
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 30, 2026
Shaun Crowley + Colin Halliburton + Jesse Kates & Kate McCandless

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

- Stevie Wonder – “It’s Easier”
from: Songs In The Key Of Life – The EP / Motown / September 28, 2026
[Stevie Wonder shares new tracks from the vault with this new EP release: Songs in the Key of Life. Stevie Wonder now 76 is a musical Icon and his critically acclaim Songs in The Key of Life is commemorating its 50th anniversary. In celebration Stevie Wonder shares new tracks from the vault, previously unheard songs, from the Songs in the Key of Life recording sessions include: “It’s Easier,” “My Life Story of Love,” “I Can See the Sun in Late December,” and “I’m Into Livin’.” // “We’ve lived with Songs in the Key of Life for fifty years, but there’s more to hear,” Wonder said in a press release. “We didn’t add these songs to the album, but they were part of what I was feeling and discovering as we made it. They bring me back to that time in my life, and now they get to become part of yours.” Wonder wrote and produced the four new releases, with “My Life Story of Love” featuring a co-writing credit for The Supremes’ Susaye Greene. “I’m Into Livin’” also includes backing vocals from soul star Deniece Williams and R&B great Thelma Houston. In addition to releasing the EP commemorating the groundbreaking LP, Wonder is heading on an 18-date anniversary world tour this fall, kicking off October 13 in Birmingham, England. // Songs in the Key of Life is Wonder’s eighteenth LP. Released when Wonder was already one of the most popular artists of the era, Songs in the Key of Life cemented his legacy as a Motown legend, featuring classics such as “Isn’t She Lovely” and “Sir Duke.” // Stevland Hardaway Morris; born May 13, 1950), known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and is credited as a pioneer and influence by musicians across a range of genres that include R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz. Wonder’s use of synthesizers and other electronic musical instruments in the 1970s reshaped the conventions of contemporary R&B. He also helped drive such genres into the album era, crafting his LPs as cohesive and consistent, in addition to socially conscious statements with complex compositions. // Blind since shortly after his birth, Wonder was a child prodigy who signed with Motown’s Tamla label at the age of 11, where he was given the professional name Little Stevie Wonder. As a teenager, he established himself as one of Motown’s most successful acts, known for his excited harmonica playing and high-pitched singing. His single “Fingertips” topped the Billboard Hot 100 when he was 13, making him the youngest solo artist ever to top the chart. Wonder’s critical and commercial peak, termed his “classic period” (1972–1976), began with the albums Music of My Mind and Talking Book (1972), which abandoned the Motown sound in favor of a synthesizer- and keyboard-driven one. With Innervisions (1973), Fulfillingness’ First Finale (1974), and Songs in the Key of Life (1976), he became the first Black musician to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the only artist to have won the award with three consecutive album releases. // In the 1980s, Wonder achieved international cultural presence, with high-profile collaborations (notably with Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson), television appearances, charity work, and political influence, including his 1980 campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a federal holiday in the United States. Hotter Than July (1980), the soundtrack album The Woman in Red (1984), and In Square Circle (1985) all peaked within the top five of the Billboard 200. “Ebony and Ivory”, “I Just Called to Say I Love You”, “Part-Time Lover”, and “That’s What Friends Are For” all reached number one, making him the first act to top the Billboard Hot 100 in three consecutive decades. Wonder returned to the top five with his latest album, A Time to Love (2005), and he has continued to remain active in music and political causes. // Wonder is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of more than 100 million records worldwide. He has won 25 Grammy Awards (the most by a male solo artist) and an Academy Award. He has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He ranked in the top 10 on Rolling Stone’s lists of the greatest singers and greatest songwriters of all time. In 2009, Wonder was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2014, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Believing himself to be of Ghanaian ancestry, he was conferred Ghanaian citizenship in 2024. // Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, the third of five children born to Lula Mae Hardaway, and the second of Hardaway’s two children with Calvin Judkins. Wonder was born six weeks premature, a condition that, along with the oxygen-rich atmosphere in the hospital incubator, resulted in retinopathy of prematurity, a disease that aborts eye growth and often causes the retinas to detach, which left him blind. // When Wonder was 4, his mother divorced his father and moved with her 3 children to Detroit. Wonder attended Whitestone Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and became a soloist at age 8. His mother later rekindled her relationship with her first child’s father (whose surname was also coincidentally Hardaway), changed her name back to Lula Hardaway, and had 2 more children. // Wonder began playing instruments at an early age, including piano, harmonica, drums. He formed a singing partnership with a friend; calling themselves Stevie & John, they played on street corners and occasionally at parties & dances. When Stevie was signed by Motown in 1961, his surname was legally changed to Morris, which (according to Lula Mae Hardaway’s authorized biography) was an old family name. // Wonder attended Fitzgerald Elementary School in Detroit. After his 1st album was released, The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie (1962), he enrolled in Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, MI.]
Stevie Wonder Discography
The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie (1962)
Tribute to Uncle Ray (1962)
With a Song in My Heart (1963)
Stevie at the Beach (1964)
Up-Tight (1966)
Down to Earth (1966)
I Was Made to Love Her (1967)
Someday at Christmas (1967)
Eivets Rednow (1968)
For Once in My Life (1968)
My Cherie Amour (1969)
Signed, Sealed & Delivered (1970)
Where I’m Coming From (1971)
Music of My Mind (1972)
Talking Book (1972)
Innervisions (1973)
Fulfillingness’ First Finale (1974)
Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants” (1979, soundtrack)
Hotter than July (1980)
The Woman in Red (1984, soundtrack)
In Square Circle (1985)
Characters (1987)
Jungle Fever (1991, soundtrack)
Conversation Peace (1995)
A Time to Love (2005)

- Mon Rovîa – “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”
from: Pray the Devil Back to Hell – Single / Mon Rovîa – Nettwerk / June 19, 2026
[Janjay Lowe, known professionally as Mon Rovîa, is an Afro-Appalachian singer-songwriter from Liberia who grew up in the United States. // Janjay Lowe was born in Monrovia, Liberia. He was adopted around the age of seven by an American family, and during his early years his family lived in Florida, Montana, the Bahamas, and Tennessee. It was in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he was first exposed to folk music. As he began exploring his interest in music, he learned to play the ukulele, guitar, and other instruments. // Lowe uploaded his first song to SoundCloud in 2017 under the name Mon Rovîa, a name he chose in honor of his birthplace of Monrovia, Liberia. In 2020, he released his first EP, Sunburnt. His first album, Dark Continent, debuted in 2021 and featured a blend of hip-hop, trap, R&B, and folk influences. During 2022, his style shifted towards folk music with songs like “Vulture Culture,” “Where the Rivers Run,” and “Borderline.” // Starting in July 2023, he began releasing a series of four EPs based on the structure of the hero’s journey: Act 1: The Wandering, Act 2: Trials, Act 3: The Dying of Self, and Act 4: Atonement. One of the singles from Act 4: Atonement, “Winter Wash 24,” was inspired by the work of the International Rescue Committee, and all the proceeds from the single went to this organization. // Mon Rovîa made his music festival debut at Bonnaroo in 2024. He has also achieved a significant following on TikTok, with over 500 million views as of October 2024. He made his debut Grand Ole Opry performance in July 2025.]

- Valerie June – “I’ll Fly Away”
from: Brighter Blue – 3 song Single / June Tunes – Concord / September 11, 2026
[“I’ll Fly Away” composed by Albert E. Brumley in 1929 Published 1932 is a hymn written between 1929 and 1932 by Albert E. Brumley and published in 1932 by the Hartford Music company in a collection titled Wonderful Message. Albert took three years to write the song after getting the idea while picking cotton in 1928. Over the years multiple derivative versions have been created and will be licensed for decades to come. Brumley’s writing was influenced by the 1924 secular ballad “The Prisoner’s Song”. // “I’ll Fly Away” has been called the most recorded gospel song. It is frequently used in worship services by Baptists, Pentecostals, Nazarenes, the Churches of Christ and many Presbyterians and Methodists. It appears in many hymnals where it is listed under the topics of eternal life, heaven and acceptance. It is a standard song at bluegrass jam sessions and is often performed at funerals, including jazz funerals in the New Orleans tradition.Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Valerie June releases her new EP, Brighter Blue, out now via Concord Records. In conjunction, she announces a March 2027 headline tour. Brighter Blue finds June journeying through the American songbook, marking a return to her early work weaving blues, folk, gospel, rock, and grunge. Throughout, she honors tradition while pushing into new territory. Today’s “Trouble in Mind,” which features Sam Amidon, has been interpreted by hundreds of artists, including Lightnin’ Hopkins, Nina Simone, and Muddy Waters. June comments, “The most transformative moments of my life have come when I found the courage to face my fears—to feel them fully and discover the stillness that remains when the storm passes. There is perhaps no better song to capture the journey from hardship toward happiness than the old blues song ‘Trouble in Mind.’ Rooted in sorrow yet reaching toward hope, it reminds us that even in our darkest moments, something within us continues to sing.” // “Trouble In Mind” follows June’s cover of “Smokestack,” a “revved-up electric blues” (Brooklyn Vegan) number, now accompanied by a video. Of the “Smokestack” video, June comments, “This one is for tiny thick thighs, lovers of the blues, and electric guitar lovers. In truth, I’m just trying to be like the other badass Black ladies who shredded on the electric guitar and came before me: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Memphis Minnie, Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins, and Peggy Jones/Lady Bo. I have a personal connection to all of them, and I try to keep their spirits alive in my own style. Every time I play electric, I’m giving them their flowers. They lived in times when female guitarists weren’t celebrated in the ways we’ve come to celebrate women guitarists today. So every riff, every solo, every nasty little sound is my way of honoring the women who picked up the electric guitar and showed us what was possible. This one’s for them.” // “She’s weaving together a tapestry of history, connecting genres between seemingly disparate scenes and communities. This new evolution of June is hard to categorize and undoubtedly fun.” — Chicago Tribune // “Valerie June manages to make rollicking, catchy splendor as she unpretentiously and seamlessly waltzes from pop to rock to gospel to ‘60s girl-group/Wall of Sound brilliance.” — Treble // “[A] vibrant single…a fresh take on a classic.” – Culture Beat // Valerie June is an author, poet, Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter and three-time Americana Music Honors and Awards nominee. Recently the subject of an exhibit at Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music, she has been praised by Bob Dylan, written music for Mavis Staples, and shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Dinosaur Jr., John Prine, Tyler Childers, Brandi Carlile, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Meshell Ndegeocello, and well beyond. As NPR Music hailed, “Not all artists are cut quite like Valerie June. She is just the most expansive artist dabbling in psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian, bluegrass, country, soul, gospel, you name it” (NPR’s All Songs Considered). June’s most recent album was 2025’s Owls, Omens, and Oracles. // June just wrapped a tour supporting Ani DiFranco on the west coast, and is currently in the midst of a North American headline tour with several festival appearances along the way. On September 18th at Americanafest, she’ll be in conversation with NPR Music’s Ann Powers at the Women & Guitars panel.

10:15 – Tribute to Mama Bear – Ruth Whitlock Ward
Recently our friend Madisen Ward wrote on social media that his mom, Ruth Evelyn “Mama Bear” Ward had passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at the age of 75. Ruth was born on September 12, 1951, in South Bend, Indiana, where she was raised. She later became a longtime resident of Independence, Missouri, which she called home for many years. She was the daughter of the late Isiah Whitlock Sr. and the late Ruth Moore Whitlock. / Per her obituary: Ruth was a sharp, quick-witted, and creative soul. A true artist, she expressed herself through music and had a beautiful singing voice. // Ruth Ward continually performed throughout her life, mostly in coffee shops and open mics, for over 30 years, even recording a solo acoustic gospel record. In the midst of this she got married and became a mom, and was busy raising a family. / Ruth youngest son Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri. Madisen’s journey to become a musician, was “melodically passed down” through the songs of his mother, where Madisen grew up watching his mom perform at local coffee shops. Eventually he began to learn to play the guitar, and poured his talent for writing into the music to create original songs. They began playing Madisen’s original songs along with the occasional cover of a classic track, reinterpreted in their own incredibly beautiful performance of two voices and two guitars in harmony and orchestration.They got signed to Glassnote Records and their debut album, THE SKELETON CREW was released May 9, 2015 and was our most played record that year and was #1 on WMM’s The 115 Best Recordings of 2015. They performed their debut single “Silent Movies” on The Late Show with David Letterman, they’ve toured across the United States, and Europe, more than once. They were featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s The Today Show, and Later With Jools Holland and played Bonnaroo, Pilgramage, and the Newport Folk Festival, and the Ryman Theatre, in Nashville. Their follow up EP RADIO WINNERS was released July 27, 2018 and received critical acclaim. // Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear released the album STARTED WITH A FAMILY on September 6, 2019. // Music was a huge part of Ruth’s life. She recorded and performed music across the world and made several appearances on national television. Her creativity, musical talent, and love of performing were an important part of the legacy she leaves behind. // Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Bobbie Whitlock, Donnie Ray Whitlock, Christopher Whitlock, Kimberly Whitlock, and Isiah “Teddy” Whitlock Jr. // Ruth was a loving mother and grandmother. She and her husband, Kenneth Ward, shared three children: Heather Johnson and her husband, Matt Johnson, of Lake Worth, Florida; Adam Ward and his wife, Kortney Ward, of Raytown, Missouri; and Madisen Ward, of Independence, Missouri. She was also a proud grandmother to Gabrielle Fanning, Jax Ward, and Cora Ward. Ruth was also loved and cherished by her South Bend family, who held a special place in her heart. // She is survived by her four siblings, Deborah Riley, Michelle K. Stewart and her husband, James, Velma L. Lloyd, and Beverly Taylor, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, all of South Bend, Indiana. // Her memory will be cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of hearing her sing, experiencing her creativity, and knowing her humor and loving spirit. // Wednesday MidDay Medley was the first radio show to ever play the music of Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. Recording producer and engineer and friend of their family Joel Nanos recorded an EP with the duo and then passed it on to me saying, “I don’t think I have ever heard anything quite like this before.” // Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear first played LIVE on WMM on May 8, 2013. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear made 7 live appearances on our radio show playing live on 5 different shows.
10:17

- Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – “Dreams”
from: “Dreams” – Single / Glassnote Entertainment / January 22, 2015
[Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear garnered international acclaim, from all over the world. They signed with Glassnote Records and recorded their debut full length album in Nashville with acclaimed producer Jim Abiss. They performed their debut single “Silent Movies” on The Late Show with David Letterman, they’ve toured across the United States, and Europe, more than once. They were featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s The Today Show, and “Later With Jools Holland and played Bonnaroo, Pilgramage, and the Newport Folk Festival, and the Ryman Theatre, in Nashville. // Ruth Ward has continually performed throughout her life, mostly in coffee shops and open mics, for over 30 years, even recording a solo record. In the midst of this she got married and became a mom, and was busy raising a family. Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of KCMO. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2007. Madisen’s journey to become a musician, was “melodically passed down” through the songs of his mother, where Madisen grew up watching his mom perform at local coffee shops. Eventually he began to learn to play the guitar, and poured his talent for writing into the music to create original songs. They began playing Madisen’s original songs along with the occasional cover of a classic track, reinterpreted in their own incredibly beautiful performance of two voices and two guitars in harmony & orchestration. Their debut album, THE SKELETON CREW was released May 9, 2015 and was our most played record that year and was #1 on WMM’s The 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Their follow up EP RADIO WINNERS was released July 27, 2018 and received critical acclaim. // Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear released STARTED WITH A FAMILY on Sept. 6, 2019. Produced with Grammy-winner Nathan Chapman at Blackbird Studios in Nashville.]

- Shabazz Palaces – “Pop Life (Prince Cover)”
from: Maximum MN: a Digital Mixtape Compilation To Benefit The International Institute of Minnesota / Sub Pop / January 22, 2026
[The International Institute of Minnesota Provides Services To Immigrants and Refugees So They Can Build New Lives, Find Work To Support Their Families, and Contribute To Their New Communities. Proceeds From This Compilation Improves The Lives of Refugees and Immigrants and Help Strengthen Our Communities’ Future. // Maximum MN, a digital mixtape featuring Sub Pop artists covering Minnesota musicians, capturing a snapshot of Minnesota’s long history of life-changing music and showing solidarity with the people of Minnesota, is out today worldwide, Friday, September 18th, 2026. In the wake of the ICE raids in Minneapolis this year, a lot of communities have been hit hard. Families have been disrupted, people have been displaced, and local support systems are under real strain. Proceeds from this compilation will be sent to The International Institute of Minnesota, a non-profit organization that supports refugees and immigrants through resettlement services, English and citizenship classes, job training (including nursing assistant training), immigration legal services, and direct financial support in the current environment. // The eight-song tracklist includes Yuno (covering Hippo Campus “The Way It Goes”), Sweeping Promises (covering Hüsker Dü’s “Something I Learned Today”), Mudhoney (covering Halo of Flies’ “Rubber Room”), Shabazz Palaces (covering Prince’s “Pop Life”), Flock of Dimes (covering Low’s “Especially Me”), Weird Nightmare (covering Paul Westerberg’s “It’s a Wonderful Lie”), and Pissed Jeans (covering former Minnesota Governor and WWF wrestler Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s “The Body Rules”). Listen to Downtown Boys cover of The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait” now. // Shabazz Palaces is a Seattle-based hip hop group led by Ishmael Butler a.k.a. Palaceer Lazaro (formerly Butterfly of jazz rap group Digable Planets). // Much of Butler’s work as Shabazz Palaces was made in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Tendai “Baba” Maraire, son of mbira master Dumisani Maraire. Maraire left the group before the release of their fifth album in 2020. // Shabazz Palaces has released seven studio albums on Sub Pop between 2011 and 2024 after self-releasing two EPs in 2009. // Two anonymously self-released EPs titled Shabazz Palaces and Of Light in 2009 led to Shabazz Palaces becoming the first hip-hop act to be signed to Sub Pop. Their debut full-length album, Black Up, was released on June 28, 2011 to widespread critical acclaim. In 2019, Pitchfork ranked Black Up at number 179 on their list of “The 200 Best Albums of the 2010s”; cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib wrote: “From great mystery exploded an album of impossible vision”. // Their second album, Lese Majesty, was released on July 29, 2014 days after premiering at the ‘Laser Dome’ in Seattle’s Pacific Science Center. // On July 14, 2017, Shabazz Palaces released its third and fourth full-length records concurrently. Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star and Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines were accompanied by a short film directed by Nep Sidhu, and a limited-run comic book illustrated by Joshua Ray Stephens. In 2020, “Shine a Light” was added to the soundtrack of the 2013 video game, Grand Theft Auto V. // The following year, Shabazz Palaces joined up with frequent collaborator Erik Blood to release a full-length LP titled 1 Time Mirage under the moniker Knife Knights which released on September 14, 2018. The moniker had been used by Butler for his collaborative production work with Blood on previous Shabazz Palaces records, though now formalised as a touring band signed to Sub Pop. // Shabazz Palaces’ fifth full-length record, The Don of Diamond Dreams, was released on April 17, 2020. An article written by The Guardian confirmed that Tendai Maraire was no longer part of Shabazz Palaces and was not involved in creation of the album. // On April 12, 2023, an EP titled Illusions Ago was released on Glass Cane Records in collaboration with ‘Lavarr The Starr’, presumed to be another moniker of Butler’s. // A 6th studio album by Shabazz Palaces, Robed in Rareness, released later in the year on Oct. 27, 2023. // On March 29, 2024, Shabazz Palaces’ 7th studio album was released, titled Exotic Birds of Prey. // On Aug. 11, 2026, Shabazz Palaces announced their 8th album entitled It’s a Style Sport would be released on Oct. 23rd, 2026 and also released a single, “Ahh World (I Won The Alpha Bet)”. // “Pop Life” is a song by Prince and the Revolution. It was the 2nd US (and final UK) single from their 1985 album, Around the World in a Day, reaching # 7 in the US charts, becoming Prince’s 8th top-10 hit in a 2-year span. // The song starts with a faded-in synth line – quickly starts the main tune. The easy groove is achieved with a smooth bass guitar & piano embellishments. A drum machine provides handclaps to make the song danceable. “Pop Life” was recorded before Purple Rain was completed, indicating a new direction Prince wanted to take after the success of that album. Lyrically, the song describes the tiresome, stressful side of the celebrity life, including the pressure that can lead to drug use (“What you putting in your nose?/Is that where all your money goes?”)]

- Beck – “It Ends Right Here”
from: Ride Lonesome / Iliad – Capitol / September 18, 2026
[Ride Lonesome is the fifteenth studio album by Beck. The first studio album Beck has released since the 2019 ‘s Hyperspace, marking his longest gap between studio albums. // On January 29, 2026, Beck released the compilation album, Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime, that featured covers and rarities. // Beck David Hansen (born Bek David Campbell; July 8, 1970), known mononymously as Beck, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with his experimental and lo-fi style, and became known for creating musical collages of wide-ranging genres. He has musically encompassed folk, funk, soul, hip-hop, electronica, alternative rock, country, and psychedelia. He has released 15 studio albums, as well as several non-album singles and a book of sheet music. // Born and raised in Los Angeles, Beck gravitated towards hip-hop and folk in his teens and began to perform locally at coffeehouses and clubs. He moved to New York City in 1989 and became involved in the city’s anti-folk movement. Returning to Los Angeles in the early 1990s, he saw his commercial breakthrough with his 1993 single “Loser”. After signing with DGC Records, the song peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and served as the lead single for his third album and major label debut, Mellow Gold (1994). Its follow-up, Odelay (1996), topped critic polls and won several awards. Before his 1996 release, the same year, he played the role of a taxi driver in the US video of Alisha’s Attic’s single, “I Am, I Feel”. // Beck released the country-influenced Mutations in 1998, and the funk-infused Midnite Vultures in 1999. The soft-acoustic Sea Change in 2002 showcased a more serious Beck, and 2005’s Guero returned to Odelay’s sample-based production. The Information in 2006 was inspired by electro-funk, hip-hop, and psychedelia; 2008’s Modern Guilt was inspired by 1960s pop; and 2014’s folk-infused Morning Phase, a stylistic and thematic follow-up to Sea Change, won Album of the Year at the 57th Grammy Awards. His 2017 album, Colors, won awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. His fourteenth studio album, Hyperspace, was released on November 22, 2019. In 2022, Beck was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. // With a pop art collage of musical styles, oblique and ironic lyrics, and postmodern arrangements incorporating samples, drum machines, live instrument-ation, and sound effects, Beck has been hailed by critics and the public throughout his musical career as being among the most idiosyncratically creative musicians of the 1990s and 2000s alternative rock. Two of Beck’s most popular and acclaimed recordings are Odelay and Sea Change, both of which were ranked on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Beck is a four-time platinum artist; he has collaborated with several artists and contributed to several soundtracks. // Bek David Campbell was born in Los Angeles on July 8, 1970, the son of American visual artist Bibbe Hansen and Canadian arranger, composer, and conductor David Campbell. Bibbe Hansen grew up amid Andy Warhol’s The Factory art scene of the 1960s in New York City and was a Warhol superstar. She moved to California at 17 and met David Campbell. Beck’s maternal grandfather, artist Al Hansen, was of Norwegian descent and was a pioneer in the avant-garde Fluxus movement. Beck’s maternal grandmother was Jewish; he has said that he considers himself Jewish because he was “raised celebrating Jewish holidays.” // Beck was born in a rooming house near downtown Los Angeles. As a child he lived in a declining neighborhood near Hollywood Boulevard. He remembers “By the time we left there, they were ripping out miles of houses en masse and building low-rent, giant apartment blocks.” The working-class family struggled financially, moving to Hoover and Ninth Street, a neighborhood populated primarily by Koreans and Salvadorian refugees. He was sent for a time to live with his paternal grandparents in Kansas; he later remarked that he thought “they were kind of concerned” about his “weird” home life. Because his paternal grandfather was a Presbyterian minister, Beck grew up influenced by church music and hymns. He also spent time in Europe with his maternal grandfather. // After his parents separated when he was ten, Beck stayed with his mother and brother Channing in Los Angeles, where he was influenced by the city’s diverse musical offerings—everything from hip-hop to Latin music and his mother’s art scene—all of which would later reappear in his work. Beck obtained his first guitar at 16 and became a street musician, often playing Lead Belly covers at Lafayette Park. During his teens, Beck discovered the music of Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, and X, but remained uninterested in most music outside the folk genre until many years into his career The first contemporary music that made a direct connection with Beck was hip-hop, which he first heard on Grandmaster Flash records in the early 1980s. Growing up in a predominantly Latin district, he found himself the only white child at his school, and quickly learned how to breakdance. When he was 17, Beck grew fascinated after hearing a Mississippi John Hurt record at a friend’s house, and spent hours in his room trying to emulate Hurt’s finger-picking techniques. Shortly thereafter Beck explored blues and folk music further, discovering Woody Guthrie and Blind Willie Johnson. // Feeling like “a total outcast”, Beck dropped out of school after junior high. He later said that although he felt school was important, he felt unsafe there. When he applied to the new performing arts high school downtown, he was rejected. His brother took him to post-Beat jazz places in Echo Park and Silver Lake. He hung out at Los Angeles City College perusing records, books, and old sheet music in the college’s library. He used a fake ID to sit in on classes there, and he also befriended a literature instructor and his poet wife. He worked at a string of odd jobs, including loading trucks and operating a leaf blower.]
[Beck plays The Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway, KCMO on Sunday, October 4, at 8:00 pm with Ionna Gika in an all Ages SOLD OUT show.]
10:29 – Underwriting

- Jass – “Autumn In The City”
from: Autumn In The City / Jass / September 25, 2025.
[Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch. This release captures Jass’s dynamic sound in a live band recording, tracked and recorded by bandmate Clarence Copridge. The smooth vocals from Jass and instrumentals of vibes and upright bass in this track are the perfect end of summer/welcome to fall track. // Jass writes, “My new single ‘Autumn in the City” s close to my heart—paying homage to my hometown and the fall season that inspires so much love and reflection.” // Jass released the EP APRIL SHOWERS on April 27, 2025. // Jass released the single “Hope.wav” on February 29, 2024. // Jass and The Boys released the single, “Daydream Girl” on August 25, 2023. // Jass and The Boys released the single “Gvn2u” on July 14, 2023. // Jass released the single, “Time&Space” on July 14, 2023. n// Jass released the single, “Eye Contact.” // Jass released the single, “Lifetime” on January 6, 2023 // Jass and The Boys released the single “Love U Like I Love U” on December 2, 2022. Jass released the single “grow” on November 26, 2022. Jass released the EP, OFF KEY: TOO HIGH on September 23, 2022. Jass released the single “Higher Ground” on August 16, 2022. It was #1 on WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. Jass released her single, “Him” on February 23, 2022. Jass released At the Close of a Decade on November 26, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 121 Best Recordings of 2021. She wrote, “After years of writing and recording in voice memos .. I decided to grab my iPad and began recording something that I am very proud of. I named it, At the Close of A Decade, and released it in November 2019. With my iPhone/iPad, some apple headphones, I created this project. The amazing people around me told me it was worth it, even when I didn’t believe it myself. I convinced myself I would be the only one that liked my songs. If you decide to listen you’ll hear sound clips of shows and movies that made a difference in the way I saw the world, the way I saw myself, and the way I overcame my experiences. I remember asking my grandma and my son if I should release what I’ve been writing and they both said very simply to do it, so I’ve done it. I want to thank all of my wonderful friends who have been my soundboards during this process, all of the people that have asked me when it’s coming, the people that have kept me accountable, and believed that this time it was for real. My story is so very triumphant and beautiful because I have overcome experiences and shunned the fear I had to do what I love. It’s crazy how you can talk your way out of some amazing things and also how you can talk yourself into making some amazing things happen. If you partake, I hope you enjoy.” // Info: www.jassrcouch.com]
[Jass plays MANOR RECORDS 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Thursday, October 1, at 7:00pm to Midnight, at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO in the historic West Bottoms. The celebration will include performances by The Manor Records Family Band, DJ Mers, and host Brittany Tilander.]

10:35 – Interview with Shaun Crowley
Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today we’re happy to welcome back our friend Shaun Crowley the Founder & Executive Director of Manor Records, a non-profit organization that functions as a record label to support KC musicians. Shaun shares details about MANOR RECORDS 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Thursday, October 1, at 7:00pm to Midnight, at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO in the historic West Bottoms. The celebration will include performances by The Manor Records Family Band, DJ Mers, and host Brittany Tilander. There will also be a Raffle and Silent Auction with items from local businesses such as JHS Pedals, Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, KC Fret Shop, and more! Proceeds help to fund Manor Records 2027 Record Label programming that gives funding to local KC musicians. More info at www.manorrecords.com

Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians.
Shaun Crowley is a classically trained guitarist, and studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Shaun is the Founder & Executive Director of Manor Records, a music label that grew out of Manor Fest, the first festival sized “house show” Shaun and friends produced in their basement featuring 12 bands. We first met Shaun as part of the band Rev Gusto, originally formed in high school with friends at Saint James Academy.
Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Manor Records Board
Khrystal Johnson – President
Danielle Krakenberg – Secretary
Tyler Fowler – Board Treasurer
Talon Ice – Board Member
Droo Long – Board Member
Record Label Operations Team
Our record label team is a mix of our core operations staff and dedicated volunteers who work hands-on with the artists on our roster each year. Beyond supporting our musicians, we’re committed to developing the next generation of music industry professionals—giving them real experience in booking, press, and other key roles. Our long-term goal is to grow Kansas City’s music industry by turning these positions into paid, part-time roles and creating sustainable career pathways right here at home.
Shaun Crowley – Founder & Executive Director
Skylar Rochelle – Record Label Lead
Kayla Jarrett – Physical & Digital Distribution
Betsie Yeomans – Booking
Abigail Elwart – Social Media
Kate Whitefield – Press / PR
Valorie Mersman – Press / PR
Enrique Guiterrez – Graphic Design
Randee Wisdom – Blog Editor
Manor Records Event Volunteers & Manor Fest 8 Team
Dorian Allen – Manor Fest Sound Lead
Sarai Vega – Manor Fest Photo Lead
James Miller -Events Volunteer
Evan Herd – Manor Fest Lead Volunteer
Mission – Manor Records Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Kansas City’s music community by providing equitable funding and artist development to uplift and advance emerging independent artists.
Our Story – Manor Records Foundation’s mission is to provide equitable funding and artist development to uplift and advance emerging independent artists in Kansas City. Manor Records Foundation is a Kansas City based nonprofit record label dedicated to sustaining and developing our local music community through direct artist funding, development programs, and community events. Our roots trace back to The Shawnee Manor, a basement venue that became a launching pad for local and touring talent, featuring early shows from bands like Glass Animals and Hinds. From these grassroots beginnings and much learning along the way – we have grown into a fully operational nonprofit label supporting local artists.
Today, Manor Records Foundation has supported more than 60 digital releases and over 30 physical albums from emerging Kansas City musicians — helping artists fund projects, build sustainable careers, and reach wider audiences. Through initiatives like our annual Manor Fest, showcasing over 60 local acts, and year-round programs like Songbird Sessions, we provide platforms that celebrate and reinvest in the creative heartbeat of our city. By combining the spirit of community with structured artist development, Manor Records Foundation ensures that KC’s vibrant music scene continues to thrive and grow.
Manor Records Record Label Program – Each year, Manor Records raises $2,000 in direct project funding for 10 local artists, helping them bring their work to life through physical releases, music videos, touring support, and whatever resources they need as they grow.
Manor Records 2026 Roster of Artists:
Fritz Hutchison
True Lions
Jamogi
Paris Williams
Jass
Frankie Shorez
Alber
Aigerue
Kirstie Lynn
Artists Manor Records have worked with in the past:
BLANKY
CATTY CLINE
CHARLOTTE BUMGARNER
DANIEL GUM
DYLAN PYLES
FLOODING
FOREST PORRIDGE
JAIRY
KAT KING
KHRYSTAL.
MINT FATIGUES
MOMMA’S BOY
PALE TONGUE
R.I.PETER
SCABB
SUPERMOTO
THE WILD TYPE
10:44

- Jamogi – “Back & Forth”
from: J’DAY / Jam Tunes / June 12, 2026
[J’Day is a celebration of growth, creativity, and self discovery. Three years in the making, the album represents the culmination of Jamogi’s journey through a wide range of genres, influences, and sonic landscapes. The result is a body of work that not only showcases his musical versatility but also reveals the many facets of his personality. // Produced alongside OceanLife Gianni, J’Day captures the energy, emotion, and moments that make life memorable. From the horn driven fanfare of “Go Big or Go Home” to the flirtatious blend of West Coast, Midwest, and Southern influences on “Back N’ Forth,” Jamogi demonstrates a clear understanding of both his sound and his audience. Tracks like “Do It to Me” transport listeners through different eras and musical inspirations, while songs such as “Storybook,” “Treasure,” and “Georgia Peach” reveal his romantic side through storytelling, heartfelt lyricism, and poetic imagery. // The album also features collaborations with a talented lineup of friends and fellow artists on tracks including “What’s It Gonna Be?” and “HOLLABACK,” adding even more personality and perspective to the project. // More than just a collection of songs, J’Day marks a defining moment in Jamogi’s artistic journey. It is a bold statement of who he is today and a testament to the creative vision he has spent years refining. Rich with personality, versatility, and heart, the project positions Jamogi for his next era and leaves listeners wondering where he’ll take them next. // Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California.// Jamogi released the single “Georgia Peach (feat. Burgandy)” on September 5, 2025. Jamogi released Jamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live) through Jam Tunes on April 11, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Do It To Me” on March 28, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Go Big or Go Home” on August 30, 2024, Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire. Kamogi and the Jammers played Boulevardia 2025]
[Jamogi plays the 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7th, Doors at 6pm, Show at 7pm, at recordBar, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources. In addition to live music, the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters provided by the KC Indian Center, as well as discuss screenings, wellness programs, health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses at AM19, and an online auction running the month of November. // We are seeking donations for our annual Apocalypse Meow silent auction and fundraiser! Advertise your business or band while supporting our mission to provide healthcare grants to music professionals in the Kansas City area! Items like merchandise, music, classes, gift certificates, experiences, and art are greatly appreciated. // If you would like to donate or know of someone who can, please email Rhonda Lyne at rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org. // In 2008, Apocalypse Meow was established to raise medical funds for local musician Abigail Henderson, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Compelled to give back to the community, she co-founded MMF to provide musicians with health care assistance. Though she passed away in 2013, Abigail’s mission continues — MMF provides financial resources, educational programs, health clinics and events throughout the year. Abby’s Fund dispenses emergency health care grants to KC-area musicians, having contributed more than $780,000 since its inception. // Midwest Music Foundation provides grants to musicians faced with urgent health care expenses and preventative health care services through Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care. This assistance is available to active KC area musicians and music personnel. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE or email our Executive Director, Rhonda Lyne, for more information at rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org.]

10:48 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley
We welcome back our friend Shaun Crowley the Founder & Executive Director of Manor Records, a non-profit organization that functions as a record label to support KC musicians. Shaun shares details about MANOR RECORDS 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Thursday, October 1, at 7:00pm to Midnight, at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO in the historic West Bottoms. The celebration will include performances by The Manor Records Family Band, DJ Mers, and host Brittany Tilander. There will also be a Raffle and Silent Auction with items from local businesses such as JHS Pedals, Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, KC Fret Shop, and more! Proceeds help to fund Manor Records 2027 Record Label programming that gives funding to local KC musicians. www.manorrecords.com

Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians.
Shaun Crowley is a classically trained guitarist, and studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Shaun is the Founder & Executive Director of Manor Records, a music label that grew out of Manor Fest, the first festival sized “house show” Shaun and friends produced in their basement featuring 12 bands. We first met Shaun as part of the band Rev Gusto, originally formed in high school with friends at Saint James Academy.
Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Crowley started playing in the KC when he was 17 in band Rev Gusto and Momma’s Boy. Shaun Crowley started Manor Records in 2017. The organization was born from the special concerts produced in the basement of the Rev.Gusto / Momma’s Boy band house, where Shaun and his band mates were living at the time. Named “The Manor” this house was located in the suburbs of Shawnee, KS An almost anonymous venue, where the band invited other up and coming area bands to play a musical festival held in a basement. Even national artists joined in the show. From Glass Animals to Shy Boys, the underground venue hosted numerous local acts, some national touring acts. Founder Shaun Crowley created the 1st Manor Fest with 10 bands 1-night, then grew to 2 nights and 20 bands.
Eventually band members moved out of The Manor, and went into different directions, some starting solo projects, through Manor Records, some getting married, some moving away from Kansas City. Shaun carried on, collaborating with actual public venues in Strawberry Hill to create a record store, creating monthly and weekly music events, and creating a non-for profit, called Manor Records.
Shaun was working full time, while also teaching himself how to run a non-for profit. When spaces in Strawberry Hill became unavailable Manor Records moved to the West Bottoms, and then to a Troost storefront retail space, continuing the Record Store-Record Label-Music Venue idea, and also providing music classes. Moving over state lines meant reapplying as a non-profit now under Missouri guidance.
Today, Manor Records Foundation has supported more than 60 digital releases and over 30 physical albums from emerging Kansas City musicians — helping artists fund projects, build sustainable careers, and reach wider audiences. Through initiatives like our annual Manor Fest, showcasing over 60 local acts, and year-round programs like Songbird Sessions, we provide platforms that celebrate and reinvest in the creative heartbeat of our city. By combining the spirit of community with structured artist development, Manor Records Foundation ensures that KC’s vibrant music scene continues to thrive and grow.
Manor Records Record Label Program – Each year, Manor Records raises $2,000 in direct project funding for 10 local artists, helping them bring their work to life through physical releases, music videos, touring support, and whatever resources they need as they grow.
10:56
Shaun Crowley Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
MANOR RECORDS 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Thursday, October 1, at 7:00pm to Midnight, at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO in the historic West Bottoms. The celebration will include performances by The Manor Records Family Band, DJ Mers, and host Brittany Tilander. There will also be a Raffle and Silent Auction with items from local businesses such as JHS Pedals, Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, KC Fret Shop, and more! Proceeds help to fund Manor Records 2027 Record Label programming that gives funding to local KC musicians.
10:56

- Frankie Lynn Shorez & Mercy Fire – “Start Over”
from: Project Lullaby – Adventures in the City EP / Mercy Fire LLC / April 15, 2026
[Frankie Shorez : Lead vocals, Lyrical comp & Arrangments, Backing Vocals. Featuring MC : Jazmine Revely. Dylan Guthrie on guitar, Daniel Cole on drums, Joshua Wright on bass, Jamogi Bridges on piano. // Frankie B. Shorez is a 25 year old singer, songwriter, model, actress, and clothing designer and small business owner based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, known for her soulful voice, emotionally driven songwriting, and dynamic live performances. Since emerging on the Kansas City music scene in 2022, she has quickly built a reputation through appearances at local staples like The Fling KC, The Rino, Knuckleheads, and The Phoenix. // A songwriter as well as a performer, Frankie has contributed to several standout Kansas City artists, with multiple unreleased collaborations currently in development. Her own catalog began at age 17 with the release of her debut SoundCloud single “Shame,” and has since grown to include self-produced tracks like “Need That Back,” “Love My Baby,” and “Sam.” Her hands-on approach to music is backed by formal training at the Phil Rodgers Foundation of Music, where she studied audio recording, mixing, and mastering. // In 2026, Frankie released her highly anticipated EP, Project Lullaby, a deeply personal body of work that reflects her growth as both a songwriter and producer. Alongside her original music career, she is an active and in-demand wedding vocalist, bringing a refined, heartfelt touch to ceremonies and private events across the region. // Beyond her solo work, Frankie is the founder and frontwoman of her band Mercy Fire, where she continues to book, curate, and build immersive live experiences. Her background also includes four years as a professional modeling instructor with Barbizon USA, adding to her strong stage presence and artistic versatility. // On January 3, 2024 Frankie Shorez released the single, “Wanna Be Bad.” // In 2025 Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire played ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at the Zhou B Art Center, with Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, and Stephonne.]
[Frankie Shorez & Mercury Fire play MANOR RECORDS 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Thursday, October 1, at 7:00pm to Midnight, at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO in the historic West Bottoms. The celebration will include performances by The Manor Records Family Band, DJ Mers, and host Brittany Tilander.]
11:00 – Station ID

- The Roseline – “Heart of Oak”
from: 86 Gumption / The Roseline / July 3, 2026
[Colin Halliburton – acoustic guitar, vocals; Bradley McKellip – electric guitar. Heidi Gluck – bass, keys, vocals. Jim Piller – drums, percussion. Recorded by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios, Jim Piller, Heidi Gluck, and Bradley McKellip. Mixed by Jim Piller. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering // The Roseline (pronounced ‘rose’ like the flower, ‘line’ like a straight line) is a band from Lawrence, Kansas USA. They have released eight LPs and one live album, to date. They started out as a fairly delicate little acoustic trio and have since evolved into the heartland rock five-piece behemoth of their current state. // Good luck trying to coax any braggadocious one-sheet “high-lights” out of these humble Kansans. It will require some serious finesse. But, if you insist…they have had four records chart in the TOP TEN in the wildly niche Euro Americana Chart. Some very sweet words have been written about them in such esteemed publications and websites as NPR, Bandcamp, American Song-writer, No Depression, Glide, Pop Matters, and The Bluegrass Situation. They have had their songs featured (*barely audible as source music in the background of bar scenes) in ABC’s ‘Nashville’ & ‘Resurrection’, CBS’s ‘Marshals’, USA’s ‘Queen of the South’, Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’, and MTV’s own Sistine Chapel, ‘Teen Mom’. They have toured in the US, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the UK, Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. // The band made their UK debut as an Official Showcase act at 2025’s UK Americana Music Week in London. However, they have not been accepted to showcase at the stateside Americana Fest for a record-breaking 17 consecutive years. Impressive stuff. // Today, they arrive with their ninth LP “86 Gumption”. Ironically, it called for quite a bit of collective gumption to get this thing across the finish line. Recorded over a year (with a big breather in the middle) in myriad studios and homes, “86 Gumption” is perhaps the band’s most diverse musical offering yet. Indie rock, honky tonk, heartland rock, folk and alt-country occupy the sonic spectrum of the album. Primary singer and songwriter, Colin Halliburton, is found exploring the nuances of marriage, middle-age, grief, geopolitics, acts of creation, hedonism, sobriety, and everything in between. There is darkness. There is a sliver of light. Play it loud.]
[The Roseline play a KC ALBUM RELEASE SHOW at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street KCK, on Friday, October 2, at 8:00pm with The Creepy Jingles, and True Lions.]
[The Roseline play a LAWRENCE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with Gracie Hughes and her band, at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS on Saturday October 3, at 8:00pm]

11:04 – Interview with Colin Halliburton
Colin Halliburton joins us to share music from his band, The Roseline and their new album 86 GUMPTION, released August 7, 2026, The Roseline play a KC ALBUM RELEASE SHOW at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street KCK, on Friday, October 2, at 8:00pm with The Creepy Jingles, and True Lions. The Roseline play a LAWRENCE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with Gracie Hughes and her band, at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS. More info at: www.roselonemusic.com
Colin Halliburton Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
86 Gumption – Released August 7, 2026 – The 9th Studio album from The Roseline
Colin Halliburton – acoustic guitar, vocals
Bradley McKellip – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, field recording
Heidi Gluck – keys, bass, vocals
Colin Jones – bass
Jim Piller – drums, percussion
Lynn Piller – pedal steel
Recorded at Element Recording Studios, The Green Lodge, KPR, and in the homes of Jim Piller, Bradley McKellip, and Heidi Gluck.
Engineered by Joel Nanos, Jim Piller, Jason Slote, Bradley McKellip, Heidi Gluck, and Rob Pope. Mixed by Jim Piller. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering
Design by Emily Demarchi; “Cat and Sweetpeas” image courtesy of The Met’s Open Access public domain image archive.
All songs written by Colin Halliburton / ASCAP (LFK TOWNIE)
All songs arranged by The Roseline
The Roseline (pronounced ‘rose’ like the flower, ‘line’ like a straight line) is a band from Lawrence, Kansas USA. They have released eight LPs and one live album, to date.
One reviewer wrote: “Good luck trying to coax any sort of braggadocious one-sheet “highlights” out of these humble Kansans. It will require some serious finesse. But if you insist…they have had four records chart in the TOP TEN in the wildly niche Euro Americana chart. Some very sweet words have been written about them in such esteemed publications and websites as NPR, Bandcamp, American Songwriter, No Depression, Glide, Pop Matters, and The Bluegrass Situation.”
The Roseline have had their songs featured (*barely audible as source music in the background of bar scenes) in ABC’s ‘Nashville’ & ‘Resurrection’, CBS’s ‘Marshals’, USA’s ‘Queen of the South’, Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’, and MTV’s own Sistine Chapel, ‘Teen Mom’.
The Roseline have toured in the US, England, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The band made their UK debut as an Official Showcase act at 2025’s UK Americana Music Week in London, although has not been accepted to showcase at the stateside Americana Fest for a record-breaking 20 consecutive years. Impressive stuff. Their 9th LP “86 Gumption” arrived August 7, 2026 and was immediately followed by a run of shows in the UK and Sweden.
Colin’s Recent Tour DATES (all dates are Colin solo/acoustic)
Thursday, August 13 — The Grafton Arms; Manchester, UK
Friday, August 14 — The Vinyl Tap; Preston, UK
Saturday, August 15 — Northern Guitars; Leeds, UK
Sunday, August 16 — Oxted Sessions @ The Ginistry; Oxted, UK
Monday, August 17 — St James Wine Vaults; Bath, UK
Tuesday, August 18 — Kingsmeade House Concerts; High Wycombe, UK
Wednesday, August 19 — The Grove; Nottingham, UK
Thursday, August 20 — Biddle Bros; London, UK
Saturday, August 22 — Rootsy Summer Fest; Falkenberg, SE
Sunday, August 23 – Stockholm Roots (@ Debaser); Stockholm, SE
Lawrence and KC full-band album release shows TBD
11:12

- The Roseline – “Apex”
from: 86 Gumption / The Roseline / July 3, 2026
[Colin Halliburton – acoustic guitar, vocals; Bradley McKellip – electric guitar. Heidi Gluck – bass, keys, vocals. Jim Piller – drums, percussion. Recorded by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios, Jim Piller, Heidi Gluck, and Bradley McKellip. Mixed by Jim Piller. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering // The Roseline (pronounced ‘rose’ like the flower, ‘line’ like a straight line) is a band from Lawrence, Kansas USA. They have released eight LPs and one live album, to date. They started out as a fairly delicate little acoustic trio and have since evolved into the heartland rock five-piece behemoth of their current state. // Good luck trying to coax any braggadocious one-sheet “high-lights” out of these humble Kansans. It will require some serious finesse. But, if you insist…they have had four records chart in the TOP TEN in the wildly niche Euro Americana Chart. Some very sweet words have been written about them in such esteemed publications and websites as NPR, Bandcamp, American Song-writer, No Depression, Glide, Pop Matters, and The Bluegrass Situation. They have had their songs featured (*barely audible as source music in the background of bar scenes) in ABC’s ‘Nashville’ & ‘Resurrection’, CBS’s ‘Marshals’, USA’s ‘Queen of the South’, Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’, and MTV’s own Sistine Chapel, ‘Teen Mom’. They have toured in the US, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the UK, Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. // The band made their UK debut as an Official Showcase act at 2025’s UK Americana Music Week in London. However, they have not been accepted to showcase at the stateside Americana Fest for a record-breaking 17 consecutive years. Impressive stuff. // Today, they arrive with their ninth LP “86 Gumption”. Ironically, it called for quite a bit of collective gumption to get this thing across the finish line. Recorded over a year (with a big breather in the middle) in myriad studios and homes, “86 Gumption” is perhaps the band’s most diverse musical offering yet. Indie rock, honky tonk, heartland rock, folk and alt-country occupy the sonic spectrum of the album. Primary singer and songwriter, Colin Halliburton, is found exploring the nuances of marriage, middle-age, grief, geopolitics, acts of creation, hedonism, sobriety, and everything in between. There is darkness. There is a sliver of light. Play it loud.]
[The Roseline play a KC ALBUM RELEASE SHOW at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street KCK, on Friday, October 2, at 8:00pm with The Creepy Jingles, and True Lions.]
[The Roseline play a LAWRENCE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with Gracie Hughes and her band, at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS., on Saturday October 3, at 8:00pm]

11:16 – More Interview with Colin Halliburton
Colin Halliburton joins us to share music from his band, The Roseline and their new album 86 GUMPTION, The Roseline play a KC ALBUM RELEASE SHOW at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street KCK, on Friday, October 2, at 8:00pm with The Creepy Jingles, and True Lions. The Roseline play a LAWRENCE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with Gracie Hughes and her band, at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS. More info at: www.roselonemusic.com
Colin Halliburton Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
86 GUMPTION the band’s 9th Studio album was released August 7, 2026, that was recorded at Element Recording Studios, The Green Lodge, KPR, and in the homes of Jim Piller, Bradley McKellip, and Heidi Gluck.
Engineered by Joel Nanos, Jim Piller, Jason Slote, Bradley McKellip, Heidi Gluck, and Rob Pope.
And features Colin Halliburton on acoustic guitar, vocals; Bradley McKellip on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, field recording; Heidi Gluck on keys, bass, vocals; Colin Jones on bass; Jim Piller on drums, percussion; and Lynn Piller on pedal steel.
The Roseline will play release shows for “86 Gumption” at Hillsiders with the Creepy Jingles and True Lions on Friday, October 2, and at the Replay Lounge with Gracie Hughes & Her Band on Saturday, October 3.
Introspective Lawrence country-rockers The Roseline’s ninth full-length, “86 Gumption”, comes two and a half years after their last proper release, 2024’s Keystone of the Heart, with a live album released in between. The album was recorded over the course of a year and yet feels like a single moment, so the introspection comes through clearly.
Maybe it’s the fact these folks have been playing together so long that they don’t need to hunker down over the course of a month to maintain any sort of cohesion. You can feel the relative comfort in a band capable of switching from the out and out honky tonk of “Tooth & Claw” to the AM gold country yacht rock of “Balance of Beauty,” with the Roseline seeming as though they didn’t even need to shift gears.
It’s all of a piece, lyrically and musically. Frontman Colin Halliburton’s voice plays off the backing vocals of Heidi Gluck, whose keys nicely counterpoint Bradley McKellip’s guitar, complemented by the steady rhythm of bassist Colin Jones and drummer Jim Piller, with Lynn Piller’s pedal steel popping up just when needed. For a band nine albums in, it certainly doesn’t feel like they’re settling, however.
The opening pair of songs, “Heart of Oak” and “Wet Black Fin,” are as intimately epic as anything the Roseline has done, while closing with Halliburton and an acoustic guitar for the heart-rending story of “Palm to the Sky” takes the project all the way back to its roots as a Halliburton solo project. “86 Gumption” reminds us that life is cyclical, with change constantly reminding us of what’s come before and what will come to be.
Colin Halliburton told Nick Spacek of The Pitch:
“I was listening to Nick Lowe’s The Convincer a lot during the writing of this record. I’m not sure exactly if there is a through line between the two, but I’m certain it influenced me. He has such a deft touch when balancing heartbreak and comedy. I always attempt that, but I’m unsure of how successful I am. I think both The Convincer and “86 Gumption” are distinctly adult records–we’ve seen some shit, life has landed some punches, but we’re still able to laugh it off … most of the time.”
Official Showcase act at UK Americana Music Week 2025
“Best Country of Bandcamp (Feb ’24)” – Bandcamp
“…vivid, emotion-charged songwriting. Best New Music” – American Songwriter
“The Roseline produces minimalistic and windswept Americana indicative of their Heartland roots. There’s something more to their portfolio than another set of strong contributions to the alt-country scene.” – Pop Matters
“Midwestern alt-country stalwarts… breezy, affectionate (and honest) blend of wit and melancholic twang” – No Depression
“Warm and dreamy Americana. Classic alt-country.” – Glide Magazine
“Colin Halliburton has cornered the market on power pop and Americana.” – The Boot
“9/10” – Americana-UK.com (United Kingdom)
“5/5” – Rockfarbror.se (Sweden)
“4 Stars ****” – Spill Magazine
“4 Stars ****” – Altcountry.nl (The Netherlands)
“a sparkling Americana jam.” – Petal Motel
“#1 in the Top 120 Recordings of 2021” – Mark Manning; Wednesday Midday Medley 90.1 KKFI
“hands down the best album of the year” – Fally Afani; explorelawrence.com
“Top 10 Albums of the Year” Tim Finn; InKC Magazine
“Album of the Year” – Steven Routledge; Rockin The Suburbs Podcast
“Album of the Year” – CJ Janovy; Kansas Reflector
“The Roseline’s ‘Constancy’ is a slice of pumpkin pie as imagined by a cutting edge chef.” – Jason Earle; The Marinade podcast
“These lyrics are poetic and immense. The Roseline redefines their genre. It’s a fresh take on subtlety and magic.” – Tuned Up
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“(The Roseline) has taken the fabric of country music and painted a colorful Americana mix of pure front porch, pulling at your heart strings, sincere country gold.” – Nashville Music Guide
“He’s a master storyteller that draws you in and leaves you hanging on every word until a song fades away as gently as it started… the lyrics are so vivid and relatable it’s difficult to not get lost in them.” – I Heart Local Music
“Colin Halliburton distills the essence of Midwestern sincerity as the Roseline. The unassuming voice and gentle country-rock of the singer/songwriter reflects the rugged independence and understated graciousness associated with his home state of Kansas.” – Ink Magazine
“It’s poetic country with sublime melodies and haunting vocals.” – Diamond Deposits
“A gorgeous assortment of songs that occupy sprawling territory vaguely dubbed Americana. The Roseline have forged their path with sharp songwriting, a soft-edged country mellow burnished to produce a warm glow with pedal steel, pretty piano, and Colin Halliburton’s sweet, expressive voice. These songs will transport you.” -Present Magazine
“The Roseline have both emotion and depth. This is solid, smoky Americana.” -John Mills, Happening Magazine
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“It’s kind of sick how good the band is… We highly endorse them.” -MTV2 Subterranean blog
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“Let me tell you, if you’re a fan of the alt-country genre and you don’t have this album in your collection then you should stop calling yourself a fan right now.” – Parasite Gods
“The band’s fourth release is their most fully realized, both sonically and lyrically. ‘Townie’ is both bleak and hopeful at once.” -No Depression
“4 stars ****” – altcountry.nl, rootstime.be, kindamusik.com
Top 5 Albums of 2015 – Natalie Gallagher, Pitch Magazine
The Roseline play a KC ALBUM RELEASE SHOW at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street KCK, on Friday, October 2, at 8:00pm with The Creepy Jingles, and True Lions.
The Roseline play a LAWRENCE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with Gracie Hughes and her band, at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS
11:24

- The Roseline – “Wet Black Fin”
from: 86 Gumption / The Roseline / July 3, 2026
[Colin Halliburton – acoustic guitar, vocals; Bradley McKellip – electric guitar. Heidi Gluck – bass, keys, vocals. Jim Piller – drums, percussion. Recorded by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios, Jim Piller, Heidi Gluck, and Bradley McKellip. Mixed by Jim Piller. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering // The Roseline (pronounced ‘rose’ like the flower, ‘line’ like a straight line) is a band from Lawrence, Kansas USA. They have released eight LPs and one live album, to date. They started out as a fairly delicate little acoustic trio and have since evolved into the heartland rock five-piece behemoth of their current state. // Good luck trying to coax any braggadocious one-sheet “high-lights” out of these humble Kansans. It will require some serious finesse. But, if you insist…they have had four records chart in the TOP TEN in the wildly niche Euro Americana Chart. Some very sweet words have been written about them in such esteemed publications and websites as NPR, Bandcamp, American Song-writer, No Depression, Glide, Pop Matters, and The Bluegrass Situation. They have had their songs featured (*barely audible as source music in the background of bar scenes) in ABC’s ‘Nashville’ & ‘Resurrection’, CBS’s ‘Marshals’, USA’s ‘Queen of the South’, Netflix’s ‘Virgin River’, and MTV’s own Sistine Chapel, ‘Teen Mom’. They have toured in the US, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the UK, Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. // The band made their UK debut as an Official Showcase act at 2025’s UK Americana Music Week in London. However, they have not been accepted to showcase at the stateside Americana Fest for a record-breaking 17 consecutive years. Impressive stuff. // Today, they arrive with their ninth LP “86 Gumption”. Ironically, it called for quite a bit of collective gumption to get this thing across the finish line. Recorded over a year (with a big breather in the middle) in myriad studios and homes, “86 Gumption” is perhaps the band’s most diverse musical offering yet. Indie rock, honky tonk, heartland rock, folk and alt-country occupy the sonic spectrum of the album. Primary singer and songwriter, Colin Halliburton, is found exploring the nuances of marriage, middle-age, grief, geopolitics, acts of creation, hedonism, sobriety, and everything in between. There is darkness. There is a sliver of light. Play it loud.]
[The Roseline play a KC ALBUM RELEASE SHOW at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street KCK, on Friday, October 2, at 8:00pm with The Creepy Jingles, and True Lions.]
[The Roseline play a LAWRENCE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW with Gracie Hughes and her band, at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence KS., on Saturday October 3, at 8:00pm]
11:28 – Underwriting

- SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES – “SMILE (ft. Frogpond)”
from: SMILE (ft. Frogpond) – Single / SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES / July 28, 2026
[Kate McCandless is SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES (vocals, looping pedal, music, lyrics, guitar) featuring members of Kansas City’s iconic band, Frogpond – Heidi Phillips (guitar), Kristen Conkright (bass), Michelle Bacon (drums). Recorded at Element Recording, Kansas City KS with Joel Nanos as Engineer + Mixing + Mastering. Kate McCandless writes, “this song was created to capture the feeling of that “second skin” – a feeling all too familiar for women – that curdles and writhes when we’re being perceived. when power and entitlement are being projected onto us by men. the song highlights the root of rape culture, this sense of entitlement to women’s bodies rooted in patriarchy. this entitlement translates to gestures of violence that needle away at us, gradually building to a full on bleed. leers, stares, cat calls, and “innocent” remarks – “why don’t you smile, honey?” – translate directly to more extreme acts of violence – abuse, sexual assault, murder. this is the air we breathe. its pervasiveness and constancy is mirrored in the repetitive nature of the song, looping the same line again and again until it builds to a chorus of voices, all chanting the same mantra – “DON’T BAT ONE PITCH.” // don’t make eye contact, just walk down the street, ignore them, walk tall. // a body can’t just walk down the street. the second skin recoils. // beyond the chorus arises a woman’s solo cry, increasingly persistent and terrified – // “DON’T. DON’T. DON’T! DON’T!!!” // she said no, and they’re not listening.] [www.shespeaksintongues.bandcamp.com]
[She Speaks in Tongues open for The Sexy Accident’s 21st anniversary album release on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00pm at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Ave, KCMO. The Sexy Accident will perform their new vinyl album release, BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON as a six-piece acoustic ensemble in Studio 306 above the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center.]

11:35 – Interview with Jesse Kates, Mack McKinney, & Kate McCandless
Kate McCandless performs as SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES. Kate writes: “My work is about reclaiming agency. It is about giving voice and liberation to what was repressed and silenced.”With vocals, looping pedal, music, lyrics, guitar, Kate collaborated with members of Kansas City’s iconic band, Frogpond – Heidi Phillips (guitar), Kristen Conkright (bass), Michelle Bacon (drums). Recorded at Element Recording, Kansas City KS with Joel Nanos as Engineer + Mixing + Mastering. Kate McCandless writes, “this song was created to capture the feeling of that “second skin” – a feeling all too familiar for women – that curdles and writhes when we’re being perceived. when power and entitlement are being projected onto us by men. the song highlights the root of rape culture, this sense of entitlement to women’s bodies rooted in patriarchy. this entitlement translates to gestures of violence that needle away at us, gradually building to a full on bleed. leers, stares, cat calls, and “innocent” remarks – “why don’t you smile, honey?”
SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES is artist, singer, and performer, Kate McCandless. She makes music and performances with her body, voice, and a looping pedal; and in collaboration with other musicians and artists. The work is about reclaiming femme agency, giving voice to what was silenced and suppressed, and using the voice for healing and liberation.
Albums gloria GUITAR (2012) DOMESTIKA a bjork inspired ritual (2020) and new single SMILE ft. Frogpond can be on Bandcamp and selectively on mainstream platforms. To stay most up to date on new music, performances, and events follow on Instagram @she_speaks_in_tongues
Jesse Kates and Kate McCandless who join us to share details about: Jesse’s Band The Sexy Accident’s 21st anniversary album release with She Speaks in Tongues, Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00pm at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Ave, KCMO. The Sexy Accident is Jamie Lin, Ramone Hall, Jesse Kates, Ryan Leip, Mack McKinney who will perform their new vinyl album release, BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON as a six-piece acoustic ensemble in Studio 306 above the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center. BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON is a revisionist history of new, homespun recordings. The album features a re-imagined selection of songs from all eras of the band’s back catalog, plus one entirely new tune, “Hard Launch.” She Speaks in Tongues opens the night..
Kate McCandless & Jesse Kates thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Kate McCandless is SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES. She writes: “My work is about reclaiming agency. It’s about giving voice & liberation to what was repressed & silenced.”
Kate McCandless writes, “Smile” “is song was created to capture the feeling of that “second skin” – a feeling all too familiar for women – that curdles and writhes when we’re being perceived. when power and entitlement are being projected onto us by men. the song highlights the root of rape culture, this sense of entitlement to women’s bodies rooted in patriarchy. this entitlement translates to gestures of violence that needle away at us, gradually building to a full on bleed. leers, stares, cat calls, and “innocent” remarks – “why don’t you smile, honey?” – translate directly to more extreme acts of violence – abuse, sexual assault, murder. this is the air we breathe. its pervasiveness and constancy is mirrored in the repetitive nature of the song, looping the same line again and again until it builds to a chorus of voices, all chanting the same mantra – “DON’T BAT ONE PITCH.” // don’t make eye contact, just walk down the street, ignore them, walk tall. // a body can’t just walk down the street. the second skin recoils. // beyond the chorus arises a woman’s solo cry, increasingly persistent and terrified – // “DON’T. DON’T. DON’T! DON’T!!!” // she said no, and they’re not listening.
Described by Sasha Geffen as “Best Feminist Rock n’ Roll Exorcism”.
Armed with body, voice, and a fierce, shamanic energy, SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES often lures with nostalgia – simultaneously embracing and questioning its comfort and authority with a dark, feminist bent. McCandless creates & performs her work solo, and in collaboration with other musicians. The effect is jarring, haunting, and a cathartic call to healing. A transplant from Chicago since 2020, McCandless now calls KC her creative home base.
SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES started in Chicago and has transitioned to Kansas City.
We became aware of She Speaks in Tongues in 2022 when she played Outer Reaches Fest.
This first time Kate was on the WMM was April 5, 2023 when Kate & Cody Wyoming came on tshare details about SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: Patti Smith’s EASTER on EASTER, Sun, April 9, 2023, a 7:00 PM, at recordBar 1520 Grand.
Previous shows by SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES
SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES played The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, 2025. at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions, and Cheery.
SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE//Alanis Morissette, May 13, 2025 at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO with Katie Gilchrist and Project1994 performing JAGGED LITTLE PILL.
SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES partnered: THE CODY WYOMING DEAL, and Julia Othmer, and Teri Quinn to create a cathartic, sacred homage to Patti Smith and her work…with a surprising, shamanic edge where nothing is sacred… Sacred is all.
Info at: www.shespeaksintongues.com
The Sexy Accident has released 19 albums/EPs and multiple singles. Many of their albums have been released in creative very ways including a hardbound book of lyrics, interviews and original artwork, and as a board/card game. More information at http://www.thesexyaccident.com
The last time Jesse Kates was on WMM was October 9, 2024 to share The Sexy Accident’s new single “Becoming. On June 13, 2024, The Sexy Accident released their 4-song EP, Live at Prospero’s Bell Tower, recorded at Prospero’s Books in Kansas City on December 9, 2023.
Before We Invented the Moon / The Sexy Accident / September 29, 2026
twenty-first-anniversary revisionist history of new, homespun recordings. Features the completely new song Hard Launch.
Written by Jesse Kates {Halaster Music | ASCAP}
Arranged by The Sexy Accident:
Jesse Kates (singing, guitars, piano, autoharp, mallets, percussion)
Ramone Hall (drums, cajon)
Ryan Leip (guitars)
Mack McKinney (bass)
Rachel Jaggard (singing)
Violin on “I Tried Again” by Jonas Kates
Trumpet on “I Tried Again” by Mark Hamblin.
Group singing on “I Tried Again” by Becky Mack, Jason Ammerman, Jason Vaughn, Jonas Kates, Maggie Ammerman, Nicole Hall, Samuel Haney, Stephanie Kates, Tobias Kates and Will Leathem
Produced and engineered by Jesse Kates
Mixed by Josh Williams. Mastering by Mike Nolte
Prints by Graesen Joyce
Recorded in 2024 and 2025 at Jesse’s house in Kansas City
11:43

- The Sexy Accident – “I’m Going to Love Your New Boyfriend”
from: Before We Invented the Moon / The Sexy Accident / September 29, 2026
[A twenty-first-anniversary revisionist history of new, homespun recordings. Features the completely new song Hard Launch. / Written by Jesse Kates {Halaster Music | ASCAP}. Arranged by The Sexy Accident: Jesse Kates (singing, guitars, piano, autoharp, mallets, percussion); Ramone Hall (drums, cajon); Ryan Leip (guitars); Mack McKinney (bass); Rachel Jaggard (singing). Violin on “I Tried Again” by Jonas Kates. Trumpet on “I Tried Again” by Mark Hamblin. // Group singing on “I Tried Again” by Becky Mack, Jason Ammerman, Jason Vaughn, Jonas Kates, Maggie Ammerman, Nicole Hall, Samuel Haney, Stephanie Kates, Tobias Kates and Will Leathem // Produced and engineered by Jesse Kates // Mixed by Josh Williams. Mastering by Mike Nolte. Prints by Graesen Joyce. Recorded in 2024 and 2025 at Jesse’s house in KC. Released on 180-gram vinyl via support from Club Medici. More information at www.thesexyaccident.com]
[The Sexy Accident play a show in honor of their 21st anniversary album release on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00pm at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Ave, KCMO. The Sexy Accident will perform their new vinyl album release, BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON as a six-piece acoustic ensemble in Studio 306 above the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, with She Speaks in Tongues opening. ]

11:45 – Interview with Jesse Kates, Mack McKinney, & Kate McCandless
Jesse Kates, Mack McKinney, and Kate McCandless who join us to share details about: Jesse’s Band The Sexy Accident’s 21st anniversary album release with She Speaks in Tongues, Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00pm at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Ave, KCMO. The Sexy Accident is Jamie Lin, Ramone Hall, Jesse Kates, Ryan Leip, Mack McKinney who will perform their new vinyl album release, BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON as a six-piece acoustic ensemble in Studio 306 above the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center. BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON is a revisionist history of new, homespun recordings. The album features a re-imagined selection of songs from all eras of the band’s back catalog, plus one entirely new tune, “Hard Launch.” She Speaks in Tongues opens the night.
Kate McCandless & Jesse Kates & Mack McKinney thanks for being with us on WMM
About SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits series: SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: is a live, album listening experience with a femme/feminist edge; twists, turns and script flipping. Featuring artist, vocalist, performer Kate McCandless and an assembly of top notch Kansas City musicians and collaborators, this is not your typical tribute. Collaborators have included Cody Wyoming, Katie Gilchrist, Matt Richey just to name a few. Recent performances as part of the series include: EASTER//Patti Smith (2023-2024) TO BRING YOU MY LOVE//PJ Harvey (2023-2024) and currently, SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE//Alanis Morissette
About SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES’ Bjork-inspired album/performance DOMESTIKA
“Kate McCandless samples music as hungrily as Girl Talk, but she doesn’t use a computer. With her band Speaks in Tongues, the singer repurposes well-worn rock and blues classics into new narratives…unravels threads from the music she loves to knot together her own bizarro-world reimaginings, a process she describes…as ‘a necessary feminist act…a reclaim of agency.'” – Sasha Geffen, The Chicago Reader
1 day, 1 take per song. Just me, my voice, and my looping pedal, live and in the moment, recorded in Chicago and released in 2020 at the start of the pandemic.
This album is my bloody valentine to Bjork, Motherhood, Feminism, and all the wisdom they have given me. My hope is that this music/performance serves as a stinging yet redemptive balm for my listeners, especially during these trying times.
In addition to performing excerpts from DOMESTIKA live in local music venues, my intention with this work is to create a more intentional performance, to debut in Kansas City and to tour.
This project began as an exploration of what I believed were feminist themes in Bjork’s music and a desire to highlight them, especially given her latest releases Vulnicura & Utopia, and subsequent interviews. “Domestika” was the original title intended for what became Bjork’s iconic Vespertine, during which she fell in love with Matthew Barney … the partner who would later cheat on her and file for divorce. There was something I wanted to reclaim in that. This desire was highlighted by my more recent struggles with Motherhood, mental health, and the wounding of being homebound.
What I didn’t expect was how this project would become a cathartic space in which to process the unfolding reckoning with injustice in our times … #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, the Trump presidency, the collective isolation/struggle during a pandemic…In the process I formed a chain of channeled messages … as if from my Mother ancestors, or Mother Earth herself. Messages of unheard stories, pain, healing, justice, and hope.
For, SHE SPEAKES IN TONGUES – DOMESTIKA, released May 8, 2020 – Kate McCandless writes DOMESTIKA began as an exploration of what I believed were feminist themes in Bjork’s music and a desire to highlight them. This was especially given her latest releases Vulnicura & Utopia, and subsequent interviews. “Domestika” was the original title intended for what became Bjork’s iconic Vespertine, until she met Matthew Barney … the partner who would later cheat on her and file for divorce. There was something I wanted to reclaim in that. This desire was highlighted by my more recent struggles with Motherhood, mental health, and the wounding of being homebound. // In the process I formed a chain of channeled messages … as if from my Mother ancestors, or Mother Earth herself. Messages of unheard stories, pain, healing, justice, and hope. // This album is my bloody valentine to Motherhood and all the wisdom She gave me. My hope is that this music serves as a kind of balm for my listeners, especially during these trying times. // Vocals, looping pedal, arrangement/mashup, select lyrics: Kate McCandless.Electronic music (Light Bearer): Nigel Harsch. Engineering: Steve Marek. Mixing and Mastering: Steve Marek. Music & Lyric Inspiration: Bjork.
About SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES//// HEALING ARTS
Kate McCandless (SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES) is as an artist, writer, energy healer, and tarot reader in the Kansas City area, after studying and practicing in Chicago IL. Her Shamanic approach takes the work beyond the basic hand positions or interpreter role, and flows seamlessly with her artistic practice and expression. Kate was attuned and initiated into the Reiki practice at levels 1-Master through Sara Gaines of Red Bird Reiki’s 1 Year Shamanic Reiki Apprenticeship (Chicago/Galena IL.) There she studied and explored Shamanism in the open tradition/practice of the Andean Peruvian shamans/Q’ero. Kate’s path to Tarot came naturally and intuitively and she is mostly self taught, though counted among her teachers is Lindsay Mack. Kate has completed Mack’s renowned and in depth course, Tarot for the Wild Soul and continues to study and practice on her own. Kate believes tarot and energy work is for every person and can be used as an excellent tool for self reflection, healing, and self care for any one who is curious, interested, and/or called. She serves as a compassionate facilitator and holder of space. She believes the journey is yours and she is here to support that without dogma nor judgement. Kate believes that tarot and energy work is intended to be inclusive, compassionate, healing, unpretentious and easeful, while rooted in the here and now. By reflecting on “what’s here now” we can curiously and kindly bring our awareness to reach for a more whole and healing present, and therefore, future. Other practitioners/artists she considers teachers and inspirations are Chani Nicholas, Sarah Faith Gottesdiener, Tatianna Morales, Renee Sills (Embodied Astrology,) Michelle Tea, Julia Cameron, and Rachael Gonzalez (FAMILIAR) just to name a few.
SHAMANIC ENERGY WORK + TAROT //// SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES
“KATE IS INCREDIBLE! I don’t have the words to fully relay what happened but Kate created the most healing safe cocoon of reiki energy magic I have ever experienced. I was able to feel and release challenging emotions and I feel we accomplished deep healing work for myself and ancestors… my experience was so epic. Thank you Kate for doing this kind of work in the world.” – Amy W., Energy Healing Client, Kansas City, MO
Selected The Sexy Accident Discography
Live at Prospero’s Bell Tower (2024)
The Sexy Accident released this 4-song EP om June 13, 2024. Songs written by Jesse Kates / Halaster Music [ASCAP]. Performed by The Sexy Accident: Jesse Kates on vocals & guitars. Ramone Hall on drums, Ryan Leip on keys, Mack McKinney on bass, and Rachel Jaggard on vocals. Produced by Danny Mac. Recorded and Mixed by Josh Luke. Recorded at Prospero’s Books in Kansas City on December 9, 2023. Thanks to Will Leathem More info at: www.sexyaccident.bandamp.com]
New Roulette (2022)
Kansas City’s The Sexy Accident plays mercurial pop of brains and heart “driven by catchy melodies and smart, real-life lyric writing.” (The Big Takeover) When the pandemic struck in 2020, songwriter and bandleader Jesse Kates built a home studio and began producing New Roulette remotely. Josh Williams performed and recorded Ramone Hall’s drum parts. Ryan Leip flew in guitars for Jesse to re-amp. Jamie Pratt sang at her father’s suburban home and Mack McKinney played bass from Jesse’s back yard. For more Kansas City flavor, New Roulette’s lead track, I’m Feeling Dancy, features Sisterbot and the EP includes a cover of Wind Flirter by True Lions. New Roulette comprises six tracks and releases on 23 April 2022.
Rabarbaro (2020)
The band’s seventh long-player, Rabarbaro, released on 14 April 2020 during the year of the band’s fifteenth anniversary. Produced, engineered and mixed by longtime collaborator and pacific northwest legend Steve Fisk (Car Seat Headrest, Low, Unwound, Nirvana, Pigeonhed) in Kansas City and Tacoma, Rabarbaro comprises eleven of songwriter Jesse Kates’ most dark, dynamic and sensual songs, living up to the intensity of the album’s namesake adult beverage: a bittersweet, intoxicating (30% ABV) variety of Italian amaro distilled from Chinese rhubarb with zest and cardamom.
Live at Holy Cow EP (Sept. 23, 2017
Performed on September 23, 2016, with Jesse Kates on vocals & guitar, Ramone Hall on drums, Jamie Lin on vocals, Pete Marten on bass, and Ryan Leip on keyboards. Recorded by Josh Williams. Songs selected from Champagne Babycakes, Lavender 3 and Ninja Ninja Fight Darth Vader. Cover art curated by Carly Lewandowski of How Very Vintage from objects found at Holy Cow.
Champagne Babycakes (2016)
Champagne Babycakes is the world’s first album released as a card game. Each copy of Champagne Babycakes includes a complete game deck of 54 cards illustrated by Gavin Snider and twelve songs written by Sexy Accident bandleader Jesse Kates. Champagne Babycakes was produced by Steve Fisk
The songs of Champagne Babycakes are hefty yet compact, like a deck of cards, and reflect Kates’ mainstay themes of romance and family life. Sonically, the album echoes and amplifies features of The Sexy Accident’s prior work, including the groove of Ninja Ninja Fight Darth Vader, the layering of Lavender 3, the squall of Mantoloking, and the dynamics of Kinda Like Fireworks.
Lavender 3 (2013)
Like Champagne Babycakes, The Sexy Accident’s fifth release isn’t a typical record. To deliver tactile pleasure with the ease of downloads, the band created a pop album as a hardback book. Lavender 3 is a nine-inch square, 48-page, silver cloth-covered, smythe-sewn, silk-screened book brimming with lyrics, paintings, illustrations, interviews and commentary, including works by Blue Gallery painter Bernal Koehrsen and poet Jim Daniels. Lavender 3 comprises twelve love songs marinated in strings, keyboards and alternate-tuned guitars. The tracks guest star Laurel Parks and Sascha Groschang of string ensemble The Wires, and Sean Nelson of Harvey Danger, among others.
Origins
In 2005, after years of spinning wordless tales with Pittsburgh, PA-based instrumental band Whitford, Jesse Kates decided to sing. Jesse had recently relocated to Kansas City for a day job and needed co-conspirators. A search of nearby cubicles revealed Dan Weller, the bass-playing spouse of a market researcher, and Craig used his list to find Billy Brown, the band’s first drummer. Musicians assembled, Jesse began to write. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s Creative Writing program, Jesse remains influenced by a mantra of the faculty – have the courage to be clear – to this day. As the only permanent band member, The Sexy Accident remains unavoidably Jesse-centric, yet the sonics transform from album to album, showcasing the strengths of each lineup.
“The Oh,” was the third single from Rabarbaro released February 13, 2020.
“The Land of Want” was the second single released November 2, 2019
“Unto a Sparkling Shore” was the first single released September 21, 2019
The Sexy Accident – Key Lineups
2026 Jesse Kates, Ramone Hall, Ryan Leip, Mack McKinney, Jamie Lin,
2024 Jesse Kates, Ramone Hall, Ryan Leip, Mack McKinney, Rachel Jaggard.
2022 Jesse Kates, Ramone Hall, Jamie Pratt, Ryan Leip, Mack McKinney
2015 Jesse Kates, Ramone Hall, Jamie Pratt, Dan Diamond
2013 Jesse Kates, Daniel Torrence, Camry Ivory, Mark Hamblin, Kristin Smith view
2010 Jesse Kates, Daniel Torrence, Camry Ivory, Mark Hamblin
2009 Jesse Kates, Daniel Torrence, Chad Toney, Pat Padgett
2007 Jesse Kates, Daniel Torrence, Pat Fent
2005 Jesse Kates, Billy Brown, Dan Weller
Jesse was on WMM on April 15, 2020 in the early days of COVID 19. Jesse called into the show to share details about The Sexy Accident’s 7th full length, Rabarbaro, released April 14, 2020 during the band’s 15th year. Produced, engineered & mixed in Kansas City and Seattle, by longtime collaborator and pacific-northwest legend Steve Fisk (Car Seat Headrest, Low, Unwound, Nirvana, Pigeonhead), Rabarbaro includes 11 of songwriter Jesse Kates’ most dark, dynamic and sensual songs. Rabarbaro was performed by Jesse Kates on guitars, vocals, keyboards & percussion; Ramone Hall on drums; Jamie Pratt on vocals; Ryan Leip on guitars & keyboards; and Eric Knight on bass; with Steve Fisk on keyboards, and guest violinist Laurel Parks. More info at www.sexyaccident.com
The Sexy Accident is a pop band from Kansas City. The Sexy Accident have released nearly 200 songs on s19even albums/EPs. The Sexy Accident doesn’t do normal, their 2014 album Lavendar 3 was released as a 9” x 9” square, 48-page, cloth-covered, foil-stamped hardback book. Their 2016 recording Champagne Babycakes, the band’s 6th full length record, was released as a “card game.” The band’s last release, Chamcakes Babypagne was a selection of songs from The Sexy Accident’s , Champagne Babycakes, re-imagined and reconstructed by Steve Fisk, namelessnumberheadman, Akkilles and guest musicians.
Congratulations on 21 years as a band.
11:50
Jesse Kates, Mack McKinney, and Kate McCandless, Thanks for being with us on WMM
The Sexy Accident play a show in honor of their 21st anniversary album release on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00pm at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Ave, KCMO. The Sexy Accident will perform their new vinyl album release, BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON as a six-piece acoustic ensemble in Studio 306 above the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, with She Speaks in Tongues opening.
More information at: www.sexyaccident.com // Info at: www.shespeaksintongues.com
For WMM, I’m Mark Manning & Jesse Kates, Mack McKinney, & Kate McCandless. Thanks for listening!
11:54

- The Sexy Accident – “Hard Launch”
from: Before We Invented the Moon / The Sexy Accident / September 29, 2026
[A twenty-first-anniversary revisionist history of new, homespun recordings. Features the completely new song Hard Launch. / Written by Jesse Kates {Halaster Music | ASCAP}. Arranged by The Sexy Accident: Jesse Kates (singing, guitars, piano, autoharp, mallets, percussion); Ramone Hall (drums, cajon); Ryan Leip (guitars); Mack McKinney (bass); Rachel Jaggard (singing). Violin on “I Tried Again” by Jonas Kates. Trumpet on “I Tried Again” by Mark Hamblin. // Group singing on “I Tried Again” by Becky Mack, Jason Ammerman, Jason Vaughn, Jonas Kates, Maggie Ammerman, Nicole Hall, Samuel Haney, Stephanie Kates, Tobias Kates and Will Leathem // Produced and engineered by Jesse Kates // Mixed by Josh Williams. Mastering by Mike Nolte. Prints by Graesen Joyce. Recorded in 2024 and 2025 at Jesse’s house in KC. Released on 180-gram vinyl via support from Club Medici. More information at www.thesexyaccident.com]
[The Sexy Accident play a show in honor of their 21st anniversary album release on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8:00pm at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, 2012 Baltimore Ave, KCMO. The Sexy Accident will perform their new vinyl album release, BEFORE WE INVENTED THE MOON as a six-piece acoustic ensemble in Studio 306 above the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, with She Speaks in Tongues opening.]

- Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
rom: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week, on Wednesday, October 7, we’ll talk with Calvin Arsenia about his big show at The Folly Theatre on Tuesday, October 13, and we welcome back to the show Just Angel, who share detals about POETRY IN PINK GALA – Sunday, October 25 at 6:oopm at Sherri’s Executive Lounge, 3834 Gennessee Street, KCMO for the 2nd annual Cancer Awareness Gala for Cancer Survivors, Angels, Families and Commuities. Joining Angel will be Gie Santana, Jon Hypocrace Lewis and Sherri Hall. We also talk with Fanny Mandelberger about body
You can find our playlists at: www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & www.kkfi.org
www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley
Thank you to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.
THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’s Summer Fund Drive during WMM we had a total of 33 people donate a total of $3513.50. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
Show #1167
