WMM PLAYLIST from September 3, 2025

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, September 3, 2025

Krystle Warren + Bill Sundahl & 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest

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

Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “I’ve Seen Days”
from: Diary [Remastered] – EP / Parlour Door Music 2025 / March 10, 2005
[Krystle Warren & The Faculty’s first official release, ‘Diary’, has been remastered by chief-inspector, Ben Kane, who not only recorded those clandestine sessions at Electric Lady Studios; he also co-produced and mixed their conclusion with his then mentor, the legendary Russell Elevado. With KW and The Faculty at the time ranging in age from eighteen to twenty-three, ‘Diary’ is a snapshot of youth and discovery; a “baby-band” finding their sound, and pushing their creativity into uncharted territory. // On November 1, 2024 Krystle Warren & The Faculty release EXTENDED PLAY whisch was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2024. Krystle Warren & The Faculty are: Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Jonathan Anderson. Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) Krystle Warren & The Faculty were involved in many musical projects. Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023. They released and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When Covid delayed the upcoming release of Extended Play, Krystle and members of The Faculty along with some of their frequent collaborators formed The Crew to release the 4-song CREW EP on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew was made up of: Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP were donated to the various causes and organizations //// The Faculty was formed with Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Dave Moore. While the four boys had classes and gigs, Krystle floated around New York and made a lot of friends. She busked and wrote songs, and, with the help of her band members and Ben Kane, who had an internship at Electric Lady Studios and was sneaking them in at odd hours, Krystle turned those songs into an e.p. called Diary. // Diary led to Circles, which Ben Kane co-produced with Voodoo engineer Russell “The Dragon” Elevado. Circles was bought by Because Music in France, but Krystle still recorded Love Songs in New York, a double album that invokes a Blakean duality with its two subtitles, ‘A Time to Refrain from Embracing’ and ‘A Time You May Embrace’. // Love Songs was produced with most of the Faculty (Zach was on tour with Amos Lee) and a slew of guest musicians in Brian Bender’s Brooklyn studio, The Motherbrain. Bender’s assistant, Jonathan Anderson, would later go on to replace Dave Moore on keys. // The Faculty has always been a tenuous project for everyone involved because of the distance and the schedules. While everyone remains close friends, the band members are spread across the globe. Krystle in France. Riddleberger in New York and Zach in Woodstock. Jonathan in Los Angeles. And then they are all working musicians, touring, recording, and collaborating with an impressive list of artists. Musicians like, in no particular order: D’Angelo, Hercules and Love Affair, Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers, Joan As Police Woman, Jonathan Wilson, Emily King, Janet Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Amy Helm, Taylor Swift, Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, The Knights, Bleachers, Emmylou Harris, Amos Lee, Mayra Andrade, Lana Del Rey, Broken Social Scene, Teddy Thompson, Lakecia Benjamin, and honestly that’s less than the half of it. // So they have been busy, and they have gained a lot of experience since the days of sneaking into ElectricLady late night or playing for meager pay and free wine at an East Village Italian resto. And while Diary, Circles, and Love Songs were recorded with everyone in the same room (Three the Hard Way, Krystle’s solo album, was pared down to her and Kane collectively), Extended Play was recorded disparately and assembled together by the steady hands and ears of Kane and Krystle. There is distance between the musicians in the recording process, but there is still a close emotional connection that can be heard in these songs. // The songs that make up Extended Play are songs of experience—the lyrics reflect on a crush from high school, a departed musical hero, and others who live in memory. There is nostalgia in Extended Play, and a forlornness. // Krystle describes “When I Look Back,” the last song of the album, as “an apology to my teenage self.” Twenty years ago she was writing songs about what happened day-of because being young is about immediacy and living in the present tense. Now the songs are about years past because life slows down, and we are allowed the time to “look back.”// But as Krystle sings in “Rising,” “Future lingers while past is present.” She’s writing about the past because we are all our collected histories—or as she puts it in “When I Look Back”: “there’s still something of her that stays.” The future, of course, still lingers, always there waiting for us, for the next move. The album ends with a recording of Audre Lorde’s gravelly voice. She says, // I’m going on to something else, the shape of which, I have no idea. ‘Only thing I know is, it’s going to be quite different. What I leave behind has a life of its own – I’ve said this about poetry … Well in a sense, I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been. // Krystle Warren & The Faculty still have more to come. They have built twenty years of memories, experiences, recordings, and shows, and with the release of Extended Play, they continue to show a commitment to growing as musicians together, even if apart. The Extended Play bio written by Phil Anderson]

[Krystle Warren plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 9:30pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., West Bottoms, w/ Laura Noble, MGDs, Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia, and Rebel Song Academy ]

10:05

Thanks for tuning into Wednesday MidDay Medley, on 90.1 FM KKFI. Today we’ll feature music from 14 of the 35 bands playing the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest including: Laura Noble, The MGDs, The Friendly Thieves, Jely Rose, The Royal Chief, Stranded in The Cty, Nature Boys, Osezua, ,Talia keys, Jesus Christ Taxi Driver, Rudy Love and the Encore, Sara Swenson and John Keck. We started with Krystle Warren & The Faculty.

Bill Sundahl joins us to share details about the 21st Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 6, 2025, Noon to Midnight, in the Historic West Bottoms with 35 Bands, on 6 stages including: Lemonade Park, The Campground, Voltaire, The Livestock Exchange Lot, Stockyards Brewing, and a VIP stage at the Ox Cafe & Bakery. CMF also presents a Free – Band of Angels Day Party at Lemonade Park from Noon to 3:00pm with: The Apologies, Little Miss Dynamite, Flat Susan, and Sass-A-Brass Band. Crossroads Music Festival is a fundraiser for 90.1 FM KKFI. Starting at 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. For more information or purchase tickets you can visit: WWW.CMFKC.COM

CMF headliner – Krystle Warren joins to share details about The Faculty’s first 2005 official EP release, DIARY, just recently re-released and remastered by Ben Kane, who originally recorded those sessions at Electric Lady Studios, where he also co-produced and mixed the tracks with his then mentor, the legendary Russell Elevado. Krystle Warren is one of our most played artists and most frequent guests. Krystle Warren began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16. She graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the full length album CIRCLES in 2009. Their epic sophomore release, LOVE SONGS followed in 2011, and contained 24 songs about love, recorded in New York City over the span of two weeks, with close to thirty musicians. Around this time, Krystle also joined forces with one of her musical idols, Rufus Wainwright, on his world tour as opener and bandmate. Krystle Warren released her solo album THREE THE HARD WAY, co-produced with Ben Kane in 2017. Krystle will also be sharing details of , Krystle Warren & The Faculty’s released EXTENDED PLAY in November of 2024. EXTENDED PLAY was #1 on WMM’s 120 Beast Recordings of 2024. More info at: http://www.krystlewarren.com

10:06 – Imterview with Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren

Today our Guest Co-Host is Bill Sundahl. Bill Sundahl founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005. Bill has been joining us on Wednesday MidDay Medley for 21 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF. After a varied set of careers that led to the Fundraising Leadership Series at the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2016, Bill’s passion for connecting people with ways to grow our community took root. Bill Sundahl spent eight years on staff at KKFI 90.1 FM. Bill started in 2014 as KKFI’s Events & Volunteer Coordinator, the same year as the 10th Annual Crossroads Music Fest. Bill brought the CMF to KKFI as a fundraiser and community event. Bill then became 90.1 FM KKFI’s Development Director and created new associations for KKFI with big shows at The Folly Theatre collaborations with Midwest Music Foundations, Lawrence Music Alliance, MixMaster Music Conference, Folk Alliance International, and other arts and community groups. Bill left KKFI Staff to serve as vice president of corporate partnerships at The Beacon a non-profit online news outlet covering Kansas City. Two years ago Bill left The Beacon to work as founder Owner / CEO / and Principal Consultant at Z&W Unlimited, offering fundraising, operations, strategy and planning advice to non profit media groups across the country, including continuing to serve KKFI in grant writing and training. For the last 12 years, Bill has played bass and provided vocals for the Kansas City super group, Starhaven Rounders. Bill is married to Wende Williamson and they have two daughters. They love to find fun places to camp, near the water. For info about Z&W Unlimited: http://www.zwunlimited.com

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Krystle Warren Poster designd by Krystle

CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO

The 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest presented by Community Lending of America Benefiting 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. Saturday, September 6, 2025, Noon to Midnight, in the Historic West Bottoms with 35 Bands, on 6 stages including: Lemonade Park, The Campground, Voltaire, The Livestock Exchange Lot, Stockyards Brewing, and VIP stage at the Ox Cafe & Bakery.

CMF also presents a Free – Band of Angels Day Party at Lemonade Park from Noon to 3:00pm with: The Apologies, Little Miss Dynamite, Flat Susan, and Sass-A-Brass Band. Crossroads Music Festival is a fundraiser for 90.1 FM KKFI.

Starting at 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. For more information or purchase tickets you can visit: WWW.CMFKC.COM

Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:

Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St. – Community Lending of America Stage
The Campground, 1531 Genessee St. – Kissick Construction Stage
Voltaire, 1617 Genessee St. – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage
Livestock Exchange Lot, 1600 Genessee St. – Midtopia Stage
Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St. – KKFI 90.1FM Stage
Ox Cafe & Bakery, 1600 Genessee St. – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Venue

Featuring: KRYSTLE WARREN • LAURA NOBLE & FRIENDS • THE MGDS • RUDY LOVE & THE ENCORE • SEYKO • STRANDED IN THE CITY • FRIENDLY THIEVES • LITTLE MISS DYNAMITE • FLAT SUSAN • ROYAL CHIEF • SASS-A-BRASS • THE WHIPS • SARA SWENSON • TALIA KEYS • JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER • JELLY ROSE • TERI QUINN & THE COYOTES •GRUPO FOLKLÓRICO ALMA TAPATÍA W/ MARIACHI LOS REALES DE KANSAS CITY • 3 TRAILS WEST • NATURE BOYS • DJ THUNDERCUTZ • TIMBERS • SKY SMEED • OSEZUA • JULIE BENNETT HUME & ERNEST JAMES • DJ NANA G • LINEA FRONTERA • DYM N D • RURAL GRIT ALL STARS • THE APOLOGIES • JOHN KECK • BOBBY SCHARPING • ART AS MENTORSHIP PRESENTS THE REBEL SONG ACADEMY

21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest – Ticketed Festival – 3:00pm to Midnight
Rain or Shine Event!

Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St.
Community Lending of America – Main Stage – 4:30pm to 10:30pm

4:30pm – 5:15pm – The Rebel Song Academy presented by Art As Mentorship
5:45pm – 5:30pm – Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia w/Mariachi Reales De Kansas City
7:00pm – 7:45pm – The MGDs
8:15pm – 9:00pm – Laura Noble
9:30pm – 10:30pm – Krystle Warren

10:15

Laura Noble – “Touch The Sky”
from: “Touch The Sky” – Single / Noble Nation Records / March 22, 2020
[Kansas City based Dominican Republic singer Laura Noble has had the opportunity to perform cover and original songs in major cities including Queens & Manhattan, NY, Minneapolis, MN, Denver, CO, Fort Myers, FL, Denver, CO, Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD and others. She’s been performing with live bands for 10+ years at festivals, high budget weddings, and corporate events. She has done the National Anthem and God Bless America at major sporting games and events like the KC Royals, Sporting KC and MMA fight tournaments..]

[Laura Noble plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 8:15pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., West Bottoms, Krystle Warren, MGDs, Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia, and Rebel Song Academy ]

MGDs – “Hold On”
from: Hold On / MGDs / January 11, 2025
[1st single from the band’s 5th album. The band is: Matt Davis on drums, percussion & vocals; Greg Bush on bass; Damon Parker on keyboards & vocals; Scott “Snoof” Middleton on guitar; Cole Gurley on saxophones; Teddy Krulege on trumpet Emmitt Starkey on trombone. This KC based 6-piece band that mixes piano and brass with a dynamic rhythm section that adds a unique flavor to the iconic KC music culture, blending of funk & blues with soulful stylings. In what started as a 3-piece between longtime friends Matt, Greg & Damon in 2008, the MGDs have evolved into a potent powerhouse, high-energy ensemble with regular monthly appearances at the Phoenix, and athe Sunset Music Fest, the City Market Crawfish Fest, the Phoenix Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Middle of The Map Fest, Boulevardia, The Plaza Art Fair, Kauffman Stadium before two KC Royals games. The MGDs released their 4th album, Midtown on Nov. 22, 2020. This followed, Somos Como Somos, from Nov. 4, 2017.]

[The MGDs play the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 7:00pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., West Bottoms, Krystle Warren, Laura Noble, Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia, and Rebel Song Academy]

10:22 – More Interview with Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren

Welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley. Joining us for the entire show is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 21 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF. Bill Sundahl Sundahl founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005. For over eight years Bill worked here at KKFI 90.1 FM serving as our Development Director.

Also with us is Krystle Warren who plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 9:30pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., West Bottoms, w/ Laura Noble, MGDs, Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia, and Rebel Song Academy

Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Starting at 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. For more information or purchase tickets you can visit: WWW.CMFKC.COM

Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:

CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO

11:28 – Underwriting

Next set intro
The Campground, 1531 Genessee St. – Kissick Construction Stage – 3:15pm to 10:30pm
6 STAGES in the Historic West Bottoms with 35 Bands. Info at http://www.cmfkc.com]

3:15pm – 4:15pm – Timbers
4:45pm – 5:30pm – Dym N D (Diamond D)
6:00pm – 6:45pm – Friendly Thieves
7:15pm – 8:00pm – Jelly Rose
8:30pm – 9:15pm – The Royal Chief
9:45pm – 10:30pm – Stranded in The City

10:31

Friendly Thieves – “Get it Yourself”
from: “Get it Yourself” – Single / Friendly Thieves / June 7, 2024
[New single from five-piece alt-funk band, Friendly Thieves who are: Sam Wells on lead vocals, Jamae Breeze on lead guitar, Sam Millard on bass, John Goss on drums, and Ben Baker on saxophone. // Friendly Thieves released their debut album Til Death on October 31, 2023. // From Michelle Bacon’s piece in http://www.bridge909.org: Friendly Thieves describes themselves as if “Alabama Shakes and Young The Giant had a Vulfpeck-inspired love child,” and well, that’s pretty spot on. Their single captures that intersection of vibrant indie-rock energy and exceptional musicianship, with an intriguing funk aroma. // The bands show at ULAH is their only KC show so far this year before the ban sets off on tour to Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Nashville. // Sam Wells released her debut EP, FOR THE DEFLATED on French Exit Records on December 31, 2020. Sam Wells is a Kansas City, based singer songwriter 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. Sam Wells also contributed to The Black Lives Matter Compilation from French Exit Records that featured tracks from 22 acts from the area, and was released on July 6, 2020. Sam contributed the song, “Dear Black People”. On WMM we featured tracks from: Blackstarkids, Daniel Gum, Crystal Rose, UpKeep, Bream, Heavy Surface, Palace Intrigue, Self Harmony, and Sam Wells. All proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. French Exit Records launched in 2018, and is an independent music label based out of Kansas City, Missouri founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond, and has organized live events. ]

[Friendly Thieves play the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 6:00pm at The Campground, 1531 Genessee St. with Timbers, Dym N D (Diamond D), Jelly Rose, The Royal Chief, and Stranded in The City.]

Jelly Rose – “Woman’s N2ition”
from: Unclassified – EP / BSPCL Productions / March 13, 2020
[Jelly Rose is a singer/songwriter/performer from Olathe, Kansas. With band she creates all original music. From beginning to end, every part of it is curated by them, from the music, to the storytelling, to the vocals, to the delivery. Which is special because Jelly Rose is a throwback to a time when bands worked together to create art. To put it simply, I am an analog artist in a digital world. Our music creation is completely organic, and the catalyst for it stems from somewhere beyond me. It is music for the heart, mind, and soul. I strive to be as authentic as possible, and stay true to who I am, no matter who sees the vision or not. The name of my first EP was Unclassified. It was titled that because that is who we are at our core. There is no box that we fit into, no category, no genre. Jelly Rose is an entity in and of itself. And that is special. Currently, we are recoding our first album. It will give listeners an opportunity to really see the depth of the band we are and the artist I am. They’ll be able to dance, cry, vibe, or just sing their hearts out. I am so looking forward to being able to give people the full Jelly Rose experience..]

[Jelly Rose plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 3, at 7:15pm at The Campground, 1531 Genessee St. with Timbers, Dym N D (Diamond D), Friendly Thieves, The Royal Chief, and Stranded in The City.]

The Royal Chief – “Hi-Def (Radio Mix)”
from: Fire – EP / Sovereign Sound / July 10, 2025
[New 5-track EP from The Royal Chief / Born in Kansas City, Missouri as Jamel Thompson to a single mother, The Chief is the youngest of six – two brother’s on his mother’s side and another brother and twin sisters from his father. Growing up, his mother fostered his mind; she encouraged The Royal Chief to read relentlessly and to experiment with his talents. This promoted a period where The Royal Chief began expressing himself by writing stories. Chief spent most of his early life in the urban areas of Kansas City. He and his mother moved to Dallas, Texas briefly before returning to Kansas City – to the suburbs – which provided an interesting contrast to his life before. // At the age of 13, after attending a concert in which Kanye West performed, Chief knew his path was in music and began rapping. Courtesy of his mother, he drew inspiration from R&B and Soul while getting his introduction to Hip Hop from his father and brothers. Hip Hop became a love and an outlet for him – a way to vent and document how he perceived the world. It was also an instrument for The Royal Chief to cope with the pain of losing his older brother and godmother who had a hand in raising him. // The Royal Chief moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2012. He spent his first year there living out of his Honda Civic and obtained membership to a local gym to have access in order to take showers. He established a relationship with the manager at Tree Sound Studios through a mutual friend and was soon allowed to live in the studio’s building. He made the most of this opportunity by observing and learning many of the aspects of the music industry, audio/video recording, marketing, and most importantly building relationships and networking. Soon, he began to nurture a relationship with “Cyhi The Prynce” who took him under his wing allowing Chief to create and write for other G.O.O.D. Music artist. During this time, Chief was able to go on tour and learn just to write raps and incorporate rhythm and flow into his pieces to make them sound appealing. // In 2015, under his original moniker “J-Dub,” The Royal Chief began to meticulously focus on his own projects and released his first mixtape entitled Trial and Error. Later that same year, after a trip back to his hometown of KC, he made a conscious decision to change his stage name to something that reflected his passion for his two favorite home-town sports teams and one that represented his city. And in combining the names of those teams, he thus became “The Royal Chief”. Feeling the need to release some music to commemorate the name change, in September of 2016 he released his second project, an EP entitled Dawn – representing the beginning or “dawn of” something new. // In 2017, after seeing a Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s interview in which he said “if you don’t have your city you don’t have anybody,” Chief decided it was time for him to return home and build his name and his following up in his own city. That same year, after a house fire in which he lost everything but his life, he released his third project – an EP titled Homecoming. While building traction in the city, Chief worked diligently to network and perform live all around the Kansas City Metroplex and surrounding areas. In 2018, he released a three-track EP titled 3 Pack. Chief spent the next year working towards expanding existing relationships and building new ones. Chief’s objective was to spend time building a backing band for his live performances as well as collaborate with local artists and producers. And with this feat accomplished, in 2020, Chief released his fourth project titled Groundwork. Groundwork represents “laying the foundation” – it’s the cumulative efforts of networking, touring, and building a following. More info at: http://www.theroyalchief.com]

[The Royal Chief will play the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 8:30pm at The Campground, 1531 Genessee St. with Timbers, Dym N D (Diamond D), Friendly Thieves , The Royal Chief, Jelly Rose, and Stranded in The City.]

Stranded in The City – “Tell Me”
from: Family Function / Chorizo Springs Records / April 25, 2025
[André Reyes, Jr. on piano, keyboard, synthesizers, organ and vocals; Antonio Reyes on drums and vocals; Timmy Keith on guitar & vocals; Matt Elton on bass & vocals; Densil Malabre on congas, timbales, percussion & vocals. // Stranded in the City is made up of brothers André Reyes, Jr. and Antonio Reyes, Timmy Keith, Matt Elton, and Densil (D.J) Malabre. Together they form one of Kansas City’s powerhouse bands. André and Antonio arose from a musical family tracing across four generations. They met Timmy, a natural rock guitarist, and bassist, Matt, who would later become the core of Stranded in the City. Densil adds his West African style to the mix to solidify the sound. // As a diverse group, Stranded in the City provides a retro flavor in a fresh sound, playing every song with soul and every beat of their hearts. Through the thickness of the groove, they deliver rich vocal harmonies and smoking improvisational skills. Expect a melting pot of genres; R&B, Funk, Country, Tex-Mex, Rock and Pop all in their music. Never the less backed by the right energy. // They perform locally and pack venues in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. In the spring of 2025, they will be premiering their sophomore album. Visit the calendar for more details on live performance dates, album releases, events and more. Sign up for the mailing list for updates, and follow on social media for live streams and more content.]

[Stranded in The City play the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 3, at 9:45pm at The Campground, 1531 Genessee St. with Timbers, Dym N D (Diamond D), Friendly Thieves, The Royal Chief, and Jelly Rose.]

10:46 – More Interview with Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren

Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Starting at 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. For more information or purchase tickets you can visit: WWW.CMFKC.COM

Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:

CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO

Voltaire, 1617 Genessee St.
Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage – 5:00pm TO MIDNIGHT

5:00pm – 6:30pm – DJ Nana G
6:45pm – 8:15pm – DJ Thundercutz
8:45pm – 9:30pm – Teri Quinn and The Coyotes
10:00pm – 10:45pm – SEYKO
11:15 – 12:00am – Nature Boys

10:52

The Nature Boys – “Common Visions”
from: “Common Visions” Single / Dead Broke Rekerds / April 11, 2025
[Nature Boys released their album IV /on September 24, 2021. Nature Boys started playing together in Kansas City, Missouri September of 2009. They wrote this about their band: “We had our first show in November or December at the Troost House, and then our second show at Dave’s Stagecoach Inn. We left for our first tour in January of 2010. The band includes: Danny Fischer on guitar & vocals, Suzanne Hogan on bass & vocals. evan malone on drums. Kansas City, Missouri punk rock & rollers that have been kickin’ up dust all across the country since 2009! Their fourth album and first on Dead Broke after self-releasing a slew of their previous efforts. Imagine if Dead Moon was a buch of punk rockers from the south, then you might be getting close to what Nature Boys scrappy & energetic punk rock is all about. Limited to 300 copies. (200 Black, 100 Clear Pink) Comes w/download code.] [Nature Boys playrdd a Special Halloween Benefit for Confluence & KC Tenants on Saturday, October 30, at 8:00 PM, at Blip Roasters 1301 Woodswether Rd, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Pink Phase, DJ Dan Cool, Killus.]

[Nature Boys play 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest on Sat, Sept. 6, at 11:15pm in West Bottoms at Voltaire, 1617 Genessee St. with DJ Nana G, DJ Thundercutz, Teri Quinn & The Coyotes, and SEYKO]

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

[SEYKO plays 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Sept. 6, 10:00pm, in West Bottoms at Voltaire, 1617 Genessee St. w/ DJ Nana G, DJ Thundercutz, Teri Quinn & The Coyotes, and Nature Boys.]

11:00 – Krystle Warren – “WMM Station ID”

Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “On That First Day of Autumn”
from: Diary [Remastered] – EP / Parlour Door Music 2025 / March 10, 2005
[Krystle Warren & The Faculty’s first official release, ‘Diary’, has been remastered by chief-inspector, Ben Kane, who not only recorded those clandestine sessions at Electric Lady Studios; he also co-produced and mixed their conclusion with his then mentor, the legendary Russell Elevado. With KW and The Faculty at the time ranging in age from eighteen to twenty-three, ‘Diary’ is a snapshot of youth and discovery; a “baby-band” finding their sound, and pushing their creativity into uncharted territory. // On November 1, 2024 Krystle Warren & The Faculty release EXTENDED PLAY which was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2024. Krystle Warren & The Faculty are: Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Jonathan Anderson. Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) Krystle Warren & The Faculty were involved in many musical projects. Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023. They released and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When Covid delayed the upcoming release of Extended Play, Krystle and members of The Faculty along with some of their frequent collaborators formed The Crew to release the 4-song CREW EP on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew was made up of: Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP were donated to the various causes and organizations

[Krystle Warren plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Sept. 6, at 9:30pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., West Bottoms, w/ Laura Noble, MGDs, Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia, and Rebel Song Academy.]

11:04 – Interview with Krystle Warren and Bill Sundahl

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI.  I’m Mark Manning. Today on WMM we are serving up music from the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest

Joining us for the entire show is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 21 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF. Bill Sundahl Sundahl founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005.

Bill Sundahl, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

And we are so excited to welcome back to the show, KC born and internationally known singer songwriter Krystle Warren who is back in KC from her home in France. Krystle is one of our most played artists of all time on the radio show. Krystle is also one of our most frequent guests.
.
Krystle Warren began performing in her native KC at the age of 16. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy and in 2001 began her musical career collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After moving to New York City, she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty.

Krystle Warren & The Faculty’s first official release, ‘Diary’, has been remastered by chief-inspector, Ben Kane, who not only recorded those clandestine sessions at Electric Lady Studios; he also co-produced and mixed their conclusion with his then mentor, the legendary Russell Elevado. With KW and The Faculty at the time ranging in age from eighteen to twenty-three, ‘Diary’ is a snapshot of youth and discovery; a “baby-band” finding their sound, and pushing their creativity into uncharted territory.

After DIARY was released Krystle was signed to Paris based music label Because Music who sent her a one-way ticket. Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the album CIRCLES in 2009. Their epic sophomore release, LOVE SONGS… followed in 2011, and contained twenty-four songs about love and was recorded in New York City over the span of two weeks, with close to thirty musicians. Around this time, Krystle joined forces with one of her musical idols, Rufus Wainwright, on his world tour as opener and bandmate. Krystle Warren then released her solo album THREE THE HARD WAY, in 2017 where Krystle played every instrument. On May 31, 2019 Krystle Warren & The Faculty released heir single “Rising” written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When her band’s full length album was put on hold, Krystle released the 4-song EP THE CREW on September 15, 2020. Krustle released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023, and the single “La Dolce Vita” on March 1, 2024.

On November 1, 2024 Krystle Warren & The Faculty release EXTENDED PLAY which was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2024.

More info at: http://www.krystlewarren.com

Krystle Warren, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Krystle Warren & The Faculty Discography

Krystle Warren & The Faculty has released the EP “Diary” on May 1, 2007

Krystle Warren released “The Up Series – EP” on November 10, 2008

Krystle Warren releases the 13-song Album CIRCLES on March 13, 2009

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released “A Time To Keep – Love Songs EP”, Aug. 12, 2011

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the double album 24-song “Love Songs” on vinyl in Europe on April 9, 2012 as “Love Songs: A Time to Embrace,” and “Love Songs: A Time to Refrain from Embracing. ” And released on separate digital and CD albums in the United States as: “Love Songs: A Time to Embrace,” on March 13, 2012 and “Love Songs: A Time to Refrain from Embracing” on February 27, 2015

Krystle Warren released the album THREE THE HARDWAY on August 18, 2017

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the single “Rising” on May 31, 2019

Krystle Warren & The Crew released the 4-song EP, THE CREW on September 15, 2020

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the single “Macca”on May 22, 2023

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the single “LA DOLCE VITA” on March 1, 2024

Krystle Warren & The Faculty released EXTENDED PLAY on November 1, 2024

Krystle Krystle Warren met Solomon Dorsey some weekend at a high school debate competition in KC. After she had trounced Solomon’s debate partner, the two ended up in an open classroom where they began playing music—Krystle had brought her guitar and was practicing chords, and Solomon, then an accomplished violinist, cellist, bassist, and singer likely had some sort of instrument on him, and even if he didn’t he had his voice.

Due to some specific details we’re not going to get into, Krystle was already living on her own; she was eighteen and he was seventeen. But she had a friend who had an apartment near hers, and this friend was having a party. “Wanna go?” she asked Solomon. And, as Solomon puts it, he has seen or spoken to Krystle every single day of his life since.

From: Diary EP to Extended Play A Truncated History of Krystle Warren & The Faculty
Written by Phil AndersonFrom http://www.krystalwarren.com :

So when Solomon decided to attend the jazz program at New School in New York, he asked Krystle, “Wanna go?” And a few months after he moved, Krystle showed up. On her first night in the city, Solomon introduced her to Zach Djanikian, a saxophonist he’d become fast friends with at school. They lived in the same dorm, and Zach and Solomon took Krystle to a practice room in the basement and the three of them played musical games. According to Zach, “We’d sing as many melodies as we could over four open strings of the upright bass, plucked successively. ‘Norwegian Wood’ and the theme to Family Matters were a couple favorites.”

This led to busking as a trio, and each of them was hustling for gigs. An Italian restaurant that featured live music gave Krystle a regular night, and she often had Solomon and Zach play with her. Zach’s friend from Philadelphia, Ben Kane, would come to these nights, and he brought Mike Riddleberger.

In Philly, Zach was in a band called The Brakes, and Ben Kane was producing an album for Zach’s band in a windowless apartment that he shared with Riddleberger. Kane and Riddleberger had become friends a year earlier at NYU, bonding over their love of D’Angelo’s album Voodoo. Riddleberger says that even though he saw Krystle perform, he didn’t speak to her until after she saw him play with his band, Quintus. Zach had brought her, and she approached him after the show to play in a band she was starting.

The Faculty was formed with Krystle, Solomon, Zach, Riddleberger, and Dave Moore, a keyboardist from Kansas who was at New School, too. While the four boys had classes and gigs, Krystle floated around New York and made a lot of friends. She busked and wrote songs, and, with the help of her band members and Ben Kane, who had an internship at ElectricLady Studios and was sneaking them in at odd hours, Krystle turned those songs into an EP called DIARY.

And it was a diary. The songs were about her daily experiences in this new place and with these new people. “I’ve Seen Days” has a title that implies a reflection, but it’s about how the world is new to her, how she’s “a frightened child” in a new city. “The New Astrologer” is about a new and exciting love, one that remains a good friend of hers. “A Song For Holly” is a letter to family explaining her new quotidien life (“your big sister / out in New York on some subway / your big sister, out trying to get paid”). And “Central Park” is a document of a night she had in Central Park with Zach and his boyfriend (now husband) Jesse, and how she is coming to embrace this new city, these new people, and this new chapter of her life.

If DIARY, the Faculty’s first recordings, is Krystle’s “Songs of Innocence,” then EXTENDED PLAY, the Faculty’s latest, is Krystle’s “Songs of Experience.”

Diary led to CIRCLES, which Ben Kane co-produced with Voodoo engineer Russell “The Dragon” Elevado. Circles was bought by Because Music in France, and Krystle had her next move. She stayed in France even when her relationship with Because ended because she found Vanessa, and Vanessa was worth staying in France for. But Krystle still recorded LOVE SONGS in New York, a double album that invokes a Blakean duality with its two subtitles, “A Time to Refrain from Embracing” and “A Time You May Embrace.” LOVE SONGS was produced with most of the Faculty (Zach was on tour with Amos Lee) and a slew of guest musicians in Brian Bender’s Brooklyn studio. Bender’s assistant, Jonathan Anderson, would later go on to replace Dave Moore on keys in the Faculty.

The Faculty has always been a tenuous project for everyone involved because of the distance and the schedules. While everyone remains close friends, the band members are spread across the globe. Krystle in France. Riddleberger in NYC and Zach in Woodstock. Solomon and Jonathan in LA. And then they are all working musicians, touring, recording, and collaborating with an impressive list of artists. Musicians like: D’Angelo, Hercules and Love Affair, Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers, Joan As Policewoman, Jose James, Emily King, Janet Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, The Dixie Chicks, Amy Helm, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Rufus Wainwright, Kylie Minogue, Sara Bareilles, Natalie Merchant, Kesha, Bleachers, Emylou Harris, Amos Lee, Lana Del Rey, Broken Social Scene, Teddy Thompson, Lakecia Benjamin, Jenny Lewis, that’s less than the half of it.

So they have been busy, and they have gained a lot of experience since the days of sneaking into ElectricLady late night or playing for meager pay and free wine at an East Village Italian resto. And while DIARY and CIRCLES and LOVE SONGS were recorded with everyone in the same room (THREE THE HARDWAY was just Krystle & Kane together), EXTENDED PLAY was recorded disparately and assembled together by the steady hands and ears of Kane and Krystle. There is distance between the musicians in the recording process, but there is still a close emotional connection that can be heard in these songs.

And Krystle is writing with a close emotional connection to the distant past. The songs that make up Extended Play are songs of experience—the lyrics reflect on a crush from high school, a departed musical hero, and others who live in memory. There is nostalgia in EXTENDED PLAY and a forlornness. These songs are filled with references, musical and otherwise, to those who have inspired Krystle over the years, from Les Mis (specifically the song adopted by ACT UP) to Gregory Djanikian, Zach’s poet father, and Audre Lord.

Krystle describes “When I Look Back,” the last song of Extended Play, as “an apology to my teenage self.” Seventeen years ago she was writing songs about what happened day-of because being young is about immediacy and living in the present tense. Now the songs are about years past because life slows down, and we are allowed the time to “look back.”

But as Krystle sings in “Rising,” “Future lingers while past is present.” She’s writing about the past because we are all our collected histories—or as she puts it in “When I Look Back”: “there’s still something of her that stays.” The future, of course, still lingers, always there waiting for us, for the next move. The album ends with a recording of Audre Lorde’s gravelly voice. She says,

“I’m going on to something else, the shape of which I have no idea. ‘Only thing I know, is it’s going to be quite different. What I leave behind has a life of its own. I’ve said this about poetry… Well in a sense, I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been.”

Krystle Warren & The Faculty still have more to come. They have built seventeen years of memories, experiences, recordings, and shows, and with the release of Extended Play, they continue to show a commitment to growing as musicians together, even if apart.

Written by Phil Anderson
______________________________________________________________…

Krystle Warren and 90.1 FM KKFI

Mark first interviewed Krystle Warren for The Tenth Voice, back 2002. Mark waited several hours, during a winter snow storm, at a huge party, where Krystle played with her band including her longtime friend Solomon Dorsey on bass, in a packed, smoke filled apartment near Community Christian Church across the hall from where Solomon lived, to be given a 2 song demo CD, that contained Krystle’s first recorded music, including a song called “Chanel #5.” Krystle has since gone on to be known all over the world, but still maintains contact with her hometown of Kansas City.

Krystle was on WMM on June 29, 2016 as “Guest Producer” to share inspirations for her solo record, THREE THE HARD WAY playing early gospel recordings, that crossed over into Jazz from: Pharoah Sanders, Edwin Hawkins, and The Swan Silvertones. Krystle’s critically acclaimed album, Three The Hard Way was #1 on WMM’s 117 Best Recordings of 2017. Wednesday MidDay Medley was the first to play tracks from Krystle’s album, before it was released. Released on Parlour Door Music, on August 18, 2017 and Produced by Krystle Warren and Ben Kane. Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Ben Kane. Written & performed by Krystle Warren. Mixed at The Garden, Brooklyn. Mastered & cut by Alex DeTurk at Masterdisk. In 2015 in Krystle Warren premiered new songs from this album at the Middle of the Map Fest in a packed room at Californos in Westport and later at The Polsky Theatre for the Performing Arts Series of Johnsons County Community College. For this record Krystle decided to play every instrument and vocals & back up vocals, “playing bass, drums, lap steel, piano, guitar, and vocals directly to analog tape. She and Ben Kane recorded in Villetaneuse, France, a small town on the outskirts of Paris in a vintage 70s era studio that offered just the right, rich sound to suggest the musical foundation for the record, and to do justice to the duo’s carefully balanced arrangements.” Krystle was on the show on Oct. 16, 2019 with Brad Cox when she was in KC to present LoveSongs with Owen/Cox Dance Group at Oct 19 & 20, 2019 at Polsky Theatre at JCCC.

Krystle Warren plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 9:30pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., West Bottoms, w/ Laura Noble, MGDs, Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia, and Rebel Song Academy.

More info at: http://www.krystlewarren.com

Krystle Warren, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

11:23

Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Build It Up”
from: Extended Play / Parlour Door Music / November 1, 2024
[Krystle Warren & The Faculty are: Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Jonathan Anderson. Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) Krystle Warren & The Faculty were involved in many musical projects. Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023. They released and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When Covid delayed the upcoming release of Extended Play, Krystle and members of The Faculty along with some of their frequent collaborators formed The Crew to release the 4-song CREW EP on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew was made up of: Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP were donated to the various causes and organizations]

11:26 – Underwriting

11:28 – More Interview with Bill Sundahl And Krystle Warren

Welcome back to WMM. Joining us is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 21 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF.

Also with us is Krystle Warren, from her home in France to headline CMF in KC.

21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest – presented by Community Lending of America Benefiting 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio – Saturday, September 6 – Historic West Bottoms – Stockyards District – 6 Stages – 35

Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO

Venues:
Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St.
The Campground, 1531 Genessee St.
Voltaire, 1617 Genessee St.
Livestock Exchange Lot, 1600 Genessee St.
Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St.
Ox Cafe & Bakery, 1600 Genessee St.

Livestock Exchange Lot, 1600 Genessee st. (behind building)
Midtopia Stage – 3:00 to 10:00

3:00pm – 3:45pm – Linea Frontera
4:15pm – 5:00pm – Osezua Reggae Artist
5:30pm – 6:15pm – Talia Keys
6:45pm – 7:30pm – The Whips
8:00pm – 8:45pm – Jesus Christ Taxi Driver
9:15pm – 10:00pm – Rudy Love & The Encore

11:34

Talia Keyes – “Find Your Own”
from: From The Ashes / Midtopia / May 30, 2025
[She/They // An electrifying, genre-defying firebrand, Salt Lake City sensation Talia Keys blasts back with the seven-song From The Ashes, releasing May 2025 via Wichita, Kansas-based label Midtopia. Another courageous chapter in a career full of defiant documents, Talia’s latest ambitious solo offering deals potent doses of her patented searing songcraft. // Backed by members of The Love, the veteran singer/songwriter confidently explores fresh characters and fertile topography – while still digging into knowledge of self, paying tribute to heroes, and addressing our increasingly-fractured society. Styled in syrupy neo-soul, first single “Matchstick” is an intensely personal homage to dearly-departed activist/artist Psarah Johnson; second drop “Glowin’ Golden” a buoyantly-countrified bop. From the Ashes reveals a liberating batch, unveiling untapped wells of urgency, diversity, sensuality, and consciousness from the ever-evolving Keys’ canon. // With an assertive maturity, the alluring “Matchstick” seduces upon first listen, energetically landing squarely between the existential bedroom pop of Anna Moss and Say She She’s sultry nocturnal soul. Reverberating Wurlitzer, jazzy guitar phrasings, minimalist rimshot-snares, the vintage vibe is enhanced by scintillating background harmonies and an intoxicating earworm chorus. The stirring track was inspired by Johnson’s impactful social justice work; “Let your matchstick burn” resonates far deeper than merely a poetic turn-of-phrase. // “Psarah Johnson was a visionary artist, activist and bad ass singer.” recalls Keys. “She created a one-woman play – “Matchstick Theory” – about being a disabled woman in this unforgiving world. How she burns her energy, and sometimes it doesn’t come back. But when you burn bright like Psarah did, it lights the way for so many of us.” // In 2023, Talia Keys was drafted as direct tour support for Grammy-winning Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, a fortuitous opportunity and budding professional relationship that would facilitate her performing to enthusiastic new audiences all over the U.S. Appropriately, From The Ashes second single “Glowin’ Golden” mines a similar slice of salt-of-the-earth Americana. Atop proper guitar pickin’ and warm Hammond organ swells, this rootsy, Gospelized joint shuffles on the snare and struts with subtle swagger. A profound vocalist who blends verve, angst and attitude, on “Glowin’ Golden” Ms. Keys cribs a page from both Beyonce and the late Ray Charles, taking the R&B lane en route to more traditional country roads. // The contemplative 90’s alt-rock of “Sky Is Falling” flirts with shoegaze psychedelia, hip-hop syncopation and lyrical alliteration. A spirited, bluesy number that cycles through melancholic resignation, suffocating fears, hopeful dreams, and reverting to regret, Keys’ earnest purge is boosted by stunning strings courtesy of Sav Madigan and Katie Larson (The Accidentals). From the Ashes’ narrative arc is complimented by an effective production aesthetic that nods toward the groundbreaking Lilith Fair-era. Like so many heroines who paved the way, Keys sings of navigating struggles that plague our cultural climate, embodying allyship and resistance, song after rebel song. // Talia Keys laid a loyal local foundation in Salt Lake City clubs for over fifteen years, and later made her bones on national tours and festivals. Keys’ ethos and convictions, as well as a trademark fire n’ brimstone stage presence, are an amalgam of her journey, identity, influences; a new twist on the rock n’ roll troubadour singing songs of life’s complexities, struggles, and ultimately, the triumphs. // In 2024, Keys released an emotional standalone single “Need You To Care”, which followed a series of dynamite covers including “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes), “I Put A Spell On You” (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins), and “Sweet Dreams” (The Eurythmics). Resonant and raw, 2022’s LP Lessons saw Keys emerge from the pandemic chaos recharged and reborn, leaning into intestinal strength and resilience with more clarity and focus in her compositions. With typically-provocative lyrics dotting the kaleidoscopic album, the biting barbs addressed her own space and place as a queer woman in today’s divided America. In 2018, Talia teamed up with stellar backing ensemble The Love to deliver the demonstrative We’re Here, an iridescent and impactful collection that put Talia’s style and substance on the national radar. // A nascent artist with wide ears and big dreams, Talia Keys released a smattering of solo efforts early in her career; 2015’s Fool’s Gold EP, the live-looping adventures of Gemini Mind (2014), and debut Soak Your Meat In This (2012). Before breaking out on her own musical trip, Keys assumed numerous roles in the seminal funk-jam syndicate Marinade, with whom she logged six years of shenanigans from 2009-2015. -B. Getz March 2025]

[Talia Keyes plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 5:30pm, on the Livestock Exchange Lot, 1600 Genessee st. (behind building) Midtopia Stage with Linea Frontera, Osezua, The Whips , Jesus Christ Taxi Driver, and Rudy Love & The Encore.]

Jesus Christ Taxi Driver – “Ding Dong the Beeves are Dead”
from: Lick My Soul / daddyrock records / July 7, 2023
[From the band’s own press materials: “Somewhere between the violent rock and roll of Jon Spencer, the sophisticated rhythms of Ali Farka Toure, and the religious disorientation of Jean Meslier, jesus christ taxi driver makes joyfully irreverent noise. taking aim at daily banal agonies, and existential uncertainty, the moods shift from meditative to unhinged. The music takes risks. Formed in 2022 on Colorado’s front range, they’ve been bringing their wildly disruptive live shows to venues across the mountain west at an incredible pace. Their debut LP “Lick My Soul” is out now.”]

[Jesus Christ Taxi Driver plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 8:00pm, on the Livestock Exchange Lot, 1600 Genessee st. (behind building) Midtopia Stage with Talia Keyes, Linea Frontera, Osezua, The Whips , and Rudy Love & The Encore]

Rudy Love & The Encore – “Burnin'”
from: 11 / Midtopia / July 11, 2025
[Rudy Love & The Encore is comprised of Rudy Love Jr. (vocals & keys), Marrque
Nunley (drums), Rachelle Love (percussion), Mariel Jacoda (vocals), Sherdeill (DJ) Breathett (bass), and Willy Simms (guitar). // The band members have played together for most of their lives, and formally introduced the band Rudy Love & The Encore early last year. Rudy Love Jr.’s late father, renowned musician Rudy Love Sr., was a musical mentor to the band members. The band’s name is in honor of Love Sr., based on the idea that this grouping of musicians is Rudy Love Sr.’s legacy — his encore. // In 2023, the band released their debut EP, The Beauty of Burdens, followed quickly by two more singles, “Broken Angel” and “Grey.” They have been busy since the band’s inception, performing and collaborating with Elise Trouw, performing at Black & Loud Fest in Seattle, opening for notable acts like Teddy Swims and The B-52’s, and playing multiple tours across the nation.They traded the hyper-competitive hustle of the Los Angeles show business scene, and are now working together from their hometown of Wichita, Kan. to build a dream they all hold — to make music with people they love, and to share it with the world.]

[Rudy Love & The Encore plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 8:00pm, on the Livestock Exchange Lot, 1600 Genessee st. (behind building) Midtopia Stage with Talia Keyes, Linea Frontera, Osezua, The Whips , and Jesus Christ Taxi Driver.]

11:43 – More Interview with Bill Sundahl & Krystle Warren

Also with us is Krystle Warren, from her home in France to headline CMF in KC.

Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO

Sponsors: Community Lending of America + 90.1 FM KKFI + Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund + Missouri Arts Council + Stockyards Brewing Co. + Midtopia, West Bottoms Whiskey + Kissick Construction + Midwest Music Foundation + Historic West Bottoms + North Kansas City Beverage Co. + The Kansas City Beacon + 90.9 KTBG – The Bridge + KC.org and Cupini’s

Event Schedule:

Band of Angels Day Party @ Lemonade Park – Free – Noon to 3:00pm
12:00 Noon – The Apologies
1:00pm – Little Miss Dynamite
2:00pm – Flat Susan
3:00pm – Sass-A-Brass Band

21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest – Ticketed Festival – 3:00pm to Midnight
Rain or Shine Event!

Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St. – Community Lending of America – Main Stage
4:30pm – 5:15pm – The Rebel Song Academy presented by Art As Mentorship
5:45pm – 5:30pm – Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia w/Mariachi Reales De Kansas City
7:00pm – 7:45pm – The MGDs
8:15pm – 9:00pm – Laura Noble
9:30pm – 10:30pm – Krystle Warren

The Campground, 1531 Genessee St. – Kissick Construction Stage – 3:15pm to 10:30pm
3:15pm – 4:15pm – Timbers
4:45pm – 5:30pm – Dym N D (Diamond D)
6:00pm – 6:45pm – Friendly Thieves
7:15pm – 8:00pm – Jelly Rose
8:30pm – 9:15pm – The Royal Chief
9:45pm – 10:30pm – Stranded in The City

Voltaire, 1617 Genessee St.- Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage
5:00pm – 6:30pm – DJ Nana G
6:45pm – 8:15pm – DJ Thundercutz
8:45pm – 9:30pm – Teri Quinn and The Coyotes
10:00pm – 10:45pm – SEYKO
11:15 – 12:00am – Nature Boys

Livestock Exchange Lot, 1600 Genessee st. (behind building)- Midtopia Stage
3:00pm – 3:45pm – Linea Frontera
4:15pm – 5:00pm – Osezua Reggae Artist
5:30pm – 6:15pm – Talia Keys
6:45pm – 7:30pm – The Whips
8:00pm – 8:45pm – Jesus Christ Taxi Driver
9:15pm – 10:00pm – Rudy Love & The Encore

Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St. KKFI 90.1FM Stage
3:00pm – 3:40pm – Bobby Scharping
4:00pm – 4:40pm – John L. Keck
5:00pm – 5:40pm – Sara Swenson
6:00pm – 6:40pm – 3 Trails West
7:00pm – 7:40pm – Rural Grit All-Stars
8:00pm – 8:40pm – Julie Bennett Hue with Ernest James Zydeco
9:00pm – 10:00pm – Sky Smeed

Ox Cafe & Bakery, 1600 Genessee St. – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Venue
8:00 – 8:20pm Krystle Warren & Luis Portillo
9:15 – 9:35pm Sam Wells & Max Indiveri

CMF Ticket Information

GA Ticket – 2025 CMF – $30.00 – 1 Ticket Included
General Admission wristband gains you access to all CMF venues at CMF, EXCEPT the VIP venue.

VIP Pass – 2025 CMF – $90.00 – 1 Ticket Included
VIP wristband gains you access to all CMF venues, including the VIP venue which includes complementary food, drink and unique one of a kind performances. *All food and drink must stay in the VIP venue during the festival.

These one off collaborations have never happened before and may never again.
8:00-8:20pm Krystle Warren & Luis Portillo
9:15-9:35pm Sam Wells & Max Indiveri

Redeem your ticket for a wristband at Lemonade Park after 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 6th.

Ages 12 & Under: FREE at all stages (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
Minors Under 18: Allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardians

The ticketed festival begins at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gates of Lemonade Park. (Quick tip: prices go up at the gate.)

We encourage you to join us in this celebration of local talent and community as we uplift underrepresented voices and create unforgettable memories together. Let’s come together to make this festival a true reflection of Kansas City’s rich musical landscape!

Bill Sundahl & Krystle Warren thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

11:49

John L. Keck – “To The Ocean”
from: Jack Moon Sessions / Jack Moon Publishing / November 9, 2013
[Two years ago while John was visiting the famous Sun Studios in Memphis, TN where Presley, Cash, Howlin’ Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, and so many others have recorded John decided to produce a single at the legendary studio and a session being booked. He originally only booked 2 hours thinking that would be plenty of time to get several takes of “Die with Me”, his most recent song. 2 hours turned into 4, and 8 tracks were recorded with 3 takes of each song. This “live” album was brought back to KC and discussed with Brent Jamison & Chappy Felkins of Dreamwolfanimalbear Productions, with the intention of adding more instrumentation to it, to bring out a full band sound that John had planned for most of the songs. John’s friends Betse Ellis; Elaine McMillan; Megan Zander & Chris Taddy of Dream Wolf; Clint Hoffmeier of Ned Ludd and Vehicle; and Hume Man were asked to sit in on the Chappy Road sessions and create the sound John was hearing in his head.]

[John Keck plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 4:00pm, at the Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St. KKFI 90.1FM Stage with Bobby Scharping, Sara Swenson, 3 Trails West, Rural Grit All-Stars, Julie Bennett Hue with Ernest James Zydeco, and Sky Smeed.]

We close with Sara Swenson – “Lights Brighter” from: All Things Big and Small released September 18, 2010. Sara Swenson plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Sept. 6, at 5:00pm, at the Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St. KKFI 90.1FM Stage.

For Bill Sundahl and Krsytle Warren and all of the artists and volunteers who make the Crossroads Music Fest a reality, I’m Mark Manning, Thanks for listening.

11:54

Sara Swenson – “Lights Brighter”
from: All Things Big and Small / Sara Swenson / September 18, 2010
[Critically acclaimed singer songwriter Sara Swenson has released some of our most played and favorite recordings of the last 7 years. Her self titled debut ended up at the top of our list of The 100 Best Recordings of 2009. In 2010 Sara Swenson released her second full length recording, “All Things Big and Small” again working with Don Chaffer in Nashville who added new layers to Sara’s great songs and voice. In November of 2011, Sara released her 5 song EP called “Never Left My Mind,” featuring her band at the time, The Pearl Snaps. In that time frame, she also had picked up two Kansas City Singer-Songwriter of the Year awards, performed with Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, and placed a song on the season finale of ABC’s “Private Practice.” Then after the school year ended in 2012, Sara Swenson left her job as a High School English and Journalism Teacher in Platte County High School, and left the Kansas City music scene, and she flew off to the United Kingdom, where she got married. In the spring of 2014, Sara returned to Kansas City and performed for the Folk Alliance International Conference. On July 18, 2014 she released her 4th album, RUNWAY LIGHTS that captures snapshots of her 18-month experience of living abroad, moving from dating to marriage and sorting through the accompanying transitions and emotions. Produced by Don Chaffer in Nashville. // On March 26, 2021 Sara Swenson released the single, “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” Sara Swenson wrote to me that her new song is featured in her husband Michael Price’s film “The Hidden Pandemic” that premiered Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 PM on Kansas City PBS. The film is about the mental health crisis in KC – it’s a powerful film that also features Mark Lowrey’s piano playing. Sara’s song is featured in various parts of the film, and then also at the end. To see a trailer for “The Hidden Pandemic” you can visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd7046rPtU. ]

[Sara Swenson plays the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 5:00pm, at the Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St. KKFI 90.1FM Stage with Bobby Scharping, John Keck, 3 Trails West, Rural Grit All-Stars, Julie Bennett Hue with Ernest James Zydeco, and Sky Smeed.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on September 10, Nick Carswell of Lawrence Music Alliance joins us to share details about the MixMaster Music Conference Sept. 19 & 20; Rick Truman Executive Director of The Folly Theater joins ua to talk about the Folly’s 125 Anniversary with The Freedom Affair on Sept. 23, 2025; and Stephonne returns to the show to talk about his new single “Worship At The Chappell:” and upcoming album; AND, members of Big Fat Cow return to talk about their latest musical projects.

A really big THANK YOU to every one of you who donated during Wednesday MidDay Medley and our Summer Fund Drive for KKFI 90.1 FM. We had 47 individuals donate a total of $3529.00 in support of Community Radio. Special thanks go to my co-hosts and guests: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, Sandra Draper and Steve Tulipana and Lincoln Dreher!!!

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

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

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

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

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

Show #1111

Wednesday MidDay Medley

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

WMM PLAYLIST from September 3, 2025

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