspire with her passion, elegance, and infectious love for music.]

The 19th Annual Apocalypse Meow
The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7th, Doors at 6pm, Show at 7pm, at recordBar, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources. In addition to live music, the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters provided by the KC Indian Center, as well as discuss screenings, wellness programs, health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses at AM19, and an online auction running the month of November. // We are seeking donations for our annual Apocalypse Meow silent auction and fundraiser! Advertise your business or band while supporting our mission to provide healthcare grants to music professionals in the Kansas City area! Items like merchandise, music, classes, gift certificates, experiences, and art are greatly appreciated. // If you would like to donate or know of someone who can, please email Rhonda Lyne at rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org. // In 2008, Apocalypse Meow was established to raise medical funds for local musician Abigail Henderson, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Compelled to give back to the community, she co-founded MMF to provide musicians with health care assistance. Though she passed away in 2013, Abigail’s mission continues — MMF provides financial resources, educational programs, health clinics and events throughout the year. Abby’s Fund dispenses emergency health care grants to KC-area musicians, having contributed more than $780,000 since its inception. // Midwest Music Foundation provides grants to musicians faced with urgent health care expenses and preventative health care services through Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care. This assistance is available to active KC area musicians and music personnel. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE or email our Executive Director, Rhonda Lyne, for more information at rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org.]
11:00 – Station ID

- The Embarrassment – “Wellsville”
from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
[The Embarrassment was an American rock band formed in 1979 in Wichita, Kansas, that was initially active from 1979 to 1983 and has reunited several times since then. The band consisted of guitarist Bill Goffrier, lead singer and organist John Nichols, bassist Ron Klaus, and drummer Brent Giessmann. After the band broke up, Giessmann played for the Del Fuegos and Goffrier formed Big Dipper. The band was considered a prominent part of the music scene in Lawrence, Kansas, in the early 1980s. // Although some considered the band punk rock, the band described themselves as “Blister Pop”. The Village Voice’s long-time chief music critic Robert Christgau called them a “great lost American band”. Along with bands like Get Smart! and the Mortal Micronotz, the Embarrassment were prominent in the Lawrence punk scene of the early 1980s and they would regularly play at venues like the Lawrence Opera House (now called Liberty Hall) and the Off the Wall Hall (later called Cogburn’s, now called the Bottleneck). // The Embarrassment stopped performing when two of the members moved to Boston, Massachusetts. Giessmann drummed for the Del Fuegos, and Goffrier formed the band Big Dipper with former members of the Volcano Suns. Several of the Embarrassment’s unreleased songs were recorded by Big Dipper, including “Faith Healer”, which was later covered by the Japanese all-girl group Shonen Knife. // The Embarrassment played a reunion show on New Year’s Eve in 1985 at Cogburn’s in Lawrence. Geissmann was unable to participate, as he was on tour with the Del Fuegos. // They played the following New Year’s Eve at Cogburn’s, with all four original members participating. Also on the bill was another Kansas band, the Micronotz. In 1988–1989, they converged again for three reunion shows: one on New Year’s at Big Dog Studio in Wichita and the next two at the Bottleneck on January 5 and 6. The Moving Van Goghs opened the show on January 5, and the Sin City Disciples opened the show on January 6. // The Embarrassment played a few reunion shows in 2006, first at the Roadhouse in Wichita, with Local Band on August 18 and the Sluggos on August 19. On August 20, the band performed at Liberty Hall, with special guests Kill Creek and the Micronotz. The Embarrassment performed an acoustic concert on August 30, 2008, at John Barleycorn’s in Wichita. The performance was opened by Giessmann solo on electric piano for a few songs, then the local group the Sluggos. The original trio of Goffrier, Nichols, and Giessmann then took the stage with Eric Cale (cover artist for the 1983 Death Travels West album) on upright bass and Freedy Johnston on additional guitar and backing vocals. Some new or previously unperformed work was presented, including the song “Carpshoot”, written by Ron Klaus, who was not able to attend. Johnston closed the night with his solo work. // Following a screening of We Were Famous, You Don’t Remember: The Embarrassment, on June 30, 2023, Goffrier and Nichols reunited for an 18-song set at Liberty Hall. The duo was joined by Britt Rosencutter on drums and Cale on bass. // Kansas-born political writer Thomas Frank quoted lyrics from their song “Sex Drive” in his bestselling 2004 book What’s the Matter with Kansas?. // A feature-length documentary about the band, titled We Were Famous, You Don’t Remember: The Embarrassment, premiered at the 2022 Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita, Kansas. The film was named the best music documentary of 2023 in Spin by Bob Guccione Jr., founder of Spin. // “In the early 1980s, Wichita, Kansas’s Embarrassment secretly set a template for American indie-rock: edgy, rocking tunes full of clever wordplay and subtle wit, as played by four guys in thick glasses. They fell somewhere between the Feelies’ perpetual nervousness and the Replacements’ inebriated garage-rock; it’s hard to think of many other peers from their era.”—Mike Appelstein, // “From exotic Wichita, with a gift for hookily hypnotic guitar lines that need a haircut… Now that I’ve finally gotten the message, a year and a half after this great lost American band dispersed into the wilds of Wichita, I still can’t repeat it back to you.”—Robert Christgau, The Village Voice // “Before they broke up in 1983, this quartet from Wichita, Kansas rocked furiously, with less brittle/more melodious guitar than the Scottish new wave pop bands Orange Juice and Joseph K to whom the Embos were sometimes compared.”—Jim Green/Ira Robbins/Jack Partain, Trouser Press // “The group’s eclectic yet distinctive sound wrapped a post-punk approach and a deadpan sense of humor around pop, country, disco, and metal elements, crafting songs that rivaled the work of better-known contemporaries like Gang of Four, Mission of Burma, and the Feelies.”—Heather Phares, AllMusic // “They played tight, blistering pop songs when overproduced stadium-rock anthems and repetitive disco tracks were the norm… The Embarrassment continues to foster a national reputation as ‘The best band you never heard of.'”—Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World]
Discography
Singles/EPs
1980: “Sex Drive”/”Patio Set” (Big Time – 7-inch)[22]
1981: The Embarrassment 5-song EP (Cynykyl Records – 12-inch 45 rpm)[22]
1981: Fresh Sounds from Middle America (vol 1) 5-song EP (Fresh Sounds – cassette)
1989: “Beautiful Day” (Bar/None promo CD single, from God Help Us album)
Albums
1983: Death Travels West (Fresh Sounds – mini LP)
1990: God Help Us (Bar/None – LP and CD)[23][24]
2001: Blister Pop (My Pal God – CD)[25][26]
Compilation albums
1984: The Embarrassment Retrospective (Fresh Sounds – cassette)
1987: The Embarrassment (Time to Develop – LP)[27][28]
1995: Heyday 1979–83 (Bar/None – double CD)[29]
Compilation appearances
1981: Battle of the Garages (Bomp! Records – LP)
1981: Sub Pop 5 (Sub Pop – cassette)
1982: Sub Pop 7 (Sub Pop – cassette)
1988: Human Music (Homestead – LP, CD, cassette)
1989: Time for a Change: Bar/None Sampler No. Two (Bar/None – CD, cassette)
[The Embarrassmen play both No Choice but Action Release Shows: Fri, Oct. 16, 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. W/ the Blivets, Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.]
[AND, No Choice but Action Release Show: Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, and Truck Stop Love. ]

11:03 – Interview with Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain
Shawn Saving is the founder of Black Site Records a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. Part of their mission reads: Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone.
Shawn plays under the moniker L. Ron Drunkard. As The Pitch reported in 2017, “He comes from a union family; his parents, his aunt and his sister were all teachers’- union members at one time. Two of his uncles were Teamsters. And his grandparents were Kansas farmers — the kind of good, solid progressives made in the mold of the pioneers who first claimed this hunk of prairie. So there’s an ethical code embedded in Drunkard’s music and in his life, and to him that code is unassailable. That means eschewing corporate influence in favor of industry built locally, by those who actually craft the art. As the old saying goes: It’s DIY or die.”

Dr. Francis X. Connor is Chair and Associate Professor in Department of English at Wichita State University. He is Co-Director, Robert L. Cattoi Book Technologies Lab. Though Shakespeare and seventeenth-century publishers remain closest to his heart, his main scholarly project these days is a book, written in collaboration with Wichita State University’s own Dr Darren DeFrain, titled No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, under contract with the University Press of Kansas. Their book aims to recover Kansas’ oft-overlooked contributions to American independent and alternative music; it will tell the stories of legendary and should-be-legendary bands such as The Embarrassment, Get Smart!, Micronotz, Start, Short-Term Memory, The Mumbles, The New Wave Brothers, Schloss Tegal, and Abuse, along with others from Wichita, Lawrence, and elsewhere; and it will, among other things, explain why it matters that Ron Klaus wrecked his house.

Dr. Darren DeFrain is the author of numerous short stories, essays, and screenplays, as well as the story collection Inside & Out (MSR Press) and the cult novel The Salt Palace (New Issues Press). Both books are available online through Dzanc Books. He is a graduate of the University of Utah (B.A. in English, B.S. in Psychology, minor in Italian), Kansas State University (M.A.), Texas State University’s M.F.A. program and Western Michigan University, where he received his Ph.D. in creative writing in 2000. He lives in Wichita, Kansas with his wife Melinda and is the Director of the Writing Program at Wichita State University. He’s currently completing a collection of essays, A Moveable Bar-B-Q.

Shawn Saving of Black Site Records with Francis X. Connor & Darren DeFrain join us to talk about: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 a new Black Site double album featuring twenty-four tracks highlighting the evolution of the DIY music scene in the heart of “flyover country” from its punk roots in the late 1970s to the alternative rock era of the early 1990s. Produced in collaboration with Wichita State University, this record is the essential audio companion to the book from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, by Francis X. Connor and Darren DeFrain.
No Choice but Action Release Shows are: Friday, October 16, at 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. with The Embarrassmen, the Blivets, and Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.
AND, Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, The Embarrassmen, and Truck Stop Love.
Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain join us to talk about – No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 and the book: from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution
Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.
Francis Connor please explain why it matters that Ron Klaus wrecked his house.
We started with The Embarrassment, a Wichita area band.
From Lawrence to Wichita, bands like The Embarrassment, Get Smart!, Micronotz, Pedaljets and Truck Stop Love built a decentralized, grassroots network fueled by basement venues, cassette culture, zines, and pure creative urgency, without the backing of major labels. This cultural history challenges everything we think we know about where music revolutions begin, revealing how Kansas became an unlikely but influential center of the American postpunk movement.

No Choice But Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution
by Darren DeFrain and Francis Connor Sales Date: September 2026
368 Pages, 6.00 × 9.00 in PAPERBACK 9780700643028
Flyover Country? Fly over THIS. This is the story of how postpunk crashed into the Midwest and rewrote the rules.
When most people think postpunk, they picture London or Manchester—The Cure, PiL, Joy Division—or the coasts, from Minutemen in California to Bush Tetras in New York. But far from the major labels and media spotlights, a different kind of revolution was taking shape in the American heartland. No Choice but Action uncovers the wildly inventive, fiercely independent postpunk movement that erupted across Kansas between 1978 and 1994—and changed Midwestern music forever.
The Embarrassment. Get Smart!. The Moving Van Goghs. Micronotz. Truck Stop Love. These weren’t outliers. They were the beating heart of a vibrant, self-sustaining cultural ecosystem pulsing through Lawrence, Manhattan, Topeka, and Wichita. With no industry infrastructure to lean on, musicians built their own: basements turned into venues, cassette culture fueled DIY distribution, photocopied zines became lifelines, and word-of-mouth grew into a network strong enough to launch bands onto national stages.
With the fervor of lifelong insiders and the rigor of scholars, authors Frances Connor and Darren DeFrain take readers inside this scene with unparalleled access and insight. They capture the personalities, the makeshift platforms, the electrifying shows, and the pure creative urgency that kept the music alive long before email, social media, or streaming. Their chronicle is as kinetic and unpolished as the era itself.
More than a regional history, No Choice but Action argues for Kansas postpunk as a crucial, overlooked chapter in American independent music—one whose influence can still be felt in today’s DIY culture. Kansas wasn’t a footnote to postpunk. It was a force that helped define the possibilities of American independent music.
Postpunk didn’t just happen in the Midwest. It exploded there.
A companion double LP album, No Choice But Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978–1994, will also be released by Black Site, a Kansas City record label cooperative, with support from Wichita State University. Featuring twenty-four tracks ranging from basement cassette recordings to professional studio sessions, the album serves as the essential audio companion to the book, allowing audiences to experience the music that fueled Kansas’s groundbreaking postpunk revolution. The album can be purchased through Black Site.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
No Choice but Action at Barleycorn’s
Friday. October 16, 2026 | 8:00 pm
608 East Douglas Wichita, KS 67202
No Choice but Action at The Bottleneck
Saturday. October 17, 2026 | 7:00 pm
737 New Hampshire Street Lawrence, KS 66044
Truck Stop Love Farewell Peformance at Auntie May’s
Sunday. October 18, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th Street Manhattan, KS 66502
No Choice but Action Authors at Kirby’s Beer Store
Saturday. November 7, 2026 | 6:00 pm
3227 East 17th Street N Wichita, KS 67208
No Choice but Action at Watkins Museum of History
Saturday. November 14, 2026 | 7:00 pm
1047 Massachusetts Street Lawrence, KS 66044
11:14

- Get Smart – “Berlin on the Plains”
from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
[Get Smart! is a three-piece post-punk band formed in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1980 consisting of Marcus Koch, Lisa Wertman Crowe and Frank Loose. The band released 2 studio albums along with some singles and EPs over a 10-year career. The band re-united in 2020. // The band formed while at University of Kansas in 1980 and, along with bands like the Embarrassment, and the Mortal Micronotz, they were prominent in the alternative music scene in Lawrence. They released their first record in 1981, which was a flexi disc released with “Talk Talk” magazine. This was followed by a self-released 4-track EP called Words Move. They had 5 songs on the four band split cassette, released by Fresh Sounds Records, called Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) (the four bands being Get Smart!, the Embarrassment, the Yard Apes and the Mortal Micronotz). In 1982 they relocated to Chicago, Illinois. The group were signed by Colin Camerer to his Fever Records label (an independent label in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and released their first album, Action Reaction in 1984. Their second album, Swimming with Sharks, was released in 1986 on Enigma Records’ “Restless Records” imprint. // The band received considerable coverage in Nebraska’s Capitol Punishment fanzine. / In 1987 Bob Lara, from the band Reaction, was added as a second guitarist. Shortly afterwards, Frank Loose left the band. He was originally replaced in 1988 by Ric Menck. Menck only stayed with the band for a short time. He was replaced by Jay Sebastian (a.k.a. “Redd Klaats”). Sebastian left the band after about a year, at which they continued as an acoustic trio until they disbanded in 1990. // Lisa Wertman continued performing with Bob Lara as “The Lisa and Bob Show” for about a year. Then she joined the band Dolly Varden as a founding member.[8] Later she would perform with the Nora O’Connor Band, the Honeybees and Jeanie B and the Jelly Beans, and now plays in Damaged Gods, a Gang of Four tribute.
Marcus Koch moved back to Lawrence and currently plays in the country band “Cryin’ Out Loud”. Bob Lara has played in many local Chicago bands and has participated in several re-unions of his old band “Reaction”. // Ric Menck went on to form Velvet Crush. // Jay Sebastian went on to form the “Twang Bang” duo. // On February 5, 2020, the band announced via its Facebook page that they would be reuniting, with the original line-up, for a 40th anniversary show, to take place at the Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS on November 7, 2020. The band’s first concert was on October 31, 1980.The reunion concern was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and took place on November 6, 2021. // “one of the few seriously innovative bands in the Lawrence-Kansas City-Topeka area” (Blake Gumprecht; University Daily Kansan; Dec 15, 1980) // “original, simple, clean material and an energized, tight performance” (Karen Barber; KLZR 106; June 20, 1981) // “their music has a beat and a fundamentally aggressive quality that is extremely satisfying” (John Korst; Jet Lag; Feb 1983) // “This is what happened to Midwestern bar bands when they heard the Sex Pistols. Lots of beat and jangle; it’s raw and rocking” (Barbara Nellis; Playboy; March 1985) // “the band has a truly impressive knack for three-piece writing and arranging. Their new LP, Swimming With Sharks, is full of tense, carefully crafted miniatures that meld unvarnished noise with unexpected pretty vocal harmonies” (Renaldo Migaldi; Chicago Reader; 1986) // “Dense minimalist rock featuring choppy guitars, a tight rhythmic thrust, and passionate, often eerie vocals, with stream-of-consciousness lyrics” (Jeff Silberman; Rock It; Fall 1986) // “Get Smart! has emerged as one of Chicago’s most respected (and nationally renowned) underground bands” (Moira McCormick; Illinois Entertainer; September 1986) // “Warm pop melodicism competes with punky bluntness and jagged noise tendencies” (Ira Robbins; Trouser Press; 1986) // Swimming With Sharks blends “aggressive dance-punk a la Gang of Four and Pylon with classique-moderne action reminiscent of X and The Embarrassment” (Joseph Neff, The Vinyl District, Oct 5, 2021)]
Band members
Marcus Koch – guitar, lead vocals (1980–1990, 2020)
Lisa Wertman Crowe – bass, lead vocals (1980–1990, 2020)
Frank Loose – drums, lead vocals (1980–1987, 2020)
Past members
Ric Menck – drums (1988)
Jay Sebastian (a.k.a. “Redd Klaats”) – drums (1988–1989)
Bob Lara – guitar, vocals (1988–1990)
Discography
Frank Loose, Lisa Wertman Crowe and Marcus Koch circa 1980, Lawrence, KS
Singles and EPs
“Numbers and Colours” / “Ankle Deep In Mud” (1981 flexi, Fresh Sounds) (w/ “Talk Talk” magazine, 1981-05-13)
Words Move (4 song EP, Syntax, 1981-12-08)
Fresh Sounds from Middle America (vol 1) (split/cassette, Fresh Sounds, 1981-12-12)
“Back Into The Future” / “World Without End” (1985 live, Fever/Enigma)
“Gold To Rust” (1987 45, Enigma Europe)
“Oh Yeah No” (6 song EP, Capitol Punishment, 2020-11-17)
Albums
Get Smart! (1981, 11 song demo tape)
Action Reaction (1984, 12 song LP, Fever/Enigma)
Swimming with Sharks (1986, 10 song LP, Restless/Enigma)
Compilation appearances
Inspiration Series No. 1 (German cassette) – included “On And On” (different version)
Sub Pop No. 5 – included “Eat, Sleep A Go-Go” (from the “Words Move” EP)
Sub Pop No. 7 – included “Black Mirror” (different version)
Enigma Variations – included “Just For The Moment” (from Action Reaction)
Restless Variations – included “Back Into The Future” (from Swimming with Sharks)
Heat From The Wind Chill Factory — included “What It Is We Fear” (acoustic version)
[Get Smart! Play the No Choice but Action Release Show: Sat, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with The Embarrassmen, Other Geese, and Truck Stop Love. ]

11:17 – Interview with Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain
We are talking with Shawn Saving is the founder of Black Site Records, Dr. Francis X. Connor is Chair and Associate Professor in Department of English at Wichita State University. Dr. Darren DeFrain Director of the Writing Program at Wichita State University co-writers of No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, from the University Press of Kansas.
No Choice but Action Release Shows are: Friday, October 16, at 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. with The Embarrassmen, the Blivets, and Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.
AND, Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, The Embarrassmen, and Truck Stop Love.
Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.
No Choice but Action Authors at Kirby’s Beer Store Saturday. November 7, 2026 | 6:00 pm
3227 East 17th Street N Wichita, KS 67208
No Choice but Action at Watkins Museum of History Saturday. November 14, 2026 | 7:00 pm 1047 Massachusetts Street Lawrence, KS 66044
Black Site record announces the release of No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994. Featuring 24 tracks ranging from basement tape demos to professional studio recordings, this double LP highlights the evolution of the DIY music scene in the heart of “flyover country” from its nascent punk roots in the late 1970s to the alternative rock era of the early 1990s. Produced in collaboration w/ Wichita State University, this record is the essential audio companion to the book from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, by Francis X. Connor and Darren DeFrain.
While the history of punk has mostly focused on the coastal cities of the US, a fiercely independent music scene was thriving across Kansas in the late 1970s and 1980s. From Lawrence to Wichita, bands like The Embarrassment, Get Smart!, Micronotz, Pedaljets and Truck Stop Love built a decentralized, grassroots network fueled by basement venues, cassette culture, zines, and pure creative urgency—without the backing of major labels or industry infrastructure. This electrifying cultural history challenges everything we think we know about where music revolutions begin, revealing howKansas became an unlikely but influential center of the American postpunk movement.
“As much as the words tell the story, it was the music that brought it all to life. The idea of pairing the book with a vinyl record felt inevitable. Postpunk isn’t just read—it’s felt,” says DeFrain. “This record is more than an accompaniment to the book. It’s a revival of the sound and attitude that made Kansas punk unforgettable.”
No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 is not just a “greatest hits” of the Sunflower State’s biggest names in punk rock, like those mentioned above. It digs deeper to expose the roots of the Kansas DIY scene giving many of these tracks their first ever appearance on vinyl. Some songs have never before been released, while many others were only ever available on early self-made cassettes.
The comp includes tracks from lesser known late 1970s punk acts such as Topeka’s The Clean, Lawrence’s Smart Pills, and Wichita’s Aagarnes and Bradfords (the band playing the night “Ron Klaus Wrecked His House” – IYKYK). There’s also 1980s power pop from Lawrence’s Thumbs and Other Geese, Manhattan’s Moving van Goghs, and Wichita’s Bampots and The Blivets. Even Kansas’ experimental/industrial synth scene is not overlooked with tracks from Lawrence’s Schloss Tegal and Start, Shawnee Mission’s Short-Term Memory, and Wichita’s Buckthrusters and New Wave Brothers. Rounding out the comp are late 80s/early 90s rockers Vitreous Humor from Topeka plus 2-Mile Death Plunge, Kill Creek, Kill Whitey, and Zoom from Lawrence.
No Choice but Action, the first ever chronicle of the Kansas punk/postpunk movement, challenges traditional narratives by reframing “flyover country” as a powerful, contemporaneous creative engine that didn’t just echo independent music culture of the coasts—it helped define it from the ground up. Kansas wasn’t a footnote—it was a force. And its influence still echoes in DIY culture today.
The 368-page paperback book No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution is available from University Press of Kansas – https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700643028/
The double LP No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 is available from Black Site – https://link.black-site.org/NCBA
Shawn Saving performs with his band Red Kate under the moniker L. Ron Drunkard. As The Pitch reported in 2017, “He comes from a union family; his parents, his aunt and his sister were all teachers’- union members at one time. Two of his uncles were Teamsters. And his grandparents were Kansas farmers — the kind of good, solid progressives made in the mold of the pioneers who first claimed this hunk of prairie. So there’s an ethical code embedded in Drunkard’s music and in his life, and to him that code is unassailable. That means eschewing corporate influence in favor of industry built locally, by those who actually craft the art. As the old saying goes: It’s DIY or die.”
BLACK SITE RELEASES
No Choice But Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 – Various Artists
How I Spent My Summer Vacation – Truck Stop Love
Into the Maze – Madman
Home for the Incurable – Labretta Suede & the Motel 6
The Tycoon – Madman
Exit Strategy – Red Kate
Underneath Scum Light – Hummin’ Bird
TimeThief – Frogpond
Town Without Soul – Fred Wickham Caravan
You’re Lucky I Like You – Chess Club
Lovely Gary – Knife Crime
Submerger – No Thanks
Mattson – Headlight Rivals
Gutter Glitter – Hummin’ Bird
Brother’s Milk – Faultfinder
Evil Fire – Madman
Libations – Libations
Lost in the Sauce – Liquor Beats Winter
Hit the Ball – Chess Club
Are You Ready? – Rich Yarges & the Pop Mechanics
Dissimulation – Emmaline Twist
Can’t Hear It: 1991-1994 – Truck Stop Love
Not Enough EP -Wick and the Tricks
Traveling Today on Yesterday’s Maps – Pizzasaurus Rex
Split 7” – Red Kate / Stiff Middle Fingers
unamerican activities – Red Kate
BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture.
After Replay Records put out Red Kate’s first full-length, 2013’s When the Trouble Comes, the band began searching for the next step. BLACK SITE was created to release Red Kate’s 2016 album unamerican activities.
Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.
No Choice but Action Release Shows are:
Friday, October 16, at 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. with The Embarrassmen, the Blivets, and Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.
AND, Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, The Embarrassmen, and Truck Stop Love.
Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain join us to talk about the double album: from Black Site Records – No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 and the book: from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution
Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.
No Choice but Action Authors at Kirby’s Beer Store Saturday. November 7, 2026 | 6:00 pm 3227 East 17th Street N Wichita, KS 67208
No Choice but Action at Watkins Museum of History Saturday. November 14, 2026 | 7:00 pm 1047 Massachusetts Street Lawrence, KS 66044
11:27

- Pedaljeta – “Liking You”
from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
[Pedaljets is an American alternative rock band, founded in 1984 in Lawrence, Kansas. Taking their name from a line of 1950s tricycles, the group’s founding members—Mike Allmayer (guitarist), Matt Kesler (bassist), and Rob Morrow (drummer)—met while attending the University of Kansas in 1983. Their current lineup includes a second guitarist, Cody Wyoming. The band has toured with and been favorably compared to Hüsker Dü and The Replacements, and has also been called a “missing link” between The Replacements and Nirvana in the chronology of alternative rock. // After formation in 1984, the band toured extensively before releasing their debut album, Today Today, in 1988. Allmayer referred to this period as a “test of fire” in an interview with the Chicago Tribune in 1987: “I hate using that phrase; it sounds really stupid. But we thought we should go out on the road and prove ourselves, and if we could stay together and do well, then it’d be worth putting out an album. A lot of bands put out albums and don’t have any following anywhere.” After meeting lukewarm success with their sophomore, self-titled album, Pedaljets, in 1990, the band took a twenty-three year hiatus, during which they re-recorded and re-released a version of their eponymous second album in 2008 with which they were more satisfied. Pedaljets released their first album of new material, What’s In Between, in 2013 which is described as a “reintroduction to the band’s Midwestern college rock.” Their fourth original album, Twist The Lens, will be released in 2020. Allmayer described the recording of Twist The Lens as being indebted to the band’s experiences and longstanding collaboration, “When I demo a song, I always have ideas for arrangements and all the other parts. But then once the band gets to work on it, I’m like, ‘Well this is going in a totally different direction, but it’s great.’ That’s the beauty of working with these guys for thirty-five years. Some of the directions we’d take with these songs took me outside of my comfort zone at first, but we decided to follow them down that road and it always led to something better.” ]
Members
Current members:
Mike Allmayer – guitar, lead vocals
Matt Kesler – bass
Rob Morrow – drums
Cody Wyoming – guitar
Former members:
Paul Malinowski – guitar
Phil Wade – guitar
Discography
Today Today (1988) Pedaljets (1990)
Pedaljets (2008)
What’s In Between (2013)
Twist The Lens (2020)
11:30 – Underwriting

- Truck Stop Love – “You Owe”
from: How I Spent My Summer Vacation / Black Site / October 15, 2026 Reissued on vinyl
[Produced by Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Powell at Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN. Additional overdubbing by Jeffrey Reed. Asst. engineers were Jeffrey Reed and Matt Martone. A&R: Michael Roth. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock. Vinyl mastering by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl, Memphis, TN. Art Direction by Doug Haverty. LP art adaptation by L. Ron Drunkard, Lydia MJ and Brad Huhmann. Jackets printed by AtoZ Media. Pressed by Independent Record Pressing, Bordentown, NJ. // BS-27 Black Site, Kansas City, MO black-site.org. // Eric Melin plays drums, Brad Huhmann plays bass and sings, Matt Mozier plays guitars and sings, Rich Yarges plays guitars and sings. // Pedal steel played by John Whittemore. Mandolin and banjo played by John Crooke. Tambourine played by Jody Stephens // Arthur Dodge sings a few back-ups, Jody Stephens does too. All these songs were written by Truck Stop Love. They are published by AllAmSongs/ValueBrand Music (BMI)]
[Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese. ]
[Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS]

11:35 – Interview Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love
Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love joins us to talk about the re-release of their 1995 debut album, HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, on vinyl for the first time. Guitarist/vocalist Rich Yarges and drummer Eric Melin formed the band in 1990, but it wasn’t until guitarist/vocalist Matt Mozier and bassist/vocalist Brad Huhmann joined Truck Stop Love in 1991, that the band solidified their aggressive, fuzzed-out rock sound. HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, was produced at Memphis’ legendary Ardent Studios by Big Star drummer Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell (Afghan Whigs, Primal Scream), the album is a dizzying mix of TSL’s wide influences.
Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.
Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS.
Rich Yarges thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
TRUCK STOP LOVE RE-RELEASES 1995 DEBUT ALBUM, HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME
Truck Stop Love play the No Choice But Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution release show on Sat., Oct. 17, 2026at the Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS w/ The Embarrassmen(sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese
Truck Stop Love play HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, ON VINYL Release show on Sun., Oct 18, 2026 at Auntie Mae’s, Manhattan, KS – LAST SHOW EVER!
Kansas City, MO – Thirty-one years after its initial CD-only release, Truck Stop Love’s genre-busting 1995 debut album can now finally be heard as it was intended–on vinyl! How I Spent My Summer Vacation captures the band in the prime of its songwriting, musicianship and production, fusing punk, rock and country into a new form of cowpunk that defined Midwestern punk twang during the alternative rock era. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock, and mastered for vinyl by original co-producer, Jeff Powell, HISMV sounds better than ever.
“The fact that the genre of No Depression/alt country/punk/twangy power pop/whatever-you-wanna-call-it has endured so much since 1995 is proof that we were onto something 30 years ago. I’m so proud of this LP and hope it gets the recognition it deserves this time around!” said drummer, Eric Melin.
Singer/guitarist, Rich Yarges added, “We always wanted this to be a record, but it was the CD era. We were nobodies, and even though we may have acted like we were somebodies, we were in no position to demand what format it came out on. We were just happy to get to record it the way we wanted to, and in the same studio as Big Star.”
Ardent Studios in Memphis was that hallowed ground, the place where not only Big Star, but Booker T., Led Zeppelin, and the Replacements also banged out classic records. Producers Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell took the band under wing, grounding the boys in the history of the place and guiding their energies into focus to create the purest, rawest expression of music they had in them. Recorded on analog tape, the record vibrates to the exact frequency of Memphis humidity. (There’s much more to the story of this recording session, but if you want to know about The Replacements’ vomit, spaghetti as a vegetable, an inspirational R.L. Burnside show, or Jerry Lee Lewis’s “meat ass”, you’ll have to read the liner notes.)
11:42

- Truck Stop Love – “Whiskey Waltz”
from: How I Spent My Summer Vacation / Black Site / October 15, 2026 Reissued on vinyl
[Produced by Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Powell at Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN. Additional overdubbing by Jeffrey Reed. Asst. engineers were Jeffrey Reed and Matt Martone. A&R: Michael Roth. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock. Vinyl mastering by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl, Memphis, TN. Art Direction by Doug Haverty. LP art adaptation by L. Ron Drunkard, Lydia MJ and Brad Huhmann. Jackets printed by AtoZ Media. Pressed by Independent Record Pressing, Bordentown, NJ. // BS-27 Black Site, Kansas City, MO black-site.org. // Eric Melin plays drums, Brad Huhmann plays bass and sings, Matt Mozier plays guitars and sings, Rich Yarges plays guitars and sings. // Pedal steel played by John Whittemore. Mandolin and banjo played by John Crooke. Tambourine played by Jody Stephens // Arthur Dodge sings a few back-ups, Jody Stephens does too. All these songs were written by Truck Stop Love. They are published by AllAmSongs/ValueBrand Music (BMI)]
[Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.]
[Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS]

11:45 – Interview Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love
Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love joins us to talk about the re-release of their 1995 debut album, HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, on vinyl for the first time. Guitarist/vocalist Rich Yarges and drummer Eric Melin formed the band in 1990, but it wasn’t until guitarist/vocalist Matt Mozier and bassist/vocalist Brad Huhmann joined Truck Stop Love in 1991, that the band solidified their aggressive, fuzzed-out rock sound. HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, was produced at Memphis’ legendary Ardent Studios by Big Star drummer Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell (Afghan Whigs, Primal Scream), the album is a dizzying mix of TSL’s wide influences.
Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.
Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 N. 12th St. Manhattan KS.
Rich Yarges thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
After the success of the band’s first vinyl release on Black Site in 2017, Can’t Hear It: 1991-1994–a collection of demos, outtakes from the Summer Vacation sessions, and previously unreleased recordings–the band asked the Kansas City record label cooperative to see if they wanted to team up again on a vinyl release of How I Spent My Summer Vacation. Plans were laid for a 25th anniversary edition, until a global pandemic got in the way and the idea got placed on the back burner.
But when Darren DeFrain, co-author of the forthcoming book on Kansas postpunk history, No Choice But Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, approached Black Site about releasing a companion LP to the book (which would include a never-before-released track from Truck Stop Love), the band decided it was time to bring the project back to the front burner. And now it’s here, fully stewed. But, as tasty as this record is, there is a bittersweet side to the story; the upcoming two shows will be the bands’ last.
So, join us in celebrating one of the best bands to come out of the Great State of Kansas one (or two) last time(s). They will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese. And they bid their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18 at Auntie Mae’s.
One last note: No AI was utilized (or harmed) in the creation of this project, not the album, not the art, and certainly not this press release. This project was created entirely by, and for, humans and their “meat asses”.
BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone.
Rich Yarges thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.
Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, Oct 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS
For WMM, I’m Mark Manning Thanks for listening!
11:53

- Truck Stop Love – “Bitter Boy”
from: How I Spent My Summer Vacation / Black Site / October 15, 2026 Reissued on vinyl
[Produced by Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Powell at Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN. Additional overdubbing by Jeffrey Reed. Asst. engineers were Jeffrey Reed and Matt Martone. A&R: Michael Roth. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock. Vinyl mastering by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl, Memphis, TN. Art Direction by Doug Haverty. LP art adaptation by L. Ron Drunkard, Lydia MJ and Brad Huhmann. Jackets printed by AtoZ Media. Pressed by Independent Record Pressing, Bordentown, NJ // BS-27 Black Site, Kansas City, MO black-site.org. // Eric Melin plays drums, Brad Huhmann plays bass and sings, Matt Mozier plays guitars and sings, Rich Yarges plays guitars and sings. // Pedal steel played by John Whittemore. Mandolin and banjo played by John Crooke. Tambourine played by Jody Stephens // Arthur Dodge sings a few back-ups, Jody Stephens does too. All these songs were written by Truck Stop Love. They are published by AllAmSongs/ValueBrand Music (BMI)]
[Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese. ]
[Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS]

- Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
rom: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week, on Wednesday, October 21, Claire Adams will play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios.

Also joining me as special co-hosts for the entire show are:

Betse Ellis is originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. For nearly 50 years Betse has been playing the violin and fiddle professionally and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders who released 10 albums. Betse has released two acclaimed solo records, she has recently recorded & performed with the bands Little Miss Dynamite, and The Starhaven Rounders and with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as the internationally known, Betse & Clarke. Betse has also performed and recorded with Beau Bledsoe, Earnest James Zydeco, Jeff Harshbarger, The Band That Fell To Earth, Howard Iceberg, Rural Grit All Stars, Blue Museum
Mará Rose Williams is The Kansas City Star’s Senior Opinion Columnist. She previously was assistant managing editor for race & equity issues, a member of the Star’s Editorial Board and an award-winning columnist. She has written on all things education for The Star since 1998, including issues of inequity in education, teen suicide, universal pre-K, college costs and racism on university campuses. She was a writer on The Star’s 2020 “Truth in Black and White” project and the recipient of the 2021 Eleanor McClatchy Award for exemplary leadership skills and transformative journalism.
Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to KC to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-KC where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. He was 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, Marcus Lewis Big Band.
Betse, Mará and Eddie join usfor our On Air Fall Fund Drive to encourage YOU to please call us at 888-931-0901 or www.kkfi.org and support Cpmmunity Radio
You can find our playlists at: www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & www.kkfi.org
www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley
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 Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.
THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’s Summer Fund Drive during WMM we had a total of 33 people donate a total of $3513.50. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.121
Show #1169




















































































































































