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

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Stephonne & Rachel Christia of KC Folk Fest + Paul Jesse + Alex Wong & Jen Kiper

Mark spins more New & MidCoastal releases from: Dalima Kapten, Claire Adams, Stranded in The City, Paul Jesse, Madisen Ward, Una Walkenhorst, Alex Wong with Vienna Teng, Jenny Hval, Sunny War, Curtis Harding, Hovvdy & runo plum, and Car Seat Headrest.

At 10:30 we welcome back to the show, singer-songwriter Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Hesitation,” the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com

At 11:00 Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton join us to share all the details about The Kansas City Folk Festival to be held in Washington Square Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi and the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts four stages, delicious food trucks, and an extensive craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the fourth annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians and artists. Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by Kansas City Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC. For full lineup, visit: http://www.kcfolkfest.org.

At 11:30 Alex Wong & Jen Kiper share Alex’s latest album, PERMISSION, an honest look at Wong’s journey as a person of color learning how to take up space in America and exploring what Asian-American music can sound like. Alex Wong + NAAAP KC presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO. Wong has developed a multi-sensory live experience which uses food as an on-ramp to his cultural memory. Attendees are treated to a listening and tasting performance, enjoying 3 songs from Wong’s newest album paired with a Chinese-inspired dish sharing a common emotion. The National Association of Asian American Professionals (“NAAAP”) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the careers and leadership development of Asian American professionals. Info at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/alex-wong

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #1095