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, June 9, 2021

WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021 …so far (3-part series) + Marisa Butler + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
   from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
   [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

2. Alyssa Murray – “two peaches”
   from: Half and Half / LYSSA / May 14, 2021
   [2nd single from Alyssa Murray’s new EP, HALF & HALF, an indie, electronic album with equal parts vocal tunes & half beats. “Combining a keen songwriting sense with a playful display of sonic influences in a juxtaposition of synth and song.” Written, performed, & produced by Alyssa Murray. Recorded between July 2020 through January 2021 using Korg Minilogue XD and Sequential Prophet Rev2 with Adam Schlozman on bass (track 3) and John Kizilarmut on drums (track 3). Mixed & Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab KC. Info at: http://www.wmsoundlab.com or http://www.alyssamurraymusic.com ]

[Alyssa Murray plays the FMK Social Gallery, 2201 Lexington Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, in the Pendleton Heights Neighborhood on Friday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.]

[Alyssa Murray plays Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room on Sat, July 31, 9:00 to 11:30 pm.]

3. Cuee – “Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj)” [Radio Edit] (CD #3) (2:46)
   from: Ain’t Going Back (feat. Joel Leoj) – Single / Cuee / February 14, 2021
   [Follow up to “Who’s Back “ single released August 12, 2020. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee is a 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. In the last 5 years Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances. Cuee exhibits an energetic and fun, yet smooth and motivational edge to his style of music. Drawing major influence from hip-hop artists such as Jay Z, Kanye West and Chance The Rapper, one could see why his storytelling essence fuses with harmonic flows. His fan favorites include Shook, Blessed, and Feeling Lucky from Cuee’s 2018 album, Shameless. Cuee is currently working to release an new album titled, “Gospel.”Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a recently graduate of Artist Inc. Cuee was our guest on WMM on August 12, 2020, March 3, and May 5, 2021 to share music from his new album! More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com]

[Cuee plays Lawrence Pride on Saturday, June 12, at 4:00 PM at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 East 6th Street, Lawrence Kansas with The Creepy Jingles and more! All Ages Show]

10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1

Today WMM Celebrates the hundreds of New MidCoastal Musical Releases of 2021…so far. We bring you part one, of a three-week series, with recordings from: The Roseline, Monta At Odds, Rob Rice with Teri Quinn & Stephen Roper, Knife Crime, Rachel Cion, Eddie Moore, Christena Graves, Approach with Heidi Gluck, Nan + the One Nite Stands, Lee Walter Redding with Stephonne, Stik Figa, Other Americans, Sam Wells, Riley The Musician, and Jillian Riscoe. We started with Alyssa Murray and Cuee.

We take break to encourage YOU to support 90.1 FM KKFI. To help me, is my friend…

Betse Ellis. 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. She has been playing the Violin for over 40 years, with over 20 years playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, she is part of the 5-piece, Short Round Stringband, and records and performs with her partner, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke. In 2020 they released their latest 8-song release, Winter, which was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020

Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, She grew up in Los Angeles, and St. Louis. She went to college in Columbia, Missouri. She studied art and musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films and punk rock music. She saw Talking Heads on their first U.S. tour when they played One Block West in 1978. For 16 years she has been sharing her musical discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic brain on Wednesday MidDay Medley. With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, that features new vinyl releases, in-store performances,, and was once the location for a wedding. More information at: http://www.recordwithmerritt.com

Marion Merritt, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio is non-commercial, and that means that three times a year, we interrupt our regular programming, to ask our listeners, to help us continue our unique, 24-7 programming. For 33 years 90.1 FM KKFI has been on the air. While the spirit of this station is kept alive by hundreds of volunteers who passionately donate their time and abilities to keep the transmission of our 100,000-watt-signal alive. We are a operated by a not-for-profit organization, incorporated over 40 years ago, called The MidCoast Radio Project. We’re non-profit, but we still have to pay the electric bill, the rent on our fully accessible production studios and offices, insurance, staff, royalties, production expenses. Even though we have hundreds of committed volunteers, who donate thousands of hours every year, producing radio shows, answering phones, creating websites, producing benefits, rewiring the board, setting up our computer system, we still need YOU, our listener. YOU are the reason we are able to stay alive. You can visit us at http://www.kkfi.org, or call 888-931-0901 to support Kansas City Community Radio 90.1 FM.

90.1 FM KKFI is “The Voice of the Community” Our Kansas City Community Speaks Through our Airwaves. So far in 2021 on WMM we’ve conducted 60 live interviews with 65 special guests: Sam Wells, Barry Lee, Lily B. Moonflower, Jeremiah James Gonzales, Jill McKeever, Charlotte Bumgarner, Martin Farrell Jr., Mikal Shapiro, D. Rashaan Gilmore, Chritena Graves, Hadiza., Alisa Jefferson, Marion Merritt, Betse Ellis, David Luther, Cuee, Robert Moore, Sarah Magill, Dan Jones, Juliette Frost, Club Sinister, R.I.Peter, Everette The Grey, Nico Gray, Katy Guillen, Rhonda Lyne, Chris Hudson, Jamie Searle, Nan Turner, Stacy Busch, Claire Adams, Allisön Hawkins, Jen Harris, Vaness Aricco, Rob Rice, Sherman Brennemen, M.G. Salazar, Michael JC Taylor, Matt Weinman & Melissa Weinman, Aaron Rhodes, Judy Mills, Byron Huhmann, Shawn Stewart, Fally Afani, Calvin Arsenia, Greg LaFollette, Erin Keller, Lee Langston, Connor Leimer, Enrique Chi, Alyssa Murray, Jillian Riscoe, Dylan Pyles, Remy Sryrk, Xavier Martin & Jade Green of The Black Creatures, Bob Walkenhorst, Elexa Dawson, Jeremy Ragland and more to come

10:14

4. Approach – “Call You feat. Heidi Gluck”
   from: Merely, Minutes In A Day {Section 2: Antique Mall} / Datura Records / Dec. 4, 2020.
   [Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray aka Approach aka Sean Hunt. Approach writes: “Antique Mall” is fitting title for a album that has sat in the vault over 5 years. When the recording of this album was finished, I realized it didn’t compliment the sonics of the season. I felt like waiting until the sonic coloring matched the vibration of the times would be the best move. 5 years later a time capsule of love is ready to be revealed. Please enjoy your tour around of my “Antique Mall.” // This new Approach release is a Follow up to Merely Minutes, In A Day from Datura Records released February 4, 2019. Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Artwork & Design By: The Art My Life Imitates. Legendary Kansas based emcee/producer Approach has been in the game for almost 20 years. He’s released almost a dozen records and traveled the world over the span of his career. He’s also the cofounder of Datura Records, a hip hop label started in 2000 that he helps curate the roster for. Info: http://www.daturarecords.bandcamp.com]

5. Stik Figa – “Felt Like It”
   from: Stik Figa EP / Stik Figa / April 2, 2021
   [From Stik Figa’s bandcamp page: “Stik Figa returns with quicstrike release for Bandcamp Friday! 3 unreleased tracs for my real supporters that you won’t find anywhere else! Thank you all for continuing following me on this music journey.” All songs written and performed by Stik Figa. Track one, “Stik Figa” was produced and mixed by Calvin Valentine and recorded by Joshua Browning @ Lucky Seven Studios; Lawrence, KS. Track 2. “Felt Like It” was produced by Mike Hurst and recorded and mixed by Sean Patrick @ Twlvs Studio; Fort Worth, TX. Track 3. “JYLND Freestyle” was produced by Mike Hurst and recorded and mixed by Sean Patrick @ Twlvs Studios; Fort Worth, TX. photography and layout by Well Cultured. // Stik Figa is rapper from Topeka, KS who cut his teeth on the Kansas City rap scene for close to a decade. Making a name for himself as a charismatic performer and premier lyricist in the region, releasing 9 solo albums and multiple collaborations // Later partnering with notable independent hip-hop label Mello Music Group releasing collaboration with L’Orange, “The City Under the City” and straight forward hip-hop album Central Standard Time. More info at: http://www.stikfiga785.bandcamp.com]

6. Rachel Cion – “Gunpowder Baby”
   from: WANTED! – EP / Rachel Cion / May 4, 2021
   [The 3-song EP/Single, WANTED! includes the tracks: “Gunpowder Baby”, “What You’ve Done”, and “Heist”. Rachel Cion is Rachel Cionetti an Olathe, Kansas based singer-songwriter who has posted multiple songs on her SoundCloud page. We last played her single, “One More Time 35mm” on November 14, 2018 five days after it was released. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/rachel.cheeto%5D

7. Other Americans – “Kink Wave”
   from: Paranoid Fiction / Gran Calavera Records / February 9, 2021
   [8-song EP follow up to the band’s Oct. 19, 2019 release OA2. O.A. released their debut EP, Other Americans on June 29, 2018. Julie Berndsen on lead vocals, Adam Phillips on drums, Brandon Phillips on guitar, Michelle Bacon on bass. Produced by Brandon Philllips. Engineered by Joel Nanos. Recorded at Element Recording Studios in KC. All remixes by Mensa Deathsquad. Hailing from KCMO and Lawrence, KS, the electro-alternative OTHER AMERICANS are comprised of members of The Architects, Latenight Callers, The Philistines, Radar State and Brandon Phillips & The Condition. Other Americans is a virtual Midwestern supergroup. The cohorts first crossed paths in when a mutual friend and matchmaker introduced Brandon Phillips to vocalist Julie Berndsen “We were all looking for something new to do musically, recalls Brandon. “The way I remember it, a mutual friend (KC music producer Joel Nanos) told me that Julie was looking to start something new and I sent her a note about it. We had tacos to see if we liked each other.”]

10:26 – Pledge Break #2

Our WMM Spring Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis

10:34 – Underwriting

8. Lee Walter Redding – “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)”
   from: “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)”-Single / Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne /Apr. 9, 2021
   [Lee Walter Redding told me that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. Lyrics and music by Lee Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. // Stephonne grew up in KCK. He released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas. He has performed in multiple shows for Late Night Theatre. Stephonne told John Long of Camp Magazine “I was surrounded by records, and my parents always had music on.” A special video for “Want Me” was released in 2020. Stephonne joined us on WMM on July 15, 2020]

9. Christena Graves – “Give Me A Minute”
   from: Finding My Footing / Christena Graves / February 11, 2021
   [Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships. Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells. It was a moment that gave fuel to her love of singing. // After leaving Michigan to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way. // 2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work being laid for her return to the music industry. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. // The release of Finding My Footing marks her first full length solo album since 1996 and her first project ever as a band leader. The songs are stories of loss, fear, struggle, and joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability and worth as an artist, as a woman, and a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am and I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.” More info at: http://www.christenagravesmusic.com]

[Christena Graves returns to WMM on July 7]

10. The Roseline – “Joy”
    from: “Joy” – Single / Alt Country Club / May 7, 2021
    [The Roseline is releasing their second single “Joy” off their upcoming record ‘Constancy.’ The track features Colin Halliburton on lead vox/acoustic guitar/aux percussion, Bradley McKellip on electric guitars, Colin Jones on bass, Jim Piller on drums, and Heidi Gluck on organ and background vox. It was recorded and produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. More information at: http://www.roselinemusic.com // The Roseline are a Lawrence, KS, based alt-country, Americana, rock band, formed by Colin Halliburton with friends in 2005. The Roseline released their 6th album GOOD / GRIEF on April 3, 2021. The Roseline released BLOOD on September 29, 2017; and TOWNIE on June 19, 2015. The band has toured the US and Halliburton has completed two European solo tours thus far, taking him through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Colin Halliburton joined us on WMM on March 25, 2020. More info at: https://roselinemusic.com/%5D

10:48 – Pledge Break #3

Our WMM Spring Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis

KKFI’s Mission Statement: KKFI is the Kansas City area’s independent, noncommercial community radio station. We seek to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.

KKFI’s Philosophy Statement: KKFI is committed to diversity in programming and discourse and seeks to create a climate of mutual respect and collaboration among volunteers and staff.

10:56

11. Nan & the One Nite Stands – “Yeah (Radio Edit)”
    from: High – Caliber / Nan Turner / February 19. 2021
    [All songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // “Yeah” is track 1, on this 5-song EP // The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler on bass on 1, 3, and 4; Pat Tomek on drums on 1, 3, and 4; Mark Ospovat on bass on 2 and 5; Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers on backing vocals on 2, 4, and 5; Chase Horseman on keyboards, guitar, and co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration. // Follow up to the single “Desert Nights” released May 22, 2020, written by Nan Turner, and recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. On July 12, 2019, Nan Turner released her solo EP, Champs and Losers, Version 2. Recorded, Mixed, and Co-Produced at Winky World in Kansas City, by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns plays drums and Chase Horseman plays bass. Nan Turner is also one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock. Her music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com ]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – Interview with Marisa Butler

Marisa Butler grew up in Kansas City, but she has lived Brooklyn, New York where she worked for Big Apple Circus, Madison Square Garden, served as Operations Development Coordinator at Coalition for the Homeless, and Studied Urban Studies at CUNY School of Professional Studies where she received her Masters of Arts in Urban Studies in 2015. Here in Kansas City Marisa works as a Substance Abuse Specialist at reStart Inc. Marisa Butler is also the new host & producer of “The Mixtape with Marisa,” airing Friday mornings 6:00 to 8:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. In 2002, during her senior year of high school, the radio bug bit her, when she did her first Guest DJ at KKFI. Marisa went on to work at her college radio station KTRM, (Kirksville’s TRU Alternative) for 5 years. She produced her own weekly specialty show for 4 years, and served as Station Manager for a year. Marisa produced a weekly interview program where college professors would play their favorite music. Marisa also served as Music Director for a year and a half, putting together the music for the daily format shifts.

Marisa Butler, Thanks for being with us today on WMM

Marisa Butler Career History:

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist at reStart Inc.
May 6, 2021 – Present

Former General Manager at Burdolski Auto Werks
July 2015 – April 2021 — Shawnee, Kansas

Former Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at Big Apple Circus
August 2014 – June 2015 — Brooklyn, New York

Former Operations Development Coordinator at Coalition for the Homeless, Inc.
September 2011 – January 2014 — New York, New York
Coordinating between departments of operations and development. Managing special projects such as Project: Back to School, Holiday Toy Drive, volunteer recruitment, and distribution of In-Kind donations. Children’s Holiday Party and Toy Drive
Organized a drive that raised over 3,000 toys and put on a holiday party for children in shelters.

Former Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director at Coalition for the Homeless
January 2009 – September 2011 — New York, New York
Manager of In Kind Donations – Coordinating the collection and distribution of in-kind donations at Coalition for the Homeless. Project Back to School
raising 3,000 backpacks for homeless children in New York City.

Former Guest Relations Coordinator at Madison Square Garden
September 2008 – December 2008 – New York, New York

Former Publicist for Bravo Johnson at Stone Junction Inc.
February 2008 – December 2008 — New York, New York

Former Station Manager at KTRM
May 2006 – May 2007 — Kirksville, Missouri

Former KTRM music director at KTRM
January 2005 – May 2006 — Kirksville, Missouri

College
Studied Urban Studies at CUNY School of Professional Studies
MA, Urban Studies Class of 2015

Studied Art at Truman State University – Class of 2007

High School
Went to Notre Dame de Sion School, Kansas City – Class of 2002

Marisa writes: “My biggest influences is probably college radio and indie music from the late nineties and early aughts, but I also enjoy classic country, rockabilly, old rock and roll, prog, techno, doo wop, soul, reggae, and hip hop. I remember my mentor and college radio professor told us the best shows weave songs together triggering a positive response in the body’s natural rhythms, or at the very least not disrupting those rhythms. It is always my goal to just play just good and unique music that blends one song to the next.”

The Mixtape with Marisa is a blended variety of music tailored to be the soundtrack of your day. You may hear something you’ve loved that you haven’t heard in years, or something brand new that you never thought you’d like. Marisa is constantly in search of good music, whether it be finding b-sides or rare cuts, trolling in the dollar bin at the local record store, finding the best local and regional music, or dusting off that record she found in her mom’s basement, her goal is to make a musical tapestry that will help move your day along and keep you engaged. LISTEN LIVE ON KKFI – Every Friday at 6:00am

Marisa Butler, Thanks for being with us today on WMM

Marisa Butler is the new host & producer of “The Mixtape with Marisa,” airing Friday mornings 6:00 to 8:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio.

11:11

13. KNIFE CRIME — “Lump Sum”
    from: Lovely Gary / Black-Site / April 13, 2021
    [After spending months at Massive Sounds studio with producer Paul Malinowski in 2019 and then waiting out the worst of the pandemic’s stranglehold, Knife Crime’s debut album, Lovely Gary, is ready. Finally. // Knife Crime is a band of four veterans of Kansas City’s music community. Going back to the early 1990s, founding brothers Byron Huhmann on guitars, piano & lead vocals; Brad Huhmann on bass & vocals, have played with a small legion of bands, including TV Fifty, Onward Crispin Glover, the Dark Circles, Truck Stop Love, Red Kate and Lushbox. Jake Cardwell on drums & percussion came aboard in 2012, and has played drums for Reflector, the Belles, the Caves and the Conquerors. In 2018, multi-instrumentalist Jeremiah James Gonzalez on guitar & vocals joined, bringing along a resume that includes Elevator Division, Monta at Odds, Be/Non, Umberto, Rhunes and Redder Moon. Songs by Knife Crime. Recorded & mixed by Paul Malinowski, at Massive Sound Studios, Shawnee, KS Mastering by Mike Nolte, Eureka Mastering, Portland, Oregon. Additional mastering & lacquer cutting: Chris Muth, Taloowa Corp., Yonkers, NY. Vinyl Manufacturing: Kindercore Vinyl, Athens, GA. // Follow up to their single release “Falcon” on January 8, 2020. Produced by Knife Crime. Mastered by Dave Gaume at Element Recording Studios. Knife Ccrime is a 4-piece Kansas City based band formed on January 19, 2011. More info at: http://www.black-site.org]

11:14 – Pledge Break #4

This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis.

Where can I find out about what is happening in my community? The answer is KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio – The Voice of The Community.

Along with our National Public Affairs shows like Democracy Now, and Alternative Radio we also offer more locally produced public affairs programs than anywhere else on the dial. We offer programs specifically produced for the LGBTQIA Community, Women’s Issues, Native American News and Culture, Middle Eastern Music and Information, Latino Programming, African American Public Affairs and Community News, Labor and Worker’s Unions, our prison population and justice system, environmental programming, Visual and Literary Arts, and Performing Arts.

Just remember what you don’t have to hear when you are tuned to 90.1 FM KKFI! No commercials, we do have very brief underwriting announcements, recognizing those who financially contribute to support non-profit community radio, but we will never tell you to “go out and buy” something. We inform and educate, but we don’t sell things. We give your news, stories, music, culture and we let you decide what you want to do with that information. We are probably some of the only free airwaves left on the dial. We are non-profit.

We have no automated robot playing the same 40 to 80 songs in a “rotation,” based on a formula, created by a programmer of the robot. KKFI is the opposite of a robot. There is always human being on the other end of the phone line anytime you call. 90.1 offers 104 different radio programs. 85 of these programs are locally, produced, hosted, engineered and written by over 100 different people, who create content, and personally handcraft each show, each week. There are 55 local music shows and 21 locally produce News, Public Affairs, Arts & Talk shows.

There are 140 hours each week of locally produced handcrafted programs. You will not find this kind of representative diversity anywhere else on your radio dial. Or from any singular source on your computer. It is very special. It needs to be nourished and kept alive in a world of corporate, nationally owned, commercial or religious broadcasting. Not only do we bring the most diverse and unfiltered news and information, but our musical playlists are deep, and comprehensive. In one week you can hear over 2000 different songs played, in Blues, Jazz, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Classical, World, Americana, Southern Soul, Fusion, Soul, Rock, New Wave, Electronic, Native, Local, Old Timey, Rockabilly, Women’s, Children’s, Gospel, and Experimental.

With all of this, you hear the voices from the hundreds of KKFI volunteers, and thousands of guests from the community, who share their stories, broadcast live from our non-commercial, midtown studios, at 39th & Main, in the center of our metro, across two states, a collective of communities, and thousands of listeners. What is this worth to you?

11:22

13. Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)”
    from: When I’m Gone – Single / The Record Machine / May 14, 2021
    [Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds released their latest single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // 2020 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. The group released Zen Diagram in May of 2020 as a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind. // This single is a follow-up to the December 18, 2020 released A GREAT CONJUNCTION their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich. Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP Zen Diagram last year on May 1, 2020. Monta At Odd’s seventh full-length album, Peak of Eternal Light, is to be released in 2021 on The Record Machine. In late 2020 Monta At Odds released the single “When Stars Grow Old.” Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on Oct 19, 2018. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D

14. Jillian Riscoe – “People in The Real World”
    from: People in The Real World – Single / Avenue Record Company / March 5, 2021
    [Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian has had her share of success. The Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including the NAMM show, major sporting events, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay, and opened up for artists like Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Lisa Loeb, Everclear, Tantric, Stabbing Westward. Jillian Riscoe is learning to fly again. The award-winning soulful rock and pop vocalist is writing new songs about resilience and courage. It’s all a part of her own recovery from a difficult relationship that endured the deep throws of abuse and alcoholism. // But far from internalizing her struggles, she is using music to share her story and connect with others. “I love that with music, there are infinite possibilities of creation and self-expression,” says Riscoe. “Music has been there for me through everything, and I hope mine can be there for others as well.” More information at: http://www.jillianriscoe.com]

[Jillian Riscoe plays Grinders in The Crossroads 417 E. 18th, KCMO, June 19, for Stratgazers Summer Jam, June 18 & 19.]

11:29 – Underwriting

11:31 – Pledge Break #5

This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.

In just this past year, we’ve featured segments shining a light on: La Resistencia, Art As Mentorship, The Phoenix, The Kauffman Center for The Performing Arts, UMKC Conservatory of Music, MidCoast Takeover, Spinning Tree Theatre, The Pitch Kansas City, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bandwaggin KC, KC Bands Together, The Green Line Initiative, Black Lives Matter, The Queer Narratives Festival, KC Bass Workshop, Folk Alliance International, KC Writer’s Workshop, Kansas City Syzygy, Shuttlecock Music Magazine, I Heart Local Music, The Tenth Voice, The Record Machine, Mills Record Company, Records With Merritt, The Vinyl Underground at 7th Heaven, High Dive Records, Center Cut Records, Manor Records, Polyvinyl Records, Lost Cowgirl Records, Sunflower Soul Records, KC Irish Fest, The Crossroads Music Fest, MixMaster Music Conference, Too Much Rock, Midwest Music Foundation, Apocalypse Meow, Filmmaker Morgan Cooper, Charlotte Street Foundation, Inter Urban Arthouse, Lemonade Park, Weights and Measure Sound Lab, Indigenous Agriculture, and more.

11:39

15. Sam Wells – “For The Deflated”
    from: For The Deflated / French Exit Records / December 31, 2020
    [Debut EP from Kansas City, based singer songwriter Sam Wells who has shared stages with Betsy Phillips, Kelly Hunt, Andrew Ryan, The Zack Pietrini Band, and The Phantastics. She was featured as a composer and performer in the Kansas City Repertory Theater production of “Ghost Light” performed on the lawn of The Nelson Atkin Museum of Art in October, 2020. Sam has also performed in Troostival (2020), Kansas City Porchfest (2019) and Jamdemic. In 2019, Wells released her debut single “Lesson Learned.” In early 2020 Wells released her second single “Sugar” producer and engineered by Riley Corbin at the Lawrence Kansas Public Library recording studio. It was only a decade ago, Sam Wells sat in her bedroom learning the Corrine Bailey Ray classic “Put Your Records On”. This was all it took to ignite a lifetime love affair with music. With her smooth and sultry voice and the warm tones of a baritone ukulele, she shares stories of love, loss and everything in between. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Sam Wells has lived in Lawrence, but now calls KC home. Info at: http://www.whoissamwells.com. Sam Wells was on WMM May 13, 2020 and January 20, 2021.]

16. Rob Rice – “Thinking of Another (feat. Teri Quinn & Stephen Roper)”
    from: and the Devil’s Threesome / Mongrel Manor Records / March 21, 2021
    [Another song from the debut EP of Rob Rice titled, and the Devil’s Threesome to be released March 21, 2021. Singer/songwriter Rob Rice is a Kansas City native with a spark of millennial magic, his dusty acoustic music transitions from barn-burning ballads to soothing serenades, all of which contain notes of love, loss, and lust whilst learning to live with oneself through it all. On his debut EP and the Devil’s Threesome, Rob humbly assumes the role of choirmaster to a caravan of iconic Kansas City artists and musicians (12 in total) to create unique trios for each song, meditating and musing on the woes and wins of yesteryear. With instrumentation ranging from harp (Calvin Arsenia) and cello (Ezgi Karakus) to piano (Mark Lowrey) and layered vocals (Miki P), the collection remains cohesive with Rob’s compelling vocal melodies, introspective lyrics, and folky guitar. // and the Devil’s Threesome is a collection of six original songs Rob has composed and recorded that features a female and additional male accompaniment to showcase (hence the Devil’s Threesome. We first played Rob Rice last year when his track “Serial Lover” was part of the KC Syzygy Compilation released July 17, 2020. Info at: http://www.robricemakesmusic.com Rob Rice was on WMM on April 14, 2021]

11:46 – Pledge Break #6

This is WMM’s Spring Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.

KKFI offers 24-7 programming, and YOU (the listener), basically get all of this amazing programming for “free.” I, for one, love that I can turn on my radio, or computer device, and tune into the 90.1 FM’s 100,000 watt, crystal-clear signal, and hear the music, information, news, entertainment, events, and stories, that I really cannot find anywhere else. 90.1 is my comfort, my special companion, my interesting friend, introducing me to all kinds of new & local music, as well as the news & information without the intrusion of commercials. It is radio brought to YOU by real people, who create these shows out of love, and are guided by KKFI’s noble mission that “seeks to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.”

Driving in your car, at the office, at the gym, in your garage, in your cubicle, in your art space, on your iPod, at your construction site, in your kitchen, in your barn, YOU can take 90.1 with you, as your companion. 90.1 FM is generally a good date. Good for a few laughs, fun to dance with, always interested in good conversation. Isn’t 90.1 FM KKFI worth a few dollars a day, or a week? So many people tune in to http://www.kkfi.org everyday, but studies show, that less than 3 percent actually donate to keep this miracle of broadcasting alive. Your support means that you will help bring this programming to folks who could not donate at this time, for whatever the reason.

Marion Merritt, Betse Ellis, Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who donated! We raised $3404.00 from 58 people. (We raised $1694.00 today on the air on WMM and also $1710.00 through our Facebook Fundraiser.)

11:53:47

17. Eddie Moore – “We Chillin'”
    from: “We Chillin’” – Single / Eddie Moore Music / April 9, 2021
    [Some chill piano vibes to relax or study to written and produced by Eddie Moore with Eddie Moore on piano and Morgan Faw on alto sax. Mixed By Pajmon Porshahi. Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. 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 Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 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 also been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and record with distinctive artist such as Bobby Watson, Pam, 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, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We the People is a genre-defying quartet comprised of keyboardist Eddie Moore, bassist/producer Jason Emmond, drummer Zach Morrow, and turntablist/producer Kethro. Eddie Moore joined us live on WMM on September 23, 2020.]

18. Riley The Musician – “I Kissed a Ghost”
    from: “Miss America” / “I Kissed A Ghost” – Single / Riley The Musician / May 3, 2021
    [Riley The Musician is a non-binary, KC based producer, electronica music maker, producer, & DJ. This is the first single of the upcoming album Montana. Riley The Producer released the 5-track EP TEENAGE HEART- THROB on June 29, 2018. Riley The Producer released the 13-track album ART IS DEAD, on June 6, 2019. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY, on July 10, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 7-track EP, ANA KENNEDY DEMOS, on Sept. 4, 2020. Riley The Producer released the 2-track Single, “Iced Out” b/w “Ice Out (Slowed)” on Sept. 16, 2020. Riley The Producer released the single “99” on February 15, 2021.] More info at: https://linktr.ee/rileythemusician

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

Next week on Wednesday, June 16, Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis return as Co-Hosts. We also welcome Special Guests: James Andrews & Patrick Sprehe of Center Cut Records! And we bring you Part 2 of our 3-week special: WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2021…So Far, with music from Kadesh Flow, The Black Creatures, Making Movies with Calvin Arsenia, and more!

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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

Show #893