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, March 15, 2023

Mireya Ramos & Erika Cecilia of Ladies Rock! + Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores + Gayle Cade-Price

Mark Spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Dragon Inn 3, IVORY BLUE, Akkilles, Zion Isaiah, The Critterz, The Ants, Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores, Jass, Friendly Thieves, Ernest Melton, Emily King, Amy Ray & Allison Russell, Flor de Toloache, The Burney Sisters, and Casii Stephan.

At 10:30 we talk with Gayle Cade-Price founder of the Pure Sweetness Entertainment Band with over 30 years of experience between their members. Lead singer, Gayle Cade-Price brings a sultry, soulful elegance to each and every performance. Her powerful, velvety, smooth voice, are complimented by her distinguished and phenomenally talented band members: Allen Monroe on keyboards, Desmond Jordan on drums, Wendell Dancer on bass, Charlotte Lockhart on background vocals, and Gerrit Blewitt on background vocals. The Pure Sweetness Entertainment Band play The KC Daquiri Shop Bistreaux, 8725 Metcalf Ave., in Overland Park, Kansas, Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM More information at: https://puresweetnessent.wixsite.com/mysite

At 11:00 AM Mark welcomes Mireya Ramos & Erika Cecilia of Ladies Rock! on Saturday, March 18, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Charlotte Street, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO. A Celebration of Women’s History Month. Femmes and allies come together for an afternoon and evening of exploring the creative power in our voices. Beginning with a Vocal Workshop led by Mireya Ramos, founder of the Latin-Grammy winning, all-female mariachi group Flor de Toloache. After the workshop, there will be time to connect with Mireya and local artists and makers. Refreshments and snacks provided. At 7:00 PM, Mireya will host an incredible line-up of powerhouse musicians and vocalists including: The Burney Sisters, Casii Stephan, Ezgi Karakus, Calvin Arsenia, Trevor Turla, Michael McClintock, Marco Pascolini, and Slim Hanson. Local vendors include: Socorro “Coco” Rico with ceramics and print, and original paintings; Bernadette Negrete with paper, and paint; Aliena Martes with weaving and jewelry; Doña Fina Café with family farmed coffee. For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mireya-ramos-presents-ladies-rock-tickets-569544431727?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

At 11:30 Paul Jesse & Deegan Poores, a singer-songwriter-producer duo from Lawrence, KS, join us to talk about their collaborative album, Hello Paul Jesse, being released in three parts over the coming months. The album chronicles Paul’s development as a person, in his relationships, and in his relationship with himself through an eclectic blend of pop, R&B, hip-hop, electronic music, and soul. It’s being released in three parts, (Three EPs) with each part showcasing different stages of Paul’s development, and then as a full album project to allow each section to be absorbed fully. Hello Paul Jesse, Part I [EP] was released on February 17, 2023. Their new single “Remedy” featuring Arkko will be out Friday, March 17, 2023. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com

Ernest Melton photo by Jon Northington
IVORY BLUE photo by Sam Olson

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

Show #985

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, March 8, 2023

PARIS WILLIAMS + The KC PUNK SHINDIG + IVORY BLUE

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

2. Everything But The Girl – “Nothing Left To Lose”
   from: Fuse / Buzzin’ Fly – Virgin / April 21, 2023
   [Everything But The Girl have revealed their new track “Caution To The Wind” and its accompanying lyric video. The track is taken from the band’s upcoming album Fuse out April 21st. The song is the follow up to current single “Nothing Left To Lose” which has seen fantastic support across radio and press, with BrooklynVegan calling it “one of the year’s most welcome surprises,” radio and editorial playlists. The track has topped one million streams on Spotify, and the video has been viewed over 1 million times on YouTube. // Written and produced by Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn over the spring-summer of 2021, Everything But The Girl’s new album Fuse is a modern take on the lustrous electronic soul the band first pioneered in the mid-90s. Thorn’s affecting and richly-textured voice is once again up front in Watt’s glimmering landscape of sub-bass, sharp beats, half-lit synths and empty space, and as before, the result is the sound of a band comfortable with being both sonically contemporary, yet agelessly themselves. // The pair recorded in secret at home and in a small riverside studio outside Bath with friend and engineer Bruno Ellingham. For the first two months, the artist name on the album files was simply TREN (Tracey and Ben), and early takes focused on ambient sound montages and improvised spectral piano loops recorded by Ben on his iPhone at home during his enforced pandemic isolation – ideas which later blossomed into atmospheric tracks such as “When You Mess Up” and “Interior Space.” // Everything But The Girl broke through on the UK indie scene in 1982 with a stark jazz-folk cover of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day.” They then released a string of UK gold albums throughout the 80s, experimenting with jazz, guitar pop, orchestral wall-of-sound and drum-machine soul. After Watt’s near-death experience from a rare auto-immune condition in 1992, the pair returned unbowed with the million-selling ardent folktronica of Amplified Heart in 1994. It includes their biggest hit, “Missing,” after New York DJ-producer Todd Terry’s remix unexpectedly made the leap from heavy club play to global radio success (Number 2 US Hot 100; Number 3 UK Top 40). The sparkling Walking Wounded – emotional songs brimming with ideas from the mid 90s electronic scene – followed in 1996 (Number 4 UK Album Chart). Spawning four UK Top 40 hits, the record became the band’s first platinum selling album. After their final show at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2000, the pair chose to quit Everything But The Girl on a high. // Everything but the Girl is an English musical duo formed in Kingston upon Hull in 1982, consisting of lead singer and occasional guitarist Tracey Thorn and guitarist, keyboardist, producer and singer Ben Watt. The group’s early works have been categorized as sophisti-pop with jazz influences before undergoing an electronic turn following the worldwide success of the 1994 hit single “Missing”. // The duo have accomplished four top ten and twelve top 40 singles in the UK and have received eight gold and two platinum album BPI certifications in the UK as well as one gold album RIAA certification in the US. Their cover of “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” reached number three on the UK Singles Chart in 1988, a feat which would later be matched by “Missing”, which charted high in several countries and reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1995 and spent over seven months on the UK Singles Chart thanks to an extremely popular remix by Todd Terry which later led to a Brit Award nomination for Best British Single. // Their ninth album Walking Wounded (1996) set a new career best by entering the UK albums chart at number four; it spawned the top ten singles “Walking Wounded” and “Wrong”. The band went inactive in 2000, with Thorn declaring that she would no longer perform live. Thorn and Watt, who did not publicise their romantic relationship with each other while active, married in 2009, both released solo albums and said it was unlikely that Everything But the Girl would be active again. // However, in November 2022, Thorn announced that a new album had been recorded for release in spring 2023. Fuse, the band’s first new material in 24 years, will be released on 21 April 2023. // When Thorn and Watt met, they were both attending the University of Hull and both had contracted with the independent record company Cherry Red Records, as solo artists. Thorn was also a member of the trio Marine Girls. The pair each had solo album releases through Cherry Red: Thorn’s 1982 LP was A Distant Shore, an eight-track mini-album. Watt’s 1983 debut LP – the follow-up to his 1982 5-track EP Summer Into Winter featuring Robert Wyatt – was entitled North Marine Drive. // 1985 view of Turners, with the slogan Everything but the Girl. They formed a duo and adopted the name “Everything but the Girl” from the slogan used by the Hull shop Turner’s Furniture on Beverley Road. // EBTG’s debut single, a cover version of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”, was released in June 1982. After steady sales and exposure from a compilation album entitled Pillows & Prayers, the single was re-issued in August 1983. // Their debut album, Eden, was released in the UK in 1984. It reached number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, spending twenty weeks on the chart. It featured the single “Each and Every One”, which reached number 28 on the UK top 40. Thorn wrote in 2016 that her lyric was misunderstood: “Our first single, ‘Each and Every One’, was intended as an angry lyric about being a female musician, patronised and overlooked by male music critics. My band the Marine Girls had attracted several reviews along the lines of ‘not bad for a girl’ and so the opening lines addressed this: ‘If you ever feel the time/To drop me a loving line/Maybe you should just think twice/I don’t wait around on your advice’. It was the instructions of music critics I wasn’t waiting around for, but I wrote it too subtly, and so it was heard as a lovelorn lament, a lonely girl waiting for a letter from a boy.” // In spite of their early history as established independent artists, to newcomers Everything but the Girl was considered part of the jazz/popular music style known as “sophisti-pop”, alongside other British acts like Carmel, Swing Out Sister, Sade, Matt Bianco and The Style Council. Both Watt and Thorn were guest musicians on the Style Council’s Café Bleu album, while EBTG worked with producer Robin Millar and engineers Ben Rogan and Mike Pela—who also collaborated with Sade—on their early albums. Although Eden was released in the UK, a different recording, Everything but the Girl, was released in the United States on the Sire label. The US release contains six tracks from Eden, two UK singles and four alternate tracks. // The 1985 album Love Not Money was their second studio album release, and signalled a move away from jazz and Latin influences to a more traditional electric guitar, bass and drums arrangements. The US edition included two additional songs that were not on the original UK release: a cover version of the Pretenders’ song “Kid” and “Heaven Help Me”. // The next year they released Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, recorded with an orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. They revealed the album’s inspiration by their choices of B-sides for its single releases: songs from Bacharach and Jimmy Webb on the 12″ versions (as well as a cover version of Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces”). The first single from the album was “Come on Home”, followed by “Don’t Leave Me Behind”. // In 1988, EBTG released Idlewild. Blending acoustic instrumentation with sequenced drums and synthesisers, it reached number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, spending fifteen weeks on the chart.[8] A cover version of Danny Whitten’s “I Don’t Want to Talk About It”, previously a success for Rod Stewart, was released as a single shortly afterwards. It reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and was added to the latter issues of the album. Around this time, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions asked Thorn to contribute vocals to the song “Big Snake” on their final studio album Mainstream. // Tommy Lipuma produced the band’s 1990 album The Language of Life, which featured the single “Driving”. “Driving” received heavy rotation on American adult alternative radio. The album featured a host of leading west coast session musicians including Omar Hakim, Joe Sample and Michael Brecker. Stan Getz contributed a tenor sax solo on the song “The Road”. // In 1991, they released the self-produced album Worldwide. It charted at number 29 on the UK Albums Chart. // 1992 saw the release of the acoustic Covers EP. It reached number 13 on the UK top 40. The lead track was “Love Is Strange”. It also included cover versions of Bruce Springsteen’s “Tougher Than the Rest”; Cyndi Lauper’s “Time after Time” and Elvis Costello’s “Alison”. These four tracks were included on the US only album, Acoustic. // In the summer of 1992, the duo was forced to curtail recording and touring for several months when Watt developed Churg–Strauss syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease. Hospitalised for 10 weeks, and enduring several life-saving operations, he subsequently wrote a memoir, Patient, about his near-death ordeal. // In 1993, EBTG released two EPs in the UK. One featured a cover version of Paul Simon’s “The Only Living Boy in New York”. The other spawned a subsequent top ten UK hit, “I Didn’t Know I Was Looking for Love”, for Karen Ramirez. // 1994 saw EBTG release their seventh album, Amplified Heart, a hybrid of folk rock and electronica featuring contributions from guitarist Richard Thompson, double bassist Danny Thompson, drummer Dave Mattacks, and producer/programmer John Coxon. Producer Todd Terry remixed the track “Missing”, and when released as a single, it became an international success. It reached the top ten around the world, including the US, where it peaked at No. 2 in the Billboard Hot 100. // While recording Amplified Heart Thorn and Watt wrote lyrics and music for two tracks – “Protection” and “Better Things” on Massive Attack’s second album Protection. Thorn sang lead vocals on both. The single “Protection” reached number 14 on the UK top 40. The album reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. // Buoyed by the recent successes and out of contract at WEA, EBTG released the self-produced Walking Wounded in 1996 exclusively licensed to Atlantic Records for the United States and Canada and Virgin Records for the Rest of the World. Featuring collaborations with Spring Heel Jack and Howie B it ushered in a new electronic sound for their own work. It charted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and spawned two top ten UK singles – “Walking Wounded” and “Wrong”. Two further singles – “Single” and “Before Today” – reached number 20 and number 25 respectively. // In 1999, the duo followed it up with their ninth and final studio album, Temperamental. It charted at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. // “Self-awareness is a dangerous thing: by about the third or fourth record, people were throwing comparisons at us and you have to be very tough to withstand it. And by the end of the ’90s, we were playing to 5,000 people a night. I’d stand on stage, looking out, thinking, “I don’t want to be this big.” —Ben Watt in 2012, recalled a lacklustre feeling from the late 1990s, during the latter years of EBTG. // Between 2000 and 2022, there were no new recordings from Everything but the Girl. In 2002, 2004 and 2005, the duo curated compilations of their material. The 2004 compilation, Like the Deserts Miss the Rain, was a DVD release that included footage of a 1999 performance at the Forum venue in London, UK, for which John McKenzie and long-time collaborator Martin Ditcham performed alongside the pair as session musicians. // From 1999, Watt concentrated on DJ and production/remix work, finding success as one half of Lazy Dog, with partner Jay Hannan, and collaborating with Beth Orton on her 1999 album Central Reservation and her 2002 album Daybreaker. Watt then proceeded with a new angle on his solo career that included launching the Buzzin’ Fly record label in 2003, and becoming the part-owner-founder of the Neighbourhood and Cherry Jam nightclubs from 2002–2005. Watt released a string of club-oriented productions including the Bright Star EP, with producer Stimming and British singer Julia Biel, on Buzzin’ Fly in 2010. // In 2005, Thorn co-wrote and recorded vocals for the song “Damage”, a collaboration with German band Tiefschwarz that appeared on their Eat Books album. Thorn’s second solo album, Out of the Woods, was then released in 2007, followed by her third solo album, Love and Its Opposite, in 2010. In October 2011, Thorn released a cover version of The xx’s “Night Time”, on which Watt played guitar and sang backing vocals. This was their first recording together in over a decade, although it was not an Everything but the Girl release. // In an April 2011 interview, Thorn was asked whether she would ever work again with Watt as Everything but the Girl. Thorn responded, “Yes, we do keep saying we are nearly ready to maybe do some work together again. There are certain obstacles, some practical, some psychological, that we would need to overcome. But it may well happen.” A collection of Christmas songs, Tinsel and Lights, for which Thorn recorded cover versions of Christmas songs with two new original songs, was released in October 2012 on Buzzin’ Fly’s sister record label Strange Feeling. Watt and the couple’s children provided backing vocals on the original song “Joy”. // In 2012, the band’s first four albums were reissued by Edsel Records as “deluxe” double CDs, with demo recordings and other additional material. At the time, Watt explained that Warner Music Group still maintained control over their back catalogue: “our big fear was that one day we’d wake up and they’d have reissued them, without telling us.”; when the representative from Edsel, a company that specialises in reissued material, made contact, the couple decided that the time was appropriate. Additionally, Thorn stated that the thought of reforming the band and playing live filled her “with cold dread”—upon re-listening to the early EBTG records, Thorn experienced a sense of “Gosh, well, I’m not really that person any more.” // A second tranche of Demon/Edsel reissues, covering the four albums released between 1990 and 1994, was announced in September 2013. According to the EBTG website, “Once again, Ben and Tracey have helped at every stage of the process, sourcing demos, rarities and memorabilia for the releases.” // The band’s final two albums, Walking Wounded and Temperamental were given the deluxe treatment and were reissued by Demon/Edsel on September 4, 2015. // Watt hit the pause button on his record labels and DJ activities to return to his folk-jazz singer-songwriter roots in 2014. His first solo album since 1983, Hendra was released on April 14, 2014. It featured collaborations with Bernard Butler, formerly of the band Suede, Berlin-based producer Ewan Pearson and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. The album won the ‘Best ‘Difficult’ Second Album’ category at the AIM Independent Music Awards 2014. It was included at No 27 in Uncut’s Top 75 Albums of 2014. He followed it up in 2016 with Fever Dream. It continued his relationship with Bernard Butler, and added guest cameos from MC Taylor of North Carolina folk-rock band, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Boston singer-songwriter Marissa Nadler. It received a 9/10 review in Uncut magazine. In a four-star review, The Guardian said: ‘In his early 50s, he is making some of the best music of his career.’ // In addition to solo music projects, both Thorn and Watt have written books. Thorn’s 2013 memoir, Bedsit Disco Queen, covers a significant portion of the history of EBTG as a band. // In July 2017, Everything but the Girl reclaimed the rights to eight of their albums, plus the American rights to Temperamental and Walking Wounded from Warner Music Group; this catalogue will now be distributed through Chrysalis Records under licence from Watt’s Strange Feeling label. // On November 2, 2022, Thorn announced on Twitter that a new Everything but the Girl album had been recorded and would be released in spring 2023. // The first single from their forthcoming album Fuse, “Nothing Left to Lose” premiered on BBC Radio 6 Music on January 10, 2023. Fuse will be released April 21, 2023 and will feature “Nothing Left to Lose” and nine more original songs both electronic and acoustic.]

The Queen Ida Mcbeth

One of Kansas City’s Queens of Jazz and Music was the great Ida McBeth. I first saw her live when I was in college in 1984 in Omaha, Nebraska. That same year, she was named by the Kansas City-based International Jazz Hall of Fame as both “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” and “Entertainer of the Year.” In 1990 Kansas City Mayor Richard Berkeley awarded her a special proclamation designating April 27, 1990 as “Ida McBeth’s 20th Anniversary Day.” And also in 1990, Ida was named as one of Kansas City’s “People of the Year” by Ingram’s Magazine. Most recently, Ida’s outstanding achievements have included performing the national anthem for the presidential nomination of Al Gore at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, Kansas City’s birthday bash at Arrowhead Stadium with Kenny Rogers and Walter Cronkite, as well as performing at the Smithsonian Institute in 2001. Ida was Crowned Queen of the Kansas City, Kansas Blues Street Festival for 2005 and given the key to the city. And she was voted “Best of R&B / Soul” in the Pitch Readers Poll for for both 2004 and 2005.

Critics have described her as “a jazz singer,” “a blues singer,” “a pop singer” and “a cabaret singer.” Still others have referred to her as “a story teller,” “a professor emeritus of body language,” “a consummate actress” and “the complete entertainer.” A song stylist is the title Ida prefers.

The New York Times applauded her “technique, taste and sass… her precise intuition, guts and raw confidence.”

The Kansas City Star wrote: “McBeth can rear back and howl with the best of them, but she comes through most profoundly on her quieter ballads, where you can hear every ripple, catch and inflection in her voice.”

Mrs. Ida Mae McBeth, passed away on March 1, 2023, at 3:00 AM, at her home, after an extended illness. She was 70 years young.

Ida McBeth Celebration of Life & Jam session will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the historic Gem Theatre located at 1615 E 19th Street KCMO in the historic 18th & Vine district.

Ida McBeth Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023, 11:00 am at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church 2310 East Linwood Blvd. KCMO. Interment: Highland Park Cemetery, KCK. Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the church. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel.

All monetary donations can be sent to Ida McBeth Family c/o Wyandotte West P.O. Box 9094, 1310 N. 78th Terrace KC KS 66112- 9498. National Kidney Foundation, 9218 Metcalf Avenue #424, Overland Park, Kansas 66212.

10:09

3. Ida McBeth – “Who is She (And What is She to You)?”
   from: Special Request / Ida McBeth / 1998
   [She is a Kansas City legend! Produced by Ida McBeth. Co-produced by Bill Crain, Wayne Hawkins. Recorded, mixed and mastered at BCR Audio Productions, Kansas City, Engineered by Bill Crain. The musicians: Paul Evans on guitar, Wayne Hawkins on keyboards, Forest Stewart on Electric bass on all tracks except “The Song is You”, Gerald Spait on acoustic bass on “The Song Is You”, John Cushion on drums, Thomas Walker on drums, Kirk Whalum on tenor saxophone, Bill Crain on alto saxophone, Scotty McBee, Stephanie Moore, Lisa Collins and Daphne Mozee on backing vocals. This full length album came out between Ida’s 1992 release, A GIFT OF SONG and her 2006 release, LIVE ON THE VINE, her forth album release. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, by the age of five, Ida knew she wanted to be a singer. Ida McBeth has been a fixture on the Kansas City music scene for more than forty years, getting her first professional job before she even was out of high school. Ida was provided early exposure to a variety of talented vocalists by her mother. These singers included such greats as Nancy Wilson, Arthur Prysock, Nat King Cole, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight and Sarah Vaughan. “Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?” is a track from Bill Withers’ 1972 album, Still Bill. The music was written by Withers along with Stan McKenny, who wrote the lyrics. In 1996, Meshell Ndegeocello recorded the song for her Peace Beyond Passion CD on Madonna’s label Maverick Records. Meshell’s version was her only number one on the US dance charts as a solo artist. Her version also peaked at #34 on the soul chart.]

10:14 – Oleta Adams Plays The Folly Theatre March 11, 2023

Born the same year as Ida McBeth, in 1953, Oleta Adams got her musical start in the church in Yakima, Washington, which is sometimes shown as her place of birth. Before gaining her opportunity to perform, Adams faced a great deal of rejection. Like Ida McBeth, on the 1970s, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where Oleta recorded a demo tape. However, many music executives were exclusively interested in disco music rather than Adams’ preferred style. With the advice of her singing coach, Lee Farrell, Adams moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she did a variety of local gigs. She started her career in the early 1980s with two self-financed albums, which had limited success. In 1985, Adams was discovered by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, founders of the English band Tears for Fears, while she was performing in the Peppercorn Duck Club at the Hyatt Hotel in Kansas City, while they were on a US tour. 1987, Orzabal and Smith invited her to join their band as a singer and pianist on their next album, The Seeds of Love. In 1989, the album was released and the single “Woman in Chains”, sung as a duet by Adams and Orzabal became her first hit song. Adams embarked on a world tour with Tears For Fears in 1990, performing by herself as the supporting artist at the start of each show, and remaining onstage throughout the Tears For Fears set where she would provide piano and vocals. // Following her work with Tears For Fears, Adams was offered a recording contract by their label, Fontana Records, and restarted her solo career in 1990. After meeting a number of producers, she worked with Orzabal, who co-produced her new album, Circle of One. The album received acclaim, and eventually peaked at No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart in 1991, after she scored her biggest hit to date with a Grammy nominated cover of Brenda Russell‘s “Get Here”. The song reached the UK and US top 5 and became popular during the 1991 Gulf War conflict, as families of deployed troops in the region embraced the tune as a theme song. In 1994, Adams married drummer John Cushon at a United Methodist church in Kansas City, where they both taught Sunday School. They met in 1980 while working on a demo tape for Adams. Adams stated that she never had a passion to get married but on January 17, 1994 she and Cushon were involved in the Los Angeles earthquake. Adams referred to this as a sign from God that she was ready to get married. Oleta Adams husband John Cushon played drims in Ida McBeth’s album SPECIAL REQUEST.

Oleta Adams plays The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Saturday, March 11, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org

10:15

6. Oleta Adams – “Rhythm of Life”
   from: Circle of One / Island Def Jam / January 1, 1990
   [Oleta Adams (born May 4, 1953) is an American singer and pianist. She found limited success during the early 1980s, before gaining fame via her contributions to Tears for Fears’s international chart-topping album The Seeds of Love (1989). Her albums Circle of One (1991) and Evolution (1993) were top 10 hits in the UK; the former yielded a Grammy-nominated cover of Brenda Russell’s “Get Here”, which was a top 5 hit in both the UK and the US. Adams has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, as well as two Soul Train Music Awards. // Circle of One is the third album by American vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Oleta Adams and was released in 1990. Circle of One was Adams’ first album to receive wide distribution; her two earlier albums (an untitled album in 1982 and Going on Record in 1983) were self-financed and received only local distribution. // After a successful collaboration with Tears for Fears on their 1989 album The Seeds of Love, Adams was offered a record deal of her own with Tears for Fears then-label Fontana Records. Produced by Tears for Fears’ Roland Orzabal with Dave Bascombe, the album was initially unsuccessful as were the first two singles “Rhythm of Life” and “Circle of One”. However, Adams had a hit in early 1991 with the third single from the album, her cover of Brenda Russell’s “Get Here,” which peaked at #4 in the UK Singles Chart and #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album, which had received considerable critical acclaim, was re-released with two additional tracks and peaked at #1 in the UK Albums Chart and made the Top 20 of the US Billboard 200. It was certified Gold in both the UK and the US and received two Grammy nominations. // Adams was born the daughter of a preacher and was raised listening to gospel music. In her youth, her family moved to Yakima, Washington, which is sometimes shown as her place of birth. She got her musical start in the church. // Before gaining her opportunity to perform, Adams faced a great deal of rejection. In the 1970s, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she recorded a demo tape. However, many music executives were exclusively interested in disco music rather than Adams’ preferred style.// With the advice of her singing coach, Lee Farrell, Adams moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she did a variety of local gigs. She started her career in the early 1980s with two self-financed albums, which had limited success. // Oleta Adams sang the National Anthem prior to Game Two of the 1984 American League Championship Series. // In 1985, Adams was discovered by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, founders of the English band Tears for Fears, while she was performing in the Peppercorn Duck Club at the Hyatt Hotel in Kansas City, while they were on a US tour. Soon after, Adams stopped performing in hotels and had started to look for alternative employment. In 1987, Orzabal and Smith contacted her to invite her to join their band as a singer and pianist on their next album, The Seeds of Love. A year later she participated in two sessions while she toured the Nordic countries. // In 1989, the album was released and the single “Woman in Chains”, sung as a duet by Adams and Orzabal and with Phil Collins on drums, became her first hit. Adams embarked on a world tour with Tears For Fears in 1990, performing by herself as the supporting artist at the start of each show, and remaining onstage throughout the Tears For Fears set where she would provide piano and vocals. // Following her work with Tears For Fears, Adams was offered a recording contract by their label, Fontana Records, and restarted her solo career in 1990. After meeting a number of producers, she worked with Orzabal, who co-produced her new album, Circle of One. The album received acclaim, and eventually peaked at No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart in 1991, after she scored her biggest hit to date with a Grammy nominated cover of Brenda Russell’s “Get Here”. The song reached the UK and US top 5 and became popular during the 1991 Gulf War conflict, as families of deployed troops in the region embraced the tune as a theme song. 1991 also saw Adams sign to independent music publisher Fairwood Music, and contribute to the Elton John/Bernie Taupin tribute album Two Rooms, on which appeared her version of John’s 1974 hit “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me”. Adams’ version became another top 40 hit in the UK. // Her next album, Evolution (1993), was also a commercial success, making the UK top 10. It also featured her self-penned adult contemporary single “Window of Hope”. Her 1995 release, Moving On, saw Adams move more in the direction of R&B, and she also reunited with Roland Orzabal for the duet “Me and My Big Ideas”, on the Tears For Fears album, Raoul and the Kings of Spain, the same year. Two years later, she released the Christian themed album Come Walk with Me, where she received a nomination for a Grammy Award for “Holy Is the Lamb” in 1997. // In 1998, she toured as a guest vocalist on Phil Collins’s Big Band Jazz Tour. // In 2001, Adams released her sixth album, All the Love, a return to an R&B/Adult contemporary sound. The album was re-released in 2004 in Germany with a different title I Can’t Live a Day without You. //In 2004, Adams reunited with Tears for Fears once again as she made a surprise guest appearance onstage at their Kansas City concert, performing “Woman in Chains”. // On October 3, 2006, Adams released her first Christmas album, entitled Christmas Time with Oleta. // On April 21, 2009, Adams released her eighth album entitled Let’s Stay Here. // On February 10, 2017, Adams released her ninth album, her first album in eight years, entitled Third Set. // In 1994, Adams married drummer John Cushon at a United Methodist church in Kansas City, where they both taught Sunday School. They met in 1980 while working on a demo tape for Adams. Adams stated that she never had a passion to get married but on January 17, 1994 she and Cushon were involved in the Los Angeles earthquake. Adams referred to this as a sign from God that she was ready to get married.]

[Oleta Adams plays The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Saturday, March 11, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]

10:22

5. Catty Cline – “Leading You”
   from: Leading You – Single / Manor Records / February 28, 2023
   [Catty Cline is singer/songwriter Anna Redmond, who was originally based out of Springfield, MO, and is now based in Kansas City. She has previously performed in Upkeep, her earliest project (with Spencer Pearson), and Buckle Up Baby (with Addie McKenzie and others). She has also self-released a few singles on bandcamp under her name. Influenced by a mix of slower bedroom-pop, alt-pop, neo-folk, and 90’s girl punk, she hopes that her music reflects her true character. Catty Cline released the 6-track EP SCRATCH on September 24, 2021 through Manor Records. More information at: http://www.manorrecords.com]

6. The Salvation Choir – “Tafakarini (Radio Edit)”
   from: Tafakarini / The Salvation Choir / February 8, 2023
   [This single release contains 3 versions of Tafakarini: Tafararini (Live in Kansas City, full version) 09:36 / Tafakarini (Radio edit) 05:04 / and Utukuzwe (Bonus track, lo-fi phone demo) 03:31 video . The Salvation Choir is a Congolese Rumba band from Congo and Tanzania based in Kansas City, Missouri. The are over 20 members in the choir and the choir masters are Jeune Premier Silambien and Pastor John Wilondja. “Tafakarini” was recorded live in our front yard in Kansas City, Missouri in April 2022. It was recorded and mixed by Danny Bowersox and Tyler Bachert. “Utukuzwe” is a lo-fi demo of our song that was featured on Dust To Digital. Recorded on a cassette tape and cell phone by Pastor John Wilondja in 2021. // The Salvation Choir are planning to record in the studio in 2023. More info at: www:thesalvationchoir.com

[The Salvation Choir will play at Boulevardia Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Crown Center.]

10:31 – Underwriting

7. Paris Williams – “Wake Up! (Radio Edit)”
   from: REBEL HEART / Bitter Sweet Sound / January 31, 2023
   [Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school.Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

10:36 – Interview with Paris Williams

Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi.

Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school.

Paris Williams, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Congratulations on the new EP, REBEL HEART released January 31, 2023.

The EP is a beautiful demonstration of what Paris writes about in his bio, his “DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility.”

Releasing music through his own bedroom pop label Bitter Sweet Sound.

Paris Williams is from Muskegon, Michigan he moved to Kansas City to find more of a community of musical artists. He is also good friends with members of the Blackstarkids.

“LONDON, TOKYO” features the vocals of Sam Wells.

10:45

8. Paris Williams – “LONDON, TOKYO (feat. Sam Wells)” (Radio Edit)”
   from: REBEL HEART / Bitter Sweet Sound / January 31, 2023
   [Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

10:48 – More Interview with Paris Williams

We are talking with Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet.” Williams Premiered in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris just recently release his new EP REBEL HEART

Paris Williams, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Congratulations on the new EP, REBEL HEART released January 31, 2023.

About “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” Shuttlecock Music Magazine wrote: “Co-produced by Williams, Bloom Allen, and Internet Brad, the track features a sublime mixture of bright, inviting rhymes and the type of nocturnal rhythms you can do schoolwork to, or whatever that YouTube stream is. The single is backed by another track called “As Of Late,” which Williams accurately described at a recent show as (paraphrasing) ‘two minutes of straight bars.’

Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi.

Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music.

This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018.

Paris Williams was searching for other musical artists who came from Muskegon, Michigan, that was when he learned more, and then also wrote a song called “Iggy Pop.”

Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school.

Paris Williams, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Paris just recently release his new EP REBEL HEART on January 31, 2023

More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis

10:57

9. Paris Williams – “Sunsets & Solariums (Radio Edit)”
   from: REBEL HEART / Bitter Sweet Sounds / January 31, 2023
   [Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school.Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis

11:00 – Station ID

0. Get Smart! – “Just For The Moment”
   from: Action Reaction / Fever Records – Enigma / 1984
   [Debut album by American Post-punk band Get Smart!, released on Enigma Records’ “Fever” imprint in 1984. / It was originally announced, in Nebraska’s “Capitol Punishment”, that the album would be released on the “Fresh Sounds” label, which had previously released the band’s debut single and the “Fresh Sounds” cassette, but the band eventually signed with the Philadelphia based “Fever Records” / The album was originally recorded by Michael McGee and produced by Taylor Ross at Media Sound in Oklahoma City. Ross then recruited Iain Burgess to remix the album for release at Chicago Recording Company in Chicago. // An earlier version of “Ankle Deep In Mud” had appeared on their debut single, “Numbers and Colours”, and an earlier version of “Black Mirror” has appeared on the “Sub Pop #7” compilation cassette. // All songs were written by the band, except for “Ankle Deep In Mud” which was written by Vance Lyons, and “Black Mirror” where the lyrics were written by Vance Lyons and the music was written by Get Smart!. (Vance Lyons had played with Marc Koch in a previous band called the Battling Tops.) // Side 1 and Side 2 were originally supposed to be reversed, as the album was supposed to start with “On And On” and then end with “You’ve Got To Stop” (i.e. it would start with “On” and end with “Stop”), but for some unknown reason this was reversed in the final product. // Get Smart! formed in Lawrence, KS in 1980. The group helped to solidify Lawrence as an alternative music hotbed and toured extensively, performing 300 shows in six years. They released a flexi-disc and Words Move, a 4-track EP in 1981. In 1983 they relocated to Chicago. Their first LP, “Action Reaction” was released in 1984. The band’s second LP, “Swimming With Sharks” was released in 1986. During seven years of relentless touring, Get Smart! earned a national reputation for intense live shows and edged their way onto college radio playlists with their first two LPs, Action Reaction (1984) and Swimming With Sharks (1986). In January, 1987, the band began work on their third album with seminal recording engineer, Iain Burgess. In 1990 Get Smart! Disbanded. These recordings were archived for 33 years until Get Smart! reformed in 2020 and released the album OH YEAH NO on November 17, 2020 with the aim of matching their live sound, the band commissioned Steve Albini to craft the final mixes with them. These six songs prove that the tension and inspiration shown on their first LPs was no idle promise. Get Smart! played a special Reunion Show, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS with Pedaljets, Other Geese, Boy Soprano, and DJ Ray Velasquez. More info at: http://www.getsmartmusic.com]

[Get Smart play the KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated]

11. The Bad Ideas – “Im Stuck”
    from: Red Kate & The Bad Ideas – Split 7″ / Mills Record Company / May 31, 2013
    [The Bad Ideas are: Britt Adair on guitar, Breaka Dawn on vocals, Matt Roberts on bass, and Way Jillis on drums. The Bad Ideas is an American punk band from Kansas City, Missouri formed in August 2011. They’ve written all original songs and are influenced by post-hardcore, punk, and early 80’s punk. Their EP, Worse Thoughts, was recorded on January 22, 2012 and released March, 2012. TheEP was one of WMM’s Best Recordings of 2012 Their first self-produced full length album, Lesson #1 was released March 8, 2013. The Bad Ideas also released a 7″ split with Red Kate on March 31, 2014 on vinyl. The band released a full length cassette, “Leave Me Alone” on June 6, 2015. The Bad Ideas released their album Happiness on March 30, 2019. Britt Adair was our guest on WMM on March 6, 2019.]

[The Bad Ideas play the KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Get Smart!, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s);; and Irradiated]

11:03 – Interview with Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kurt Witt, and Frank Loose Jr.

Aaron Rhodes is a Kansas City music journalist and the editor-in-chief of Shuttlecock Music Magazine. He’s also had bylines in Rolling Stone, The Pitch, and 90.9 The Bridge’s blog and has had his photos featured in Maximum Rocknroll and No Echo. Rhodes also is currently in charge of booking and promotions at Stadium Drive’s Farewell Cafe and Howdy art space.

Aaron Rhodes welcome back to WMM.

Patrick W. Sumner is a social and political activist in Metropolitan Kansas City.
While a youth in Kansas City, Missouri, Sumner was involved in the punk rock music scene. He attended Penn Valley Community College, as well as the University of Kansas where he earned a degree in American Studies with an emphasis on Great Plains culture in 1997. He and his brother, Brandon, produced several award winning documentaries including an exploration of alleyways in Rear Entry, and Civil War on Wheels, which explores the world of demolition derby. Sumner taught social studies and African American history at Central High School in the early 2000s. Sumner has been an advocate and leader in a wide variety of reform issues in areas such as education, prisons and community building. He was a member of the Kansas City chapter of the NAACP and a representative for the Volker Neighborhood Association, among other various organizations and movements.

Patrick W. Sumner welcome back to WMM.

Frank Loose Jr. is one of the founding members of Get Smart! is a three-piece post-punk band formed in 1980 with Marcus Koch, Lisa Wertman Crowe and Frank Loose while at University of Kansas in 1980 and, along with bands like the Embarrassment, and the Mortal Micronotz, they were prominent in the alternative music scene in Lawrence. They released their first record in 1981, which was a flexi disc released with “Talk Talk” magazine. This was followed by a self-released 4-track EP called Words Move. In 1982 they relocated to Chicago, Illinois and were signed to Fever Records label (an independent label in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and released their first album, Action Reaction in 1984. Their second album, Swimming with Sharks, was released in 1986 on Enigma Records’ “Restless Records” imprint. The band re-united in 2020 and released the EP, OH YEAH NO on November 17, 2020 with the aim of matching their live sound, the band commissioned Steve Albini to craft the final mixes with them. These six songs prove that the tension and inspiration shown on their first LPs was no idle promise. Get Smart! played a special Reunion Show, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at The Bottleneck.

Frank Loose Jr. Thank you for being with us on WMM.

Kurt Witt os a Kansas City Punk Rock Pioneer. Kurt was an original member of the band Orange Doe-Nuts (O.D.) who were formed out of the band Open Defiance (O.D.) in December of 1983. They were a Punk band from Kansas City. The band’s members were Larry Kenski, Kurt Witt, Donny Byrom, Mark Biemuller & Mike Sims. Kurt Witt, along with Donny Byrom and Paul were also in the band Choke.

Kurt Witt, Thank you for being with us on WMM.

Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kirt Witt, and Frank Loose Jr. join us to share details about the KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Doors at 7:00 PM, Show starts at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO. with Get Smart!, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated.

Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kurt Witt, and Frank Loose Jr. Thank you for being with us on WMM

The KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Doors at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO. with Get Smart!, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated.

This night of vintage and contemporary perspectives on a musical DIY art form that took rock back from the big labels and arenas and put it back into garages, basements, empty storefronts and old industrial spaces that revolutionized Rock & Roll and inspired a multi-generational subculture that has informed fashion and popular culture around the globe.

Bent Edge KC Punk, Farewell KCMO, and Shuttlecock Music Magazine present a KC PUNK SHINDIG—a night of vintage and contemporary perspectives on a musical DIY art form that took rock back from the big labels and arenas and put it back into garages, basements, empty storefronts and old industrial spaces that revolutionized Rock & Roll and inspired a multi-generational subculture that has informed fashion and popular culture around the globe.

Featuring Get Smart!, one of Lawrence and KC’s earliest punk groups; the band that saved KC punk, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); KC’s raw and talented The Bad Ideas; and new and younger Kansas City based punk band Irradiated.

Orange Doe-Nuts (O.D.) were formed out of the band Open Defiance (O.D.) in December of 1983. They were a Punk band from Kansas City. The band’s members were Larry Kenski (vocals), Kurt Witt (guitar), Donny Byrom (guitar), Mark Biemuller (bass) & Mike Sims (drums).

Donny Byrom, Kurt Witt, and Paul had all been in the band Choke.

The O.D.’s would eventually add Mike on drums who played in the Columbia, Missouri band Causes of Tragedy..

The O.D.’s Cover art by Doug Easterwood & inner sleeve designed by ‘Mott-ly’ of the Kansas City punk band ‘Mudhead’.

Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kurt Witt and Frank Loose Jr. stay with us.

Here is a rare recording of Orange Doe-Nuts doing their “O.D. Theme.”

Kurt Witt, “That’s a nice instrumental.”

11:13

12. Orange Doe-Nuts – “O.D. Theme”
    from: Back at the Ranch / Fresh Sounds / 1984
    [Kansas City hardcore punk band formed out of the band Open Defiance (O.D.) with members being; Larry Kenski (vocals), Kurt Witt (guitar), Donny Byrom (guitar), Mark Biemuller (bass) & Mike Sims (drums). Don, Kurt & Paul later formed the band Choke. Cover art by Doug Easterwood & inner sleeve designed by ‘Mott-ly’ of the Kansas City punk band Mudhead.]

[Orange Doe-Nuts play the KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Get Smart; The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated]

13. Get Smart! – “Every Road You Go Down”
    rom: Swimming With Sharks / Restless Records – Enigma / 1986
    [Marc Koch on vocals & guitar; Lisa Wertman Crowe on vocals & bass; and Frank Loose on vocals & drums. Swimming With Sharks is the second album by Get Smart!, released on Enigma Records’ “Restless” imprint in 1986. Live versions of “Back Into The Future” and “World Without End”, recorded at CBGB, had previously been released as a single. “Gold To Rust” was released in Spain as a split single, coupled with “Home” by Gone Fishin’ (from their Can’t Get Lost When You’re Goin’ Nowhere album) by Enigma Europe. The album was produced by Iain Burgess at Chicago Recording Company in Chicago in 1985. All songs were written collectively by the band. // “Swimming With Sharks” finds Get Smart! progressing along nicely. The trio speedily works its multifarious way through ten songs in various idioms, offering sketchy poetic lyrics along the way. They’re still rough around the edges — drummer Frank Loose gets stuck in patterns that limit songs’ appeal — and neither bassist Lisa Wertman nor guitarist Marc Koch is that great a singer, but workable ideas and cool sounds bubble up regularly enough to make Swimming With Sharks a safe and rewarding experience.” (Ira Robbins, Trouser Press, 1986) // Get Smart! formed in Lawrence, KS in 1980. The group helped to solidify Lawrence as an alternative music hotbed and toured extensively, performing 300 shows in six years. They released a flexi-disc and Words Move, a 4-track EP in 1981. In 1983 they relocated to Chicago. Their first LP, “Action Reaction” was released in 1984. The band’s second LP, “Swimming With Sharks” was released in 1986. During seven years of relentless touring, Get Smart! earned a national reputation for intense live shows and edged their way onto college radio playlists with their first two LPs, Action Reaction (1984) and Swimming With Sharks (1986). In January, 1987, the band began work on their third album with seminal recording engineer, Iain Burgess. In 1990 Get Smart! Disbanded. These recordings were archived for 33 years until Get Smart! reformed in 2020 and released the album OH YEAH NO on November 17, 2020 with the aim of matching their live sound, the band commissioned Steve Albini to craft the final mixes with them. These six songs prove that the tension and inspiration shown on their first LPs was no idle promise. Get Smart! played a special Reunion Show, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS with Pedaljets, Other Geese, Boy Soprano, and DJ Ray Velasquez. More info at: http://www.getsmartmusic.com]

[Get Smart play the KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated]

11:18 – More Interview with Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kurt Witt & Frank Loose Jr.

We are talking with Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kurtt Witt, and Frank Loose Jr. about The KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Doors at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO. with Get Smart!, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated.

“Every Road You Go Down,” from the Get Smart!’s 2nd LP, Swimming With Sharks, with Frank Loose Jr. singing lead.

Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kurt Witt, & Frank Loose Jr. Thank you for being with us on WMM

Bent Edge KC Punk, Farewell KCMO, and Shuttlecock Music Magazine present a KC PUNK SHINDIG—a night of vintage and contemporary perspectives on a musical DIY art form that took rock back from the big labels and arenas and put it back into garages, basements, empty storefronts and old industrial spaces that revolutionized Rock & Roll and inspired a multi-generational subculture that has informed fashion and popular culture around the globe.

Get Smart! is a three-piece post-punk band formed in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1980 consisting of Marcus Koch, Lisa Wertman Crowe and Frank Loose. The band released 2 studio albums along with some singles and EPs over a 10-year career. The band re-united in 2020. //

The band formed while at University of Kansas in 1980 and, along with bands like the Embarrassment, and the Mortal Micronotz, they were prominent in the alternative music scene in Lawrence. They released their first record in 1981, which was a flexi disc released with “Talk Talk” magazine. This was followed by a self-released 4-track EP called Words Move. They had 5 songs on the four band split cassette, released by Fresh Sounds Records, called Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) (the four bands being Get Smart!, the Embarrassment, the Yard Apes and the Mortal Micronotz).

In 1982 they relocated to Chicago, Illinois. The group were signed by Colin Camerer to his Fever Records label (an independent label in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and released their first album, Action Reaction in 1984. Their second album, Swimming with Sharks, was released in 1986 on Enigma Records’ “Restless Records” imprint.

The band received considerable coverage in Nebraska’s Capitol Punishment fanzine.

In 1987 Bob Lara, from the band Reaction, was added as a second guitarist. Shortly afterwards, Frank Loose left the band. He was originally replaced in 1988 by Ric Menck. Menck only stayed with the band for a short time. He was replaced by Jay Sebastian (aka “Redd Klaats”). Sebastian left the band after about a year, at which they continued as an acoustic trio until they disbanded in 1990.

After Get Smart! Lisa Wertman continued performing with Bob Lara as “The Lisa and Bob Show” for about a year. Then she joined the band Dolly Varden as a founding member. Later she would perform with the Nora O’Connor Band, the Honeybees and Jeanie B and the Jelly Beans, and now plays in Damaged Gods, a Gang of Four tribute. Marcus Koch moved back to Lawrence and currently plays in the country band “Cryin’ Out Loud”. Bob Lara has played in many local Chicago bands and has participated in several re-unions of his old band “Reaction”. Ric Menck went on to form Velvet Crush. Jay Sebastian went on to form the “Twang Bang” duo.

The band reunited with the original line-up, for a 40th anniversary show, on November 6, 2021.

Band members:
Marcus Koch – guitar, lead vocals (1980–1990, 2020)
Lisa Wertman Crowe – bass, lead vocals (1980–1990, 2020)
Frank Loose – drums, lead vocals (1980–1987, 2020)

Past members
Ric Menck – drums (1988)
Jay Sebastian (aka “Redd Klaats”) – drums (1988–1989)
Bob Lara – guitar, vocals (1988–1990)

Discography
Frank Loose, Lisa Wertman Crowe and Marcus Koch circa 1980, Lawrence, KS

Singles and EPs
“Numbers and Colours” / “Ankle Deep In Mud” (1981 flexi, Fresh Sounds) (with “Talk Talk” magazine, 1981-05-13)
Words Move (4 song EP, Syntax, 1981-12-08)
Fresh Sounds from Middle America (vol 1) (split/cassette, Fresh Sounds, 1981-12-12)
“Back Into The Future” / “World Without End” (1985 live, Fever/Enigma)
“Gold To Rust” (1987 45, Enigma Europe)
“Oh Yeah No” (6 song EP, Capitol Punishment, 2020-11-17)

Albums
Get Smart! (1981, 11 song demo tape)
Action Reaction (1984, 12 song LP, Fever/Enigma)
Swimming with Sharks (1986, 10 song LP, Restless/Enigma)
Compilation appearances[edit]
Inspiration Series No. 1 (German cassette) – included “On And On” (different version)
Sub Pop No. 5 – included “Eat, Sleep A Go-Go” (from the “Words Move” EP)
Sub Pop No. 7 – included “Black Mirror” (different version)
Enigma Variations – included “Just For The Moment” (from Action Reaction)
Restless Variations – included “Back Into The Future” (from Swimming with Sharks)
Heat From The Wind Chill Factory — included “What It Is We Fear” (acoustic version)

Frank Loose
Get Smart!
Contact: Frank Loose, frankloosejr@gmail.com
321-262-2049
Website: GetSmartMusic.com
Music: getsmart.bandcamp.com
Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @GetSmartBand

Aaron Rhodes
Owner/Editor-in-chief
http://www.shuttlecockmusic.com
Websites/socials: http://www.shuttlecockmusic.com, @ShuttlecockMag (IG, Twitter), @FarewellCafe (Twitter), @FarewellKCMO (IG), @HowdyKCMO (IG, Twitter), @IntroFreeMind – personal page (IG, Twitter).

Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Kurt Witt and Frank Loose Jr. Thank you for being with us on WMM

The KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Doors at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO. with Get Smart!, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated.

11:28

14. The Bad Ideas – “Apocalypse Detroit”
    from: Red Kate & The Bad Ideas – Split 7″ / Mills Record Company / May 31, 2013
    [The Bad Ideas are: Britt Adair on guitar, Breaka Dawn on vocals, Matt Roberts on bass, and Way Jillis on drums. The Bad Ideas is an American punk band from Kansas City, Missouri formed in August 2011. They’ve written all original songs and are influenced by post-hardcore, punk, and early 80’s punk. Their EP, Worse Thoughts, was recorded on January 22, 2012 and released March, 2012. TheEP was one of WMM’s Best Recordings of 2012 Their first self-produced full length album, Lesson #1 was released March 8, 2013. The Bad Ideas also released a 7″ split with Red Kate on March 31, 2014 on vinyl. The band released a full length cassette, “Leave Me Alone” on June 6, 2015. The Bad Ideas released their album Happiness on March 30, 2019. Britt Adair was our guest on WMM on March 6, 2019.]

[The Bad Ideas play the KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Get Smart!, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); The Bad Ideas; and Irradiated]

11:30 – Underwriting

15. Ivory Blue – “Starlit Love Child”
    from: “Starlit Live Child’ – Single / Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing / October 28, 2022
    [Ivory Blue released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE Ivory served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library., and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families. before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying them Ivory KC, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and got much attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. Ivory Blue released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. Ivory Blue released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D

[IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS.]

11:35 – Interview with Ivory Blue

IVORY BLUE join us to share details about their upcoming show when IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS. IVORY BLUE most recently released the new single & video, “Starlit Love Child” on October 28, 2022, from their forthcoming 2023 album. IVORY BLUE started writing music at a very young age, creating their unique alt-rock sound, using a tape recorder to superimpose sounds that added to a song production. After starting performances in coffee shops and small venues, they began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, IVORY BLUE settled in KC. On July 29th, 2022, and after studying the craft of recording and self- producing, this amazing singer-songwriter with a passionate love for everyone struggling through life, released their first full length album, COMPOUND LOVE. This was followed by their single, “Red Light” and now “Starlit Love Child.” More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on WMM.

IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS.

IVORY BLUE‘s single “Starlit Love Child came after the release of Ivory’s debut full-length album, COMPOUND LOVE released on February 25, 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE Ivory served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering.More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com

COMPOUND LOVE, released February 25. 2022 was in the TOP TEN of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022.

IVORY BLUE lived a nomadic existence until settling in Kansas City MO and becoming part of the local musical community. After winning a nationwide talent contest in 2017 Ivory Blue started having success with some national and international radio play which continues today.

Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families. before running away at 15.

Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying them Ivory KC, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics.

By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and got much attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017.

Ivory entered NeXt2Rock, a nationwide talent search with over 1800 artists/bands who applied to find fresh and promising rock artists.

The top 5 national bands battled it off for the win in Los Angeles CA at the legendary Viper Room, with judges Scott Borchetta (BMLG), John Varvatos (fashion designer), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols Guitarist and Host of “Jonesy’s Jukebox”), Desmond Child (Musician, producer), Chris Lord-Alge (producer), Ivory Blue won over the judges and became the grand prize winner! Ivory

Ivory won the contest and a one-year record deal with BMLG who re-released the song Ready Get Set from the 2015 EP. Ivory’s 2018 re-release of ‘Ready Get Set’ undauntedly received National and International airplay within weeks.

NeXt2Rock Judges Comments about Ivory Blue:

“You got star quality and a lot of potential” by Steve Jones (Sex Pistols Guitarist and Host of “Jonesy’s Jukebox” on KLOS (95.5) Los Angeles, CA, USA)

“Giving us the diamond in the rough we can only dream of, the foundation that’s built underneath it, that’s what music is made from. by Chris Lord-Alge (Engineer/Mixer).

“I love everything about you, you sing what you live, you’re fantastic” by Desmond Child (Musician \ Songwriter and Producer).

“We’ve been waiting for the WOW, and you are the WOW”, “You’re a true artist” by John Varvatos (Fashion Designer and Record Label Head)

“You exude artistry from the minute you step on that stage” by Scott Borchetta – Big Machine Label Group president and CEO.

“There’s something special about you”, “You’re a true artist” by Gavin Rossdale (British musician, singer, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band BUSH).

Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium.

11:42

16. Ivory Blue – “Red Light”
    from: “Red Light” – Single / Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing / October 28, 2022
    [Ivory Blue released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE Ivory served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library., and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families. before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying them Ivory KC, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and got much attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. Ivory Blue released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. Ivory Blue released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D

[IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS.]

11:45 – More Interview with Ivory Blue

IVORY BLUE started writing music at a very young age, creating their unique alt-rock sound, using a tape recorder to superimpose sounds that added to a song production. After starting performances in coffee shops and small venues, they began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, IVORY BLUE settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting a following for their strong vocals and deeply personal lyrics. On July 29th, 2022, and after studying the craft of recording and self- producing, this amazing singer-songwriter with a passionate love for everyone struggling through life, released their first full length album, COMPOUND LOVE. This was followed by their single, “Red Light” and “Starlit Love Child.”

IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS.

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Ivory Blue has been busy in the studio putting together new music for upcoming releases after the spring 2022 release of their debut full length album COMPOUND LOVE. In 2020 Ivory released the singles “Elite Dreamland,” (Feb. 17, 2021), “Half a Life” (Sept. 20, 2021), and “Family Tables” on September 7, 2021.

In February 2020 and after studying the craft of recording and self-producing, this amazing singer-songwriter with soaring vocals, passionate love for everyone struggling through life, released ‘Elite Dreamland’. There are no words to describe the incredible artistry behind this song. a single that hits your heart about understanding how it feels to be misunderstood in a world of people that seem to know what they are doing.

IVORY BLUE produces all the tracks with the exception of Drums and Bass. Ivory is currently working with Lester Estelle (Drummer for Kelly Clarkson), Craig Kew (Bass) KC, Kurt Festge (Mastering | Citizen Kane & Violent Femmes) NC. and Nick Poortman (LA based Los Angeles based Producer, Engineer, Mixer, and Songwriter) Nick has worked alongside producers including Justin Gray, Gil Norton, Big Tank, and Greg Haver on sessions throughout the USA, UK, Europe, and New Zealand.

Ivory Blue released the video of ‘FAMILY TABLES’ on August 21, 2021 and the track was released on September 7, 2021. Ivory Blue is currently finishing the first full length CD/Album ‘Compound Love’ to be released in 2021 as well as the Red Light EP for 2022.

“Family Tables” hit #1 on Banks Radio in Australia the first week of the release. 23 countries have listed on Ivory’s Spotify reports and that after just 1 week released.

https://www.ivorybluemusic.com/post/article-links-on-family-tables
https://www.ionindiemagazine.com

Ivory Blue has been on the WMM 15 times since 2015.

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on WMM.

IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS.

More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.co

11:54

17. Ivory Blue – “Family Table”
    from: “Compound Love / Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing / February 25, 2022
    [Ivory Blue released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE Ivory served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library., and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families. before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying them Ivory KC, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and got much attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. Ivory Blue released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. Ivory Blue released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D
    [IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS.]

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

Big THANK YOU to all of our wonderful listeners and friends who generously and thoughtfully donated to support KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City Community Radio during our Wednesday MidDay Medley broadcast today! Through the airwaves, and through social media, a total of 55 people donated a total of $3149.00 to allow us to continue our mission. THANK YOU to my incredible co-hosts: Betse Ellis & Marion Merritt, and special guest J Kelly Dougherty, and very special guest Hermon Mehari for sharing your brilliance with our listeners. Thank you to Scott Bunte, Lincoln Dreher and Darryl Oliver for taking our donations over the phones.

Next week on March 15, WMM plays more New & MidCoastal Releases PLUS we talk with Gayle Price about her band Pure Sweetness. We welcome Malek Azreal and his band Malek and The Vibez!, and we talk with songwriters and performers Paul Jesse and Deegan Poores

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

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

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

Show #984

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, March 8, 2023

PARIS WILLIAMS + The KC PUNK SHINDIG + IVORY BLUE

Mark Spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Salvation Choir, Paris Williams, Catty Cline, Ida McBeth, IVORY BLUE, Oleta Adams, The Bad Ideas, Get Smart, Orange Doe-Nuts, and Everything But The Girl.

At 10:30 we talk with Paris Williams live in our 90.1 FM Studios about his new EP, REBEL HEART released on January 31, 2023 on Bitter Sweet Sounds. Paris Williams is a Rapper/Producer originally from Muskegon, MI. Previously Paris Williams released the single, Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky” on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis

At 11:00 AM Mark talks with Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, and Frank Loose Jr. about the KC PUNK SHINDIG – From VFW to Farewell, 1983 – 2023 presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock, on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Doors at 7:00 PM, Show starts at 8:00 PM, at FAREWELL, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO. This night of vintage and contemporary perspectives on a musical DIY art form that took rock back from the big labels and arenas and put it back into garages, basements, empty storefronts and old industrial spaces that revolutionized Rock & Roll and inspired a multi-generational subculture that has informed fashion and popular culture around the globe. Featuring Get Smart!, one of Lawrence and KC’s earliest punk groups; the band that saved KC punk, Orange Doe-Nuts (OD’s); KC’s raw and talented The Bad Ideas; and new and younger Kansas City based punk band Irradiated.

At 11:30 we welcome back to the show, IVORY BLUE who released their debut full length album, COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. In 2022 IVORY BLUE signed a publishing deal with Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing of Atlanta GA on August 18, 2021. This company is managing Ivory and handling all of their publishing. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist, and played all instruments, with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, IVORY BLUE plays a ULAH Live Session, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM ay ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic

Everything But The Girl photo by Robert Cheesmond (1983)

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

Show #984

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, March 1, 2023

Sweet Honey In The Rock + Tim Miller + Cardio Party

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

2. Monta – “Looking Back”
   from: “Looking Back” – Single / The Record Machine / February 27, 2023
   [This new single follows “Everybody’s Baby” that the band released on January 27, 2023. The band writes, “Looking Back” focuses on sentimental feelings on repeat, lost to the fantasy of past freedoms while the present moment blurs by on the wayside. Bubbling synth pop with waves of introspection. About Monta: It’s a strange time to be making music at all. In the midst of this bizarre attention economy, it’s hard to retrain our minds to sit still for an entire song. We are in constant states of flux. Kansas City’s resident post-punkers Monta find themselves in that same state of change now. The band is finding freedom in the moment, wherever it takes them. // Monta means “to climb higher.” Through lineup changes and scenes ebbing and flowing, this band continues that climb. Founded by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore, Monta (originally Monta At Odds) has grown into its own community with a rotating cast of musicians and characters. Krysztof Nemeth and Lucas Behrens play guitars. Dedric Moore experiments with synthesizers and electronics. On drums, Matthew Heinrich is the heartbeat of the band; keeping everyone in time and allowing for spontaneous musical moments. After exploring the far reaches of sound through psych-rock freakouts, the band is now turning their attention towards melody. Joined by songwriter and vocalist Mikal Shapiro, Monta is now able to take their noisy, pulsing soundscapes and pair those with pop hooks. With friends and other collaborators making appearances, Monta expand and contract to fit the need of the song. // This shift towards melody is audible in their newer material. “Everybody’s Baby” is a dark-wave rager, perfect for the back room of a dimly-lit club. “Looking Back” is an uplifting synth pop groove mixed with contemplative thoughts about the past. // Peak of Eternal Light, released in 2021, alternates between dreamy post-punk and dark synth pop with no missteps in between. Dedric remarks that the band is in the process of “simplifying the song down to what it needs.”The band has honed-in on this approach, and are making some of their most interesting material to date.Their songs beg us to dance away the darker moments of our lives. By dredging up these murky memories and setting them against a backdrop of groovy, angular post-punk, Monta helps us to make sense of this cold, bleak world. In a cultural ocean with ever-changing waves, it’s nice to know that some things are still built to last. Monta is here to stay, even though they won’t ever remain the same. More Information at: kosmiccity.com / therecordmachine.co]

[Monta play Volume 1 of Dreams Never End Concert series by Cosmic City, at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, on May 26, 2023 with Carrellee, Emmaline Twist, and Morgue VVitch.]

3. Major Matt Mason USA – “Victims of The Storms”
   from: “Victims of The Storms” – Single / Olive Juice Music / February 23, 2022
   [Matt Roth on guitar & vocals, Brian Hurtgen on drums, and Dane Bridges on bass. Recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Audio (Shawnee, KS) Produced by Matt Roth and Paul Malinowski
   copyright 2023. (Claws Beat Skin BMI). // Major Matt Mason USA previously released, “Stupid Feelings: on May 6, 2022. Major Matt Mason released “Endless Summer” on November 18, 2020. Major Matt Mason USA is the performing name for musician, poet, and producer Matt Roth. Originally from Shawnee, Kansas, Matt cut his teeth playing guitar for local Lawrence, KS freak out and math rock bands Magic Nose and Dracomagnet in the early 1990s. // In 1994 Matt moved to New York City where he became active in the anti-folk and DIY music scene of New York’s East Village. Centering around the infamous Monday night, open mic, Antihoots at the Sidewalk Cafe, the scene was an early stomping ground for an array of artists including Beck, Regina Spektor, The Moldy Peaches, Langhorne Slim, John S. Hall (King Missile), Jeffrey Lewis, Shilpa Ray, Kimya Dawson, Diane Cluck, and many more. // In 1998 MMM released his debut solo album Me Me Me in the US. The album was licensed for the UK and Europe on Teenage Fanclub drummer Francis MacDonald’s label, Shoeshine Records. He would continue to release two more albums with Shoeshine: 2002’s Honey Are you Ready for the Ballet and 2004’s Bad People Rule The World. In 2005 Matt released a one-off project under the moniker of Kansas State Flower and in 2007 he returned as Major Matt Mason USA with the album Senile Pie Strive Pip Melancholy. // In 2001 he formed the band Schwervon! with Nan Turner. Schwervon! would go on to release five albums and a handful of singles, including a 7” on, Pavement member, Bob Nastanovich’s label Broker’s Tip Records. // During his time in New York, he established Olive Juice Music, a recording studio, independent record label, and online record distro headquartered in his apartment in the Lower East Side. Olive Juice Music would go on to host the OJ All Day Music Fest, for three years, as well as the OJ Distro, a hub for over three hundred independent releases in the early days of online mailorder. OJ Studios has produced recordings for many notable artists including: Kimya Dawson, Daniel Johnston, Jeffrey Louis, Adam Green (Moldy Peaches), Toby Goodshank, The Lovely Eggs, L.D. Beghtol (Magnetic Fields), Dan Fishback, Paleface, Phoebe Kreutz, Elastic No No Band and more. // In 2012 Matt moved back to Shawnee, Kansas and re-inserted himself into the Kansas City Music/ Poetry Scene. In 2015 he started a poetry blog entitled Beef Jerky Clouds and in 2017 formed a side project, Broken Heart Syndrome, featuring Pat Tomek of The Rainmakers on drums. // [Major Matt Mason USA continues to perform as a solo act and as a band. Through his combined projects he has shared the stage, opening, for luminaries such as Belle and Sebastian, Guided By Voices, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), The Vaselines, The Wedding Present, Daniel Johnston, Lucy Dacus and many more. // As of the fall of 2019 Major Matt Mason USA has been performing with Brian Hurtgen on drums and more recently Dane Bridges on Bass. More info at: http://www.majormattmasonusa.com]

4. The War and Treaty – “Ain’t No Harmin’ Me”
   from: Lover’s Game / Mercury Nashville – UMG / March 10, 2023
   [We first met The War and Treaty right before their Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference on Friday, February 16, 2018. We first played them on February 7, 2018. The War and Treaty released their full length debut album, “Healing Tide” on August 10, 2018. Michael Trotter Jr & Tanya Blount-Trotter are from Albion, Michigan. For Michael Trotter Jr., the journey began in 2004, when he arrived in Iraq, an untested soldier stricken by fear and self-doubt. His captain made it his personal mission to see to Trotter’s survival. The unit was encamped in one of Saddam Hussein’s private palaces, and in a forgotten corner in its basement, they found a black upright piano that once belonged to the dictator himself. When Trotter shared the fact he could sing, he was encouraged to teach himself to play piano on that confiscated keyboard. “I wrote my first song after that captain was killed,” Trotter recalls. “I sang it for his memorial in Iraq.” Soon after it became his mission to sing at the memorial services for those that had fallen. For the next three years, he sang songs that brought solace and comfort to the members of his unit. His efforts eventually garnered wider recognition as well. He came in first place in “Military Idol,” the army’s version of “American Idol,” during a competition held in Baumholder, Germany. Following his discharge, he was featured on the Hope Channel program “My Story, My Song.” Then he met Tanya Blount. Blount’s musically influences include Mahalia Jackson, Sister Odette and Aretha Franklin. The two fell in love, got married and used the experiences they had gained to create a new musical collaboration. The couple then secured the services of musicians whose skills add a distinctive sound to The War and Treaty’s blend of roots music, blue grass, folk, gospel and soul. Their 2017 EP Down to the River was released July 21, 2017. Recorded in Albion, Michigan, Down to the River boasts a sound that’s both stirring and sensual, driven by joy, determination and an unceasing upward gaze. The music is visceral but never morose, flush with emotion but void of despair… a style that touches on a variety of genres, but never finds itself confined to anyone. The arrangements are uncluttered– harmonies, basslines, guitar and mandolin licks, settle drum patterns and keyboards create an immensely moving soundscape — but the sentiments and emotions are fully realized and soar with a steady, chilling assurance. “The recording process wasn’t like anything I ever experienced,” Tanya recalls. “This EP has allowed me to breathe musically. I feel like all I have wanted to express for the past ten years has come forth with what we’ve done. The combination of heart, soul and the overwhelming amount of love that Michael and I have for one another comes across in this record.“ “I was sitting on the banks of the Euphrates River in Baghdad dreaming about one day being able to play and sing professionally for people all around the world,” Michael reflects. “As we recorded our music, I constantly had flashbacks of those desert dreams. I thought to myself that this is actually the perfect ending to usher in a new beginning in my life.” ]

[The War and Treaty play Boulevardia June 16, 2023 at Crown Center.]

5. The Freedom Affair – “Make Me Surrender (Instrumental)”
   from: FREEDOM IS LOVE INSTRUMENTALS / Sunflower Soul Records / Feb. 17, 2023
   [The Freedom Affair are proud to present “Freedom Is Love Instrumentals” as a follow-up to the 2020 debut album of the same title. Ranging from driving funk, to luscious soul, with a tinge of gospel, listeners are now able to explore the complex accompaniment that backed the powerhouse trio of ladies featured on the original album. “Freedom Is Love” was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording technologies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. The Freedom Affair’s debut single “Rise Up” was released by Loveland, Ohio’s Colemine Records in June 2019 and has appeared in Netflix’s “Self Made” as well as the worldwide spot for Apple’s iWatch Series 6. // The Freedom Affair is: Cole Bales on guitar & sitar; Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ, tambourine, glockenspiel, & chimes;
   Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, & tambourine. Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on congas, Alyssa Bell on viola, Elizabeth Codd on violin, Matt Bennett on violin. John Wickersham on timpani, Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano, and Nick Howell -on tambourine. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson, “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Alyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden at Golden Mastering license]

[The Freedom Affair play Boulevardia June 16, 2023 at Crown Center.]

6. Paris Williams – “LONDON, TOKYO (feat. Sam Wells)” (radio edit)
   from: REBEL HEART / Bitter Sweet Sounds / January 31, 2023
   [Paris Williams is a Rapper/Producer originally from Muskegon, MI. Previously Paris Williams released the single, Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. From Shuttlecock Music Magazine: “Co-produced by Williams, Bloom Allen, and Internet Brad, the track features a sublime mixture of bright, inviting rhymes and the type of nocturnal rhythms you can do schoolwork to, or whatever that YouTube stream is. The single is backed by another track called “As Of Late,” which Williams accurately described at a recent show as (paraphrasing) ‘two minutes of straight bars.’ More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

[Paris Williams will be our guest on WMM next week on March 8, 2023.]

7. Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Other Cards To Play”
   from: Over Again (24 Hour Album) / Danielle Ate the Sandwich / February 26, 2023
   [The 6 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on February 25th-26th, 2023, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 8th annual 24 Hour Album. This project challenges the artist to write, record, produce, and release a new album in just twenty four hours, live streaming the process to her fans. Patrons of Danielle Ate the Sandwich tuned in from all across the world to suggest ideas and offer support with Danielle during live streams held throughout the 24 hours. Life is short! Stay up all night and make stuff! // On February 20, 2022 Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-track release, “Continued Curfew (24 Hour Album 2022)”. Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-song album, 24 HOUR ALBUM (2021), on April 25, 2021. The 7 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on April 24th-25th, 2021, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 6th annual 24 Hour Album. On May 28, 2021 Danielle Ate the Sandwich released, It’s Not a Burden (Original Songs from the Documentary Film) on Youngest Daughter Records. It’s Not A Burden is a powerful and brilliant film about the joys and pain of raising elderly parents. The songs are produced by Joanna Katcher. // Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “A Weight, A Wall” on June 1, 2021. Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “Goodbye to You” on August 22, 2021. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com.]

[Danielle Ate the Sandwich will travel to New York to teach and perform at The Ashokan Center for Uke Fest, May 26th-29th! Information and registration: https://ashokancenter.org/product/uke-fest-2023%5D

10:30 – Underwriting

10:32 – Interview with Tim Miller

Tim Miller is an internationally acclaimed performance artist and gay rights activist. Tim has performed in such venues as the Yale Repertory Theatre, the Institute of Contemporary Art in London, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He has sold out shows from London to DC to Australia to Los Angeles. He addresses issues of gender, immigration, homophobia, and censorship. As one of the “NEA Four,” who successfully sued the federal government for violating their First Amendment rights when their funding was rescinded in the early 1990s, Miller has always played an important role in defending queer artistic expression on stage. Tim is cofounder of the two most important performance spaces in the country: PS 122 now known as, Performance Space New York and Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica, California. Tim Miller’s autobiographical explorations into identity, politics, and art through the lens of his own experiences lead to visceral, humorous, and poignant performances. Tim Miller is the author of Shirts & Skin, Body Blows: Six Performances, and 1001 Beds: Performances, Essays, and Travels. Tim Miller’s newest book, A Body in the O, Performances and Stories was released last year from University of Wisconsin Press.

Tim Miller is currently serving as Artist in Residence at the University of Missouri at Columbia through March 5, 2023. Tim Miller’s new performance, A BODY IN THE O will be presented Thursday, March 2, at 7:30 PM, in Studio 4, McKee Gymnasium, 672 Hitt St., Columbia, Missouri. More info at: http://www.timmillerperformer.com

Tim Miller, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Tim Miller recently flew into the midwest from California to be a part of a Residency at The University of Missouri, but before traveling to Columbia, Tim first stopped off in at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas. Tim has written about his mom and family being from Kansas, and his mom’s love of sunflowers.

Congratulations to Tim Miller on his new book, A Body in The O. It is important, and funny, and subversive, and a guidebook for queer performance artists everywhere, and high school speech and forensics team members.

The cover of Tim’s book is a photograph shot by Dona Ann McAdams of Tim in 1984, after he had returned to the West Coast after living in NYC. Tim was wearing hot pants and a crop top and he climbed up from the back of the giant HOLLYWOOD sign, in the Hollywood Hills where he stood inside the letter O.

Tim talked about how The wooden O was how Shakespeare described his globe theatre.

Tim Miller writes in his new book how solo theatre performers are the first responders.

Informed by Tim’s own queer sense of justice, his experiences with women’s studies, and serving time in a punk band, Tim’s work in theatre, he found the tools, to tell the stories about his life and connect them to the world around us.

Mark Manning writes: “I first met Tim Miller in 1992. He led performance art workshops for gay men in Kansas City, while you were here to also perform your piece “My Queer Body” at the Granada Theatre in Kansas City, Kansas. And was Grand Marshall in our Gay Pride Parade.”

“Tim Miller, for me you have been a teacher, and guide. In 1990 when I wrote and performed my first performance piece, in an art space in Kansas City, about being in a “gay bashing,” I didn’t know where I fit in, your work, and your sense of community helped me understand that I was part of something bigger. That the personal is political. I searched out opportunities to find your writings, see the artist of the NEA 4 live on stage, and even ritualize the works by Karen Findley.”

As one of the “NEA Four,” who successfully sued the federal government for violating their First Amendment rights when their funding was rescinded in the early 1990s. Tim has written a lot about the Supreme Court, and has had his own up-close and personal experience with the United States Supreme Court. Recently, with the appointment of three justices shoved onto the court by Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell, our Supreme Court has started taking away rights and liberties from US Citizens. We asked Tim about his observations of the current Supremes.

Tim Miller travels all over the world performing his works, teaching workshops, doing residencies in Colleges and Universities, often in smaller communities. Still he encounters audiences that have never heard a gay person tell their story, out loud, in a theatre or space.

Tim Miller writes that is ultimately it is ALL About LOVE.

Tim’s book is dedicated Alistair McCartney Tim’s husband. You experiences with immigration, and marriage equality are some of the stories you share in A Body In The O.

Tim Miller’s newest book, A Body in the O, Performances and Stories was released from University of Wisconsin Press.

Tim Miller, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Tim Miller is currently serving as Artist in Residence at the University of Missouri at Columbia through March 5, 2023. Tim Miller’s new performance, A BODY IN THE O will be presented Thursday, March 2, at 7:30 PM, in Studio 4, McKee Gymnasium, 672 Hitt St., Columbia, Missouri.

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

10:50

8. Overcoats – “Never Let You Go”
   from: Winner / Never Fall Back Records / April 7, 2023
   [Overcoats is the New York-based female duo of Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell. // The third full-length from Overcoats, Winner takes place in the kind of New York City spaces meant for unencumbered dreaming: fire escapes and rooftops, downtown late at night, the majestic Manhattan skyline as glimpsed from the George Washington Bridge. But in paying homage to the city that formed them, singer/songwriters Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell set their storytelling against a sonic backdrop more reminiscent of wide-open landscapes—an unbridled and euphoric sound that evokes the wild rush of hitting the road with your closest confidant, with no particular destination in mind. // Produced by two-time Grammy-winner Daniel Tashian (a co-producer on Kacey Musgraves’s widely acclaimed Golden Hour), Winner marks an evolution of the graceful musicality first displayed on Overcoats’ debut album YOUNG (a 2017 release that earned praise from outlets like the New York Times and NPR Music, who placed it at #4 on its best-of-the-year list). As a bold departure from YOUNG’s sparse electronic pop and the atmospheric indie-rock of The Fight (a 2020 release that nabbed them a Breakthrough Artist nomination from the American Association of Independent Music), the album encompasses a warm and luminous sound sculpted from a tightly curated mix of elements: earthy guitar tones, elegantly rugged textures, the duo’s signature heavenly harmonies. // Produced by Daniel Tashian except “Horsegirl” produced by Jackson Phillips & “Attention” produced by Nick Lobel. Co-produced by Mikey Reaves on “Never Let You Go” & “Vagabond” // Engineered by Konrad Snyder at The Study in Nashville, TN // Mixed by Lars Stalfors (“Horsegirl”, “New Suede Shoes”, “Green Eyes”, & “Vagabond” // Mixed by Tony Maserati (“Never Let You Go” & “Better Off”) // Mixed by James Krausse (“Want You Back”, “Say My Name”, “Attention”, “Don’t You Wanna”, & “Winner” // Mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty at Nomograph Mastering in Los Angeles, CA . // Their debut album YOUNG was released on April 21, 2017. We played “Nighttime hangover” on March 8, 2017. Their captures a sound rich in minimalism and melody: songs of connection and tension, on the depths of love and challenges of family. Overcoats’ music draws strength from vulnerability, finding light through darkness, and the catharsis of simple, honest songwriting. YOUNG is about a transformation: the passage into womanhood, sung through the shared experience of two best friends. YOUNG was written by Overcoats and co-produced by Nicolas Vernhes (Daughter, The War On Drugs, Dirty Projectors, Cass McCombs) and experimental R&B artist Autre Ne Veut, with additional production from Myles Avery and mixing by Ben Baptie (Lapsley, Lianne La Havas, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson). All songs written by Hana Rose Elion, Justine Mitchell and Adley Arthur Atkin.][Overcoats played Middle of The Map Fest]

9. Lonnie Fisher – “Beautiful Star”
   from: BEAUTIFUL STAR / Lonnie Fisher / February 9, 2022
   [Last year, Lonnie Fisher’s 8-song, solo album FAMOUS GIRL was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. FAMOUS GIRL was released January 19, 2022 and was engineered by Ed Rose and Duane Trower with contributions from: Chris Nunez. Tim Jenkins, Tim Manning, and Julia Reynolds. On October 22, 2021 with his band, Lonnie Fisher And The Funeral released, HAUNTED with Lonnie Fisher on lead vocals, 5 String Guitar & Keyboards; Tim Jenkins on guitars; Chris Nunez on drums, Tim Manning on bass, & Julia Reynolds on vocals & keyboards.Lonnie Fischer played a solo album release show for his new album BEAUTIFUL STAR at The Brick, 1727 McGeee Street, KCMO, on Friday, December 23, at 8:00 PM with The Criterz and Killer City. More information at: http://www.lonniefisher.bandcamp.com.]

10. John Vanderslice – “Crystals 26”
    from: “Crystals 26” – Single / Tiny Telephone / February 15, 2023
    [John Vanderslice was born May 22, 1967 in Gainesville, Florida. He is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and recording engineer. He is the owner and founder of Tiny Telephone, an analog recording studio with locations in San Francisco Mission District and North Oakland. He released 10 full-length albums and 5 remix records and EPs on Dead Oceans and Barsuk Records and has collaborated with musicians such as The Mountain Goats, St. Vincent, and Spoon. // Since 2014, Vanderslice has been a full-time record producer at Tiny Telephone and has worked with Frog Eyes, Samantha Crain, the Mountain Goats, and Grandaddy. He has previously worked with Sophie Hunger, Bombadil, Strand Of Oaks and Spoon. // Vanderslice grew up in rural North Florida before his family moved to Maryland when he was 11. In 1989, he graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Maryland, where he also studied art history. Vanderslice moved to San Francisco in 1990. While supporting himself as a waiter, Vanderslice took classes at University of California, Berkeley, with the intention of becoming an English teacher. Vanderslice then spent five years as a member of the experimental band Mk Ultra, with whom he released three albums in the 1990s. The last of these, The Dream Is Over, received a 9.2 from Pitchfork. // In 1997, he founded Tiny Telephone, a 3,000 sq. ft., two-room recording studio in the Mission District of San Francisco. The studio was initially used as a rehearsal space before being developed as a full-time, all-analog recording studio. Bands who have recorded in the studio include Death Cab for Cutie, Sleater-Kinney, Okkervil River, Deerhoof, The Mountain Goats, The Magnetic Fields, Tune-yards, and Spoon. He opened Tiny Telephone’s Oakland studio in late 2015. // In 2000, Vanderslice released his first solo album, Mass Suicide Occult Figurines, and briefly gained some national media attention for the single “Bill Gates Must Die” after concocting a hoax in which Microsoft supposedly threatened legal action over the song; Vanderslice had trouble manufacturing the CD because the artwork resembled that of a Windows installation disc, and at least one manufacturer was wary of legal action. During the controversy, he was interviewed by Spin, Wired, and the San Francisco Chronicle. // Many songs on the 2005 album Pixel Revolt referenced the September 11, 2001 attacks and the Iraq War and were more overtly political in their lyrical content. The album earned an 8.3 rating on Pitchfork and was cited for its “meticulous arrangements” with “everything in its right place”, and declared an “excellent album”. The album’s ending resolves the narrator’s struggles with acute depression (“Dead Slate Pacific”) and suicidal thoughts (“The Golden Gate”) with a love song to psychotropic drugs (“CRC 7173, Affectionately”). // The title of Vanderslice’s 2007 album, Emerald City, references both the nickname of the fortified Green Zone in Baghdad and the name of the city in The Wizard of Oz. He has said about the album: “I was so beaten down after the 2000 election and after 9/11 and then the invasion of Iraq, Afghanistan; I was so depleted as a person after all that stuff happened, that I had to write my way out of it. I really had to write political songs because for me it is a way of making sense and processing what is going on.” Emerald City achieved a score of 82/100 on Metacritic. Entertainment Weekly called the album “a gleaming gem” that doesn’t disappoint. Billboard’s review of the record called Vanderslice an “always perceptive lyricist”. Calling Vanderslice a “master story-teller”, Matt Fink of Paste said that Emerald City was “vividly imagined yet subtle in tone, with conflicted character sketches unfolding around somber synth melodies, creaky electronic effects, and fuzzy acoustic guitar strums.” // In 2009, with Romanian Names, Vanderslice broke away from overtly political lyrical content characteristic of previous albums and turned his focus to personal reflections on romance and a modern person’s relationship to the natural landscape. Maintaining his commitment to fully analog production, Vanderslice recorded guitar and piano tracks for this album in his analog basement studio of his San Francisco home. He completed further instrumentation and production at his own Tiny Telephone recording studio with producer Scott Solter. // In 2010, Vanderslice released a free EP called Green Grow The Rushes. // A full album, White Wilderness, was released on January 25, 2011, on Dead Oceans. Here, Vanderslice forwent his usual meticulous process of manipulating and heavily over-dubbing tracks in the recording studio, in favor a pared-down production style. He recorded the album live with Minna Choi and the 19-member Magik*Magik Orchestra, the house orchestra of Tiny Telephone, in three days at Berkeley’s historically-renowned Fantasy Studios. Vanderslice wrote acoustic versions of each song, while Choi wrote all orchestral arrangements. The collaboration resulted in a looser sound that maintained the structural complexity and pop sensibility of Vanderslice’s previous songwriting.Lyrically, Vanderslice reflects on his trajectory as a musician and performer and draws inspiration from the California landscape. “The Piano Lesson” recounts early memories of learning to play the piano as a child, while “After It Ends” imagines a performer destroying and escaping his venue at the end of a show. The romping “Convict Lake” is an autobiographical account of an overdose on LSD during a camping trip at this Sierra Nevada, California, lake. It was produced and recorded by John Congleton. // In January 2012, Vanderslice left his record contract with Dead Oceans. He created a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to start his own label and reached his $18,500 goal within hours of starting the campaign,[26] which ultimately resulted in his ninth album, Dagger Beach. // With Dagger Beach, Vanderslice pushed experimentation with analog production techniques to the forefront of his songwriting. For some songs, including “Harlequin Press” and “Damage Control”, he tried to avoid familiar song structures by writing over improvised drum parts played by longtime collaborator Jason Slota. On the album, Vanderslice revisits the theme of navigating the California landscape as a metaphor for personal relationships: “Raw Wood” reflects on solo camping in Wildcat camp of Point Reyes National Park, while “North Coast Rep” describes a disintegrating friendship by way of a found photograph of the Sonoma, California, landscape. // In conjunction with Dagger Beach, Vanderslice released his own full cover version of David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs. The idea for the cover album came in August 2012, when Vanderslice performed Diamond Dogs in full at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco, followed by a screening of Michel Gondry’s cult classic, The Science of Sleep. After intensive rehearsing for a single show with a limited audience, Vanderslice decided to channel his creative efforts with Bowie’s original material into an entire cover version of the album. It was released on limited edition vinyl in June 2013. Using the original album as a backbone to experiment and improvise in the recording studio with collaborators, Vanderslice altered lyrics, song structures, chord progressions, and titles of many of the songs. // With full control of the production and distribution of his self-released albums and a commitment to quality control, Vanderslice had both Dagger Beach and Diamond Dogs pressed on 200-gram vinyl by audiophile Quality Record Pressings plant. In response to widespread music file sharing and in an effort to control sound quality of distributed files, he has made high-quality music files of many self-released songs freely available online.// In an interview with The New Yorker, Vanderslice stated that a near-death experience in 2014, in which the van he was touring in almost flipped on Interstate 80 in Ohio, prompted him to quit touring and making records. Surviving the incident was a life-altering experience: “After that happened, maybe a second later, I was like, I’m done. I don’t want to die in a van. It wasn’t sad, it wasn’t celebratory. It was just like, eh, I had a good run.” // Vanderslice is a proponent of using analog instruments and recording equipment to produce a richer, more raw sound, which he has sometimes called “sloppy hi-fi”. He has collaborated closely with engineer/producers in the production of his albums, including John Congleton, Scott Solter, and John Croslin.// Vanderslice was a contributing producer on the Spoon album, Gimme Fiction, and also produced The Mountain Goats albums We Shall All Be Healed, The Sunset Tree, and Heretic Pride. In March and April 2009, he toured alongside The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle in the “Gone Primitive Tour”. These shows featured Vanderslice and Darnielle each playing acoustic sets and then performing material together. // On several occasions, Vanderslice has chosen bands to tour with him who have gone on to widespread recognition and critical respect, including Sufjan Stevens, Okkervil River, The Tallest Man On Earth, and St. Vincent. // Vanderslice is influenced by film and is a fan of David Lynch, whose work is referenced in his song “Promising Actress”. He is a prolific amateur photographer, and has taken publicity photos for Thao Nguyen, The Mountain Goats, Will Sheff of Okkervil River, and Mirah. He has also had his work used as album artwork by Matt Nathanson, Carey Mercer of Frog Eyes, and Mobius Band, as well as for his own 2009 release, Romanian Names.]

11:00 – Station ID

11. Cardio Party – “Sphinx of Black Quartz”
    from: Emergentsia EP / Cardiac Records / November 1, 2022
    [Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick are the musicians that make up the band Cardio Party, an electronic duo creating dreamy soundscapes balanced with energetic choruses, pieced together like poetry, sharing a glimpse into their hearts & souls. Both raised in Wichita, Kansas, Anthony and Liv met in middle school where they bonded over their shared musical preferences. In 2012, they found their niche producing electronic music. Both adept at music production of all kinds, Anthony’s primary focus is mixing and mastering, while Liv focuses on composition and sound design. In 2021, the duo released a new song every month, culminating in their album CALISTHENICS. In 2022, they released their EP, EMERGENTSIA. They are currently working on their next album, ALLOSTATIS releasing a new single every month in 2023. More info at: soundcloud.com/cardioparty]

11:03 – Interview with Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick

Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick are the musicians that make up the band Cardio Party, an electronic duo creating dreamy soundscapes balanced with energetic choruses, pieced together like poetry, sharing a glimpse into their hearts & souls. Both raised in Wichita, Kansas, Anthony and Liv met in middle school where they bonded over their shared musical preferences. In 2012, they found their niche producing electronic music. Both adept at music production of all kinds, Anthony’s primary focus is mixing and mastering, while Liv focuses on composition and sound design. In 2021, the duo released a new song every month, culminating in their album CALISTHENICS. In 2022, they released their EP, EMERGENTSIA. They are currently working on their next album, ALLOSTATIS releasing a new single every month in 2023. More info at: soundcloud.com/cardioparty

Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick Thank you for being with us on WMM

Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick are the musicians that make up the band Cardio Party, an electronic duo creating dreamy soundscapes balanced with energetic choruses, pieced together like poetry, sharing a glimpse into their hearts & souls.

Both raised in Wichita, Kansas, Anthony and Liv met in middle school where they bonded over their shared musical preferences.

In 2012, they found their niche producing electronic music.

Both adept at music production of all kinds, Anthony’s primary focus is mixing and mastering, while Liv focuses on composition and sound design.

In 2021, the duo released a new song every month, culminating in their album CALISTHENICS.

In 2022, they released their EP, EMERGENTSIA.

They are currently working on their next album, ALLOSTATIS releasing a new single every month in 2023. More info at: soundcloud.com/cardioparty

Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick Thank you for being with us on WMM

Cardio Party are currently working on their next album, ALLOSTATIS and are releasing a new single every month in 2023. More info at: soundcloud.com/cardioparty

11:18

12. Cardio Party – “Pick Up The Phone” – Single
    from: “Pick Up The Phone” – Single / Cardiac Records / March 1, 2023
    [Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick are the musicians that make up the band Cardio Party, an electronic duo creating dreamy soundscapes balanced with energetic choruses, pieced together like poetry, sharing a glimpse into their hearts & souls. Both raised in Wichita, Kansas, Anthony and Liv met in middle school where they bonded over their shared musical preferences. In 2012, they found their niche producing electronic music. Both adept at music production of all kinds, Anthony’s primary focus is mixing and mastering, while Liv focuses on composition and sound design. In 2021, the duo released a new song every month, culminating in their album CALISTHENICS. In 2022, they released their EP, EMERGENTSIA. They are currently working on their next album, ALLOSTATIS releasing a new single every month in 2023. More info at: soundcloud.com/cardioparty]

13. Yo La Tengo – “Fallout”
    from: This Stupid World / Matador Records / February 10, 2023
    [Yo La Tengo (YLT; Spanish for “I’ve got it”) is an American indie rock band formed in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1984. Since 1992, the lineup has consisted of Ira Kaplan (guitars, piano, vocals), Georgia Hubley (drums, piano, vocals), and James McNew (bass, vocals). In 2015, original guitarist Dave Schramm rejoined the band and appears on their fourteenth album, Stuff Like That There. // Despite achieving limited mainstream success, Yo La Tengo has been called “the quintessential critics’ band” and maintains a strong cult following.[3] Though they mostly play original material, the band performs a wide repertoire of cover songs both in live performance and on record. // Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley formed the band as a couple in 1984. They chose the name Yo La Tengo, Spanish for “I have it”. The name came from a baseball anecdote that occurred during the 1962 season, when New York Mets center fielder Richie Ashburn and shortstop Elio Chacón found themselves colliding in the outfield. When Ashburn went for a catch, he would scream, “I got it! I got it!” only to run into Chacón, a Venezuelan who spoke only Spanish. Ashburn learned to yell, “Yo la tengo! Yo la tengo!” instead. In a later game, Ashburn happily saw Chacón backing off. He relaxed, positioned himself to catch the ball, and was instead run over by left fielder Frank Thomas, who understood no Spanish and had missed a team meeting that proposed using the words “Yo la tengo!” as a way to avoid outfield collisions.[5] After getting up, Thomas asked Ashburn, “What the hell is a yellow tango?” // Kaplan and Hubley placed an advertisement to recruit other musicians who shared their love for bands such as the Soft Boys, Mission of Burma, and Arthur Lee’s Love.[3] The group’s debut recording was a 7″ single entitled “The River of Water” backed with a cover of Lee’s “A House Is Not a Motel”, released in late 1985 with Dave Schramm on lead guitar and Dave Rick on bass. After recording “Private Doberman” for inclusion on a Coyote Records compilation entitled Luxury Condos Coming to Your Neighborhood Soon, Rick left the band and was replaced by Mike Lewis, the founding bass player of Boston garage-punk bands DMZ and Lyres, who was also a member of Brooklyn garage rock band the A-Bones throughout his tenure in YLT. // In 1986, Yo La Tengo released their first LP, Ride the Tiger on Coyote Records. Produced by former Mission of Burma bassist Clint Conley who also took over bass duties on three songs, the album “marked Yo La Tengo as a band with real potential” according to reviewer Mark Deming. Kaplan was credited as “naive guitar” on the sleeve, and in the liner notes for the 1993 reissue of the album on City Slang Records, went so far as to say “Dave’s guitar playing is inarguably the best thing about the record.” // Schramm and Lewis left the band after the album’s release, with Kaplan subsequently taking on the role of lead guitar and Stephan Wichnewski joining to play bass. The group’s next album New Wave Hot Dogs (1987) sold poorly, but, in the words of Mark Deming, “was a quantum leap over the sound of their debut.” // The release of President Yo La Tengo in 1989 did much to establish the band’s reputation among rock critics including Robert Christgau who praised the “mysterioso guitar hook” in the first song titled “Barnaby, Hardly Working”. Produced by Gene Holder of The dB’s, the album was the band’s last release on Coyote. Despite the positive reception of the album, sales were still poor and Wichnewski left the band not long after. Hubley and Kaplan carried on as a duo and began playing two-electric-guitar shows. Kaplan, though typically a pragmatist, started carrying a bug trapped in amber in his pocket for luck. // Yo La Tengo reunited with Dave Schramm in 1990 to record Fakebook, an album of mostly acoustic tunes, including covers of Cat Stevens, Gene Clark, the Kinks, Daniel Johnston, among others, with five original songs by the band themselves, including an acoustic version of Barnaby Hardly Working. Again produced by Gene Holder, the album’s folk sound was a change of pace for the band. Years later, Kaplan recalled that the album was “just me and Georgia looking for an excuse to record with Dave Schramm and Al Greller” who played guitar and double bass on the album, respectively. // In 1991, with Dave Schramm in tow, Yo La Tengo collaborated with Daniel Johnston on the song “Speeding Motorcycle” which was released as a single. The band also released a 7″ single on Bar/None Records with the song “Walking Away from You” backed with a cover of Beat Happening’s “Cast a Shadow.” Gene Holder produced the single and played the bass. The That Is Yo La Tengo EP released later that year included some tracks that would end up on the group’s next LP. // After the release of That Is Yo La Tengo, James McNew (who also records under the solo moniker Dump) began playing bass with the band, forming the trio that continues to make up the band today. According to McNew, “I originally signed on as a fill-in for a short US tour, and a 4-week summer tour of Europe with Eleventh Dream Day. One night after a show in Munster, I was to look after our box of merchandise while Ira and Georgia went gallovanting through the town, meeting their policemen. Needless to say, during our soundcheck in Hamburg the next day, it suddenly dawned on me that I had left the box filled with copies of this EP back at the club in Munster. Oh man, was I in trouble… Sure… blame it on the rookie.” // The band recorded May I Sing with Me in Boston with Holder producing and Lou Giordano engineering. The album was released on Alias Records in 1992. Three of the album’s eleven songs (“Swing for Life”, “Out the Window” and “Five-Cornered Drone”) were carried over from the That Is Yo La Tengo EP and feature Holder on bass. The Upside-Down EP was released on CD in support of the album, rounding out the band’s releases on Alias. // In 1993, Yo La Tengo began their partnership with Matador Records, releasing a 7″ and CD5 of the song “Shaker” which the band recorded with John Siket in New Jersey. The following LP, 1993’s Painful, was also the beginning of the band’s fruitful creative partnership with producer Roger Moutenot, who has produced all of their subsequent albums up until 2013’s Fade, which was produced by John McEntire. Painful is the first Yo La Tengo album to feature James McNew on every song. Ira Kaplan explains: “I think this group really started when we made the record Painful. . . . Painful was the first record that we made as the three of us, and I think it sounds different from the things that came before it. Even though I can see connections with the earlier records and things we’ve done since, it really seems like mostly we’ve built on that record. Anything from before then is really, really different to me. Since Painful, I think we’ve gotten more confident and more willing to trust ourselves and trust each other, and probably better at dealing with things that go wrong.” // Rob Sheffield, writing in The New Rolling Stone Album Guide remarked that McNew “became an essential part of the sound on Painful, the 1993 album that kept every promise Yo La Tengo ever made and blew their previous highlights away.” Critical reaction was quite positive, with reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine calling it “a subtly addicting album.” Robert Christgau also praised the group once again, writing in his review that Yo La Tengo is “always friendly. This is not the forbidding experimentation of an aspiring vanguard. This is the fooling around of folks who like to go out on Saturday night and make some noise—and then go home humming it.” The band released Electr-O-Pura in 1995 to similar acclaim. For the first time, all songs were credited to the band as a whole rather than individual members; this became the norm for all future releases. // The band’s 1997 LP I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One synthesized the group’s eclectic combination of folk, punk rock, shoegazing, long instrumental noise-jams, and electronic music into a sprawling, multi-faceted style. Critical reaction was extremely positive; Pitchfork awarded the album a 9.7 out of 10, and AllMusic reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that it was “arguably Yo La Tengo’s finest and most coherent album to date.” Kaplan recalled a turning point in the band’s musical progression: “I think after Electr–O-Pura we’ve had a direction of trying not to worry too hard about what the next album is going to sound like. Everything we’ve ever played on we just do whatever seems right at the moment, we just write a bunch of songs, and then go one baby step at the time and just do what seems right.” // With their critical reputation higher than ever before, the band toured extensively and their fan base continued to grow. In 1998, they collaborated with Jad Fair and released the album Strange but True to mixed reviews. Yo La Tengo had a cameo role as a Salvation Army band in the 1998 Hal Hartley film The Book of Life, and feature on its 1999 soundtrack release.[17] The band entered the studio again in late 1999 to record their ninth LP. And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out was released in February 2000 to a warm reception. The album features some intimate songs with hushed, varied instrumentation and includes the 17-minute meditation “Night Falls On Hoboken”. // In 2001, Yo La Tengo recorded an instrumental score for eight short undersea documentaries by Jean Painlevé, entitled The Sounds of the Sounds of Science. The program debuted at the San Francisco Film Festival and has been performed live approximately twelve times. The band also released an EP with covers of Sun Ra’s “Nuclear War” in late 2002. // The band’s tenth LP, Summer Sun, was released in 2003. Although the album received generally favorable reviews, some critics found the album’s quiet atmosphere “underwhelming.” Others criticized the band for a perceived lack of invention. When asked about the album’s quiet nature, Kaplan stated,”We made a decision at the last second just to leave the loud songs off. We were looking at the material we recorded and just trying to put out the best record that we could. At a certain point, we just thought it seemed right to put out the quiet ones. I’ve been aware that there’s been some surprise about that and people saying it’s even quieter than the last record, which has sort of taken me by surprise.” // Yo La Tengo collaborated with Yoko Ono on the 2003 charity album Wig in a Box: Songs from and Inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch in support of the Harvey Milk High School. The band put together their first “best of” compilation entitled Prisoners of Love: A Smattering of Scintillating Senescent Songs: 1985–2003 which was released in 2005. They composed scores for four more films, 2005’s Junebug and Game 6, and 2006’s Shortbus and Old Joy. Their scores for these four films were collected on the 2008 compilation They Shoot, We Score. // Their eleventh LP, I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass, was released in 2006 to universal acclaim. Informed by their soundtrack work, the arrangements included more strings and horns than any of the band’s previous albums. Kaplan told an interviewer: “I think we gained an element of comfort with using that kind of instrumentation, and it became something we could draw on for our other songs.” In addition, the album was book-ended with two guitar jams lasting over ten minutes each. // In 2006, the band released Yo La Tengo Is Murdering the Classics, a compilation of their live impromptu cover-song performances on the New Jersey freeform radio station, WFMU. As part of the station’s annual fundraising marathon, listeners who call in to pledge money to the station may request a favorite which the band will then perform on the spot. In late 2007, the band began performing acoustically for “The Freewheelin’ Yo La Tengo” tour. Audiences were encouraged to request songs and ask questions which, Kaplan stated, the band tried to answer “in a strategic manner so that the answers to the questions will lead to the next song.” // In March 2008, Yo La Tengo performed under the alias “Condo Fucks” at Brooklyn’s Magnetic Field. As Condo Fucks, the band released an album of cover songs, Fuckbook, on Matador in March 2009. // Popular Songs, the band’s 12th album, was released on Sept. 8, 2009. The album was recorded in the band’s rehearsal space in New Jersey and features two songs with elaborate string sections (composed by jazz composer Richard Evans). It entered the Billboard chart at No. 58, the highest entry of the band’s career thus far. // In 2009, Yo La Tengo contributed to Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox, a tribute album for New Zealand rock and roll musician Chris Knox who suffered a stroke in June 2009. Yo La Tengo covered Knox’s song “Coloured”. All proceeds from the album go towards Knox’s recovery. Also in 2009, Yo La Tengo contributed a cover of the song “Gentle Hour” to the AIDS benefit album, Dark Was the Night, produced by the Red Hot Organization. // Preceding their album Popular Songs, Yo La Tengo released an EP entitled Here to Fall Remixes in the summer of 2010. Remixes of their single Here to Fall were done by De La Soul, RJD2, and Pete Rock. This was Yo La Tengo’s third out-of-the-box remix EP in 14 years, following the Autumn Sweater and Danelectro Remix EPs. // In 2012 Yo La Tengo recorded a cover of Todd Rundgren’s “I Saw the Light” for a fund raising cd titled “Super Hits Of The Seventies” for radio station WFMU. In August 2012, they announced the release of an EP in September 2012 to be followed by a full-length album in January 2013. The EP includes three versions of the song “Stupid Things”: the single version, a remix by EYƎ, and the original 12-minute instrumental version. // In 2014 they toured and performed live onstage as film maker Sam Green live narrated an evolving version of his new film The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller in Austin, Burlington, Detroit, Ithaca, Portland, New Orleans and Vancouver. // In 2014, they played an Indiana-based Night Ranger cover band Bobby Night Ranger in the final episode of season 6 of the television series Parks and Recreation. // On August 28, 2015, Yo La Tengo released Stuff Like That There, an album (and “a sequel of sorts to Fakebook”) of re-recorded versions of some of their old songs as well as covers, including songs by The Cure, Hank Williams, and Sun Ra. // In 2016, the band released Murder in the Second Degree, a second compilation of their live impromptu cover-song performances on the New Jersey freeform radio station, WFMU. // In 2017, the band played two dates in New York City with Robyn Hitchcock. The performances included the Hitchcock album “Black Snake Diamond Role” in its entirety, as well as collections of classic Hitchcock songs and covers of other artists. // In 2018, Yo La Tengo released their 15th studio album, There’s a Riot Going On, which Pitchfork decided ‘reflects the group’s greatest and most instantly recognizable strengths’. // In 2020, Yo La Tengo released We Have Amnesia Sometimes which was recorded over a 10-day period from late April to early May amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The album consists of five instrumental, ambient compositions which were recorded with one microphone in the room and the band spread out adhering to social distance protocols laid out by Governor Murphy of New Jersey. // On February 10, 2023, the band will release their seventeenth studio album This Stupid World. // Yo La Tengo have always had the core members Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley. They have had 14 bass players. James McNew has been the bass player since 1992’s May I Sing With Me.]

14. Iris DeMent – “How Long”
    from: Working On A World / FlariElla / February 24, 2023
    [Iris DeMent’s upcoming 7th full length album, WORKING ON A WORLD was stalled partway through by the pandemic, the record took six years to make with the help of three friends and co-producers: Richard Bennett, Pieta Brown, and Jim Rooney. It was Pieta Brown who gave the record its final push. “Pieta asked me what had come of the recordings I’d done with Jim and Richard in 2019 and 2020. I told her I’d pretty much given up on trying to make a record. She asked would I mind if she had a listen. So, I had everything we’d done sent over to her, and not long after that I got a text, bouncing with exclamation marks: ‘You have a record and it’s called Workin’ On A World!’” With Bennett back in the studio with them, Brown and DeMent recorded several more songs and put the final touches on the record in Nashville in April of 2022. // DeMent sets the stage for the album with the title track in which she moves from a sense of despair towards a place of promise. “Now I’m workin’ on a world I may never see ‘ Joinin’ forces with the warriors of love / Who came before and will follow you and me.” “Goin’ Down To Sing in Texas” is an ode not only to gun control, but also to the brave folks who speak out against tyranny and endure the consequences in an unjust world. // On October 6, 2020 iris DeMent released her single “Going Down To Sing In Texas.” Stereogum on October 13, 2020 wrote: Other than a handful of guest appearances, Americana legend Iris DeMent hasn’t released new music since her 2015 album The Trackless Woods, a collection of Anna Akhmatova poems set to original music. But DeMent is back today in a big way with “Going Down To Sing In Texas,” a lengthy rambler that’s a lot more serious than its casual, jazzy piano groove lets on. Over the course of nine minutes, DeMent addresses police brutality, George W. Bush (“What’s the deal with all these war criminals who get to walk around free?”), Islamophobia, progressive protesters (“I’m so proud of all of these young people for taking it to the streets”), gun control, Jeff Bezos (“Ain’t we all just a little bit tired of greedy people getting a free pass?”), the Chicks, the Squad, and Jesus Christ (“He spoke truth to power, he stood up for the poor/ The church today wouldn’t even let him through the door”) among other things.It’s a hell of a song, clear and direct yet artful in its conversational ease. Never forget that DeMent can go toe to toe with songwriting legends like her old duet partner John Prine. In his review for WHYY’s Fresh Air, Entertainment Weekly Music Editor – Ken Tucker wrote: “Iris DeMent possesses one of the great voices in contemporary popular music: powerfully, ringingly clear, capable of both heartbreaking fragility and blow-your-ears-back power. Had she been making country albums in the ’70s and ’80s and had more commercial ambition, she’d probably now be considered right up there with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Instead, she’s lived a contemporary life, a somewhat private life. As she recently told an interviewer, “There’s a lot that goes into life besides songwriting.” And she’s taken her time in composing songs that fit into no genre easily.”]

[Iris DeMent plays Knuckleheads 2715 Rochester Street, KCMO on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM with guest Ana Egge opening the show.] [Iris DeMent joins us LIVE on WMM on March 22.]

11:30 – Underwriting

15. Sweet Honey In The Rock – “Sweet Sweet Honey”
    from: #LoveinEvolution / Appleseed Records / August 12, 2015
    [The renowned female African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock shows off a new four-voice line-up that continues it’s ongoing evolution. Their first first studio recording in nine years, #LoveInEvolution’s breathtaking layers of voices often carry a strong sense of social and ecological urgency on original songs such as “Second Line Blues,” which challenges the current eruption of racial violence, and “Oh, Sankofa,” an angry summation of the last century of historical injustice against blacks. But there are also uplifting songs of life’s positives (“This Place Inside Where I Can Rest,” “A Prayer for the World: Song 23,” and the delightful single “IDK, But I’m LOL”) and rearranged traditional and cover songs relevant to the CD’s theme of improving individual and global existence while enduring the strains of daily life. Now in their 42nd year, Sweet Honey in the Rock has toured from Australia to Zimbabwe, performed in the White House at the request of President and First Lady Obama, accrued numerous honors, and established itself as an inspiring, empowering musical force worldwide. // Female centered and led, African-American a cappella ensemble. A Grammy Award-winning (and many times nominated) troupe who express their history as women of color. Founded in Washington in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon who was teaching a vocal workshop with the Washington, D.C. Black Repertory Company. She was a Baptist minister’s daughter who had been on the front lines of the civil rights movement. In the 1960s, Reagon performed at schools, prisons and political rallies with the Freedom Singers in support of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. They performed “We Shall Not Be Moved” at the 1963 March on Washington. Reagon retired from the group in 2004 and was replaced by two singers in a lineup that is forever changing. (There have been more than 30 singers working in Sweet Honey over the years.) The ensemble has together worked from four women, to the difficult five-part harmony, with a sixth member translating with sign language. Their name was derived from a song, based on Psalm 81:16, which tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them. Sweet Honey in the Rock has been producing music for more than 30 years. Although the members of the group have changed over 3 decades, their music has consistently combined contemporary rhythms and narratives with a musical style rooted in the Gospel music, spirituals and hymns of the African-American Church. They’ve addressed topics including motherhood, spirituality, freedom, civil rights, domestic violence, immigration issues, and racism.] [In 2008 Sweet Honey In The Rock joined forces with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for an historic collaboration, “Go In Grace.” Choreographed by Ailey dancer Hope Boykin, the work featured new music by Sweet Honey, who performed on stage with members of the Ailey troupe. Through song and dance he audience was taken on a journey into the challenges and joys of one special family. “Go with Grace” was part of the 35th anniversary celebration for Sweet Honey In The Rock, and the 50th anniversary celebration for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Sweet Honey In The Rock performed with Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre at The Midland Theatre in Kansas City.][On January 30, 2013 Sweet Honey In The Rock played the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center For the Performing Arts.] [On February 23, 2018, Sweet Honey In The Rock played White Recital Hall at UMKC Conservatory of Music.]

[Sweet Honey in The Rock mark their 50th Anniversary with a three year celebration honoring their storied past and course for the future. The Ensemble play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]

11:35 – Interview with Aisha Kahlil of Sweet Honey In The Rock

Our next guest Aisha Kahlil possesses a dynamic, innate power and range in jazz, blues, traditional, contemporary, and African vocal styles and techniques. She joined Sweet Honey in The Rock in 1981. She has been part of 25 of the ensemble’s 27 album releases. Aisha Kahlil has also released her own solo album, and has worked extensively as a singer, dancer, teacher and acclaimed actress. Her original composition “Wodaabe Nights” was featured in the film soundtrack “Africans in America,” and her composition “Fulani Chant” was included in the film soundtrack “Down in the Delta,” directed by Maya Angelou, and the soundtrack “Climb Against the Odds produced by the Breast Cancer Fund. Ms Kahlil’s film credits include “Beloved” starring Oprah Winfrey and directed by Jonathan Demme, and with Sweet Honey in the Rock and James Horner, has written and recorded original music for the soundtrack of the TNT film, “Freedom Song,” starring Danny Glover and directed by Phil Robinson. SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK has been one of the most resilient and longstanding female ensembles in the history of contemporary music. the group performed at the White House at the request of President and Mrs. Obama during his first 100 days in office, they have toured in Europe, Australia and Africa, and served as artistic ambassadors for US Embassies based in Ethiopia, Peru, Jamaica, Swaziland and Belize.They are a three-time Grammy Award–nominated troupe who express their history as black women through song, dance, and sign language. Sweet Honey in the Rock was founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon. Although the members have changed over five decades, the group continues to sing and perform worldwide. Over the decades, more than 20 individuals have lent their voices to Sweet Honey in the Rock. Sweet Honey in The Rock play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org

Aisha Kahlil Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Ms. Kahlil’s interest in music was evident at an early age. She was a member of local choirs in her native Buffalo, New York, and during her high school years performed as a vocalist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in several productions, including Porgy and Bess, Carmen Jones, and The Messiah. During this time she also sang the role of Monica in a special WGBH production of Menotti’s The Medium, and performed at Carnegie Hall in Julius Eastman’s avant-garde composition The Thruway. She worked concurrently with the Studio Arena Theatre where she was awarded a full scholarship, and The Buffalo Black Drama Workshop, where she became interested in the music of such jazz artists as John Coltrane, Leon Thomas, Betty Carter, Yma Sumac, and Pharoah Sanders.

By the time she entered college as a theatre student at Northeastern University in Boston, it was clear that Ms. Kahlil had an intuitive inclination for vocal jazz. Although her formal training had been in European classical music, she began experimenting with innovative, improvisational vocal techniques. During the same period, she studied voice and music theory at the New England Conservatory of Music, and performed with Ebony Jua, a local jazz ensemble that toured the east coast music circuit. While at Northeastern, Aisha directed M(ego) and the Green Ball of Freedom, Where we at? , a play by Martie charles, and performed and directed Sister Sonji, by Sonia Sanchez.

Following her studies, Ms. Kahlil spent three years in the Bay area, where she worked as a vocalist and dancer with the Raymond Sawyer Theatre and Halifu Productions, while performing and recording with the avant-garde jazz trio Infinite Sound. She then returned to Boston, and there worked with such groups as Stan Strickland and Sundance and The Art of Black Dance and Music, in addition to teaching at the Institute for Contemporary Dance, The Joy of Motion, the Boston Center for the Arts, and as a consultant to the Boston public school system.

Ms. Kahlil’s artistic pursuits have taken her to New York City, where she studied extensively at the Alvin Ailey School, and with Frank Hatchett, Pepsi Bethel, Fred Benjamin, and Emiko and Yasuko Tokunaga. She also appeared in the Joseph Papp off Broadway production of The Haggadah, co – composed and performed in the musical Two Thousand Seasons, and danced with such companies as Titos Sampas’sTanawa. During this time, she also performed with Talib Kibwe( T.K. Blue) and Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand), and with Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra.

Since her arrival in Washington, D.C., she has worked with the D.C. Black Repertory Theatre and with Brother Ah and the Sounds of Awareness, and has been a featured artist in the Smithsonian Institution’s Jazz in the Palm Court, in which she presented a special performance of the music of Gertrude “Ma” Rainey; the Queen Mother of the Classic Blues, to rave reviews. Aisha has taught and performed for the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, as a dancer in Kankouran, and taught at the Dance Place. She also served as artistic director for the Youth Ensemble of Dancers and Drummers at the Levine School of Music, directed and choreographed for the First World Dance Theatre, and co directed and performed for the First World Productions, where she also co wrote with Nitanju Bolade Casel the original production Bright Moments in Great Black Music.
As a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock, Ms. Kahlil has been voted Best Soloist by the Contemporary A Capella Society, for her work on her composition Fulani Chant, and also for her rendition of See See Rider. Her original composition Wodaabe Nights has been featured in the film soundtrack Africans in America, and her composition Fulani Chant has been included in the film soundtrack Down in the Delta, directed by Maya Angelou, as well as the soundtrack Climb against the Odds, a film produced by the Breast cancer Fund. Ms Kahlil’s film credits include Beloved, starring Oprah Winfrey and directed by Jonathan Demme, and with Sweet Honey in the Rock and James Horner, has written and recorded original music for the soundtrack of the TNT filmFreedom Song, starring Danny Glover and directed by Phil Robinson. In 2005, Aisha was a finalist with her own band MyKa and the whole World Band in the annual contest Battle of the Bands, sponsored by Discmakers, and is a winner in the International Songwriting Competition’s (ISC) performance category with her original song, The Jewel Light.

Aisha has toured with her band in the islands of Hawaii; performing at the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, at Cassanova’s, and at Studio Maui, where she also taught workshops in vocal improvisation and movement. She has recently presented her signature workshops at the Kripalu Yoga Institute. Journey to My-Ka is her first solo release, and is a compilation of her own original compositions and arrangements.

Sweet Honey in the Rock is an all-woman, African-American a cappella ensemble. They are an American three-time Grammy Award–nominated troupe who express their history as black women through song, dance, and sign language.[1] Originally a four-person ensemble, the group has expanded to five-part harmonies, with a sixth member acting as a sign-language interpreter. Although the members have changed over five decades, the group continues to sing and perform worldwide.

Sweet Honey in the Rock was founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon, who was teaching a vocal workshop with the Washington, D.C. Black Repertory Company. Reagon retired from the group in 2004. The name of the group was derived from a song, based on Psalm 81:16, which tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them. Johnson has said that this first song in which four women blended their voices was so powerful, that there was no question what the name of the group should be. The ensemble’s most powerful messages are proclaimed through an enormous catalog of songs addressing the world’s woes. They are currently occupied with immigration injustices, congressional greed and lack of compassion for citizens, the environmental imbalance, racial issues and women’s issues.

Sweet Honey in the Rock has received several Grammy Award nominations, including one for their children’s album, Still the Same Me which received the Silver Award from the National Association of Parenting Publications. They contributed their version of Lead Belly’s “Grey Goose” for from the compilation album Folkways: A Vision Shared which won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album.

Their vocals appeared in a number of animated counting cartoons on the long-running PBS series Sesame Street, and the group was the subject of the 2005 documentary Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice.

The group has ventured through 20 vocalists since its creation. Embarking on a new chapter in their musical journey, Sweet Honey In The Rock now includes four core vocalists—Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard (both founding members), Nitanju Bolade Casel, and Aisha Kahlil. Shirley Childress, an American Sign Language Interpreter, performed live with the group from 1981 until her passing in 2017.

Influences: Sweet Honey in the Rock has been making music since the mid-1970s. Although the members of the group have changed over time, their music has consistently combined contemporary rhythms and narratives with a musical style rooted in the Gospel music, spirituals and hymns of the African-American Church. The ensemble composes much of their own music. They have addressed topics including motherhood, spirituality, freedom, civil rights, domestic violence, immigration issues, and racism. In their latest album, “#LoveinEvolution,” they address the additional topics of police shootings, specifically the Charleston church shooting, and the environment.

Members: Over the decades, more than 20 individuals have lent their voices to Sweet Honey in the Rock. Beginning as a quartet, the group is now composed of six African-American women (including a professional American Sign Language interpreter who accompanies the group on concert tours).

Current group members:
Nitanju Bolade Casel
Aisha Kahlil
Louise Robinson (an original ensemble member)
Carol Lynn Maillard (an original ensemble member)
Barbara Hunt (sign language interpreter)
Rochelle Rice
Christie Dashiell
Romeir Mendez (bassist)

Previous group members
Ysaye Maria Barnwell
Bernice Johnson Reagon (founder)
Shirley Childress Saxton (sign language interpreter) (B.1947-D.2017)
Arnae Batson
Mie
Dianaruthe Wharton
Evelyn Maria Harris
Rosie Lee Hooks
Ayodele Harrington
Ingrid Ellis
Tia Juana Starks
Patricia Johnson
Yasmeen Williams
Laura Sharp
Tulani Jordan Kinard
Helena Coleman
Geraldine Hardin
Akua Opokuwaa
Navasha Daya (special guest for “40 and Fierce Tour”)

On June 22, 2010, the group released the song “Are We a Nation?”, their response to Arizona’s controversial immigration law, SB-1070. An official music video of the song was released online on July 2, 2010. Directed by James Lester, the video was shot in New York City at Tainted Blue Recording Studio during a live recording session of the song. Amanda Navarro researched and provided the video’s archival images and Russel Soder was the cinematographer. Ramon Hervey II served as the project’s executive producer. The band donated a portion of the proceeds from the sales of “Are We a Nation?” to the Center for Community Change, an organization founded in 1968 to honor the life of Robert F. Kennedy. Sweet Honey in the Rock also joined The Sound Strike, boycotting performances within Arizona in protest of the law.

Sweet Honey in the Rock Discography
Sweet Honey in the Rock (1976)
B’lieve I’ll Run On… See What the End’s Gonna Be (1978)
Good News (1981)
We All… Every One of Us (1983)
The Other Side (1985)
Feel Something Drawing Me On (1985)
Breaths… The Best Of (1988)
Live at Carnegie Hall (1988)
All for Freedom (1989)
In This Land (1992)
Still on the Journey: The 20th Anniversary Album (1993)
I Got Shoes (1994)
Sacred Ground (1995)
Selections 1976–1988 (1997)
…Twenty Five… (1998)
Still the Same Me (2000)
Freedom Song (2000)
The Women Gather (2003)
Alive in Australia (2003)
Endings & Beginnings (2004)
Raise Your Voice (2005) [soundtrack]
Experience…101 (2007)
Go in Grace (2008)
“Are We a Nation?” (2010)
A Tribute — Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center (2013)
“Silent Night” (2014)

LoveInEvolution (2016)

Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards – 2008 – Best Musical Album For Children – Experience… 101
Grammy Awards – 2000 – Best Musical Album For Children – Still the Same Me

Sweet Honey in The Rock play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org

Aisha Kahlil Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Sweet Honey in The Rock play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org

11:47

16. Sweet Honey In The Rock – “IDK, But I’m LOL!”
    from: #LoveinEvolution / Appleseed Records / August 12, 2015
    [The renowned female African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock shows off a new four-voice line-up that continues it’s ongoing evolution. Their first first studio recording in nine years, #LoveInEvolution’s breathtaking layers of voices often carry a strong sense of social and ecological urgency on original songs such as “Second Line Blues,” which challenges the current eruption of racial violence, and “Oh, Sankofa,” an angry summation of the last century of historical injustice against blacks. But there are also uplifting songs of life’s positives (“This Place Inside Where I Can Rest,” “A Prayer for the World: Song 23,” and the delightful single “IDK, But I’m LOL”) and rearranged traditional and cover songs relevant to the CD’s theme of improving individual and global existence while enduring the strains of daily life. Now in their 42nd year, Sweet Honey in the Rock has toured from Australia to Zimbabwe, performed in the White House at the request of President and First Lady Obama, accrued numerous honors, and established itself as an inspiring, empowering musical force worldwide. // Female centered and led, African-American a cappella ensemble. A Grammy Award-winning (and many times nominated) troupe who express their history as women of color. Founded in Washington in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon who was teaching a vocal workshop with the Washington, D.C. Black Repertory Company. She was a Baptist minister’s daughter who had been on the front lines of the civil rights movement. In the 1960s, Reagon performed at schools, prisons and political rallies with the Freedom Singers in support of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. They performed “We Shall Not Be Moved” at the 1963 March on Washington. Reagon retired from the group in 2004 and was replaced by two singers in a lineup that is forever changing. (There have been more than 30 singers working in Sweet Honey over the years.) The ensemble has together worked from four women, to the difficult five-part harmony, with a sixth member translating with sign language. Their name was derived from a song, based on Psalm 81:16, which tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them. Sweet Honey in the Rock has been producing music for more than 30 years. Although the members of the group have changed over 3 decades, their music has consistently combined contemporary rhythms and narratives with a musical style rooted in the Gospel music, spirituals and hymns of the African-American Church. They’ve addressed topics including motherhood, spirituality, freedom, civil rights, domestic violence, immigration issues, and racism.] [In 2008 Sweet Honey In The Rock joined forces with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for an historic collaboration, “Go In Grace.” Choreographed by Ailey dancer Hope Boykin, the work featured new music by Sweet Honey, who performed on stage with members of the Ailey troupe. Through song and dance he audience was taken on a journey into the challenges and joys of one special family. “Go with Grace” was part of the 35th anniversary celebration for Sweet Honey In The Rock, and the 50th anniversary celebration for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Sweet Honey In The Rock performed with Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre at The Midland Theatre in Kansas City.][On January 30, 2013 Sweet Honey In The Rock played the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center For the Performing Arts.] [On February 23, 2018, Sweet Honey In The Rock played White Recital Hall at UMKC Conservatory of Music.]

[Sweet Honey in The Rock mark their 50th Anniversary with a three year celebration honoring their storied past and course for the future. The Ensemble play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]

17. Janelle Monáe – “Float (feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)”
    from: “Float (feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80)” – Single / Badboy Records / February 16, 2023
    [From Forbes.com, Feb 16, 2023 by Chris Malone Méndez: “Janelle Monáe Returns To Music With New Single ‘Float’. Since the release of their 2018 album Dirty Computer, Janelle Monáe has been demonstrating their talents in other media from the screen to the page. They appeared in hit movies like Moonlight, Hidden Figures, and more recently, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Last year, they released their first-ever book, The Memory Librarian, consisting of short stories set in the cyberpunk world of Dirty Computer. All the while, fans have wondered when — or if — Monáe would ever return to music, the arena where audiences everywhere first met the tuxedo-clad artist over a decade ago. // Today, Monáe is back with a new single titled “Float,” marking their first new music since the 2021 protest anthem “Say Her Name (Hell You Talmbout).” To bring the song to life, Monáe recruited Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Nigerian musical pioneer Fela Kuti, and his Afrobeat band Egypt 80 as featured guests. The track was released via Monáe’s Wondaland Records label and was produced by Snoh Aalegra collaborator Sensei Bruno and Wondaland signees Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Nana Kwabena. // “Ahhhh it feels good to be releasing music!!” the singer wrote on social media celebrating the song’s release. “Sending love and waves to everyone who takes the time to listen! I pray you hold these words close to your heart cause they came straight from mine.” // Monáe has been teasing an official return to music for a while, and “Float” appears to be only a taste of what’s to come. The cover art for “Float” features a tracklist obstructed largely by an orange vinyl record, leaving not much visible other than “Side A” and “Side B.” Details around the singer’s impending fifth studio album remain light, but given the now-customary five-year intervals between projects, fans can likely expect the LP to be released sometime this year.// Janelle Monáe Robinson was born on December 1, 1985 in Kansas City, Kansas and was raised in a working-class community of Kansas City, Quindaro. Her mother, Janet, worked as a janitor and a hotel maid. Her father, Michael Robinson Summers, was a truck driver. Monáe’s parents separated when Monáe was a toddler and her mother later married a postal worker. Monáe has a younger sister, Kimmy, from their mother’s remarriage. // Monáe was raised Baptist and learned to sing at a local church. Her family members were musicians and performers at the local AME church, the Baptist church, and the Church of God in Christ. Monáe dreamed of being a singer and a performer from a very young age, and has cited the fictional character of Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz as a musical influence. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which Monáe bought two copies of with her first check, was another source of inspiration. She performed songs from the album on Juneteenth talent shows, winning three years in a row. // As a teenager, Monáe was enrolled in the Coterie Theater’s Young Playwrights’ Round Table, which began writing musicals. One musical, completed when she was around the age of 12, was inspired by the 1979 Stevie Wonder album Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants”. // Monáe attended F. L. Schlagle High School, and after high school, moved to New York City to study musical theater at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she was the only black woman in her class. Monáe enjoyed the experience, but feared that she might lose her edge and “sound, or look or feel like anybody else”. In a 2010 interview Monáe explained, “I felt like that was a home but I wanted to write my own musicals. I didn’t want to have to live vicariously through a character that had been played thousands of times – in a line with everybody wanting to play the same person.” // After a year and a half, Monáe dropped out of the academy and relocated to Atlanta, enrolling in Perimeter College at Georgia State University. She began writing her own music and performing around the campus. In 2003, Monáe self-released a demo album titled The Audition, which she sold out of the trunk of a Mitsubishi Galant. During this period, Monáe became acquainted with songwriters and producers Chuck Lightning and Nate Wonder. The three would eventually form the Wondaland Arts Collective. She worked at an Office Depot but was fired for answering a fan’s e-mail using a company computer, an incident that inspired the song “Lettin’ Go”, which in turn attracted the attention of Big Boi. // Janelle Monáe Robinson (/moʊˈneɪ/; born December 1, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and record producer. Monáe is signed to Atlantic Records, as well as to her own imprint, the Wondaland Arts Society. Monáe has received eight Grammy Award nominations. Monáe won an MTV Video Music Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2010. Monáe was also honored with the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award in 2015 and the Trailblazer of the Year Award in 2018. In 2012, Monáe became a CoverGirl spokesperson. Boston City Council named October 16, 2013 “Janelle Monáe Day” in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, in recognition of her artistry and social leadership. // Monáe’s musical career began in 2003 upon releasing a demo album titled The Audition. In 2007, Monáe publicly debuted with a conceptual EP titled Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase). It peaked at number two on the US Top Heatseekers chart, and in 2010, through Bad Boy Records, Monáe released a first full-length studio album, The ArchAndroid, a concept album and sequel to her first EP. In 2011, Monáe was featured as a guest vocalist on fun.’s single “We Are Young”, which achieved major commercial success, topping the charts of more than ten countries and garnering Monáe a wider audience. Her second studio album, The Electric Lady, was released in 2013 and debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, serving as the fourth and fifth installments of the seven-part Metropolis concept series. // In 2016, Monáe made her theatrical film debut in two high-profile productions; Monáe starred in Hidden Figures as NASA mathematician and aerospace engineer Mary Jackson, and also starred in Moonlight. Hidden Figures was a box office success, while Moonlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 89th annual ceremony. Monáe’s third studio album, Dirty Computer, also described as a concept album, was released in 2018 to widespread critical acclaim; it was chosen as the best album of the year by several publications and earned Monáe two nominations at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and was further promoted by Monáe’s Dirty Computer Tour, which lasted from June to August 2018.]

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

Big THANK YOU to all of our wonderful listeners and friends who generously and thoughtfully donated to support KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City Community Radio during our Wednesday MidDay Medley broadcast today! Through the airwaves, and through social media, a total of 55 people donated a total of $3149.00 to allow us to continue our mission. THANK YOU to my incredible co-hosts: Betse Ellis & Marion Merritt, and special guest J Kelly Dougherty, and very special guest Hermon Mehari for sharing your brilliance with our listeners. Thank you to Scott Bunte, Lincoln Dreher and Darryl Oliver for taking our donations over the phones.

Next week on March 8, WMM plays more New & MidCoastal Releases PLUS we talk with Paris Williams about his new EP REBEL HEART released on January 31, 2023. we also talk with Frank Loose of Get Smart, Patrick Sumner and Aaron Rhoades about KC Punk Shindig, March 11 at 7:00 PM. At Farewell, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO presented by Bent Edge and Shuttlecock. We also talk with IVORY BLUE!!!

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

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

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

Show #983

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, March 1, 2023

Sweet Honey In The Rock + Tim Miller + Cardio Party

Mark Spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Monta, The Freedom Affair, Iris DeMent, Paris Williams, Major Matt Mason, Janelle Monae, Lonnie Fisher, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Cardio Party, The War and Treaty, Yo La Tengo, Sweet Honey in The Rock, John Vanderslice, and Overcoats.

At 10:30 we talk with Tim Miller, acclaimed performance artist who has played Yale Repertory Theatre, Institute of Contemporary Art in London, Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Academy of Music. He addresses issues of gender, immigration, homophobia, & censorship. As one of the “NEA Four,” who successfully sued the federal government for violating their First Amendment rights when their funding was rescinded in the early 1990s, Miller has played an important role in defending queer artistic expression on stage. Tim is cofounder of the two most important performance spaces in the country: PS 122 now known as, Performance Space New York and Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica, California. Tim is the author of Shirts & Skin, Body Blows: Six Performances, and 1001 Beds: Performances, Essays, and Travels. Tim Miller’s newest book, A Body in the O, Performances and Stories, was released from University of Wisconsin Press. Tim Miller is currently serving as Artist in Residence at the University of Missouri at Columbia through March 5, 2023. Tim Miller’s new performance, A BODY IN THE O will be presented Thursday, March 2, at 7:30 PM, in Studio 4, McKee Gymnasium, 672 Hitt St., Columbia, Missouri. More info at: http://www.timmillerperformer.com

At 11:00 AM Mark talks with Anthony Cruz & Olivia “Liv” Wyrick of the band Cardio Party, an electronic duo creating dreamy soundscapes balanced with energetic choruses, pieced together like poetry, sharing a glimpse into their hearts & souls. Both raised in Wichita, Kansas, Anthony and Liv met in middle school where they bonded over their shared musical preferences. In 2012, they found their niche producing electronic music. Both adept at music production of all kinds, Anthony’s primary focus is mixing and mastering, while Liv focuses on composition and sound design. In 2021, the duo released a new song every month, culminating in their album CALISTHENICS. In 2022, they released their EP, EMERGENTSIA. They are currently working on their next album, ALLOSTATIS releasing a new single every month in 2023. More info at: soundcloud.com/cardioparty

At 11:30 AM we talk with Aisha Kahlil of Sweet Honey in The Rock. Sweet Honey in the Rock is an all-woman, African-American a cappella ensemble. They are a three-time Grammy Award–nominated troupe who express their history as black women through song, dance, and sign language. Sweet Honey in the Rock was founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon. Although the members have changed over five decades, the group continues to sing and perform worldwide. Over the decades, more than 20 individuals have lent their voices to Sweet Honey in the Rock. Sweet Honey in The Rock play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org

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

Show #983

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, February 22, 2023

Guest Producer Fally Afani

WMM welcomes back to the show, Fally Afani as our special “Guest Producer.”

Fally Afani is an award-winning journalist with a career spanning nearly 39 years in media. She has worked extensively in radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards as well as an Edward R. Murrow award for her online work in journalism. Fally lives in Lawrence, Kansas, where she reports on local & touring musicians and is the editor & founder of, I Heart Local Music a comprehensive website providing info and place for music lovers in Lawrence to gather. It was started out of a deep love & appreciation for the local music scene. And has grown to produce a quarterly printed magazine. Fally is also the recipient of the Rocket Grant Award, which helped develop live music events for her community. As a straight ally she has almost single handedly resurrected Lawrence Pride and helped make it an institution. In 2015, a video she made detailing one second of her life every day gained national attention after it was featured on BuzzFeed and The Huffington Post. Fally Afani works as Communications Coordinator of The University of Kansas School of Music. She is married with two children. Fally’s family immigrated to the United States from Palestine. Fally Afani received her M.S. in Digital Content Strategy, University of Kansas, in 2021, and her B.S. in Journalism, University of Kansas, in 2003. For more information you can visit: http://www.iheartlocalmusic.com

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

2. Flash Floods – “I Don’t Wanna Know”
   from: Halfway To Anywhere / Flash Floods / December 23, 2022
   [Flash Floods call their trio a “y’allternative” band. The Lawrence, Kansas based band, Flash Floods released “I Don’t Wanna Know” as a single on August 26, 2022. Fally Afani writes in I Heart Local Music “One of our favorite acts to watch in 2022 is ending it in style. After releasing the very catchy “I Don’t Wanna Know,” Flash Floods has just leaked a second track off their upcoming release called “Don’t Take Advice.” // Flash Floods played an album release show at the Bottleneck, on December 23, with Christina Graves and Tyler Gregory. // Flash Floods has consistently been one of I Heart Local Music’s favorite live acts over the past year. “Their live presence is peppy and entirely likable, a bit of a stark contrast from the laid back and good-natured demeanor of their sound. In a world of noise and rising tensions, Flash Floods is the calming breath we need in our day.”]

3. The Roseline – “Paper Plane”
   from: Constancy / RPH Records / November 5, 2021
   [“Paper Plane” was the third single from The Roseline’s 8th album, CONSTANCY released August 6, 2021. “This song is arguably the most epic and ambitious thing we’ve attempted. It’s almost seven minutes long and bookended by spacey guitar loops, so it’s pretty decidedly anti-single. I just wanted to write a really propulsive heartland rocker. Lyrically, it’s a fictional narrative about a person escaping a dead-end town. We’re all pretty stoked about how it came out.” – Colin Halliburton (lead singer/songwriter). / Colin Halliburton on acoustic guitar, vocals, aux percussion; Bradley McKellip on 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitars; Colin Jones on bass; Jim Piller on drums; Heidi Gluck on backup vocals; Chase Horseman on synth; Joel Nanos – engineer, production, mix, mastered, recorded and produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. // The Roseline are an alt-country, Americana, rock band, formed by Colin Halliburton with friends in 2005. The Roseline released their 6th album GOOD / GRIEF on April 3, 2021. The Roseline released BLOOD on September 29, 2017; and TOWNIE on June 19, 2015. The band has toured the US and Halliburton has completed two European solo tours thus far, taking him through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Colin Halliburton joined us on WMM on March 25, 2020. More info at: https://roselinemusic.com%5D

4. Unfit Wives – “Dreamin'”
   from: LIVE & UNFIT / Lost Cowgirl Records / September 17, 2021
   [Unfit Wives bring their hard-driving bluegrass originals to Kansas City and surrounding areas with hot licks, lyrics, and feisty four-part harmonies. Unfit Wives are: Jenna Rae on guitar & vocals, Shannon O’Shea on fiddle & vocals, Monica Greenwood on mandolin & vocals, Kahlen Mitchell on upright bass & vocals, and Reagan Zagan on banjo & vocals. Unfit Wives have performed in a variety of settings from bars, wineries, festivals and private events, to larger listening rooms including Knuckleheads Saloon, Liberty Hall, and The Granada Theater in Emporia, KS. No matter the size of the stage (or if there even is one), these ladies bring hot licks, humorous song-writing, feisty harmonies and a high-spirited performance to every show. Their original songs incorporate honest emotions of Unfit Wives, a name that was birthed with from the band’s drive to question society’s standards for women, live unapologetically, and celebrate everyone’s “unfit”-ness. Some of their influences include Wanda Jackson, Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, The Chicks, Bill Monroe, and Split Lip Rayfield. Info: http://www.unfitwives.com http://www.thelostcowgirl.com]

5. Carswell & Hope – “Lo/Behold”
   from: Sign Of The Times / Silly Goose Records / August 30, 2022
   [Recorded and produced by Jason Slote and Nick Carswell. Mixed and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. Lawrence KS based 5-piece band formed June 25, 2012. The band is: Nick Carswell, Jason Slote, Austin Quick, Chris Handley, and Jordan Tucker. Songwriter Nick Carswell is originally from Ireland and has found a new home on the plains of Kansas.Songwriter Nick Carswell is originally from Limerick, Ireland, Nick Carswell has been living in Lawrence, KS since 2011. He formed Carswell & Hope in late 2012. The band released their debut album in 2014, coinciding with a two week Irish tour. Nick also plays bass in the electro-pop band Pink Royal and is the force behind Silly Goose Records and the annual Mix-Master music conference, now part of the Crossroads Music Festival. http://www.carswellandhope.bandcamp.com]

6. LYXE – “Wave”
   from: Everything You Could Ever Want / LYXE / September 15, 2022
   [LYXE is a new band from Lawrence, Kansas, formed in 2019 that played locally until Covid forced the band into a two year hiatus. Recently reformed, the band has had a successful string of shows in 2022 and released their first EP, Everything You Could Ever Want on September 15, 2022. Lead by frontman Ryan Wise of The Sluts, the debut single “Wave” showcases the band’s fun pop rock sensibility. We experience a different side of Wise’s songwriting with crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. Accompanied by drummer Jimmy Girod and bassist AJ Knudson, LYXE creates hip shaking rhythms reminiscent of classic 80’s and 90’s sounds.“Wave” is the ideal first taste of what this band can accomplish.]

10:32 – Underwriting

7. The Creepy Jingles – “Cardinal Cinnabon”
   from: TAKE ME AY MY WORDPLAY / High Dive Records / March 25, 2022
   [From band’s 11-track, full-length debut, TAKE ME AT MY WORD PLAY. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, 4-piece rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. Nick Robertson on drums, Travis McKenzie on guitar, and Andrew Woody on bass guitar bring first class musicianship and creativity, helping Nixon paint the perfect picture of colors and sounds that don’t stay in the lines. Their new album, “Take Me at My Wordplay” is an eclectic blend of catchy Brit-Pop melodies that dance around the landscape of surf, NY garage rock, psychedelia and folk music. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.]

8. Radkey – “Romance Dawn”
   from: Delicious Rock Noise / Another Century / November 11, 2016
   [This album came after the band was signed to Another Century Records who reissued their critically acclaimed debut full length album, Dark Black Makeup from 2015, and renamed it, Delicious Rock Noise, and added two new songs, both inspired by the band’s love of comic books. Radkey is a trio originally I 2010 from St. Joesph, Missouri, and now based in Kansas City, made up of brothers Darrion, Isaiah, and Solomon. Their influences include The Who and Nirvana. The band has toured Europe several times and all over North American and at multiple festivals. Most recently Radkey released the single, “Better Than This” ontheir own label Little Man Records on September 23, 2022. Radkey also released the single “Games (Tonight)”: on January 28, 2022 on Little Man Records. Isaiah, Dee, and Solomon Radke of the critically acclaimed rock trio Radkey joined us live in our 90.1 FM studios on September 5, 2018. The band has released multiple full-length recordings. In 2021 Radkey was featured in Dave Grohl’s van-touring documentary film, WHAT DRIVES US. Radkey released GREEN ROOM on Little Man Records on November 27, 2020.On Green Room the band serve as their own producers. Radkey released DARK BLACK MAKE UP in 2015 and DELICIOUS ROCK NOISE in 2016 — plus multiple EPs and singles, and were part of a MasterCard advertising campaign on digital billboards in NYC along with a national television commercial that aired during the 2018 Grammy Awards that brought the band to the attention of Jack White who asked the band to tour with him. In 2018 the band went back on the road with The Damned throughout the United States. In December they went back into the studio to record with producer Bill Stevenson of the California punk rock group Descendents. In early 2019 they played shows in Amsterdam and Stockholm. In 2018 the band released “Basement,” “St. Elwood,” “Rock & Roll Homeschool,” as well as several other singles. On February 22, 2019, Radkey released “No Strange Cats…P.A.W.” a 7-song EP is essentially a collection of the band’s most recent singles. It comes after the January 11, 2019 release of No Strange cats…Spiders – EP a 6 song EP of several new songs mixed with several singles from late 2018.]

9. Vedettes – “Sick Of”
   from: EPHEMERAL / Vedettes / March 1, 2019
   [Five studio-recorded and mastered tunes, recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski from May to December 2018 at Massive Sound in Shawnee, Kansas.This Lawrence, Kansas based 4-piece band was formed in 2015 with Heather Lofflin on lead vocals & guitar; Lizz Weiler on bass, & backup vocals; Ben White on lead guitar & backup vocals. More informatin at: http://www.vedettes.com]

10. Serene Fiend – “Unto Myself”
    from: Elegies and Effigies / Joel Bonner / August 25, 2022
    [Serene Fiend is an artist from Lawrence, KS whose sounds focus on industrial and pop but dabble in heavy metal, ambient, and minimalist sub-genres. // Serene Fiend’s long overdue first full-length album, Elegies and Effigies exists on a continuum ranging from industrial to pop with sprinkles of death metal and glam mixed in – “industrial death pop” for short. // The track list explores topics of introspection, self-destruction, grief, resilience, and self-betterment. Over its course, the album references itself melodically and lyrically through motifs and evolving context, benefiting repeat listens and granular focus. It is a bleak album, but centers around a thread of hope and optimism. // Written, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Joel Bonner. // Synthesizer solo on “Unto Myself” written and performed by Daniel Glascock. // Guitar solo on “Don’t Want To Die” written and performed by Sam Piper. // “Something About Us” originally written and recorded by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo // Artwork by Joel Bonner . Info at http://www.serenefiend.bandcamp.com]

11. Pure xtc – “Shadow”
    from: Shed My Skin EP / Taylor Hughes / November 18, 2022
    [Shed My Skin EP follows the Pure XTC single “Get Lost“ released September 9, 2022, and “Shadow” released June 1, 2022. Pure xtc released the EP Nobody’s Home on November 12, 2021. Pure xtc is the musical project of Kansas City based Taylor Hughes. Taylor is also the drummer for the band EXNATIONS who are on hiatus. The idea of pure xtc was formed during an extremely isolating time for multi-instrumentalist, Hughes. Living truly on her own for the first time, she moved to the NYC metro in 2019. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing new rooftops, meeting new people, avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell. “Ghost” was produced & mixed by Walter Kazmier of Silk City Grooves Studio and mastered by Mike Piacentini of Sony Entertainment’s Battery studios. http://www.purextcmusic.com] [Pure XTC aka Taylor Hughes was our guest on WMM July 14, 2021. And November 10, 2021. and November 16, 2022]

11:03 – Station ID

12. Stephonne – “Sweet Tooth”
    from: SIS: Side A – EP/ Stephonne Singleton / August 7, 2020
    [Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar and Adam McKee on drums. Stephonne grew up in KCK. He has performed in multiple shows for Late Night Theatre. Stephonne told John Long of Camp Magazine “I was surrounded by records, and my parents always had music on.” A special video for “Want Me” was released in 2020. On June 24, 2022 Stephonne released SIS: Side B [EP] Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums. Stephonne released the single, “Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) on June 3, 2022. Stephonne released the single, “Deja Vu” with Shilow and Regina Del Carmen on May 9, 2022. Stephonne released the single “The King’s Gambit” on July 28, 2021. Stephonne was part of the single, “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” from Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne, released April 9, 2021. Stephonne released the single “Beautiful Life (Acoustic)” on January 15, 2021. Stephonne released SIS: Side A on August 7, 2020. The 4 song EP contained the song “Want Me” that was also made into a video featuring body painting on to Stephonne’s body from artist Ryan Wilks. Stephonne released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte Cou, Kansas. Stephonne grew up in KCK. ]

[Charlotte Street announced on Monday, February 13, 2023 that the recipients of the 2023 Generative Performing Artist Awards are Stephonne Singleton and Tiara Nicole. This year, Charlotte Street’s Visual Artist Awards were given to Ruben Castillo, Sean Nash and SunYoung Park. Congratulations to them all! Much deserved!!!! Bravo!!!]

13. Cuee – “See You Tonight”
    from: With Love (3-song) – Single / Cuee / February 14, 2023
    [Cuee most recently released the (3-song Single “Coming Out” on June 24, 2022. Lawrence based hip-hop artist Cuee is a rapper with a Master’s Degree. Cuee received his Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas. Cuee is also a graduate of Artist Inc. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cuee has wowed audiences in Lawrence and KC with exciting live performances. And since 2017 Cue has released several critically acclaimed albums, an EP, multiple singles. We last talked with Cuee on March 3, 2021 and on May 5, 2021 and before that, on August 12, 2020, when he released the single “Who’s Back.” and before that on May 29, 2019. Cuee released the single: “Ain’t Goin Backon May 7, 2021, “Gravity (Feat: Lindsey Alderman)” on April 29, 2021 and part of GOSPEL the album. In 2020 Cuee’ track, “Shook” landed on an official Spotify playlist dedicated to transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid musicians across the globe including Kim Petras and Lex Allen. Spotify sent out a note said, “Hey Cuee you hit a high note this month.” Cuee said he didn’t even know what that meant, and he looked up to discover he had over 24,000 listener during the month of June on Spotify. I was trying to figure out what happened. I did a little research, I logged onto my instagram account, I was starting to get a flood of followers. I was just tracing it back and I landed on a Spotify playlist, it was an editorial playlist so he couldn’t find out who put him on there. “Someone found me.” Cuee made three trips home to Chicago to record the record. For the new album GOSPEL Cuee explained that this term can have biblical connections but it also means ‘the truth.” The video for “Ain’t Going Back” takes place in a church, and is a declaration of freedom, and identity, while also paying respect. Cuee talked us about how the track was created in the studio and translating the song into a video that was shot in a church. Last time we talked with Cuee he shared his thoughts about ‘”Queerness in a church,” Cuee said, “you know, is very…different, I mean I wanted to bring that into that space, and freedom into that space, allow that space to be seen and heard by other people who traditionally wont take up that space.” Originally from Chicago, Illinois. 27 year old Lawrence based hip-hop artist emcee, and educator. Cuee has gained fans over the last six years in Lawrence and Kansas City for his critically acclaimed musical releases and live performances. Along with getting his Master’s Degree, Cuee has released around 30 different musical tracks, legally changed his name, and has transitioned physically and vocally. The song “Ain’t Going Back” features Cuee’s friend Joel Leoj who is originally from Florida, but after moving to Chicago, became friends with Cuee in school, and recently moved to Lawrence to make music and collaborate on recordings with Cuee. Cuee explained that they have known each other since high school, that they “started a Hip Hop culture club in our high school, to bring music, kinda having a place to chill after school, write music together as a community. That’s how we started.” “I moved out here to Kansas, to go to school, he stayed back in Miami, and then we kind of connected back, maybe about two years ago, and hit it off really strong. We decided we wanted to pursue this music thing together. We decided let’s just do this. So he said he was going to move to Lawrence. I didn’t believe him at first, until he showed up on my doorstep, and I was like, Wow, you are here, let’s do this.” Joel Leoj released the album, JOEY IN WONDERLAND on January 31, 2021. Cuee is a featured guest emcee on the tracks “Eden” and “No Debate.” More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com]

14. Vicman – “Lust (Radio Ready)”
    from: The VCMN Project / Vicman / May 13, 2022
    [Vicman is also known as VCMN. They released their debut album entitled “The VCMN Project” on Friday, May 13, 2022. VCMN is an American singer-songwriter duo who’s artistry is shaped by way of edgy, alternative R&B, Pop, and Rock. Victoria and Emmanuel “Manny” Cable—aka the “Vic” and “Man” of VCMN. Victoria grew up in the Bethel International Center of Worship church in Kansas City, Kansas, where her father, Cleveland Drone, was a pastor. From the ages of 10-19, she toured across the country singing gospel music. Manny came to performance via a different path: ballet and modern dance. They’ve been working it out with the rhythms and the rhymes for years now. VCMN Project was first birthed into existence when they were still dating; the album was finished after they were married. It all began on their living room sofa. The VCMN Project is just as much a party as it is a beautifully written love story. The 10-track “The VCMN Project” encompasses a song from every top 40 music genre. R&B, Rap, Pop, Alternative Rock, Ballad, Country, Hip Hop, and Dance Pop. VCMN played Lawrence Gay Pride, presented by I Heart Local Music. Fri. June 24, 2022 at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts St. with Cuee & Friends. More info at: http://www.vcmnofficial.com]

15. Making Movies – “Cuna De Vida”
    from: A La Deriva / Independent / December 21, 2012
    [For this recording: Enrique Chi (guitar/lead vox), Brendan Culp (drums), Diego Chi (bass), Juan-Carlos Chaurand (percussion /keyboard).] [Most recently Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas and mixed by Tchad Blake. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies is a KCbased 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Prior to that, Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021, which includes their single “La Marcha.” On February 5, the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP was ranked #25 inWMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. The EP also includes: covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available on BandCamp for only three days on February 5 through February 7, 2021. Since then it has been made private, an is not available anywhere. Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV..” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Enrique Chi joined WMM on May 19, 2021.]

16. Maria The Mexican – “El Cascabel”
    from: Moon Colored Jade / Independent / Oct. 18, 2013
    [Most recently Maria The Mexican released the single, “Bottle of Wine” on July 17, 2022, On March 11, 2016, Maria The Mexican released their album, South of The Border Moonlight. In 2013 Maria The Mexican released their debut full length, Moon Colored Jade. Influenced by traditional Mariachi music, Maria The Mexican is a hybrid of Mexican folklore and Rock. For over ten years, Teresa and Maria Elena Cuevas have performed with Marachi Estrella founded by their grandmother Teresa Cuevas in 1970. As one of the first all female mariachi bands in the country, Maria Teresa Alonzo Cuevas is a pioneer in the Hispanic musical community. Her band flourished in the 80s but was struck by tragedy when four of the seven members were killed in the Hyatt Skywalk collapse in 1981. Once Teresa recovered she began teaching her grandchildren Mariachi music. In 2000, Teresa and Maria began exploring other genres of music while simultaneously co-directing Mariachi Estrella. Today the fusion of Maria The Mexican is mixed with a touch of blues, soul, funk, and rock n’ roll enhanced by the musical knowledge and sounds of Garrett Nordstrom.]

17. Turnstile – “Mystery”
    from: GLOW ON / Roadrunner Records / August 27, 2022
    [Turnstile are an American hardcore punk band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2010. They have released five EPs and three studio albums. The band’s third album Glow On was released in 2021 to critical and commercial success; the songs “Holiday” and “Blackout” earned the band three nominations at the 65th Grammy Awards. // Turnstile was formed in 2010 and grew out of Baltimore’s emerging hardcore scene. They released their debut EP, Pressure to Succeed, in 2011 and their second EP, Step 2 Rhythm, in 2013, both via Reaper Records. On January 13, 2015, Turnstile released their debut full-length album, Nonstop Feeling, on the same label. The album was recorded at Salad Days Studios with producer Brian McTernan. Supporting the release of the album, Turnstile went on both an East Coast and a West Coast tour with Superheaven, titled the Nonstop Feeling Tour. They also supported New Found Glory on their Spring 2015 tour. Following this tour, their guitarist Sean Coo stepped down, and a replacement was found in Pat McCrory of fellow Maryland-based hardcore band Angel Du$t.// On September 16, 2016, Turnstile released their third EP, titled Move Thru Me. The record charted at No. 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart and No. 19 on the Hard Rock Albums chart. The band embarked on the Move Thru Me Tour across the U.S. with support from Angel Du$t, Big Bite, Crimewatch, Fury and Lock on select dates in the fall of 2016. The band began recording for their second album under Roadrunner Records in the fall of 2017, completing recording in early 2018. The record was produced by Will Yip at his Studio 4 recording studio. On February 23, 2018, the band released the album, titled Time & Space – their first release under a major label. This was followed by the band embarking across the U.S. on the Time & Space Tour with support from Touché Amoré, Culture Abuse and Razorbumps. A European leg followed this with support from Fury, a South Korean and Southeast Asia leg, and a U.K. leg with support from Wicca Phase Springs Eternal and Big Cheese. Three of the album’s tracks were reworked with DJ and producer Mall Grab and released as an EP, titled Share A View, in January 2020. // On June 27, 2021, the band released their fifth EP, Turnstile Love Connection, alongside an accompanying short film directed by Yates. On July 15, 2021, the band announced the release of another album, Glow On. The first single from the album, “Alien Love Call”, was released and featured British musician Blood Orange.// On July 27, 2021, it was announced by the Suicideboys on social media that they would be one of the performers for their Grey Day Tour that ran from September 25, 2021 to November 16 the same year, along with the other G59 artists, like Night Lovell, Ramirez, Germ, Shakewell, and Chetta. Other performers, like Slowthai, Chief Keef, and Yung Gravy were also present within some dates of the tour. // On August 27, 2021, the band’s third full-length album, Glow On, was released, debuting at No. 30 on the Billboard 200. The album was met with universal acclaim from critics, and Rolling Stone listed Glow On at No. 8 on its list of The Best 50 Albums of 2021. // In March 2022, it was announced that the band would support My Chemical Romance on select dates of their North American Reunion Tour. // On August 12, 2022, the band announced via Instagram that they had parted ways with guitarist Brady Ebert, a couple of months ahead of their fall headlining tour.[16] Before this, Ebert had notably been absent from the band’s tours, and had been replaced by Greg Cerwonka of Take Offense. // On October 11, 2022, it was announced that the band would support Blink-182 on the North American leg of their upcoming 2023 global tour. // On November 15, 2022, it was announced that Turnstile was nominated for three Grammy Awards: “Holiday” was nominated for Best Rock Performance, and “Blackout” was nominated for both Best Rock Song and Best Metal Performance. // Critics and journalists have categorised Turnstile’s music as hardcore punk, melodic hardcore, alternative rock and nu metal. In interviews, the members describe their own music as hardcore. // Current members: Daniel Fang on drums, programming (2010–present), Brendan Yates on lead vocals, percussion (2010–present), “Freaky” Franz Lyons on bass, percussion, backing and lead vocals (2010–present), Pat McCrory on rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2016–present).]

18. THICK – “Your Mom”
    from: 5 Years Behind / Epitaph / March 6, 2020
    [Since first forming in 2014, New York trio THICK have triumphed at turning the harshest truths into wildly exhilarating punk songs. On their second album Happy Now, vocalist/guitarist Nikki Sisti, vocalist/bassist Kate Black, and vocalist/drummer Shari Page deliver their most complex and confessional work yet, exploring everything from self-sabotage and insecurity to victim-blaming and destructive relationships. Raw, irreverent, and brutally honest, Happy Now ultimately offers both joyful catharsis and much-needed instruction for living well in turbulent times. // “Most of our songs lean toward optimism, even when there’s a lot of pain in them,” says Sisti, who refers to THICK’s output as a “living diary.” “It’s not about toxic positivity or trying to force yourself into happiness; it’s about recognizing that it’s okay to feel a whole spectrum of emotions, and then getting to the other side and really growing from your experiences.” // The follow-up to 5 Years Behind (a 2020 release praised by Under the Rader as a “dazzling debut album…laced with anger, humor, killer guitar riffs, and soaring punk melodies”), Happy Now finds THICK working again with producer Joel Hamilton (Iggy Pop, Juiceboxxx) and recording at Studio G Brooklyn. In a profound evolution of their previous work, the 11-track album encompasses sharper arrangements and stickier hooks and a more explosive energy—an effect often achieved through the sheer force of their three voices singing in unstoppable unison. // Kicking off with a glorious bang, Happy Now opens on the frenetic urgency of “Happiness”: a dizzying yet incisive track that sets THICK’s self-reflection to a fantastically breakneck rhythm. “That song’s about the different ways we seek validation, and how whether you look for it externally or internally, it’s never an easy process,” says Black. “In the end, it’s about being more aware of where we’re trying to find happiness.” With its brilliant back-and-forth between riotous shouting and impossibly sweet harmonies, “Loser” arrives as a thrilling celebration of hopeless imperfection, cleverly twisting its closing lyric into an unlikely mantra (“I’ll always be a loser”). “Especially in music, it’s so easy to feel like a loser and a fuck-up,” says Page. “We want people to know that it’s okay to mess up and that everyone’s a loser sometimes. It’s really the best way to live, instead of trying to be number-one all the time.” And on “Tell Myself,” Happy Now slips into a wistful mood as THICK tenderly impart insight to their younger selves. “As you get older, you sometimes look at your little-kid self and wish you could give them a hug and tell them everything’s going to be okay,” says Black. “It’s not about minimizing life experiences, but a reminder that you’re stronger than you think and that—despite what it feels like in the moment—there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” // True to the egalitarian spirit of the band, THICK take a highly collaborative approach to their songwriting without ever sacrificing the intimacy of their lyrics. In the writing of the heavy-hearted “Disappear,” for instance, Sisti lifted directly from her journal in telling the story of “loving someone who gets lost in their own head, and how painful that can be.” Meanwhile, on “Her Chapstick,” Page opens up about a struggle in her own relationship. “It has to do with the experience of a partner seeking external affection,” she says. “It’s about navigating the feelings of why a partner is sharing themselves with someone else when you are right there.” // All New York State natives, THICK’s three members first crossed paths through shows at Brooklyn’s DIY/all-ages spaces and soon became a mainstay in that very scene. Since signing to Epitaph in 2018—and making their label debut with their self-titled third EP the following year—the band has dramatically expanded their reach and toured all over the country, including a 2021 run with punk legends Flogging Molly and Violent Femmes. But even as their fanbase grows exponentially, THICK thrive on forging an uncommonly close connection with their audience. “Getting to share our songs with new people and build community in places we’ve never been before has been the most fulfilling experience for us,” says Black. “We want to leave everyone smiling from ear to ear and get them moving around and hopefully look up at us and say, ‘Oh, I can do that. I’m gonna start my own band now.’”]

19. The Mars Volta – “Vigil”
    from: The Mars Volta / Clouds Hill / September 16, 2022
    [7th studio album by American progressive rock band the Mars Volta, Produced by guitarist, songwriter and musical director Omar Rodríguez-López, the album was preceded by the singles “Blacklight Shine”, “Graveyard Love” and “Vigil”. // Self-titled to mark a “clean slate” in the band’s history, it is the band’s first studio album in over ten years, following their 2012 album, Noctourniquet, and subsequent break-up. After reuniting in secret in 2019, band leaders Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala made a conscious effort to break from their previous progressive rock sound and record a pop-influenced album, with Bixler-Zavala directly addressing his family’s recent struggles with the Church of Scientology in his lyrics. // Founding bass guitarist Eva Gardner and longtime keyboardist and percussionist Marcel Rodríguez-López returned to the band during the recording process, recording their parts in New York alongside session drummer Willy Rodriguez Quiñones. Jazz pianist Leo Genovese contributed to the recording process, eventually joining the band on a full-time basis for the album’s accompanying tour, alongside new drummer Linda-Philomène Tsoungui. // In late 2012, following the release of the Mars Volta’s sixth studio album, Noctourniquet, core members Cedric Bixler-Zavala (vocals) and Omar Rodríguez-López (guitar, production) disbanded the group after a falling out between the pair. Writing on his personal Twitter account in early 2013, Bixler-Zavala stated: “I can’t sit here and pretend any more. I no longer am a member of Mars Volta. For the record I tried my hardest to get a full scale North American tour going for Noctourniquet but Omar did not want to.” Reflecting on this in 2022, Bixler-Zavala noted: “I was in a really impatient place when I left the band, very immaturely, in a loud way on social media. It was just sort of being a brat.” At this time, Bixler-Zavala had joined the Church of Scientology, creating tension between himself and Rodríguez-López and resulting in the pair growing apart. // Within two years of the falling-out, the pair had reconciled, subsequently forming the supergroup Antemasque and working on the At the Drive-In album, In•ter a•li•a (2017), before regrouping as the Mars Volta in secret in 2019. Remarking on the differences between At the Drive-In and the Mars Volta, Rodríguez-López noted: “The At the Drive-In thing was a very finite thing. It was partly nostalgia and the past, and where we come from and our roots. There’s a certain expectation and a certain thing that you have to give there, and the parameters are very much set. With the Mars Volta, it always goes back to the idea of, ‘Is it exciting, does it move me? Is what I’m hearing coming back out of the speakers just something that makes me dance?’” // A press release for the album stated that the album contains only “two tracks longer than four minutes”,]

20. Cannons – “Bad Dream”
    from: Fever Dream / Coplumbia Records / March 25, 2022
    [Cannons is an American indie pop band formed in 2013 in Los Angeles. The band consists of lead vocalist Michelle Joy, guitarist Ryan Clapham, and keyboardist and bassist Paul Davis. // Ryan Clapham and Paul Davis, who have been friends since childhood, began composing music together in their teenage years. In 2013, Joy posted an advertisement on Craigslist seeking a band looking for a singer. Clapham and Davis connected with Joy, and she was recruited as Cannons’ frontwoman. // Cannons issued their first EP Up All Night in 2014. The band then released their debut album Night Drive in 2017, as well as a second EP, In a Heartbeat, the following year. Shadows, Cannons’ second album, was released in 2019 by AntiFragile Music. “Fire for You”, the first single from Shadows, gained significant commercial traction after being featured in a 2020 episode of the comedy-drama TV series Never Have I Ever. The band subsequently signed to Columbia Records. In early 2021, “Fire for You” reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.]

11:32 – Underwriting

21. Amr Diab – “Nour El Ain”
    from: Tea in Marrakech / Stern’s Music / April 15, 2021
    [Nour El Ain (English: “Light of The Eye”) is Egyptian singer Amr Diab’s most successful album. It was released in January 1996 and became a tremendous success not only in the Middle East but worldwide. The album was recognized at the World Music Awards for the best-selling album in the Middle East for 1996. // The title track and its English version “Habibi”, was an international phenomenon, becoming a crossover hit in Pakistan, India, Brazil, Iran, Argentina, Chile, France, and South Africa. The song was remixed by several European arrangers and has become a big pull on the dance floors of Europe. The video clip, also produced by Alam El Phan for the song “Nour El Ain”, was one of the most lavish and expensive productions in Egyptian pop music at the time. “Nour El Ain” was at the time the best selling album ever released by a Middle Eastern artist. // Amr Diab was born on 11 October 1961) is an Egyptian singer, composer and actor. He has established himself as a globally acclaimed recording artist and author. He is a Guinness World Record holder, the best selling Middle Eastern artist, a seven-times winner of World Music Awards and five-times winner of Platinum Records. // Diab was born as Amr Abdel Basset Abdel Azeez Diab on October 11, 1961 in Port Said to a middle-class Muslim family from the Egyptian countryside of Menia Elamh, in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. Diab graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from the Cairo Academy of Arts in 1986. // Diab released his first album entitled Ya Tareeq in 1983. Diab’s second album, Ghanny Men Albak (1984), was the first of a series of records he released with Delta Sound; including Hala Hala (1986), Khalseen (1987), and Mayyal (1988), with the title track becoming one of the top 10 songs in the world at the time[citation needed]. His later releases include Shawa’na (1989), Matkhafesh (1990), Habibi (1991), Ayyamna (1992), Ya Omrena (1993), Weylomony (1994), and Rag’een (1995). // By 1992, he became the first Egyptian and Middle Eastern artist to start making high-tech music videos. // In 1996, Diab released his first album with Alam El Phan entitled Nour El Ain, and he won the World Music Award for the first time, which proved an international success and gained Diab recognition beyond the Arabic-speaking world. Diab recorded four more albums with Alam El Phan, including Amarain (1999). Diab also collaborated with Khaled (on the song “Alby”) and with Angela Dimitriou (on the song “Bahebak Aktar”). // According to research by Michael Frishkopf, he has created a style in the song “Nour El Ain”, termed as “Mediterranean music”, a blend of Western and Egyptian rhythms. // In the summer of 2004, Diab, having left Alam El Phan, released his first album with Rotana Records, Leily Nahary, which he followed up with the hugely successful Kammel Kalamak (2005), and El Lilady (2007). // Wayah was released for sale on the internet on 27 June 2009; however, the album was leaked online and was downloaded illegally amid complaints of slow download speed on the official site. Diab’s fans initiated a massive boycott of the sites with the illegal copies. // On October 18, 2009, Diab won four 2009 African Music Awards in the categories of best artist, album, vocalist and song for “Wayah”; Diab had been nominated by the Big Apple Music Awards. // In February 2011, Diab released his hit single Masr Allet (“Egypt spoke”), followed by the release of his album Banadeek Taala in September, produced by Rotana. In 2012, Diab hosted the first Google Hangout in the Middle East during his performance in Dubai. In October 2014, Diab released his album Shoft El Ayam, which topped his last album El Leila and again became the best-selling album in Egypt on iTunes. In July 2015, Diab released a music video for his song “Gamalo” from his album Shoft El Ayam. In March 2016, he released Ahla w Ahla, his first album since he left Rotana Music. The album was produced by the record label Nay For Media. His new album Maadi el Nas was released in July 2017 with Nay Records. // His 2014 album Shoft El Ayam peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard World Albums Charts, making him the first Egyptian and Middle Eastern performer to accomplish such a feat. // In October 2018, he released a new album called Kol Hayaty. In 2019, he released a mini-album, Ana Gheir, and in February 2020 he released his 35th album, Sahran, which included 16 songs. // In February 2022, Anghami announced an exclusive partnership that will see the Diab’s entire Nay Label audio and video catalogue and future releases available only on Anghami. // Diab is known as the “father of Mediterranean music According to author Michael Frishkopf, Diab has produced a new concept of Mediterranean music, especially with his international hit, “Nour El Ain”. Moreover, Diab is known as a composer, having composed more than 97 of his own songs. // Diab is one of the first singers to popularize music videos in the whole MENA region and is the first Egyptian singer to appear in music videos. // Diab’s fame in the music industry has led him to experiment with other forms of media, such as film. Diab played himself in his first film, El Afareet, which was released in 1989. It also starred Madiha Kamel. His second film was Hussein El-Imam’s production Ice Cream in Gleam (Ays Krim fi Glym), in which Diab starred in 1992, was chosen as one of the best five Egyptian musical films by the University of California, Los Angeles (ULCA) School of Theater, Film and Television. The film was featured in the UCLA Film and Television Archive’s new program “Music on the Nile: Fifty Years of Egyptian Musical Films” at James Bridges Theater at UCLA on 6, 8 and 10 April 1999. David Chute of the LA Weekly termed it “observant” and “a big leap”. His third movie was released in 1993, and was named Deahk We La’ab (Laughter and Fun). The film premiered in the Egyptian Film Festival in 1993. Diab played alongside international Egyptian movie star Omar Sharif (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago) and Yousra. Overall, Diab did not experience the same level of success in film that he had with his music career. Since 1993, Diab has focused on his singing career. // During the 2011 uprising, some protesters criticized Diab for staying silent, and for fleeing Egypt for London. A few days after former President Hosni Mubarak stepped down, Diab composed and sang a memorial song, “Masr A’let” (Egypt Said), and released it in conjunction with a music video showing pictures of the martyrs who died in the uprising. He initiated a charity campaign “Masry Begad” (“Truly Egyptian”).[citation needed] His online radio station Diab FM often presents talks and discussions about what the Diab FM team can offer to the community as well as applying it practically by being present in different sites across Egypt with a new humanitarian project each week. // Diab has an elder daughter from his first marriage to Egyptian actress Shereen Reda. In 1994, he was married to Saudi businesswoman Zeina Ashour. They have three children. In 2018, he went on to marry Egyptian actress, Dina El Sherbiny, after his relationship with Ashour ended. Diab and El Sherbiny separated in late 2020.]

22. Nancy Ajram – “Badna Nwalee El Jaw”
    from: “Badna Nwalee El Jaw” – Single / In2Musica / September 7, 2018
    [Nancy Nabil Ajram was born May 16, 1983) is a Lebanese singer, television personality and businesswoman, dubbed by Spotify as the “Queen of Arab Pop”.[1] With the support of her father, she began performing as a child and appeared on several television shows in her early years. By the age of 15, Ajram signed a recording contract with EMI and released her debut studio album Mihtagalak (1998). In spite of being under the legal age, Ajram was exceptionally accepted to the Syndicate of Professional Artists in Lebanon. The following year, she released her second album Sheel Oyoonak Anni (2001). // Her breakthrough occurred with the start of her collaboration with well-known Lebanese producer Jiji Lamara, when she released her controversial smash hit single “Akhasmak Ah”; created by Egyptian composer Mohamed Saad, and third studio album Ya Salam (2003) in which she adopted a public image as a sex symbol while reinventing her music. Ajram’s fourth album Ah W Noss (2004) was another commercial success, spawning the chart-topping singles “Ah W Noss”, “Lawn Ouyounak”, “Oul Tani Keda” and “Inta Eyh”, at which point she had established pop icon status in the Middle East.[5] In 2007, Ajram released her first children’s album, Shakhbat Shakhabit, which was the most notable and successful work for children at the time. Betfakkar Fi Eih (2008), her sixth album produced seven singles including the commercially successful Egyptian hits, “Betfakkar Fi Eih”, “Min Dally Nseek” and the Lebanese single “Mashi Haddi”, won Ajram’s first World Music Award as world’s best-selling Middle Eastern artist, the youngest Arab WMA winner to date. // Having sold over 30 million records worldwide as of 2007, Ajram is one of the best-selling Middle Eastern music artists.[6] By 2010 she was announced the best-selling Middle Eastern female singer of the decade (2000–2009). Throughout her career, Ajram has released eleven studio albums to date (including two dedicated for children) and numerous chart toppers such as “Yay”, “Ya Tabtab”, “Moegaba”, “Ehsas Jdeed”, “Ibn El Giran”, “Fi Hagat”, “Ya Kether”, “Ma Tegi Hena” and “Badna Nwalee El Jaw”. Ajram is the first and only female spokesperson of Coca-Cola in the Arab world, releasing several promotional Coke anthems that became instant smash-hits, such as “Oul Tani Keda”, “El Dounya Helwa”, “Noss El Kawn” and “Shaggaa Bi Alamak”. Ajram has made the list of Most Powerful Arabs on Arabian Business several times, and was similarly listed by Newsweek as one of the most influential Arab singers. // She has also featured in patriotic songs for her country Lebanon, and has also dedicated seven patriotic songs to Egypt; a country she’s widely popular in thanks to her Egyptian hits such as “Akhasmak Ah” and “Ah we Noss”. // Between 2013 and 2017, Ajram served as a judge on MBC’s reality talent show Arab Idol. She also began serving as a coach on The Voice Kids Arabia in 2016. In 2020, Nancy was the most-streamed Arab female artist on Spotify, achieving more than 100 million plays of her songs, followed by Lebanese icon Fairuz with 67 million plays. // On September 28, 2009, The Oprah Winfrey Show aired an episode titled “Fame Around the World” that talked about the most famous celebrities around the globe in brief reports. Representing the Middle East region and Arab world, Ajram appeared in a report featured on the show and was described by Oprah as “the Britney Spears of the Middle East”. Ajram is the first and only Middle-Eastern artist ever mentioned on the show. // In September 2014, Ajram returned as a judge on the third season of Arab Idol. Three of the four judges, including her, returned with Ragheb Alama being replaced, after two consecutive seasons, by another well-known Lebanese singer, Wael Kfoury. A month later, October 2, 2014, Huawei announced Ajram as its Middle East and North Africa Brand Ambassador at the launch of the Ascend Mate 7 smartphone in Dubai.[47] A day before, the TV commercial came out on Ajram’s official Facebook page featured her hit “Nam Bi Albi” from Nancy 8 album, which was filmed with Lebanese director Said El Marouk and produced by Oliver Ojeil under the label of his production company Chiaroscuro Films. 48 hours later, the TVC reached 1 Million views.]

Nancy Ajram Discography

Mihtagalak (1998)
Sheel Oyoonak Anni (2001)
Ya Salam (2003)
Ah W Noss (2004)
Ya Tabtab…Wa Dallaa (2006)
Shakhbat Shakhabit (2007)
Betfakkar Fi Eih (2008)
Nancy 7 (2010)
Super Nancy (2012)
Nancy 8 (2014)
Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek) (2017)
Nancy 10 (2021)

23. DAM – “Emta Njawzak Yamma”
    from: Ben Haana Wa Maana / Cooking Vinyl Limited / June 7, 2019
    [DAM’s third studio album. DAM fuse traditional Middle Eastern sounds, rhythm and intonation of Arabic-language rap and the unmistakably hip-hop attitude. Formed in 1999 DAM were one of the first acts to popularise rapping in Arabic (although they also rap in English and Hebrew) and have since become renowned for their unique fusion of East and West which combines Arabic percussion rhythms, Middle Eastern melodies and urban hip-hop. Their first single Min Irhabi (‘Who’s the terrorist?’) racked up over 1 million downloads and brought the group to the attention of young people across the Middle East for both their distinctive musical style and the political and humanitarian subtext.]

24. Mohammad Assaf – “Dammi Falastini”
    from: Muntasib Alqamah Amshi – EP / Mohammad Assaf / October 19, 2015
    [Mohammad Jaber Abdul Rahman Assaf was born Sept. 1 1989, He is a Palestinian pop singer well known for being the winner of the 22nd season of Arab Idol, broadcast by the MBC network. His victory received worldwide coverage from the media and was welcomed with joy by Palestinians and the rest of the Arab world. In 2013, Assaf was named a goodwill ambassador for peace by The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He was also named ambassador of culture & arts by the Palestinian government and was offered a position with “diplomatic standing” by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Assaf’s story is the basis of the 2015 film The Idol, directed by Hany Abu-Assad. After Arab Idol, Assaf has gone on to enjoy huge popularity in the Arab World and the Arab diaspora and has released two albums and a great number of singles and collaborations. Most of his music is sung in the Iraqi and Gulf dialects. // He was born in Misrata, Libya to Palestinian parents. He lived there until he was 4 years old, when his parents moved back to Gaza, he grew up in Khan Younis refugee camp with a middle class couple where he attended UNRWA elementary school. His mother’s family hails from the village of Bayt Daras, which was captured and depopulated by the nascent IDF in 1948 and his father’s family is from Beersheba. Assaf’s parents moved to Khan Yunis Refugee Camp when he was 4 years old. He is one of six siblings, three of whom, including Assaf, have been involved in performing live music. Assaf’s mother Intisar, a mathematics teacher, has stated that Assaf began singing at the age of five and “had a voice of someone who was much, much older.” Before his role on the television show he was attending Gaza City’s Palestine University majoring in media and public relations. Assaf did not have professional training as a singer; he started his career singing at weddings and other private events. He entered the public view in 2000 during a popular local television program where he called in and sung a nationalist song to the host’s praise. Afterward, he was frequently offered contracts with local record companies. Sometime after his first performance, he sang in a local event in Gaza attended by late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat. // Mohammad Assaf travelled from Gaza Strip to Egypt to audition for Arab Idol. It took him two days to reach Egypt by car due to complications on the border. At the beginning, he had to convince the Egyptian security at the border crossing, where he was stuck for two days, to leave Gaza. Once he reached the hotel where the auditions were taking place, the doors were closed in which they did not accept anymore auditions so he jumped over the wall. After he jumped over the wall, he couldn’t get a number to audition; he sat hopelessly in the hall where other contestants were waiting for their turn. He started singing to the contestants, and a Palestinian contestant, Ramadan Abu Nahel, who was waiting to audition heard him and gave him his number saying, “I know I won’t reach the finals but you will.”// He was given the nickname Asaroukh (“The Rocket”) by Lebanese singer and Arab Idol judge Ragheb Alama. Assaf was acclaimed by the jury and the public. His voice and appearance have drawn comparisons to Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez, which has garnered Assaf both fame and controversy. Fans merged part of Hafez’s name with Assaf’s, as in Assaf Hilm Falastine (“Assaf Palestine’s Dream”). Assaf’s final performance was his own song that was well known before his rise to fame “Ali al-kuffiyeh” (“Raise The Kuffiyeh”), a Palestinian song that called on Palestinians to raise their kuffiyehs (a traditional Arab headdress that has become a Palestinian nationalist symbol) and to unite, in light of the split between the two major Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had tuned in to watch his performance. On June 22, Assaf was declared the winner of Arab Idol, winning the most votes and coming ahead of two other competitors, Ahmed Gamal and Farah Youssef, from Egypt and Syria, respectively. Massive celebrations by Palestinians ensued after the announcement of his victory, including festivities held on the streets of Gaza City, East Jerusalem, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Khan Yunis, Nazareth, Lebanon and Jordan, And when his professional career as an artist began after the title of Arab Idol, he was accompanied by Awtar Band led by The Maestro Yacoub Al-Atrash in Arab and international festivals since then. // While Assaf has normally avoided politics on the show, he has stated “I can’t differentiate between my art and my patriotic attitude.” Assaf condemned the ongoing Israeli occupation of West Bank and the poor living conditions in the Gaza Strip. He also stated that Palestinian prisoner Samer Issawi’s long-term hunger strike protest had inspired him. He frequently performed donning the checkered keffiyeh popularly associated with Palestinian nationalism. // He is highly popular in the Palestinian territories, where the Washington Post notes that the “streets of Gaza empty out” when the show goes on air on Fridays and Saturdays. Throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, large posters promoting Assaf have been hung on residences and shops. A source of pride, Assaf has been able to unite Palestinians’ sympathies in a way that Palestinian political factions have not been able. // Some Palestinian politicians have showed their support for the singer who has been creating a sense of unity among Palestinians, regardless of differing political beliefs. Salam Fayyad, former Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, called on all Palestinians to support Assaf. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had also called for Palestinians everywhere, including the diaspora, to vote for Assaf. Assaf also won support from the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s daughter, Zahwa, who encouraged viewers to vote for him. // Although prior to his participation in Arab Idol, Assaf stated he had been briefly detained by the security forces of the conservative Hamas party and paramilitary group—which maintains de facto control over Gaza—on over 20 different occasions in an effort to dissuade him from singing, the group has not suppressed Palestinian support for Assaf or viewership of the show. Signaling a shift in attitude, a Gaza-based Hamas MP, Yahya Mousa, lauded Assaf and referred to him the “ambassador for Palestinian art.”]

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

Fally Afani Thank you for being out Guest Producer on Wednesday MidDay Medley. Fally Afani is the editor & founder of, I Heart Local Music a comprehensive website providing info and place for music lovers in Lawrence to gather. It was started out of a deep love & appreciation for the local music scene. Info at: http://www.iheartlocalmusic.com

Next week on March 1, WMM plays more New & MidCoastal Releases PLUS we talk with internationally known Performance Artist Tim Miller who is coming to the University of Missouri at Columbia for a performance residency on February 26 through March 5, 2023. But before that he is performing In Lawrence, Kansas at The University of Kansas on Friday, February 24. AND… We also talk with Aisha Kahlil of Sweet Honey inThe Rock who play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]

THANK YOU to all of our wonderful listeners and friends who generously and thoughtfully donated to support KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City Community Radio during our Wednesday MidDay Medley Winter Fund Drive broadcast/ Through the airwaves, and through social media, a total of 54 people donated a total of $3149.00 to allow us to continue our mission.

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

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

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

Show #982

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, February 22, 2023

Guest Producer Fally Afani

WMM welcomes back to the show, Fally Afani as our special “Guest Producer.” Fally will spin tracks from: Flash Floods, The Roseline, Unfit Wives, Carswell & Hope, LYXE, The Creepy Jingles, Radkey, Vedettes, Serene Fiend, Pure XTC, Stephonne, Cuee, Vicman, Making Movies, Maria The Mexican, Turnstile, THICK, The Mars Volta, Cannons, Amr Diab, Nancy Ajram, DAM, and Mohammed Assaf.

Fally Afani is an award-winning journalist with a career spanning nearly 39 years in media. She has worked extensively in radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters Awards as well as an Edward R. Murrow Award for her online work in journalism. Fally lives in Lawrence, Kansas, where she reports on local & touring musicians and is the Editor & Founder of, I Heart Local Music a comprehensive website providing info and place for music lovers in Lawrence to gather. It was started out of a deep love & appreciation for the local music scene. And has grown to produce a quarterly printed magazine. More information at: http://www.iheartlocalmusic.com

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

Show #982

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, February 15, 2023

WMM Celebrates Black History with 15 of our Favorite Black Artists & Bands + Hermon Mehari + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis

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

2. The Wild Women of Kansas City – “Taking A Chance On Love”
   from: Live At Pilgrim Chapel 9/26/2010 / Cosmic Cowboy Records / Reissued March 14, 2021
   [Reissued on digital for the first time by Cosmic Cowboy Records, The Wild Women of Kansas City, LIVE AT PILGRIM CHAPEL 9/26/2010 is a 14-track live recording. The vocal quartet included legendary Myra Taylor (1917-2011), Millie Edwards, Geneva Price and Lori Tucker, singing in harmony. More info at: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-wild-women-of-kansas-city/1557857551 from Bill Brownlee’s Plastic Sax blog: “The Wild Women’s repertoire belied its billing as a jazz group. The 55-minute recording includes readings of the disco anthem “I Will Survive,” Ray Charles’ earthy hit “Night Time Is the Right Time” and the proto-rock gem “Don’t Let Go.” // Backed by an unidentified organist, bassist and drummer, the crowd-pleasing entertainers also perform familiar warhorses like “Sentimental Journey,” “Stormy Weather” and the inescapable “Kansas City.” Edwards sings lead on “What a Wonderful World” and Taylor does her playful Louis Armstrong impression during “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” // The women assert their intent on “Let the Good Times Roll”: “Tell everybody: Wild Women are in town/Sometimes we’re serious, sometimes we got to clown/ We don’t let nobody play us cheap/We got heart, soul- ooh, listen to the beat.” Thanks to the invaluable Live at Pilgrim Chapel 9/26/2010, their vital beat plays on.” // The Wild Women of Kansas City were formed by Myra Taylor after she moved back to Kansas City in 1994, she brought together the jazz quartet with Geneva Price, Millie Edwards and Lori Tucker. After a career spanning 80 years, Myra Taylor died in 2011. She performed her last show at the age of 94. Myra is honored with an archway and historic marker at 18th and Vine at the corner of the old Attucks School, She is also onored with a medallion on the American Jazz Museum’s Jazz Walk of Fame.]

[Last week Kansas City lost another vital member of our Jazz Community with the passing of the amazing Geneva Price, who died in her sleep at the age of 93 on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Last year, on May 15, 2022 The Wild Women of Kansas City performed as a trio, at Unity Temple on the Plaza, for Live at The Temple Honors the Kansas City Women of Jazz and The Temple Award for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Geneva Price, (and also Diane “Mama” Ray and Julie Turner.) If you ever met Geneva Price you knew you were in the presence of an incredible spirit who was a living example the very best a human person can be.]

3. Sweet Honey In The Rock – “No Mirrors in My Nana’s House”
   from: Still On The Journey: The 20th Anniversary Album / Earthbeat / 1993
   [Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrated their musical, political, and personal triumphs in style and in public with this benchmark 1993 album. Still on the Journey offers a banquet of songs that center on love and living, struggle and death. After 20 years and many lineup shifts, the all-women African American a cappella group continues to demonstrate what a beautiful instrument the human voice can be. A mildly self-indulgent rap self-tribute is offset by the mournful “Spiritual.” “Come By Here” illustrates the group’s unique capacity to layer vocal lines into a loose net of improvised rhythms and melodies without losing the thread of the song. Here also Sweet Honey dabbles for the first time in vocal percussion. Reflections on Africa come into crisp focus in “Wodabe Nights,” while “Wanting Memories” makes it clear that, though the journey has been long and hard, Sweet Honey has no plans to rest. –Sally Weinbach // Female centered and led, African-American a cappella ensemble. A Grammy Award-winning (and many times nominated) troupe who express their history as women of color. Founded in Washington in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon who was teaching a vocal workshop with the Washington, D.C. Black Repertory Company. She was a Baptist minister’s daughter who had been on the front lines of the civil rights movement. In the 1960s, Reagon performed at schools, prisons and political rallies with the Freedom Singers in support of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. They performed “We Shall Not Be Moved” at the 1963 March on Washington. Reagon retired from the group in 2004 and was replaced by two singers in a lineup that is forever changing. (There have been more than 30 singers working in Sweet Honey over the years.) The ensemble has together worked from four women, to the difficult five-part harmony, with a sixth member translating with sign language. Their name was derived from a song, based on Psalm 81:16, which tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them. Sweet Honey in the Rock has been producing music for more than 30 years. Although the members of the group have changed over 3 decades, their music has consistently combined contemporary rhythms and narratives with a musical style rooted in the Gospel music, spirituals and hymns of the African-American Church. They’ve addressed topics including motherhood, spirituality, freedom, civil rights, domestic violence, immigration issues, and racism.] [In 2008 Sweet Honey In The Rock joined forces with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for an historic collaboration, “Go In Grace.” Choreographed by Ailey dancer Hope Boykin, the work featured new music by Sweet Honey, who performed on stage with members of the Ailey troupe. Through song and dance he audience was taken on a journey into the challenges and joys of one special family. “Go with Grace” was part of the 35th anniversary celebration for Sweet Honey In The Rock, and the 50th anniversary celebration for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Sweet Honey In The Rock performed with Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre at The Midland Theatre in Kansas City.][ on January 30, 2013 Sweet Honey In The Rock played the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center For the Performing Arts.]

[Sweet Honey in The Rock mark their 50th Anniversary with a three year celebration honoring their storied past and course for the future. The Ensemble play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]

10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1

Today WMM Celebrates Black History with tracks from 15 of our Favorite Black Artists or Bands from Kansas City and Beyond: Julia Haile, Krystle Warren, Calvin Arsenia, The Black Creatures, Hermon Mehari, Stephonne, Eddie Moore, Danny Cox, Just Angel, Okorie Johnson, Joni NehRita, Lady Nade, Samara Joy, and We started the show with The Wild Women of Kansas City, and Sweet Honey In The Rock.

At 11:00 we’ll talk with Hermon Mehari who received his BM in Jazz Performance from UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2010. Hermon Mehari released his debut solo album, BLEU in 2017 and his sophomore solo album A CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE in 2020. Mehari released his latest album ASMARA on November 18, 2022. Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in Paris. Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com

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

Betse Ellis. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been playing the Violin for 45 years, playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, and records and performs with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke. In 2020 they released their latest 8-song release, WINTER, which was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Betse also plays with The Starhaven Rounders.

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

Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, She grew up in Los Angeles, and St. Louis. She went to college in Columbia, Missouri. She studied art and musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films and punk rock music. She saw Talking Heads on their first U.S. tour when they played One Block West in 1978. For nearly 19 years she has been sharing her musical discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic brain on Wednesday MidDay Medley. With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, that features new vinyl releases, in-store performances,, and was once the location for a wedding. More information at: http://www.recordwithmerritt.com

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

90.1 FM KKFI is “Radio Powered By Diversity” For 35 Years our Kansas City Area Community Speaks Through our Airwaves and this Program.

In 2022 on WMM we conducted over 120 interviews with 120 special guests: Kianna Alarid White, Cale Parks, Nico Gray, Betse Ellis, Marion Merritt, Rose Brown, Ivory Blue, Klaartje Van Lue, Ernest James Zydeco, Julia Othmer, Julie Bennett Hume, Mikal Shapiro, Leslie Pories, Matt & Melissa Weinman of Dimension Bill Edwards, Oliver Hall, Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brody Lowe of Redder Moon, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Nick Robertson, Travis McKenzie, Andrew Woody of The Creepy Jingles, Jennifer Owen of Owen Cox Dance, Nate Holt of Asterales, Isaac Flynn of Hembree, D Rashaan Gilmore, Luke M. Harbur aka Music By Skippy, Fritz Hutchison, Jenna Rae, Kristie Stremel, Sondra Freeman of Midwest Music Foundation, Meighan Peifer & Patricia Doherty, Jade Green & Xavier Martin of The Black Creatures, Jesse Kates of The Sexy Accident, Chad Brothers, Kristopher Bruders and Mark Smeltzer of Freight Train Rabbit Killer, Jnabe, Jessica Salley, Brodie Rush of Be/Non, Shaun Crowley, Nilko Andreas, Amy Farrand, Sam Platt, Stacy Busch & Kalli Siringas of No Divide KC, Taylor Avazpour, Jessica Ayala and Les Izmore of Arquesta Del Sol Soul, Luke Petet, Chris Haghirian, Stephonne Singleton, Dedric Moore, Scott Hrabko, Just Angel, Vi Tran, KKFI Board President Catina Taylor, KKFI Interns: Yassi Armer-Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman, Lee Walter Redding, Chalis O’Neal, Tucker Slough, Major Matt Mason USA, Brook Worlledge, Stephanie Bankston, Mia Morrow of Boxknife, Cooper Scott of Jean Claude and The Eclairs, Kadesh Flow, Dr. Sonia Hall, Necia Gamby, Kelly Hunt, Aaron Shinn and Tell Pryor of Lazy Projector, Lacey Gronniger of Dreamgirl, Bill Sundahl, Nick Carswell of Carswell & Hope, Tillie Alexandra Hall of MellowPhobia, Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, Diane Patterson. Kiley Sutter, Steve Tulipana, Miki P, Rachel Lovelace, Ryan Wise, AJ Knudson, and Jimmy Girod of LYXE, Trent Michael Munsinger of You Monster You, Judith G. Levey, Mike McCoy, Heather Grehan, & Lisa McKenzie of Cher U.K., Brie Howard-Darling, Patti Quatro, Mia Huggins, of Fanny, Nita Norris, and Jackie Nugent, Brenton Cook of Outer Reaches Fest, Mark Ronning of Les Bons Bons Electriques, Lotta Williams, and Chris Hudson, Fally Afani of I Heart Local Music, Nick Spacek of The Pitch, Sondra Freeman, Tre’ Mutava, Howie Howard, Glenn North, and Eddie Moore.

10:14 – Folk Alliance International Spotlight

We met out next three artists at the 35th Annual Folk Alliance International Conference February 1-4, 2023 Westin Crown Center. We spent time with these artists un the amazing Black American Music Summit – Private Showcase Room 656

4. Okorie “OkCello” Johnson – “These Are the Days”
   from: Beacon / ZMI Rights Management / September 24, 2021
   [Atlanta-based cellist-songwriter, looper, improviser and storyteller, Okorie “OkCello” Johnson’s work centers on themes and expressions of the African Diaspora, his personal truths, a deep love and celebration of women, and a commitment to musical prayer. // Drawing upon his experience as a teacher and writer, OkCello immerses his audiences in vivid stories as well as songs, creating a richly layered and transcendent experience. // “Hereness is the first of all sacred things.” – OkCello // Okorie “OkCello” Johnson is an American cellist-songwriter whose artistry integrates cello performance, live-sound-looping, improvisation, and storytelling – all culminating in original compositions that collide classical with jazz, EDM, reggae, and funk. // His music is inspired by the exploration of African Diasporic melodies and narratives and their intersection with people’s perceptions and assumptions about the classical and European nature of the cello. As well, his work with improvisation attempts to embody the phenomenon of wordless prayer. // In September 2022, Okorie OkCello Johnson was one of the presenters at the Democratic Republic of the Congo Biennale for his proposal of a sound installation project entitled “Vessel of Breath,” a meditative cello composition comprised of harvested sound, collaborative compositions, and community interviews. In March 2022, he participated in the Kennedy Center’s artist residence program entitled Office Hours, in which he began workshopping the process for the above sound installation. The Kennedy center residency culminated in a performance at the REACH, the Kennedy Center’s “living theater where diverse art forms collide to break down boundaries between audience and art.”// 2021 saw his inclusion in the InStyle February issue, which identified him as a member of the “Creative Class Making Atlanta the New Epicenter of American Arts.” He was also identified in Atlanta Magazine’s “Atlanta Rising Creative Class [that] Is Gaining New Recognition on the National Scene.” Finally, a documentary he scored for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “Imperfect Alibi” won a regional Emmy, he released his third studio project Beacon in September of 2021, and in December, he released a holiday album entitled, An OkChristmas. // In 2020 Okorie was commissioned by Flux Projects to create improvisational work entitled “Stir Crazy” directly responding to the isolation that stemmed from the COVID19 quarantines. He then collaborated with visual artist Fahamu Pecou and poet Jon Goode to create a performance art piece entitled HUE+MEN that, in response to the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, asserted through sound, imagery, and poetry the sanctity and power of Black humanity. He also went on to be selected by Emory University to participate in its inaugural Arts and Social Justice Fellowship program, created by the Emory Center for Ethics. In that program, he and 5 other Atlanta artists were commissioned to create in collaboration with Emory professors and their classes pieces of art that spoke to the racial reckoning that the US experienced that summer. // In 2019, he had the honor of performing at SXSW for Choose ATL and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, performing at the Oak Hill Stage of the Atlanta Jazz Festival, opening for Grammy award winning artist Van Hunt, being a featured artist on the Story2019 festival at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, opening for Grammy award winning recording artist Maxwell at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, and being invited to perform in Havana, Cuba at the classical music festival Habana Classica, which coincided with the 500th birthday of that capital city. // He is a recipient of the Alliance Theatre’s 2018 Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab grant, and a 2018 Creative Loafing Readers’ Choice winner for Best Local Jazz Act. His sophomore album Resolve was named one of ArtsATL’s top local albums of 2018. // Furthermore, over his career, Okorie has had the opportunity to perform and/or record with India.Arie, De La Soul, and Big Boi of OutKast, amongst many others. // Okorie describes his circuitous route to this unusual solo cello career in the following quote: “After years of putting my cello down and picking it back up, after years of deciding that the cello wasn’t financially practical, after years of thinking that my other voices were my native ones, I realized that the cello was the oldest, the most central and the most sacred part of me. I resolved never, ever, to deny it again.” Info at http://www.okcello.com]

[Okorie “OkCello” Johnson was a 2023 official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International]

5. Joni NehRita – “The Common Story”
   from: Love & Protest / Joni NehRita Rodney / July 20, 2021
   [Jamaican-Canadian artist Joni NehRita invites listeners to feel, move and think more with her socially charged Afro-Latin and Caribbean soul. She has a gift for writing catchy melodies dressed in jazzy chords that feel ready to hit the beach- south of the border, of course! This knack for sunshiny melodies and infectious grooves help her message of equity, universal love and the cultivation of compassion to be received like a nice, cool drink on a sweltering day. // A seasoned performer, NehRita known for her ability to touch an audience and leave them feeling changed. Raji Sohal from CBC 3 Montreal may have put it best, “I can attest that in live performance her voice and stage presence are stellar and come off as endearingly natural. Joni had me hollering and cheering like I haven’t at an R&B show in a while.” .. This year NehRita releases her 4th full length album, “Love & Protest” which is a marked step further toward global roots/world music but keeps her distinctive gift for writing accessible songs that groove in tact. Love & Protest explores the juxtaposition between love being “the answer” and fire/anger being the fuel to protest, to question, to be the change. The new album finds NehRita switching from keys to guitar as her main instrument and has relies heavily on percussion rhythms found in Caribbean & Brazilian music. // Joni is also a music educator & facilitator who has taught workshops in improvisation, performance & vocal technique at Wilfrid Laurier University, Seneca College, Folk Alliance International, The Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival as well as at countless other schools & community events. In February of 2020 she added TEDxED speaker to her list of professional accomplishments. Joni is also regularly called on to participate on panels about music, race & social justice, for adjudication at music festivals/competitions as well as to host and/or moderate events. // For info on hiring Joni as a facilitator, speaker or music educator, visit: http://www.joninehrita.com]

[Joni NehRita was a 2023 official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International]

6. Lady Nade – “Ain’t One Thing”
   from: Willing / Lady Nade / June 18, 2021  
   [Lady Nade (Na’y’ed) As in ‘Lemonade’ released her third album, the 11 – track, WILLING on June 18, 2021. The title track was released as a single and won ‘UK song of the Year’ in the 2022 UK Americana Awards. Lady Nade started writing poems and songs as a form of healing from grief, performing in venues across her native city of Bristol, her work developed into a calling to connect with her fans on a deeper level and help lead them through life’s complicated tapestry with the healing power of music. She pours creativity into every song, often lavishing them with a recipe to match. // Named one of Bristol’s most influential women of 2022, Lady Nade is continuing her rise as a multi-award winning eclectic Folk and Americana singer-songwriter. Her third album ‘Willing’ entered both the official Folk and Americana charts on its release. With the title track Single winning ‘UK song of the Year’ in the 2022 UK Americana Awards.// Her songs carry messages of love, loss, hope, relationships, friendships and the positive connection between music, well-being. // Lady Nade has learnt that loss and grief isn’t something one can recover from alone and with her music and recipes she creates a communal experience that everyone can enter into on their own terms. // This Bristolian folk / Americana songwriter fills your heart with words and melodies that nourish the mind, body and soul. Her performances are like a reunion. Share a room with her, and she’ll give you her story. All of it. The joys and sorrows. You will love her for it, and she will love you back. More info at: http://www.ladynade.co.uk]

[Lady Nade was a 2023 official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International]

10:26 – Pledge Break #2

With our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
and, KKFI’s Director of Development & Communications, Kelly Dougherty

Today on WMM we are celebrating Black History with 15 of our Favorite Black Artists from Kansas City and Beyond. 90.1 FM KKFI’s non-profit organization and governing body is the MidCoast Radio Project. MidCoastal is where we are, on the coasts of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers with a music community that spans the Kansas City Metro region and west to Lawrence and Topeka and south to Olathe and east to Columbia and North to St Joseph. Not necessarily the reach of our 100,000 watt signal but definitely the reach of our community.

WMM and KKFI are committed to featuring artists under-represented in other media, and that includes the music community that lives within Kansas City and Lawrence and the area radiance of our 100 watt signal. The story of Kansas City’s Arts and Music Community is our primary objective on WMM, where for nearly 19 years we have shined a light on this music and the artist who create it and that story also include the music labels who help get this music out into the community and beyond Kansas City. That story also includes the recording studios where this music is engineered and mastered.

Wednesday MidDay Medley 90.1 FM was the first radio show and first radio station to ever play many if these amazing musical artists. WMM was the first to play the recordings of: Calvin Arsenia, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Krystle Warren, The Black Creatures, KD Kuro, Stephonne, The Shy Boys, The Salvation Choir, Ivory Blue. We were the first to interview these artists live on the radio and bring their music to a wider audience.

Timothy Finn Kansas City area music writer named WMM “The Best Place to Hear Local Music on the Radio.” and the Best Place to hear area musicians talk about their music.

10:35

7. Calvin Arsenia – “Sampson (Live at Greenwood Social Hall)”
   from: “Sampson (Live at Greenwood Social Hall)” – Single / Outlyre Productions / July 20, 2022
   [This is a cover of Regina Spektor’s song “Sampson” from her incredible 2006 album BEGIN TO HOPE. This recording was from Calvin Arsenia’s Live at Greenwood Social Hall, recorded June 11, 2017 at Greenwood Social Hall, 1760 Bellevue. Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in KC and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe. Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artists. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records, has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On Dec. 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin is a graduate of Artist INC. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com]

[Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO, on Thursday, February 23, ar 7:00 PM with Rueben and The Dark.]

8. Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Tuesday Mornings”
   from: Love Songs: A Time To Refrain from Embracing / Parlour Door Music / April 9, 2012 UK
   [Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. // Warren, who now resides in Paris, began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16 before moving to New York City, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty. She and the group have recorded several full-length albums, including 2009’s Circles, 2012’s Love Songs and 2017’s Three the Hard Way. Her next album is slated for release thiswinter. // A large percentage of proceeds from sales of the EP — which is available for digital downloads via Warren’s website now and released on all streaming platforms next Friday — will be donated to the ACLU. Krystle Warren joined us live on WMM on September 23, 2020. July 28, 2021. She has appeared as a guest on 15 WMMs. More info at http://www.krystlewarrenandthefaculty.com]

9. Julia Haile – “Heavy Rotation”
   from: “Heavy Rotation” – Single / Julia Haile / September 30, 2022
   [One of two new singles released by Jullia Haile on September 30, 2022. Julia Haile is a singer and songwriter based in Kansas City, MO. Her natural talent and musical education have fueled a career of exciting performances and beautiful music. From leading Neo-Soul band Hi-Lux and international collaborations to solo works, Julia’s goal is create meaningful musical experiences for all. Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux is a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group aims to create music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). but also claims a spotlight of its own in the musical world. Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b​/​w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. All 6 songs had previously been released as singles..]The band brings together elements of soul, reggae and funk for a unique and dance inspiring sound. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]

10:48 – Pledge Break #3

Our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt, and Betse Ellis

Our most played artists in 2022 were The Black Creatures. Wednesday MidDay Medley was the first radio show to play their music. They have been frequent guests on our show. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. The Black Creatures released their self-produced, debut album, See No Evil, on December 6, 2017. The Black Creatures released their single Elements on February 14, 2018. Our playlists show that we first played The Black Creatures on March 14, 2018. Since that date we have championed this band. We first saw them live at InterUrban ArtHouse on July 10, 2019 as part of a Celebration of Queer Identity where Mark was also a performer. Their breakthrough album, WILD ECHOES, was self released by the band on September 30, 2019. WILD ECHOES was #2 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. WILD ECHOES was re-released and re-mastered by Center Cut Records in 2020 and named Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine for 2020. // Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott. // The Black Creatures released their new album By Thy Hand on Center Cut Records on August 12, 2022. // Jade and Xavier performanced in the world premiere of Christian A. Walker’s “What Came With Spring” for the Owen/Cox Dance Group October 7 thru 9 at City Stage Theatre, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO. // Mark’s brief review: “Being named “Album of The Year” from The Pitch Kansas City was the recognition this young band deserved, because there is really no other band in Kansas City creating incredibly beautiful and painful protest songs in multi genre styles of beats, vocal styles, textures. The immediate personal and poetic lyrics of Jade Green and tribal, dance floor and soulful beats and melodies of Xavier bring the listener into a multicultural, mixed, gender fluid, soul celebration of life and an honest indictment of the racist, homophobic, and sexist world they are navigating through to survive. Listen carefully to these young music makers, they are wise beyond their years. They sound beautiful and speak the truth to power. They are beautiful. They are The Black Creatures.”

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

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

10:55

10. Hermon Mehari – “Who Dared It”
    from: ASMARA / Komos Jazz – Studio Pigalle / November 18, 2022
    [Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Peter Schlamb on piano, vibraphone; Luca Fattorini on double bass; Gautier Garrigue on drums; Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit. Music composed and arranged by Hermon Mehari except MILOBE – LAWA. FURDA, music composed by Hermon Mehari and Faytinga.
    Lyrics on Tenafaqit and Milobe – Lawa Furda by FAYTINGA. // Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in March 2022 at Studio Pigalle, Paris // Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery London. // Cover artwork by Lossapardo. // ‘A loving thanks to the family: Mehari Zehaie, Rigat Ghebre, Joseph Mehari, Tefsai Tsehaie, Turu Negash, Benyam and Aaron Tesfai’ // “Who dared it,” the album’s opening track, is a tribute to the city Hermon Mehari’s father grew up in, MENDEFERA. It also pays homage to the courage of this man who dared leave his native land, Eritrea. He departed in 1979, in the midst of a war against Ethiopia. Arriving in Italy after a perilous journey, he met his future wife in a refugee camp located in the ‘country of the Red Sea’, and left with her for the United States, country where Hermon was born some 25 years ago. // The trumpetist, trained in jazz in one of its heartlands – Kansas City, waited until the global pandemic to explore the musical aspects of his ancestral culture. // Under lockdown, alone in the Corrèze region of Southwestern France, he played with the rhythms, melodies and scales he had heard as a child, in his home and at community celebrations. The result was a track with electronic inflections featured on his previous album – A Change for The Dreamlike. // In September 2021, during the recording of Sélène Saint-Aimé’ second album, an artist Hermon accompanies on record and on stage, Antoine Rajon suggested he compose an album entirely dedicated to his family heritage. All the tracks on ASMARA, bring us back to Eritrea – a country Hermon visited only once, at the age of 5. The sights, sounds and smells of this lone voyage inspired the composition I Remember Eritrea. The only duo on the record showcases the deep musical symbiosis he maintains with long-time friend, Peter Schlamb – a pianist and vibraphonist who has worked in the USA with musicians such as Logan Richardson, Ben Van Gelder and Aaron Parks. // Gautier Garrigue, a drummer who has played with Henri Texier and David Enhco, manages to claim the traditional rhythms we hear all through the album as his own, propelled by the driving basslines of double bass player Luca Fattorini – a musician from Italy now living in Paris. // Faytinga lends her vocals to two tracks. Lauded during the war of independence, where she fought, weapons in hand, she has since become one of the strongest and most popular voices in Eritrea. // Milobe is a lullaby recorded for French label Cobalt in 2000 and rearranged by the trumpetist. Tanafaqit, unfolding over a composition by Hermon, is a paeon to exile where Faytinga uses nostalgia to conjure up a motherland she has been divorced from since moving to Switzerland. // Though we are familiar with Ethiopian jazz, whose tradition is long-lasting, Asmara constitutes an original experience of jazz inspired by the folklore of various Eritrean peoples. Beyond the political conflicts that oppose their leaders, the populations of these two nations claim a common & fraternal allegiance to Abyssinian culture, as expressed by Hermon on: Call Me Habesha!]

10:58 – Station ID

10:58 – Interview with Hermon Mehari

Hermon Mehari grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, home of Lincoln University. He received his BM in Jazz Performance from UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2010. Hermon was also the winner of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition and placed second in the International Trumpet Guild competition in Sydney, Australia. Hermon Mehari Mehari was the winner of the 2015 Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Competition and a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. He is a founding member with Ben Leifer, Ryan Lee , John Brewer, and William Sanders of the band Diverse Jazz, and Diverse Trio. In 2014 Diverse released the album “Our Journey” which was recorded in Paris featuring Logan Richardson on alto saxophone. In 2015-2016 Hermon Mehari was a founding member of the KC super group The Buhs with Julia Haile, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, Reach, Les Izmore, Ryan J. Lee, Hermon Mehari, Ben Leifer, Tim Braun, Brad Williams, and Kinyon Price. Hermon Mehari released his debut solo album, BLEU in 2017, and his sophomore solo album A CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE in 2020. In 2021 Hermon Mehari with Alessandro Lanzoni released the 11 track Post Bob, Contemporary Jazz album Arc Fiction. Mehari released his latest album ASMARA on November 18, 2022. Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in Paris with Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Peter Schlamb on piano & vibraphone, Luca Fattorini on double bass, Gautier Garrigue on drums, and Faytinga on vocals. In addition to performing and touring all over the world, Hermon dedicates himself to being a serious educator, runs a weekly musical radio program called “The Session” on KCUR 89.3, is constantly collaborating with other musicians. Hermon Merhari has collaborated with Peter Schlamb, Making Movies, John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons, Mikal Shapiro, Krystle Warren. Hermon was featured on Bobby Watson’s 2013 release, “Check Cashing Day”.

Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Box Office Opens at 6:30 pm. Jazz Talk with Performers led by Steve Kraske is at 7:00 pm. Theater Doors Open: 7:30 pm. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com

Hermon Mehari Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

“Who dared it,” the album’s opening track, is a tribute to the city Hermon Mehari’s father grew up in, MENDEFERA. It also pays homage to the courage of this man who dared leave his native land, Eritrea. He departed in 1979, in the midst of a war against Ethiopia. Arriving in Italy after a perilous journey, he met his future wife in a refugee camp located in the ‘country of the Red Sea’, and left with her for the United States, country where Hermon was born some thirty- five years ago. He grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In September 2021, during the recording of Sélène Saint-Aimé’ second album, an artist Hermon accompanies on record and on stage, Antoine Rajon suggested he compose an album entirely dedicated to his family heritage. All the tracks on ASMARA, bring us back to Eritrea – a country Hermon visited only once, at the age of 5. The sights, sounds and smells of this lone voyage inspired the composition I Remember Eritrea. The only duo on the record showcases the deep musical symbiosis he maintains with long-time friend, Peter Schlamb – a pianist and vibraphonist who has worked in the USA with musicians such as Logan Richardson, Ben Van Gelder and Aaron Parks.

Hermon Mehari, waited until the global pandemic to explore the musical aspects of his ancestral culture. // Under lockdown, alone in the Corrèze region of Southwestern France, he played with the rhythms, melodies and scales he had heard as a child, in his home and at community celebrations. The result was a track with electronic inflections featured on his previous album – A Change for The Dreamlike.

Asmara features: Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Peter Schlamb on piano, vibraphone; Luca Fattorini on double bass; Gautier Garrigue on drums; Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit. Music composed and arranged by Hermon Mehari except MILOBE – LAWA. FURDA, music composed by Hermon Mehari and Faytinga. Lyrics on Tenafaqit and Milobe – Lawa Furda by FAYTINGA. // Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in March 2022 at Studio Pigalle, Paris

Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery London. // Cover artwork by Lossapardo. // ‘A loving thanks to the family: Mehari Zehaie, Rigat Ghebre, Joseph Mehari, Tefsai Tsehaie, Turu Negash, Benyam and Aaron Tesfai’

Gautier Garrigue, a drummer who has played with Henri Texier and David Enhco, manages to claim the traditional rhythms we hear all through the album as his own, propelled by the driving basslines of double bass player Luca Fattorini – a musician from Italy now living in Paris.

Faytinga lends her vocals to two tracks. Lauded during the war of independence, where she fought, weapons in hand, she has since become one of the strongest and most popular voices in Eritrea. // Milobe is a lullaby recorded for French label Cobalt in 2000 and rearranged by the trumpetist. Tanafaqit, unfolding over a composition by Hermon, is a paeon to exile where Faytinga uses nostalgia to conjure up a motherland she has been divorced from since moving to Switzerland.

Ethiopian jazz, whose tradition is long-lasting, Asmara constitutes an original experience of jazz inspired by the folklore of various Eritrean peoples. Beyond the political conflicts that oppose their leaders, the populations of these two nations claim a common & fraternal allegiance to Abyssinian culture, as expressed by Hermon on: Call Me Habesha!

Hermon Mehari released CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE on June 5, 2020, that was created in a barn in the French countryside. Hermon wrote, “Like many people during this period, I wasn’t able to think much about the future, only the present and the past. These songs are therefore personal journal entries, versions and visions of my wishes, fantasies and memories. Together they create a kind of modern mixtape of dreams, in every sense of the word, in which my trumpet, all alone in that barn, is a vulnerable presence, virtually and masterly supported by some of my closest musical collaborators around the world.”
This was a follow up to his debut solo release, BLEU from 2017.

Hermon Mehari grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, home of Lincoln University. He is a 2010 graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City Music Conservatory. In 2015 he finished first, at the prestigious Carmine Carusa International Jazz Trumpet Competition at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. Hermon was a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. In 2014 he released the CD “Our Journey” with Diverse, which was recorded in Paris featuring Logan Richardson on alto saxophone. Hermon was also the winner of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition and placed second in the International Trumpet Guild competition in Sydney, Australia. He splits his time between touring and playing all over the world and creative projects in Kansas City. Hermon is also a founding member of Diverse Jazz, Diverse Trio, and The Buhs. He has played with Peter Schlamb, Making Movies, John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons, Mikal Shapiro, Krystle Warren. Hermon was featured on the world-renowned saxophonist Bobby Watson’s 2013 release, “Check Cashing Day”.

Diverse Jazz

Diverse on Origin Records released in 2009 – Jazz, Fusion, Avant-garde Jazz, Jazz-Funk

Diverse tracklist:

1. “Busy Sunday” Composed By – Ryan Lee (5:43)
2. “Sojourner” Composed By – William Sanders (4:32)
3. “Time Well Spent” Composed By – Ben Leifer (6:44)
4. “Every Now And Then” Composed By – Ben Leifer (5:13)
5. “Bed Writing” Composed By – John Brewer (5:03)
6. “B-Day Song” Composed By – William Sanders (6:15)
7. “Where It Lives” Composed By – Ben Leifer (Saxophone – Bobby Watson) (5:40)
8. “For Kim” Composed By – Ben Leifer (1:30)
9. “Untitled Hit Tune” Composed By – Diverse (5:55)
10. “Vitality” Composed By – Ben Leifer (5:18)
11. “Lost In Darkness” Composed By – Hermon Mehari (5:40)
12. “Boise” Composed By – Diverse (5:35)

Ben Leifer on bass, Ryan Lee on drums, John Brewer on piano and organ, William Sanders on tenor saxophone, Hermon Mehari on trumpet

Phonographic Copyright – Diverse / Copyright– Origin Records. Recorded, mixed and mastered at BRC Audio Productions. Pressed by RIDDLEPRESS.COM. Cover, Design by John Bishop. Liner Notes by Bobby Watson, John Bishop, Mike Samball. Mixed & Mastered by Bill Crain & Bobby Watson. Photography by Philip Koenig. Produced by Bobby Watson. Recorded by Bill Crain

The Buhs

Hermon Mehari was a founding member of The Buhs was a Kansas City based Pop/Soul/Hip-Hop super-group that included, singers: Julia Haile, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, emcees: Reach, Les Izmore, and Ryan J. Lee on drums, Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Ben Leifer on bass, Tim Braun on guitar, Brad Williams on drums and Kinyon Price on percussion. On February 24, 2016, The Buhs released the single “All Night Remix (Feat. Lee Langston and Les Izmore)”. “All Night” was originally written by Matt Villinger for his album “All Night.” This remix captures a new vibe for the song and pays tribute to The Buhs and their late nights creating music in the Crossroads of Kansas City. The track was written by Matt Villinger and Les Izmore. Arranged by Ryan J. Lee, Brad Williams, Hermon Mehari, Tim Braun, Lee Langston, and Les Izmore.

Alessandro Lanzoni

In 2021 Hermon Mehari with Italian pianist and composer Alessandro Lanzoni released the 11 track Post Bob, Contemporary Jazz album ARC FICTION.

Florian Arbenz

On April 23, 2021 Florian Arbenz, Nelson Veras & Hermon Mehari – released Conversation #1: Condensed on Hammer Recordings [2021 An ambitious project was launched from Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz who set out to release 12 albums (or “conversations”) with 12 radically different groups of musicians. // The 1st of this series, recorded from his studio in Basel and accompanied by a feature-length video of the session, features American trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. Across a career spanning more than 25 years, drummer and percussionist Florian Arbenz, has carved out a reputation as not just a skilled musician, but as a creative collaborator. Whether with the long-standing trio VEIN who have recorded and toured with Greg Osby & Dave Liebman, or with his own project Convergence which brings together musicians from four continents, he is not content to sit still. // In 2021, he launches perhaps his most adventurous collaboration yet: a series of 12 albums or “conversations” with 12 different line ups. The thread that joins them all together is his fascination with bringing visionary musicians together and giving them space to express themselves in his studio. Together, they work through a selection of music curated by Florian to suit the individual musical personalities present. // Conversation #1 – subtitled Condensed – sees Florian joined by American trumpeter Hermon Mehari & Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. // “I’ve known and played with Nelson for several years and am captivated not only by his highly original and virtuoso playing, but also by his unique character and his great sense of humor. He’s a complete player both rhythmically & harmonically so it seemed obvious to get him on board for this series. Hermon, on the other hand, I had never met before our recording session. I had, however, admired his warm tone, open-minded musicality & improvisational skills from afar and am so happy to have finally recorded with him!” // This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument. But despite the challenges, the creativity of the musicians involved, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen which moves from hard-swinging soloing to dreaming soundscapes.

Eritrea (from wikipedia.org)

Eritrea officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa region of Eastern Africa, with its capital and largest city at Asmara. It is bordered by Ethiopia in the south, Sudan in the west, and Djibouti in the southeast. The northeastern and eastern parts of Eritrea have an extensive coastline along the Red Sea. The nation has a total area of approximately 117,600 km2 (45,406 sq mi), and includes the Dahlak Archipelago and several of the Hanish Islands. // Human remains found in Eritrea have been dated to 1 million years old and anthropological research indicates that the area may contain significant records related to the evolution of humans. Contemporary Eritrea is a multi-ethnic country with nine recognised ethnic groups. Nine different languages are spoken by the nine recognised ethnic groups, the most widely spoken language being Tigrinya, the others being Tigre, Saho, Kunama, Nara, Afar, Beja, Bilen and Arabic. Tigrinya, Arabic, and English serve as the three working languages. Most residents speak languages from the Afroasiatic family, either of the Ethiopian Semitic languages or Cushitic branches. Among these communities, the Tigrinyas make up about 55% of the population, with the Tigre people constituting around 30% of inhabitants. In addition, there are several Nilo-Saharan-speaking Nilotic ethnic groups. Most people in the country adhere to Christianity or Islam, with a small minority adhering to traditional faiths. // The Kingdom of Aksum, covering much of modern-day Eritrea and northern Ethiopia, was established during the first or second century AD. It adopted Christianity around the middle of the fourth century. In medieval times much of Eritrea fell under the Medri Bahri kingdom, with a smaller region being part of Hamasien. The creation of modern-day Eritrea is a result of the incorporation of independent, distinct kingdoms (for example, Medri Bahri and the Sultanate of Aussa) eventually resulting in the formation of Italian Eritrea. After the defeat of the Italian colonial army in 1942, Eritrea was administered by the British Military Administration until 1952. Following the UN General Assembly decision in 1952, Eritrea would govern itself with a local Eritrean parliament, but for foreign affairs and defense, it would enter into a federal status with Ethiopia for ten years. However, in 1962, the government of Ethiopia annulled the Eritrean parliament and formally annexed Eritrea. The Eritrean secessionist movement organised the Eritrean Liberation Front in 1961 and fought the Eritrean War of Independence until Eritrea gained de facto independence in 1991. Eritrea gained de jure independence in 1993 after an independence referendum. // Eritrea is a unitary one-party presidential republic in which national legislative and presidential elections have never been held. Isaias Afwerki has served as president since its official independence in 1993. According to Human Rights Watch, the Eritrean government’s human rights record is among the worst in the world. The Eritrean government has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated. Freedom of the press in Eritrea is extremely limited; the Press Freedom Index consistently ranks it as one of the least free countries. As of 2021 Reporters Without Borders considers the country to have the overall worst press freedom in the world, even lower than North Korea, as all media publications and access are heavily controlled by the government. // Eritrea is a member of the African Union, the United Nations, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and is an observer state in the Arab League alongside Brazil and Venezuela. // The name Eritrea is derived from the ancient Greek name for the Red Sea (Ἐρυθρὰ Θάλασσα Erythra Thalassa, based on the adjective ἐρυθρός erythros “red”). It was first formally adopted in 1890, with the formation of Italian Eritrea (Colonia Eritrea). The name persisted over the course of subsequent British and Ethiopian occupation, and was reaffirmed by the 1993 independence referendum and 1997 constitution.

Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit.

Hermon Mehari Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Box Office Opens at 6:30 pm. Jazz Talk with Performers led by Steve Kraske is at 7:00 pm. Theater Doors Open: 7:30 pm. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com

11:13

12. Hermon Mehari – “Milobe Lawa Furda (feat. Faytinga)”
    from: ASMARA / Komos Jazz – Studio Pigalle / November 18, 2022
    [Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Peter Schlamb on piano, vibraphone; Luca Fattorini on double bass; Gautier Garrigue on drums; Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit. Music composed and arranged by Hermon Mehari except MILOBE – LAWA. FURDA, music composed by Hermon Mehari and Faytinga.
    Lyrics on Tenafaqit and Milobe – Lawa Furda by FAYTINGA. // Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in March 2022 at Studio Pigalle, Paris // Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery London. // Cover artwork by Lossapardo. // ‘A loving thanks to the family: Mehari Zehaie, Rigat Ghebre, Joseph Mehari, Tefsai Tsehaie, Turu Negash, Benyam and Aaron Tesfai’ // “Who dared it,” the album’s opening track, is a tribute to the city Hermon Mehari’s father grew up in, MENDEFERA. It also pays homage to the courage of this man who dared leave his native land, Eritrea. He departed in 1979, in the midst of a war against Ethiopia. Arriving in Italy after a perilous journey, he met his future wife in a refugee camp located in the ‘country of the Red Sea’, and left with her for the United States, country where Hermon was born some thirty- five years ago. // The trumpetist, trained in jazz in one of its heartlands – Kansas City, waited until the global pandemic to explore the musical aspects of his ancestral culture.]

[Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Box Office Opens at 6:30 pm. Jazz Talk with Performers led by Steve Kraske is at 7:00 pm. Theater Doors Open: 7:30 pm. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com]

11:17 – Pledge Break #4

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

Where can I find out about what is happening in my community? …LGBTQIA, Urban Issues, Black Lives Matter, Labor Rights, The Environment, The Kansas City Visual & Literary Arts , The Performing Arts, Women’s Issues, Native American Issues, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Classical, Hip Hop, Folk, Women’s Music, Indie Rock, Pop, Electronica, Punk…the answer is KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio. Radio Powered by Diversity.

Along with our National Public Affairs shows like Democracy Now and Alternative Radio we offer more locally produced public affairs programs than anywhere else on the dial.

We offer programs specifically produced for the LGBTQIA Community, Women’s Issues, Native American News and Culture, Middle Eastern Music and Information, Latino Programming, African American Public Affairs and Community News, Labor and Worker’s Unions, our prison population and justice system, environmental programming, Visual and Literary Arts, and Performing Arts.

At KKFI there is no automated robot playing the same 40 songs in a “rotation,” based on a formula, created by a singular programmer of the robot. KKFI is the opposite of a robot.

90.1 offers 100 different radio programs. 85 of these programs are locally, produced, hosted, engineered and written by over 100 different people, who create content, and personally handcraft each show, each week. There are 64 local music shows and 21 locally produced News, Public Affairs, Arts & Talk shows.

You will not find this kind of representative diversity anywhere else on your radio dial. Or from any singular source on your computer. It is very special. It needs to be nourished and kept alive in a world of corporate, nationally owned, commercial or religious broadcasting.

Not only do we bring the most diverse and unfiltered news and information, but our musical playlists are deep, and comprehensive. In one week you can hear over 2000 different songs played, in Blues, Jazz, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Classical, World, Americana, Southern Soul, Fusion, Soul, Rock, New Wave, Electronic, Native, Local, Old Timey, Rockabilly, Women’s, Children’s, Gospel, and Experimental.

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

11:24

Stephonne Presents: You Got Me An Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Tribute

13. The Black Creatures – “The Weight of Worth”
    from: By Thy Hand / Center Cut Records / August 12, 2022
    [By Thy Hand was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. The album follows their last singles: “Criminal” on June 24, 2022, “Loud For Nothin” on May 27, 2022, and “True Friends” on September 17, 2021. After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued their album WILD ECHOES in 2020 and was named Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine. The original 2019 release of WILD ECHOES was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. // Jade Green & Xavier Martin of The Black Creatures began working together in 2013. The Black Creatures blur the boundaries of hip-hop, dance, R&B, soul, and EDM, telling stories of real life, and the struggle for equality. Jade’s incredible vocals reveal their background in opera, and their honest lyrics are both personal and political. Jade can interpret soul, jazz, hiphop, and pop. Xavier Martin started music as a violinist, and has transitioned into a co-songwriter, producer, beat-maker, keyboardist, vocalist, engineer, and style maker. // From Center Cut Records Promo Materials: The Black Creatures blend contemporary styles of pop, hip-hop, dance, R&B, EDM and soul with cinematic and storytelling sci-fi/fantasy elements and themes. With the complex and creative approach The Black Creatures take to their art, a diverse audience regularly flocks to their gripping and intensely enchanting performances. // Representing the strange land of Kansas City, Missouri, Jade Green and Xavier began working together around the end of 2013 after meeting on-line talking about cosmetics. After Jade stumbled upon Xavier’s SoundCloud, they asked if they could put their vocals on it, and this led to future collaborations with no more than the intention to dabble. They couldn’t stop and eventually dubbed the project The Black Creatures. // Both Jade & Xavier write and perform vocals, with Xavier at the helm of production and composition. Jade Green has a vocal background in opera and a penchant for theatrics, and both are the foundation of their ever-evolving approach to writing and performing in The Black Creatures. While the instrumentals may set the tone for the show, Jade’s voice captivates the audience from beginning to end. Originally a violinist, Xavier unfurled into a producer and vocalist, maintaining the same air of intrigue and mystery throughout his compositions and performances in The Black Creatures. // After releasing Wild Echoes in the fall of 2020, and receiving Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine, high praise came from around the world for the four released singles and accompanying videos. “Wretched (It Goes)” was featured in the NPR Live Sessions “Songs For Change” when The Black Creatures were selected as one of 12 national artists, and included in 90.9 The Bridge’s Top 100 singles along with their song “D’ummm” which was in heavy rotation in the winter. Nuance Magazine wrote, “The Black Creatures take their musical talents and use them in such a way that forces listeners to not only tap their foot to a catchy tune, but pay attention and feel something about what is going on in the world around them. Tackling fascism, police brutality, and the deep-rooted effects of slavery in a rhythmic fashion is one thing. Simultaneously making it a good listen is another. However, The Black Creatures make it happen.” // Mark’s brief review: “Being named “Album of The Year” from The Pitch Kansas City was the recognition this young band deserved, because there is really no other band in Kansas City creating incredibly beautiful and painful protest songs in multi genre styles of beats, vocal styles, textures. The immediate personal and poetic lyrics of Jade Green and tribal, dance floor and soulful beats and melodies of Xavier bring the listener into a multicultural, mixed, gender fluid, soul celebration of life and an honest indictment of the racist, homophobic, and sexist world they are navigating through to survive. Listen carefully to these young music makers, they are wise beyond their years. They sound beautiful and speak the truth to power. They are beautiful. They are The Black Creatures.” Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott. Jade and Xavier completed performances in the world premiere of Christian A. Walker’s “What Came With Spring” for the Owen/Cox Dance Group October 7, 8, and 9 at City Stage Theatre, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO ]

[Jade Green is a featured performer for Stephonne Presents: You Got Me – An Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Tribute Show Vol. 1.at Encore at The Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway St., KCMO, on Friday, February 7:00 PM, Featuring a stacked lineup of talented local artists: Stephonne, Jass, Eboni Fondren, Shon Ruffin, Kimology, Jade Green, Trevor Turla, Hadiza., JaySol, Amber “Flutienastiness” Underwood , Leigh Adams, Desh AKA Kadesh Flow, Kemet Coleman, Les Izmore, Clarence Copridge, LeShea, Rachel Christia, Spencer Thut, Nik Douglas, Daniel Dissmore , Adee Dancy AKA SisterBot , And maybe more… General admission, all ages event. There will be a $2 minor fee at the door for patrons under 21 years of age. 7:00 PM Doors / 8:00 PM Show. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D8ABBAA6BBF%5D

14. Stephonne – “Boyz (feat. Dustin Rapier & Zava) [Radio Edit]”
    from: SIS: Side B [EP] / Stephonne / June 24, 2022
    [Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums. Stephonne released the single, “Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) on June 3, 2022. Stephonne released the single, “Deja Vu” with Shilow and Regina Del Carmen on May 9, 2022. Stephonne released the single “The King’s Gambit” on July 28, 2021. Stephonne was part of the single, “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” from Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne, released April 9, 2021. Stephonne released the single “Beautiful Life (Acoustic)” on January 15, 2021. Stephonne released SIS: Side A on August 7, 2020. The 4 song EP contained the song “Want Me” that was also made into a video featuring body painting on to Stephonne’s body from artist Ryan Wilks. Stephonne released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte Cou, Kansas. Stephonne grew up in KCK. He has performed for Late Night Theatre.]

[Charlotte Street announced on Monday that the recipients of the 2023 Generative Performing Artist Awards are Stephonne Singleton and Tiara Nicole. This year, Charlotte Street’s Visual Artist Awards were given to Ruben Castillo, Sean Nash and SunYoung Park. Congratulations to them all! Much deserved! Bravo!]

[Stephonne Presents: You Got Me – An Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Tribute Show Vol. 1.at Encore at The Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway St., KCMO, on Friday, February 7:00 PM, Featuring a stacked lineup of talented local artists: Stephonne, Jass, Eboni Fondren, Shon Ruffin, Kimology, Jade Green, Trevor Turla, Hadiza., JaySol, Amber “Flutienastiness” Underwood , Leigh Adams, Desh AKA Kadesh Flow, Kemet Coleman, Les Izmore, Clarence Copridge, LeShea, Rachel Christia, Spencer Thut, Nik Douglas, Daniel Dissmore , Adee Dancy AKA SisterBot , And maybe more… General admission, all ages event. There will be a $2 minor fee at the door for patrons under 21 years of age. 7:00 PM Doors / 8:00 PM Show. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D8ABBAA6BBF%5D

11:32 – Pledge Break #5

This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.
and KKFI’s Director of Development and Communications, Kelly Dougherty

90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio and Wednesday MidDay Medley offer loads and loads of information about what is going on in the community. Not only does this show interview 150 guest each year, not only do we play nearly 900 different songs with more than half of those being locally produced, but we also shine a light on area not-for-profit theatre companies, art museums & galleries, area festivals, service organizations, area record labels and record stores, the area music scene, arts scene, theatre scene, literary arts scene, political action scene.

In just this past year, we’ve featured segments shining a light on:, The Kauffman Center for The Performing Arts, UMKC Conservatory of Music, Owen Cox Dance Group, KC Bass Workshop, The Record Machine, Mills Record Company, Records With Merritt, High Dive Records, Center Cut Records, Manor Records, Lost Cowgirl Records, KC Irish Fest, The Crossroads Music Fest, MixMaster Music Conference, Too Much Rock, Midwest Music Foundation, Apocalypse Meow, filmmaker Morgan Cooper, Charlotte Street Foundation, Inter Urban Arthouse, Lemonade Park, Weights and Measure Sound Lab, Innovation Festival, Bio Kansas, Les Bons Bons Electriques, Outer Reaches Fest, The Greater Philipino Association of Kamsas City, Queer Narratives Fest, No Devide KC, Boulevardia, Gay Pride, Folk Alliance International, The Band That Fell To Earth.

11:39

15. Danny Cox – “It’s You” (CD #15) (2:23)
    from: Danny Cox / Dunhill Records / August 15, 1971
    [In 2021 Danny Cox digitally released YOUNG AND HOT (LIVE AT COWTOWN BALLROOM) EP on July 27, 2021. Danny Cox was born in 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a folk singer and songwriter best known for his 1974 LP album Feel So Good. Danny Cox moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1967. As a youth, he sang in a church choir together with Rudolph Iseley, and in the 1960s he started his professional career performing on a Hootennany Folk Tour. Cox has recorded albums for ABC Dunhill, Casablanca, MGM and others. He also partnered a company called Good Karma Productions, run by the KC based Vanguard Coffee House owner Stan Plesser, who managed the acts of Brewer & Shipley, and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.]

Danny Cox Discography:

Live at 7 Cities (1963)
Sunny (1968)
Birth Announcement (1969)
Live at the Family Dog (1970)
Danny Cox (ABC Dunhill Records) (1971)
Feel So Good (Casablanca Records) (1974)
Troost Avenue Blues (3-track EP) (2006)
Bring Our Loved Ones Back (one track) (2007)
Sack of Trout (Single) (2015)
Vandalism in Eb Minor (Coin Heaven) (Single) (2015)
Kansas City – Where I Belong (Recorded at Pilgrim Chapel) (2012)
Time Is What I Need (Single) (2020)
Young and Hot (Live at Cowtown Ballroom) (5-track EP) (July 27, 2021)
Big John Buck O’Neil (Single) (December 7, 2021)

16. Eddie Moore – “A New Me, A New You”
    from: Intuition / Eddie Moore Music / October 28, 2022
    [Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon WilsonEddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]

17. Just Angel – “Intent”
    from: Just Angel: Pt. 2 {EP] / Just Angel / December 25, 2021
    [Just Angel is a Kansas City based, Singer, musician, songwriter, dancer, and creative artist, Just Angel. Her powerful voice has been called, “Passionate … Soulful… and Inspiring.” Her music finds its home in Rock, Jazz, and Alternative, and she has found a way to incorporate those genres within her love with Soul and R&B. Just Angel has performed with My Brothers & Sisters. Just Angel and her band, The Wades can be found rocking stages with her original songs from her recordings and eclectic takes on popular music. She released her debut EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 1 on December 24, 2020. She released her follow up EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 2 on December 25, 2021. She also contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: https://linktr.ee/JustAngel_TigerLilyStar. Just Angel and The Wades played SOLSOUL FEST 2022 presented by Arquesta Del SolSoul Friday September 30, doors open at 7:00 PM, at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO, West Bottoms, featuring: The Phantastics, Regina Del Carmen, Jass, Ebony Tusks, Collidescope, Arquesta Del SolSoul and DJ SKEM]

11:47 – Pledge Break #6

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

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

Driving in your car, at the office, at the gym, in your garage, in your cubicle, in your artspace, on your iPod, at your construction site, in your kitchen, in your barn, YOU can take 90.1 with you, as your companion. 90.1 FM is generally a good date. Good for a few laughs, fun to dance with, always interested in good conversation. Isn’t 90.1 FM KKFI worth a few dollars a day, or a week? So many people tune in to http://www.kkfi.org everyday, but studies show, that less than 1 percent actually donate to keep this miracle of broadcasting alive. Your support means that you will help bring this programming to folks who could not donate at this time, for whatever the reason.

Marion Merritt, Betse Ellis, Thank You! Thank you to everyone who donated! For WMM I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

THANK YOU to all of our wonderful listeners and friends who generously and thoughtfully donated to support KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City Community Radio during our Wednesday MidDay Medley broadcast today! Through the airwaves, and through social media, a total of 54 people donated a total of $2920.00 to allow us to continue our mission.

11:55

On February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, Samara Joy won 2 Grammys, Best New Artist & Best Jazz Vocal Album

18. Samara Joy – “Linger Awhile (Feat. Pasquale Grasso )”
    from: Linger Awhile / Verve / September 16, 2022
    [Samara Joy McLendon, is known professionally as Samara Joy. She is an American jazz singer. She won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2019 and was named Best New Artist by Jazz Times for 2021. // A native of the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, Joy was born in 1999 into a musical family. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, were founders of Philadelphia gospel group The Savettes. Her father, a bass player who has toured with gospel singer/songwriter/producer Andraé Crouch, introduced her to gospel greats like The Clark Sisters, and soul & Motown were also a big presence in her home. // At Fordham High School for the Arts she performed with the jazz band, and won Best Vocalist at Fordham University’s “Essentially Ellington” competition at Lincoln Center. But she first encountered jazz in a meaningful way when she enrolled in the jazz program at SUNY’s Purchase College as a voice major, and was named an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. Friends there introduced her to the great jazz vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Fitzgerald and instrumentalists like Kenny Washington, Jon Faddis (with whom she studied) and Ingrid Jensen. While she was still in college, before the release of her 1st album, film director Regina King called her “a young woman who seems like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald are both living in her body.” // In 2019, as Samara McLendon, she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. // Working with producer and eventual manager Matt Pierson, she recorded her self-titled debut album while still in college, graduating magna cum laude in 2021. Samara Joy was released on 9 July 2021 with Whirlwind Records. // On February 15, 2022 she performed on Today with guitarist Pasquale Grasso and performed again on Today in Sept. 2022. // She released a number of viral video performances, including one that had been viewed over 1.5 million times as of Oct. 2020.// In February 2021 she was featured in Women of Color on Broadway, Inc.’s music video of “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess and on jazz pianist Julius Rodriguez’s album Let Sound Tell All. // Jazz Times named her Best New Artist for 2021. // On June 15, 2022 she was featured at Carnegie Hall’s 16th Annual Notable Occasion. and appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival. On Sept. 16, 2022 she released her 2nd album, Linger Awhile, on Verve Records. The album features drummer Kenny Washington, guitarist Pasquale Grasso, pianist Ben Paterson, & bassist David Wong. // On Feb. 5, 2023, Samara Joy won 2 Grammy Awards, for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile.]

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

Next week on Feb. 23, Fally Afani of I Heart Local Music joins us as Guest Producer!

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

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

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

Show #981

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, February 15, 2023

WMM Celebrates Black History with 15 of our Favorite Black Artists & Bands + Hermon Mehari + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis

WMM Celebrates Black History with tracks from 15 of our favorite Black Artists from Kansas City and beyond: The Wild Women of Kansas City, Julia Haile, Krystle Warren, Calvin Arsenia, The Black Creatures, Hermon Mehari, Stephonne, Eddie Moore, Danny Cox, Just Angel, Okorie Johnson, Joni NehRita, Lady Nade, Samara Joy, and Sweet Honey In The Rock.

At 11:00 we’ll talk with Hermon Mehari who received his BM in Jazz Performance from UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2010. Hermon Mehari released his debut solo album, BLEU in 2017 and his sophomore solo album A CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE in 2020. Mehari released his latest album ASMARA on November 18, 2022. Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in Paris with Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Peter Schlamb on piano & vibraphone, Luca Fattorini on double bass, Gautier Garrigue on drums, and Faytinga on vocals. In addition to performing, Hermon dedicates himself to being a serious educator, runs a weekly musical radio program called “The Session” on KCUR 89.3, and tours all over the world. Mehari was the winner of the 2015 Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Competition and a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. In 2014 he released the album, OUR JOURNEY with Diverse. Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Box Office Opens at 6:30 pm. Jazz Talk with Performers led by Steve Kraske is at 7:00 pm. Theater Doors Open: 7:30 pm. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com

AND, Marion Merritt of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business in KCMO, and Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, and one half of Betse & Clarke join us as special Guest Co-Hosts to encourage our listeners to call 888-931-0901, or visit http://www.kkfi.org to support 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio during our Winter Fund Drive Show.

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

Show #981

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, February 8, 2023

WMM spins New & MidCoastal Releases + Nan Turner + Elizabeth S. Lane + Howie Howard of Mr. Furious Records

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

2. Say That Again – “Inside Out”
   from: “Inside Out” – Single / Say That Again / November 11, 2022
   [Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Carlos Nunez on lead guitar & background vocals, Trecen Peeler on bass guitar & background vocals, and Vinnie Cascone on drums. Produced by Carlos Nunez. Say That Again formed at the end of 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. With catchy hooks, and upbeat tempos, Say That Again seeks to write fun music that anyone can enjoy and dance to. Say That Again released the 5 track EP FLYING CARS on December 13, 2021. ]

3. Uncle Hassell – “It’s A Beautiful World, Sometimes”
   from: Selected Ambient Tag: Requiem for a Town Car / Clarke Wyatt / December 24, 2022
   [KC based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, performer, Clarke Wyatt wrote: (in December 2022), “some street racers destroyed Cody Wyoming & Kimmie Queen’s beloved Lincoln Continental right after they had spent a bunch of money to get it back on the road. It will never roll again.” Clarke says “I recently started a game of ambient music tag, so I thought to myself, hey self, what if people contributed tracks & we compiled a record that Cody can sell to raise funds for a car? Well, that’s what we did. A bunch of incredible and fascinating KC musicians have sent me their audio experiments for the cause. It’s that simple: buy the record, support a great couple that had some really bad luck right at the worst time, and enjoy some really great space music. More tracks coming soon…” Contributing artists include: Betse Ellis, Mike Stover, Adam Stafford, Nate Hofer, Clarke Wyatt, Shawn Edward Hansen, Krysztov Nemeth, Jason Beers, Scott Hobart, Tilden Snow, Wade Allen Williamson, Gentleman Echo and Rod Peal. More info at: codywyoming.bandcamp.com]

4. Monta – “Everybody’s Baby”
   from: “Everybody’s Baby” – Single / The Record Machine / January 27, 2023
   [Dedric Moore writes: “It is an inspired take on Mikal’s original from a few years ago. It’s our 1st single going back to using Monta as the band name. New year, New music, new inspirations.” Before a sea of anonymous eyes, Monta occupies a misty stage to debut “Everybody’s Baby,” the band’s latest alluring take on electrified dreamworld post-punk. Vocalist Mikal Shapiro sings a tale of just-within-grasp stardom and the naked ambition to get there. The otherworldly adoration of unnamed strangers triggers an artist’s epiphany. Monta’s core players: Krysztof Nemeth & Lucas Behrens on guitars, Dedric Moore on electronics, Matthew Heinrich on drums, Teri Quinn with additional vocals, accompany this vision with a groovy flow that rings with subtle tensions & chorus-fed uplifts. // The song slips into the exotic for the final section, as if fame and fortune transport the protagonist to unfamiliar lands. The stars will only hang overhead for so long. // Monta continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, dark synthpop, extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time & space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to, captivating the mind. Info at: kosmiccity.com / therecordmachine.co]

5. Such Lovely People – “Twist The Knob”
   from: “Twist The Knob” / “Living Breathing” – Single / Such Lovely People / December 16, 2022
   [For “Twist the Knob” Josh Dorrell on vocals, guitars, keys & percussion; Steve Lacour on guitars; Brian Sisk on bass; Danny Peete on drums. For “Living Breathing” Josh Dorrell on vocals, guitars, bass & keys; Steve Lacour on guitars & bass; Zak Pischnotte on saxophone; Danny Peete on drums; and Amy Hammack on vocals. // Produced and Recorded by: Josh Dorrell. Drums, Saxophone, and Additional Vocals Recorded by: Andrew Koelker. Mixing by Yuuki Matthews. Mastering by Chris Colbert. Artwork by Graham Greene. // Such Lovely People is a project founded in 2020 by songwriter Kansas City, Missouri based Josh Dorrell (he/his). An established guitarist and vocalist, Josh has played in several bands and ensembles in the Midwest. Born in Kansas City but raised on wanderlust, he sought to devote his endless voracity to making good music that means more. On April 16. 2021 the band released the 6-track EP GREAT DISTINCTION. More information at: https://suchlovelypeople.bandcamp.com ]

6. Jass & The Boys –”Love U Like I Love U (feat. Jass & Black Light Animals)”
   from: “Love U Like I Love U” / Groove King recors – Fat Beats / December 2, 2022
   [“The Boys” are the members of Black Light Animals: Colby Bales, Branden Moser, & Cody Calhoun. Colby and Branden also are pare of the Freedom Affair. Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch released the EP OFFKEY: TOO HIGH on September 23, 2022. Jass released her single “Higher Ground” on August 16, 2022. It was WMM’s #1 Single in our 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, and 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.” // Jass has played The Essence Festival, Apocalypse Meow, Manor Fest, Farmers Ball, KC Monarchs, recordBar, Bottleneck, Mutual Musicians Foundation, Grinders, Sofar Sounds, The Uptown Theatre . She has shared the stages with The New Respects, Thundercat, Old Sound, and many others. More info at: http://www.jassrcouch.com]

7. Kadesh Flow – “Switch Up”
   from: “Switch Up” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / January 6, 2023
   [Instrumental Production: Dominique Sanders, Written & Performed by: Kadesh Flow, Mixed by: Kadesh Flow, Mastered by: Kadesh Flow. In 2022 Kadesh Flow released 6 singles starting with “Move Different (feat. Gr3s0n)” on January 21, 2022, with lyrics by Kadesh Flow & Gr3ys0n. Music by Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow and was released on January 21, 2022. :Move Different” was part of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. On October 21, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single ”Chill (feat. Mir Blackwell).” On October 10, 2022 Kadesh Flow released “Dream For Me.” On September 30, 2022 Marcus Lewis Big Band released the single, “You’re Very Special (feat. Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow & Kevin Church Johnson).” On July 1, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single “Away From You.”About that single Kadesh told us “I’ve been a little quiet from a release standpoint because I’ve been scoring a feature length film.” “This song is… inspired by Eren Yeager and his tragic, brutal journey in Attack on Titan but is also deeply personal to me. There’s a lot of current world problem glazing that I’m doing on it as well.” “Also, June 30, 2022, marks five years since I left my financial tech career to pursue my performing and recording artist career full time. I’m releasing this on July 1, partially in celebration of that milestone.” This was one of over nearly 30 new singles Kadesh Flow released in 24 months: In 2021 Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Elegant” on May 21, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the 13-track album ROOM SERVICE 2, on July 19, 2021. Kadesh Flow released the single “Coming For Your Neck” on August 20, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Easy” on August 27, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 18th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Fiend” on Sept. 4, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique Sanders. This is his 19th single the year. le, “Gardens Out The Gutter” on Dec. 3, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “CHOICE (The Cost)” on December 17, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band. Kadesh Flow played the 17th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 11, as part of Deshica Rage (with Kadesh Flow & Jessica Paige) at 10:00 PM on Community Lending of America Stage at Lemonade Park. Kadesh Flow was on WMM on Oct. 21, 2020. More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com]

10:30 – Underwriting

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

11:34 – Interview with Nan Turner

Singer-songwriter-drummer-dancer-actress-action hero, Nan Turner‘s music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” On February 19, 2021, Nan + The One Nite Stands released HIGH-CALIBER. Nan Turner released the single, “Desert Nites”, on May 22, 2020. Nan released her solo EP, CHAMPS AND LOSERS, VERSION 2, on July 12, 2019. Nan Turner is one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! with Matt Roth (Major Matt Mason USA) . They started the band in 1999 on the Lower East Side of New York City and toured internationally for over a decade, Schwervon! released 7 full length albums, 2 EPs, and 5 singles. In 2012 Schwervon! relocated to Shawnee, Kansas. Their album, Broken Teeth, was released in 2014 on local Kansas City label Haymaker Records. Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock.”

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Records With Merritt, Saturday, February 11, at 7:00 to 9:00 PM, 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

For more information you can visit: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

Nan Turner, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

On Sat, Feb. 11, at 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Records With Merritt,, 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands perform LIVE, featuring songs from Nan’s Upcoming figure skating musical about Tonya Harding and that particular era of skating with nancy Kerrigan and Oksana Baiul and even Verne Lundquist

Nan is doing a set of Skate Songs with her sparkle gems: Breakadawndon and Tracy Flowers. There’s a new song by Courtney Love that will surprise you! And Danielle Anderson is coming back as Nancy Kerrigan and Verne Lundquist.

Tonya Harding was born November 12, 1970 in Portland, Oregon. American figure skater, Tonya Harding, was the 1991 and 1994 US champion but her 1994 title was taken away after a controversy erupted regarding her ex-husband. He was charged with planning an attack on a rival American skater, Nancy Kerrigan. Tonya Harding was banned for life by the US Figure Skating Association after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Nancy Kerrigan was born October 13, 1969 in Stoneham, Massachusetts. Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is best known for her 1993 U.S. Figure Skating Championship win. She has also won medals at the 1991 and 1992 World Championships and the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. She was attacked and injured by a man hired by her rival Tonya Harding’s former husband.

Oksana Baiul-Farina was born November 16, 1977, in Dnipro, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, an industrial city famous for manufacturing Soviet missiles. Her parents divorced when she was two years old, and her father, Sergey Baiul, who died in 2006/7 disappeared shortly after. No one is certain whether he deserted his family or was pressured to leave town when he and his wife divorced. She was raised by her mother, Marina, a French teacher, and her maternal grandparents. In addition to having Ukraine ancestry, she is of Russian descent through her maternal grandfather. // She is the 1993 world champion and the 1994 Olympic champion in ladies’ singles. Baiul is the first and only skater representing Ukraine to win gold at the Winter Olympics. She is also the first Olympic champion of independent Ukraine in any sport. After winning the gold medal in 1994, Baiul decided to turn professional in order to tour in the United States and have a career based on her skating. She followed one of her coaches to Connecticut. Later, she also became involved in a variety of TV appearances, and benefit skates. She has lived in the United States since 1994. In 1997 she published 2 books, a memoir about her life and one on skating.

Merton Laverne Lundquist Jr. was born in Duluth, Minnesota on July 17, 1940. He graduated from Austin High School in Austin, Texas, before attending Texas Lutheran University (formerly Texas Lutheran College), where he was one of the founders of the Omega Tau Fraternity in 1958 before graduating in 1962. He is now a member of the Board of Regents for his alma mater. Lundquist attended Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, Illinois in 1962. His father was a Lutheran pastor & President of the Nebraska Synod of the Augustana Lutheran Church. Lundquist played basketball & baseball and was a disc jockey at WOC, Davenport, Iowa. His ‘Golden Voice’ was the highlight of the seminary class on preaching. He began his broadcasting career as sports anchor for WFAA in Dallas and in Austin for KTBC, as well as being the radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys. Lundquist joined the Cowboys Radio Network in 1967 and remained with the team until the 1984 season. He was paired with future play-by-play man Brad Sham starting with the 1977 season, the year the Cowboys went 12–2 and captured their second NFL title in Super Bowl XII. He was sportscaster at WFAA during their 6pm news. Before becoming a nationwide sports commentator, from 1970 to 1974, Lundquist was commentator for the sports show, Bowling for Dollars, in Dallas, Texas. It aired weekday evenings on the ABC station, WFAA-TV, from 6:30 to 7:00, in north central Texas. During these four seasons, Lundquist started interviewing Cowboys players and their first head coach, Tom Landry, at their sidelines, during halftimes, practices, pre-season and pre-game warm-ups, in Dallas.

Mark Manning opens in a rare performance from “The Children of Karen Carpenter.”

On Sat, Feb. 11, at 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Records With Merritt,, 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO.

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands perform LIVE, featuring songs from Nan’s Upcoming figure skating musical about Tonya Harding and that particular era of skating with nancy Kerrigan and Oksana Baiul and even Verne Lundquist

Nan Turner contributed a track to a compilation called, Ain’t I Folk? (Indie, Acoustic, Pop, Rock, Weird, And Bedroom Lo-Fi Covers of New York Antifolk Classics) released February 17, 2021 on Weemayk Music. Nan recorded a cover of “I don’t get love” written by her friend Angela Carlucci who goes by the name “Little Cobweb”. More info at http://www.littlecobweb.bandcamp.com/track/i-dont-get-love Angela is also one of Nan’s dancers (and singers) for The One Nite Stands in NYC…and they’ve been dancing and doing shows together for many years. She is also in a great two-piece band called, True Dreams. More info at: truedreams.bandcamp.com

Anti-folk (or unfolk) is a music genre that arose in the 1980s in reaction to the remnants of the 1960s folk music scene, to mock the perceived seriousness of the time’s mainstream music scene, with the intention to shock and protest. Artists of the anti-folk genre observe the “rules” of music, but then deliberately break them. // Anti-folk was introduced by artists who were unable to obtain gigs at established folk venues in Greenwich Village such as Folk City and The Speakeasy. In the mid-1980s, singer-songwriter Lach started The Fort, an after-hours club on NYC’s Rivington Street in the Lower East Side. The Fort’s opening coincided with the New York Folk Festival. Because of this, Lach dubbed his event the New York Antifolk Festival. Other early proponents of the movement included The Washington Squares, Cindy Lee Berryhill, Brenda Kahn, Paleface, Beck, Hamell on Trial, Michelle Shocked, Zane Campbell, and John S. Hall. Roger Manning, Kirk Kelly, and Block. // The original Fort was shut down in 1985 by the police, and because of this the club moved locations several times, including East Village bars Sophie’s and Chameleon, before settling in the back room of the SideWalk Cafe starting in 1993. The New York Antifolk Festival continues to be held annually at the SideWalk Cafe (long outlasting the original Folk Festival). Events have also taken place in the band shells in Tompkins Square Park and Central Park. While living in San Francisco in the early 1990s, Lach helped establish a West Coast anti-folk movement at the Sacred Grounds Coffee House.

Schwervon! is a two-piece American indie rock band. The band members are Matt Roth (Major Matt Mason USA) on electric guitar and Nan Turner on drums; the pair share singing duties. They started the band in 1999 on the Lower East Side of New York City, shortly after they began their ongoing romantic relationship. They have released five albums through Major Matt’s Olive Juice Music independent record label. Their first two albums have also been distributed by Shoeshine Records in Europe, where they have toured with Jeffrey Lewis and Kimya Dawson. In 2011, they did European tours, opening for the recently reunited UK alternative band The Vaselines, as well as Belle and Sebastian.

In 2012 Schwervon! relocated to Shawnee, Kansas.Their album, Broken Teeth, was released in 2014 on local Kansas City label Haymaker Records.

Schwervon! Discography

Quick Frozen Small Yellow Cracker (2000)
Poseur (2004)
I Dream of Teeth (2006)
Elephant in the Room (2007; German compilation of previously released material)
Low Blow (2009)
Courage (2012)
Broken Teeth (2014)
EPs and singles[edit]
Gas Money Tour EP (2005; with Jeffrey Lewis)
Elephant (2006; 7-inch single)
Cotton Mouth (2006; 7-inch single)
Fall Tour ’06 EP (2006; with Toby Goodshank)
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” (2011; 4-way split 7-inch single/Meat Loaf cover with Elastic No-No Band, Huggabroomstik, and The Leader)
Landlocked/Off Duty Trip (The Raincoats) (2013; 7-inch single)
Blood Eagle/Wrath Of Angels (2017; 7-inch single)

Nan went to college with Soon-Yi Previn

Nan Turner Discography

Nan Turner – For Champs and Losers, Version 1 – February 28, 2007
[All songs and instruments by Nan Turner. Dibson Hoffwiler played drums on tracks 1 and 3, and guitar freakout on 3. Lisa Li-Lund sang vocals on track 5. Tracks 1-4 recorded by Dashan Coram at Luv-a-Lot Studios in Brooklyn. Track 5 recorded by Lisa Li-Lund in Brooklyn. All tracks mastered by Major Matt at OJ Studios, NYC.]

Nan Turner – Construction of a Champ – May 12, 2010
[Songs written by NAN TURNER. (except track 9 by Nick Cave) Tracks 3, 5, 7, 8 Recorded by Dashan Coram @ Luv-a-Lot Studios, Brooklyn/NYC. Tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 Recorded & Co-Produced by Mark Ospovat @ Emandee Studios, Brooklyn, NY. All songs mastered by Matt Roth @ Olive Juice Music Studios, NYC. ONE NITE STANDS: Simon Beins: Guitar on 5, Bass on 7, 9. Trumpet on 8, 9; Daoud Tyler-Ameen: Drums on 2, 3, 5, 7, 9; Dan Gower: Piano on 9; Dave End: Vox on 7; Dan Fishback: Vox on 8; Christian De Roeck: “Dragon” Vox on 4; Adey Lobb: Melodica on 6; Mark “Slave to Production” Ospovat: Bass & many other newfangled synthy guitarey noise things: 1, 2, 4, 6.]

Nan Turner – For Champs and Losers, Version 2 – July 12, 2019
[All songs by Nan Turner. Recorded + Mixed + Co-Produced @ Winky World by Chase Horseman Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Alan Douches @ West West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns – drums on 1, 2, + 4; Chase Horseman – bass on 1, 2, + 4.
Huge thanks to Chase for your ears + producer magic. Also thanks to Ian, Alan, all my friends in KC and NYC, and to Frida the dog.]

Nan & The One Nite Stands – Desert Nites (Single) – May 22, 2020
[Written by Nan Turner. Recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Nan Turner on vocal & beats, Mark Ospovat on guitar & percussion, Chase Horseman on wurlitzer & bass & synthesizers, Dawn Yoder & Tracy Flowers on backing vocals. // Thanks to Mark O.,Chase, Ian, Tracy, Dawn, NY one nite stands Leslie, Angela, and Susan. My Dad. And last but not least, Frida the Dog. // Nan writes: I learned about existentialism at a young age. My Dad was a Philosophy Professor. Waiting for Godot and Archibald MacLeish’s J.B. were in my Ballet Bag for years. My mother + stepfather are libertarian folk that went to church, shot guns, and sold Amway. // I’m not saying this song is about any of that. But it’s also NOT NOT about that. // I started recording this song in 2017 with my good friend and collaborator Mark Ospovat in Brooklyn, NY. We laid down the foundation tracks of beat, guitar and vocals. Then I let the song lie…..because I didn’t know how to finish it or where it fit in my oeuvre. I almost wrote ovaries. That too. (You do know that songs are like babies, right?) // Cut to March 2020, Kansas City. Chase Horseman and I unearthed the tracks right before the quarantine. He sat down at the Wurlitzer and played some notes and suddenly the song made sense to me. Of course it needed Wurlitzer! Through Chase’s arrangements of keys and other instrumentation, and Dawn and Tracy’s backup vocals (shoutout to KC one nite stand dancers extraordinaire)…I knew the song was finally there and it was time to release it into the world.Thanks so much to both Mark Ospovat & Chase Horseman for helping me realize the song’s potential and also for adding your own inventive arrangements. A One Nite Stands Magical Collaboration from NYC to KC.]

Nan + the One Nite Stands – High-Caliber – February 19, 2021
All songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler-bass on 1, 3, and 4 // Pat Tomek -drums on 1, 3, and 4 // Mark Ospovat – bass on 2 and 5 // Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers – vox on 2, 4, and 5
// Chase Horseman- keys, guitar, co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration.

Nan Turner, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Nan + The One Nite Stands, On Sat, Feb. 11, at 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Records With Merritt,, 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands perform LIVE, featuring songs from Nan’s Upcoming figure skating musical about Tonya Harding and that particular era of skating with Nancy Kerrigan and Oksana Baiul and even Verne Lundquist.

10:51

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

10. Andrew Foshee – “Through an Alien’s Eye”
    from: A PARROT SO TRUE – [EP] / Talent Agency / January 13, 2023
    [Recorded February 2020 with Jon Estes in Nashville, TN. Additional recording by Andrew Foshee in Kansas City, MO. With Andrew Foshee on guitar, vocals & production; Jon Estes on bass, guitar, keys, synth & production; Liz Estes on strings; Jon Radford on drums & percussion. Mixed by Jon Estes. Mastered by John McLaggan. All songs written by Andrew Foshee, with string arrangements by Jon Estes. Photo by Chadwick Christopher and Design by Jeremy Fetzer. // Andrew Foshee released the single “Here In My Home” on December 12, 2022. Andrew Foshee released the songle “Through an Alien’s Eye” on November 18, 2022. Andrew Foshee released his critically acclaimed 11 track album STRANGE RELATIONS on November 15, 2017. It was in out top Ten of WMM’s 117 Best Recordings of 2017. That recording contained Andrew Foshee on acoustic guitar, vocals, sampling, keys; Jon Estes on classical guitar, electric guitar, standup bass, piano, keys, percussion, string arrangements; Jeremy Fetzer on electric guitar, acoustic guitar; Jack Lawrence on bass guitar; Dave Racine on drums, percussion; Alexis Saski on backing vocals; Jem Cohen on backing vocals; Molly Parden on backing vocals; Liz Estes on viola, violin; Amy Helman on viola, violin; Eduardo DuQuesne on words of encouragement. Produced, engineered and mixed by Andrija Tokic at The Bomb Shelter in Nashville, TN. Mastered by John Baldwin At John Baldwin Mastering in Nashville, TN. Additional production and sequencing done by Andrew At Ye Ol’ Basement Studio in Kansas City, MO. Cover art by Mariano Peccinetti. Andrew Foshee is a songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri. His knack for cinematic home recordings has lead to several song placements in tv and new media. Earlier this year he teamed up with producer Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Benjamin Booker) and a high clergy of guest musicians at Tokic’s Nashville studio, The Bomb Shelter, to fully realize his latest project. More info at: http://www.andrewfoshee.com] [Andrew Foshee joined us on WMM on November 1, 2017. More info at: http://www.andrewfoshee.com]

11. M/S Ride – “So, Did I Miss You? (featuring Scott Morris)”
    from: Fight Songs / Mr. Furious Records / November 1, 2022
    [M/S Ride is multi-instrumentalist Howie Howard’s new solo album, FIGHT SONGS, released on November 1, 2022. Howie has played in several bands including: Mars Lights, Dark Satellites, Night Mode, howie&scott, and Five Star Crush. Howie is the founder of Mr. Furious Records that he started in 2004 after graduating from college. Mr. Furious Records puts out 4-5 projects a year. Along with Nate Holt and Royce Diamond, Howie is the co-host and producer of The Long Play Listening Party an area podcast that interviews area musicians and plays from their latest releases. More info at: linktr.ee/thelongplayLP. Howie started his first indie band in 10th grade, Howie grew up in Crete, Nebraska and graduated from Doane University, singing and playing drums in school groups the whole time. Howie moved to Kansas City in 2005 and Lawrenc, Kansas in 2015. Howie Howard works as a Quality Systems and Analytics Manager for DCCCA, a Lawrence-based human services non-profit. Howie writes that, “FIGHT SONGS is mostly about his relationship with his spouse Cari Ann Kreienhop. More information at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com.]

11:00 – Interview with Howie Howard

Howie Howard grew up in Crete, Nebraska and graduated from Doane University, singing and playing drums in school groups all along the way. Inspired by the legendary Dischord Records out of Washington D.C. he then founded Mr. Furious Records to document and share his friends’ music and help keep them active as life-long music makers. Howie moved to KC in 2005 and Lawrence in 2015 and has played in local bands including Mars Lights, Dark Satellites, Night Mode, howie&scott, and Five Star Crush. Closing in on it’s 20th anniversary, Mr. Furious Records has just released its 73rd project “Not One Person Left Out,” a collaboration between Howie and local rapper, producer, and engineer Royce Diamond. More info at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com

Howie Howard, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Howie grew up in Crete, Nebraska and Howie started his first indie band in 10th grade.

Howie graduated from Doane University, (located in Crete, Nebraska) singing and playing drums in school groups the whole time.

Inspired by the legendary Dischord Records out of Washington D.C. he then founded Mr. Furious Records to document and share his friends’ music and help keep them active as life-long music makers

Howie moved to Kansas City in 2005 and Lawrence, Kansas in 2015.

Howie writes that, “FIGHT SONGS is mostly about his relationship with his spouse Cari Ann Kreienhop.

“It’s Santa” by Anywaves (Cory Kibler and Josh Oberndorfer) from the compilation “XMAS” by Mr. Furious Records. Anywaves is a new project from old friends, and we used this song as a reason to fully remaster and relaunch our label’s holiday compilation “XMAS.” It’s only on Bandcamp for now but will be coming to streaming, with another new holiday song, for December 2023.

11:06

12. Anywaves – “It’s Santa”
    from: X-Mas / Mr. Furious Records / December 15, 2022
    [XMAS is a 13-track compilation/collaborative effort to create new holiday music by writing original songs and radically re-imagining canonical works. XMAS originally launched in 2005 and was updated annually through 2009. For 2022 we have re-released the compilation with new tracks from Anywaves and a full remaster from the original mixes*. And who knows, the holiday spirit may still stir in years to come. New artwork by Cory Alan “Skunk” Kibler. More information at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com.]

11:10 – Interview with Howie Howard (Continued)

We are talking with Howie Howard. Inspired by the legendary Dischord Records out of Washington D.C. he then founded Mr. Furious Records to document and share his friends’ music and help keep them active as life-long music makers. More info at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com

Howie Howard, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Howie is the founder of Mr. Furious Records that he started in 2004 after graduating from college. Mr. Furious Records puts out 4-5 projects a year.

Howie has played in several bands including: Mars Lights, Dark Satellites, Night Mode, howie&scott, and Five Star Crush.

Along with Nate Holt and Royce Diamond, Howie is the co-host and producer of The Long Play Listening Party an area podcast that interviews area musicians and plays from their latest releases.

More info at: linktr.ee/thelongplayLP.

Howie Howard works as a Quality Systems and Analytics Manager for DCCCA, a Lawrence-based human services non-profit.

“Emerge From The Infinite (excerpt)” from the album Exoplanetary Shadows by Night Mode. I was a fan of Drew’s old Lincoln band Rent Money Big back in ‘02-’03 but never knew him personally, only to connect with him in 2007 in Kansas City via Cory. We’ve been collaborating ever since, first as the heavy psychadelic band Mars Lights, then with me drumming for his solo-ish project Dark Satellites, and later adding the synth-based cosmic / cinematic / experimental project Night Mode.

11:16

13. Night Mode – “Emerge From The Infinite (excerpt)”
    from: Exoplanetary Shadows / Mr. Furious Records / January 27, 2023
    [3-track electronic music album including the tracks: “Sifting Signals” (31:29). “Interstellar Portal” (17:58). “Emerge From The Infinite” (11:41). Performed and recorded by Drew and Howie. Mixed by Drew at Bright Black. Mastered by Howie at home. More information at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com.]

11:20 – Interview with Howie Howard (Continued)

We’re talking with Howie Howard. Inspired by the legendary Dischord Records out of Washington D.C. he then founded Mr. Furious Records to document and share his friends’ music and help keep them active as life-long music makers. Info at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com

Howie Howard, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Howie is the founder of Mr. Furious Records that he started in 2004 after graduating from college. Mr. Furious Records puts out 4-5 projects a year.

Howie started his first indie band in 10th grade, Howie grew up in Crete, Nebraska and graduated from Doane University, singing and playing drums in school groups the whole time. Howie moved to Kansas City in 2005 and Lawrence, Kansas in 2015. Howie Howard works as a Quality Systems and Analytics Manager for DCCCA, a Lawrence-based human services non-profit.. More information at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com.

Along with Nate Holt and Royce Diamond, Howie is the co-host and producer of The Long Play Listening Party an area podcast that interviews area musicians and plays from their latest releases. More info at: linktr.ee/thelongplayLP.

Closing in on its 20th anniversary, Mr. Furious Records has just released its 73rd project “Not One Person Left Out,” a collaboration between Howie and local rapper, producer, and engineer Royce Diamond.

“Small Town Brown Grass (Jimbi)” from the album NOT ONE PERSON LEFT OUT by M/S Ride and Royce Diamond. The songs on this album originated as drum-machine-plus-synthesizer jams several years ago that sat on the shelf, unfinished, until I got the idea to heavily process the beats with a SP-404 sampler (which I didn’t even have when I made the
jams) and add choppy vocal samples.

Howie Howard, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Mr. Furious Records has just released its 73rd project “Not One Person Left Out,” a collaboration between Howie and local rapper, producer, and engineer Royce Diamond. More info at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com

11:26

14. M/S Ride feat Royce Diamond – “Small Town Brown Grass (Jimbi)”
    from: NOT ONE PERSON LEFT OUT / Mr. Furious Records / February 1, 2023
    [Vocals by Royce Diamond (roycediamond.com), Art by Til Willis (tilwillis.bandcamp.com ),
    Everything else by Howie. M/S Ride is multi-instrumentalist Howie Howard’s solo project. As M/S Rice, Howie released , FIGHT SONGS, on November 1, 2022. Howie has played in several bands including: Mars Lights, Dark Satellites, Night Mode, howie&scott, and Five Star Crush. Howie is the founder of Mr. Furious Records that he started in 2004 after graduating from college. Mr. Furious Records puts out 4-5 projects a year. Along with Nate Holt and Royce Diamond, Howie is the co-host and producer of The Long Play Listening Party an area podcast that interviews area musicians and plays from their latest releases. More info at: linktr.ee/thelongplayLP. Howie started his first indie band in 10th grade, Howie grew up in Crete, Nebraska and graduated from Doane University, singing and playing drums in school groups the whole time. Howie moved to Kansas City in 2005 and Lawrence, Kansas in 2015. Howie Howard works as a Quality Systems and Analytics Manager for DCCCA, a Lawrence-based human services non-profit. Howie writes that, “FIGHT SONGS is mostly about his relationship with his spouse Cari Ann Kreienhop. More information at: http://www.mrfuriousrecords.com]

11:30 – Underwriting

15. Bach Aria Soloists – “Si dolce e l tormento”
    from: Bach Aria Soloists / Reference Recordings / February 10, 2023
    [Elizabeth Suh Lane, Violin–Artistic Director–Founder; Sarah Tannehill Anderson, Soprano; Elisa Williams Bickers, Harpsichord–Organ–Piano; and Hannah Collins, Cello. Producer: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Artistic Director. Editing by: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Elisa Williams Bickers. Recording Engineer and Editor: PJ Kelley of The Post Haus Acoustic,. Kirk Patton (Mendelssohn Organ Sonata). Mix and Mastering Engineer: Robert Friedrich of Five/Four Productions, LLC®. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered using REVEAL SDM Technology®. REVEAL—Superior Dimension Music Technology is employed exclusively by Five/Four Productions, LLC to raise the standard ofexcellence in both music recording and the music listening experience. Digital Audio Workstation System: Merging Technologies Pyramix DAW. Monitored Through: EMM Labs Switchman. Monitor Speakers: ATC SCM 150, SCM 50 and SCM 25 Album Art Director: JoAnn Nunes. Cover Photo: Dan White Liner Notes: Steven Ledbetter. Bach Aria Soloists’ vision is to collaborate with world-class artists; perform in unique and traditional venues; present BachReach, BAS’ innovative education that introduces exciting, interactive music and multi-discipline programs, and Orchestral and Chamber Music Clinics for schools in our community for FREE, thanks to BAS’ BachReach funders. Their recently announced alliance with Marsalis Mansion Artists opens the ensemble to touring in the U.S. and beyond. More info: http://www.bachareasolists.com]

[Le Dolce Sirene will be released in a special celebration titled: Record Revelry on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM, at Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS, 66219. More information at http://www.bachariasoloists.com]

11:36 – Interview with Elizabeth Suh Lane

Elizabeth Suh Lane is the founder Executive Artistic Director and violinist of the Bach Aria Soloists. Acclaimed by Michael Tilson Thomas as, “a marvelous soloist and chamber musician who exemplifies the most accomplished and creative aspects of our finest musicians today.” Elizabeth resided in Europe for nearly a decade, concertizing across the globe as a chamber, solo and orchestral musician in the world’s finest concert halls. She was a first violinist with the London Symphony Orchestra under directors Michael Tilson Thomas, André Previn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Sir Colin Davis; and toured with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe under Claudio Abbado, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Gidon Kremer, among many others. Her leadership of Bach Aria Soloists has produced worldclass collaborations with leading artists, including Bach scholar Dr. Christoph Wolff, composer Narong Prangcharoen, cellist Matt Haimovitz, Parsons Dance’s Elizabeth Koeppen, to name a few. Elizabeth has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was named Professional of the Year by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for her excellence in the field of music and education. Elizabeth served on the faculties of Snowpond Chamber Music Seminar in Maine; Brian Lewis Young Artists’ Program instructing advanced violin students; and conducts her Orchestral and Chamber Music Clinics throughout the region as part of Bach Aria Soloists’ BachReach. She was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra Education team training teachers and students in schools across Great Britain and was the Teaching Assistant for Baroque violinist Jaap Schröder at the Yale School of Music. Elizabeth continues her love of teaching today, mentoring a studio of young violinists who have received scholarships to universities across the U.S.

Bach Aria Soloists new recording Le Dolce Sirene will be released in a special celebration titled: Record Revelry on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM, at Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS, 66219. More information at http://www.bachariasoloists.com

Elizabeth Suh Lane thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

About Bach Aria Soloists – Bach Aria Soloists is dedicated to presenting the genius and relevance of Johann Sebastian Bach, his contemporaries and those he inspired to our community through BAS’ critically acclaimed concerts, multi-genre collaborations and BachReach education. Its repertoire is adventurous, including but not limited to, chamber music from Baroque to Contemporary, arias, art songs, composer commissions inspired by Bach, and more. The Missouri Arts Council selected Bach Aria Soloists as The Arts Organization of 2020.

Led by Artistic Director-Founder-violinist Elizabeth Suh Lane, the ensemble includes Sarah Tannehill Anderson, soprano; Elisa Williams Bickers, harpsichord, organ, piano; and Hannah Collins, cello. “Collaboration is integral to BAS,” says Elizabeth Suh Lane. Bach Aria Soloists has partnered with international and regional artists, including Dr. Christoph Wolff; Matt Haimovitz; the Kansas City Chorale; Grammy-winning bandoneónist Héctor Del Curto; Bobby Watson; Heart of America Shakespeare Festival; contemporary dancers from Parsons Dance; Owen/Cox Dance; and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company.

Bach Aria Soloists was invited to perform at the 2022 Thailand International Composition Festival as Artist-in-Residence and was awarded the 2022 USArtists International grant from the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts and the Mellon Foundation. BAS gave the world premiere at the Festival of Narong Prangcharoen’s composition Reticence for Soprano Violin, Cello and Harpsichord written for BAS.

Bach Aria Soloists new recording Le Dolce Sirene credits:

Elizabeth Suh Lane, Violin–Artistic Director–Founder
Sarah Tannehill Anderson, Soprano
Elisa Williams Bickers, Harpsichord–Organ–Piano
Hannah Collins, Cello

Producer: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Artistic Director
Editing by: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Elisa Williams Bickers

Recording Engineer and Editor: PJ Kelley of The Post Haus Acoustic, Kirk Patton (Mendelssohn Organ Sonata) Mix and Mastering Engineer: Robert Friedrich of Five/Four Productions, LLC® Recorded, Mixed and Mastered using REVEAL SDM Technology®.

REVEAL—Superior Dimension Music Technology is employed exclusively by Five/Four Productions, LLC to raise the standard of excellence in both music recording and the music listening experience. Digital Audio Workstation System: Merging Technologies Pyramix DAW Monitored Through: EMM Labs Switchman Monitor Speakers: ATC SCM 150, SCM 50 and SCM 25 Album Art Director: JoAnn Nunes Cover Photo: Dan White. Liner Notes: Steven Ledbetter

Elizabeth Suh Lane is the founder Executive Artistic Director and violinist of the Bach Aria Soloists. Acclaimed by Michael Tilson Thomas as, “a marvelous soloist and chamber musician who exemplifies the most accomplished and creative aspects of our finest musicians today.” Elizabeth resided in Europe for nearly a decade, concertizing across the globe as a chamber, solo and orchestral musician in the world’s finest concert halls. She was a first violinist with the London Symphony Orchestra under directors Michael Tilson Thomas, André Previn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Sir Colin Davis; and toured with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe under Claudio Abbado, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Gidon Kremer, among many others. Her leadership of Bach Aria Soloists has produced worldclass collaborations with leading artists, including Bach scholar Dr. Christoph Wolff, composer Narong Prangcharoen, cellist Matt Haimovitz, Parsons Dance’s Elizabeth Koeppen, to name a few. Elizabeth has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was named Professional of the Year by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for her excellence in the field of music and education. Elizabeth served on the faculties of Snowpond Chamber Music Seminar in Maine; Brian Lewis Young Artists’ Program instructing advanced violin students; and conducts her Orchestral and Chamber Music Clinics throughout the region as part of Bach Aria Soloists’ BachReach. She was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra Education team training teachers and students in schools across Great Britain and was the Teaching Assistant for Baroque violinist Jaap Schröder at the Yale School of Music. Elizabeth continues her love of teaching today, mentoring a studio of young violinists who have received scholarships to universities across the U.S.

Sarah Tannehill Anderson is a versatile musician, excelling as a singer of opera, oratorio, choral music, contemporary works, and art song. After spending several years
performing with national companies, such as Opera Company Philadelphia, Boston Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Opera Omaha, Fort Worth Opera, and Opera Theater St. Louis, Sarah is now thrilled to make her home and career in the vibrant Kansas City music scene. Sarah has also been a member of popular regional chamber ensembles, such as Lyric Arts Trio, Missouri Choral Artists, Spire Chamber Ensemble, and the Kansas City Chorale. She has appeared as soloist with the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Baroque Consortium, Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, Kansas City Ballet, and New Ear Ensemble. Sarah’s main passion, as a soloist and chorister, is her album work. Recordings include the Kansas City Chorale’s Life and Breath Choral Works by René Clausen, in which she was featured as a soloist, and that won the GRAMMY® for Best Choral Performance in 2013, as well as the Chorale’s Rachmaninoff: AllNight Vigil, winning the GRAMMY® for Best Choral Performance in 2016. She has also premiered and recorded new works by composers such as Anthony Maglione, Forrest Pierce, Ingrid Stölzel, and Bonnie McLarty. She is featured on the album, Vieux Amis Nouveaux Costumes, with the Midwest Chamber Ensemble, and has recorded two albums with the GRAMMY®nominated St. Tikhon Choir. Sarah is the creator of Raise Your Virtual Voice, a digital hub for vocal training, which can be found on YouTube. She is also a Realtor® with NextHome Gadwood Group Realty, serving both Missouri and Kansas.

Elisa Williams Bickers, FAGO, is active across the country as a solo organist, continuo harpsichordist, and piano accompanist. She is the harpsichordist, organist, and pianist for the Bach Aria Soloists; and Associate Director of Music and Principal Organist at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. She performs regularly with the Kansas City Symphony, Te Deum Chamber Choir and the GRAMMY®winning Kansas City Chorale. She has served on the faculties of the UMKC Conservatory and Washburn University as instructor of organ and harpsichord. A native of Clinton, Maryland, Dr. Bickers began her organ studies with the Potomac Organ Institute. She has degrees in church music and organ performance from Texas Christian University and the University of Kansas. Her teachers have included Dale Krider, Joseph Butler and Michael Bauer. She was awarded the 2009 Carlin Award for excellence in teaching—the highest honor possible for graduate students at KU—and has competed and won prizes in the William Hall Competition, NYACOP and the International Buxtehude Competition. Most recently, she was awarded the Fellow certificate of the American Guild of Organists, the Guild’s most prestigious certification. Dr. Bickers guided the installation of Richards, Fowkes & Co. (Opus 22) pipe organ at Village Presbyterian, which is a landmark instrument in Kansas City. She was also the chair for New Music for the 2018 American Guild of Organists National Convention.

Hannah Collins is a dynamic performer who uses diverse forms of musical expression and artisticcollaboration to build community. Winner of De Linkprijs for contemporary interpretation, she takes an active role in expanding cello repertoire through commissions and interdisciplinary projects. Resonance Lines, her solo debut album on the Sono Luminus label, is an “adventurous, impressive collection of contemporary solo cello music,” negotiated “with panache” (The Strad), pairing music by Benjamin Britten and Kaija Saariaho with commissioned works by Caroline Shaw and Thomas Kotcheff. Over the past decade, New Morse Code, her “remarkably inventive and resourceful duo” (Gramophone) with percussionist Michael Compitello, has developed projects responding to our society’s most pressing issues, including dwb (driving while black), a chamber opera by Roberta Gumbel and Susan Kander, and The Language of Landscapes, a multimedia work by Christopher Stark addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. They were the winners of the 2020 Ariel Avant Impact Performance Prize. Hannah is a member of Bach Aria Soloists, Grossman Ensemble, and A Far Cry, and has recently performed on modern and Baroque cello with The Knights, Quodlibet Ensemble, the Sebastians, and Trinity Baroque Orchestra. She earned a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Yale and holds degrees in music from the Yale School of Music, the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, and City University of New York. She is an alumna of Ensemble Connect and is currently Associate Professor of Cello at the University of Kansas. http://www.hannahcollinscello.com

REFERENCE RECORDINGS is proud to present a very special new release! Entitled Le Dolce Sirene to represent the dynamic allwomen force of Bach Aria Soloists, this exciting new album includes works by Monteverdi, Handel, Mendelssohn and Bach, alongside a new transcription by BAS of Cecilia McDowall’s song cycle Four Shakespeare Songs.

Hailed for producing “the most surprising and brilliantly innovative collaborations in Kansas City,” Bach Aria Soloists dedicates their critically acclaimed concert series to presenting the genius and relevance of Johann Sebastian Bach, his contemporaries, and those he inspired. The ensemble’s repertoire is adventurous and broad, including chamber music from Renaissance to Contemporary, vocal arias, Tango and new living composer commissions. BAS consists of Founder/Artistic Director and violinist Elizabeth Suh Lane, GRAMMY®winning soprano Sarah Tannehill Anderson, Elisa Williams Bickers who plays Harpsichord, Organ and Piano and cellist Hannah Collins. Elizabeth Suh Lane calls their new recording, “a quintessential representation of our Baroque and contemporary chamber music performance. Much of it highlights our soprano Sarah Tannehill Anderson, but because of the exposed, soloistic compositional virtuosity of Bach and Handel, and the BAS treatment that we utilize for this music that begs for improvisation, it also exposes the versatility of virtuosity of all of our Soloists.”

Le Dolce Sirene was produced by BAS Founder/Artistic Director Elizabeth Suh Lane. The album was recorded and edited by PJ Kelley of the Post Haus Acoustic, and by Kirk Patton (Mendelssohn Organ Sonata). It was mixed and mastered by multiGRAMMY® – winning Robert Friedrich of Five/Four Productions.

Reference Recordings, founded in 1976 in San Francisco, has multiple GRAMMY® awards and a catalog that includes numerous American and international orchestras, ensembles and choruses. FRESH! is part of Reference Recordings’ mission to encourage unique and fine artists, and give them a strong platform for promotion and sales nationally and internationally. Reference Recordings are distributed in North America by Naxos USA, and internationally through a network of independent distributors. For more information, visit: http://www.ReferenceRecordings.com

Bach Aria Soloists – “La Folia Variations ”

Elizabeth Suh Lane, thank you so much for being our guest on WMM

Le Dolce Sirene will be released in a special celebration titled: Record Revelry on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM, at Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS, 66219. More information at http://www.bachariasoloists.com]

For WMM & Elizabeth Suh Lane. I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

11:50

16. Bach Aria Soloists – “La Folia Variations”
    from: Bach Aria Soloists / Reference Recordings / February 10, 2023
    [Elizabeth Suh Lane, Violin–Artistic Director–Founder; Sarah Tannehill Anderson, Soprano; Elisa Williams Bickers, Harpsichord–Organ–Piano; and Hannah Collins, Cello. Producer: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Artistic Director. Editing by: Elizabeth Suh Lane, Elisa Williams Bickers. Recording Engineer and Editor: PJ Kelley of The Post Haus Acoustic,. Kirk Patton (Mendelssohn Organ Sonata). Mix and Mastering Engineer: Robert Friedrich of Five/Four Productions, LLC®. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered using REVEAL SDM Technology®. REVEAL—Superior Dimension Music Technology is employed exclusively by Five/Four Productions, LLC to raise the standard ofexcellence in both music recording and the music listening experience. Digital Audio Workstation System: Merging Technologies Pyramix DAW. Monitored Through: EMM Labs Switchman. Monitor Speakers: ATC SCM 150, SCM 50 and SCM 25 Album Art Director: JoAnn Nunes. Cover Photo: Dan White Liner Notes: Steven Ledbetter. Bach Aria Soloists’ vision is to collaborate with world-class artists; perform in unique and traditional venues; present BachReach, BAS’ innovative education that introduces exciting, interactive music and multi-discipline programs, and Orchestral and Chamber Music Clinics for schools in our community for FREE, thanks to BAS’ BachReach funders. Their recently announced alliance with Marsalis Mansion Artists opens the ensemble to touring in the U.S. and beyond. More info: http://www.bachareasolists.com]

[Le Dolce Sirene will be released in a special celebration titled: Record Revelry on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM, at Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS, 66219. More information at http://www.bachariasoloists.com]

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

Next week on February 15 – Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis will be back to co-host with me for our 2023 Winyer On-Air Fundraiser with special guest Hermon Mehari who returns to Kansas City to play The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 8 PM. Mehari’s performance is part of the Folly Jazz Series, now in its 41st year. Please Tune in next week and call in during our show to show your support for Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM – Kansas City Community Radio.

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

Nan Turner Photo by Ailecia Ruscin of Oh! Snap! Photography!

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

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

Show #980