For 19 years Mark Manning has served as Coordinator of the KCK Organic Teaching Gardens, an Initiative of The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity, Health Careers Pathways Program, K-12. Each year Mark works with 1000 to 2000 students, between K through 8th grades, with organic, "raised bed" gardens built directly on the school grounds of three Middle Schools and four Elementary Schools in the inner city of the Kansas City, Kansas school district. Mark conducts over 440 workshops annually in classrooms at these schools. He started the project under the guidance of Marcia Pomeroy, in 1999, after working in a literacy program. The KCK Organic Teaching Gardens has been financially supported through grants from The Kauffman Foundation, and The University of Kansas Medical Center. The project has been recognized locally and nationally by The National Gardening Association, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Community Gardens, The Green Bliss Festival, The Urban Farm & Garden Tour, and on the PBS television program America's Harvest. Mark learned about gardening from his grandmother Edna Jacobsen on the family's McCool Junction, Nebraska farm. His grandmother raised a huge garden, chickens, sheep and cattle. She preserved apples, wild berry jams, and beets and virtually everything she grew was canned for consumption in winter months. Edna raised seven children with no running water and as a child lived in a sod house. His passion for the school gardening program has been fueled by the fact that he doesn't see the lessons he learned from his grandmother passed down to kids today. Kids need to know where their food comes from, especially with the rise of diabetes, and over weight Americans. We can all learn from our gardens how to treat ourselves and the world better.
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, July 20, 2022
Guest Producer – Major Matt Mason USA
Mark welcomes Major Matt Mason USA into 90.1 FM – KKFI’s On Air Studios to take over the Wednesday MidDay Medley radio show as our special “Guest Producer.” Matt will spin musical tracks from: Horsegirl, Al-Qasar with Lee Ranaldo, Hello Mary, El Shirota with Alo, Skull Snaps, Orgone, Lady Wray, The Dip, Theon Cross, Toby Goodshank, Ibibio Sound Machine, Kevin Morby, Aldous Harding, Toro Y Moi, Gustaf, Momma, A Place To Bury Strangers, Lou Barlow, Nan Turner, Major Matt Mason USA, and Sonic Youth.
Matt Roth
Major Matt Mason USA is the performing name for musician, writer, and producer Matt Roth. Originally from Shawnee, Kansas, Matt is a member of the bands Schwervon!, Broken Heart Syndrome, and Kansas State Flower. 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, Kimya Dawson, The Moldy Peaches, Langhorne Slim, John S. Hall (King Missile), Jeffrey Lewis, and many more.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
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, July 13, 2022
New & MidCoastal Releases + Lee Walter Redding + Chalis O’Neal + Tucker Slough
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
John Moreland
John Moreland – “Cheap Idols Dressed in Expensive Garbage” from: Birds in the Ceiling / Old Omens – Thirty Tigers / to be released later i, 2022 [John Robert Moreland was born June 22, 1985. He is an American singer-songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma. // Moreland was born in Longview, Texas, the son of Robert Lloyd Moreland, an engineer, and Connie May Moreland (née Brandon), a school librarian. Moreland’s father worked for Sunoco as an electrical engineer, and because of this job the family moved a lot.His was a conservative Southern Baptist family. When he was a baby they moved to Northern Kentucky, across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. Moreland credits his love for Cincinnati Reds to this time in Kentucky. // When Moreland was 10 years old Moreland’s family moved from Boone County, Kentucky to Tulsa, Oklahoma and, with the help of his father, he started playing the guitar. When he was 12 or 13 he started playing with a child he went to church with who wrote songs and inspired him to start writing songs. // Moreland played in his first show when he was 13 or 14 years old. In the early 2000s during high school, Moreland played in local punk and hardcore bands,] including local metalcore Oklahoma band, Thirty Called Arson. // Moreland put together the Black Gold Band in 2005, and released Endless Oklahoma Sky on Oklahoma City label Little Mafia Records in 2008. In 2009, he recorded the follow-up Things I Can’t Control at Armstrong Recording in Tulsa with producer and musician Stephen Egerton (Descendents, All).// Largely self-performed and self-produced, Moreland produces music that is influenced by his Oklahoma roots, music that is “gloriously and joyfully heartbreaking.” Moreland has released a constant stream of records (in 2011 he released two full length albums and two EPs), saying “I write a lot of songs. And I guess I feel like your most recent release kind of represents you.” Moreland has cited Steve Earle as his “gateway”[16] to folk music. He switched genres from hardcore to folk when he heard Earle’s song “Rich Man’s War”. His father was also a big Earle fan. Other influences were Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. // Moreland runs his own mail order business and ships his own records (packing the records, taking them to the post office himself) because all of his favorite labels (Ebullition Records, Level Plane Records, Dischord Records) used that method. // In 2015, Moreland released High on Tulsa Heat, his third full-length solo record release. It was produced by Moreland and features Jesse Aycock, John Calvin Abney, Chris Foster, Jared Tyler, and Kierston White. The album was recorded quickly and informally over the course of a few days in July 2014. Moreland used his parents’ home in Bixby, Oklahoma, as a studio while they were out of town on vacation. A video of the song “Cherokee” was conceived and shot by Joey Kneiser, and features bass player Bingham Barnes. Both are from the band Glossary. Moreland said the song was inspired by a dream. // Moreland participates in the Folk Alliance International Conference, a non-profit folk music conference that is held annually in Kansas City, Kansas. He participated in fellow singer-songwriter Jason Isbell’s 2013 national tour. // In 2017, Moreland released his seventh album, Big Bad Luv, on 4AD. The title is a nod to the book by that name by Larry Brown. The record is the first where Moreland recorded with a full band. Musicians from the bands Dawes (Griffin and Taylor Goldsmith) and Shovels And Rope (Carrie Ann Hearst and Michael Trent) contributed vocals. // His fifth solo album, LP5, was released February 7, 2020. Produced by Matt Pence of Centro-Matic, it marks his return to the label Thirty Tigers after his previous release via 4AD. // s songwriter. American television host and political commentator Rachel Maddow tweeted praise of Moreland’s work: “If the American music business made any sense, guys like John Moreland would be household names.” Moreland posits that Maddow probably saw him opening for Lucero, a band Maddow likes Moreland jokes that her remark was “the first time his dad has agreed with Rachel Maddow.” During the summer of 2015, Moreland opened for Jason Isbell, Dawes, and Patty Griffin. //Three of Moreland’s songs, “Heaven”, “Gospel”, and “Your Spell”, have been featured on the TV show, Sons of Anarchy. // Moreland is married to visual artist Pearl Rachinsky, who did the album layout for Big Bad Luv. // Around 2015, Moreland relocated to Norman, Oklahoma but then later that year moved back to Tulsa.]
Discography – Studio albums
2008: Endless Oklahoma Sky with the Black Gold Band 2011: Things I Can’t Control with the Black Gold Band 2011: Everything the Hard Way with the Dust Bowl Souls 2011: Earthbound Blues (Memorial) 2013: In the Throes (Last Chance Records) 2015: High on Tulsa Heat (Old Omens / Thirty Tigers) 2017: Big Bad Luv (4AD) 2020: LP5 (Old Omens) 2022 (announced): Birds in the Ceiling]
Miki P
Miki P – “Your Love” from: “Yor Love” – Single / Miki P / June 24, 2022 [Singer, songwriter, dreamer. Miki P makes music sometimes by herself and she leads the band Miki P and the Swallowtails. This new single follows Miki P’s Mrch 18, 2022 singlere;ease “Peter Parker!” In 2021 Miki P released the EP, DON”T LOSE HOPE, 6 songs created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home office space. Sitting & working from Miki’s computer, she composed and recorded 80% of the EP, working through the music like a journal entry, creating each song from her internal hurricane of emotions. All songs written, recorded, played, & mixed by Miki P. Recorded & Mixed with Emma Klien and Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos.// Mikala Petillo, who was born in Kansas City, KS, and performed ‘She Loves You’ at her 7th grade talent show. In 9th grade she joined a teen-band called American Slim as drummer & vocalist, and released a full-length album, Irreplaceable, in 2017, played Middle of the Map Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art before officially ending in 2018. That year, at 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, Dome of Swallows, released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, with Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, Cade Pool on drums, Robert Castillo on bass, and Miki P on guitar & lead Vocals. In June they’ll release a follow up. With half of the band’s members having Classical music degrees, and the other half with Jazz degrees, Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro. “Introspective pop music with lyric-driven folk influences, mixed with collaborative energy & an odd pairing of instruments, Miki P locked in with the Swallowtails create a moment with music written and arranged from the heart.” Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. She wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. Miki P and The Swallowtails –released, Right Where We Are /on August 21, 2020 with Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead Vocals. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro. “Introspective pop music with lyric-driven folk influences, mixed with collaborative energy & an odd pairing of instruments, Miki P locked in with the Swallowtails create a moment with music written and arranged from the heart.” Miki P also plays ukulele & piano, teaching herself how to play both the instruments, using them frequently in all projects she is involved in. She was a featured vocalist with The Band That Fell to Earth Bowie Tribute. She’s played Boulevardia, Middle of the Map Fest, Royal’s Kaufman Stadium, recordBar, Uptown Theater, Arrowhead Stadium, Nelson Atkins Museum, the Crossroads Music Festival and the SXSW Music Fest. More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com .]
[Miki P plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming KCMO, West Bottoms, Friday, July 15, at 7:00 PM, for the Carswell & Hope – Single Release Show with Kian Byrne.]
Kat King
Kat King – “New Sun” from: “New Sun” / Manor Records / July 29, 2021 [Kansas City based 5-piece shimmer-pop band Kat King will release their single “New Sun” that breathes life back into life itself. Led by Kat, herself, a seasoned musician who charms with an infectious dance-inducing energy, the upcoming single is an electric blend of catchy bright melodies that find itself right in the heart & heat of summer. Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keys bring a refreshing dynamism both on and off the stage. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism, “New Sun” compels listeners to look towards new, more positive, more productive perspectives. Follow up to the June 9, 2021 SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP recorded with her band. Kat King on guitar, keyboards, & vocals; Derek Melies on guitar & back ground vocals; John McCain on bass; Daniel Cole on drums. Co-produced & mixed/mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence Kansas based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single Song of Spain in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on December 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced one 13-song album and three EP’s, the first one released at the age of 14. More info at: http://www.katbking.com ]
Amado Espinoza Quartet
Amado Espinoza – “From la Cancha to Shinjuku” from: Q’ansas / Amado Espinoza / July 6, 2022 [Amado Espinoza Quartet brings Andean soul to the American heartland. Amado plays traditional Andean instruments – the charango and sikus, as well as the mandolin and didgeridoo. He teams up with Andres Ramirez on percussion, Tina Bilberry on violin, and Johnny Hamil on bass, to bring a contemporary electric feel to Amado’s dynamic compositions. Expanding ideas of sound, texture and space, they invoke the musical ancestors of us all and activate the music that is alive in all our DNA. The journey is both ritual and joyous celebration.]
[Amado Espinoza Quartet premiers their new album, Q’ansas with a Album Release Show, at the Record Bar, Friday, July 15, 2022, with special guest Julia Othmer.]
[Amado Espinoza plays The Benefit for the People of Ukraine, on Saturday, July 16, at 7:00 PM at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming KCMO, West Bottoms, with Jullia Othmer, Ivory Blue, Havilah Bruders, Johnny Hamil, Courtney Collado, spoken word artist José Faus, Poet-on-Demand Elizabeth Howard, and more! Hosted by Frickin’ Awesome Industries and InterUrban ArtHouse.]
Carswell & Hope – “Sign Of The Times” from: “Sign Of The Times” – Single / Silly Goose Records / June 12, 2018 [Sign of the Times, the first single and title track from the Carswell & Hope full length. Featuring Katlyn Conroy on vocals. Single available on Bandcamp, Soundcloud and streaming platforms from July 12th, 2022. Carswell and Hope are releasing their album, SIGN OF THE TIMES, on 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 MixMaster music conference, now part of the Crossroads Music Festival. More info at: http://www.carswellandhope.bandcamp.com]
[Carswell and Hope play a Single Release Shows at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming KCMO, West Bottoms, on Friday, July 15 with Miki P and Kiane Byrne]
[Sign of the Times album release date is August 30th, 2022.]
[On August 31 Nick Carswell will be our guest on WMM]
10:30 – Underwriting
Lee Walter Redding
Lee Walter Redding – “We Could Be Warlords” from: “We Could Be Warlords”- Single / Lee Walter Redding / June 10, 2021 [This is their second single from the upcoming EP LIVE FROM THE ARGYLE WALLPAPER, to be released in July. Lee Walter Redding on vocals, guitar; Justin Rogers on bass; Andy Kirk on guitar/synth and Justin Skinner on drums. Lee writes: We Could be Warlords is a story of two twisted, go-getters finding love through a mutual goal of taking over the world. They’re both so consumed with the day-to-day job of developing and controlling a police state that the only way they can get off is by manipulating and hurting the poor citizens of their respective countries.”We could be Warlords drumming up suspicion / Giving the finger to UN resolutions / We could wind em up to lull them down / We could be warlords in love”Lee Walter Redding released “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” om April 9, 2021. Lee told us that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. More info at: http://www.leewalterredding.bandcamp.com]
[Lee Walter Redding plays a solo at The Pairing, 1615 Oak Street, in East Crossroads, with Nathan Corsi.]
[Lee Walter Redding plays a Live From The Argyle Wallpaper EP Release show at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming KCMO, West Bottoms, on August 5, 2022.]
Joshua Davidson aka Lee Walter Redding
10:35 – Interview with Joshua Davidson
Joshua Davidson is a Kansas City based musician who records and performs music as Lee Walter Redding. Raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. Lee Walter Redding has released one album, one EP and multiple singles. Before recording as Lee Walter redding, Joshua Davidson recorded and performed as Orthon Anderthon. He has collaborated with Stephonne and Teri Quinn and is releasing a new EP called, LIVE FROM THE ARGYLE WALLPAPER on July 15, 2022. More information at: linktr.ee/leewalterredding
Joshua Davidson Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
For live performances and recording the band includes: Lee Walter Redding on vocals, guitar; Justin Rogers on bass; Andy Kirk on guitar/synth and Justin Skinner on drums.
Joshua Davidson grew up in the small town of Guilford, Missouri, he moved to Kansas City because he felt “different” from everyone else in his small town.
Joshua studied at Northwest Missouri State University and UMKC.
Joshua is married and has two daughters age 3 and 7.
Lee Walter Redding plays a solo at The Pairing, 1615 Oak Street, in East Crossroads, with Nathan Corsi.
Lee Walter Redding plays a Live From The Argyle Wallpaper EP Release show at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming KCMO, West Bottoms, on August 5, 2022.
10:45
Lee Walter Redding – “Last Show in Town” from: Live From The Argyle Wallpaper / Lee Walter Redding / July 15, 2022
[Lee Walter Redding plays a solo at The Pairing, 1615 Oak Street, in East Crossroads, with Nathan Corsi.]
[Lee Walter Redding plays a Live From The Argyle Wallpaper EP Release show at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming KCMO, West Bottoms, on August 5, 2022.]
10:48 – More Interview with Joshua Davidson
We are talking with Joshua Davidson is a Kansas City based musician who records and performs music as Lee Walter Redding. Raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. Lee Walter Redding has released one album, one EP and multiple singles. Before recording as Lee Walter Redding, Joshua Davidson recorded and performed as Orthon Anderthon. He has collaborated with Stephonne and Teri Quinn and is releasing a new EP called, LIVE FROM THE ARGYLE WALLPAPER on July 15, 2022.
Joshua Davidson Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Joshua’s band meets weekly to rehearse, sometimes even more often. The band offers Josh needed feedback on the music and sound of Lee Walter Redding.
Joshua told us that “Lee” is his middle name, he has always thought “Walter” was a strong name, and “Redding” is in honor of his musical hero, Otis Redding.
After hearing our Wednesday MidDay Medley interview with Stephonne Singleton, Joshua reached out to him to record the vocals for his single, “Elephant Man.”
Joshua Davidson Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
More information at: linktr.ee/leewalterredding
10:57
Lee Walter Redding – “Ain’t It Criminal” from: Live From The Argyle Wallpaper / Lee Walter Redding / July 15, 2022
[Lee Walter Redding plays a solo at The Pairing, 1615 Oak Street, in East Crossroads, with Nathan Corsi.]
[Lee Walter Redding plays a Live From The Argyle Wallpaper EP Release show at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming KCMO, West Bottoms, on August 5, 2022.]
11:00 – Station ID
Chalis O’Neal
Chalis O’Neal – “PLC” from: FLIRTING / Chalis O’Neal / November 15, 2021 [Chalis O’Neal debut album FLIRTING was #48 in WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2021. Chalis O’Neal picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse. // Chalis O’Neal is the youngest brother of Harold Mujahid O’Neal who was born March 27, 1981, and is an American pianist, composer, record producer, public speaker, dancer, and storyteller. He has recorded and performed with artists in a variety of musical genres (U2, Lupe Fiasco, Busta Rhymes, Damien Rice, Aloe Blacc, and Jay Z). O’Neal has been profiled and featured in numerous publications and programs including Forbes, NPR’s All Things Considered, Fortune, Studio 360, and the 92Y, with The New York Times comparing him to Duke Ellington, Kenny Kirkland, and Maurice Ravel. He is considered to be of this generation’s greatest pianists and composers. O’Neal has been awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts, with the Patron being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and recently played a role as a creative expert for the Academy Award winning Pixar film, Soul. ]
[Chalis O’Neal plays Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille, 1400 Main St KCMO in Power & Light District, Thursday, July 14, at 6:30 to 9:30 PM]
[Chalis O’Neal plays Ambassador Hotel at 1111 Grand Ave, KCMO, Friday, July 15, 2022 at 8:00 PM]
[Chalis O’Neal plays The Mutual Musicians Foundation 1823 Highland Ave. KCMO, on July 29 at 1:30 AM].
Chalis O’Neal
11:06 – Interview with Chalis O’Neal
KC based musician and performer Chalis O’Neal joins us to talk about his debut album, FLIRTING and his work as lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. Chalis picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse.Chalis O’Neal plays Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille, 1400 Main Street, KCMO in Power & Light District, on Thursday, July 14, at 6:30 to 9:30 PM Chalis O’Neal plays Ambassador Hotel at 1111 Grand Ave, KCMO, on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 8:00 PM. Chalis O’Neal plays The Mutual Musicians Foundation 1823 Highland Ave. KCMO, on July 29 at 1:30 AM. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/chalis.oneal
Chalis O’Neal, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The album features KC personnel: O’Neal on trumpet, Desmond Mason on piano and keyboards, Tim Ogutu on electric bass, Brad Williams on drums—along with feature appearances by Amber “Flutienastiness” Underwood on flute and Jessica Ayala and Les Izmore on vocals and spoken word.
Chalis picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven. Chalis comes from a family of artists, teachers, and activists.
Chalis attended the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City.
O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story.
O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau.
Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul.
Chalis O’Neal is the youngest brother of Harold Mujahid O’Neal who was born March 27, 1981, and is an American pianist, composer, record producer, public speaker, dancer, and storyteller. He has recorded and performed with artists in a variety of musical genres (U2, Lupe Fiasco, Busta Rhymes, Damien Rice, Aloe Blacc, and Jay Z). O’Neal has been profiled and featured in numerous publications and programs including Forbes, NPR’s All Things Considered, Fortune, Studio 360, and the 92Y, with The New York Times comparing him to Duke Ellington, Kenny Kirkland, and Maurice Ravel. He is considered to be of this generation’s greatest pianists and composers. O’Neal has been awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts, with the Patron being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and recently played a role as a creative expert for the Academy Award winning Pixar film, Soul. // Harold O’Neal was born in Arusha, Tanzania, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His great-grandfather, Ollie Harold Pennington, was a jazz pianist and composer for silent film in Kansas City, where his grandmother walked to school with Charlie Parker. O’Neal began playing the piano by ear at age four on his father’s miniature keyboard. He found his earliest inspirations in the music of Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Disney. While growing up, he spent a considerable amount of time with his grandmother exploring various creative outlets, before eventually becoming a pianist. Having spent much of his youth living in the projects (Public Housing) and surviving near-death experiences, he credits music with saving his life. O’Neal attended the Paseo Academy Of Fine And Performing Arts, with classmates Logan Richardson, Lil’ Ronnie, and Brian Kennedy, where he began his jazz piano studies while being mentored by Ahmad Alaadeen. He studied classical piano and composition with Margie Cameron-Jarrett, whose musical lineage can be traced back to Franz Liszt. // O’Neal began working with musical luminaries from a young age – touring with Bobby Watson when he was 19 after studying composition at the Berklee College of Music. He then went on to the Manhattan School of Music, to study with Kenny Barron. It was there where he met the great American jazz pianist and composer, Andrew Hill, with whom he soon became the apprentice of. Mr. Hill was an apprentice of prolific composer Paul Hindemith. Following Andrew Hill’s advice, O’Neal left the Manhattan School of Music to replace pianist Jason Moran in the influential band, the Greg Osby 4, making his major-label debut recording for Blue Note Records at the age of 21. In 2004, O’Neal premiered a jazz quartet featuring Greg Osby, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Matt Brewer. // In the following years, O’Neal released a number of critically acclaimed albums including — “Charlie’s Suite” (2006), which was a compilation of his family’s legacy, “Whirling Mantis” (2010) with a jazz quartet, and a solo piano album “Marvelous Fantasy” (2011) on Smalls Records. He then partnered with Ski Beats and Damon Dash, after being signed to Universal Music Group as a songwriter and producer, to release the albums 24 Hour Karate School 2 (2011), Twilight (2012), and Cam’Ron And Vado’s Blu Tops (2012). In 2012, O’Neal formed a partnership with producers Lil Ronnie and Jerry Wonda working with many Pop and R&B artists (Miguel, Akon, Melissa Ethridge, Raphael Saadiq, French Montana). In 2013, he released the album “Man on the Street” featuring a jazz quartet as well as solo piano for BluRoc, an at the time incarnation of Rocafella Records distributed by Def Jam Records. // O’Neal worked as a composer for a featurette and the documentaries of the 2015 Disney film Tomorrowland produced by Academy Award winning filmmaker Anthony Giacchino, which starred George Clooney and Britt Robertson. The film was directed by Brad Bird with the film-score being composed by Michael Giacchino. His solo piano album “Piano Cinema” was released in May 2018, with “Sam and Sam” serving as the lead single. Following the album release, O’Neal completed a spring tour across the U.S. with The Blk Shp with Pixar as a partner. Recently, at the suggestion of Ed Catmull, O’Neal played a role with the filmmakers (Pete Docter, Dana Murray, Kemp Powers) as a creative expert in the development of Pixar’s Soul. // As a keynote speaker and storyteller, O’Neal has been featured at Google, The World Economic Forum, TEDX, Hatch Experience, C2 Montréal, Blk Shp Power Shift, and many other leading platforms.// In 2019, O’Neal was among the 100 international individuals selected to be a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper. Goalkeepers (Gates Foundation) is an initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its aim is to bring together leaders from around the world to accelerate progress toward achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Invitations are issued to global leaders and aspiring personalities who have been personally selected by the board. Previous attendees include Barack Obama, Emmanuel Macron, Amina J. Mohammed, Erna Solberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Trevor Noah.// In 2019, O’Neal was awarded fellowship to the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Ideas Festival, a week-long event held in Aspen, Colorado in the United States. The Aspen Ideas Festival program of events includes discussions, seminars, panels, and tutorials from journalists, designers, innovators, politicians, diplomats, presidents, judges, musicians, artists, and writers. Topics covered during the festival include global politics and economics, U.S. Policy, the environment, technology, science, health, education, the arts, and economic issues. // In 2019, O’Neal was awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts. Founded in 1754 by William Shipley, it was granted a Royal Charter in 1847, and the right to use the term “Royal” in its name by King Edward VII in 1908. Notable past fellows include Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, Nelson Mandela, David Attenborough, William Hogarth, John Diefenbaker, and Tim Berners-Lee. Today, the RSA has fellows elected from 80 countries worldwide.// NPR All Things Considered: The Yule Log (TV program), Pianist Harold O’Neal and Bill Cosby’s Christmas story[8] On 25 December 2011, O’Neal was featured along with Bill Cosby for the Christmas Day edition of NPR’s All Things Considered, with O’Neal being hosted and interviewed by Guy Raz. // Electric Burma On June 18, 2012, O’Neal performed with U2, Lupe Fiasco, Bob Geldof, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo and many other major artists for the presentation of Amnesty International’s prestigious ‘Ambassador of Conscience’ Award to Aung San Suu Kyi. The award was originally announced from the stage when U2 played Croke Park in July 2009 – while the Burmese Nobel Peace Prize recipient was still under house arrest in Burma. // Global Citizen: World on Stage[10] On 22 September 2016, O’Neal performed with Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter for The Global Citizen Festival’s The World on Stage, a night curated by Tom Morello and Jon Batiste. The evening was dedicated to several prominent speakers who addressed various causes—such as education, the refugee crisis, gender equality, poverty, hunger, and much more—and the presentation of the inaugural George Harrison Global Citizen award, presented by Paul Simon to Olivia and Dhani Harrison (George’s widow and son). // On December 4, 2018, Herbie Hancock received the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Medal (Royal Society of Arts) from the Royal Society for the Arts at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—being recognized for his long lifetime of creative achievements and humanitarian efforts. The 264-year-old Royal Society for the Arts, based in London, includes Franklin as a founding fellow and initiated the Benjamin Franklin medal in 1956 to honor people who transcend their vocation to generally benefit mankind. The ceremony featured bassist Christian McBride and pianist O’Neal as guest star performers, each musically representing the electric and acoustic side of Hancock’s legacy. // In 2009, O’Neal appeared as an actor in Jay Z’s music video for the hit record Young Forever, from his multi-platinum album The Blueprint 3. In 2010, he was cast in the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire, portraying James P. Johnson. He was also featured in MTV’s Sucker Free.
Chalis O’Neal is the nephew of Felix Lindsey “Pete” O’Neal, Jr. (born 1940), was the chairman of the Kansas City chapter of the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. He led implementation of many free programs, such as providing free breakfast to children around the city. // O’Neal had trouble with authority figures in high school and dropped out. Soon afterwards, he joined the military, following the steps of his father. Once done with service, he moved to Stockton, California, where in 1959 he was sentenced to 9 months in jail for theft. He escaped from jail after 3 months, traveling back to Kansas City, MO. In 1961, law enforcement caught him and he was sent back to California to serve his remaining sentence. // After completing his sentence, the felony should have been cleared as indicated by Californian law, but it was not. This significantly hindered his chances for employment. // On October 30, 1969, he was arrested again for the transporting of a gun across state lines (under a law that went into effect just two weeks prior to his arrest). A year later a court convicted him and in October 1970, he was sentenced to four years in prison. O’Neal jumped his bail and fled to Algeria, where a number of other Black Panther Party members had also absconded to in the face of imprisonment in the United States. This group became known as the “International Section” of the Black Panther Party, and was centered around Eldridge and Kathleen Cleaver. A year later O’Neal moved on to Tanzania, motivated to immigrate there as the then President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, was both a Pan-Africanist and Socialist. O’Neal has remained in Tanzania ever since. // Together with his wife, Charlotte Hill O’Neal, he is the co-founder of the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC) in the village of Imbaseni, near the northern city of Arusha, Tanzania. The UAACC is a center focusing on healing the community by providing a diverse array of free art, music, film and other classes to members of the community. The UAACC also serves as a hostel for people travelling through the area—offering several “huts” with bunk beds. The center has been frequented by several celebrities, American politicians, study abroad programs, students, documentary film makers, and artists. Pete and Charlotte provide numerous jobs to locals of the community and the center is entirely run by local Tanzanians. // O’Neal’s family still resides in the Kansas City area. He is a third cousin to US Representative Emmanuel Cleaver. Since 1991, Cleaver and others have unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a pardon for O’Neal, and took the issue to both President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama. Both declined to pardon O’Neal. // His life and exile in Tanzania is the subject of the PBS documentary ‘A Panther in Africa’, by Aaron Matthews, and a book ‘Black Panther in Exile: The Pete O’Neal Story’ by Pete’s attorney, Paul J. Magnarella.]
Arquesta Del SolSoul
Arquesta Del SolSoul includes: Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, and Hadiza.
Jessica Ayala is an Indigenous Colombian Two-Spirit multi discipline artist. Miss Ayala is a spoken word poet, musician, published author, cultural worker, light worker, activist, public speaker, and writer-in-residence alumni of Charlotte Street Foundation. Their work is a fusion of her heritage merging oral tradition, storytelling, poetry, song, and native percussion; creating spaces to explore concepts of internalized oppression and decolonization. Ayala immigrated to the United States at the age of three, publishing her first series of poems for the Young Authors Conference at the age of eight. Her current poetry has been published in two anthologies winning an Honorable Medal in the 2017 International Latino Book Awards. Additionally, Miss Ayala is the recipient of the 2018 Best Kansas City Spoken Word Artist Award and was recently awarded the 2020 Civil and Human Rights Award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Les Izmore is highly trained in Middle Of The Map Music. His tribal connection is Octavia E. Butler’s SUN, which was spawned in the inner sanctum of African Futurity. He’s been performing through existing channels for 1000’s of years. Known for his work fronting the legendary Kansas City collective Hearts of Darkness and the influential hip hop band Heartfelt Anarchy with Conductor Williams aka d/will, and many other projects, including his solo work and with Les Izmore and the GOATs. Les is a culture builder, continually pushing the bouudaries to create music that honors his ancestors amd gets everyone dancing. Les is also a farmer and gardener growing food in the city and teachong others about food, music, history, and poetry.
Brad Wiiliams is a Native to Kansas City, this percussionist takes no issue with referencing his blues, gospel, jazz and folk roots while leaving room for spontaneous, in the moment expression. Brad has been playing in Kansas City’s arts scene for nearly 20 years building style and techniques that have garnered a sound all his own. He has been fortunate to share creative space with a myriad of artists and looks forward to cultivating new opportunities for growth and collaboration. Brad has also taken time to offer what he has learned to new up and coming musicians through private instruction and by hosting concept sessions. Brad has played with everyone including Hearts of Darkness, and Krystle Warren.
Chalis O’Neal released his debut solo album Flirting on November 15, 2021. The track “La Tienda de Regalos” features spoken word poet Jessica Ayala. Musician and performer Chalis O’Neal about his upcoming debut album, FLIRTING. Chalis picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse. // Chalis O’Neal is the youngest brother of Harold Mujahid O’Neal who was born March 27, 1981, and is an American pianist, composer, record producer, public speaker, dancer, and storyteller. He has recorded and performed with artists in a variety of musical genres (U2, Lupe Fiasco, Busta Rhymes, Damien Rice, Aloe Blacc, and Jay Z). O’Neal has been profiled and featured in numerous publications and programs including Forbes, NPR’s All Things Considered, Fortune, Studio 360, and the 92Y, with The New York Times comparing him to Duke Ellington, Kenny Kirkland, and Maurice Ravel. He is considered to be of this generation’s greatest pianists and composers. O’Neal has been awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts, with the Patron being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and recently played a role as a creative expert for the Academy Award winning Pixar film, Soul. // Harold O’Neal was born in Arusha, Tanzania, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His great-grandfather, Ollie Harold Pennington, was a jazz pianist and composer for silent film in Kansas City, where his grandmother walked to school with Charlie Parker. O’Neal began playing the piano by ear at age four on his father’s miniature keyboard. He found his earliest inspirations in the music of Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Disney. While growing up, he spent a considerable amount of time with his grandmother exploring various creative outlets, before eventually becoming a pianist. Having spent much of his youth living in the projects (Public Housing) and surviving near-death experiences, he credits music with saving his life. O’Neal attended the Paseo Academy Of Fine And Performing Arts, with classmates Logan Richardson, Lil’ Ronnie, and Brian Kennedy, where he began his jazz piano studies while being mentored by Ahmad Alaadeen. He studied classical piano and composition with Margie Cameron-Jarrett, whose musical lineage can be traced back to Franz Liszt.
Jade Green is half of the critically acclaimed band The Black Creatures. The Black Creatures make a point to blur the lines of genre while maintaining a recognizable cohesion; oftentimes blending 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, the record received Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine, along with high praise 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.”
Hadiza. released her solo EP Gone on December 29, 2018, and he 10 song, full-length album called, Shadow Weight, on November 22, 2019. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, she has lived in Bushwick, and Atlanta, and worked in corporate America in the New York Finance District. Since relocating to Kansas City, Hadiza. has been slowly carving out her place as a solo artist and also as lead vocalist and lyricist for the experimental electronic duo Collidescope that recently released their new 7-track album, DEEP TAPE, on December 31, 2020. Collidescope is essentially a duo that includes: Hadiza. on vocals, beats, & synthesizers; and Madison Monroe on guitar, bass, beats, synthesizers, mixing and vocals. DEEP TAPE is a follow up the the band’s debut EP Systemic released December 16, 2017. More info at: http://www.hadizaisnothere.bandcamp.com or http://www.acollidescope.bandcamp.com
Previous Members include: Irving Graham, Ernest Melton, Andres Ramirez, Fabian Prado.
3 current musicians in Arquesta Del SolSoul worked together in the band Hearts of Darkness.
Hearts of Darkness is a Community whose original material absorbs influences from 1970s afrobeat to hip hop, 1960s and 1970s soul and funk, as well as reaching back to 1920s big band . The sound evokes memories of Count Basie, James Brown, and Fela Kuti Jamming with Nina Simone, Erykah Badu and Sun Ra.
Les Izmore: Vocals, Shekere Erica Townsend: Vocals Rachel Christia: Vocals Leena Will: Vocals Erin Bopp: Vocals Brad “Bad Brad” Williams: Kit, Percussion Miko Spears: Congas Dominique Sanders: Bass Guitar Lucas Parker: Rhythm Guitar Sam Goodell: Keys Chalis O’neal: Trumpet Ernest Melton: Saxophones Jolan Smith: Tenor Sax – Vocals
Discography
Albums: Hearts of Darkness (2010) // Shelf Life (2012) EPs: Numeration (2012)
Arquesta Del SolSoul Shows:
Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.
Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022
Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.
The Black Creatures play Downtown KCK at 7th and Minnesota on Friday, July 1, at 11:30 to 1:00 PM
Chalis O’Neal, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
11:21
Chalis O’Neal
Chalis O’Neal – “Me, You, and The Other Girl (feat: Flutienastiness)” from: Flirting / Chalis O’Neal / November 15, 2021 [Musician and performer Chalis O’Neal s picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse.]
[Chalis O’Neal plays Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille, 1400 Main St KCMO in Power & Light District, Thursday, July 14, at 6:30 to 9:30 PM]
[Chalis O’Neal playscd Ambassador Hotel at 1111 Grand Ave, KCMO, Friday, July 15, 2022 at 8:00 PM]
[Chalis O’Neal plays The Mutual Musicians Foundation 1823 Highland Ave. KCMO, on July 29 at 1:30 AM].
11:29 – Underwriting
Tucker Slough – “Brand New Face” from: Lx Obvix / Tucker Slough / January 15, 2022 [Tucker Slough is an MC/drummer/actor/ who makes stuff that you may enjoy…. DraculaVision was performed entirely by Tucker Slough with guest appearances by Shante’ Clair of ShinyJets and a cartoon bear. More info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com]
Tucker Slough
11:35 – Interview with Tucker Slough
Kansas City based MC, drummer, and actor, Tucker Slough joins us to share music and details about his latest 5-track EP, Lx Obvix, released January 15, 2022. Tucker released his 16-track album, DraculaVision, released June 16, 2021. A veteran of the Kansas City music community, Tucker has previously released the 23-track album, Sloughterhouse V, in 2007, the 15-track album, The Sloughvinci Code, from 2007-2008, and the 28-track album Neonderthal in 2014. Tucker Slough has also released two vinyl albums: EPs 1 & 2, and EPs 3 & 4, with Shante’ Clair for their experimental Chicago/Kansas City band, ShinyJets which is no longer a band. Info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com or http://www.shinyjets.bandcamp.com
Tucker Slough Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard “Brand New Face”
Last time Tucker ws on the show we played “No Participation Tropies”
Tucker Slough is a veteran of the Kansas City Music Community
His father is Fred Slough a well know Kansas City Attorney, and part of the progressive law firm Slough Conneally Irwin and Madden who had offices above The Corner Restaurant in Westport, back when Westport was progressive and cool.
The late Kathleen Conneally was an Attorney for KKFI in our early years. Kay Madden was a regular contributor to KKFI’s The Tenth Voice for over a decade.
Tucker is an MC who has been compared to Eminem, though he doesn’t like the comparison.
Tucker’s music is incredibly original, theatrical, hilarious, political, making social commentary with song, and the poetry of hip
Tucker is an Actor. Tucker is a drummer.
Tucker was part of the band ShinyJets an experimental rock band formed in Chicago in 2004 when drummer Tucker Slough encountered Singer/Guitarist Shanté Clair performing at a party thrown by a mutual friend in the Rogers Park area. The two struck up a friendship and began trying to incorporate Tucker’s drumming into Shanté’s existing solo project, The Maybe. Soon they began writing new songs and pushing their musical ideas further, incorporating looping pedals and other electronics until they had compiled a number of songs. Some time afterwards, Tucker moved back to his hometown of Kansas City and Shanté left Chicago to live in New York for a number of years. Around 2014, the two began working on new songs together, with Shanté writing songs that Tucker would then add drums parts to and send back via Dropbox. Within a short time the material they were creating began to take shape and discussions began about re-establishing the band. In March of 2015 Shanté packed up and moved to Kansas City to begin work on the project that would assume the moniker Shiny Jets. Incorporating songs written back in Chicago and those songs written long distance between New York and Kansas City, the two began adding layers of sampling and further experimentation with even more complex looping and arrangements. Currently Shiny Jets are no longer a band. Info at: http://www.shinyjetsmusic.com
Tucker Slough is a husband and father
Tucker Slough Discography
Sloughterhouse V, released in 2007 23-track album, Produced by Tucker Slough in Chicago and Kansas City. Featuring the cartoon bear. http://www.neonderthalkcmo.bandcamp.com
Tucker Slough: The Sloughvinci Code, released 2007-2008 15-track album, recorded in KCMO 2007, 2008 in a house near Topp Boom’s crib. All production by Tucker Slough. Rhymes by Tucker Slough.
Sloughchwitz. Released in 2009-ish Sloughschwitz is a concept album recorded in and around Kansas City in 2009-ish, at a time when Tucker Slough was obsessively studying the bizarre and fascinating, crypto-right wing extremist Lyndon Larouche cult, and observing in horror the growth of the right-wing extremism in the United States and around the world. All music and rhymes by Tucker Slough except Negro Sco verse on his cameo song. This album has a conspicuous absence of the cartoon bear.
Neonderthal released in 2014 28-track album, Produced by Luke Rocha and Tucker Slough, compact disc and digital download available at- http://www.neonderthalkcmo.bandcamp.com. Recorded in KC, 2014. Symbol Heavy Recordings
Tucker Slough has also released two vinyl albums: EPs 1 & 2, and EPs 3 & 4, with Shante’ Clair for their band, ShinyJets.
Tucker Slough Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
For WMM, and Tucker Slough, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:53
Tucker Slough – “blues lawyer” from: Lx Obvix / Tucker Slough / January 15, 2022 [Tucker Slough is an MC/drummer/actor/ who makes stuff that you may enjoy…. DraculaVision was performed entirely by Tucker Slough with guest appearances by Shante’ Clair of ShinyJets and a cartoon bear. More info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, July 20, we welcome guest Producer Matthew Roth
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
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, July 13, 2022
New & MidCoastal Releases + Lee Walter Redding + Chalis O’Neal + Tucker Slough
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Amado Espinoza Quartet, Kat King, Carswell and Hope with Katlyn Conroy, Lee Walter Redding, Miki P, Chalis O’Neal with Flutienastiness, Tucker Slough, and John Moreland.
At 10:30 Mark talks with Joshua Davidson a Kansas City based musician who records and performs music as Lee Walter Redding. Raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. Lee Walter Redding has released one album, one EP and multiple singles. Before recording as Lee Walter redding, Joshua Davidson recorded and performed as Orthon Anderthon. He has collaborated with Stephonne and Teri Quinn and is releasing a new EP called, LIVE FROM THE ARGYLE WALLPAPER on July 15, 2022. More information at: linktr.ee/leewalterredding
At 11:00 Mark talks with KC based musician and performer Chalis O’Neal about his debut album, FLIRTING and his work as lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. Chalis picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse. Chalis O’Neal plays Ambassador Hotel on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 8:00 PM. Chalis O’Neal plays The Mutual Musicians Foundation at 1:30 AM. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/chalis.oneal
At 11:30 Kansas City based MC, drummer, and actor, Tucker Slough joins us to share music and details about his latest 5-track EP, Lx Obvix, released January 15, 2022. Tucker released his 16-track album, DraculaVision, released June 16, 2021. A veteran of the Kansas City music community, Tucker has previously released the 23-track album, Sloughterhouse V, in 2007, the 15-track album, The Sloughvinci Code, from 2007-2008, and the 28-track album Neonderthal in 2014. Tucker Slough has also released two vinyl albums: EPs 1 & 2, and EPs 3 & 4, with Shante’ Clair for their experimental Chicago/Kansas City band, ShinyJets. Info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com or http://www.shinyjets.bandcamp.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
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, July 6, 2022
Stephonne + Vi Tran + KKFI Board President Catina Taylor and the KKFI High School Interns: Yassi Armer–Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Emmaline Twist
Emmaline Twist – “ASPERA” from: ASPERA” – Single / Black Site / July 1, 2022 [The band is Meredith McGrade on vocals & guitar, Kristin Conkright on bass, Jonathan Knecht on drums, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, and Alex Alexander recently joined the band on synthesizers & guitar. Emmaline Twist, is a Kansas City based Darkwave / Post-Punk / Shoegaze project. This is the second single from the band’s upcoming album release and follow up to the single “Drugs” released July 1, 2021. Their critically acclaimed debut LP, DISSIMULATION was released August 24, 2018 from Black-Site Records. That album was recorded, mixed, and produced at Massive Sound by Paul Malinowski, and Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. In 2017 the band released “Dissimulation 1,” 4 songs in digital format. This is their first single since their 2016 single release of “Vega” b/w “Moon Eyes.”]
[Emmaline Twist play Replay Lounge in Lawrence, KS, Friday, July 8, 2022 with Sona and Local Darlings. More inflo at: http://www.black-site.org]
Katy Guillen & Stephanie Williams
Katy Guillen & The Drive – “Discoloration” from: “Discoloration” – Single / Katy Guillen / June 24, 2022 [This is the second single from their upcoming album, ANOTHER ONE GAINED produced by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Heartless Bastards, Ray LaMontagne) at Invisible Creature Studio in Los Angeles. This is a follow up to their single “Set In Stone” (released May 24. 2022) is brimming with vibrant textures, fuzzy electric guitars, and warm vocals. “Set In Stone” marked the beginning of a major life transition for Katy Guillen (pronounced Ghee-En). Written shortly after her longtime band announced their final show, she was struggling to find the next step in her career and personal life, while longing for a past sense of stability. “The song’s vigorous structure and deliberate rhythms convey that feeling of defeat and darkness, but with a sense of resolution and surrender through the guitar solo – a favorite moment on the record for me,” explains Katy. “While it started on shaky ground, coming out on the other side meant starting over and building something new.”It is a taste of what’s to come on their full-length debut album ANOTHER ONE GAINED (due August 19, 2022), a memoir of growth and reawakening by way of heart-wrenching transition and change – loss of her long-time band, end of a romantic relationship and finding herself amidst it all. “Set In Stone” premiered earlier this week on Guitar Girl Magazine. Katy Guillen & The Drive – Katy Gillen (drums) and Stephanie William (drums) – dropped their first EP, Dream Girl, right before the 2020 lockdown, leaving them without opportunities to perform live. In their basement rehearsal space, they spent the year learning home recording and pre-production techniques, gradually crafting a collection of songs from the ground up. The following April, they took the demos to producer/engineer Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Heartless Bastards, Ray LaMontagne) at Invisible Creature Studio in Los Angeles. From their work with Ratterman emerged a batch of 15 songs. At the end of 2021, the band released the four-track Battles EP, offering listeners a darker, more simmering edge to their impelling indie-rock sound. Ten more would comprise Another One Gained, the full-length debut due August 19, 2022. Previously Katy Guillen & The Drive released BATTLES EP on December 17, 2021, Recorded at Invisible Creature Studio in Los Angeles, CA. Engineered and mixed by Kevin Ratterman. Produced by Kevin Ratterman, Katy Guillen, and Stephanie Williams. Mastered by Shelley Anderson at Black Lab Mastering in Louisville, KY. All songs written by Katy Guillen and Stephanie Williams. Katy Guillen on vocals, guitar, bass, & keyboarda. Stephanie Williams on drums & percussion. Additional keys and programming by Kevin Ratterman. Album design and photography by Morgan Jones. This is a follow up to Katy Guillen & The Drive’s 7-song EP DREAM GIRL, released March 20, 2020. Katy Guillen & The Drive, is a project dedicated to Guillen’s songwriting that is founded on the creative spark and chemistry between Katy Guillen & Stephanie Williams. With Guillen on guitar & vocals and Williams on drums, the two sculpt a sound that recalls bands like Led Zeppelin, The Bangles, and Band of Skulls. In 2012, Guillen & Williams formed Katy Guillen and The Girls, and began to build a foundation of touring and recording that carried them through six years and produced three full-length albums: Katy Guillen & the Girls, Heavy Days, and Remember What You Knew Before. Between 2012 and 2018, they traveled the United States extensively, performed at the International Montreal Jazz Festival, toured Sweden, and supported major acts like The Doobie Brothers, Robin Trower, and Heartless Bastards. In these 6 years playing together, Guillen & Williams created a dynamic, sound informed by Guillen’s mesmerizing, emotive guitar style and poignant arrangements, and an equally captivating live show that showcased Williams’ technical, melodic style, resulting in a powerful on-stage chemistry. In addition to the compelling synergy formed by years of playing together, the two developed a method of working together on Guillen’s songs that only deepened their artistic connection, propelling them to forge a path to a new plateau in their music. KG & The Drive push ahead with a melodic, heavy, and soulful sound while maintaining the edge of the artist’s rock ‘n’ roll and blues roots. Katy Guillen joined us on WMM on March 18, 2020. More info at: http://www.katyguillenmusic.com]
Katy Guillen & The Drive U.S. TOUR DATES
JUL 7 / JACKSON, MS @ Duling Hall JUL 8 / BATON ROUGE, LA @ Manship Theatre JUL 15 / GRAND ISLAND, NE @ Hear Grand Island JUL 16 / SIOUX CITY, IA @ Vanguard Arts JUL 31 / COLORADO SPRINGS, CO @ Vultures AUG 3 / VIRGINIA BEACH, VA @ Elevation 27 AUG 4 / RICHMOND, VA @ Richmond Music Hall AUG 5 / WASHINGTON, DC @ City Winery AUG 7 / ROCKY MOUNT, VA @ Harvester Performance Center AUG 19 / DAVENPORT, IA @ Alternating Currents Festival AUG 20 / LINCOLN, NE @ The Zoo Bar AUG 26 / KANSAS CITY, MO @ Knuckleheads AUG 27 / DES MOINES, IA @ xBk Live
The Grisly Hand
The Grisly Hand – “Why Make Me Cry” from: “Why Make Me Cry” – Single / The Grisly Hand / August 20, 2021 [One of three singles from The Grisly Hand’s upcoming Album, TRAITORS to be released July 8, 2022. Since April 2021 the band has been in the studio working on new music. On August 20 they released “Why Make Me Cry”. On May 14, 2021 they released the ingle “Now That You Know.” It has been four and a half years since The Grisly Hand has released new music. The band released Hearts & Stars on November 18, 2016, and Flesh & Gold on October 2, 2015. The band had spent a year with Joel Nanos at Element Recording and decided to split the songs between two CD/digital releases: and also release them both together as a double vinyl album release, called The Grisly Hand, released November 18, 2016 with a new reshuffling of songs for the vinyl LP format. Jimmy Fitzner on guitar & vocals, Lauren Krum on vocals & percussion, Kian Byrne on drums, Mike Stover on steel guitar, bass & vocals, Ben Summers on guitar, vocals & mandolin, Dan Loftus on bass, keyboards & vocals. More info at: http://www.thegrislyhand.com]
[The Grisly Hand play an Album Release Show on Saturday, July 9, at 7:00 PM at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, West Bottoms, KCMO, with Timbers.]
Krystle Warren
Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Sadness is A Good Thing” 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. // Krystle Warren & The Crew released THE CREW, on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew is Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They have recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP will be donated to the various causes and organizations. From Billboard.com: Singer-songwriter Krystle Warren has made a powerful statement about the struggle for Black equality with the help of Kermit the Frog’s iconic song “Bein’ Green” (written by Joe Raposo). // The moving five-minute clip, over which Warren sings her rendition of the 1970 song — since recorded by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and others — sprang from a covers EP she recorded during the pandemic with a group of musicians known as The Crew. Warren embarked on the project after her forthcoming album with her regular group, The Faculty, was put on hold due to COVID-19. The EP, which tackles themes of racial injustice in the wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests this summer, also includes a cover of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.” // The “Bein’ Green” video weaves in footage of this year’s Black Lives Matter protests, and also includes a heartbreaking montage of young Black children choosing white dolls over dark-skinned ones. It additionally features archival footage of such transformative Black figures as James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Malcom X, Nina Simone, Marsha P. Johnson and Al Sharpton, as well as victims of police brutality including Sandra Bland, George Floyd and Eric Garner. It ends with a clip from a speech by civil rights activist Ella Baker. // “‘Bein’ Green,’ it’s such a gorgeous song, and it says so, so much,” says Warren. “I began thinking about what I wanted it to express visually before we started [recording the song]. Essentially — it’s not easy being Black. That’s what Ray Charles was saying, and we felt it needed to be said again.” // 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’s been a guest on 15 WMMs.]
[Krystle Warren plays a live concert at Prospero’s Books, 1800 West 39th St. KCMO, Friday July 8, 8:00 PM w/ Brad Cox on keys, Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Mike Stover on pedal steel. SOLD OUT!]
Danny McGaw
Danny McGaw – “Hollywood” from: “Hollywood” – Single / Santa Barbara Records / July 15, 2022 [Manchester, England born Danny McGaw was a footballer, then a street musician, then a bar music, and then a husband and father living in Lawrence, Kansas, where he released one of our favorite recordings of 2012 – “Eccles Road.” After that he formed the band, Welles The Traveler with Jason Jones, Dan Hines, Chad Brothers, and Mike West, who produced the group’s debut recording. Eventually Danny and family relocated to California. He has made over 10 records in 14 years and records his songs in his home studio. Danny is back in KC this week for multiple gigs. Danny McGaw is releasing his 10-track album, SET ME FREE on July 22, 2022. More info at: http://www.dannymcgaw.bandcamp.com]
[Danny McGaw plays Mike Kelly’s Westsider, 1515 Westport Rd., KCMO on Thursday, July 7, at 8:00 PM with Supermassive Black Holes, and Mikal Shapiro;s The Musical.]
Chalis O’Neal
Chalis O’Neal – “La Tienda de Regalos (feat. Jessica Ayala)” from: Flirting / Chalis O’Neal / November 15, 2021 [Chalis O’Neal debut album FLIRTING was #48 in WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2021. Chalis O’Neal picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse. // Chalis O’Neal is the youngest brother of Harold Mujahid O’Neal who was born March 27, 1981, and is an American pianist, composer, record producer, public speaker, dancer, and storyteller. He has recorded and performed with artists in a variety of musical genres (U2, Lupe Fiasco, Busta Rhymes, Damien Rice, Aloe Blacc, and Jay Z). O’Neal has been profiled and featured in numerous publications and programs including Forbes, NPR’s All Things Considered, Fortune, Studio 360, and the 92Y, with The New York Times comparing him to Duke Ellington, Kenny Kirkland, and Maurice Ravel. He is considered to be of this generation’s greatest pianists and composers. O’Neal has been awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts, with the Patron being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and recently played a role as a creative expert for the Academy Award winning Pixar film, Soul. // Harold O’Neal was born in Arusha, Tanzania, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His great-grandfather, Ollie Harold Pennington, was a jazz pianist and composer for silent film in Kansas City, where his grandmother walked to school with Charlie Parker. O’Neal began playing the piano by ear at age four on his father’s miniature keyboard. He found his earliest inspirations in the music of Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Disney. While growing up, he spent a considerable amount of time with his grandmother exploring various creative outlets, before eventually becoming a pianist. Having spent much of his youth living in the projects (Public Housing) and surviving near-death experiences, he credits music with saving his life. O’Neal attended the Paseo Academy Of Fine And Performing Arts, with classmates Logan Richardson, Lil’ Ronnie, and Brian Kennedy, where he began his jazz piano studies while being mentored by Ahmad Alaadeen. He studied classical piano and composition with Margie Cameron-Jarrett, whose musical lineage can be traced back to Franz Liszt. // O’Neal began working with musical luminaries from a young age – touring with Bobby Watson when he was 19 after studying composition at the Berklee College of Music. He then went on to the Manhattan School of Music, to study with Kenny Barron. It was there where he met the great American jazz pianist and composer, Andrew Hill, with whom he soon became the apprentice of. Mr. Hill was an apprentice of prolific composer Paul Hindemith. Following Andrew Hill’s advice, O’Neal left the Manhattan School of Music to replace pianist Jason Moran in the influential band, the Greg Osby 4, making his major-label debut recording for Blue Note Records at the age of 21. In 2004, O’Neal premiered a jazz quartet featuring Greg Osby, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Matt Brewer. // In the following years, O’Neal released a number of critically acclaimed albums including — “Charlie’s Suite” (2006), which was a compilation of his family’s legacy, “Whirling Mantis” (2010) with a jazz quartet, and a solo piano album “Marvelous Fantasy” (2011) on Smalls Records. He then partnered with Ski Beats and Damon Dash, after being signed to Universal Music Group as a songwriter and producer, to release the albums 24 Hour Karate School 2 (2011), Twilight (2012), and Cam’Ron And Vado’s Blu Tops (2012). In 2012, O’Neal formed a partnership with producers Lil Ronnie and Jerry Wonda working with many Pop and R&B artists (Miguel, Akon, Melissa Ethridge, Raphael Saadiq, French Montana). In 2013, he released the album “Man on the Street” featuring a jazz quartet as well as solo piano for BluRoc, an at the time incarnation of Rocafella Records distributed by Def Jam Records. // O’Neal worked as a composer for a featurette and the documentaries of the 2015 Disney film Tomorrowland produced by Academy Award winning filmmaker Anthony Giacchino, which starred George Clooney and Britt Robertson. The film was directed by Brad Bird with the film-score being composed by Michael Giacchino. His solo piano album “Piano Cinema” was released in May 2018, with “Sam and Sam” serving as the lead single. Following the album release, O’Neal completed a spring tour across the U.S. with The Blk Shp with Pixar as a partner. Recently, at the suggestion of Ed Catmull, O’Neal played a role with the filmmakers (Pete Docter, Dana Murray, Kemp Powers) as a creative expert in the development of Pixar’s Soul. // As a keynote speaker and storyteller, O’Neal has been featured at Google, The World Economic Forum, TEDX, Hatch Experience, C2 Montréal, Blk Shp Power Shift, and many other leading platforms.// In 2019, O’Neal was among the 100 international individuals selected to be a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper. Goalkeepers (Gates Foundation) is an initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its aim is to bring together leaders from around the world to accelerate progress toward achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Invitations are issued to global leaders and aspiring personalities who have been personally selected by the board. Previous attendees include Barack Obama, Emmanuel Macron, Amina J. Mohammed, Erna Solberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Trevor Noah.// In 2019, O’Neal was awarded fellowship to the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Ideas Festival, a week-long event held in Aspen, Colorado in the United States. The Aspen Ideas Festival program of events includes discussions, seminars, panels, and tutorials from journalists, designers, innovators, politicians, diplomats, presidents, judges, musicians, artists, and writers. Topics covered during the festival include global politics and economics, U.S. Policy, the environment, technology, science, health, education, the arts, and economic issues. // In 2019, O’Neal was awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts. Founded in 1754 by William Shipley, it was granted a Royal Charter in 1847, and the right to use the term “Royal” in its name by King Edward VII in 1908. Notable past fellows include Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, Nelson Mandela, David Attenborough, William Hogarth, John Diefenbaker, and Tim Berners-Lee. Today, the RSA has fellows elected from 80 countries worldwide.// NPR All Things Considered: The Yule Log (TV program), Pianist Harold O’Neal and Bill Cosby’s Christmas story On 25 December 2011, O’Neal was featured along with Bill Cosby for the Christmas Day edition of NPR’s All Things Considered, with O’Neal being hosted and interviewed by Guy Raz. // Electric Burma On June 18, 2012, O’Neal performed with U2, Lupe Fiasco, Bob Geldof, Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo and many other major artists for the presentation of Amnesty International’s prestigious ‘Ambassador of Conscience’ Award to Aung San Suu Kyi. The award was originally announced from the stage when U2 played Croke Park in July 2009 – while the Burmese Nobel Peace Prize recipient was still under house arrest in Burma. // Global Citizen: World on Stage On September 22, 2016, O’Neal performed with Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter for The Global Citizen Festival’s The World on Stage, a night curated by Tom Morello and Jon Batiste. The evening was dedicated to several prominent speakers who addressed various causes—such as education, the refugee crisis, gender equality, poverty, hunger, and much more—and the presentation of the inaugural George Harrison Global Citizen award, presented by Paul Simon to Olivia and Dhani Harrison (George’s widow and son). // In 2009, O’Neal appeared as an actor in Jay Z’s music video for the hit record Young Forever, from his multi-platinum album The Blueprint 3. In 2010, he was cast in the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire, portraying James P. Johnson. He was also featured in MTV’s Sucker Free. // Chalis O’Neal is the nephew of Felix Lindsey “Pete” O’Neal, Jr. (born 1940), was the chairman of the KC chapter of the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. He led implementation of many free programs, such as providing free breakfast to children around the city. // O’Neal had trouble with authority figures in high school and dropped out. Soon afterwards, he joined the military, following the steps of his father. Once done with service, he moved to Stockton, California, where in 1959 he was sentenced to 9 months in jail for theft. He escaped from jail after 3 months, traveling back to Kansas City, MO. In 1961, law enforcement caught him and he was sent back to California to serve his remaining sentence. // After completing his sentence, the felony should have been cleared as indicated by Californian law, but it was not. This significantly hindered his chances for employment. // On October 30, 1969, he was arrested again for the transporting of a gun across state lines (under a law that went into effect just two weeks prior to his arrest). A year later a court convicted him and in October 1970, he was sentenced to four years in prison. O’Neal jumped his bail and fled to Algeria, where a number of other Black Panther Party members had also absconded to in the face of imprisonment in the United States. This group became known as the “International Section” of the Black Panther Party, and was centered around Eldridge and Kathleen Cleaver. A year later O’Neal moved on to Tanzania, motivated to immigrate there as the then President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, was both a Pan-Africanist and Socialist. O’Neal has remained in Tanzania ever since. // Together with his wife, Charlotte Hill O’Neal, he is the co-founder of the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC) in the village of Imbaseni, near the northern city of Arusha, Tanzania. The UAACC is a center focusing on healing the community by providing a diverse array of free art, music, film and other classes to members of the community. The UAACC also serves as a hostel for people travelling through the area—offering several “huts” with bunk beds. The center has been frequented by several celebrities, American politicians, study abroad programs, students, documentary film makers, and artists. Pete & Charlotte provide numerous jobs to locals of the community and the center is entirely run by local Tanzanians. // O’Neal’s family still resides in the KC area. He is a third cousin to US Representative Emmanuel Cleaver. Since 1991, Cleaver and others have unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a pardon for O’Neal, and took the issue to both President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama. Both declined to pardon O’Neal. // His life and exile in Tanzania is the subject of the PBS documentary ‘A Panther in Africa’, by Aaron Matthews, and a book ‘Black Panther in Exile: The Pete O’Neal Story’ by Pete’s attorney, Paul J. Magnarella. Chalis O’Neal joined us on WMM on Oct, 20, 2021.]
[Chalis O’Neal Trio plays Johnnie Jazz Bar & Grill, 1903 Victory Drive, Liberty MO.,Thursday, July 7, at 6:30 PM.]
[Chalis O’Neal plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, West Bottoms, KCMO, Friday, July 8, 7:00 PM, with Fullbloods, Mr. Golden Sun, and Fritz Hutchison]
10:30 – Underwriting
Vi Tran
Vi Tran Band – “The Charmer” From: American Heroine / Independent / October 4, 2013 [The Vi Tran Band is singer, songwriter, guitarist – Vi Tran, with Katie Gilchrist on vocals, percussion; Sean Hogge on guitar; Jerod Rivers on drums, vocals; and Ben Byard on bass, vocals. Recorded with Joel Nanos at Element Recording.]
10:36 – Interview with Vi Tran
Writer, actor, musician, artist, teacher, singer, songwriter – Vi Tran was born near Saigon, Vietnam and raised in southwestern Kansas. He began performing as a toddler in the refugee camps of southeast Asia. Other refugees took pity on the young (and literally starving) artist, giving him what food they could spare. Vi Tran considers his life an open-ended refugee story and All-American tale, full of landlocked sailors and broken lovers; loss and discovery; but most of all, hope. Vi has appeared in theatres all across Kansas City as an actor, and has also become a big part of the Kansas City Music community. In 2013 his debut full length recording “American Heroine” was part of our 113 Best Recordings of 2013. In 2014 Vi Tran wrote, produced and starred in his autobiographical theatre piece, THE BUTCHER’S SON – A Refugee Play & Performance Memoir, where Vi played himself and also played his father. Vi has worked with multiple Kansas City Theatre and arts groups including Artist Inc. The Coterie Theatre, Midwest Music Foundation, 90.1 FM KKFI, Folk Alliance International, to name a few.
Vi Tran
Vi Tran joins us to share details about his “I AM…” exclusive residency at The ArtsKC Gallery Space, 106 Southwest Blvd, KCMO, created in collaboration with The National Association of Asian American Professionals-Kansas City in partnership with ArtsKC, from May to September 2022.
Vi Tran Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard a song from “American Heroine.”
On the recent FIRST FRIDAY July 1, 2022 – On the next First Friday, July 8, 5:30-8:30 PM at Artskc Gallery the exhibit features fashion designs by David Moore, National Association of Asian American Professionals: Kansas City Board member & founding member of NAAAP Pride, with DJ Kay-Fan who will spin beats, and breakdancers: Frank “Monk” Pham, Zen Nguyen, & Kevin Le. Cafe Cà Phê, Mooyueibaker, and Sugarfold will have delicious drinks & sweet treats.
I TRAN- I Am…” Asian American Visual & Performing Arts Residency Premieres at First Friday in Kansas City. The National Association of Asian American Professionals-Kansas City in partnership with ArtsKC presents an exclusive residency at the ArtsKC Gallery Space from May - September, 2022. The National Association of Asian American Professionals – Kansas City (NAAAP-KC), in partnership with ArtsKC, is pleased to announce a five month interdisciplinary arts and professional development residency at the ArtsKC Gallery space in downtown Kansas City from May to September 2022.
“Over the course of the past several years, Asian Americans have had to defend themselves against a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and prejudice,” said artsKC Inspiration Grant award-winning generative performing artist and NAAAP-KC residency curator Vi Tran. “With social media campaigns exclaiming #ItsAnHonortoBeAsian and #IAmNotAVirus, the community sought understanding, compassion, and support from its fellow Americans.” This residency is a reclamation of identity and strength by allowing AAPIDA (Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American) artists and thought leaders to declare themselves with the statement of “I Am.. “As the arts industry reawakens and galleries reopen, ArtsKC launched our new organization residency program with NAAAP as our first collaborator in the space. In partnership with NAAAP, we are able to celebrate and support local AAPIDA artists from various backgrounds and different levels of their artistic careers. We look forward to their presence for the next five months and the success of this residency model as time goes on.” Zetta Hamersley, ArtsKC Gallery Residency Manager and NAAAP Board Member Featuring a rolling group exhibit of visual artists, performing arts salon nights, celebration of women and the LGBTQIA+ community, pop-up performances, professional development mixers, and community social events, the “I Am…” residency seeks to center the AAPIDA community as well as an invitation for dialogue and conversation with other communities in Kansas City and beyond.
About NAAAP-KC The National Association of Asian American Professionals is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that promotes the career advancement and leadership development of Asian American professionals in all fields. NAAAP is the largest and fastest growing Asian American professional organization in the U.S. and Canada. The Kansas City chapter joins Asian Americans in professional development, networking and community service activities. Mission Cultivate and empower leaders for professional excellence Connect accomplished professionals for mutual success Engage and participate with the community-at-large Inspire leaders to make a meaningful difference in government, education, business, and society Values The National Association of Asian American Professionals Values are what guides us every day and what we strive for, from our members to our leaders and sponsors. In all that we do, NAAAP is committed to: Leadership: Develop, Inspire, and Connect Leaders Education: Excel at Life Learning Accountability: Honor commitment to Deliver Value Diversity: Embrace a Culture of Inclusion and Innovation We host many activities throughout the year to give our members a chance to be engaged with NAAAP-KC and accomplish everything they hoped for in becoming a part of our organization.
Here are some of the kinds of events NAAAP-KC holds: ● Happy Hours NAAAP Networking Nights ● Cultural events (i.e. Collaborations with community partners) Professional development and leadership workshops Keynote/Inspirational speakers Community Outreach (i.e. Harvesters, fundraisers
Vi Tran Band recently played Starlight Theatre as pre-show before the Bon Iver Concert on June 15, 2022. More info at: http://www.vitranmusic.com
Vi Tran Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Vi Tran joins us to share details about his “I AM…” exclusive residency at The ArtsKC Gallery Space, 106 Southwest Blvd, KCMO, created in collaboration with The National Association of Asian American Professionals-Kansas City in partnership with ArtsKC, from May to September 2022. More info at: http://www.artskc.org
10:54
JNabe
JNabe – “7 Days” from: “You Want Me (Feat. Sh3)” – Single / JNabe / June 24, 2022 [One of 40 singles JNabe has released so far this year. JNabe is Kansas City’s premiere Indie Asian Rapper. He is 21years old. JNabe started rapping in 2020. He loves making music and strives to make songs that connect with people. // From jnabeofficial.com: “JNabe is a reputable Rapper who began their exciting musical voyage of artistic discovery in 2020. Since then, they’ve used constant collaboration and experimental sound exploration to shape the signature sound that echoes with their inspiration from the streets of Kansas City. In the music world, there’s no standing still. You must constantly learn about new techniques and continue honing your musical craft.” // JNabe released the single.”On a Mission (Feat. Brose Royce (The Real Tez)” on January 14, 2022. // JNabe released the single, “KC Throwdown (Feat. NuSince)” on February 11, 2022. // JNabe released the single.”Can’t Stop Me (Feat. Julia Reynolds)” on February 18, 2022. // JNabe released the single, “You Know Me” on February 25, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Quarantine Time” on March 4, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Defeated (feat. Sa!txero)” on March 11, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Night Life” on March 18, 2022. JNabe released the single, “You Want Me (Feat. Sh3)” on March 25, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Welcome To Life (Feat. Canibus)” on April 1, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Follow Your Dreams (Feat. I Am Justified)” on April 8, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Life,” on April 15, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Ballin and Blowing featuring Rick Ross” on April 19, 2022. JNabe released the single, “So Alone” on April 27, 2022. JNabe released the single, “So Alone” on April 27, 2022. JNabe released the single, “2035 (feat. Sh3)” on April 29, 2022. JNabe released the single, “More Than Friends” on May 4, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Bad Bitch (feat. Constantine)” on May 6, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Selfish” on May 9, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Separate Ways” on May 11, 2022. JNabe released the single, “The Paper (feat. Krizz Kaliko & Yung Punch)” on May 13, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Chop Chop (feat. Krizz Kaliko)” on May 20, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Too Hot (feat. Krizz Kaliko)” on May 27, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Hustlin (feat. Wiz Khalifa)” on May 28, 2022. JNabe released the single, “People Are Crazy (feat. Rittz)” on June 2, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Knife Fight (feat. Krizz Kaliko)” on June 3, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Rhythm of Life (feat. Krizz Kaliko)” on June 10, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Tell Me” on June 11, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Foodie” on June 12, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Game Over” on June 13, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Hooked on Dividends” on June 14, 2022. JNabe released the single, “The Rat Race” on June 15, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Can’t Touch Me” on June 16, 2022. JNabe released the single, “My Demons” on June 17, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Drop Out (feat. YNG Cheese)” on June 18, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Family Don’t Make You Real (feat. Stizzy Stacks)” on June 19, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Always On My Mind” on June 20, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Foreign Money” on June 21, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Future” on June 22, 2022. JNabe released the single, “7 Days” on June 24, 2022. JNabe released the single, “Welcome to the 816” on July 1, 2022. (This is JNabe’s 40th single of the year, so far.) More info at: http://www.jnabeofficial.com JNabe joined us LIVE on WMM on April 27, 2022.]
The Bard Owls – “Thru the Glass” from: “Thru The Glass” – Single / The Bard Owls / June 15, 2022 [This single is from the Folk Musical “Prejudice and Pride,” tand was written by Sam Wright, featuring Matt Catalina on bass, Chris Hudson on guitar & voice, Marco Pascolina on pedal steel, and Sam Wright on banjo, & voice. One of 15 new songs from, Prejudice & Pride – The Modern, American, Gender-Swapped Folk Musical by Sam Wright & Nicholas Collett based Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. This new musical will make its World Premier at Music Theatre Heritage, 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO, July 8 through July 28, 2022. The Bard Owls started in 2019 in Kansas City Missouri by Chris Hudson and Sam Wright of Gullywasher as a side project to record and develop new songs but now has turned into a legitimate ensemble with lots of local KC musicians and several albums. // Sam Wright & The Bard Owls release PREJUDICE & PRIDE (Official Folk Musical Soundtrack) on July 8, 2022. This world-premiere folk musical comedy updates Jane Austen’s classic novel with gender-swapped American characters. Can the Longborn boys find love or at least empathy with their New York millionaire neighbors before they lose the family farm? Featuring 15 brand new folk tunes, a cast of 9, and the musical stylings of folk band, Gullywasher Featuring Chris Hudson on Guitar, Mark Hamblin on Bass, Marco Pascolini on Pedal Steel and Buck Brandt on Mandolin and all of the cast singing. Prejudice & Pride is a hilarious, heartfelt romp through American culture that is bound for Edinburgh Fringe 2022! From SamWrites & Nicholas Collett Productions, the international collaboration that brought you 2016’s Best of KC award winner Crazy Horse: A Dream of Thunder. Book by Nicholas Collett & Sam Wright, music & lyrics by Sam Wright. Recorded at Weights and Measures Studio by Duane Trower. Moe info at: https://thebardowlskc.bandcamp.comMore info at: https://linktr.ee/samnwright
11:00 – Station ID
Stephonne & Vi Tran
Stephonne Singleton – “Cross My Heart (Sext M.F.) (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 County, Kansas. 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.” ]
11:05 – Interview with Stephonne Singleton
Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton who is everywhere these days, organizing a Tribute to Sade at Lemonade Park, playing shows for Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, collaborating with The Black Creatures, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, Jass, Eboni Fondren, putting out EPs, and singles. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Stephonne releaseed his new EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022 through Glory Blue Music, co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com
Stephonne Thank You for being with us oin WMM!
Stephonne recently headlined Lawrence Gay Pride, June 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. Marching in the Lawrence Pride Parade in Downtown followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street.
Stephonne’s 4-track EP, SIS: Side B, was eleased Friday, June 24, through Glory Blue Music. Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios
Stephonne’s band is called: The Gay Rodeo
Miki P on drums Benjamin Hart (Byard) on lead guitar Ahafia Jurkiewicz-Miles on keyboards Spencer Thut on bass
(on SIS: Side B Johnny Hamil is on bass, and Adam McKee is on drums)
Stephonne and The Gay Rodeo hold band practice every week at Charlotte Street Foundation where Stephonne is in his second year of a residency.
“Boyz (feat. Dustin Rapier & Zava)”
11:13
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 County, Kansas. 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.”]
11:17 – Interview with Stephonne Singleton (Part 2)
We are talking with Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton about his new EP release, SIS: Side B [EP] which came out on June 24, 2022
Stephonne Thanks for beig with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
[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.
The recent performances of Stephonne with The Gay Rodeo show a whole new sexier Stephonne wearing very little clothes wearing mostly women’s undergarments and erotic costuming.
Stephonne credits his work in therapy during the pandemic that has helped him take control of his own sexuality
Stephonne’s latest publicity photos are taken by photographer John Brant.
Stephonne believes he is doing a better job of “receiving” in this part of his journey.
Stephonne Discography
“Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) (Radio Edit)” – Single / Stephonne / June 3, 2022 [Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums.
EP SIS: Side B to be released Friday, June 24, 2022.
Stephonne released the single, “Deja Vu” with Shilow, 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.”
Stephonne loves to push boundaries with his music by blending the genres of Alt-Rock & R&B /Soul. His influences, like Prince, Billie Holiday, The Alabama Shakes, are apparent in the foundation of his music and his single “The King’s Gambit”. Stephonne wrote this track about having strong feelings for a man, but due to the fear of rejection, was afraid to share these sentiments aloud. In this track, Stephonne compares the skill of flirtation to a game of chess.
On August 18, 2021 Stephonne joined us to talk about hie single “The King’s Gambit.”\
On July 15, 2020 – Singer songwriter, & actor, Stephonne Singleton joined us on WMM to talk about his new EP, SIS: Side A, to released August 7, 2020, and the single “Deep,” released July 14, 2020. Stephonne co-produced his EP with Justin Mantooth who also engineered & mixed, at Westend Studios. Joining Stephonne was Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar, & Adam McKee on drums.
After 2018’s Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard and the release of two singles, ‘Want Me’ and ‘Dominate’, on 2020 Stephonne released SIS: Side A EP. “With ‘Want Me’, I finally found a full confidence and strength in myself again. There were a lot of years that passed, where I really felt that I couldn’t do this independently. I stopped listening to the music and instead listened to rejection, doubt and a lot of self-sabotage.” After a 2018 New York showcase, Singleton laid in A friend’s Philadelphia bed and thought about what was next. He had taken a step he hadn’t before and it was that precise step that woke up a sleeping giant. “It all hit me at once! I got so much closer to my dream than ever before and a dream with steps and goals that I’d written down and prayed aloud for since I was 7.” ‘Want Me’ would spawn a very successful Kickstarter for its major music video and an EP that Stephonne had no idea he’d end up writing.
“‘Want Me’ had been written before my debut was released but was just sitting and, honestly, after I decided I needed to go about this alone I remembered that I was broke,” laughs the singer-songwriter. From jobs in corporate America, local theatre and drag Stephonne put his money where his dreams were. After crowdfunding success, the songs just showed up and demanded attention. SIS, in the case of this EP, actually means Summoning Insatiable Spirits.
“That is what I do every time I write a song. The spirits are my emotions, thoughts, traumas, fears and joys.” On Side A and, an upcoming, B we find those spirits. “All of these songs came to me in an instant. They are really from some relationship that I have with the ether that I can’t explain. Whole songs in 10-15 minutes that I hear over and over until I get in with the band (Johnny Hamil, Ben Byard and Adam McKee) finish writing with everyone and then record them.”
Side A’s first single, ‘Deep’, came to Stephonne on a return to MCI from SEA. “There I was… crying on the plane like a big ass baby because of some dude I fell in love with and knew it wouldn’t work out with. The melody and lyrics hit me like a brick and after trying to hide my weeping face from the two passengers next to me, I went to that tiny bathroom and got everything on my phone.” Like ‘Want Me’, the pop gem would sit and scream at Stephonne until late 2019. The influence of 90’s and early 00’s radio rock reigns supreme on ‘Deep’ and we find Stephonne in his greatest melodic and lyrical territory yet. “I feel like you are always trying, unsuccessfully, to write a hit and with every single one of these songs there was no trying. I listened to life, wrote it down and got out of my own way.” Each song holds its ground without overproduction and a desperation for chart placement that holds back many industry hopefuls. What is delivered is sincere, raw but refined, pure and honest music that is accessible no matter your love of genre. With that being said, that this is a rock record is undeniable. “The frustrating thing for me about it, is that radio and audiences look at my skin color and automatically label everything as Hip-Hop and R&B. I’d say I did music as a kid and people would ask me if I was a rapper without even a second passing.. Every genre has BLACK origin and yet where are we on the radio? We continue to carry the industry on our backs and are still having to use the back door!”
The genre jumper doesn’t deny his R&B, Soul and Jazz influences on SIS. It’s quite the opposite. Rock and R&B collide with the sultry, silky and vocal grit of Stephonne. He is an artist who conjures up the spirits of Prince and Billie Holiday (his biggest influences) but that delivers something inimitable, visceral, strange and beautiful. Even on the sugary and hyper sexuality of ‘Sweet Tooth’ and the dark but hopeful beauty of ‘Middle Man’, there is a triumphant transcendence that was a staple of yesteryears Popular music. A time when saturation wasn’t heavy and when artist development was embraced over carbon copying. “I only have interest in being me. Sis, I’m Black, unapologetically Queer, and very sex positive. I’m at a point in my life where I embrace every single part and won’t spend energy on anything but self-love, my music and the things that I can help with to change this world for the better.” SIS: Side A reflects all of the above exclamations of Stephonne but it also puts him in position to step into the world’s radar and officially begins his legacy as one music’s greatest treasures. For more visit www.stephonne.com!
Stephonne slinks and slides into ears with ‘Want Me’. The dark and slickly polished track oozes of sex, confusion and tension. “Those things describe my coming of age as a black gay man. I’ve put my heart and mental health through a lot, trying to find love.” With Stephonne you find a painfully personal style of writing. Here, he delves into the point of view of an ex-lover. “I kept trying to make it work and the outcome was always the same. It was so confusing, that it haunted me. I was with a person who loved me but that didn’t want anything to do with love. I was just a body for sex and a cheerleader when he decided it was game on.” The song was his final straw and a way to make sense of what he’d been through. It also examines the hookup culture of apps like Grindr & Scruff. “The app culture feels like shopping at a butcher shop for meat. It’s a bunch of ghosts, most of the time, who appear and disappear as soon as they cum. Sex can be utility but I suddenly don’t exist after that?!” Being black, becoming fetishized and turned away from members of queer communities has been an often occurrence for the singer-songwriter.
The writing and production comes solely from the Kansas City native, with a huge helping hand from co-producer, Justin Mantooth. Recorded at Westend Recording Studios the track features Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar and Adam McKee on drums. Singleton continues to defy genre, but instead of dipping his toe into his alternative rock roots he takes a deep dive in. Still marked by breathy vocals, buttery falsetto, gospel rasp and innate jazz sensibilities, the track & new music video lift Stephonne to new heights.
The video transports us into the center of a horror movie. Surrounded by candles and ancient sigil work, Stephonne is painted in a nod to Grace Jones and Kieth Haring. Artist, Ryan Wilks makes Stephonne and the set a canvas, where he resurrects someone he probably shouldn’t. From a mere snap, we travel through a film noire that is equal parts Nosferatu, The Craft and an inescapable heat and sexuality that emit from both the songwriter and featured dancer, Courtney Germany. “I needed black girl magic in this video and what was most important to me was to have someone who could express every bit of agony and yearning in the song with their body.” Courtney is breathtaking. Choreographed by Ashley Personett of Empire Dance Academy and That’s Entertainment KC, Germany turns into a lovelorn golem who will do anything for the attention of its maker. “There is a magic that BIPOC hold within us that comes from a 24/7, 365 day struggle just to survive. On top of that, we also have to live, love and try to find time to heal. We are worthy of so much more than this world gives us.” In this way, Stephonne becomes a symbol for what’s not given and for what doesn’t wish to be given in the video.
The multi-layered and cinematic masterpiece was helmed and directed by Method Media. You may know them from the critically acclaimed and TIME magazine reviewed/featured videos by Kansas City natives, SSION (Inherit, At least The Sky is Blue and Comeback). Every detail is given the utmost attention by director and editor, Jordon Rioux. Every tone, shot and transition contains an edge and sophistication that only heightens this supernatural affair. The video production is an affair of its own. A Kansas City love affair that showcases the talents, locations (filmed at Heidi Van’s Black Box) and savvy of a slept on city that has recently gained new notoriety due to shows like Queer Eye. “We are a city full of so much treasure and promise! Every part of this video was responsible because of KC businesses, costume/jewelry makers, artists and more. I will always rep my city.”
Lee Walter Redding told me that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. Lyrics and music by Lee Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear.
Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Stephonne just released his new EP SIS: Side B Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. More info at http://www.stephonne.com
11:24
Stephonne
Stephonne – “Home Alone (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 County, Kansas. Stephonne grew up in KCK. ]
11:28 – Underwriting
Lazer Beam
Lazer Beam – “Sink Or Swim” from: Lazer Beam / LCF / April 9, 2021 [All instruments, Lucust French – Percussion, Chris Hughes Production, Chris Hughes @ 513 Studios Tempe, AZ Artwork by Dylan ZonGrowing up in the desert has shaped Lucust’s way of creating music, with influence from early QOTSA, Fatso Jetson, Brant Bjork, along with upbeat Boston low rock legends Morphine… Put that all in a pot and let it simmer, and you get a heavy desert dance party hidden in the hills, while your mom is calling you demanding you to come home. But you won’t go home. You’re going to party with LAZERBEAM Growing up in the desert has shaped Lucust’s way of creating music, with influence from early QOTSA, Fatso Jetson, Brant Bjork, along with upbeat Boston low rock legends Morphine… Put that all in a pot and let it simmer, and you get a heavy desert dance party hidden in the hills, while your mom is calling you demanding you to come home. But you won’t go home. You’re going to party with LAZERBEAM ]
Our 90.1 FM KKFI – MidCoast Radio Project Board President – Catina K. Taylor joins us with our KKFI High School Interns: Yassi Armer-Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman. Prior to Catina being elected President in April 2022, Catina served as Vice President of the board. Catina is Founder and CEO at Dreams Consulting and Founder and Executive Director at Dreams KC, a rigorous educational environment which uses the project based learning strategy to reengage students & increase achievement. Catina Studied Paralegal Studies Political Science at Avila University. She is a former First Grade Teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School from 2005 – 2011. More info at http://www.kkfi.org
Catina K. Taylor Thanks for being with us on WMM
Also joining us are our KKFI High School Summer Interns: Yassi Armer-Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman
Thanks for being with us on WMM
We just heard, Lazer Beam – “Sink Or Swim” by request from Yassi Armer-Shabazz. Lazer Beam is a cousin to Yassi’s father Jim Armer.
Yassi Armer-Shabazz will be Sophomiore in High School next year. He has been attending Academy Lafayette but might be switching to Lincoln Prep High School.
Zoey Harris will be a Junior at Piper High School, this year.
Kotah Kauffman will be a Senior at Olathe North next year.
Prior to Catina being elected President in April 2022, Catina served as Vice President of the board. It was her idea to institute this round of interns at KKFI.
Catina is Founder and CEO at Dreams Consulting and Founder and Executive Director at Dreams KC, a rigorous educational environment which uses the project based learning strategy to reengage students & increase achievement.
Catina Studied Paralegal Studies Political Science at Avila University.
She is a former First Grade Teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School from 2005 – 2011.
Catina K. Taylor, Yassi Armer-Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
For Wednesday MidDay Medley I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:54
Temp Tats – “Callosa” from: “Callosa” – Single / Temp Tats / June 17, 2022 [Recorded at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. Eric Schuman, Chris Paul, and Luke Waye as Temp Tats. Artwork by Joel Schuman.]
[TEMP TATS play recordBar, 1520 Grand KCMO, Friday July 8, at 7:00 PM with Via Luna, and FACE FACE.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Thank you to everyone who called in last week during our Spring Fund Drive Show. 46 people donated through Wednesday MidDay Medley at total of $2689.00
Next week on Wednesday, July 1, we welcome Lee Walter Redding, Chalis O’Neal, and Tucker Slough.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
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, July 6, 2022
Stephonne + Vi Tran + KKFI Board President Catina Taylor & KKFI Interns: Yassi Armer-Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman
Emmaline Twist
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Emmaline Twist, The Grisly Hand, Stephonne with Justin Rapier & Zava, Katy Guillen & The Drive, Chalis O’Neal with Jessica Ayala, Krystle Warren & The Faculty, Danny McGaw, JNabe, The Bard Owls, TEMP TATS, Vi Tran Band, and Lazer Beam.
Vi Tran
At 10:30 Actor, Writer, Director, Organizer Vi Tran shares details about his “I AM…” exclusive residency at The ArtsKC Gallery Space, 106 Southwest Blvd, KCMO, created in collaboration with The National Association of Asian American Professionals-Kansas City in partnership with ArtsKC, from May to September 2022. On the next First Friday, July 8, 5:30-8:30 PM at Artskc Gallery the exhibit features fashion designs by David Moore, National Association of Asian American Professionals: Kansas City Board member & founding member of NAAAP Pride, with DJ Kay-Fan who will spin beats, and breakdancers: Frank “Monk” Pham, Zen Nguyen, & Kevin Le. Cafe Cà Phê, Mooyueibaker, and Sugarfold will have delicious drinks & sweet treats. More info at: http://www.artskc.org
Stephonne
At 11:00 Mark talks with singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton who is everywhere these days, organizing a Tribute to Sade at Lemonade Park, playing shows for Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, collaborating with The Black Creatures, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, Jass, Eboni Fondren, putting out EPs, and singles. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Stephonne releaseed his new EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022 through Glory Blue Music, co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com
Catina K Taylor (Right) and the KKFI Summer Interns
At 11:30 Our 90.1 FM KKFI – MidCoast Radio Project Board President – Catina K. Taylor joins us with our KKFI High School Interns: Yassi Armer-Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman. Prior to Catina being elected President in April 2022, Catina served as Vice President of the board. Catina is Founder and CEO at Dreams Consulting and Founder and Executive Director at Dreams KC, a rigorous educational environment which uses the project based learning strategy to reengage students & increase achievement. Catina Studied Paralegal Studies Political Science at Avila University. She is a former First Grade Teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School from 2005 – 2011. More info at http://www.kkfi.org
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Les Izmore & Jade Green of Arquesta Del SolSoul + Scott Hrabko + Just Angel
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Aldous Harding – “Lawn” from: Warm Chris / 4AD / March 25, 2022 [Hannah Sian Topp was born in 1990. She is known professionally as Aldous Harding, is a New Zealand folk singer-songwriter, based in Cardiff, Wales. // Topp comes from a musical family in Lyttelton, New Zealand: her mother is folk singer Lorina Harding.[3] One of the first musicians who came across her was New Zealand folk-pop singer/songwriter Anika Moa. Moa asked Harding to play support for her that night after finding her busking outside the venue she was about to play at. // She has released music through independent record labels Flying Nun, Spunk, and 4AD. She has collaborated with Marlon Williams, John Parish, Mike Hadreas and Fenne Lily. // 4AD announced Harding as a new signing in early 2017 just prior to the release of her second album, Party. Party was nominated for IMPALA’s European Album of the Year Award. Singer-songwriter Aldous Harding, released Designer is the third studio album on April 26, 2019 by 4AD. The song “The Barrel” won the 2019 APRA Silver Scroll award. // As of 2020, she is based in Cardiff, Wales, where she had previously lived with partner and collaborator H. Hawkline.]
[Aldous Ahrding plays The Granada Theatre, 1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, Kansas on Saturday, July 2, at 7:00 PM.]
The Creepy Jingles
The Creepy Jingles – “Nicotine Mom” from: TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY / High Dive Records / March 25, 2022 [This was the second single from band’s 11-track, full-length debut, TAKE ME AT MY WORD PLAY released on March 25, 2022. “Trojan Horse Girl” was the single released February 11, 2022. 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.]
Babydoll
Babydoll – “Flamethrower” from: “Flamethrower” – Single / Babydoll / April 7, 2021 [Babydoll is a musical project of Madison Monroe and Hadiza, who also perform as Collidescope, and as solo artists. Hadiza also performs in Arquesta Del SolSoul. For this track additional vocals were provided by Hadiza and mixing and mastering was provided by Jametatone. For live performaces Madi and Hadiza are often on stage with Tim Hart who plays guitar; Adee Dancy on cello, 2007 Balquier, aka DJ Whorxata on drums. and others. Babydoll released the 3-song EP VESTIGIALon October 31, 2018 with Madison Monroe on guitar & vocal; Hadiza Sa-Aadu on keyboards, Jake McCulley on bass, Gabe Sperry on guitar (Track 1), and drums (Tracks 2 & 3). and JL Bolinger on drums (Track 1) Moe info at dollheaddreams,bandcamp]
[Babydoll plays Rino, 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, on Saturdaym July 2, at 7:00 PM with Hadiza. And Nightosphere.]
Arquesta Del SolSoul
Arquesta Del SolSoul – “Mama No Llores” from: “Mama No Llores” – Single / Arquesta Del SolSoul / June 29, 2022 [They call themselves, “African Futurist Genre Killerz from the Middle of the Map bringing an innovative multidimensional sound inspired by our founding musical ancestors to decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa.” Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, & Hadiza. http://www.instagram.com/arquestadelsolsoul%5D
[Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.]
[Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022]
[Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.]
10:19 – Interview with Les Izmore and Jade Green
Les Izmore is highly trained in Middle Of The Map Music. His tribal connection is Octavia E. Butler’s SUN, which was spawned in the inner sanctum of African Futurity. He’s been performing through existing channels for 1000’s of years. Known for his work fronting the legendary Kansas City collective Hearts of Darkness and the influential hip hop band Heartfelt Anarchy with Conductor Williams aka d/will, and many other projects, including his solo work and with Les Izmore and the GOATs. Les is a culture builder, continually pushing the bouudaries to create music that honors his ancestors amd gets everyone dancing. Les is also a farmer and gardener growing food in the city and teaching others about food, music, history, and poetry.
Jade Green has a vocal background in opera, and is half of the critically acclaimed band The Black Creatures who a point to blur the lines of genre while maintaining a recognizable cohesion; blending pop, hip-hop, dance, R&B, EDM and soul with cinematic and storytelling. Jade’s voice captivates the audience from beginning to end. After releasing Wild Echoes in the fall of 2020, the record received Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine. 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.”
Les Izmore and Jade Green are members of Arquesta Del SolSoul a six-piece Kansas City based music collective of African futurists. Their sound brings an innovative multidimensional eclectic fusion of Soul, Hip-Hop, R&B, Afro-Latin percussion, and Spoken Word. Inspired by their founding musical ancestors, they decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa. Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, and Hadiza.
We just played the radio premiere of Arquesta Del SolSoul’s song, “Mama No Llores”
Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.
Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022
Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.
The Black Creatures play Downtown KCK at 7th and Minnesota on Friday, July 1, at 11:30 to 1:00 PM
Les Izmore and Jade Green Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Arquesta Del SolSoul call themselves, “African Futurist Genre Killerz from the Middle of the Map bringing an innovative multidimensional sound inspired by our founding musical ancestors to decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa.”
Arquesta Del SolSoul members include:
Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, and Hadiza.
Jessica Ayala is an Indigenous Colombian Two-Spirit multi discipline artist. Miss Ayala is a spoken word poet, musician, published author, cultural worker, light worker, activist, public speaker, and writer-in-residence alumni of Charlotte Street Foundation. Their work is a fusion of her heritage merging oral tradition, storytelling, poetry, song, and native percussion; creating spaces to explore concepts of internalized oppression and decolonization. Ayala immigrated to the United States at the age of three, publishing her first series of poems for the Young Authors Conference at the age of eight. Her current poetry has been published in two anthologies winning an Honorable Medal in the 2017 International Latino Book Awards. Additionally, Miss Ayala is the recipient of the 2018 Best Kansas City Spoken Word Artist Award and was recently awarded the 2020 Civil and Human Rights Award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Les Izmore is highly trained in Middle Of The Map Music. His tribal connection is Octavia E. Butler’s SUN, which was spawned in the inner sanctum of African Futurity. He’s been performing through existing channels for 1000’s of years. Known for his work fronting the legendary Kansas City collective Hearts of Darkness and the influential hip hop band Heartfelt Anarchy with Conductor Williams aka d/will, and many other projects, including his solo work and with Les Izmore and the GOATs. Les is a culture builder, continually pushing the bouudaries to create music that honors his ancestors amd gets everyone dancing. Les is also a farmer and gardener growing food in the city and teachong others about food, music, history, and poetry.
Brad Wiiliams is a Native to Kansas City, this percussionist takes no issue with referencing his blues, gospel, jazz and folk roots while leaving room for spontaneous, in the moment expression. Brad has been playing in Kansas City’s arts scene for nearly 20 years building style and techniques that have garnered a sound all his own. He has been fortunate to share creative space with a myriad of artists and looks forward to cultivating new opportunities for growth and collaboration. Brad has also taken time to offer what he has learned to new up and coming musicians through private instruction and by hosting concept sessions. Brad has played with everyone including Hearts of Darkness, and Krystle Warren.
Chalis O’Neal released his debut solo album Flirting on November 15, 2021. The track “La Tienda de Regalos” features spoken word poet Jessica Ayala. Musician and performer Chalis O’Neal about his upcoming debut album, FLIRTING. Chalis picked up the trumpet at the age of eleven and began studying music at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. Chalis majored in Jazz Studies with a minor in Classical Trumpet under the direction of Jazz legend Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri Kansas City. O’Neal’s eclectic style ranges from jazz venues to theatre work with the New Theatre Restaurant performing and acting in the The Buddy Holly Story. O’Neal also has burlesque experience with Quixotic Cirque Nouveau. Chalis is also the lead trumpeter for the Afro futuristic band, Arquesta Del SolSoul. O’Neal has performed with Bobby Watson, Harold O’Neal, Tivon Pennicott, Marcus Strickland, Lisa Henry, and David Basse. // Chalis O’Neal is the youngest brother of Harold Mujahid O’Neal who was born March 27, 1981, and is an American pianist, composer, record producer, public speaker, dancer, and storyteller. He has recorded and performed with artists in a variety of musical genres (U2, Lupe Fiasco, Busta Rhymes, Damien Rice, Aloe Blacc, and Jay Z). O’Neal has been profiled and featured in numerous publications and programs including Forbes, NPR’s All Things Considered, Fortune, Studio 360, and the 92Y, with The New York Times comparing him to Duke Ellington, Kenny Kirkland, and Maurice Ravel. He is considered to be of this generation’s greatest pianists and composers. O’Neal has been awarded fellowship to the Royal Society of the Arts, with the Patron being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and recently played a role as a creative expert for the Academy Award winning Pixar film, Soul. // Harold O’Neal was born in Arusha, Tanzania, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His great-grandfather, Ollie Harold Pennington, was a jazz pianist and composer for silent film in Kansas City, where his grandmother walked to school with Charlie Parker. O’Neal began playing the piano by ear at age four on his father’s miniature keyboard. He found his earliest inspirations in the music of Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, and Disney. While growing up, he spent a considerable amount of time with his grandmother exploring various creative outlets, before eventually becoming a pianist. Having spent much of his youth living in the projects (Public Housing) and surviving near-death experiences, he credits music with saving his life. O’Neal attended the Paseo Academy Of Fine And Performing Arts, with classmates Logan Richardson, Lil’ Ronnie, and Brian Kennedy, where he began his jazz piano studies while being mentored by Ahmad Alaadeen. He studied classical piano and composition with Margie Cameron-Jarrett, whose musical lineage can be traced back to Franz Liszt.
Jade Green is half of the critically acclaimed band The Black Creatures. The Black Creatures make a point to blur the lines of genre while maintaining a recognizable cohesion; oftentimes blending 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, the record received Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine, along with high praise 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.”
Hadiza. released her solo EP Gone on December 29, 2018, and he 10 song, full-length album called, Shadow Weight, on November 22, 2019. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, she has lived in Bushwick, and Atlanta, and worked in corporate America in the New York Finance District. Since relocating to Kansas City, Hadiza. has been slowly carving out her place as a solo artist and also as lead vocalist and lyricist for the experimental electronic duo Collidescope that recently released their new 7-track album, DEEP TAPE, on December 31, 2020. Collidescope is essentially a duo that includes: Hadiza. on vocals, beats, & synthesizers; and Madison Monroe on guitar, bass, beats, synthesizers, mixing and vocals. DEEP TAPE is a follow up the the band’s debut EP Systemic released December 16, 2017. More info at: http://www.hadizaisnothere.bandcamp.com or http://www.acollidescope.bandcamp.com
Previous Members include: Irving Graham, Ernest Melton, Andres Ramirez, Fabian Prado.
3 of the current musicians in Arquesta Del SolSoul worked together in Hearts of Darkness.
Hearts of Darkness is a Community whose original material absorbs influences from 1970s afrobeat to hip hop, 1960s and 1970s soul and funk, as well as reaching back to 1920s big band . The sound evokes memories of Count Basie, James Brown, and Fela Kuti Jamming with Nina Simone, Erykah Badu and Sun Ra.
Les Izmore: Vocals, Shekere Erica Townsend: Vocals Rachel Christia: Vocals Leena Will: Vocals Erin Bopp: Vocals Brad “Bad Brad” Williams: Kit, Percussion Miko Spears: Congas Dominique Sanders: Bass Guitar Lucas Parker: Rhythm Guitar Sam Goodell: Keys Chalis O’neal: Trumpet Ernest Melton: Saxophones Jolan Smith: Tenor Sax – Vocals
Discography
Albums: Hearts of Darkness (2010) // Shelf Life (2012) EPs: Numeration (2012)
Arquesta Del SolSoul Shows:
Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.
Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022
Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.
The Black Creatures play Downtown KCK at 7th and Minnesota on Friday, July 1, at 11:30 to 1:00 PM
The new single from The Black Creatures is “Loud 4 Nothing” The follow to their last single “True Friends” on September 17, 2021. After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued their album Wild Echoes and began releasing singles. “Wild Echoes” was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). Since the release of ”Wild Echoes” the band has released seven entirely new songs, nearly one per month, all posted to their bandcamp page. 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. .]
Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott. This year, Charlotte Street’s Visual Artist Awards were given to Andrew Mcilvaine, Harold Smith Jr., and Johanna Winters. Congratulations!
The Black Creatures play Downtown KCK at 7th & Minnesota Fri, July 1, 11:30 – 1:00 PM
10:28 – Underwriting
Arquesta Del SolSoul – “Huelga” from: “Huelga” – Single / Arquesta Del SolSoul / June 29, 2022 [They call themselves, “African Futurist Genre Killerz from the Middle of the Map bringing an innovative multidimensional sound inspired by our founding musical ancestors to decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa.” Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, & Hadiza. http://www.instagram.com/arquestadelsolsoul%5D
[Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.]
[Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022]
[Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.]
10:36 – Interview with Les Izmore and Jade Green
Les Izmore is highly trained in Middle Of The Map Music. His tribal connection is Octavia E. Butler’s SUN, which was spawned in the inner sanctum of African Futurity. He’s been performing through existing channels for 1000’s of years. Known for his work fronting the legendary Kansas City collective Hearts of Darkness and the influential hip hop band Heartfelt Anarchy with Conductor Williams aka d/will, and many other projects, including his solo work and with Les Izmore and the GOATs. Les is a culture builder, continually pushing the bouudaries to create music that honors his ancestors amd gets everyone dancing. Les is also a farmer and gardener growing food in the city and teaching others about food, music, history, and poetry.
Jade Green has a vocal background in opera, and is half of the critically acclaimed band The Black Creatures who a point to blur the lines of genre while maintaining a recognizable cohesion; blending pop, hip-hop, dance, R&B, EDM and soul with cinematic and storytelling. Jade’s voice captivates the audience from beginning to end. After releasing Wild Echoes in the fall of 2020, the record received Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine. 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.”
Les Izmore and Jade Green are members of Arquesta Del SolSoul a six-piece KC based music collective of African futurists. Their sound brings an innovative multidimensional eclectic fusion of Soul, Hip-Hop, R&B, Afro-Latin percussion, and Spoken Word. Inspired by their founding musical ancestors, they decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa. Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, and Hadiza.
Arquesta Del SolSoul Shows:
Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.
Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022
Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.
The Black Creatures play Downtown KCK at 7th & Minnesota Fri, July 1, 11:30 – 1:00 PM
The 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 1-6 2022 is a week-long festival that includes performances, vendors, craftspeople, food trucks, a visual exhibit along with artist-led workshops, talkbacks, meetups and open mics.
When: August 1-6, 2022 Weekly programming: August 1-4, 2022 Main Festival: August 5 and 6, 2022
Where: The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave..KCMO 6414
For questions and inquiries, please contact: info@nodividekc.org
Les Izmore and Jade Green Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.
Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022
Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.
The Black Creatures play Downtown KCK at 7th & Minnesota Fri, July 1, 11:30 – 1:00 PM
Arquesta Del SolSoul – “Reina” from: “Reina” – Single / Arquesta Del SolSoul / June 29, 2022 [They call themselves, “African Futurist Genre Killerz from the Middle of the Map bringing an innovative multidimensional sound inspired by our founding musical ancestors to decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa.” Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, & Hadiza. http://www.instagram.com/arquestadelsolsoul%5D
[Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night one of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 5, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO.]
[Arquest Del SolSoul play Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, August 27, 2022]
[Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO.]
11:00 – Station ID
Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits – “Ufohio” from: The Wonderful World Of Scott Hrabko & the Rabbits / Scott Hrabko / July 1, 2022 [These two sprawling discs contain song-craft reminiscent of everything from classic ‘60s adult pop to nostalgia-free Americana to cut ’n’ paste hip hop-inspired grooves — and some wild detours between. “But it’s all me.” – Hrabko. The Rabbits, this time around: Jason Beers on Bass, Organ, Piano, Banjo, Harmonica, Slide Guitar; Clarke Wyatt on Drums; Matt Hopper on Lead Guitar; Chris DeVictor on Upright Bass; Chris Hudson on Nylon String Guitar, Mandolin, Lead Guitar; Mike Lindsey on Bass; Tim Higgins on Drums, Percussion; Gary Paredes on Slide Guitar, Wah Wah Guitar; Chad Brothers on Lead Acoustic, and Havilah Bruders on Vocals, with Scott Hrabko on Voices, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Banjo, Static Outbursts, Ghosts Knob Twiddling and Digital Chicanery. This 2-CD, 22-song release, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS on July 1, 2022. The double album was recorded at Hrabko’s home studio in a time of a global pandemic and social unrest. Mike Warren writes in No Depression Magazine, “Hrabko’s rootsy songs are filled with trap doors, hidden nooks, and secret passageways. They’re like those dreams within comfortably familiar houses that suddenly have brand new rooms.” Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits have released six singles and released the albums and EPs: LAST DANCE (EP) in 2020, SMASH HITS FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE (EP) in 2019, SUMMER in 2017, and BISCUITS AND GRAVITY in 2015. Scott Hrabko’s 2013 critically acclaimed solo release, GONE PLACES was said to be 30 years in the making. Scott Hrabko has played with The Original Sinners, as well as the 1980s bands: The Splinters, and The Andersons. In the early 1990s Scott performed as a solo artist in coffee houses with Iris Dement and Howard Eisberg. More info at: http://www.scotthrabko.com]
11:04 – Interview with Scott Hrabko
Scott Hrabko has played with Kansas City’s oldest garage band, The Original Sinners, as well as various incarnations of the 1980s bands: The Splinters, and The Andersons. In the 1990s he performed as a solo artist in coffee houses rubbing shoulders with Iris Dement and Howard Eisberg. Scott Hrabko’s 2014 critically acclaimed solo release, “Gone Places” was said to be 30 years in the making. He has now released 66 recorded tracks, six singles, the two EPs and four albums: LAST DANCE (EP) in 2020, SMASH HITS FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE (EP) in 2019, SUMMER in 2017, and BISCUITS AND GRAVITY in 2015.
Now Scott Hrabko is getting set to release his 4th full length 2-CD, 22-song release, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS on July 1, 2022.
Scott Hrabko, thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
An old woman, arms akimbo Is standing on her lawn Counting chickens nonexistent And humming a lonely song
About the terrible day When all the troubles came
And we dropped everything we were working on To come running and see With the sun shining madly Down on our misery
Beautiful UFOhio UFOhio UFOhio
Oh-eye-ho! Oh-eye-ho!
They tell me my people were born there But hell if I know
UFOhio UFOhio
Baby, don’t you want to go? And I can understand if the answer is “no!”
There’s a band in my head And they don’t get along They accuse one another Of wrecking the song
So I went solo So low I scraped the road
Mike Warren writes in No Depression Magazine, “Hrabko’s rootsy songs are filled with trap doors, hidden nooks, and secret passageways. They’re like those dreams within comfortably familiar houses that suddenly have brand new rooms.”
Scott’s 2017 album SUMMER it was recorded in part by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound. THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBIT was recorded at Hrabko’s home studio in a time of a global pandemic and social unrest.
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS – These two sprawling discs contain song-craft reminiscent of everything from classic ‘60s adult pop to nostalgia-free Americana to cut ’n’ paste hip hop-inspired grooves — and some wild detours between. “But it’s all me.” – Hrabko
The Rabbits, this time around: • Jason Beers – Bass, Organ, Piano, Banjo, Harmonica, Slide Guitar • Clarke Wyatt – Drums • Matt Hopper – Lead Guitar • Chris DeVictor – Upright Bass • Chris Hudson – Nylon String Guitar, Mandolin, Lead Guitar • Mike Lindsey – Bass • Tim Higgins – Drums, Percussion • Gary Paredes – Slide Guitar, Wah Wah Guitar • Chad Brothers – Lead Acoustic • Havilah Bruders – Voices
SH – Voices, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Banjo, Static Outbursts, Ghosts Knob Twiddling and Digital Chicanery
11:12
Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits – “Stragglers” from: The Wonderful World Of Scott Hrabko & the Rabbits / Scott Hrabko / July 1, 2022 [These two sprawling discs contain song-craft reminiscent of everything from classic ‘60s adult pop to nostalgia-free Americana to cut ’n’ paste hip hop-inspired grooves — and some wild detours between. “But it’s all me.” – Hrabko. The Rabbits, this time around: Jason Beers on Bass, Organ, Piano, Banjo, Harmonica, Slide Guitar; Clarke Wyatt on Drums; Matt Hopper on Lead Guitar; Chris DeVictor on Upright Bass; Chris Hudson on Nylon String Guitar, Mandolin, Lead Guitar; Mike Lindsey on Bass; Tim Higgins on Drums, Percussion; Gary Paredes on Slide Guitar, Wah Wah Guitar; Chad Brothers on Lead Acoustic, and Havilah Bruders on Vocals, with Scott Hrabko on Voices, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Banjo, Static Outbursts, Ghosts Knob Twiddling and Digital Chicanery. This 2-CD, 22-song release, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS on July 1, 2022. The double album was recorded at Hrabko’s home studio in a time of a global pandemic and social unrest. Mike Warren writes in No Depression Magazine, “Hrabko’s rootsy songs are filled with trap doors, hidden nooks, and secret passageways. They’re like those dreams within comfortably familiar houses that suddenly have brand new rooms.” Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits have released six singles and released the albums and EPs: LAST DANCE (EP) in 2020, SMASH HITS FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE (EP) in 2019, SUMMER in 2017, and BISCUITS AND GRAVITY in 2015. Scott Hrabko’s 2013 critically acclaimed solo release, GONE PLACES was said to be 30 years in the making. Scott Hrabko has played with The Original Sinners, as well as the 1980s bands: The Splinters, and The Andersons. In the early 1990s Scott performed as a solo artist in coffee houses with Iris Dement and Howard Eisberg. More info at: http://www.scotthrabko.com]
Some stragglers from a sparrow flock Broke off to mob a red tailed hawk And chased him, screaming Round and round the block
It’s hawks by day and owls by night In the grass I’m finding grisly sights Rabbit halves and quarter squirrels And thirds of birds
What can you do? It’s just the way of the world Throw a little sawdust on the purple swirls And the buzzing flies beneath the tilt-a-whirl
Throw a circle of sky as I lie on my back The birds so high they may as well be gnats Gratification delayed and delayed I’m beginning to wonder if we missed the train
Grackles in panic on the railroad tracks Fighting over fried chicken scraps An old man crushing aluminum cans He does a dance to the thinking man’s jam band I mean Can
I ain’t no gentile aloutte Flying high above the fray Singing a song like nothing’s wrong So you can get on with your day
Teardrops from treetops Here come the crows There go the leaves They gotta give up the ghost
Well, it’s birds of burden and words of prey I’m walking my dog-day-dreaming away All in a day, a beautiful day
“Hrabko’s got a penchant for mixing old-time-sounding music with 21st century sensibilities. Hrabko’s voice is that silky baritone that’s as comfortable with lounge music as it is country swing and rockabilly crooners. I think that’s my favorite secret of Hrabko’s music — on the surface, it seems wholesome but is in fact something your kids should be a little older to listen to.” – Rachel Cholst (No Depression)
“Hrabko is a performer of finesse and subtlety … a master of his art.” – David Cowling – Americana UK
In their various incarnations, The Rabbits have appeared at the Crossroads Music Fest, KKFI Hoedown, Westport Roots Festival and Folk Alliance International Conference at Crown Center. Hrabko has been the featured live-in-studio guest on KKFI 90.1 FM programs, Mid-Day Medley, River Trade Radio and Morning Brew, as well as Chuck Haddix’s legendary Fish Fry on KCUR 89.3 FM.
Scott Hrabko has played with Kansas City’s oldest garage band, The Original Sinners, as well as various incarnations of the 1980s bands: The Splinters, and The Andersons. In the 1990s he performed as a solo artist in coffee houses with Iris Dement and Howard Eisberg.
DISCOGRAPHY of Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS (22-track Album) (July 1, 2022)
In Lieu Of Flowers (Single) (November 16, 2020) (Included on Wonderful World)
“Dog In The Back Yard” (Single) (March 20, 2020) (Included on Wonderful World)
“Free” (Single) (August 7, 2020 (Included on Wonderful World)
LAST DANCE (4-track EP) (August 7, 2020)
“Pretty Good Day (Single) (November, 3, 2019) (Included on Wonderful World)
SMASH HITS FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE (4-track EP) (February 14. 2019)
“Rosie” (Single) (May 3, 2019)
“Becky” (Single) (May 3, 2019)
SUMMER (10-track album) (June 23. 2017)
BISCUITS AND GRAVITY (10-track album) (January 24, 2015)
GONE PLACES (13-track Solo album) (November 23, 2013)
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS was Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering, Portland, Oregon
Oh, the air was thick with schmaltz and shtick Dilettante demons and dabblers Tracking the trickle of fractions of fortunes Down to selling plasma A busted piñata revolves in the breeze The beer lights are extinguished I’m spinning ’round like an eight ball With too much english
Oh, the smell of the blood red enamel Down in the dancehall of doom Red means stop – unless you’re a bull They couldn’t keep out the goons Are you a doorman or a matador? I’m gonna have to ask you to leave A thousand fathers of failure deny paternity
It was high, wired, hell fired and out of control But they broke that horse a long time ago Riding high or lying low, either way, you’ve got to go And there never was a horse like rock ’n’ roll
Petrified rubbers in the parking place A frown on the beak of a dead baby bird Empty airline bourbon bottles The ants advance, the worms adjourn Corroded aluminum pull tabs from 1973 Compared to what we’ve all stepped in Those seem like the good old days to me
It might take a couple more vices To hold me together tonight My song of love has landed with a thud Then out go the lights Up past the old lady’s bedtime Coming home with the clowns We’ve been carrying on just a little too long to stop now
I’m gonna do what I do Though nobody asked me to Too many muses to amuse To get down off the high horse blues
Scott Hrabko thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Wonderful World Of Scott Hrabko & the Rabbits is out Friday, July 1, 2022
Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits – “High Horse Blues” from: The Wonderful World Of Scott Hrabko & the Rabbits / Scott Hrabko / July 1, 2022 [These two sprawling discs contain song-craft reminiscent of everything from classic ‘60s adult pop to nostalgia-free Americana to cut ’n’ paste hip hop-inspired grooves — and some wild detours between. “But it’s all me.” – Hrabko. The Rabbits, this time around: Jason Beers on Bass, Organ, Piano, Banjo, Harmonica, Slide Guitar; Clarke Wyatt on Drums; Matt Hopper on Lead Guitar; Chris DeVictor on Upright Bass; Chris Hudson on Nylon String Guitar, Mandolin, Lead Guitar; Mike Lindsey on Bass; Tim Higgins on Drums, Percussion; Gary Paredes on Slide Guitar, Wah Wah Guitar; Chad Brothers on Lead Acoustic, and Havilah Bruders on Vocals, with Scott Hrabko on Voices, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Banjo, Static Outbursts, Ghosts Knob Twiddling and Digital Chicanery. This 2-CD, 22-song release, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS on July 1, 2022. The double album was recorded at Hrabko’s home studio in a time of a global pandemic and social unrest. Mike Warren writes in No Depression Magazine, “Hrabko’s rootsy songs are filled with trap doors, hidden nooks, and secret passageways. They’re like those dreams within comfortably familiar houses that suddenly have brand new rooms.” Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits have released six singles and released the albums and EPs: LAST DANCE (EP) in 2020, SMASH HITS FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE (EP) in 2019, SUMMER in 2017, and BISCUITS AND GRAVITY in 2015. Scott Hrabko’s 2013 critically acclaimed solo release, GONE PLACES was said to be 30 years in the making. Scott Hrabko has played with The Original Sinners, as well as the 1980s bands: The Splinters, and The Andersons. In the early 1990s Scott performed as a solo artist in coffee houses with Iris Dement and Howard Eisberg. More info at: http://www.scotthrabko.com]
11:29 – Underwriting
Just Angel – “Senseless (feat. T.A. Rell)” 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. Se recently contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: /distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justangel/just-angel–pt-1
Just Angel
11:35 – Interview with Just Angel
We just heard the voice of 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.
Just Angel, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Just Angel produced the 4 song EP, JUST ANGEL PT.1 in 3 days in 2020,
She then produced a second 4-song EP, JUST ANGEL PT. 2 in 24 hours in 2021.
Just Angel has a birthday on December 24, and both EPs were recorded around her birthday and motivated to be completed by her birthday with help from T.A. Rell.
Friend, roducer & Musician T.A. Rell helped birth into fruition the Just Angel EP releases with the 5 month hiatus between recordings
Just Angel has recently performed at:
Soirée Steak & Oyster House, 1512 E 18th Street KCMO
The KC Juke House Blues & Jazz Bar/Restaurant Soul Sessions, 1700 E. 18th st. KCMO.
Jazz on The Lawn WW1 Museum
The Phoenix
The Kansas City Folk Festival, on Sunday, May 22.
Just Angel is a member of the band: My Brothers & Sisters with band leader and composer Jamie Searle
Just Angel collaborated with Sisterbot aka Adee Dancey on the track “Approval.”
Sisterbot – “Approval (feat. Just Angel)” from: Truth House / Sisterbot / July 10, 2021 [Sisterbot is a performing artist dedicated to breaking genre boundaries, creating cosmic musical and theatrical experiences. The 9-piece Sisterbot Band is a “punk pop chamber orchestra” complete with electric guitar, drums, piano, strings and horn. “Truth House (2021) is a concept album written over the span of three years, encapsulating a chapter of my life that I spent in a house alone, dealing with the aftermath of trauma and rebirth.”- Sisterbot (Adee Dancy). Written by Sisterbot. Produced by Jametatone and Sisterbot. Engineered, Mixed, Mastered by Jametatone, except “Approval” which was Produced, Engineered, & Mixed by Andrew Bonci Jr. at Magnolia Tree Studios, with AJ Bonci on guitar, Just Angel and Sisterbot on vocals. Cover Art by Mazzy Mann. Adee Rocket Dancy released the single “Hello Moon (feat. The Swallowtails)” on April 26, 2021. (This song is alon on the Sisterbot album.) Produced by Jametatone & Adee Rocket Dancy. Adee Rocket Dancy on piano & vocals & cello; Rachel Lovelace on bassoon; Mikala Petillo on guitar & background vocals, Mixing and Mastering by Jametatone, (J. Asley Miller). Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “This is a song about my life-long love for the moon, featuring The Swallowtails (Rachel Lovelace and Miki P). Adee chose the date April 26, 2021, as their release date, to honor the full moon called “The Pink Moon.” More info at: Sisterbot.bandcamp.com]
11:45 – Interview with Just Angel
We are talking with Just Angel who with 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.
With Adee Dancy Just Angel has a band called Neo Emo Soul.
After the completion of Just Angel, Pt. 2 in late December 2021, in January 2022 Just Angel under went 6 medical surgeries on her throat.
Following her surgeries she was required to have 6 weeks of rest on her voice.
Just Angel’s first public performance after her surgeries was on May 27, 2022 for the No Ordinary Love – All Star Sade Tribute presented by Stephonne at Lemonade Park with vocalists: Stephonne, Jade Green, Calvin Arsenia, Jass, Kimology, Hadiza Kubura, Just Angel, JaySol, Eboni Fondren and the band with Brad Williams on drums, Clarence Copridge and Spencer Thut on keyboards, Spencer Thut on percussion, Ahafia Jurkiewicz-Miles on additional keyboards, Madison Monroe on bass, Benjamin Hart on guitar, and Trevor Turla on horns.
Just Angel, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
11:54:43
Just Angel
Just Angel – “Intent” from: Just Angel: Pt. 2 {EP] / Just Angel / December [Just Angel is a Kansas City based, singer, musician, songwriter, dancer. and creative artist. She recently contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: /distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justangel/just-angel–pt-1: Just Angel: Pt. 2 is a followup to Just Angle Pt.1 – EP released on December 24, 2020 More info at: https://linktr.ee/JustAngel_TigerLilyStar%5D
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, July 6, we welcome back to the show Vi Tran, Stephonne, and The MidCoast Radio Project 90.1 FM KKFI President of our Board of Directors – Catina Taylor and our High School Interns.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Les Izmore & Jade Green of Arquesta Del SolSoul + Scott Hrabko + Just Angel
Arquesta Del SolSoul
Mark plays more New & Midcoastal Releases from: Babydoll, The Creepy Jingles, Arquesta Del SolSoul, Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits, Sisterbot, Just Angel, and Aldous Harding
Les Izmore and Jade Green
At 10:15 Les Izmore and Jade Green of Arquesta Del SolSoul drop in to share new music from the band’s upcoming debut album. Arquesta Del SolSoul is a six-piece KC based music collective of African futurists. Their sound brings an innovative multidimensional eclectic fusion of Soul, Hip-Hop, R&B, Afro-Latin percussion, and Spoken Word. Inspired by their founding musical ancestors, they decolonize and time bend indigenous sounds of the Caribbean, Latin America, West, Central, and Southern Africa. Members include Les Izmore, Jessica Ayala, Brad Williams, Chalis O’Neal, Jade Green, and Hadiza. Arquesta Del SolSoul will headline night three of the 3rd Annual Queer Narratives Festival, August 3, 2022 at The Black Box in the West Bottoms, 1060 Union Ave. KCMO. Arquesta Del SolSoul play SolSoul Fest 2022 on September 30, 2022 at Lemonade Park, West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO. More info at: http://www.instagram.com/arquestadelsolsoul
Scott Hrabko
At 11:00 Mark talks with KC based singer songwriter Scott Hrabko who with & The Rabbits release their 2-CD, 22-song release, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCOTT HRABKO & THE RABBITS on July 1, 2022. The double album was recorded at Hrabko’s home studio in a time of a global pandemic and social unrest. Mike Warren writes in No Depression Magazine, “Hrabko’s rootsy songs are filled with trap doors, hidden nooks, and secret passageways. They’re like those dreams within comfortably familiar houses that suddenly have brand new rooms.” Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits have released six singles and released the albums and EPs: LAST DANCE (EP) in 2020, SMASH HITS FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE (EP) in 2019, SUMMER in 2017, and BISCUITS AND GRAVITY in 2015. Scott Hrabko’s 2013 critically acclaimed solo release, GONE PLACES was said to be 30 years in the making. Scott Hrabko has played with The Original Sinners, as well as the 1980s bands: The Splinters, and The Andersons. In the early 1990s Scott performed as a solo artist in coffee houses with Iris Dement and Howard Eisberg. More info at: http://www.scotthrabko.com
Just Angel
At 11:30 we welcome 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. We will also talk with Just Angel’s collaborator and friend T.A. Rell. Just Angel recently played The Kansas City Folk Festival, on Sunday, May 22. More info at: https://linktr.ee/JustAngel_TigerLilyStar
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Stephonne & Lawrence Pride + Monta At Odds
Roy Scheider as Bob Fosse in All That Jazz “It’s Showtime folks!”
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Various Blonde
Various Blonde – “Too Many Secrets” from: “Too Many Secrets” – Single / The Record Machine / June 9, 2022 [Various Blonde. Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On September 24, 2021 Various Blonde released their single, “Love is How We Will Survive”. On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 2 through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]
[Various Blonde play RecordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO on Wednesday, July 27 at 7:00 with Blvck Hippie, Hall Johnson, and Supermoto presented by The Record Machine.]
Making Movies
Making Movies – “XOPA” from: “XOPA / Cosmica Artists / June 17, 2022 [Making Movies released the single “Calor” on March 11, 2022. Making Movies released the single “Sala De Los Pecadores” on April 13, 2022. Making Movies released the songle “Porcelina” on May 17, 2022, which features Tennis, singing in Spanish. All three singles are from the Making Movies album, XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas and mixed by Tchad Blake. Info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies is a Kansas City based 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. ]
[Making Movies are currently on tour: June 23 | @theparamountla | Los Angeles, CA. // June 25 | @machacafestival | Monterrey, MX // June 28 | @foroindierocks | CDMX // June 30 | @overtonparkshell | Memphis, TN]
Maria The Mexican
Maria The Mexican – “Bottle of Wine” from: “Bottle of Wine” – Single / Independent / 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.]
[Maria The Mexican play The Aztec Shawnee Theatre, 11119 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas on Saturday, June 25, doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM]
Paige Hargrove
Paige Hargrove – “Blooming Garden” from: The Name of The Game is Luck / Paige Hargrove / June 3, 2022 [Paige Hargrove is a singer-songwriter from Chicago, who recently moved back after living in Atlanta, Georgia. Her music fits into the Americana/Singer-Songwriter genre. The Name Of The Game Is Luck was recorded at Cave Studios Pewaukee, WI. Produced by Kyle White, Zach Pietrini, and Paige Hargrove; Mixed by Kyle White; Mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room. Instruments by Paige Hargrove, Kyle White, Zach Pietrini, Josh Miranda, and Evan Lane. Songwriters are: Paige Hargrove, Zach Pietrini (Amelia)
[Paige Hargrove plays VIVO, 7300 West 119th Street, Overland Park, Kansas on Friday, June 24, qt 8:00 PM with David luther and Tara Dente, presented by You Found Music]
[Paige Hargrove plays ULAH Live Sessions at 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, Ks, on Sat., June 25, at 6:00 PM. ULAH Live Sessions, is a monthly intimate in store concert presented by You Found Music.]
Jo Mackenzie
Jo MacKenzie – “The Cab Ride” from: “The Cab Ride”– Single / Jordin MacKenzie / June 17, 2022 [Just graduated from High School, Jo MacKenzie received a full ride scholarship to attend the University of Southern California. “The Cab Ride” was produced, and performed by Jo MacKenzie, mixed by Jo MacKenzie, written by Jordin MacKenzie, Scott Krippayne, and Bryan Reynolds. On May 27, 2022, 18 year old Jo Mackenzie (producer and songwriter) released the single “Radiator.” On March 11, 2022, Jo MacKenzie released the EP, TOURIST. Last year, Jo Mackenzie and 19 year old Dia Jane (singer/songwriter) released the EP, BRAINBABY on September 5, 2021. The two met at an open mic in Kansas City, Missouri, when Jo was in 8th grade and Dia was in 10th grade. Three years later, the two reconnected to started a musical project together that eventually turned into Baby and the Brain, a self-produced indie-pop band. In 2020 Kansas City based singer songwriter, Jo MacKenzie released this year now collected together in a 5 -song EP, written, performed and produced by Jo MacKenzie. Mixed by Harper James. Jo MacKenzie released her Debut EP Proud on November 17, 2018. Along with Proud, Jo Mackenzie released the single “Just Like Rain” on August 18, 2018; “I Should Come with a Warning Sign” on September 28, 2019; and “Alaska” on November 23, 2019 and the single “Suicide Season” on February 1, 2020, and the single “Lose My Face” on April 24, 2020. More information at: http://www.jomackenzie.bandcamp.com or http://www.jomackenzie.com]
GAV7D – “The Privilege (For Anne)” rom: Thanks For Everything SoloBassVideoGame / GAV7D / June 28, 2022 [This is the 4th release in the GAV7D series. The debut, “Thanks For Everything” was released June 21, 2015. The double album, “Thanks For Everything – Cartoonoirjazz” was released June 1, 2016. Thanks For Everything Punkfunkpolka was released on May 31, 2019 and included Johnny Hamil on bass, Clarke Wyatt on keyboards, Mikal Shapiro on guitars & vocals, Kyle Dahlquist on accordions & theremins & vocals, Charles “Critter” Sims on drums, and Chad Meise on Hendrix inspired guitars. Written & arranged by Johnny Hamil. Johnny Hamil told us that the 5ht and final album in the series, GAV7D “Thanks for Everything – ExoticaMiddleasternFreeJazz,” to be released July 28, 2022. Johnny said that it “reminded me that the outside listener doesn’t hear the whole project like I do, or the concert goer does.” He added “I really feel like it’s my major work of my lifetime, but even better, it tells the story of the KaC music community, which I’m so proud of.” KC based musician, composer, and teacher Johnny Hamil plays in the band Pamper The Madman. Johnny Hamil also plays bass for Mikal Shapiro, and Julia Othmer, and can be heard on the recordings of many KC and Lawrence based artists including Stephonne Singelton. Johnny Hamil collaborates with jazz combos, theatre productions, and is also known for his work with The Malachy Papers. As a teacher of the bass, Johnny Hamil was recently featured on Queer Eye on Netflix. Johnny is a founding member of Mr. Marco’s V7, a band that has been reinvented with each new release, and changed and evolved with different line-ups. Known for experimental, instrumental music, Johnny told us that the music he composed for the band came to him in his dreams. In 2011 the bassist noticed something revolutionary for his creative process when his dream compositions included lyrics for the first time This set him on a new path to create GAV7D, which is not Mr. Marco’s V7 proper, but members from throughout the long history of the the band. The concept was to collaborate a vocal version of the compositions with friends and then have various lineups of the V7 family interpret the material in different ways, CartoonNoirJazz, PunkFunkPolka, and FreeeExoticaMiddleEastern. GAV7D premiered at the Folk Alliance International. Chad Meise is a master of sound and the studio and stage producing and engineering records for Mr. Marco’s V7, Hearts of Darkness, Expassionate, Rex Hobart, MIke Dillon, The Gaslights, Atlantic Fadeout, and The Country Duo.]
[Johnny Hamil is releasing his latest GAV7D SOLOBASSVIDEOGAME with a special Album Release Show on at RecordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO on Tuesday June 28 as part of Johnny’a annual KCBassFest at recordBar (back for first time since pandemic). More info at: http://www.johnnyhamil.com]
[Johnny Hamil also plays the Amado Espinoza Quartet release their new album, Q’ansas CD, Friday, July 15, 2022 with a special show at recordBar. More info at: https://linktr.ee/AmadoEspinozaM%5D
[Johnny Hamil is releasing the final GAV7D album EXOTICAFREEJAZZMIDDLEEASTERN on July 28, 2022 with a special show at The Ship. More info at: http://www.johnnyhamil.com]
SEB
SEB– “seaside demo” from: “seaside demo” – single / Mom + Pop / May 17, 2021 [Last year this song went viral on Tik Tok and in just a few days, the song had over 400,000 spins on Spotify alone. The Los Angeles up-and-comer wrote, produced, and engineered the song all within the confines of his bedroom, independently releasing the song after perfecting its chill, carefree vibe.// Growing up in Chicago – after hopping between New York, Haiti, Oklahoma and Miami – SEB has come a long way from free-styling over beats ripped from YouTube with his middle school rap group. Returning to New York for college, he interned at the iconic Electric Lady Studios where brief brushes with artistic giants spurred SEB on to seriously consider his artist project and make the move to LA. // Firmly in his own lane, SEB is inspired by emotionally charged songwriters like Kurt Cobain and Joni Mitchell, and other boundary-breaking artists like Tyler the Creator, Kid Cudi and Grimes. In a recent interview with Spindle Magazine, SEB explained “the fact that I’m black makes it hard for people to just call my music pop.” Adding “the whole point of my artist’s existence, right now, is fighting for the idea that a single black artist, who can write and produce their own music, can stand right next to a Taylor Swift or Harry Styles.” // Since releasing debut single “Boys Don’t Cry” in 2020, SEB has been connecting with fans worldwide and garnering critical acclaim from tastemakers in the UK, US, Europe and beyond. His debut EP IT’S OKAY, WE’RE DREAMING released on July 30, 2021 with lead singles “Coney Island”, “THEY DON’T LIKE ME” and “seaside_demo” (80MM+ streams) as a bonus track. The EP explores some of SEB’s darkest truths as he questions how the past shapes who he is today – complete with an enthralling visual world inspired by cult movies Gummo and Donnie Darko. // SEB’s release at the end of 2021,“god of the sunsets”, serves as a formal introduction to the character SEB debuted in the lyrics of IT’S OKAY, WE’RE DREAMING (as hinted at in his recent “All Eyes On” feature for SPIN), lending further context to the world established on his last project and paving way for the new music to come. // While “god of the sunsets” bridged the divide, SEB’s first single of 2022 “fuck it, i’m the man” fully introduces the second persona in SEB’s three-act project. While SEB views IT’S OKAY, WE’RE DREAMING as Act I, the second act can be defined by “fuck it, i’m the man”’s roaring statements on confidence, family, and finding your own groove. Alternatively, Act II faces some of SEB’s challenges with toxic behaviors and self-doubt, introduced in his newest single “SAVE ME”. Both themes thread throughout SEB’s upcoming project, which is sure to make a splash in the Summer.]
10:31 – Underwriting
Stephonne
Stephonne Singleton – “Cross My Heart (Sext M.F.) (Radio Edit)” from: “Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) (Radio Edit)” – Single / Stephonne / June 3, 2022 [Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums. This single will be part of the EP SIS: Side B to be released Friday, June 24, 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 County, Kansas. 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.” ]
10:38 – Interview with Stephonne Singleton
Stephonne
Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton is everywhere these days. Playing and organizing a Tribute to Sade at Lemonade Park, playing shows for Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, recordbar, Raj Ma Hall, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, collaborating with The Black Creatures, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, Jass, Eboni Fondren, putting out EPs, and singles. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. On
On Thursday, June 23, Stephonne plays LIVE! In The Lounge at The Folly Theatre 300 West 12th Street, KCMO Thursday, June 23, at 7:00 PM in partnership with 90.1 FM KKFI.
On Friday, June 24, Stephonne releases his new EP SIS: Side B Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios
On Saturday Stephonne headlines Lawrence Pride, June 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. Marching in the Lawrence Pride Parade in Downtown followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street.
Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Lawrence Pride, is June 24 & 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. It starts Friday at 6:00 PM with an Art Fair at Vibe, 1014 Massachusetts, Continuing at 8:00 PM with music & drag from Cuee & Friends, VCMN, and Ms. Eda Bull & Rose Champagne at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts. Friday’s closing event starts at 8:00 PM with a Ballroom at The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts courtesy of the KC ballroom community & Fatha Ambrosia.
On Saturday June 25 the Lawrence Pride Parade happens Downtown, followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street, featuring performances from: MsAmanda Love, Stephonne, Deja Brooks, Cuee, Novacayne DeMornay, Sasha May Carmichael, Raven Jade Von’Du, Candice Marie, Ms. Eda Bull, The Rose Champagne, Victor Shawn Von’Du, DJ Chance Romance, The Sass-A-Brass-Marching Band. This an ALL AGES event. More at: http://www.iheartlocalmusoc.com.
Stephonne’s 4-track EP, SIS: Side B, is out on June 24, 2022 through Glory Blue Music.
Stephonne’s band is called: The Gay Rodeo
Miki P on drums Benjamin Hart (Byard) on lead guitar Ahafia Jurkiewicz-Miles on keyboards Spencer Thut on bass
(on SIS: Side B Johnny Hamil is on bass, and Adam McKee is on drums)
Stephonne and The Gay Rodeo hold band practice every week at Charlotte Street Foundation where Stephonne is in his second year of a residency.
The recent performances of Stephonne with The Gay Rodeo show a whole new sexier Stephonne wearing very little clothes wearing mostly women’s undergarments and erotic costuming. Stephonne credits his work in therapy during the pandemic that has helped him take control of his own sexuality
Stephonne’s latest publicity photos are taken by photographer John Brant.
Stephonne believes he is doing a better job of “receiving” in this part of his journey.
Stephonne Discography
“Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) (Radio Edit)” – Single / Stephonne / June 3, 2022 [Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums.
EP SIS: Side B to be released Friday, June 24, 2022.
Stephonne released the single, “Deja Vu” with Shilow, 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.”
On August 18, 2021 Stephonne joined us on WMM to talk about his single “The King’s Gambit.” Stephonne loves to push boundaries with his music by blending the genres of Alt-Rock & R&B /Soul. His influences, like Prince, Billie Holiday, The Alabama Shakes, are apparent in the foundation of his music and his single “The King’s Gambit”. Stephonne wrote this track about having strong feelings for a man, but due to the fear of rejection, was afraid to share these sentiments aloud. In this track, Stephonne compares the skill of flirtation to a game of chess.
On July 15, 2020 – Stephonne Singleton joined us on WMM to talk about his EP, SIS: Side A, released August 7, 2020, and the single “Deep,” released July 14, 2020. Stephonne co-produced this EP with Justin Mantooth who also engineered & mixed, at Westend Studios. Joining Stephonne was Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar, & Adam McKee on drums.
Notes from Stephonne’s SIS: Side A EP
After 2018’s Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard and the release of two singles, ‘Want Me’ and ‘Dominate’, on 2020 Stephonne released SIS: Side A EP. “With ‘Want Me’, I finally found a full confidence and strength in myself again. There were a lot of years that passed, where I really felt that I couldn’t do this independently. I stopped listening to the music and instead listened to rejection, doubt and a lot of self-sabotage.” After a 2018 New York showcase, Singleton laid in A friend’s Philadelphia bed and thought about what was next. He had taken a step he hadn’t before and it was that precise step that woke up a sleeping giant. “It all hit me at once! I got so much closer to my dream than ever before and a dream with steps and goals that I’d written down and prayed aloud for since I was 7.” ‘Want Me’ would spawn a very successful Kickstarter for its major music video and an EP that Stephonne had no idea he’d end up writing.
‘Want Me’ had been written before my debut was released but was just sitting and, honestly, after I decided I needed to go about this alone I remembered that I was broke,” laughs the singer-songwriter. From jobs in corporate America, local theatre and drag Stephonne put his money where his dreams were. After crowdfunding success, the songs just showed up and demanded attention. SIS, in the case of this EP, actually means Summoning Insatiable Spirits.
“That is what I do every time I write a song. The spirits are my emotions, thoughts, traumas, fears and joys.” On Side A and, an upcoming, B we find those spirits. “All of these songs came to me in an instant. They are really from some relationship that I have with the ether that I can’t explain. Whole songs in 10-15 minutes that I hear over and over until I get in with the band (Johnny Hamil, Ben Byard and Adam McKee) finish writing with everyone and then record them.”
Side A’s first single, ‘Deep’, came to Stephonne on a return to MCI from SEA. “There I was… crying on the plane like a big ass baby because of some dude I fell in love with and knew it wouldn’t work out with. The melody and lyrics hit me like a brick and after trying to hide my weeping face from the two passengers next to me, I went to that tiny bathroom and got everything on my phone.” Like ‘Want Me’, the pop gem would sit and scream at Stephonne until late 2019. The influence of 90’s and early 00’s radio rock reigns supreme on ‘Deep’ and we find Stephonne in his greatest melodic and lyrical territory yet. “I feel like you are always trying, unsuccessfully, to write a hit and with every single one of these songs there was no trying. I listened to life, wrote it down and got out of my own way.” Each song holds its ground without overproduction and a desperation for chart placement that holds back many industry hopefuls. What is delivered is sincere, raw but refined, pure and honest music that is accessible no matter your love of genre. With that being said, that this is a rock record is undeniable. “The frustrating thing for me about it, is that radio and audiences look at my skin color and automatically label everything as Hip-Hop and R&B. I’d say I did music as a kid and people would ask me if I was a rapper without even a second passing.. Music of every genre has BLACK origin and yet where are we on the radio? We continue to carry the industry on our backs and are still having to use the back door!”
The genre jumper doesn’t deny his R&B, Soul and Jazz influences on SIS. It’s quite the opposite. Rock and R&B collide with the sultry, silky and vocal grit of Stephonne. He is an artist who conjures up the spirits of Prince and Billie Holiday (his biggest influences) but that delivers something inimitable, visceral, strange and beautiful. Even on the sugary and hyper sexuality of ‘Sweet Tooth’ and the dark but hopeful beauty of ‘Middle Man’, there is a triumphant transcendence that was a staple of yesteryears Popular music. A time when saturation wasn’t heavy and when artist development was embraced over carbon copying. “I only have interest in being me. Sis, I’m Black, unapologetically Queer, and very sex positive. I’m at a point in my life where I embrace every single part and won’t spend energy on anything but self-love, my music and the things that I can help with to change this world for the better.” SIS: Side A reflects all of the above exclamations of Stephonne but it also puts him in position to step into the world’s radar and officially begins his legacy as one music’s greatest treasures. For more visit www.stephonne.com!
Stephonne slinks and slides into ears with ‘Want Me’. The dark and slickly polished track oozes of sex, confusion and tension. “Those things describe my coming of age as a black gay man. I’ve put my heart and mental health through a lot, trying to find love.” With Stephonne you find a painfully personal style of writing. Here, he delves into the point of view of an ex-lover. “I kept trying to make it work and the outcome was always the same. It was so confusing, that it haunted me. I was with a person who loved me but that didn’t want anything to do with love. I was just a body for sex and a cheerleader when he decided it was game on.” The song was his final straw and a way to make sense of what he’d been through. It also examines the hookup culture of apps like Grindr & Scruff. “The app culture feels like shopping at a butcher shop for meat. It’s a bunch of ghosts, most of the time, who appear and disappear as soon as they cum. Sex can be utility but I suddenly don’t exist after that?!” Being black, becoming fetishized and turned away from members of queer communities has been an often occurrence for the singer-songwriter.
The writing and production comes solely from the Kansas City native, with a huge helping hand from co-producer, Justin Mantooth. Recorded at Westend Recording Studios the track features Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar and Adam McKee on drums. Singleton continues to defy genre, but instead of dipping his toe into his alternative rock roots he takes a deep dive in. Still marked by breathy vocals, buttery falsetto, gospel rasp and innate jazz sensibilities, the track & new music video lift Stephonne to new heights.
The video transports us into the center of a horror movie. Surrounded by candles and ancient sigil work, Stephonne is painted in a nod to Grace Jones and Kieth Haring. Artist, Ryan Wilks makes Stephonne and the set a canvas, where he resurrects someone he probably shouldn’t. From a mere snap, we travel through a film noire that is equal parts Nosferatu, The Craft and an inescapable heat and sexuality that emit from both the songwriter and featured dancer, Courtney Germany. “I needed black girl magic in this video and what was most important to me was to have someone who could express every bit of agony and yearning in the song with their body.” Courtney is breathtaking. Choreographed by Ashley Personett of Empire Dance Academy and That’s Entertainment KC, Germany turns into a lovelorn golem who will do anything for the attention of its maker. “There is a magic that BIPOC hold within us that comes from a 24/7, 365 day struggle just to survive. On top of that, we also have to live, love and try to find time to heal. We are worthy of so much more than this world gives us.” In this way, Stephonne becomes a symbol for what’s not given and for what doesn’t wish to be given in the video.
The multi-layered and cinematic masterpiece was helmed and directed by Method Media. You may know them from the critically acclaimed and TIME magazine reviewed/featured videos by Kansas City natives, SSION (Inherit, At least The Sky is Blue and Comeback). Every detail is given the utmost attention by director and editor, Jordon Rioux. Every tone, shot and transition contains an edge and sophistication that only heightens this supernatural affair. The video production is an affair of its own. A Kansas City love affair that showcases the talents, locations (filmed at Heidi Van’s Black Box) and savvy of a slept on city that has recently gained new notoriety due to shows like Queer Eye. “We are a city full of so much treasure and promise! Every part of this video was responsible because of KC businesses, costume/jewelry makers, artists and more. I will always rep my city.”
Lee Walter Redding told me that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. Lyrics and music by Lee Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear.
10:53
Stephonne
Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
On Thursday, June 23, Stephonne plays LIVE! In The Lounge at The Folly Theatre 300 West 12th Street, KCMO Thursday, June 23, at 7:00 PM in partnership with 90.1 FM KKFI.
On Friday, June 24, Stephonne releases his new EP SIS: Side B Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios
On Saturday Stephonne headlines Lawrence Gay Pride, June 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. Marching in the Lawrence Pride Parade in Downtown followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street.
Stephonne will be back on WMM on July , 2022
Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
10:54
Cuee
Cuee – “Boss Talk (feat. Kay V)” [Radio Edit] from: “Boss Talk (feat. Kay V)” – Single / Cuee / March 21, 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. On August 8, 2021 Cueereleased the single, “Silky (feat. Silky Ganache)”. On May 7, 2021 Cuee released the album GOSPEL which was #4 on WMM 120 Best Recordings of 2021. And since 2017 Cue has released two 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: “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 was our guest on WMM on March 3, 2021, and May 5, 2021. More info at: http://www.officialcuee.com]
[Cuue plays Lawrence Gay Pride, presented by I Heart Local Music. Fri. June 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts St. with Cuee & Friends, VCMN, and Ms. Eda Bull & Rose Champagne.]
[Cuue plays the PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street, featuring performances from: MsAmanda Love, Stephonne, Deja Brooks, Cuee, Novacayne DeMornay, Sasha May Carmichael, Raven Jade Von’Du, Candice Marie, Ms. Eda Bull, The Rose Champagne, Victor Shawn Von’Du, DJ Chance Romance, The Sass-A-Brass-Marching Band. This an ALL AGES event.]
VCMN
Vicman – “Need To Be” from: The VCMN Project / Vicman / November 12, 2021. [VCMN releases 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. More information at: http://www.vcmnofficial.com]
[VCMN plays Lawrence Gay Pride, presented by I Heart Local Music. Fri. June 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts St. with Cuee & Friends, VCMN, and Ms. Eda Bull & Rose Champagne.]
11:00 – Station ID
Monta At Odds – “When Stars Grow Old (Single Mix)” from: Peaked – Alternative Takes and Remixes / The Record Machine / June 24, 2022 [Peaked – Alternative Takes and Remixe contains songs from Peak of Eternal Light in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. “When Stars Grow Old.” was released as a single from the band’s 7th full length album, Peak of Eternal Light, from The Record Machine. Dedric Moore describes the song , “it’s an android of a song, combining the human and the electronic into a sizzling new sonic creation. “When Stars Grow Old” is the sound of humanity visiting new worlds across the dark spaces of time, reconstructing the beat of music through memory and instinct. An ad hoc band plays to the sparkling, unfamiliar sky of a distant world. It’s the music of the future if formed from ghostly, discarded impressions of the past.” The band describes their music as: Mutant Disco, minimal synthwave, post-punk dance, Electronica, Indie, Space Rock, Ambient. Monta At Odds is a psychedelic, experimental indie/space rock/electronic collective based in KCK formed by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. Recently the band had added Mikal Shapriro and Teri Quinn and Lucas Behrens to the line up. Monta at Odds is: Dedric Moore on synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals; Matthew Heinrich on drums; Lucas Behrens on baritone guitar; Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar; and Kenn Jankowski on synths.Past supporting members: Alexander Thomas, Adam Davies, Zach Bozich, Aaron Osborne, Matthew Hayden, Mika Tanaya, Sterling Holman, Bree Plaster; Eric Bessenbacher, Ryan Shank, Jeremiah James, Samer Saba, Doug Hutchinson, Erin O’Neill, Sam Behrens, Sam Hughes, Tom Romero, Caleb Aldrich, John Aldrich. Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on October 19, 2018.]
[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]
[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]
[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]
KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore and his brother Delaney Moore are the founders of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl and Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club. On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. We’ll also play Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.
Dedric Moore, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Monta at Odds is: Dedric Moore on synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals; Matthew Heinrich on drums; Lucas Behrens on baritone guitar; Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar; and Kenn Jankowski on synths (who is currently on a summer hiatus).
Monta At Odds PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT was created by brothers Dedric Moore on pulsing melodic bass and Delaney Moore‘s artfully unhinged synthesizers in collaboration with acclaimed vocalists and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn, Krystof Nemeth of Emmaline Twist on baritone guitar, Matthew Heinrich of Mysterious Clouds on drums, Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers on synth, and Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth. The record contains Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, with guest vocalist Your Friend on two tracks.
Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind.
11:10
Monta At Odds – “Hands Trace The Miles” from: “Hands Trace The Miles” – Single / The Record Machine / May 6, 2022 [This single follows the bands recent single and cover of the New Order classic “The Perfect Kiss.” Both singles are part of a companion album called EAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES to be released June 24, 2022. The album contains remixes and alternative versions of Monta AT Odds’ 2021 album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT. On the track the band is: Dedric Moore on synths & programming, Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Matthew Heinrich on drums, Lucas Behrens on baritone guitar, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, and Kenn Jankowski on synths.. // Monta At Odds released their 7th album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT on July 23, 2021.. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // In 2020 the band added acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continued to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. With Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. The nad releaased a remix of their single “When I’m Gone” mixed by The Record Machine label mate Kenn Jankowski, lead singer, co-founder of The Republic Tigers. The remix featured Kenn’s voice singing with Teri’s voice. The collaboration led to Kenn joining Monta At Odds as a voclist and synth player. And when Kenn plays out as The Republic Tigers the members of Monta At Odds become The Republic Tigers.
On December 18, 2020 Monta At Odds released A GREAT CONJUNCTION their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 2020, which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich. // In late 2020 Monta At Odds released the single “When Stars Grow Old.” // Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP Zen Diagram on May 1, 2020. The album was a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind.]
[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]
[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]
[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]
KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore and his brother Delaney Moore are the founders of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl.
Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.
On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.
Monta At Odds play a vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.
Dedric Moore, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album Argentum Dreams on Oct 19, 2018. In Argentum Dreams, Monta At Odds welcomed guest vocalist Your Friend (Taryn Blake Miller) to sing the lyrics for each of the albums songs. When the band played the official Argentum Dreams Album Release show on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 8:00 PM, at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, (with SHANA FALANA [NYC}, MIKAL SHAPIRO & “The Musical” Band / with live video projections from VJDN8) Your friend was not available as she had relocated to NYC so MONTA AT ODDS invited Mikal Shapiro to perform the vocals in a special ‘One Performance Only’ show. That one performance only turned in multiple performances.
Then for Peak of Eternal Light, Teri Quinn joined the band too. Teri Quinn and Krysztof Nemeth had recorded music and performed together in the band Abandoned Bells. Teri’s spooky folk vocals worked perfectly with Monta At Odds space-aged-sounds.
Dedric Moore and Teri Quinn joined us on WMM on August 18, 2021 where Teri announced she would continue recording with the band but was was leaving the band for live performances.
The third single from Monta At Odds album, PEAK OF EYERNAL LIGHT (July 24, 2021) was “Other Side of Yesterday (feat. Your Friend),” released through The Record Machine on June 11, 2021. For this song, the Kansas City-based band once again collaborated with Taryn Blake Miller, AKA Domino Record Co. artist Your Friend.
This single followed Monta’s “When I’m Gone (Feat. Teri Quinn) (Republic Tigers Remix)” Republic Tigers lead singer Kenn Jankowski remixed the track, joining Teri Quinn on vocals. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life.
Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. Monta At Odds released the single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021.The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine.
11:22
Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)” from: When I’m Gone – Single / The Record Machine / May 14, 2021 [Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds released their latest single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000.]
[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]
[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]
[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]
The Republic Tigers – “Trust Fall” from: Mind Over Matter / The Record Machine / June 5, 2020 [Hailing from Kansas City, MO, The Republic Tigers spike their lushly orchestrated indie rock with organic and synthetic elements. Founder Kenn Jankowski originally moved to Kansas City in 1999 and began playing guitar for The People, a band that later changed its name to The Golden Republic (Astralwerks Records). He also made fast friends with local musicians Ryan Pinkston and Adam McGill; and when The Golden Republic disbanded seven years later, he opted to launch his pop-based project with the other two multi-instrumentalists. Taking their name from Jankowski’s high school mascot, The Republic Tigers expanded their lineup with bassist Marc Pepperman and drummer Justin Tricomi. Electronic structures remained to play an important role in their music (via convenience/sensible creation-farming/forming), and the band issued a self-titled EP in late 2007 before putting the finishing touches on Keep Color, which arrived in 2008. Then there was a cool EP in 2011 titled “No Land’s Man” which featured the emo smash hit “The Infidel” and the extremely fun “Merrymake It With Me”. And then a second concept LP was concocted, “Mind Over Matter” – written from the year 2008 to the year 2011. Mixed and mastered in the year 2012. But then it was sadly shelved by the original labels. Which leads us to now, the year is 2020. Something new is going to happen. Kenn Jankowski joined us on WMM on June 3, 2020. More info at http://www.therecordmachine.co]
The Republic Tigers
11:29 – Underwriting
11:31 – Interview with Dedric Moore
We are talking with KCK based musician and producer about Monta At Odds critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, released on July 23, 2021, that has now, 13 months later, just been released on vinyl.
Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar on Friday, June 24.
On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.
Monta At Odds play avinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.
Dedric Moore, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Dedric Moore is the founder : Monta At Odds, Mysterious Clouds, and Gemini Revolution.
In 2020 Monta At Odds released Zen Diagram EP on Kosmic City on May 1, 2020. Conceptual Kansas City art-rock combo Monta At Odds continue their experimentation in sound with an expanded line-up and a new EP, Zen Diagram. Led by Dedric Moore and fueled from 2020’s angst and uncertainty, the band adopts a darker, grittier direction that coincides with a post-punk indulgence. The result is an evocative four-song tableau, showcasing the veteran project’s drive to explore sonic territory as they lay down some mesmerizing jams. The title track opens the EP as a voyage into soundtrack dreams and sonic imagery. It’s a fully-packed production, featuring twin vocals from Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn, Krystof Nemeth of Emmaline Twist on epic baritone guitar, Lucas Behrens on Moog, and Delaney Moore on slide guitar. The song builds and builds over 10 minutes, introducing a bevy of interplaying elements and melodies. There’s a complexity that grooves. Monta At Odds embraces the grayer shades of these sessions with a faithful but otherworldly cover of “Movement of Fear,” the classic cut from Tones On Tail. Mikal leans into the vocals with gentle whispers as Lucas plucks the atmosphere. Meanwhile, Matthew Heinrich merges live drums with the programmed ones until he is one with the machines. The result is multi-textured and dubbed-out, exposing the bloodline of Monta’s aesthetic. “Two Lanes Two Paths” is frenetically powered by the jazzy drum drive of Alexander Thomas. Dedric’s relentless bassline, Delaney’s freeform synthesizer soloing, and Krystof’s expressive guitar tones conspire to form a congealed essence. It’s a spaced-out instrumental that could be from another time, floating defiantly into the present. Zen Diagram ends with “I Count The Steps To A New Sunrise.” The previous cut’s path takes us to a crest on a hill with a view of the damage below. The combo is locked-in, as skittering drums, cosmic synths, spacious noise guitars, and a pensive bass riff promise a way out. Dedric’s vocals are pure 2020, overcome with the zeitgeist of isolation and yearning to reach for something, anything. The diagram becomes a map, and this is how we find an escape.
Dedric is also the creator the annual Kansas City Psych Fest, launched in 2012. The idea grew out of the music he was creating with his Brother Delaney Moore at the HQ Artspace in KCK. The KC Psych Fest is now called Outer Reaches Fest and is produced in collaboration with Haymaker Records and recordBar. Dedric Moore has produced music for KC bands the Philistines, HMPH, and others. Dedric has released several monthly compilations from his music label Kosmic City. More information at: http://www.kosmiccity.com
Last year when Monta At Odds played a special Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM, the band welcomed Krystof Nementh’s band Emmaline Twist and also performed a very special New Order Tribute set.
11:38
Monta At Odds – “The Perfect Kiss” from: “The Perfect Kiss” / The Record Machine / March 18, 2022 [This cover of the New Order classic is part of the companion album called PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES that has remixes and alternative versions of Monta AT Odds’ 2021 album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT. On the track the band is: Dedric Moore on synths & programming, Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Matthew Heinrich on drums, Lucas Behrens on baritone guitar, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, and Kenn Jankowski on synths. // The Perfect Kiss” is a song by the English band New Order. It was recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London and released on May 13, 1985. It was included on a studio album, Low-Life. // The song’s themes include love “We believe in a land of love” and death “the perfect kiss is the kiss of death”. The overall meaning of the song is unclear to its writer today. In an interview with GQ magazine Bernard Sumner said “I haven’t a clue what this is about.” He agreed with the interviewer that his best known lyric is in the song: “Pretending not to see his gun/I said, ‘Let’s go out and have some fun'”. The lyrics, he added, came about after the band was visiting a man’s house in the United States who showed his guns under his bed before they went out for an enjoyable night. It had been quickly written, recorded and mixed without sleep before the band went on tour in Australia. // The song’s complex arrangement includes a number of instruments and methods not normally used by New Order. For example, a bridge features frogs croaking melodically. The band reportedly included them because Morris loved the effect and was looking for any excuse to use it. At the end of the track, the faint bleating of a (synthesized) sheep can be heard. Sheep samples would reappear in later New Order singles “Fine Time” and “Ruined in a Day”. //Despite being a fan favorite, the song was not performed live between 1993 and 2006 due to the complexity of converting the programs from the E-mu Emulator to the new Roland synthesizer. However, it returned to the live set at a performance in Athens on June 3, 2006. // Monta At Odds released their 7th album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT on July 23, 2021.. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // In 2020 the band added acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continued to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. With Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. The band released a remix of their single “When I’m Gone” mixed by The Record Machine label mate Kenn Jankowski, lead singer, co-founder of The Republic Tigers. The remix featured Kenn’s voice singing with Teri’s voice. The collaboration led to Kenn joining Monta At Odds as a vocalist and synth player. And when Kenn plays out as The Republic Tigers the members of Monta At Odds become The Republic Tigers. On December 18, 2020 Monta At Odds released A GREAT CONJUNCTION their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 2020, which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich. // In late 2020 Monta At Odds released the single “When Stars Grow Old.” // Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP Zen Diagram on May 1, 2020. The album was a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegazed guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind. / Info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D
[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]
[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]
[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]
11:42 – Interview with Dedric Moore
We are talking with KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl.
Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar on Friday, June 24.
On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.
Monta At Odds play avinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.
Dedric Moore, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Earlier this year Monta At Odds will play this song at the Treefort Fest in Boise, Idaho on March 18, 2022.
11:45
New Obsessions is Jorge Arana
New Obsessions – “Lies” from: “Lies” – Single / Haymaker Records / June 17, 2022 [New Obsessions is basically a solo project for Jorge Arana who is the creative force and lead singer and lead guitarist for the Jorge Arana Trio. More info at: https://www.facebook.com/newobsessionsmusic / Jorge Arana Trio released Mammoth on Haymaker Records on September 23, 2016. Recorded in early 2016 by Justin Wilson at Sound 81 Productions. Jorge Arana Trio is: Jorge Arana, Josh Enyart, & Jason Nash. Formed in 2011. Mammoth is the 3rd album and 2nd full length release. Jorge Arana Trio played their first album release concert at recordBar, September 2 with 34 and Riala. The Jorge Arana Trio joined us live on WMM.]
[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]
11:48 – Interview with Dedric Moore
We are talking with KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore of the prolific band Monta At Odds who last year released their critically acclaimed 7th full length album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl.
Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar on Friday, June 24.
On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes.
Monta At Odds play avinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.
Dedric Moore, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
11:54
Static Phantoms
Static Phantoms – “Bathed in a Blue Light” from: “Bathed In a Blue Light” – Single / The Record Machine / February 22, 2022 [We premiered this new track on February 2, 2022. The first single from upcoming album BATHED IN BLUE LIGHT. Their 2nd single “Ghostwalk was released March 18, 2022. Static Phantoms are: Dedric Moore on synths, drum programming, backing vocals, & production; and Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, bass, synths, lead vocals. The Pandemic offered Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth the opportunity to pass the time and get creative in the studio exploring the music and themes of New Wave music of the 1980s. Those who follow the bands: Monta at Odds, The Republic Tigers, Emmaline Twist), you know about the passion Dedric and Krystoff bring to their synths and guitars. As Static Phantoms, the duo is influenced by the 1080s trailblazing bands: The Glove, Tones on Tail, Tears For Fears, and Soft Cell.]
[Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24.]
[On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. ]
[Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Thank you to everyone who called in last week during our Spring Fund Drive Show. 46 people donated through Wednesday MidDay Medley at total of $2689.00
Next week on Wednesday, June 29, we welcome back to the show Les Izmore and Jade Green of Arquesta Del SolSoul, plus we welcome Scott Hrabko who has a new double CD rlelease of 22 new songs called The Wonderful World of Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits, AND Kansas City powerhouse vocalist, Just Angel makes her WMM debut.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Stephonne & Lawrence Pride + Monta At Odds
Stephonne
Mark plays more New & Midcoastal Releases from: Making Movies, Stephonne, Monta At Odds, Various Blond, Cuee, Maria The Mexican, Jo Mackenzie, VCMN, Static Phantoms, GAV7D, The Republic Tigers, Paige Hargrove, and SEB
At 10:30 Stephonne talks about Lawrence Gay Pride, June 24 & 25, presented by I Heart Local Music. It starts Friday at 6:00 PM with an Art Fair at Vibe, 1014 Massachusetts, with music & drag from Cuee & Friends, VCMN, and Ms. Eda Bull & Rose Champagne at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts. Friday’s closing event starts at 8:00 PM with a Ballroom at The Granada, 1020 Massachusetts courtesy of the KC ballroom community & Fatha Ambrosia. On Saturday June 25 the Lawrence Pride Parade happens Downtown followed by the huge PRIDE Party at 4:00 PM, at Abe & Jakes, 8 East 6th Street, featuring performances from: MsAmanda Love, Stephonne, Deja Brooks, Cuee, Novacayne DeMornay, Sasha May Carmichael, Raven Jade Von’Du, Candice Marie, Ms. Eda Bull, The Rose Champagne, Victor Shawn Von’Du, DJ Chance Romance, The Sass-A-Brass-Marching Band. This an ALL AGES event. More at: http://www.iheartlocalmusoc.com. Also, Stephonne is releasing the 4-track EP, SIS: Side B, on June 24, 2022 through Glory Blue Music. More information at: http://www.stephonne.com
Monta At Odds
At 11:00 Mark talks with members of the Kansas City super group, Monta At Odds. Their critically acclaimed album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT has just been released on vinyl and Monta At Odds play an official vinyl release party on Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and the Royalettes Vinyl Club. On Friday, June 24, 2022 Monta At Odds releases, PEAKED – ALTERNATE TAKES AND REMIXES containing songs from PEAKED in their alternate lifeforms, with special covers, and remixes. Monta at Odds is: Dedric Moore on synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals; Matthew Heinrich on drums; Lucas Behrens on baritone guitar; Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar; and Kenn Jankowski on synths. We will also play Static Phantoms a musical side project of Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth who open for Modern English at RecordBar onFriday, June 24. More info at http://www.therecordmachine.co and http://www.montaatodds.bandcamp.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Luke Petet + Chris Haghirian & Boulevardia 2022
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Various Blonde
Various Blonde – “Love is How We Will Survive” from: “Love is How We Will Survive” – Single / The Record Machine / September 24, 2021 [Various Blonde. Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On June 9, 2022 Various Blonde released their latest single, “Too Many Secrets.” On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 2 through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]
[Various Blonde play RecordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO on Friday, June 17 at 7:00 with Steddy P and DJ MAHF, Les Izmore and The Goats, Styles and Jordan Baumstark.]
Flora from Kansas
Flora from Kansas – “Violets Are Blue” from: Emerald City / Flora from Kansas / July 3, 2022 [Kenn Jankowski on guest vocals on ‘Violets are Blue’, Dave Gnojek on horns & flute. Jim Barnes on drums, Sammie Lee on strings on ‘Holy Roller’, Kosuke Moshimoss Anamizu on effects on ‘What Did I Miss’ Flora’s music career began in Spring 2020 when she was just 13. A little over a year later, she’s releasing her first full-length album, Emerald City. Recorded in a studio on a horse farm in the rural Kansas countryside, there couldn’t have been a better setting. Thematically, Emerald City is a modern-day metaphor for a shy teen girl’s experiences stuck at home during a global pandemic. Flora was born in 2007 into a family of artists and musicians. She was homeschooled in Topeka, Kansas with her two siblings until they moved to nearby Lawrence and started attending a small private school. Flora has done voiceover work for Vans, Dairy Farmers of America and ADFEST. Flora enjoys creating visual art and one day hopes to become a professional illustrator. More information at: florafromkansas.com]
[Flora plays the early show at Gaslight Gardens 317 North 2nd St. Lawrence, Kansas, TONIGHT, June 15, at 6:00 PM with Caroline Blu ]
Mensa Deathsquad
Mensa Deathsquad – “Come Say Hello” from: “Come Say Hello” – Single / Gran Cavalera / June 13, 2022 [ The ongoing creative engine of Kansas City-based darkwave artist Brandon Phillips – the soft human center of Mensa Deathsquad writes: “Mensa Deathsquad is fundamentally about two things, Dark dance music optimized for sweaty catharsis and the most ragged, unpolished emotional honesty I can bring.” On April 12, 2022 Mensa Deathsquad released the 14-track album, YOU WILL HEAR THUNDER, Written, performed and produced by Mensa Deathsquad. Mastered at Element Recording and Mastering. Brandon Phillips of Mensa Deathsquad, writes: “By the time I wrote Chin Up Eyes Wide Open,” (second single from YOU WILL HEAR THUNDER) I was just this little emotional soap bubble, exploding in slow motion. I felt safe in my own skin for the first time in a really long time. This is part of trauma recovery – early on there is this identity crisis that starts in your bone marrow and extends outward into the far reaches of the galaxy and it takes a lot of effort to find yourself again in all that messy tissue and ice cold vastness. By some quirk of luck, I bumped into myself by chance when a friend made a joke about my being exactly her “tall, thin and emotionally unavailable” type. To which I shot back, “Babe, all I am is emotionally available. I am skin and emotions.” Boom. There I was, hiding in plain sight. So “Chin Up, Eyes Wide Open” is a song about my deciding to live that punch line and to just fully embody “skin and emotions” and to never mask that version of myself again. It’s a song about showing up for yourself in all your flawed, fucked up glory.” “Chin Up, Eyes Wide Open” is a follow up to “Light” released November 16, 2021. Brandon Phillips writes, “The electronic music that I daydream about, always has that Stooges layer of dirt and shop grease on it. That’s what I want.” Follow up to CYCLIST, the second album from Mensa Deathsquad released February 23, 2021. The cyclist was released with these notes: Brandon Phillips laid in a Kansas City hospital through the winter of 2019-2020 as his own album release (the unintentionally but appropriately named Patient Zero by his alt-synthwave band Mensa Deathsquad) passed by in the outside world. The first tracks from his debut album Patient Zero were premiering and, chained to a Luciferian merry-go-round of post-operative infections, Brandon strained through the pharmaceutical blur to do promotion for his record, emailing editors and scraping together the necessary pieces they needed. Since his surgery a month prior had gone sideways, and the time, energy, and planning for things like photos, videos and shows had been blown to smithereens, all he had left to look forward to beyond the IVs and the machines that go “ping” was this premiere and the street date. And then came COVID-19, like a rogue wave, to finish off the aimless Mensa Deathsquad sailboat. // But Brandon didn’t die and the boat didn’t sink. As the squall receded and the wanton eye of cruel gods passed over him, Brandon clung to the boat and swore revenge… // As the aphorism goes, “revenge is sweet” and thus Brandon and his Mensa Deathsquad will have the triumphant last laugh. Holed up in the spare bedroom of his apartment in Kansas City with an open wound in his abdomen, two surgical drains, and a severely compromised immune system, Brandon slipped back into his Mensa Deathsquad persona and began working on what would become his newest full length album, Cyclist. // The music that emerged from Brandon’s isolation and illness is a raw, nearly garage-rock take on darkwave and a perfect continuation of what he had begun on Patient Zero. Launching with the one-two punch of electro-punk noir in “Nothing Is Ever Enough” and “Therapist” before the pounding synth-rock of “The Disappointment Of The Christ,” Brandon fixes his furious eyes upon the provocative hypocrisy and violence that results from American Christianity. // A heady package of nudge nudges and intellectual ruminations (a trademark of Brandon’s past as a smartpunk upstart in such seminal bands as The Gadjits and Architects), Cyclist carries both a powerful music punch, a cultural rummaging through pop culture, and a run through his ever-evolving intellect. A knowing wink to fans of the seminal vampire flick The Lost Boy, “Join Us, Michael” is at once a seething appraisal of a world scorched and defiled by an older generation and a musical love letter to that pivotal ‘80s vampire movie soundtrack. “Leap Year (Chaos Reigns)” which began as a Siouxsie & the Banshees-inspired jam serves as Cyclist’s true north – the story of a drug-fueled wrinkle in time that brought the entire cyclical nature of existence into visibility one fateful night. “End Of The World” is dance-floor nihilist electro-rock blending angular post-punk guitar with the nostalgia of neon synths and electroclash drums, while “Takes One To Know One” slowly approaches the thunderstorm of toxic relationships, soulful vocals, tech house kick drums, and grimey-as-hell bass. // As a fitting conclusion to the tour de force through his psyche, Cyclist closes with yet another two-track charge, the swaggering post-electro sneer at celebrity social media, “Famous” followed by the throbbing Giorgio Moroder-via-Tech House cover of Iggy Pop’s classic “The Passenger.” “It was important to me that I cover ‘The Passenger’ as a letter of intent.” Says Brandon. “The electronic music that I daydream about, always has that Stooges layer of dirt and shop grease on it. That’s what I wanted for Cyclist.” The result is a triumph over the storm, as Mensa Deathsquad sails, unvanquished, into victory. More info at: https://mensadeathsquad.bandcamp.com or https://facebook.com/MensaDeathsquad.%5D
Lee Walter Redding
Lee Walter Redding – “We Could Be Warlords” from: “We Could Be Warlords”-Single / Lee Walter Redding / June 10, 2021 [This is their second single from the upcoming EP LIVE FROM THE ARGYLE WALLPAPER, to be released in July. Lee Walter Redding on vocals, guitar; Justin Rogers on bass; Andy Kirk on guitar/synth and Justin Skinner on drums. Lee writes: We Could be Warlords is a story of two twisted, go-getters finding love through a mutual goal of taking over the world. They’re both so consumed with the day-to-day job of developing and controlling a police state that the only way they can get off is by manipulating and hurting the poor citizens of their respective countries.”We could be Warlords drumming up suspicion / Giving the finger to UN resolutions / We could wind em up to lull them down / We could be warlords in love”Lee Walter Redding released “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” om April 9, 2021. Lee told us that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. More info at: http://www.leewalterredding.bandcamp.com]
[Lee Walter Redding joins us on WMM on July 13]
Kadesh Flow
Kadesh Flow – “Away From You” from: “Away From You”– Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / July 1, 2022 [Kadesh tells 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 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 1st, partially in celebration of that milestone.” This is one of over 23 new singles Kadesh Flow has released in the last 18 months: This is a follow up to “Move Different (feat. Gr3s0n)” with lyrics by Kadesh Flow & Gr3ys0n. Music by Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow and was released on January 21, 2022. The year before, 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. This is his 16th single the year, so far. 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. This is his 17th single the year. 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. This is one of 22 singles and a 13 track album that Kadesh Flow has released so far this year. 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. This is one of 22 singles and a 13 track album that Kadesh Flow has released so far this year. 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 ]
[Kadesh Flow plays Boulevardia Friday, June 17 with The Phantastics, and with Sat. June 18 as part of Deshica Rage (Kadesh Flow & Jessica Paige), and with Making Movies, and on the same night in a closing set with Trevor Turla.]
Alisa Jefferson
Alisa Jefferson – “Angel” from: “Angel” – Single / Alisa Jefferson / May 8, 2022 [Alisa writes: “Angel was released on Mother’s Day and is dedicated to anyone and everyone going through or overcoming something heavy, unresolved conflict, the therapists who listen, and to all spirit guides near and far.” Angel was recorded at Alisa’s home studio. Jeremy KeelerLawrence, Kanss musician Jeremy Keeler added guitar part. Angel was mixed and mastered by Andy Oxman. On June 1, 2021 Alisa Jefferson released the 10-song solo debut album, TELL ME. All lyrics, instrumentation, vocals, melodies, song content for TELL ME was written and created by Alisa Jefferson. TELL ME was also recorded by Alisa Jefferson. Mixed and produced by Alisa Jefferson and Andy Oxman of SoundWorks Recording Studio, Blue Springs, Mo. And mastered by Matt Elliott of Black Sky Studios, Buckner, MO. Alisa Jefferson grew up in KC. She played viola in her school orchestra and received her first acoustic guitar at age 13. Alisa established her rock trio, Morning Fix, in 1994, singing & playing bass. In December, 2014, Alisa established, fronted, and played bass in the rock trio, Radial Red. In 2019 Alisa performed on the side stage with Joan Jett and Heart at Starlight Theatre with KC band, Mad Libby. More info at: http://www.alisajeffersonmusic.com Alisa Jefferson was out guest on WMM on June 2, 2021 and February 10, 2021]
[Alisa Jefferson’s cover band Heart of Glass plays VIVO at 7300 West 119th St., Overland Park, Kansas on Friday, June 17, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.]
[Alisa Jefferson & Scott Mitchell play as Acoustic Duo at Aspens on Overland Park, Kansas, Friday, June 24, at 7:00 to 9:00 PM]
Colebrood – “Leaf in a Hurricane” from: Colebrood EP / Debbie Cole / June 3, 2022 [Cole Brood released the single ,”Tough Get Going” to radio stations on Jan 18, 2020. It was the first single from this new EP. Cole Brood is the musical project of Debbie Cole’s solo work after her tenure with “Black Folk”. She is the lead vocalist and also plays the violin. More information at: http://www.facebook.com/colebroodmusic%5D
10:33 – Underwriting
Luke Petet
Luke Petet – “bleach+hands” from: Seventh Spell / Luke Petet / May 20, 2022 [SEVENTH SPELL was recorded 2018-2022 in Kansas City, Denver, Boulder, Lawrence, Black, Rolla, and Springfield, in houses and basements and during the day and night and sometimes cars or in the woods on various tape or digital recorders assembled from the various tapes and fragments in 2022. Luke Petit was born in Blue Springs, Missouri but calls Kansas City his home. SEVENTH SPELL is his first big solo project. Luke also plays Pedal Steel for the Kansas City baed band, Hellfire Club. Luke released 4-track EP, DOGME95, on April 8, 2022. Luke Petet released the single, “Bleach+Hands” on April 15, 2022. More info at: http://www.lukepetet.bandcamp.com]
Luke Petet and Cooper Dighton
10:38 – Interview with Luke Petet
Luke Petet released the 10-track album, SEVENTH SPELL, on May 20, 2022. SEVENTH SPELL was recorded 2018-2022 in Kansas City, Denver, Boulder, Lawrence, Black, Rolla, and Springfield, in houses and basements and during the day and night and sometimes cars or in the woods on various tape or digital recorders assembled from the various tapes and fragments in 2022. Luke Petit was born in Blue Springs, Missouri but calls Kansas City his home. SEVENTH SPELL is his first big solo project. Luke also plays Pedal Steel for the Kansas City baed band, Hellfire Club. More info at: http://www.lukepetet.bandcamp.com
Luke Petet, thank you for being with us on WMM
Luke brought along his friend Cooper Dighton
We just heard “beach+hands” from Seventh Spell.
In the liner notes for SEVENTH SPELL on Bandcamp Luke write:
“recorded 2018-2022 in Kansas City, Denver, Boulder, Lawrence, Black, Rolla, Springfield, in houses and basements and during the day and night and sometimes cars or in the woods on various tape or digital recorders” “assembled from the various tapes and fragments in 2022” “recorded, destroyed, mixed, mastered, and destroyed again by Luke Petet”
Mute the Pianos lovingly plays piano on (piano) Jarrett Dietz lovingly plays banjo on “Luna” Thomas Corbett lovingly plays bass on “dogdogdogdogdog” and “Wind blow through.”
Luke Petet is 19 years old and was born in Blue Springs, Missouri and has lived there since he was born, even though he really just refers to himself as part of Kansas City, as that’s where he spends all of his time.
10:46
Luke Petet
Luke Petet – “ Luna“ (LIVE in Studio) (This track is also available on Seventh Spell)
We are talking with Luke Petet who released the 10-track album, SEVENTH SPELL, on May 20, 2022. SEVENTH SPELL was recorded 2018-2022 in Kansas City, Denver, Boulder, Lawrence, Black, Rolla, and Springfield, in houses and basements and during the day and night and sometimes cars or in the woods on various tape or digital recorders assembled from the various tapes and fragments in 2022. More info at: http://www.lukepetet.bandcamp.com
Luke Petet, thank you for being with us on WMM
Luke went to high school at Blue Springs South, and played in some bands with some other musicians he met there.
Luke met his good friend Taylor Samson (who plays with Rue) and his other friend who raps in KC under ENZOKICKSDOORS while he was there.
Luke spent a lot of time in school with his friend Jerry who now does videos for BLACKSTARKIDS, Paris Williams, and tons of other KC rap and pop bands and artists.
Luke tells us, “We had a pretty good community of artists there, though most of the bands I played with at that time were just noise rock things and we never really recorded or put anything out.”
Luke used to make a lot of cassette tapes, mix CDs, and other physical things and give them out to his artist friends in high school, though. Mostly just drone and noise stuff but sometimes they would have songs or dance tracks.
Seventh Spell is really the first big thing that Luke has released!
10:54
Luke Petet and Cooper Dighton
Luke Petet – “DOGME95″ (LIVE) (This track is also available on Seventh Spell)
We are talking with Luke Petet who released the 10-track album, SEVENTH SPELL, on May 20, 2022. SEVENTH SPELL was recorded 2018-2022 in Kansas City, Denver, Boulder, Lawrence, Black, Rolla, and Springfield, in houses and basements and during the day and night and sometimes cars or in the woods on various tape or digital recorders assembled from the various tapes and fragments in 2022. More info at: http://www.lukepetet.bandcamp.com
Luke Petet, thank you for being with us on WMM
Luke released 4-track EP, DOGME95, on April 8, 2022. Luke Petet released the single, “Bleach+Hands” on April 15, 2022.
Luke plays Pedal Steel guitar for the KC group Hellfire Club.
Luke writes: “As far as my inspirations, I’ve always been a big fan of the band SALEM, and I listen to a lot of black metal like Paysage D’Hiver or Darkthrone, early stuff really. I’m a big Jim O’Rourke fan too. I’m also super into the club music scene abroad, and Kenta204 and jinkasei are really cool artists from that.”
Luke writes: “I listen to a lot of rap, Gucci Mane is always great, Black Kray too. Country, especially Hank Williams, I’m very influenced by as well. Hank Williams and SALEM are probably the biggest influences. Drag City, ECM, Editions Mego, all great labels.”
Luke Petet, thank you for being with us on WMM.
Luke Petet released the 10-track album, SEVENTH SPELL, on May 20, 2022. SEVENTH SPELL was recorded 2018-2022 in Kansas City, Denver, Boulder, Lawrence, Black, Rolla, and Springfield, in houses and basements and during the day and night and sometimes cars or in the woods on various tape or digital recorders assembled from the various tapes and fragments in 2022. More info at: http://www.lukepetet.bandcamp.com
11:00 – Station ID
Calvin Arsenia
Calvin Arsenia – “Dying” from: L.A. Sessions / Center Cut Records / September 20, 2019 [Produced by Tony Braunagel (he also delivers exquisite percussion on LA Sessions) with Paul Brown on guitar, Mike Finnigan on keyboards, Freddie Washington on bass, and David Garfield on piano. Between them, the five musicians have worked with some of music’s most iconic names, including Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Leonard Cohen, Bonnie Raitt, Chuck Loeb, Rickie Lee Jones, Buddy Guy, The Neville Brothers From Center Cut Record Press Release: “It was a thrill for me to work with such legendary players,” says Calvin. “Not only were they incredibly talented, but I got off a plane straight from Australia, hit the studio, and they were more than ready to get to that place where you honor the songs, leaving their egos at the door and honoring what the muses tell them. It was one of the best recording experiences I ever had.” Calvin’s production M.O. on previous recordings was to piece together songs “like pieces of a puzzle” and “layer them over several sessions.” He believes the immediacy of the LA Sessions, and having the instrumentation all happening in the “same emotional space together as a band,” powerfully served the intimacy of the album. Born in Orlando, Florida, his 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 the Kansas City music scene 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 Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter/performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows 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-7-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe (Center Cut Records), has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. Calvin performed live at L.A.’s The Mint, showcasing the songs on LA Sessions with the musicians who collaborated with him on the album. Says Calvin: “It’s such a special experience to play with them. To be able to perform these songs in front of an audience and do this for a living – to have made a career out of something I love is so amazing – it is an honor that I never take for granted.” Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. His full-length album Catastrophe on February 14, 2017, His EP Caviar in Novenber 2017. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, on September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On September 20, 2019 Calvin released LA Sessions. On December 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC. Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. Calvin was first on WMM on July 25, 2012. He has appeared live on 22 shows, most recently on October 27, 2021]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Friday June 17, at 7:20 on the P3 Park Stage.]
Chris Haghirian
11:04 – Interview with Chris Haghirian
Chris Haghirian joins us to share all of the details about Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists/ bands, on 5 stages, with 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market, plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and various VIP Experiences. Chris Haghirian shares his passion for the KC music community as host of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris worked for The Kansas City Star for over 20 years and is a graduate of the Kansas University and also studied at The City Art Institute. Chris organizes multiple concert series throughout the metro, and music stages for The Plaza Art Fair, The Innovation Fest, and with Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, he co-created The Middle of The Map Fest. More info at http://www.boulevardia.com
Chris Haghirian, thanks for being with us again on WMM
Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists / bands, on 5 stages. With 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market, Plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and VIP Experiences. More info at http://www.boulevardia.com
FOUNTAIN STAGE, VISIT MISSOURI STAGE, P3 PARK STAGE, QUIRK STAGE, SILENT DISCO
BLACKSTARKIDS – “Sounds Like Fun!” from: SURF / Bedroom Records / February 28, 2020 [Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of Kansas City in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Blackstarkids are a pop/R&B/hip-hop trio based in Kansas City, Missouri. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The Kansas City scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]
[Blackstarkids plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Friday June 17, at 7:30 on the Fountain Stage.]
Jenny Lewis
Jenny Lewis – “Just One of The Guys” from: The Voyager / Warner Records / July 25, 2014 [Jennifer Diane Lewis was born January 8, 1976. She is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. She was the lead singer, rhythm guitarist and keyboardist for the indie rock band Rilo Kiley. // Lewis gained prominence in the 1980s as a child actress, appearing in the films Troop Beverly Hills (1989) and The Wizard (1989) and the television series Brooklyn Bridge (1991–93). In the mid-1990s, Lewis semi-retired from acting to focus on her musical career, and formed Rilo Kiley in 1998 with fellow former child actor Blake Sennett. Rilo Kiley released four albums before they disbanded in 2014. Lewis has released four solo albums: Rabbit Fur Coat (2006), Acid Tongue (2008), The Voyager (2014) and On the Line (2019). In addition to Rilo Kiley and her solo career, Lewis has been a member of the Postal Service, Jenny & Johnny and Nice As Fuck. // The Voyager is the second studio album and third overall by American singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis. The album was released on July 29, 2014, by Warner Bros. Records. The album was primarily produced by Ryan Adams at his studio, PAX AM. // In May 2014, Lewis spoke to Rolling Stone about the album, saying: “Making The Voyager got me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. After Rilo Kiley broke up and a few really intense personal things happened, I completely melted down. It nearly destroyed me. I had such severe insomnia that, at one point, I didn’t sleep for five straight nights. Many of the songs on The Voyager came out of the need to occupy my mind in the moments when I just couldn’t shut down.” // In a July 2014, interview with Rolling Stone, she spoke about Ryan Adams producing the album, saying: “In some ways, I felt like he was needling me. He was winding me up. I was somewhat agitated at times, and I think it put me in a really cool place to perform those songs. Ryan is the most unique producer I’ve ever worked with, in his approach and behavior […] He made me listen to five or six Creed songs, really loudly on these beautiful tube speakers. My ears were bleeding. And it was Creed! He was like, “This is great music. I want you to hear it.” And by the third song, I was like “Huh. Umm. Yeah, I can maybe see that.” // In 2004, Conor Oberst invited Lewis to record a solo record for record label Team Love. Described by Lewis as “a kind of soul record”, Rabbit Fur Coat (released January 24, 2006) features contributions from Oberst, M. Ward, and Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine. Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie guests on a cover of The Traveling Wilburys’ “Handle With Care.” The Watson Twins provide accompaniment on the album, billed as Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins. Lewis toured with the Watson Twins in support of the album three times in 2006 and appeared with her band on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Later with Jools Holland. They also appeared on a Washington, D.C.-based children’s music program called Pancake Mountain, performing the song “See Fernando”. The album received positive reviews, with Entertainment Weekly writing, “Consider Lewis the Emmylou Harris of the Silverlake set” and Rolling Stone commenting that “her girlishly seductive vocals are more versatile than ever”. // The A.V. Club, Spin, and NPR music critic Meredith Ochs named it among the best albums of the year. // In 2008, Lewis released a second solo album, this time without the Watson Twins, titled Acid Tongue. // On July 29, 2014, Lewis released The Voyager. The album took 5 years to complete and is a reflection on Rilo Kiley’s break-up and the death of her father. The release of the album was preceded by the single “Just One of the Guys”. The music video for “Just One of the Guys” was released on July 15, 2014, through GQ and stars Lewis, Anne Hathaway, Kristen Stewart, Brie Larson, and Tennessee Thomas, former drummer of The Like (now disbanded). Lewis also directed the music video. // On January 23, 2019, Lewis announced the release date of her new album On the Line would be March 22, 2019. The lead single “Red Bull & Hennessy” debuted with positive acclaim.]
[Jenny Lewis plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Friday June 17, at 8:00 on the Main Stage.]
11:15 – Interview with Chris Haghirian
We are talking with Chris Haghirian about Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists/ bands, on 5 stages, with 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market, plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and various VIP Experiences. Chris Haghirian shares his passion for the KC music community as host of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris worked for The Kansas City Star for over 20 years and is a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute. Chris organizes multiple concert series throughout the metro, and music stages for The Plaza Art Fair, The Innovation Fest, and with Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, he co-created The Middle of The Map Fest. More info at http://www.boulevardia.com
Chris Haghirian, thanks for being with us again on WMM
Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists / bands, on 5 stages. With 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market, plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and VIP Experiences.More info at http://www.boulevardia.com
FOUNTAIN STAGE, VISIT MISSOURI STAGE, P3 PARK STAGE, QUIRK STAGE, SILENT DISCO
Boulevardia – Saturday, June 18
KRISTIN HAMILTON & THE HEAT – SATURDAY 11:05AM | P3 PARK STAGE
JACLYN BELL – SATURDAY 11:30AM | QUIRK STAGE
THE WHIPS – SATURDAY 12:00PM | FOUNTAIN STAGE
BACK ALLEY BRASS BAND – SATURDAY 11:45AM | VISIT MISSOURI STAGE
GIOVANNIE AND THE HIRED GUNS – SATURDAY 10:00PM | FOUNTAIN STAGE
ROYALETTES VINYL CLUB – SATURDAY 1:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 2:00PM | SILENT DISCO
RYAN & RYAN – SATURDAY 1:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 2:00PM | SILENT DISCO
DJ DIEHARD – SATURDAY 3:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 4:00PM | SILENT DISCO
SONIC LOVE COLLECTIVE – SATURDAY 3:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 4:00PM | SILENT DISCO
STEVIE CRUZ – SATURDAY 5:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 6:00PM | SILENT DISCO
RICO – SATURDAY 5:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 6:00PM | SILENT DISCO
AMANDA GAEZ – SATURDAY 7:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 8:00PM | SILENT DISCO
DAWNA K – SATURDAY 7:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 8:00PM | SILENT DISCO
ASHTON MARTIN – SATURDAY 8:15PM | QUIRK STAGE SATURDAY 9:00PM | SILENT DISCO – SATURDAY 10:00PM | SILENT DISCO
CASIO MCCOMBS – SATURDAY 9:00PM | SILENT DISCO SATURDAY 10:00PM | SILENT DISCO
11:20
Paris Williams
Paris Williams – “Youth In Revolt (feat. Medici)” (radio edit) from: “Youth in Revolt (feat. Medici)” – Single / Bitter Sweet Sounds / November 5, 2020 [Paris Williams. Rapper/Producer originally from Muskegon, MI. Previously Paris Williams released the single, “Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. From Shuttlecok 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 plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Friday, June 17, at 9:30 on the Quirk Stage.]
MiD
MiD – “10 to 13” from: DON’T WORRY IT GETS WORSE / MiD / April 8, 2022 [MID is a rising Indi Rock / Pop band made up of Zak, Karsten, Husk & Colin. All members are musically trained and have written all songs of their debut album, “Don’t worry, it gets worse.” More info at: https://www.instagram.com/thebandmid%5D
[MiD plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Saturday, June 18, at 1:45 on the Park Stage.]
11:25 – Underwriting
11:26 – Interview with Chris Haghirian
We are talking with Chris Haghirian about Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists/ bands, on 5 stages, with 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market, plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and various VIP Experiences. Chris Haghirian shares his passion for the KC music community as host of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris worked for The Kansas City Star for over 20 years and is a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute. Chris organizes multiple concert series throughout the metro, and music stages for The Plaza Art Fair, The Innovation Fest, and with Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, he co-created The Middle of The Map Fest. More info at http://www.boulevardia.com
Chris Haghirian, thanks for being with us again on WMM
Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists / bands, on 5 stages.
FOUNTAIN STAGE, VISIT MISSOURI STAGE, P3 PARK STAGE, QUIRK STAGE, SILENT DISCO
With 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market,
Plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and various VIP Experiences.
The Pharcyde – “Runnin (Radio Edit)” from: Labcabincalifornia /The Bicycle Music Company / November 14, 1995 [The Pharcyde is an American alternative hip hop group, formed in 1989, from South Central Los Angeles. The original four members of the group are Imani (Emandu Wilcox), Slimkid3 (Trevant Hardson), Bootie Brown (Romye Robinson), and Fatlip (Derrick Stewart).[3] DJ Mark Luv was the group’s first disc jockey (DJ), followed by producer J-Swift and then J Dilla. The group is perhaps best known for the hit singles “Drop”, “Passin’ Me By” and “Runnin'”, as well as their first album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (1992). The group continues to tour and record, both collaboratively and in solo projects—the most recent being Hardson’s collaborative EP with DJ Nu-Mark (of Jurassic 5) released in 2014 on Delicious Vinyl. // n 1995, The Pharcyde released their second album, Labcabincalifornia. The album received mixed reviews upon release, maybe due to a different musical direction from the light-hearted playfulness of their debut. The album included another big crossover hit, “Runnin'”, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. This single was later featured in the movie 8 Mile, as well as the More Music from 8 Mile soundtrack. Labcabincalifornia featured production from producers Jay Dee (who handled the majority of the production). Member Slimkid3 has stated that the group met Jay Dee by way of Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, who handed them the tape that contained some of the production that would end up on the LP.[19] This album generated lower sales, not reaching gold status. A music video for the song “Drop” was directed by Spike Jonze.// Problems grew between Fatlip and the other MCs after this album, resulting in his leaving the group. In the documentary Cydeways: The Best of the Pharcyde, while the group is performing in shows they still offer their support to Fatlip, telling the crowd that if they support Fatlip on his solo career then they support The Pharcyde and vice versa. // In 2022 IMANI, Slimkid3 and Fatlip launched a “30th Anniversary of Bizarre Ride” tour performing as The Far Side (Formerly of The Pharcyde). More info at: thepharcyde.com
[The Pharcyde plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Saturday, June 18, at 5:05 on the Main Stage.]
Pure XTC
Pure xtc – “Shadow” from: “Shadow” Single / Taylor Hughes / 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.]
[Pure XTX plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Saturday, June 18, at 5:45 on the Quirk Stage.]
11:39 – Interview with Chris Haghirian
We are talking with Chris Haghirian about Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists/ bands, on 5 stages, with 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market, plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and various VIP Experiences. Chris Haghirian shares his passion for the KC music community as host of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris worked for The Kansas City Star for over 20 years and is a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute. Chris organizes multiple concert series throughout the metro, and music stages for The Plaza Art Fair, The Innovation Fest, and with Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, he co-created The Middle of The Map Fest. More info at http://www.boulevardia.com
Chris Haghirian, thanks for being with us again on WMM
Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists / bands, on 5 stages.
FOUNTAIN STAGE, VISIT MISSOURI STAGE, P3 PARK STAGE, QUIRK STAGE, SILENT DISCO
With 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market,
Plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and various VIP Experiences.
Frogpond – “It’s Not Over (Radio Edit)” from: TimeThief / Black-Site Records / November 19, 2021 [Newly reformed KC indie rock band, Frogpond, will release TimeThief, its first album in over twenty years on November 19, 2021, on the KC record label cooperative Black Site. Frogpond is: singer/guitarist and founder Heidi Phillips, long-time bassist, Justine Volpe, with Kristin Conkright on rhythm guitar, and Michelle Bacon on drums. More info at: http://black-site.org/frogpond // Frogpond digitally reissued their Au 1996 vinyl and cassette release Count To Ten on March 12, 2021, 25 years after its original release on August 9, 1996 on Columbia Records. Frogpond was formed in Warrensburg, Missouri. The band existed from 1994-2000, primarily performing in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas. COUNT TO TEN was the band’s 12-track national debut full length released on Tristar Music – Columbia on CD and vinyl in 1996 with songs written by Heidi Phillips, with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass, Megan Hamilton on drums, Kristie Stemel on guitar and backing vocals. Art Alexakis (of the band Everclear) served as producer and contributed backing vocals. // In 1999 Frogpond released the 13-track second album, SAFE RIDE HOME on C2 Records – Columbia, on CD and vinyl with songs written by Heidi Phillips, and with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass & backing vocals, and Billy Johnson on drums. The album was recorded by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago who also served as producer and contributed electric piano and piano. // In 1994 Frogpond self released their 8-song cassette release 2%. 2% was produced, engineered, and mixed at Red House Recording, Lawrence, Kansas, October 1994.]
[Frogpond plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Saturday, June 18, at 6:15 on the Fountain Stage.]
Valerie June
Valerie June – “Fade Into You” from: “Fade Into You” – Single / June Tunes-Concord Records / May 12, 2022 [Mazzy Star Cover. Last year on March 12, 2021 ValerieJne released her 5th full length album THE MOON AND THE STARS, co-produced by Jack Splash and Valerie June. Valerie June Hockett was born January 10, 1982), known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Her sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. She is signed to Concord Music Group worldwide. // Born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 10, 1982, June is the oldest of five children. As a child growing up in Humboldt, June was exposed to gospel music at her local church and R&B and soul music via her father, Emerson Hockett. As a teenager, her first job was with her father, owner of Hockett Construction in West Tennessee, and a part-time promoter for gospel singers and Prince, K-Ci & JoJo, and Bobby Womack. She helped by hanging posters in town. Her father died in late 2016. // June relocated to Memphis in 2000 and began recording and performing at the age of 19, initially with her then-husband Michael Joyner, in the duo Bella Sun. After her marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist, combining blues, gospel and Appalachian folk in a style that she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”, and learning guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became associated with the Memphis-based Broken String Collective. // In 2009 she was a featured artist on MTV’s online series $5 Cover (following the lives of Memphis musicians attempting to make ends meet), and in 2010 she recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show. // In 2011 she was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at the Emissaries of Memphis Music event. She raised funds to record an album with producer Craig Street via Kickstarter.com, raising $15,000 in 60 days. Later that year she relocated from Memphis to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Shortly after, record producer Kevin Augunas introduced June to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, which led to the recording of June’s album Pushin’ Against a Stone in July 2011, which was co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas. // In 2012, June performed with producer John Forté on a collaboration called Water Suites (on the hip-hop-blues song “Give Me Water”), and with Meshell Ndegeocello on the song “Be My Husband”. She contributed The Wandering’s 2012 album Go on Now, You Can’t Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. In 2012 she performed in the UK for the first time, playing at Bestival and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland. // She has received substantial radio play in Europe on BBC Radio 6, including a feature on Cerys on 6 with Cerys Matthews. Mary Anne Hobbs of XFM has said of June: “This woman has already touched my heart, she really, really has.” // In February 2013, June was invited to support Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour. In March 2013, June performed two nights at South By Southwest. The first performance was on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet. On March 16, June performed again, this time as part of The Revival Tour. Rolling Stone June’s second album, The Order of Time one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, citing “her handsomely idiosyncratic brand of Americana, steeped deep in electric blues and old-time folk, gilded in country twang and gospel yearning….a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June’s pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center”. In a 2017 interview, Bob Dylan was asked what artists he listened to and respected; June was among the artists he mentioned in reply.More info at: http://www.valeriejune.com]
[Valerie June plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Saturday, June 18, at 6:25 on the Main Stage.]
11:51- Interview with Chris Haghirian
We have been talking with Chris Haghirian about Boulevardia 2022, on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, with 70 artists/ bands, on 5 stages, with 48 Brewing Companies from 19 States and 2 Countries, 29 Restaurants & Food Trucks, 46 merchants in the Makers Market, plus a Podcast Stage, a Legacy Skating Party, The Silent Disco, and various VIP Experiences. Chris Haghirian shares his passion for the KC music community as host of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris worked for The Kansas City Star for over 20 years and is a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute. Chris organizes multiple concert series throughout the metro, and music stages for The Plaza Art Fair, The Innovation Fest, and with Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, he co-created The Middle of The Map Fest. More info at http://www.boulevardia.com
Chris Haghirian, thanks for being with us again on WMM
Thank you to everyone who called in last week during our Spring Fund Drive Show. 46 people donated through Wednesday MidDay Medley at total of $2689.00
For Chris Haghirian and Boulevardia 2022 and for Wednesday MidDay Medley I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:54
Dashboard Confessional
Dashboard Confessional – “Hands Down” from: A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar / Vagrant Records / August 12, 2003 [Hands Down” is a song by Dashboard Confessional that was originally recorded for the acoustic So Impossible EP in 2001, which told the story of a date that Chris Carrabba had in his late teens/early twenties. It was later re-recorded and released as the lead single for the LP A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar in 2003 with a full band. Carrabba has said that this song is about the best day and date that he’s ever had, and introduces it as such at concerts. “Hands Down” was released to radio on July 15, 2003. // A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar is the third studio album by American band Dashboard Confessional. // Dashboard Confessional started as the one-man acoustic project of vocalist/guitarist Chris Carrabba. The project’s second album The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most (2001), released through independent label Vagrant Records, featured a full band on a few of the songs. The album become Vagrant’s best-selling release. Lead single “Screaming Infidelities” became a hit at modern rock radio stations. The So Impossible EP, made in collaboration with guitarist Dan Hoerner of Sunny Day Real Estate, was released in December. // It was followed by a companion piece, the Summers Kiss EP in April 2002. Later in 2002, Dashboard Confessional taped a performance for MTV’s Unplugged series, which was later released as MTV Unplugged 2.0. As Dashboard Confessional was becoming a staple at radio and on MTV, the project solidified its line-up as a group: Carrabba, bassist Scott Schoenbeck, guitarist John Lefler and drummer Mike Marsh. In December, Carrabba revealed the next album’s title: A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar. // In February 2022 Dashboard Confessional released their 9th studio album, All The Truth That I Can Tell. Dashboard Confessional and Jimmy Eat World began their ‘Surviving the Truth Tour’ on Feb 27, 2022. // Info: dashboardconfessional.com]
[Dashboard Confessional plays Boulevardia 2396 Grand Blvd on Saturday, June 18, at 9:45 on the Main Stage.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, June 22, in our first hour we’ll talk with singer, songwriter, actor, performer Stephonne! And… in our second hour we will welcome members of Monta At Odds who play a Vinyl Release Show at RecordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd, on Saturday, June 25 with Jorge Arana Trio, The Moose, and Royalettes Vinyl Club.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley 