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, March 13, 2024
Kat King + Elaine McMilian + New KKFI Hosts: DJ Thundercutz, Nicolette Paige + Brian Hullaby + New & MidCoastal Releases
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Whips, Eddie Moore, Kat King, Daniel Gum, The Swallowtails, Erin Keller, Belle & The Vertigo Waves, Christena Graves, The Freedom Affair, Supermassive Black Holes, Jamogi, and Heidi Lynne Gluck.
At 10:30 we’ll talk with Kat King about the new single “Living Room” from the upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss to be released through Manor Records on April 5, 2024. The Kat King band includes: Kat King on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. Kat writes: “Living Room formed out of a guitar melody that Derek sent me in a voice recording. It was in the early stages of living with a partner for the first time where you have to figure out how to navigate your independence while cohabitating because you realize the joy in having someone to leave early with or to just stay home with. I knew I wanted to revisit that guitar recording Derek sent me because of its nostalgic sound and I ended up writing the entire song that evening. When I showed the band we restructured the song, jumping right into the chorus instead of the classic verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure it was initially. John also wrote this beautiful melodic bass line that acts as a counter melody throughout which I think gives it such an interesting instrumental story arc.” More info at: https://vibe.to/livingroom
At 11:00 Mark talks with writer and musician Elaine McMilian about her new book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals. Elaine wrote her first poem, “Palatable Thoughts of Peace,” in the eighth grade, and whether poetry, songs, or essays, she’s been a committed writer since, graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Creative Writing degree. During her thirty years as a singer/songwriter, she starred in genres as diverse as folk, alternative, and classic rock; standard American ballads; and punk. In more recent years, she’s shifted toward poetry and essays, showcasing her works first in her memoir blog, And Something Else, and currently in her follow-up site, And Something More. Elaine lives contentedly in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband Gaylon. Copper and Other Precious Metals is her first book of poetry, and represents the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. Read more of Elaine’s writing at elainemcmilian.substack.com.
At 11:30 Mark welcomes three of KKFI’s new class of Programmers: Clinton Martens aka DJ Thundercutz who hosts “In The Groove” Mondays, Noon to 2:00pm; Nicolette Paige who hosts “Soul Child Radio” Thursdays, Noon to 2:00pm; and Brian Hullaby who co-hosts The People Power Hour on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00pm presented by KC Tenants. These three dynamic radio show host/producers are part of KKFI’s recent initiative that brought 15 new shows and 22 new programmers into our community radio family! 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, March 6, 2024
New & MidCoastal Releases + Trecen Peeler & Carlos Nunez of Say That Again + Betse Ellis + Joelle St. Pierre
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
St. Vincent – “Broken Man” from: All Born Screaming / Total Pleasure Records / April 26, 2024 [All Born Screaming is the upcoming seventh studio album from St. Vincent. On February 16, 2024, the musician first spoke about the record, saying how she “needed to go deeper in finding [her] own sonic vocabulary” and likes to refer to the album as “post-plague pop”. All Born Screaming marks the first studio album entirely produced by Clark herself, alongside additional mixing by Cian Riordan. The record features contributions from several artists, including Dave Grohl, Cate Le Bon, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Josh Freese, Stella Mozgawa, Rachel Eckroth, Mark Guiliana, and David Ralicke of Dengue Fever. Trying to explain the sound of the album, Clark compared it to “taking the long walk into the woods alone” in order to find the messages of your heart. As a result, she opined that it “sounds real because it is real”. // Clark shared the lead single “Broken Man”, an “industrial menacing rock” piece, on February 29, 2024, along with a music video directed by Alex Da Corte. During the video, she bursts into flames, an image that is also depicted as the album artwork. // The song “Sweetest Fruit” includes an ode to Sophie, a music producer whom Vincent admired and who died in 2021, and is about “people trying for transcendence, and at least they were taking a big swing or trying for something beautiful”. // Anne Erin Clark (born September 28, 1982), known professionally as St. Vincent, is an American musician and singer. Her guitar playing has been praised for its melodic style and use of distortion, and she has been listed among the best guitarists of the 21st century by multiple publications. Rolling Stone named Clark the 26th-greatest guitarist of all time in 2023. // Raised in Dallas, St. Vincent began her music career as a member of the Polyphonic Spree. She was also a member of Sufjan Stevens’ touring band before forming her own band in 2006. Her debut solo album, Marry Me, was released in 2007; it was followed by Actor (2009) and Strange Mercy (2011). In 2012, St. Vincent released Love This Giant, an album made in collaboration with David Byrne of Talking Heads. Her fourth studio album, St. Vincent (2014), received widespread acclaim from contemporary critics and was named album of the year by Slant Magazine, NME, The Guardian and Entertainment Weekly. She collaborated with producer and songwriter Jack Antonoff for her albums Masseduction (2017) and Daddy’s Home (2021), which received further acclaim. // St. Vincent produced Sleater-Kinney’s 2019 album The Center Won’t Hold and co-wrote Taylor Swift’s Billboard Hot 100 number-one single “Cruel Summer”. She also directed a segment in the 2017 anthology horror film XX, and co-wrote and starred in the psychological thriller film The Nowhere Inn (2020). // Clark was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 28, 1982, to Sharon Christine and Richard “Rick” Clark. // Her mother is a social worker and administrator for a nonprofit organization, and her stepfather works in corporate tax administration. Her parents divorced when she was 3, and when she was 7, she moved with her mother and two older sisters to Dallas, Texas. She has said that a 23andMe DNA test revealed her ancestry to be 80% Irish and 20% Ashkenazi Jewish, via one of her grandmothers. Clark was raised Catholic and Unitarian Universalist. // Clark has four brothers and four sisters from her parents’ blended families. // As a child, Clark was fond of Ritchie Valens and the movie La Bamba. When she was five, her mother gave her a red plastic guitar from a Target store for Christmas. She began playing her first real guitar at age 12 and worked some of her teenage years as a roadie for her aunt and uncle, the guitar-vocal jazz duo Tuck & Patti. In 2001, she graduated from Lake Highlands High School, where she participated in theater and the school’s jazz band, and was a classmate of actor Mark Salling. // She attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, studying with professor Lauren Passarelli. She left after three years, feeling that art institutions such as Berklee were sometimes focused more on the aesthetics of art than the product.[19] In retrospect, she said, “I think that with music school and art school, or school in any form, there has to be some system of grading and measurement. The things they can teach you are quantifiable. While all that is good and has its place, at some point you have to learn all you can and then forget everything that you learned in order to actually start making music.”]
Hurray for the Riff Raff – “Alibi” from: The Past is Still Alive / Hurray For The Riff Raff / February 23, 2024 [The Past Is Still Alive is the ninth studio album by Hurray for the Riff Raff. Produced by Brad Cook, the album features contributions from Conor Oberst, Meg Duffy, Anjimile and S.G. Goodman. // Front member Alynda Segarra started recording The Past Is Still Alive the month after the death of their father, in March 2023. The album emerged from a period of “personal grief” and pulled inspiration from “radical poetry, railroad culture, outsider art”, as well as works from Eileen Myles and activist groups like ACT UP and Gran Fury. It sees Segarra dealing with the passing of time and the “ones left behind”. Tracks are viewed from the perspective of Segarra as “first-person lyrics” and reflects on key moments of their childhood, struggles in early adulthood and lessons learnt in the present time. Upon announcing The Past Is Still Alive on November 9, 2023, Segarra also shared the lead single “Alibi”. They described the song as “a reckoning with time and memory” in an attempt to reach someone that is “destined to be lost”. // Hurray for the Riff Raff are set to promote the album through a 39-date North America and Europe tour in spring 2024. // Hurray for the Riff Raff is an American band formed in New Orleans in 2007 by Alynda Segarra, a singer-songwriter from the Bronx, New York. // As Segarra’s project, the group originally performed different styles of folk music while releasing several albums independently. // Alynda Mariposa Segarra (formerly known as Alynda Lee) was raised by their aunt and uncle in the Bronx where they developed an early appreciation for doo-wop and Motown. They are of Puerto Rican heritage. // Segarra became a regular attendee of hardcore punk shows at ABC No Rio when they were young. They left their home in the Bronx at age 17, spending time crossing North America, hopping freight trains. // Around 2007, Segarra became a part of the Dead Man Street Orchestra, a hobo band that was documented in a photo essay by Time magazine in 2007. Segarra traveled with the group for two years, releasing two independent albums and embarking on freight train tours across the country. // Hurray for the Riff Raff at Haldern Pop Festival 2017. // In 2008, Segarra self-released Hurray for the Riff Raff’s first studio album, It Don’t Mean I Don’t Love You, followed by another self-released album, Young Blood Blues, in 2010. In February 2011, Hurray for the Riff Raff were featured in an article in The Times based around the HBO TV series Treme, with their track “Daniella” having been included in the show’s selection of New Orleans’ essential songs. // On March 21, 2011, Hurray for the Riff Raff released their self-titled CD on Loose Music in Europe, composed of Segarra’s favorite songs from the band’s two previous records. Tracks from this indie-label debut release by the band received airplay on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music. // In May 2012, Hurray for the Riff Raff released Look Out Mama on their own label, Born to Win Records, as well as on Loose Music in Europe. No Depression said it “sounds like something The Band would’ve had playing on a Victorola while making Music From Big Pink in Woodstock.” The album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee at The Bomb Shelter Studios and produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes). The record features the single “End of the Line”. // My Dearest Darkest Neighbor was then released on July 1, 2013, through Mod Mobilian Records and This Is American Music. The album was previously available only as a Kickstarter reward and in limited local release and featured handmade covers. Tracks on the record include songs by Townes Van Zandt, Billie Holiday, Gillian Welch, Leadbelly, John Lennon, Lucinda Williams, Joni Mitchell, Hank Williams, and George Harrison, and features Segarra’s interpretation of Gillian Welch’s “Ruination Day”. // The Wall Street Journal describes Segarra’s singing thus: “She has a subtle, expressive voice that she wraps around songs that draw on the sounds and styles of the American South, and her lyrics often take unconventional tack on traditional subjects.” // Spin previewed a video of the band’s song “St. Roch Blues”. // In February 2014, Hurray for the Riff Raff had their ATO Records debut with Small Town Heroes. The record featured “The Body Electric,” a song that NPR’s Ann Powers called “The Political Song of the Year” in 2014 and says the album “sweeps across eras and genres with grace and grit.” // Describing Segarra’s music, NPR says “Segarra’s morning-after alto might be the least showy great voice to hit the national scene this year.” // In early July 2016, the band played the Danish festival of Roskilde to an enthusiastic audience. In December 2016, they announced a new record, The Navigator, on Pitchfork with the first single from the album, “Rican Beach.” The album was released on March 10, 2017, on ATO Records. // In late 2018, Segarra joined organizers of the Newport Folk Festival to travel to Puerto Rico and deliver instruments to various public schools. During that visit, Segarra played their first concert at La Respuesta in Santurce. // In 2019, HftRR’s “Pa’lante” won Best Music Video at the SXSW Film Festival Jury and Specials Awards. // In 2021, Nonesuch Records announced Hurray for the Riff Raff’s debut album on the label. Life on Earth was released on February 18, 2022. Its eleven new “nature punk” tracks on the theme of survival are “music for a world in flux—songs about thriving, not just surviving, while disaster is happening.” Leading up to its release, Stereogum made it their album of the week, noting that the album’s “sonic backdrop is fluid yet unmistakable no matter what form it takes. Even at their most synthetic, these tracks come across as earthy and alive—an extension of their environment. Even at their smallest and quietest, they feel huge.” The album was met with critical acclaim upon its release. // Segarra lives in New Orleans, is non-binary, and uses they/them pronouns.]
10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1
Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today WMM spins More New & MidCoastal Releases from: Krystle Warren & The Faculty, Alber, Kat King, Eddie Moore, Teri Quinn, Norman Brown, IVORY BLUE, Say That Again, and The Talking Trees. We started the show with: Hurray For The Riff Raff, and St. Vincent.
We are featuring music from musical artists playing all over Kansas City this week.
At 11:00 Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez of the Kansas City based band Say That Again join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios. Say That Again just released their first full-length album, “Get Over It” on Feb. 23, 2024. Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE.
We take break to encourage YOU to support 90.1 FM KKFI. To help me, is my friend…
Betse Ellis. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been playing the Violin for over 40 years, with over 20 years playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, and records and performs with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke and with Starhaven Rounders and also with Little Miss Dynamite.
Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Also with us is Joelle St. Pierre, a friend of the show, a friend of mine since the early 1990s when we worked together at Cafe Lulu. Joelle is a super volunteer for 90.1 FM KKFI, helping with KKFI’s special events, the Crossroads Music Festival, answering phones for our On-Air-Fund Drives, being a “Listener Evaluator” for KKFI’s Program Evaluation Initiative. Joelle works full time for an Insurance Company but also finds time to volunteer for Midwest Music Foundation,Folk Alliance International, and several other charity organization.Joelle helped me build two 18-raised bed gardens for schools in KCK, and also helped water gardens for several years. Poet Kahlil Gibran notes that “Music is the language of the Spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife”.
Joelle St. Pierre, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
A Personal Story: 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio is Non-Commercial, and that means that three times a year, we interrupt our regular programming, to ask our listeners, to help us continue our unique, 24-7 programming. For 36 years 90.1 FM KKFI has been on the air. While the spirit of this station is kept alive by hundreds of volunteers who passionately donate their time and abilities to keep the transmission of our 100,000-watt-signal alive. We are a operated by a not-for-profit organization, incorporated over 40 years ago, called The MidCoast Radio Project. We’re a non-profit, with a staff of three incredible individuals and hundreds of committed volunteers, who donate thousands of hours every year, producing radio shows, training new hosts and producers, developing new radio shows, serving our vast community landscape with music and news, information and stories that reflect the many communities we serve. We do all of this because of YOU and it is because of our incredible listeners, who take a moment and call 888-931-0901 and donate, that we are able to continue. You keep us alive! Our volunteers are waiting to hear from YOU right now.
In 2023 on WMM we conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests.: Karen Lisondra, Bitch, Marion Merritt, Joelle St. Pierre, Nicolette Paige, Dedric Moore, Brenton Cook, Mark Ronning, Nathan Reusch, Krysztof Nemeth, Jennifer Owen, Stacy Busch, Marty Bush, Spencer Brown aka Daisy Buckët, IV0RY BLUE, Alyssa Murray, Mica-Elgin Vi, Noah Bartelt, Shaun Crowley, Jeffrey Stolz, Wallace Cochran, Betty Berry, Scott Easterday, Cody Wyoming, Mara Rose Williams, Nick Carswell, Fally Afani, Dan Jones, Steve Tulipana, Miki P, Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla, Bill Sundahl, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Sophia and Analiese of The Black Mariah Theater, JNabe, Danny Alexander, Michael B. Tipton, Mark Meisenheimer, Tillie Hall, Joy Zimmerman, Paris Williams, Zava, Kevin Willmott, Mark von Schlemmer, Heidi Gluck, Nate Holt, Kirsten Paludan, Jade Osborne, Alisön Hawkins, Fritz Hutchison, Audrey Crabtree, Beth Byrd, Chip Ashby, Stephanie Iszory, Jass, Clarence Copridge, Calvin Arsenia, Kirstie Lynn, Galen Clark, Chris Haghirian, Nico Gray, Mike McCoy, Madisen Ward, Mikal Shapiro, Jen Harris, Stephonne, Betse Ellis, Luke Harbur, Julia Reynolds, Andrew Connor, Ryan Connor, Bill Belzer, Krystle Warren, Mike Dillon, Malek Azreal, Philip Dickey, Elyshya “Millz” Miller, Ethan Eckert, Sondra Freeman, Alicia Ellingsworth, Patrick Sprehe, Kate McCandless, Megan Birdsall, Michael Andrew Smith, Jess Shoman of Tenci, April Fletcher, Brad Cox, Necia Gamby, Iris DeMent, Kelly Dougherty, Audrey Bramlett, Erika Cecilia, Paul Jesse, Deegan Poores, Gayle Cade-Price, Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Frank Loose Jr., Kurt Witt, Tim Miller, Anthony Cruz, Olivia “Liv” Wyrick of Cardio Party, Aisha Kahlil, Hermon Mehari, Nan Turner, Elizabeth Suh, Howie Howard, Nani Noam Vazana, Kelley Hunt, Rachael Sage, Michelle Bacon, Devon Teran, Aaron Mitchum
10:14
Krystle Warren & The Faculty– “LA DOLCE VITA” from: “LA DOLCE VITA” – Single / Parlour Door Music / March 1, 2024 [KC born and internationally known singer songwriter Krystle Warren is one of our most played artists on the WMM radio show. Krystle is also one of our most frequent guests. In 2023 Krystle Warren released her new song, “Macca” from Krystle Warren & The Faculty, that was recorded on the heels of sessions for the band’s upcoming full length album EXTENDED PLAY. Krystle says that the song, “became equal parts: a love letter to (Paul McCartney) and a note of encouragement to me. Which is a wonderful thing if you think about it.” // Krystle Warren began performing in her native KC at the age of 16. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. // Krystle Warren moved to NYC, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her band, The Faculty. // From Diary EP to Extended Play A Truncated History of Krystle Warren & The Faculty From http://www.krystalwarren.com written by Phil Anderson: Krystle Warren met Solomon Dorsey some weekend at a high school debate competition in Kansas City. After she had trounced Solomon’s debate partner, the two ended up in an open classroom where they began playing music—Krystle had brought her guitar and was practicing chords, and Solomon, then an accomplished violinist, cellist, bassist, and singer likely had some sort of instrument on him, and even if he didn’t he had his voice. // Due to some specific details we’re not going to get into, Krystle was already living on her own; she was eighteen and he was seventeen. But she had a friend who had an apartment near hers, and this friend was having a party. “Wanna go?” she asked Solomon. And, as Solomon puts it, he has seen or spoken to Krystle every single day of his life since. // So when Solomon decided to attend the jazz program at New School in New York, he asked Krystle, “Wanna go?” And a few months after he moved, Krystle showed up. On her first night in the city, Solomon introduced her to Zach Djanikian, a saxophonist he’d become fast friends with at school. They lived in the same dorm, and Zach and Solomon took Krystle to a practice room in the basement and the three of them played musical games. According to Zach, “We’d sing as many melodies as we could over four open strings of the upright bass, plucked successively. ‘Norwegian Wood’ and the theme to Family Matters were a couple favorites.” // This led to busking as a trio, and each of them was hustling for gigs. An Italian restaurant that featured live music gave Krystle a regular night, and she often had Solomon and Zach play with her. Zach’s friend from Philadelphia, Ben Kane, would come to these nights, and he brought Mike Riddleberger. //After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, who gave her a one way ticket to France. // Krystle moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French & British TV programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling on world tours with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. // Krystle left Because Music and created her own recording label, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace / A Time to Refrain from Embracing” a double album recording from a 14-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. In 2019 The Kansas City based Owen/Cox Dance Group premiered a new dance piece titled “Love Songs” with choreography by Jennifer Owen, set to all 24 songs, in the order they appear in the recording. // Krystle Warren has collaborated with Erykah Badu, Keziah Jones, Zap Mama, Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright, Brad Cox Amadou & Mariam, Lakecia Benjamin, Guarco, Teddy Thompson, Gwyneth Herbert, Hercules & Love Affair, and Joon Moon. Along with being included in the compilation “NYC Subway – Songs from the Underground,” and tribute recordings for Kate McGarrigle, and Nick Drake. // In an article in SPIN Magazine, December 6, 2020, The 35 Best Lesser-Known Artists of the Last 35 Years, Picked by 35 Well-Known Artists Krystle Was named twice! // Joan as Police Woman on Krystle Warren: “Most stellar voice, tender and strong in equal measure with a range nothing short of miraculous. Incredible writer of songs, the type of which used to get written and go on to become classics. Exquisite live performer in the way you forget completely where you are and what’s happening in your life.” // Rufus Wainwright on Krystle Warren: “Krystle Warren’s voice and performance style seared an indelible mark on me years ago when she joined Martha and I on tributes to our mom Kate McGarrigle in both London and New York. Her haunting interpretations, vocal timbre and singular look completely devastated all present, and soon after I had the honor of taking her out on the road with me. Be it covers, her own material or harmonizing with others, she is a true musician and should be considered an international treasure.”
Krystle Warren & The Faculty Discography
Krystle Warren & The Faculty has released the EP “Diary” on May 1, 2007
Krystle Warren released “The Up Series – EP” on November 10, 2008
Krystle Warren releases the 13-song Album CIRCLES on March 13, 2009
Krystle Warren & The Faculty released “A Time To Keep – Love Songs EP”, Aug. 12, 2011
Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the double album 24-song “Love Songs” released on vinyl in Europe on April 9, 2012 as “Love Songs: A Time to Embrace,” and “Love Songs: A Time to Refrain from Embracing. ” And released on separate digital and CD albums in the United States as: “Love Songs: A Time to Embrace,” on March 13, 2012 and “Love Songs: A Time to Refrain from Embracing” on February 27, 2015
Krystle Warren released the album THREE THE HARDWAY on August 18, 2017
Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the single “Rising” on May 31, 2019
Krystle Warren & The Crew released the 4-song EP, THE CREW on September 15, 2020
Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the single “Macca”on May 22, 2023
Eddie Moore – “Freewheel” from: Aperture (Live Piano Works) / Eddie Moore Music / March 5, 2024 [All songs written by Eddie Moore. Recorded by Eddie Moore and Jaylen Ward. Mixed by Eddie Moore. Mastered by Crayge Lindesay. Album art by Jeremy Ian Thomas. This project presents snapshots into the life of Eddie Moore. The fun times riding bikes, getting lost in the woods, and spending time with loved ones. As a special solo sharing, it only felt right to capture the velvet soothing energy live on stage at Corvino’s, where experimentation and vulnerability are encouraged. // Special thanks to the Corvinos and the staff for letting me sneak in during the “off hours” and post up for a few hours in a blizzard. // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // On April 20, 2023 Eddie Moore released the single “Tuunami” Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, this song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // Eddie Moore released his critically acclaimed album INTUITION on October 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. // Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]
Teri Quinn – “Deafening Silence” from: Deafening Silence [EP] / Teri Quinn / June 30, 2023 [Joining Teri on the track are: John O’keefe on bass, Ryan Smith on Drums, Landon Hambright on guitar. Produced and Engineered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording & Mastering Studios. Teri Quinn is a multi-instrumentalist whose primary songwriting instrument is the banjo. She uses the banjo as a way to create soundscapes drawing you in to her tales of wandering and self-discovery. In 2016, Quinn released her first EP ‘Moons and Meltdowns’ setting the gritty tone for her indie folk sensibilities. She was nominated for Best Musician for the 2018 Pitch Awards. // This single follows Teris earlier single release “Sweet Savannah” rom February 26, 2020 Produced and engineered by Chase Horseman at Element Recording Studios. Mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. For this recording: Landon Hambright on guitar, Matt Richey on drums, Joel Stratton on Wurlitzer, Molly Mclaughlin on alto flute, Chase Horseman on synth bass, and Teri Quinn on banjo and vocals. // Teri Quinn is a KC based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Teri moved to Kansas City in 2009 to study clarinet performance and Music Composition at the UMKC’s Conservatory of Music where she graduated in 2013. Teri released her debut EP, Moons and Meltdowns in 2017. Along with being a touring solo artists Teri has also played with Claire and the Crowded Stage, Abandoned Bells, True Lions, and Monta.]
[Teri Quinn plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway KCMO. Thurs, Mar. 7, at 7:pm w/ Ione, & They’re Theirs.]
10:26 – Pledge Break #2
Our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Betse Ellis and Joelle St. Pierre
WMM and KKFI are committed to featuring artists under-represented in other media, and that includes the music community that lives within Kansas City and Lawrence and the area radiance of our 100 watt signal. The story of Kansas City’s Arts and Music Community is our primary objective on WMM, where for almost 20 years we have shined a light on this music and the artists who create it, and that story also include the music labels who help get this music out into the community and beyond Kansas City. That story also includes the recording studios where this music is engineered and mastered.
Wednesday MidDay Medley 90.1 FM was the first radio show and first radio station to ever play many if these amazing musical artists. WMM was the first to play the recordings of: Calvin Arsenia, and Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, and Krystle Warren, and The Black Creatures and KD Kuro, The Shy Boys, The Salvation Choir. We were the first to interview these artists live on the radio and bring their music to a wider audience. Recently WMM was the first radio show to interview national artist Flamy Grant on the radio airwaves.
10:34 – Underwriting
Norman Brown – “It Hits Different (feat. Wirlie Morris)” from: It Hits Different / Shanachie Entertainment Group / March 1, 2024 [Norman Brown was born Dec. 18, 1970. // Brown was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. When he was eight years old, he was attracted to his brother’s acoustic guitar. He was inspired by Jimi Hendrix and the Isley Brothers. When he heard Wes Montgomery, he began to play jazz. He attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. After graduating in 1984, he joined the staff and was an instructor until 1998. In 1991 he signed with Mo Jazz, a division of Motown. // In 1992 he released his debut album, Just Between Us. Collaborators included Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, and Kenneth H. Williams. The album was produced by Norman Connors, a jazz drummer and producer who discovered Brown. In 1994 Brown released the album After the Storm, which gained critical success and was awarded jazz album of the year by Soul Train Music Awards. It also won a Gavin Radio Award by remaining on the charts for over two years. He followed this album with the 1996 release Better Days Ahead, which earned him a broader audience and the American Jazz Award. In 1999, he returned from a three year hiatus and signed with Warner Bros., releasing Celebration, which was produced by Norman Brown, Paul Brown, and Herman Jackson. // In 2002, he formed BWB with saxophonist Kirk Whalum and trumpeter Rick Braun, and they released the album Groovin’. During the summer of 2007, Brown had a No. 1 smooth jazz radio hit, “Let’s Take a Ride”, from the album Stay with Me, according to Radio and Records magazine. In 2008, the Verve Music Group re-released Just Between Us as part of its “Verve Originals” series. Brown’s music can be heard during The Weather Channel’s Local on the 8s segments. His song “Lydian” is included in their 2008 compilation album, The Weather Channel Presents: Smooth Jazz II. In 2011, Brown collaborated with Gerald Albright to record 24/7 which had a number one single, “In the Moment”, and earned him a Grammy Award nomination.]
[Norman Brown plays The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Saturday, March 9 at 8:00pm as part of The Folly Jazz Series.]
Ivory Blue – “Flashback” from: “Flashback” – Single / IVORY BLUE / March 15, 2024 [IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on November 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, and vocalist. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Howl” on February 16, 2024. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on October 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D [Ivory Blue was our guest on WMM on: March 8, 2023, June 7, 2023, our 1000th show on June 28, 2023, and September 27, 2023.]
[IVORY BLUE plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, on Thursday, March 28, at 8:00PM with Lady Revel, and Keelon Vann]
ALBER – “Caldo” from: Caldo / Locale Records / March 1, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.] [Albert Racanati will be our guest on April 3, 2024]
ALBERDISCOGRAPHY INTO THE WOODS – 2022 JOURNEY – 2021 ALBER – 2020
10:46 – Pledge Break #3
Our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Betse Ellis & Joelle St. Pierre
In a few weeks, on May 8, Wednesday MidDay Medley will be celebrating 20 years!
This is 1045 weekly shows, that equal 2090 hours of radio, 30,000 hours of preparation, over 2900 Interviews, 2500 guests, and over 20,000 songs, from thousands of musical artists. We have made it our mission to mix musical genres, playing with themes, diversity, equality, free speech, connecting artists and venues and listeners and communities. Wednesday MidDay Medley has proudly endeavored to help tell the story of our growing Kansas City area music scene, “The Midcoast Sound,” as we like to call it. We have dedicated a majority of our programming to New & MidCoastal Releases.
WMM has presented new formats in radio, with our “A Story In A Song” series, and our special shows featuring: Apocalypse Meow, Crossroads Music Fest, Folk Alliance, Manor Fest, International, The Outer Reaches Festival, Boulevardia. KC Fringe Festival, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bach Aria Soloists, KC Pride, and our annual tribute shows to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., David Bowie, Iris Dement, Pioneers of Punk, LGBTQIA Themes, Black Lives Matter and inteviews with Tommy Ramone, Iris Dement, Laurie Anderson, Lily Tomlin. Plus, our annual 4-week special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of the Year.
To say this radio show has been inspired by the KC music community, is an understatement. The KC music community is fueled by a collaborative and generous heart that is beating in so many of the artists we’ve met while doing this show. We are inspired by the Fearless Women who created radio on 90.1 FM long before us: our friend April Fletcher who plays bass professionally in Los Angeles, and hosted Mix Well Before Serving on 90.1 in 1988 on KKFI’s first year of broadcast, and last year returned after 35 years to host and produce WMM. And our friend Anne Winter, who left us in 2009, and reminded us how we’re all connected. At Anne’s funeral we realized that we are connected to hundreds of other people who Anne had touched with her gentle, wise, guidance and had nudged into taking a job, going out on a stage, organizing an event, doing a radio show. We were all connected, she had loved us all and supported us, and some of us made a pact to do just a little bit of what Anne did, if we all did a little we could continue her work to help build our community, that is how we keep Anne alive in our heart. And through collaboration, and shining a light, like Abigail Hope Henderson, who we lost in 2013, but not before she ignited a movement to create the Midwest Music Foundation supporting heath care needs and mental health care for the music community. I’m inspired by the diverse , intelligent, motivated, listeners, looking for place on the dial, where they can connect to the stories & music & voice of our community.
Today we celebrate the pure idea of community radio, free form radio, radio that tells the story of the people who live here, the artists, the writers, the teachers, the performers. We celebrate 1035 weeks of WMM, the show that has brought us together, at this time, on this frequency, in these community airwaves. Thanks for listening.
10:55
The Talking Trees – “Aliens” from: ALIENS – EP / The Talking Trees / March 1, 2024 [The Talking Trees is an American post-rock Trio based in Kansas City comprised of multi-instrumentalists Dirk Liebert on bass, guitar, & vocals; Tommy Capps on keyboard, guitar, and vocals; Graham Stone on drums & percussion. More information: http://www.thetalkingtreesmusic.com]
[The Talking Trees play recordBar 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO, on Saturday, March 9 at 7:00pm with Captain Howdy and the Sunsets, and Lake Love ]
Say That Again – “Stuck Around” from: Get Over it / Say That Again / February 23, 2024 [Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Trecen Peeler on bass, Vinnie Cascone on drums, and Carlos Nunez on lead guitar. Their music is a fun blend of Alternative/Indie Rock and Bedroom Pop that’ll get your toes tapping. Say That Again released their debut EP “Flying Cars” in December of 2021 and just released their first full-length album, “Get Over It” on February 23, 2024. More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC]
[Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE.]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Interview with Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez
Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez of the Kansas City based band Say That Again join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios. Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Trecen Peeler on bass, Vinnie Cascone on drums, and Carlos Nunez on lead guitar. Their music is a fun blend of Alternative/Indie Rock and Bedroom Pop that’ll get your toes tapping. Say That Again released their debut EP “Flying Cars” in December of 2021 and just released their first full-length album, “Get Over It” on February 23, 2024. Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE. More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC
Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard Say That Again’s song, “Stuck Around” from their album Get Over It released onFebruary 23, 2024
Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with
Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Trecen Peeler on bass, Vinnie Cascone on drums, Carlos Nunez on lead guitar.
Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE.
Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC
11:10
Say That Again – “January” from: Get Over it / Say That Again / February 23, 2024 [ Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Trecen Peeler on bass, Vinnie Cascone on drums, and Carlos Nunez on lead guitar. Their music is a fun blend of Alternative/Indie Rock and Bedroom Pop that’ll get your toes tapping. Say That Again released their debut EP “Flying Cars” in December of 2021 and just released their first full-length album, “Get Over It” on February 23, 2024. More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC]
[Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE.]
11:14 – Pledge Break #4
This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Betse Ellis & Joelle St. Pierre
In a few weeks, on May 8, Wednesday MidDay Medley will be celebrating 20 years!
This is 1045 weekly shows, that equal 2090 hours of radio, 30,000 hours of preparation, over 2900 Interviews, 2500 guests, and over 20,000 songs, from thousands of musical artists. We have made it our mission to mix musical genres, playing with themes, diversity, equality, free speech, connecting artists and venues and listeners and communities. Wednesday MidDay Medley has proudly endeavored to help tell the story of our growing Kansas City area music scene, “The Midcoast Sound,” as we like to call it. We have dedicated a majority of our programming to New & MidCoastal Releases.
WMM has presented new formats in radio, with our “A Story In A Song” series, and our special shows featuring: Apocalypse Meow, Crossroads Music Fest, Folk Alliance, Manor Fest, International, The Outer Reaches Festival, Boulevardia. KC Fringe Festival, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bach Aria Soloists, KC Pride, and our annual tribute shows to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., David Bowie, Iris Dement, Pioneers of Punk, LGBTQIA Themes, Black Lives Matter and inteviews with Tommy Ramone, Iris Dement, Laurie Anderson, Lily Tomlin. Plus, our annual 4-week special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of the Year.
To say this radio show has been inspired by the KC music community, is an understatement. The KC music community is fueled by a collaborative and generous heart that is beating in so many of the artists we’ve met while doing this show. We are inspired by the Fearless Women who created radio on 90.1 FM long before us: our friend April Fletcher who plays bass professionally in Los Angeles, and hosted Mix Well Before Serving on 90.1 in 1988 on KKFI’s first year of broadcast, and last year returned after 35 years to host and produce WMM. And our friend Anne Winter, who left us in 2009, and reminded us how we’re all connected. At Anne’s funeral we realized that we are connected to hundreds of other people who Anne had touched with her gentle, wise, guidance and had nudged into taking a job, going out on a stage, organizing an event, doing a radio show. We were all connected, she had loved us all and supported us, and some of us made a pact to do just a little bit of what Anne did, if we all did a little we could continue her work to help build our community, that is how we keep Anne alive in our heart. And through collaboration, and shining a light, like Abigail Hope Henderson, who we lost in 2013, but not before she ignited a movement to create the Midwest Music Foundation supporting heath care needs and mental health care for the music community. I’m inspired by the diverse , intelligent, motivated, listeners, looking for place on the dial, where they can connect to the stories & music & voice of our community.
Today we celebrate the pure idea of community radio, free form radio, radio that tells the story of the people who live here, the artists, the writers, the teachers, the performers. We celebrate 1035 weeks of WMM, the show that has brought us together, at this time, on this frequency, in these community airwaves. Thanks for listening.
10:55
Say That Again – “Hang Tight” \ from: Get Over it / Say That Again / February 23, 2024 [ Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Trecen Peeler on bass, Vinnie Cascone on drums, and Carlos Nunez on lead guitar. Their music is a fun blend of Alternative/Indie Rock and Bedroom Pop that’ll get your toes tapping. Say That Again released their debut EP “Flying Cars” in December of 2021 and just released their first full-length album, “Get Over It” on February 23, 2024. More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC]
[Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE.]
11:25 – More Interview with Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez
Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez of the Kansas City based band Say That Again join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios.
Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Trecen Peeler on bass, Vinnie Cascone on drums, and Carlos Nunez on lead guitar. Their music is a fun blend of Alternative/Indie Rock and Bedroom Pop that’ll get your toes tapping. Say That Again released their debut EP “Flying Cars” in December of 2021 and just released their first full-length album, “Get Over It” on February 23, 2024.
Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE. More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC
Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard Say That Again’s song, “Hang Tight” from their album Get Over It released on February 23, 2024
Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with
Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar Trecen Peeler on bass Vinnie Cascone on drums Carlos Nunez on lead guitar
Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and LYXE.
Say That Again played Boulevardia last year.
Say That Again practice every week in the basement of the house owned by Carlos Nunez.
Carlos Nunez also served as producer of the band’s new album.
Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC
11:35 – Underwriting
11:36 – Pledge Break #5
This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Betse Ellis & Joelle St. Pierre
KKFI and Wednesday MidDay Medley offer loads and loads of information about what is going on in our community. Not only does this show interview 150 guest each year, not only do we play nearly 900 different songs with more than half of those being locally produced, but we also shine a light on area not-for-profit theatre companies, art museums & galleries, area festivals, service organizations, area record labels and record stores, the area music scene, arts scene, theatre scene, literary arts scene, political action scene.
KKFI’s Mission Statement: KKFI is the Kansas City area’s independent, noncommercial community radio station. We seek to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.
KKFI’s Philosophy Statement: KKFI is committed to diversity in programming and discourse and seeks to create a climate of mutual respect and collaboration among volunteers and staff.
11:44
Kat King – “Living Room” from: “Living Room” – Single / Manor Records / March 8, 2024 [From their upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss. // Kat writes: “Living Room formed out of a guitar melody that Derek sent me in a voice recording. It was in the early stages of living with a partner for the first time where you have to figure out how to navigate your independence while cohabitating because you realize the joy in having someone to leave early with or to just stay home with. There was an evening when she was out of town and I was sitting in our living room having a crisis because I was feeling the heaviness of the injustices in the world and I didn’t want to leave the house but I also didn’t want to be home alone. These were feelings I’d navigated before as a single person but it was hitting in such a different way. As someone who had always operated from a state of FOMO, it felt so out of character to choose staying home instead of going to find something to do. It’s silly but in that moment it felt like I wasn’t the same person that I was before living together, so naturally I grabbed my guitar to try and work through that feeling. I knew I wanted to revisit that guitar recording Derek sent me because of its nostalgic sound and I ended up writing the entire song that evening. When I showed the band we restructured the song, jumping right into the chorus instead of the classic verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure it was initially. John also wrote this beautiful melodic bass line that acts as a counter melody throughout which I think gives it such an interesting instrumental story arc. Living Room is the acceptance of enjoying simple home pleasures while recognizing home as a sanctuary from the outside world.” // Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. On October 6, 2023 Kat King released the single. “Bight-Eyed.” // On June 16, 2024 Kat King released the single “Baby Talk.” // On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS 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 Dec. 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced a 13-song album and 3 EP’s, the 1st one released at 14.] [Kat King will join us NEXT WEEK on WMM on March 13.]
11:49 – Pledge Break #6
This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Betse Ellis & Joelle St. Pierre
Driving in your car, at the office, at the gym, in your garage, in your cubicle, in your artspace, on your iPod, at your construction site, in your kitchen, in your barn, YOU can take 90.1 with you, as your companion. 90.1 FM is generally a good date. Good for a few laughs, fun to dance with, always interested in good conversation. Isn’t 90.1 FM KKFI worth a few dollars a day, or a week? So many people tune in to http://www.kkfi.org everyday, but studies show, that less than 1 percent actually donate to keep this miracle of broadcasting alive. Your support means that you will help bring this programming to folks who could not donate at this time, for whatever the reason.
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on March 13, at 10:30 we welcome acclaimed singer songwriter and band leader Kat King. At 11:00 We’ll talk with writer Elaine McMilian about her first poetry collection, Copper and Other Precious Metals. AND at 11:30 we are going to talk with some of KKFI’s new programmers: Nicolette Paige, Brian Hullaby, and DJ Thundercutz.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
New & MidCoastal Releases + Trecen Peeler & Carlos Nunez of Say That Again + Betse Ellis + Joelle St. Pierre
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Krystle Warren & The Faculty, Alber, Kat King, They’re Theirs, Norman Brown, IVORY BLUE, Say That Again, The Talking Trees, Hurray For The Riff Raff, and St. Vincent.
At 11:00 Trecen Peeler and Carlos Nunez of the Kansas City based band Say That Again join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios. Say That Again were formed in early 2020 with Will Kuenne on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Trecen Peeler on bass, Vinnie Cascone on drums, and Carlos Nunez on lead guitar. Their music is a fun blend of Alternative/Indie Rock and Bedroom Pop that’ll get your toes tapping. Say That Again released their debut EP “Flying Cars” in December of 2021 and just released their first full-length album, “Get Over It” on February 23, 2024. Say That Again play miniBar at 3810 Broadway Rd KCMO on Friday, March 8 at 7:00pm, with City Grey, The Chunk, and Breaking In. More info at: linktr.ee/SayThatAgainKC
AND, Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, one half of Betse & Clarke and member of Starhaven Rounders, and Joelle St. Pierre longtime KKFI Volunteer and “Garden Angel,” join us for the entire show as special Guest Co-Hosts to encourage our beautiful listeners to call 888-931-0901, or visit http://www.kkfi.org to support 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio during our Winter Fund Drive Show.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
New & MidCoastal Releases + True Lions + Malek Azrael + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
James Brown – “We Got To Change” from: We Got To Change – Single / Republic Records / February 16, 2024 [ “Can you imagine James Brown saying, ‘We got to change’?’ Well, he did,” says William “Bootsy” Collins. “And who’s playing bass? Little ol’ funky me. Let’s go!” // A never-before-released James Brown song, “We Got To Change,” makes its debut today on Republic/Ume. // “James Brown always leaned into the social tip,” Bootsy continues. “He always was trying to keep the youngsters informed and the people informed on what’s going on. The new breed was coming in and certain things were going out. He loved to inform people on what was coming and what was going to be because he felt like he was part of it, and he was.” // Recorded at Miami’s Criteria Studios on August 16, 1970, “We Got To Change” was laid down during a pivotal period in the world of James Brown – a few months earlier, longtime members of his famed James Brown Orchestra had walked out. // Brown quickly assembled a new group anchored by guitarist Phelps “Catfish” Collins and bassist William “Bootsy” Collins, two young brothers from Cincinnati. They brought a harder edge and a fresh identity to Brown’s music on such singles as “Get Up (I Feel Like Being) a Sex Machine,” “Super Bad,” and “Soul Power.” Brown called them The J.B.’s. // Their Criteria session featured a reunion with one of Brown’s 1960s sidemen: the great Clyde Stubblefield. “The Funky Drummer,” as he was known, would grace several of Brown’s subsequent hits and become one of the most sampled drummers of the hip-hop era. Also on the track is James Brown’s longtime No. 2, Bobby Byrd, who is heard alongside Brown on the chorus. // “We Got To Change” is another example of James Brown’s social outreach seen in singles like “Don’t Be a Dropout,” “Say It Loud I’m Black and I’m Proud,” “Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” and “King Heroin.” // It is also a testament to Brown’s diverse musical language, quoting from Little Jimmy Dickens’ 1949 hit “Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)” and the African-American anti-war spiritual, “Down by the Riverside.” // “The James Brown Revue invented the Funk,” says Funk author Rickey Vincent, “and the J.B.’s perfected it.” Newly unearthed and hitherto unheard, “We Got to Change” adds a critical page to the history of that perfection’s evolution. // For more information about James Brown, visit http://www.jamesbrown.com]
Stik Figa – “SAY DAT!” from: “SAY DAT!” – Single / Mello Music Group / October 6, 2023 [This is the lead single from the upcoming project with Leonard DStroy dropping before the year is out! Written by Stik Figa. Produced by Leonard Dstroy. Recorded by DJ Sean P @ TWLVS Studio Fort Worth. Mixed and mastered by Jordan Criddle. Stik Figa is rapper from Topeka, KS who cut his teeth on the Kansas City rap scene for close to a decade. Making a name for himself as a charismatic performer and premier lyricist in the region, releasing 9 solo albums and multiple collaborations // Later partnering with notable independent hip-hop label Mello Music Group releasing collaboration with L’Orange, “The City Under the City” and straight forward hip-hop album Central Standard Time. More info at: http://www.stikfiga785.bandcamp.com]
10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1
Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today WMM MM Celebrates The MidCoast Sound with music from: The Phantastics, The Creepy Jingles, Monta, pure xtc, Malek Azrael, SEYKO, True Lions, Danielle Nicole, Timbers, and The Whips. We started with James Brown and Stik Figa
We are featuring music from musical artists playing all over Kansas City this week.
At 11:00 Malek Azrael returns to WMM to talk about his new single, “in ur mind” that is being released on Friday.
At 11:25 Alisön “Al” Hawkins and Fritz Hutchison talk about their newest True Lions release, COLD GRAVY BOWL and their COLD GRAVY BOWL, Release Show on Saturday, March 2, at The Emerald, 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO in the West Bottoms.
We take break to encourage YOU to support 90.1 FM KKFI. To help me, is my friend…
Betse Ellis. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been playing the Violin for over 40 years, with over 20 years playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, and records and performs with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke. Betse also plays in the band Starhaven Rounders.
Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, She grew up in Los Angeles, and St. Louis. She went to college in Columbia, Missouri. She studied art and musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films and punk rock music. For nearly 20 years she has been sharing her musical discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic brain on Wednesday MidDay Medley. With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City. More information at: http://www.recordwithmerritt.com
Marion Merritt, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
In 2023 on WMM we conducted over 150 interviews with 145 special guests.: Karen Lisondra, Bitch, Marion Merritt, Joelle St. Pierre, Nicolette Paige, Dedric Moore, Brenton Cook, Mark Ronning, Nathan Reusch, Krysztof Nemeth, Jennifer Owen, Stacy Busch, Marty Bush, Spencer Brown aka Daisy Buckët, IV0RY BLUE, Alyssa Murray, Mica-Elgin Vi, Noah Bartelt, Shaun Crowley, Jeffrey Stolz, Wallace Cochran, Betty Berry, Scott Easterday, Cody Wyoming, Mara Rose Williams, Nick Carswell, Fally Afani, Dan Jones, Steve Tulipana, Miki P, Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla, Bill Sundahl, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Sophia and Analiese of The Black Mariah Theater, JNabe, Danny Alexander, Michael B. Tipton, Mark Meisenheimer, Tillie Hall, Joy Zimmerman, Paris Williams, Zava, Kevin Willmott, Mark von Schlemmer, Heidi Gluck, Nate Holt, Kirsten Paludan, Jade Osborne, Alisön Hawkins, Fritz Hutchison, Audrey Crabtree, Beth Byrd, Chip Ashby, Stephanie Iszory, Jass, Clarence Copridge, Calvin Arsenia, Kirstie Lynn, Galen Clark, Chris Haghirian, Nico Gray, Mike McCoy, Madisen Ward, Mikal Shapiro, Jen Harris, Stephonne, Betse Ellis, Luke Harbur, Julia Reynolds, Andrew Connor, Ryan Connor, Bill Belzer, Krystle Warren, Mike Dillon, Malek Azreal, Philip Dickey, Elyshya “Millz” Miller, Ethan Eckert, Sondra Freeman, Alicia Ellingsworth, Patrick Sprehe, Kate McCandless, Megan Birdsall, Michael Andrew Smith, Jess Shoman of Tenci, April Fletcher, Brad Cox, Necia Gamby, Iris DeMent, Kelly Dougherty, Audrey Bramlett, Erika Cecilia, Paul Jesse, Deegan Poores, Gayle Cade-Price, Patrick Sumner, Aaron Rhodes, Frank Loose Jr., Kurt Witt, Tim Miller, Anthony Cruz, Olivia “Liv” Wyrick of Cardio Party, Aisha Kahlil, Hermon Mehari, Nan Turner, Elizabeth Suh, Howie Howard, Nani Noam Vazana, Kelley Hunt, Rachael Sage, Michelle Bacon, Devon Teran, Aaron Mitchum
10:14
The Phantastics – “Things You Do (Radio Edit)” from: “Things You Do”- Single / Kemet Creative / May 6, 2022 [8 member band from KC formed in December of 2010. Kemet Coleman on lead vocals; Kimology on lead vocals; Ashley Thompson on drums; Joe Donley on bass; Vincent Orsolini on keyboards; Kadesh Flow on trombone; Ernest Melton on saxophone; Lawrence Jackson on trumpet; and Nick Howell on trumpet. (Plus several of extended members.) The Phantastics specialize in genre-blending dance floor activators. In 2015, the music group was crowned “Kansas City’s best party band” by the Kansas City Star. Musicianship and diversity are at the core of their success. Rock, Rap, Dance, Funk, Jazz & Soul are all incorporated into their music. I Heart Local Music wrote that they are, “The band that can do it all”. The Phantastics have shared the stage with some of music’s most legendary acts including George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. On May 6, 2022 The Phantastics released their single “All That Fine.” On Oct. 18, 2019 The Phantastics released LIVE AT THE PLAZA ART FAIR. On Aug. 24, 2018 The Phantastics released the EP, LIFE OF THE PARTY. On Dec. 14, 2013 The Phantastics released their debut album THE CLOSER. Info at: http://www.thephantastics.com]
[The Phantastics play a Single Release and a Vine Street Brewing Company Phantastic Punch Release Dance Party on Friday, March 1, at 9:00pm at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO in the WEST BOTTOMS, with FlarethaRebel.]
The Creepy Jingles – “When Things Go Wrong” from: “When Things Go Wrong” – Single / High Dive Records / February 23, 2024 [This is the first of several new singles to be released by The Creepy Jongles this year. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, 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. The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ] The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.] [ Jocelyn Olivia Nixon will be our guest on March 27, 2024]
Danielle Nicole – “Make Love” from: The Love You Bleed / Forty Below Records / January 26, 2024 [Danielle Nicole is one of the finest singers and bassists in roots music today. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, she has spent her life making music and pleasing fans, both domestically and abroad. Her stunning new album, The Love You Bleed, includes twelve heartfelt tracks exploring themes of love, loss, and perseverance. It will be released this Friday, January 26 on Forty Below Records. // The Love You Bleed was co-produced by Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, Robert Cray) and Nicole, with John Porter (B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bryan Ferry) mixing. The tight-knit group on the album features Danielle on bass guitar and vocals; Brandon Miller (electric, acoustic, pedal steel, mandolin, and 12-string guitar), Damon Parker (keyboards); Go-Go Ray (drums), and Stevie Blacke (violin and cello). // Nicole was inducted into the Kansas City Hall of Fame and has been the recipient of seven Blues Music Awards. Her last release Cry No More was nominated for a Grammy in the Contemporary Blues category, debuted at number one on the Billboard Blues Charts and boasts over 10 million streams on Spotify. // Danielle Nicole’s last release, CRY NO MORE, released February 23, 2018, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Her self-titled solo debut EP was released March 10, 2015 on Concord Records. The self-titled EP features Grammy Award-winning producer-guitarist Anders Osborne, Galactic’s co-founding drummer Stanton Moore and keyboardist Mike Sedovic. On February 25, 2015, American Blues Scene premiered the track “Didn’t Do You No Good” off the new EP. Danielle Nicole was previously in the band Trampled Under Foot with her brothers Kris and Nick Schnebelen. At the 2014 Blues Music Awards, Trampled Under Foot’s album, Badlands, won the ‘Contemporary Blues Album of the Year’ category. At the same ceremony, Danielle Nicole, under the name of Danielle Schnebelen, triumphed in the ‘Best Instrumentalist – Bass’ category. The band was also nominated in the ‘Band of the Year’ category. In September 2015, her debut album, Wolf Den, was released on Concord Records. It reached number 2 in the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart in October that year. Danielle Nicole’s second solo album, Cry No More, peaked at # 1 in the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. Bill Withers wrote one of the tracks on the new album.]
[Danielle Nicole plays Records With Merritt, at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, March 2, 2024.]
10:26 – Pledge Break #2
Our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
WMM and KKFI are committed to featuring artists under-represented in other media, and that includes the music community that lives within Kansas City and Lawrence and the area radiance of our 100 watt signal. The story of Kansas City’s Arts and Music Community is our primary objective on WMM, where for almost 20 years we have shined a light on this music and the artists who create it, and that story also include the music labels who help get this music out into the community and beyond Kansas City. That story also includes the recording studios where this music is engineered and mastered.
Wednesday MidDay Medley 90.1 FM was the first radio show and first radio station to ever play many if these amazing musical artists. WMM was the first to play the recordings of: Calvin Arsenia, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Krystle Warren, The Black Creatures, KD Kuro, The Shy Boys, The Salvation Choir, Jamogi, Buck Moon, and so many others.. We were the first to interview these artists live on the radio and bring their music to a wider audience. Recently WMM was the first radio show to interview national artist Flamy Grant on the radio airwaves.
10:34 – Underwriting
Pure xtc – “Fall Apart” from: “Fall Apart” – Single / Taylor Hughes / March 1, 2024 [Pure XTC released the Shed My Skin EP on November 18, 2022. Pure XTC released the single “Get Lost“ on September 9, 2022, and “Shadow” released June 1, 2022. Pure xtc released the EP Nobody’s Home on November 12, 2021. Pure xtc is the musical project of Kansas City based Taylor Hughes. Taylor is also the drummer for the band EXNATIONS. 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. [Pure XTC aka Taylor Hughes was our guest on WMM July 14, 2021, and November 10, 2021, and November 16, 2022]
SEYKO – “Anybody High” from: “Anybody High” – Single / Groove King Records – Fat Beats / December 1, 2023 [Produced by Colby Bales of the band Black Light Animals and also a bandmate of SEYKO’s in The Freedom Affair. // SEYKO released the soingle “What I Want” on June 23, 2023. // From http://www.seykomusic.com: Seyko has always found music to be a reflection of her innermost thoughts and feelings, a way of self-expression but even deeper than that. Music was always a life-giving, constant companion from the happiest moments to the darkest days. Music continues to be Seyko’s way of communicating with the world around her. // Seyko developed her musical talent during her formative years through church and school choirs, friendships that evolved into singing groups, and professional training through voice lessons and songwriting. Opportunities presented themselves, but Seyko also created opportunities for herself as she chased her dream to create and perform her own music. // The Freedom Affair and Sunu, two Kansas City bands Seyko performs and writes with, have solidified her place in the music scene and provide a solid foundation for beginning her solo career. Seyko’s singing and songwriting career has spanned twenty years, and it shows! Her creative growth has led to her being a well-respected artist in KC, allowing her to participate in recording projects for fellow musicians and even singing background vocals for Michael Bublé at a live concert in 2022.]
[The Freedom Affair play The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms Fri, March 15 at 9:00pm.]
Monta – “Forget About You” from: “Forget About You” – Single / The Record Machine / T.B.A. [Monta released their EP Crystal Momentum on March 24, 2023. The band released the single “Looking Back” on February 27, 2023, and “Everybody’s Baby” on January 27, 2023. Monta’s latest, the Crystal Momentum EP, hones the Kansas City band’s mastery of electrified dreamworld post-punk, presenting four spacious songs to accompany out-of-body explorations. Monta’s core players — Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth and Lucas Behrens on guitars, Dedric Moore on electronics, Matthew Heinrich on drums, and Teri Quinn with additional vocals — accompany their visions with a groovy flow that rings with subtle tensions, introspective instrumentation, and chorus-fed uplifts. // Found within are “Everybody’s Baby,” an otherworldly adoration of unnamed strangers set to transfixing melodies and a snake-like groove; the buoyant “Looking Back,” which shines a danceable, sonic brightness through a haze of ecstatic reminiscence; the inspired “Perimeter Dancer,” an ode to those who fight for the cause, accompanied by a punky disco beat and a chorus that launches the song upward to a mirror-ball-lit sky. And then there’s “Luna Lost In Your Gaze,” a righteous desert sleepwalk of a tune that recalls the spaghetti western tones of Monta’s past while remaining on the current trajectory. // With the Crystal Momentum EP, Monta grabs the moment, further defining the distinctive mix of synth-pop and dark psychedelia that’s become the band’s trademark. Take a leap and fall into their world. // Monta means “to climb higher.” Through lineup changes and scenes ebbing and flowing, this band continues that climb. Founded by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore, Monta (originally Monta At Odds) has grown into its own community with a rotating cast of musicians and characters. More Information at: kosmiccity.com / therecordmachine.co] [Monta played 20 Years of The Record Machine featuring The Noice FM, Black Light Animals Soultru and Pala Zolo, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd] [Dedric Moore joined us on WMM on October 4, 2023]
[Monta plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, on April 7 for the Sunday Mass Gallow Dance with Carrellee (WI) & System Exclusive (CA) & DJ Rico spinning before between & after LIVE bands.]
10:46 – Pledge Break #3
Our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis
In a few weeks, on May 8, Wednesday MidDay Medley will be celebrating 20 years!
This is 1045 weekly shows, that equal 2090 hours of radio, 30,000 hours of preparation, over 2900 Interviews, 2500 guests, and over 20,000 songs, from thousands of musical artists. We have made it our mission to mix musical genres, playing with themes, diversity, equality, free speech, connecting artists and venues and listeners and communities. Wednesday MidDay Medley has proudly endeavored to help tell the story of our growing Kansas City area music scene, “The Midcoast Sound,” as we like to call it. We have dedicated a majority of our programming to New & MidCoastal Releases.
WMM has presented new formats in radio, with our “A Story In A Song” series, and our special shows featuring: Apocalypse Meow, Crossroads Music Fest, Folk Alliance, Manor Fest, International, The Outer Reaches Festival, Boulevardia. KC Fringe Festival, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bach Aria Soloists, KC Pride, and our annual tribute shows to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., David Bowie, Iris Dement, Pioneers of Punk, LGBTQIA Themes, Black Lives Matter and inteviews with Tommy Ramone, Iris Dement, Laurie Anderson, Lily Tomlin. Plus, our annual 4-week special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of the Year.
To say this radio show has been inspired by the KC music community, is an understatement. The KC music community is fueled by a collaborative and generous heart that is beating in so many of the artists we’ve met while doing this show. We are inspired by the Fearless Women who created radio on 90.1 FM long before us: our friend April Fletcher who plays bass professionally in Los Angeles, and hosted Mix Well Before Serving on 90.1 in 1988 on KKFI’s first year of broadcast, and last year returned after 35 years to host and produce WMM. And our friend Anne Winter, who left us in 2009, and reminded us how we’re all connected. At Anne’s funeral we realized that we are connected to hundreds of other people who Anne had touched with her gentle, wise, guidance and had nudged into taking a job, going out on a stage, organizing an event, doing a radio show. We were all connected, she had loved us all and supported us, and some of us made a pact to do just a little bit of what Anne did, if we all did a little we could continue her work to help build our community, that is how we keep Anne alive in our heart. And through collaboration, and shining a light, like Abigail Hope Henderson, who we lost in 2013, but not before she ignited a movement to create the Midwest Music Foundation supporting heath care needs and mental health care for the music community. I’m inspired by the diverse , intelligent, motivated, listeners, looking for place on the dial, where they can connect to the stories & music & voice of our community.
Today we celebrate the pure idea of community radio, free form radio, radio that tells the story of the people who live here, the artists, the writers, the teachers, the performers. We celebrate 1035 weeks of WMM, the show that has brought us together, at this time, on this frequency, in these community airwaves. Thanks for listening.
10:55
The Whips – “Last Time (feat. Malek Azreal“) from: HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE / Lotuspool Records / September 1, 2023 [The Whips released their single “Begin Again” on Draft Crew Records on February 2, 2024. The Whips are Miles Patterson on drums, Quinn Cosgrove on bass, Max Indiveri on guitar, and Coop on piano. The Whips are a funk/soul band based in Kansas City. The Whips released their 12 track debut album HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE on Lotuspool Records on September 1, 2023, Recorded with Audio Engineer Chris Cosgrove. the album features an array of their favorite local musicians guest in various tracks including: Malek Azrael, Anna Duntz, Atomic Blonde, Die Jane, Tre’ Mutava, Lymerrick & Lucy Brock. The Whips released their 6-track Debut EP, NEVER CHANGE, OR DO on August 20, 2021 on Draft Crew Records. The Whips released multiple singles in 2021. The Whips are currently on the road. More info at: ww.thewhipsband.com]
[The Whips will be playing the Treefort Music fest in Boise, Idaho March 20 through March 24, 2024]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Interview with Malek Azrael
Malek Azrael returns to WMM to talk about his new single and music video, “in ur mind” that is being released on Friday, March 1. Malek Azrael grew up in Kansas City. Malek Azrael was part of Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship, and sometimes plays with Making Movies. Makek Azrael released his 10-track debut album on October 15, 2021. Malek Azrael released the singles “22” on January 13, 2023, and “Anxiety” on April 30, 2023. Malek is the lead singer and songwriter of his band, Malek & The Vibez. Malek recently played the Folk Alliance International Conference, and has played the Ameri-Kana Fest, KKFI’s Crossroads Music Fest, Boulevardia Festival, and The Greenwood Social Hall. Malek Azrael’s new single will be officially released on Friday, March 1, 2024. More info at: http://www.mavband.us . More info at: http://www.mavband.us
Malek Azrael thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard The Whips “Last Time (feat. Malek Azrael)” from their album HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE released on Lotuspool Records on September 1, 2023
Malek Azrael performed for the first time at Folk Alliance International Conference.
Malek & The Vibez is a band that includes lead singer songwriter Malek Azrael, drummer Josh Luke, Quinn Cosgrove on bass, and guitarist Calvin Haverkamp. Malek Azrael grew up in Kansas City. He has worked for Boys Grow, and is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael was part of Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship, and sometimes plays with Making Movies. Malek played the Ameri-Kana Fest, and KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, 2022. Makek Azrael released his 10-track debut album on October 15, 2021. Malek Azrael released the single “22” on January 13, 2023, and the newest single, “Anxiety” on April 30, 2023. More info at: http://www.mavband.us
Malek Azrael’s debut album “Waves” was compared to the likes of D’angelo, Stevie Wonder, and Prince with a voice that rivals the greatest RnB singers of our generation.
Meek Azreal is now 24 years old. Malek’s autobiographical single “22” features his experience of growing pains and learning lessons in your 20’s. Turning 20 and 21 during the Covid epidemic where you’re not out making mistakes and living life. So when I turned 22 and I was finally able to leave my house, I found that it was toxic overload tbh. Your 20’s are toxic and hard and so my 2022 year was exhausting trying to be a young adult and learning to be a social human again.
Malek has talked about having a particularly hard time with being told what music and sound was expected of him because he was a black male R&B singer and it made it extremely hard to create. Malek writes, “I started writing because I loved telling a story no matter the genre, and I actually grew up with a huge appreciation for rock thanks to my dad and his obsession with most of the soundtrack from guitar hero. I decided to say fuck expectations and make music thats fun and that me and my band align with right now in this part of our journey. I’m not saying goodbye to my roots at all, I’m just saying “ hey i’m an artist, not a genre” and creating freely, that is what i think music should be. I want to remind others that black rock stars still exist!”
11:11
Malek Azrael – “in ur mind” from: “in ur mind” – Single / Malek Azrael / March 1, 2024 [On October 15, 2021 Makek Azrael released his 10-track album debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael has been involved with Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship. He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms. Malek & The Vibez play Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on Friday, June 16.]
11:15 – Pledge Break #4
This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis.
Just remember what you don’t have to hear when you are tuned to 90.1 FM KKFI!
No commercials. We do have brief underwriting announcements, recognizing those who financially contribute to support non-profit community radio. But we are not trying to sell you stuff.
At KKFI there is no automated robot playing the same 50 songs in a “rotation,” based on a formula, created by a singular programmer of the robot. KKFI is the opposite of a robot.
There is always a human being on the end of the phone line anytime you call 816-931-0901.
90.1 offers 85 locally, produced, radio shows hosted, engineered and written by over 150 different people, who create content, and personally handcraft each show, each week. You will not find this kind of representative diversity anywhere else on your radio dial. Or from any singular source on your computer. It is very special. It needs to be nourished and kept alive in a world of corporate, nationally owned, commercial or religious broadcasting.
Not only do we bring the most diverse and unfiltered news and information, but our musical playlists are deep, and comprehensive. In one week you can hear over 2000 different songs played, in Blues, Jazz, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Classical, World, Americana, Southern Soul, Fusion, Soul, Rock, New Wave, Electronic, Native, Local, Old Timey, Rockabilly, Women’s, Children’s, Gospel, and Experimental.
We offer programs specifically produced for the LGBTQIA Community, Women’s Issues, Native American News and Culture, Middle Eastern Music and Information, Latino Programming, African American Public Affairs and Community News, Labor and Worker’s Unions, our prison population and justice system, environmental programming, Visual and Literary Arts, and Performing Arts.
With all of this, you hear the voices from the hundreds of KKFI volunteers, and thousands of guests from the community, who share their stories, broadcast live from our non-commercial, midtown studios, at 39th & Main, in the center of our metro, across two states, a collective of communities, and thousands of listeners. What is this worth to you?
11:24
True Lions – “Walkin In The Parlor” from: Cold Gravy Bowl / Manor Records / March 1, 2024 [Alison “Al” Hawkins is a queer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and leader of True Lions, a band consisting of Al and whoever is playing music with them, which often includes Fritz Hutchison who is a veteran of the KC music community, a drummer, singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, bandmate, bandleader, friend, sibling, Gemini, and Kansas Citian who just wants to do a good job and keep it fun for everybody. Last year, True Lions and Fritz Hutchison released a homemade split cassette tape via Manor Records. When their drummer Eli Kosko moved to the desert, Al, Fritz and bassist Carly Atwood started performing acoustically. When Carly was sometimes unavailable, Al and Fritz explored amplified fiddle, synth, and drums, through old-time tunes. Their noise art creation COLD GRAVY BOWL is scheduled for cassette release Friday, March 1 via Manor Records. // COLD GRAVY BOWL is the demon music baby of Kansas City duo Al Hawkins and Fritz Hutchison, blending amplified fiddle distortion, heavy drums, and bass synth through Ozark old-time. The album artwork was drawn by local queer artist Spade Nine. // True Lions released the True Lions- Fritz Hutchison Split Cassette through Manor Records on April 26, 2023. True Lions released their debut full length album, “The Fempire Strikes Back,” on Manor Records on April 9, 2021 with Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals; Adee Rocket Dancy on cello & vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion; Iona DeWalt on synthesizers; Miki P on guitar & vocals, and Teri Quinn on bass & vocals. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on February 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on November 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams and Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing and Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. More info at: http://www.manorrecords.com .] [True Lions joi us nest week on WMM.]
[True Lions play a Cold Gravy Bowl, Album Release show Saturday, March 2, 2024 with The Matchsellers, at The Emerald, (second floor) 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO [West Bottoms]. Witness the theatrical punk drag rock and roll folk event.]
11:26 – Interview with Alison “Al” Hawkins & Fritz Hutchison of True Lions
Alison “Al” Hawkins, a queer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and leader of True Lions, and Fritz Hutchison, a drummer, singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer. For their newest True Lions release, Al & Fritz explored playing old-time tunes with amplified fiddle, synth, and drums. Their noise art creation, COLD GRAVY BOWL is scheduled for cassette release on Friday, March 1, 2024 through Manor Records.
True Lions play a COLD GRAVY BOWL, Release Show on Saturday, March 2, 2024, with 7:00pm doors, 8:00pm showtime, at The Emerald, 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO in the West Bottoms. This theatrical, punk, drag, rock and roll, folk event also features The Matchsellers, Scary Cherry, Ezra Prince, and Nora Demented. More info at http://www.truelions.bandcamp.com
Alison “Al” Hawkins & Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on WMM.
True Lions played several Private Showcases at Folk Alliance International Conference including: Thursday, February 22, at 12:30am in Lawrence Free State Room #609at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.
When their drummer Eli Kosko moved to the desert, Al, Fritz and bassist Carly Atwood started performing acoustically. When Carly was sometimes unavailable, Al and Fritz explored amplified fiddle, synth, and drums, through old-time tunes. Their noise art creation COLD GRAVY BOWL is scheduled for cassette release Friday, March 1 via Manor Records. // COLD GRAVY BOWL is the demon music baby of Kansas City duo Al Hawkins and Fritz Hutchison, blending amplified fiddle distortion, heavy drums, and bass synth through Ozark old-time tunes.
Alison Hawkins is a queer artist, writer, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher in KCK. They dropped out of music school (after studying classical piano) and dedicated their life to intersectional activism through community organizing and self-expression. In 2018 they founded the alt-pop band True Lions, releasing two EPs in 2019, and a keytar-inspired full-length album THE FEMPIRE STRIKRS BACK in 2021, released by Manor Records. In 2022 they became enchanted by the fiddle and obsessed with Ozark old time music while hiking through North American national parks. In 2023, Al teamed up with their partner Fritz Hutchison to create THE GREATEST PLANET IN THE WORLD released February 21, 2023 playing song taught to them by Betse Ellis, and also released TRUE LIONS FRITZ HUTCHISON SPLIT CASSETTE though Manor Records on April 26, 2023.
Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter based in Kansas City. Fritz is a multi-instrumentalist who was born May 27, 1991. Fritz landed in the KC Music Community in 2008 playing drums with: She’s a Keeper. He played for several years with Grand Marquis, was part of the band Freight Train Rabbit Killer. As a guitarist he has played with True Lions, J Ashley Miller, Lauren Krum, Miki P, Calvin Arsenia, and many others. His second solo album, MOVIE NIGHT was released on April, 15, 2022 through Manor Records. He released his debut album Wide Wild Acres in March 2020 on Center Cut Records, receiving positive reviews in the US, Australia, the UK and the Netherlands. . Fritze has also released the sweet and sad country single “All the Way From Here (Happy Holidays)” in January 2021 and the unhinged rock rave-up “Zack Attack!” in March 2022.
Alison “Al” Hawkins & Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
True Lions play a COLD GRAVY BOWL, Release Show on Saturday, March 2, 2024, with 7:00pm doors, 8:00pm showtime, at The Emerald, 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO in the West Bottoms. This theatrical, punk, drag, rock and roll, folk event also features The Matchsellers, Scary Cherry, Ezra Prince, and Nora Demented. More info at http://www.truelions.bandcamp.com
11:37
True Lions – “That’s My Rabbit” from: Cold Gravy Bowl / Manor Records / March 1, 2024 [Alison “Al” Hawkins is a queer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and leader of True Lions, a band consisting of Al and whoever is playing music with them, which often includes Fritz Hutchison—a drummer, singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, bandmate, bandleader, friend, sibling, Gemini, and Kansas Citian who just wants to do a good job and keep it fun for everybody. Last year, True Lions and Fritz Hutchison released a homemade split cassette tape via Manor Records. When their drummer Eli Kosko moved to the desert, Al, Fritz and bassist Carly Atwood started performing acoustically. When Carly was sometimes unavailable, Al and Fritz explored amplified fiddle, synth, and drums, through old-time tunes. Their noise art creation COLD GRAVY BOWL is scheduled for cassette release Friday, March 1 via Manor Records. // COLD GRAVY BOWL is the demon music baby of Kansas City duo Al Hawkins and Fritz Hutchison, blending amplified fiddle distortion, heavy drums, and bass synth through Ozark old-time. The album artwork was drawn by local queer artist Spade Nine. // True Lions released the True Lions- Fritz Hutchison Split Cassette through Manor Records on April 26, 2023. True Lions released their debut full length album, “The Fempire Strikes Back,” on Manor Records on April 9, 2021 with Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals; Adee Rocket Dancy on cello & vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion; Iona DeWalt on synthesizers; Miki P on guitar & vocals, and Teri Quinn on bass & vocals. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on February 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on November 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams and Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing and Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. More info at: http://www.manorrecords.com.]
[True Lions play a Cold Gravy Bowl, Album Release show Saturday, March 2, 2024 with The Matchsellers, at The Emerald, (second floor) 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO [West Bottoms]. Witness the theatrical punk drag rock and roll folk event.]
11:39 – Pledge Break #5
This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis.
KKFI and Wednesday MidDay Medley offer loads and loads of information about what is going on in our community. Not only does this show interview 150 guest each year, not only do we play nearly 900 different songs with more than half of those being locally produced, but we also shine a light on area not-for-profit theatre companies, art museums & galleries, area festivals, service organizations, area record labels and record stores, the area music scene, arts scene, theatre scene, literary arts scene, political action scene.
KKFI’s Mission Statement: KKFI is the Kansas City area’s independent, noncommercial community radio station. We seek to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.
KKFI’s Philosophy Statement: KKFI is committed to diversity in programming and discourse and seeks to create a climate of mutual respect and collaboration among volunteers and staff.
11:47
Timbers – “Wandering” from: “Wandering” – Single / Timbers / January 28, 2024 [Aaron Mitchum on vocals & guitars, Devon Teran on guitar & pedal steel, Riley Taylor on bass & BGV, Nathan Lewis on drums, cover art, Jilliann De Jong on vocals. All songs written by Timbers. Last year Timbers released the single “Time’s Stinger”on May 27, 2023 , and “Breakers” on January 18, 2023. Engineer-ing, Mixing, Mastering by Joel Nanos. Recorded at Element Studio in Kansas City, MO. Timbers was formed in 2013, their music is blend of rock & roll, country, soul. Follow up to the band’s self titled 2018 EP Timbers.]
[Timbers plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO tomorrow night, Feb. 29 aka Leap Day, at 7:00pm, with Lorna K’s One Night Stand and Michael B. Tipton & The Randos. it’s also Aaron & Nate’s B-day.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, March 6 Members of the band Say That Again join us lIVE on the radio!
Also next week I will be joined by Betse Ellis and Joelle St. Pierre for our Winter Fund Drive Show. We want to hear from all of our listeners to call us up at 888-931-3901
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
New & MidCoastal Releases + True Lions + Malek Azrael + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Phantastics, The Creepy Jingles, Monta, pure xtc, Malek Azrael, SEYKO, Stik Figa, True Lions, Danielle Nicole, Timbers, The Whips and James Brown.
Screenshot
At 11:00 Malek Azrael returns to WMM to talk about his new single, “in ur mind” that is being released on Friday. Malek Azrael grew up in Kansas City. Malek Azrael was part of Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship, and sometimes plays with Making Movies. Makek Azrael released his 10-track debut album on October 15, 2021. Malek Azrael released the singles “22” on January 13, 2023, and “Anxiety” on April 30, 2023. Malek is the lead singer and songwriter of his band, Malek & The Vibez. Malek recently played the Folk Alliance International Conference, and has played the Ameri-Kana Fest, KKFI’s Crossroads Music Fest, Boulevardia Festival, and The Greenwood Social Hall. Malek Azrael’s new single will be officially released on Friday, March 1, 2024. More info at: http://www.mavband.us
At 11:30 Mark welcomes Alison “Al” Hawkins, a queer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and leader of True Lions, and Fritz Hutchison, a drummer, singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer. For their newest True Lions release, Al & Fritz explored playing old-time tunes with amplified fiddle, synth, and drums. Their noise art creation, COLD GRAVY BOWL is scheduled for cassette release on Friday, March 1, 2024 through Manor Records. True Lions play a COLD GRAVY BOWL, Release Show on Saturday, March 2, 2024, with 7:00pm doors, 8:00pm showtime, at The Emerald, 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO in the West Bottoms. This theatrical, punk, drag, rock and roll, folk event also features The Matchsellers, Scary Cherry, Ezra Prince, and Nora Demented. More info at http://www.truelions.bandcamp.com
AND, Marion Merritt of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business in KCMO, and Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, and one half of Betse & Clarke join us flor the entire show as special Guest Co-Hosts to encourage our beautiful listeners to call 888-931-0901, or visit http://www.kkfi.org to support 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio during our Winter Fund Drive Show.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Folk Alliance International + Julia Othmer & James T. Lundie + Flamy Grant
Folk Alliance International Conference is Wednesday, February 21 through Saturday, February 24, 2024 at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO. This year’s theme is ALCHEMY A Transformative Force. More information at: http://www.FOLK.org
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
2. Bad Alaskan – “Groove” from: Red & Black / Bad Alaskan / June 19, 2023 [Bad Alaskan is Lawrence, Kansas based musician, scientist, researcher, speaker, activist, teacher, Alex Kimball Williams who identifies and celebrates her Native Alaskan / Black / Portuguese origins, with the motto: “Music is medicine.” Alex Kimball Williams also played in the band UltraVivid. Band Alaskan released the single “Red & Black” on December 10, 2021 The album also contains a cover of “Strange Fruit” that Bad Alaskan released as a single on August 17, 2019. Bad Alaskan writes: “This cover of ‘Strange Fruit’ is the perfect blend of old school & new school; direct reference & innovation; the blues & electronic. I’ve always loved the song & wanted to put my own indigenous spin on it. My classical & jazz training leaks through with solos & alterations to the lead melody. The 1939 recording featuring Billie Holiday’s vocals is my favorite cut of this classic. My variation alters the melody to fit a minor blues scale. The key is raised just slightly to stimulate discomfort, the tempo is more upbeat. Originally when she sang the song, it was always the end of her set, staff in the venue was instructed not to make any transactions. She would sing the song with eyes closed. Due to that devotional, prayer-like feel, I begin my sets with this song if I’m going to include it. I read somewhere that this song reminded her of her father. It lines up with my thoughts on my own ancestors, from what would have been his time. Instruments used are Korg Minilogue, Microkorg (vocoding) & Novation circuit. I always record all my parts at once (no over-dubbing), so please enjoy the “fruits” of my labor! Audio engineer: Ross Williams.]
[Bad Alaskan plays several Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference including: Thursday, February 22, at 11:00pm in Lawrence Free State Room #609. // Thursday, February 22, at 12:00am in Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) in Room #755. // Saturday February 24, 12:00am in Lawrence Free State Room # 609 of The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Crys Matthews – “Safe” from: CHANGEMAKERS / Crys Matthews / May 26, 2021 [Winner of the 2022 Folk Alliance International Folk Muaic Award for Song of the Year. Crys Matthews was also an Official Showcase Artist for the 34th Annual Folk Alliance International Conference, May 18, 19, 21, 21, and 22 in Kansas City, at Westin Crown Center Hotel, More info at http://www.folk.org. Already being hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster-child for intersectionality,” Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation called Matthews’s gift “a reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.” She is made for these times and, with the release of her new, hope-fueled, love-filled social justice album Changemakers, Matthews hopes to take her place alongside some of her heroes in the world of social-justice music like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near. Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times. // ”Matthews began performing in 2010, but cemented her acclaim at Lincoln Center as the 2017 New Song Music and Performance Competition grand prize winner. That year she also released two new projects—her album of thoughtful songs on love and life called The Imagineers, and her EP called Battle Hymn for an Army of Lovers, which tackles social justice themes. Matthews also won the People’s Music Network’s Social Justice Songs contest at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance. Loyal fans quickly followed as Matthews racked up performances at large music festivals and prestigious venues across the country including the Sundance Film Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, and locally at venues like The Birchmere, TheHamilton, Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, and Jammin’ Java. In her TedTalk about difficult conversations called “Sing, Don’t Shout—An Alternative Approach” Matthews spoke about being born and raised in a small town in southeastern NorthCarolina by an A.M.E.preacher, and how she witnessed the power of music from an early age. A former drum major and classically-trained clarinetist turned folk singer, Matthews is using her voice to answer Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to be “a drum major for justice.” // “I believe in hope,” Matthews said. “As a social-justice songwriter, it is my duty to keep breathing that hope and encouragement into the people who listen to my music.” And, from the title track to the last track, Changemakers does just that all while tackling some heavy topics like immigration, the opioid crisis, Black Lives Matter, and gun safety to name a few.“ Ani DiFranco said, “People used to make records as in a record of an event,” said Matthews, “so I hope that these songs will serve as a time capsule, a record of the events of the last four years and what it was like to live through them.” Crys Matthews’s thoughtful, realistic and emotional songs speak to the voice of our generation and remind us why music indeed soothes the soul. More info at http://www.crysmatthews.com]
[Crys Matthews plays several private showcases, and is an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Friday, February 23, at 6:45pm in Washington Park Place 3 at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Abraham Alexander – “Déja Vu (feat. Mavis Staples)” from: SEA/SONS / Dualtone Music Group / April 14, 2023 [Abraham Alexander’s debut album SEA/SONS. Born in Greece to parents of Nigerian descent, Alexander moved to Texas with his family at age 11 to escape the racial tensions they faced in his birthplace. Shortly after moving to the states, his birth mother was killed in a car accident with a drunk driver, leading Alexander to be adopted later in his teens. He found solace in sports as a soccer prodigy and later, following a torn ACL that ended his playing career, in music once a friend handed Alexander a guitar and he unexpectedly found songs pouring out of him. // The 11 tracks on SEA/SONS touch on themes of loss, redemption, longing, anguish and joy. And while his lyrics speak to pain, trauma and life-changing loss, he instills his music with a joyful passion and irrepressible spirit, ultimately giving way to songs that radiate undeniable hope.][Abraham Alexander played The Madrid Theater, 3810 Main Street, KCMO on Monday, May 1, at 7:30 PM opening for Wilder Woods / The Fever / Sky Tour. More info at http://www.abrahamalexander.bandcamp.com]
[Folk Alliance International, the foremost global nonprofit for folk music, will present its 36th Annual Conference Feb. 21-25, 2024 in KCMO. The International Folk Music Awards (part of the conference) have announced the finalists for the 2023 Song of the Year and we’re thrilled that 4 of these songs have been in constant rotation on our playlists this year. The finalists are: “Changes” written by Joy Oladokun & Dan Wilson, performed by Joy Oladokun // “Keep It On A Burner” written & performed by Margo Cilker // “The Returner” written by Allison Russell, Drew Lindsay, & JT Nero, performed by Allison Russell // “Workin’ On A World” written & performed by Iris Dement // and “Tears Run Dry” written by Abraham Alexander, Ian Barter, Leo Stannard, performed by Abraham Alexander.]
[Abraham Alexander plays an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 10:30pm in Washington Park Place 3 at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
The Swallowtails – “Cocoon” from: LUCKY PENNY EP / The Swallowtails / February 20, 2024 [The independent acoustic band, experimenting in the rock/pop genres while performing on what are traditionally folk/classical instruments, enter a new era having produced the entirety of this project themselves, with the songwriting matter touching on life’s big changes, challenges, and the realizations that time will heal. // “Since becoming a duo, it was time for us to reinvent our sound again. The songwriting on this EP is split between Rachel and myself, and this is Rachel’s debut release as a writer and singer. We spent all of January 2024 finishing the arrangements, recording and mixing the mini-record. It was a much needed release of energy for both of us, and we are definitely looking forward to adding these songs into our live sets and performing new material.”– Miki P, songwriter, singer and musician in The Swallowtails. // Est. in 2018, The Swallowtails are a Kansas City based musical duo comprised of musicians Miki P on guitar/vocals and Rachel Lovelace on bassoon/vocals. Their vision is to write honest, heartfelt songs that feel like you’re coming home to an old friend. As recording and performance artists, they have been showcased throughout Kansas City, performing at the Folly Theatre, Boulevardia Music Festival, The Kansas City Public Library as part of the 2023 Art in the Loop: Celebrate project, and most recently at Green Guitar Folk House opening for The Wildwoods. Their songwriting was awarded Best Song by a KC Band in 2023 by the Pitch Magazine for their tune “Take it Slow.” // Live video’s will be released on The Swallowtails YouTube page in support of the EP, the live session was filmed at West Bottoms Whiskey Co. // Swallowtails will be featuring the new EP at the Folk Alliance International Conference February 21st-25th. Both Miki & Rachel have earned scholarships to attend the conference. // Swallowtails embark on their 4th year entering NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest featuring a song off the EP, called “I’m on Fire” posted to NPR’s official contest site. // The Swallowtails have recently been approved as part of KCAIC Touring Artists Roster, through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. // On May 22, 2023 The Swallowtails released their 7-track EP THE WORLD STILL SPINS from Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead vocals. Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Miki P was born in Kansas City, KS. 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. Miki P 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 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 has 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. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. At 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, DOME OF SWALLOWS, that was released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, In 2021 Miki P released the 6-song EP, DON’T LOSE HOPE, created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home 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 & Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos. Miki P released her single “Your Love” on June 24, 2022. Miki P’s released the single “Peter Parker!” on March 18, 2022. // More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com]
[Miki P plays several Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference including: Thursday, February 22, at 12:00am in Lawrence Free State Room #609 // and Rachel Lovelace on Friday, Feb. 23, at 2:30am in Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) in Room #755 at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Calvin Arsenia – “Probation” from: Paradise / Calvin Arsenia / June 23, 2023 [Paradise is Calvin Arsenia’s new 14 track album. It is only available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer where at 24 he released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of VERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com][Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on Jan. 18, 2023, June 21, 2023, and our 1000th Show on June 28, 2923.]
[Calvin Arsenia plays several Private Showcases at Folk Alliance International Conference at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Calvin Arsenia Discography
Calvin Arsenia – Moments [EP] / Independent / April 9, 2014 Calvin Arsenia was 24 when he released this EP after returning home to Kansas City after living and performing in Edinburgh, Scotland. Calvin works as a songwriter, composer, lyricist, producer, and engineer. Calvin Arsenia played live on Wednesday MidDay Medley on October 22. 2014.
Calvin Arsenia – Prose [EP] / Independent / February 3, 2015 Recorded over the course of three live sessions at Edinburgh’s Napier University. Produced by Graham Coe. Engineered by David O’Leary. Music and Lyrics: Calvin Arsenia, with Fiona Reid & Liselot Van Oosterom on Vocals, Graham Coe on Cello, Mark Smith on Percussion, Lyle Watt on Guitar Calvin Arsenia on Vocals & Guitar & Piano. Calvin Arsenia joined us on WMM on March 18, August 5, and October 28.
Calvin Arsenia – Caviar [EP] / Calvin Arsenia / December 5, 2017 Produced for attendees at Calvin’s “Secret Show,” Tuesday, December 5, at Wickstock West, 1324 West 12th Street, in The West Bottoms, and for supporters of his Outlyre Tour. Words and Music by Calvin Arsenia. Produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley and Calvin Arsenia. Recorded at The Infoaming Vertex.
Calvin Arsenia – Catastrophe [EP] / Calvin Arsenia / February 17, 2016 Limited edition EP, produced for Folk Alliance International, contains demo recordings of original gems that are the blueprints for Calvin’s soon to be released full length debut, coming in 2017. 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. He has played all over town, including showcases at Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and collaborations with bands like My Brothers and Sisters. Standing at 6 foot 5 inches, Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 3.5 octave range, while playing piano, bango, guitar and harp. Calvin Arsenia is getting ready to release a new album in the fall. Calvin teaches music to elementary students. Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC professional development program for artists in the Kansas City metro area and across the Mid-America Arts Alliance five state region. Calvin Arsenia joined us live on WMM on February 24, July 13, and November 2.
Calvin Arsenia – Catastrophe [Album] / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017 Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a cpmpany of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artists. 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. Standing at 6 foot 6 inches, Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 3.5 octave range, while playing piano, banjo, guitar and harp Calvin teaches music to elementary students. Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC. Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin recently returned home from a three month US/European Outlyre Tour where he has played San Francisco, Portland, Vancouver, NYC, Boston, Edinburgh, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerlnd, Lyon and Paris. in over 40 shows, with musician and friend Simon Huntley who plays with Quixotic. Calvin is working to release new music from Calvin’s June 11th, Live Recording at Kansas City’s newly restored Greenwood Social Hall, at 1750 Bellevue Ave. in KC. ] [Calvin Arsenia played Big Bang Buffet’s “Black Sheep Rising,” Tuesday, April 11, at 8:00 at The Buffalo Room. A benefit for 90.1 FM KKFI featuring Ron Megee, Lisa Cordes, Jon “Piggy” Cupit, The Sleazebeats, Kristie Stremel, Jen Harris, Maria Vasquez Boyd, Jen Appell, Bill Belzer, Charlie Colborne, Mark Manning, Susan Cedarquis-Brewington, BJ McBride, Michael McQuary, Janet Henry, Ryan Wilks, and Nico Gray.] [Calvin Arsenia was on WMM on Feb. 15, April 12, Sept. 20, and Oct. 25 , 2017.
Calvin Arsenia – Live at Greenwood Social Hall / Unreleased / June 11, 2017 Solo live performance at Greenwood Social Hall, 1760 Bellevue, KCMO.
Calvin Arsenia – Caviar [EP] / Calvin Arsenia / December 5, 2017 Produced for attendees at Calvin’s “Secret Show,” Tuesday, December 5, at Wickstock West, 1324 West 12th Street, in The West Bottoms, and for supporters of his Outlyre Tour. Words and Music by Calvin Arsenia. Produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley and Calvin Arsenia. Recorded at The Infoaming Vertex. 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. n the late Summer and Fall Calvin went on a three month US/European Outlyre Tour where he has played San Francisco, Portland, Vancouver, NYC, Boston, Edinburgh, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerlnd, Lyon and Paris. in over 40 shows, with musician and friend Simon Huntley who plays with Quixotic. Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Standing at 6 foot 6 inches, Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 3.5 octave range, while playing piano, banjo, guitar and harp. Calvin teaches music. Calvin is a graduate of Artist INC.
Calvin Arsenia – Cantaloupe / Center Cut Records / September 15, 2018 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 Arsenia – L.A. Sessions / Center Cut Records / September 20, 2019 Calvin performed live at L.A.’s The Mint, showcasing songs on LA Sessions with musicians who collaborated 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.”
Calvin Arsenia – Honeydew / Center Cut Records / June 28, 2019 [On September 15, 2018 Calvin released Cantaloupe on Center Cut Records. This new EP is a remix of three of the songs from Cantaloupe, plus a Talking Heads cover that was performed live in this style at a New Year’s Eve show at The Truman opening for Making Movies who performed the entire Talking Heads album, Remain in Light. The last three songs on Honeydew were from performed in this style at The Nelson Atkins 2019 event “Party Arty.” Honeydew was produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley, Calvin Arsenia.
Quixotic & Calvin Arsenia – “Goddess – EP / Quixotic / May 17, 2019 [An innovative performance art collective that fuses imagination with technology, dance, projection, mapping & live music to create fully-immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Quixotic harnesses light, rhythm and expressive emotion. Quixotic was given Silicon Valley’s unofficial stamp of genius when they were invited to perform at the global TED Conference in 2012. A unique blend of performance art, technology & emotion. Quixotic fuses all these elements in to what the New York Times branded an “innovative circus performance”.]
Calvin Arsenia – all is calm / Calvin Arsenia. / December 13, 2019 [Arsenia’s dreamlike whimsy shimmering through your favorite Christmas Classics. All proceeds for this album go towards the purchase of Calvin’s first harp. Featuring: Ben Muñoz on Cello, Shane Borth on Violin & Voila, & Luke “Skippy” Harbur on Beatbox. Mastered by Jametatone at the Infoaming Vertex and special thanks to Simon Huntley. Calvin wrote: “I recorded the majority of this album in my bedroom in between flights to and from KC and SF. I had my nephews and friend’s kids in mind and wanted an album of Christmas lullabys. I think it became just a little more sassy than anticipated, but I think you’ll enjoy it regardless.
Calvin Arsenia – Summer in Hindsight / Calvin Arsenia & Mike Dillon / Oct. 16, 2020 Soundtrack by Calvin Arsenia and Mike Dillon for The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. COVID-19 changed everything in 2020. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrine Honig to inkansascitymagazine. “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The film premiered October 16, 2020 at The Boulevard Drive-In. Honig wrote,. “We did this during a pandemic and a cultural revolution. I am not sure where else or how else this could happen at this moment in history.” Calvin Arsenia had recently been emotionally and greatly moved by the area and national Black Lives Matter Movement. His own research into his own family revealed that Calvin’s great, great, great grandmother Alice Gilliam Scott, was a former slave who lived to observe her 100th birthday as noted by a regional newspaper Calvin had written. In the summer of 2020 Calvin wrote “Revelation” an unreleased track inspired by Black Lives Matter. Calvin premiered the song on WMM on August 12, 2020. He later shared his other new songs, “Scars and Stripes” and “The Flying Monkees are Coming!” on our October 14, 2020 edition of WMM. Both of those songs ended up on Summer in Hindsight.
Calvin’s Book EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE / Andrews McMeel Universal / Oct. 5, 2021 a collection of Poetry & Prose More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com
Lady Nade – “My Journey to The Sky” from: “Lady Nade Cover Song (3-Song) Single / Lady Nade / May 16, 2023 [“My Journey to The Sky” was written by Sister Rosetta Tharpe and originally released in 1949 accompanied by Marie Knight and The Sam Price Trio on 78 RPM by The Decca Recording Company as a B-Side to “Up Above My Head I Hear Music in The Air.” // Sister Rosetta Tharpe was born Rosetta Nubin, on March 20, 1915, She died on October 9, 1973. She was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. She gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel recordings, characterized by a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar. She was the first great recording star of gospel music, and was among the first gospel musicians to appeal to rhythm and blues and rock and roll audiences, later being referred to as “the original soul sister” and “the Godmother of rock and roll”. She influenced early rock-and-roll musicians including Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Eric Clapton.// Tharpe was a pioneer in her guitar technique; she was among the first popular recording artists to use heavy distortion on her electric guitar, opening the way to the rise of electric blues. Her guitar-playing technique had a profound influence on the development of British blues in the 1960s. Her European tour with Muddy Waters in 1964, with a stop in Manchester on May 7, is cited by British guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Keith Richards. // Willing to cross the line between sacred and secular by performing her music of “light” in the “darkness” of nightclubs and concert halls with big bands behind her, Tharpe pushed spiritual music into the mainstream and helped pioneer the rise of pop-gospel, beginning in 1938 with the recording “Rock Me” and with her 1939 hit “This Train”. Her unique music left a lasting mark on more conventional gospel artists such as Ira Tucker Sr., of the Dixie Hummingbirds. While controversial among conservative religious groups due to her forays into the pop world, she never left gospel music. // Tharpe’s 1944 release “Down by the Riverside” was selected for the National Recording Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress in 2004, which noted that it “captures her spirited guitar playing and unique vocal style, demonstrating clearly her influence on early rhythm-and-blues performers” and cited her influence on “many gospel, jazz, and rock artists”. (“Down by the Riverside” was recorded by Tharpe on December 2, 1948, in New York City, and issued as Decca single 48106). Her 1945 hit “Strange Things Happening Every Day”, recorded in late 1944, featured Tharpe’s vocals and resonator guitar, with Sammy Price (piano), bass and drums. It was the first gospel record to cross over, hitting no. 2 on the Billboard “race records” chart, the term then used for what later became the R&B chart, in April 1945. The recording has been cited as a precursor of rock and roll, and alternatively has been called the first rock and roll record. In May 2018, Tharpe was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence. // Lady Nade released the single “Everything is Free” (written by Gillian Welch) on January 20, 2023. She released her third album, the 11 – track, WILLING on June 18, 2021. The title track was released as a single and won ‘UK song of the Year’ in the 2022 UK Americana Awards. Lady Nade started writing poems and songs as a form of healing from grief, performing in venues across her native city of Bristol, her work developed into a calling to connect with her fans on a deeper level and help lead them through life’s complicated tapestry with the healing power of music. She pours creativity into every song, often lavishing them with a recipe to match. // Named one of Bristol’s most influential women of 2022, Lady Nade is continuing her rise as a multi-award winning eclectic Folk and Americana singer-songwriter. Her third album ‘Willing’ entered both the official Folk and Americana charts on its release. With the title track Single winning ‘UK song of the Year’ in the 2022 UK Americana Awards.// Her songs carry messages of love, loss, hope, relationships, friendships and the positive connection between music, well-being. // Lady Nade has learnt that loss and grief isn’t something one can recover from alone and with her music and recipes she creates a communal experience that everyone can enter into on their own terms. // This Bristolian folk / Americana songwriter fills your heart with words and melodies that nourish the mind, body and soul. Her performances are like a reunion. Share a room with her, and she’ll give you her story. All of it. The joys and sorrows. You will love her for it, and she will love you back.]
[Lady Nade plays several Private Showcases at Folk Alliance International Conference at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
OKAN – “Eshu Nigüe” from: Okantomi / OKAN / November 8, 2023 [Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, resistance and love, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish, English and Spanglish, OKAN is led by the Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees. They are most noted for their 2020 album Espiral, which won the Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2021. They were previously nominated in the same category at the Juno Awards of 2020 for their 2019 debut album Sombras. Rodriguez and Savigne are both former members of Jane Bunnett’s band Maqueque, who left that band in 2017 to form Okan. They perform both as a duo, and as leaders of a larger combo featuring session musicians.]
[OKAN play an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 6:15pm in Century A Room at The Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
10:30 – Underwriting
9. Jon Muq – “Shake Shake” from: Flying Away / Easy Eye Sound – Concord / May 31, 2024 [For Jon Muq, a singer-songwriter born in Uganda and now living in Austin, Texas, music is part of a larger conversation he’s having with the world and everybody in it. Drawing from African as well as western musical trends and traditions, he devises songs as small gifts, designed to settle into everyday life and provoke reflection and resilience. “These days the world is sad,” he explains, “so I wanted to make happy songs. I wanted to write songs that connected with the listener in a very personal way. When someone listens to my music, it’s not just about me and what I’m singing. It’s about how they understand the songs individually. I think these songs can speak many languages, depending on what you want from them. // Muq’s experiences as a child in Uganda and as a man in America give him a unique perspective on the world he’s addressing. “I grew up in a very different life, where so many people pass through hard times just because they don’t have much. Our biggest issue was food scarcity. Then I came to a different world, which gave me a picture of how to write a song that can find balance with everyone wherever they are, whether they have a lot or not much.” As he completes his debut with producer Dan Auerbach and tours with Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Amythyst Kiah, Corinne Bailey Rae, and others, Muq is expanding the scope of his music to speak to more and more people. // He has nursed his obsession with music for as long as he can remember. “When I was 7, I realized there was something about sound that I appreciated. We had a brass band at school that would play the school anthem, and I would sit between the horn players and it was so loud. I loved it. People would ask, Who is this strange boy up there with the band?” Later, he joined the group playing bugle, but was dismayed when he graduated and learned that his new school did not have a band. But it did have voices filling the hallways, which excited him. At night he would lay in his dormitory bed listening to those harmonies, eventually summoning the nerve to sneak out and track them down. He searched the three-story building until he found the choir room, and the group soon adopted the curious child as a mascot, giving him homemade shakers to play. “I joined the choir but didn’t sing. I was just following sound.” // During holidays, he would stay with a cousin in Kampala, cleaning house and working odd jobs to earn extra money. During one of those visits, the teenage Muq saw a CD that caught his attention: We Are the World. “I played it and was astounded. Where are these people singing very differently yet all singing the same song? I’m taking this CD. I didn’t even ask him. I just took it. I listened to it for a long time and I mastered all the vocals and tones of the people who were singing. That was my first exposure to modern western music, and it was fascinating to me.” It was a good lesson for him, as mimicking and mastering the vocals of such a disparate array of artists—from Michael Jackson to Cyndi Lauper to Kenny Rogers—expanded the expressive range of his voice. // It also taught Muq to write songs in English. “Since Uganda has 45 tribes, it has more than 45 languages. People sing in their own languages. My language is Luganda, but I have always sung in English.” In fact, he penned his first song as a love letter in English: “A friend of mine was going through a relationship problem. They were breaking up. He spoke English but could not write it, so I told him, I can write a letter for you to change her mind. And it worked! The girl was so happy, and she kept the letter.” Muq decided to make that his first song, so he asked his friend to steal the letter back so he could copy it. It eventually became “Always as One,” and “it’s still the song I start my shows with.” In addition to pursuing his creative endeavors, Muq has continued to devote time to charitable organizations in both Uganda and the U.S., working with non-profits and community programs that provide education, food, clothing, and support to those in need. // Muq would spend hours walking around the village of Mutungo at night and singing western songs. Residents would peek through fences trying to catch a glimpse of the mysterious singer, much as he had done with the school choir, but Muq nervously remained in the shadows. During one of his roaming concerts, he made a discovery that changed his life as much as We Are the World did. “One evening I was walking and singing and I heard someone playing an instrument. It sounded familiar, but also new. Two men were out in their yard performing songs for church, and I just sat there and watched. I was 18 or 19 years old, and this was my first time to see a guitar in my life. I had seen them on TV, of course, but seeing one in person was different. When I saw it, it just made sense to me. When I held it, it just made sense. I knew that this was going to answer so many questions I had about music and the western world. // Muq taught himself to play guitar on his new friend’s instrument, eventually borrowing it for a regular gig at a local hotel. Even after a long shift, he would walk home playing and singing, and a video of him serenading homeless children on the streets of Kampalaled to a stint as an entertainer on Norwegian Cruise Line. That experience not only refined his repertoire but helped him secure a passport and visa. “They saw the vide and asked me if I wanted to sing on a boat. But this like a city on the water. I couldn’t believe it would float. My friends thought the pictures I showed them had been Photoshopped.” He admits there was no grand plan to his career, no strategy or roadmap. “I never expected it to work this way. I never said, I’m going to get a job at a hotel. I’m going to get a job on a cruise line. I’m going to work with Dan Auerbach. Everything happened because I was following sound. I was chasing it. I was just singing.” // On the seas and later in America, he developed a curious approach to writing songs. “I don’t sit down and say, I’m going to write a song now. Most times someone will be talking to me and I’m playing the guitar at the same time. For some reason, my brain can listen to both things at the same time, and I’ll come up with a melody or a phrase, or just an idea. It’s amazing how many songs I’ve written when someone else is talking and I’m just holding my guitar. Even in the studio with Dan, we would be talking about songs or just hanging out, and I would be playing my guitar and coming up with new songs.” That’s how he wrote many of the songs on his upcoming debut, including the plaintive, yet hopeful, “One You Love.” “I wanted to have a relationship with someone but it didn’t work out. This song describes how someone has brought something great into your life, even if they don’t stay in your life. It was not a happy experience, but that didn’t stop me from writing something positive. I wrote it and sang it very slow, but Dans said it could be quick and dancey. It sounds great that way.” // Muq currently calls Austin home, but he’s on the road more than he’s in Texas, touring frequently and bringing his sunny songs to audiences of all kinds. “When I arrived in America, I was coming from a different part of the world, and I was very lost. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t know what was coming tomorrow. I just following instinct. I always thought, If I can communicate with people through music, it will make me feel like I am not alone. I can speak to people very intimately using music.”]
[Jon Muq plays an official Showcase at the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6:15pm in the Pershing Room, at The Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Joy Clark – “Guest” from: “Guest” – Single / Joy Clark / October 5, 2023 [Joy Clark is a black, queer, folk artist from New Orleans. She is a singer/songwriter, lyrical guitarist, and rising star. Her melodic offerings have been described as a balm for an anxious heart. Each song beckons the listener, welcoming them with open arms—always advocating for truth, authenticity, self-love, and the courage to boldly tell one’s story. Growing up the daughter of a minister, she learned to create an atmosphere ripe for an emotional experience. She believes music is her ministry and intimacy is her superpower. // http://www.countryqueer.com wrote: On June 10, 2022 Joy Clark released the singe “Good Thing.” In December of 2021 Joy Clark met three-time grammy nominee and Folk Music Award winner Allison Russell, at the EXIT/IN. After hearing each other perform, three months later Clark gets a call to perform with Russell in a performance at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. “It was a dream realized.” Clark said. Calling Russell a “generous” and “strategic” artist, Clark said she feels as though Russell is not only about playing a good show, but also building a community. “I love the way she approaches working with other people,” says Clark. But their collaboration didn’t end there. // Just a little over a week ago, a performance of Russell’s “4th Day Prayer” aired on Jimmy Kimmel, featuring Sista Strings, Larissa Maestro, Elizabeth Goodfellow, Mandy Fer, and…Joy Clark. The “Goddesses”, as Russell refers to them, had all played together in various configurations (Sista Strings would accompany Russell for one gig, Elizabeth, Mandy, and Joy on another,) but this was the first time that all seven of them shared the stage.]
[Joy Clark plays several Private Showcases at Folk Alliance International Conference including Wednesday, Feb, 2 at 10:30pm in the Rainbow Room #715 at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
The Matchsellers – “Time To Get A Straight Job” from: The Wishful Thinker’s Hall of Game / The Matchsellers / October 28, 2022 [Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City. Andrew Morris is a Chicago blues guitarist from Warsaw, Indiana. They met in Leipzig, Germany. During their year of living in the former East Germany, the pair began reanalyzing the songs of their homeland, and developed a tight yet gritty bluegrass style. In the summer of 2013 they left their jobs to hit the road and haven’t looked back.On February 12, 2016 they released their album, SONGS WE MADE UP, one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016.. In late 2014 they released their debut full length recording, “Kosciusko County,” one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Matchsellers have toured 3 European countries and 25 US States, performing 180 shows a year, including last year for the KC Fringe Festival, Bluegrass Bazaar in Flint, Michigan, Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK, and a 1st place win at the Eddie Owen Presents songwriting competition in Atlanta, GA. The Matchsellers played Folk Alliance International Conference.]
[The Matchsellers play is an official Showcase at the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 6:00pm in Washington Park Place 3, at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.] [The Matchsellers play several Private Showcases at Folk Alliance International Conference including: Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 12:00am in Heartland Song Network Room #742 // Thursday, Feb. 22, at 1:00am in Maven’s Henhouse Room 617 // Thursday, Feb. 22, at 2:30am in Whiskey Mash Room #550 // Friday, Feb. 23 at 11:00pm in Big Tent Room #629 // Friday, Feb. 23 at 2:20am in Whiskey Mash Room #550 // Saturday, Feb. 24 at 12:30am in Kerry Blech Traditional Room #723]
True Lions – “Blackberry Blossom” from: Cold Gravy Bowl / Manor Records / March 1, 2024 [Alison “Al” Hawkins is a queer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and leader of True Lions, a band consisting of Al and whoever is playing music with them, which often includes Fritz Hutchison—a drummer, singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, bandmate, bandleader, friend, sibling, Gemini, and Kansas Citian who just wants to do a good job and keep it fun for everybody. Last year, True Lions and Fritz Hutchison released a homemade split cassette tape via Manor Records. When their drummer Eli Kosko moved to the desert, Al, Fritz and bassist Carly Atwood started performing acoustically. When Carly was sometimes unavailable, Al and Fritz explored amplified fiddle, synth, and drums, through old-time tunes. Their noise art creation COLD GRAVY BOWL is scheduled for cassette release Friday, March 1 via Manor Records. // COLD GRAVY BOWL is the demon music baby of Kansas City duo Al Hawkins and Fritz Hutchison, blending amplified fiddle distortion, heavy drums, and bass synth through Ozark old-time. The album artwork was drawn by local queer artist Spade Nine. // True Lions released the True Lions- Fritz Hutchison Split Cassette through Manor Records on April 26, 2023. True Lions released their debut full length album, “The Fempire Strikes Back,” on Manor Records on April 9, 2021 with Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals; Adee Rocket Dancy on cello & vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion; Iona DeWalt on synthesizers; Miki P on guitar & vocals, and Teri Quinn on bass & vocals. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on February 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on November 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams and Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing and Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. More info at: http://www.manorrecords.com .] [True Lions joi us nest week on WMM.]
[True Lions play a Cold Gravy Bowl, Album Release show Saturday, March 2, 2024 with The Matchsellers, at The Emerald, (second floor) 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO [West Bottoms]. Witness the theatrical punk drag rock and roll folk event.]
[True Lions play several Private Showcases at Folk Alliance International Conference including: Thursday, February 22, at 12:30am in Lawrence Free State Room #609at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Willi Carlisle – “Critterland” from: Critterland / Signature Sounds Recordings / January 26, 2024 [For folksinger Willi Carlisle, singing is healing. And by singing together, he believes we can begin to reckon with the inevitability of human suffering and grow in love. On his latest album, Critterland, Carlisle invites audiences to join him: “If we allow ourselves to sing together, there’s a release of sadness, maybe even a communal one. And so for me personally, singing, like the literal act of thinking through suffering, is really freeing,” he says. // Rooted in the eclectic and collective world of his live shows, Carlisle’s third album, Critterland takes up where his sophomore album, Peculiar, Missouri left off, transforming Peculiar’s big tent into a Critterland menagerie and letting loose the weirdos he gathered together. The album is a wild romp through the backwaters of his mind and America, lingering in the odd corners of human nature to visit obscure oddballs, dark secrets and complicated truths about the beauty and pain of life and love. // Produced by the GRAMMY Award-nominated Darrell Scott and to be released Jan. 26, 2024 by Signature Sounds, Critterland considers where we come from and where we are going. On the album, he takes on human suffering through stories about forbidden love, loss, generational trauma, addiction, and suicide, believing that by processing the traits and trauma we inherit, he can reach a deeper understanding of what it means to succeed and to exist. // “[Critterland] is another brilliant composition from Carlisle, who has quickly established himself as one of country music’s most important and unmistakable voices.” -PASTE MAGAZINE // “One of the Top 10 “Best Things We Saw at Newport Folk Festival 2023” – Rolling Stone // Willi Carlisle is an absolute force of nature. From the moment he walks on stage you can’t take your eyes off of him and the minute he opens his mouth you can’t help but hang on every word. Even if the songs weren’t there, the showmanship alone would be worth the price of admission, but the scary part is the songs are just as good as the stories.” -BJ Barham .// Willi Carlisle released the album Peculiar, Missouri through Free Dirt Records on July 15, 2022. It was one of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. // Willi Carlisle is an “Ozark renaissance folklorist” who writes “brilliant, slice of life Americana.” (Sing Out!Magazine) A theatre artist, folksinger, poet, and square-dance caller, Willi received a BA from Knox College in Creative Writing and Performance Studies, and an MFA in Poetry at the University of Arkansas. His work has appeared in The Journal of American Folklore, The Midwest Review, and elsewhere. Willi is a co-leader of the Fayetteville Old-time Music and Dance Society and a company member with the Artist’s Laboratory Theater. His debut EP, “Too Nice to Mean Much,” is available at http://www.willicarlisle.com ]
[Willi Carlisle plays an official Showcase at the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 6:45pm in Benton’s 20th Floor, at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Mireya & The Poor Choices – “Blue Bayou (feat. The Burney Sisters & Teevor Turla)” from: Sin Fronteras / Mireya Ramos / September 15, 2023 [from mireyaramos.com: The U.S. border with Mexico has always been a fault line where cultural and political forces clash and meld with one another in a close embrace that is centuries old. The monumental musical project, Sin Fronteras, out September 2023, by Latin Grammy winner Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices proves this 5,525-mile-long expanse that physically bisects the two countries and cultures doesn’t spiritually separate them. It is a ranchera and country dialogue that could only happen in Kansas City, Missouri which has become a second home for the New York City-based Mireya. // “La Frontera showcases the similarities between styles of music and traditions that on the surface may seem very different. I like that this album sparks a conversation—that’s always been important to me as an artist,” – Mireya Ramos // Mireya is a vocalist, violinist, composer, and arranger, and the founder of Flor de Toloache, NYC’s first and only all-women mariachi band. She co-produced Sin Fronteras with Beau Bledsoe, founder/director of classical chamber Ensemble Iberica. The 10-song album features 25 musicians, including Latin Grammy winners Texmaniacs, Ensemble Iberica, and western band Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices. Though this community spans different genres, generations, and cultures, it coalesced around an album of original and traditional songs that meld influences from both sides of the border. // “The parallels between the music on both sides of the border became obvious to me years ago—you can see that in the traditions of cowboys in the U.S. and Mexico,” says Beau, who grew up in Arkansas but spent summers in the early 1990s studying ranchera in a tiny town in Mexico near KCMO. // Mireya might be best known for her pioneering work with her two-time Latin Grammy-winning group Flor de Toloache, and her acclaimed solo career. Flor de Toloache has toured nationally and internationally, and performed on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert,” The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and BBC 2’s Later with Jools Holland. The mariachi quartet has garnered critical-acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, The New Yorker, GQ Magazine, and The New York Times. // Mireya was born in California to proud Dominican and Mexican parents, and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her earliest connection to county music was through Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. When her family relocated from Puerto Rico to New York City, the Suzuki method, classically-trained violinist began to connect with bluegrass musicians and see firsthand the connections between the music of her Latin heritage and country music. Meeting Beau a decade ago and working with him for an internationally-themed seasonal performance series he curated in Kansas City only deepened the ranchera-country conversation for Mireya. // The shows documented a uniquely KCMO musical expression. Because of the city’s proximity to Interstate 35, a main tree branch for immigration to Mexico, Kansas City has had a long history of both traditional country and Latin music. “When I first moved here, I would study classical music at the conservatory, and play two-chord ranchera’s at night on the historic Southwest Blvd,” Beau recalls. // Latin-Grammy-winning, multiple Latin Grammy nominated and Grammy-nominated vocalist, violinist, Guitarron player, composer, producer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache – NY’s only all-women mariachi. She embodies all of her musical influences whether classical, mariachi, salsa, merengue or hip-hop, always creating a unique and refreshing sound. Her versatility, natural improvisational skills and beautiful tone has made her one of the top Latin artists in New York City and has landed her features on legendary albums by Latin Grammy Winner percussionist Luisito Quintero, Bobbito & Stretch, Len Smythe, Chicano Batman, Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas) and many more. As a big advocate of empowering the next generation and promoting the importance of representation, she has been an integral part of educational projects like México Beyond Mariachi, Lincoln Center, and Mariachi Academy NY. She continues to share her experience and knowledge through workshops, educational programs and performances. Apart from touring with her band, she is proudly involved in She is the Music, the Recording Academy as a serving governor of the NY Chapter, a SAG-Aftra member and promoting her debut solo album self titled “Mireya” which include collaborations with Flor de Toloache, Gaby Moreno, Haydée Milanés, Camilo Lara, Adrian Quesada, Velcro and the legendary Mike Garson. Originally for San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mireya Ramos, has an exciting new album coming out that was recorded here in Kansas City titled, Sin Fronteras, co-produced with Beau Bledsoe and the KC-based super-group, Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices. Sin Fronteras will be officially released on September 15, 2023. Mireya Ramos was on WMM on March 15 and August 23 ]
[Mireya Ramos plays an official Showcase at the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 8:15pm in Century C, at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
The Trials of Cato – “I Thought You Were My Friend” from: Gog Magog / The Trials of Cato / November 25, 2022 [The remarkable rise of BBC Radio 2 award winning trio The Trials of Cato on the UK folk-scene has been the subject of massive critical attention. Dubbed “the Sex Pistols of folk,” (J Davis) they pay clear homage to the tradition whilst twisting old bones into something febrile and modern, with stomping tunes and captivating stories. // Notably formed in Beirut, Lebanon, The Trials of Cato have blazed a trail like no other since returning to the UK in 2016. Memorable performances across Britain, Europe, and North America led to Mark Radcliffe hailing the band ‘one of the real discoveries on the folk circuit in recent times,’ with their 2018 debut Hide and Hair going on to win the BBC Radio 2 ‘Best Album’ Folk Award. With their latest offering Gog Magog, The Trials of Cato present their most daring music to date. // 2019 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Best Album Winners // Tomos on guitars / Polly on mandolin / Robin on bouzouki.]
[The Trials of Cato plays an official Showcase at the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Friday, Feb. 23, at 6:00pm in Century C, at Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
11:00 – Station ID
Julia Othmer – “Hungry Days (Make Me Feel) (Radio Edit)” from: Sound / Frickin Awesome Records / April 12, 2019 [Julia’s second album took three years to complete and was produced with James Lundie, who married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School and studied at Columbia University in NYC. She moved to LA in 2006 to record her first album, “Oasis Motel.”]
[Julia Othmer will be at a Folk Alliance International Conference in a panel discussion, Maximizing Your Revenue, Thursday, Feb. 22, at 3:00pm in the Pershing Room, at Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Rd, KCMO]
[Julia Othmer & James T Lundie’s new project, The Forcefields will present Transmission, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO.]
[Julia Othmer plays Folk Alliance International Conference Private Showcase at Cantina Navarro Room, on Sat. Feb. 24, 11:20pm in Room 537 of The Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Rd, KCMO]
11:04 – Interview with Julia Othmer, & James Lundie
James T. Lundie and Julia Othmer on the Wednesday, February 21, 2024 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Julia Othmer & James T Lundie join us LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios to share detrails about their new project, The Forcefields. In a few minutes we will play The Forcefields new single “Slip Away.” Julia & James are debuting The Forcefields with a multi-media, live music experience called Transmission, Friday, February 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO. The Forcefields will be the first of a new quarterly series offered by Charlotte Street called In(Site) highlighting local, regional, & national acts at pivotal points in their practices.
Julia Othmer, & James Lundie, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Julia Othmer will be at the Folk Alliance International Conference as part of a panel discussion called Maximizing Your Revenue, Thursday, February 22, at 3:00pm in the Pershing Room, at Folk Alliance International Conference.
Julia Othmer plays Folk Alliance International Conference Private Showcase at Cantina Navarro Room, on Saturday February 24, 11:20pm in Room 537 of The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO
Julia Othmer grew up in Kansas City. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School and studied at Columbia University in New York City. The child of European refugees, she draws from a broad and richly cultured palette of experience to create her intensely human yet otherworldly songs. Her piano-driven performances are a mesmerizing and superconscious fusion of raw power, vocal artistry and joy.
Julia Othmer moved to LA in 2006 to record her 1st album, OASIS MOTEL.
On a dark night in North London, singer-songwriter Julia Othmer landed on the front steps of producer-composer James T Lundie. She had been introduced to his music production and fell so deeply in love with his sonic architecture, she transported herself across the proverbial pond from LA to the UK, and refused to leave until he listened to her songs.
Julia released “Sound,” on April 12, 2019, her second album, that took 3 years to complete, and was produced with James T. Lundie who married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. This began a deeply creative and inspired partnership both in music and in life. Together they have released (under Julia’s name) studio recordings, live recordings, short films to accompany their work, a multi-media performance experience, and multiple social and environmental justice initiatives.
Julia Othmer & James T. Lunde released Seeds (Vol. 1) on November 13, 2020. “Seeds” was Julia Othmer’s 3rd full length album and contained 10 live songs selected from her 30-day Songs of September Project, where Julia performed a different live cover of her favorite songs and broadcast the performance throughout the streaming social media platforms to inspire people to register and vote on November 3. From those songs Julia’s fans democratically selected their favorite tracks to be released together on “Seeds.”
In 2021 Julia and her husband James relocated to Kansas City.
In March 20, 2022 Julia Othmer releasedSEEDS VOLUME 2, her 4th album of live recordings from her 30-day “Songs of September Project“, where Julia covered songs of protest & hope, to inspire people to vote in 2020.
11:13
James T. Lundie, Chad Brothers & Julia Othmer on the Wednesday, February 21, 2024 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Julia Othmer – “Russians” from: SEEDS, Volume 2 (LIVE) / Frickin’ Awesome Records / March 20, 2021 [This is Julia’s 4th full length and contains 10 live songs selected from her 30-day Songs of September Project, where Julia performed live covers of her favorite songs of protest and hope, broadcast through streaming social platforms to inspire people to vote on November 3. Julia’s fans democratically selected their favorite tracks to be included on SEEDS. Julia Othmer released “Sound,” on April 12, 2019, her second album, that took 3 years to complete, and was produced with James Lundie, who also married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record.. She moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st full-length album, “Oasis Motel.” In 2018 to 2019 Julia Othmer toured with and opened for The Alarm in US show and shows in the United Kingdom. When Julia Othmer is in Kansas City she plays with Johnny Hamil on bass, Chris Tady on guitar, John Floyd Whitaker on drums. More info at http://www.juliaothmer.com. Julia Othmer was our guest on WMM on September 1, 2021 and March 9, 2022.]
[Julia Othmer will be at the Folk Alliance International Conference as part of a panel discussion called Maximizing Your Revenue, Thursday, February 22, at 3:00pm in the Pershing Room, at Folk Alliance.]
[Julia Othmer & James T Lundie’s new project, The Forcefields will present Transmission, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO.]
[Julia Othmer plays Folk Alliance International Conference Private Showcase at Cantina Navarro Room, on Sat. Feb. 24, 11:20pm in Room 537 of The Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Rd, KCMO. More info at http://www.folk.org]
11:16 – More Interview with Julia Othmer, & James T. Lundie
James T. Lundie, Chad Brothers & Julia Othmer on the Wednesday, February 21, 2024 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Julia Othmer & James T Lundie join us LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios to share detrails about their new project, The Forcefields. In a few minutes we will play The Forcefields new single “Slip Away.”
Julia & James are debuting The Forcefields with a multi-media, live music experience called Transmission, Friday, February 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO.
The Forcefields will be the first of a new quarterly series offered by Charlotte Street called In(Site) highlighting local, regional, & national acts at pivotal points in their practices.
Julia Othmer, & James Lundie, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Inspired to take their collaboration to the next level, they are creating a new expanding sonic and visual aesthetic with their project: THE FORCEFIELDS.
Their sound is evolving into what is described as Annie Lennox hosting a full moon party with The Beach Boys and Portishead gathered round the fire. Their studio recordings feature James’ unique sonic tools, reimagined vintage synthesizers, audio gear and rebuilt, one-of-a-kind instruments, heard nowhere else in the world.
The Forcefields debut EP, BRIDGE, will be released in spring 2024. It is a sonic bridge between their previous work together and this new trajectory. Reinterpreting and distilling the essence of two of Julia’s previous songs, BRIDGE is a rhythmic, multi-layered and richly textured exploration of letting go and positive self realization.
Julia & James are debuting The Forcefields with a multi-media, live music experience called Transmission, Friday, February 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO.
7:30pm with an Artist Q&A Feedback Session to follow.
The Forcefields will be the first of a new quarterly series offered by Charlotte Street called In(Site) highlighting local, regional, & national acts at pivotal points in their practices.
Julia & James are debuting The Forcefields with the release of their first single “Slip Away” on February 27.
Julia Othmer, & James Lundie, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Julia Othmer will be at the Folk Alliance International Conference as part of a panel discussion called Maximizing Your Revenue, Thursday, February 22, at 3:00pm in the Pershing Room, at Folk Alliance International Conference.
Julia Othmer & James T Lundie’s new project, The Forcefields will present Transmission, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO.
Julia Othmer plays Folk Alliance International Conference Private Showcase at Cantina Navarro Room, on Sat. Feb. 24, 11:20pm in Room 537 of The Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Rd, KCMO. More info at http://www.folk.org
The Forcefields play the Volland Foundation on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2:00pm at theVolland Foundation, 24098 Volland Rd, Alma, KS in Collaboration with Sarah Hearn: Microbial Multiverse
The Forcefields – “Slip Away” from: “Slip Away” – Single / Frickin’ Awesome Records / February 27, 2024 [THE FORCEFIELDS is a brand new project, a new cosmosonic collaboration between Julia Othmer and James T Lundie AKA Aayama & Max Forcefield. The Forcefields present TRANSMISSION where they will be the debuting performers for Charlotte Street’s new series, In(SITE), highlighting local, regional, and national acts at pivotal points in their practices. In a multidisciplinary collaboration with artists Simon Huntley, Sarah Hearn, and Mikal Shapiro, Transmission is an exploration of cosmic vibrations and soundscapes in a stunning one-night-only production.]
[Julia Othmer will be at the Folk Alliance International Conference as part of a panel discussion called Maximizing Your Revenue, Thursday, February 22, at 3:00pm in the Pershing Room, at Folk Alliance International Conference.]
[Julia Othmer & James T Lundie’s new project, The Forcefields will present Transmission, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO.]
[Julia Othmer plays Folk Alliance International Conference Private Showcase at Cantina Navarro Room, on Sat. Feb. 24, 11:20pm in Room 537 of The Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Rd, KCMO. More info at http://www.folk.org]
11:28 – Underwriting
19. Flamy Grant – “Fortune Teller” from: “Fortune Teller” – Single / Glam & Glory Records / October 24, 2023 [Produced by Ben Grace. Sound engineer and electric guitars by Daniel Shearin. // Flamy Grant is winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and the 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music record by a drag performer. With influences from gospel and blues to folk and rock, this Americana showcase shines a spotlight on queerness, faith, and overcoming the spiritual trauma so often endured by LGBTQ+ people and others who grow up in conservative religious spaces. // Flamy’s iconic roots-rock sound is influenced by singer/songwriters like Natalie Merchant, Tracy Chapman, Over the Rhine, and — of course — Amy Grant. Her art shines a spotlight on the queer spiritual journey, telling stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma. With a bold lip, a big lash, and a blistering voice, Flamy is here to rewrite the rules when it comes to faith-based entertainment, demanding a reckoning for an industry that for too long has silenced and shut out its LGBTQ+ artists and fans. // Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart. More information at: http://www.flamyfrant.com]
[Flamy Grant plays an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO. http://www.folk.org]
11:33 – Interview with Flamy Grant
Flamy Grant, is the winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and is a 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music album recorded by a drag performer. With influences from gospel and blues to folk and rock, this Americana showcase, shines a spotlight on queerness, faith, and overcoming the spiritual trauma so often endured by LGBTQ+ people and others who grow up in conservative religious spaces.
Flamy’s iconic roots-rock sound is influenced by singer/songwriters like Natalie Merchant, Tracy Chapman, Over the Rhine, and — of course — Amy Grant. Her art shines a spotlight on the queer spiritual journey, telling stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma. With a bold lip, a big lash, and a blistering voice, Flamy is here to rewrite the rules when it comes to faith-based entertainment, demanding a reckoning for an industry that for too long has silenced and shut out its LGBTQ+ artists and fans.
Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart.
Flamy Grant plays several private showcases, and is an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.
Flamy Grant, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
About “Fortune Teller” Flamy Grant writes: “There are some things queer people will always know more about — things you can only learn by navigating the often unwelcoming world as a queer person. If you let us, we can be a trustworthy guide: a fortune teller, a scientist, a time traveler, a prophet.”
Fortune Teller (Lyrics)
I’m a medium, I’m a fortune teller I know every word you’re gonna say I’m a headstrong, lifelong city dweller I can take you where you’re going by the fastest way It’s gonna be okay
I traveled time, I’m here from the future I can show you how this all turns out I can save you with the data in my computer We can flourish in the flood and avoid the drought Yeah, we’re gonna make it out
You feel it in your bones But your head is moving slow
I’m a scientist, I got a method and a measure For observable, reliable, repeatable fact I’m a decorated educator in the field of pleasure I’ve learned a lot of lessons I can reenact Yeah, I been keeping track
You sense that I am true But your heart is split in two
I’m a prophetess, singing my story A dressed-up, effervescent, ethical fraud But this world ain’t ready for an allegory, no We’re still waiting on a literal god I just smile and nod
You have intuition And it’s telling you the story isn’t done
Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart.
Flamy Grant’s Hometown is Asheville, NC. Raised fundamentalist evangelical herself, much of Flamy’s music centers on the queer spiritual journey. She tells stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma in a world where LGBTQ+ people are frequently ignored by, harmed in, or ejected from religious spaces.
With a bold lip, a big lash, and a blistering voice, Flamy takes audiences to a soulful, uplifting church of her own making.
After growing up as a “deeply fundamentalist evangelical” in western North Carolina, Grant (whose real name is Matthew Blake) spent decades dedicated to church before coming out in her young adulthood and launching into drag in 2020. She built a fanbase on TikTok before releasing Bible Belt BabY, completely unaware of the bump in success it’d later receive.
1 Album “Bible Belt Baby,” iTunes Christian Chart (July 27-August 4, 2023)
1 Single “Good Day,” iTunes Christian Chart (July 27, 2023)
20 Single “Good Day,” Billboard Christian Digital Sales Chart (July 2023)
2 Single “Fortune Teller,” iTunes Christian Chart (October 24, 2023)
Top Ten Best Queer Country Albums of 2023 – Rainbow Rodeo Magazine Nominee: Best Pop Album – San Diego Music Awards
Flamy Grant is a powerhouse vocalist, intrepid songwriter, and acclaimed drag queen from western North Carolina who blends folk, gospel, and roots, transporting audiences with therapeutic, theatrical storytelling and song. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, garnered international attention when it reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Charts after a self-proclaimed MAGA preacher disparaged her online. The story was covered by Rolling Stone, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, People, Newsweek, Today, Paste, Them, Queerty, Instinct, and more. She was again featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, and others after a Grammy Awards screening committee disqualified her record from the Contemporary Christian Music category due to adult language.
Bible Belt Baby was nominated for Best Pop Album at San Diego Music Awards & named one of the Top 10 Queer Country Albums of 2023 by Rainbow Rodeo Magazine. Flamy is a winner of the 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition, a 2023 QueerX Award nominee for Best Drag Artist, and 2024 Queerty Award nominee for Drag Royalty.
Flamy told Entertainment Weekly: “I’m here in all of my draggy audacity to demand they reckon with reality,” Flamy tells EW after her Bible Belt Baby topped the Christian charts amid a feud with Sean Feucht.
The North Carolina native saw a massive spike in sales after the former conservative political candidate Sean Feucht, who criticized Flamy for putting Caedmon’s Call band member Derek Webb into drag for the pair’s “Boys Will Be Girls” music video. Feucht, a fellow performer, shared a clip of Grant’s “Boys Will Be Girls” to social media. Utilizing harmful rhetoric that’s fueled recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation throughout the United States, Feucht called the video “sick” and “twisted.”
Flamy says Feucht subsequently slammed the duo’s work, and attempted to downplay her career prospects — and it backfired, as Flamy’s 2022 album Bible Belt Baby shot to No. 1 on the Christian iTunes charts, with the tune “Good Day” also topping the platform’s Christian songs ranking.
Flamy recalls “shame and fear” governing most of her early life, and says she found solace in Christian music, as secular pop was banned in her home. Flamy told Entertainment Weekly: “For me, drag started out as inner child work — reparenting myself and giving myself the opportunity to explore who I was becoming before my conservative upbringing forced me into a box that was never going to hold me,” she says. “The songs that I started writing in Flamy’s voice were all about recovery from the religious trauma I’d endured. I found myself writing about spirituality through the lens of a drag queen.”
She explains, “To me, Bible Belt Baby is a Christian album because it tells the story of someone who grew up trying to be the best Christian ever because they knew they were queer and had to work twice as hard to belong in a place that hated queerness, and despite their attempts to kick her out, she decided to plant her stiletto in sacred space.”
Now, just under four years into her drag career, Flamy has cut ties from evangelicalism and moved into “progressive and inclusive” sects of Christianity. She even assisted with her church’s digital services during the pandemic, delivering sermons in drag and performing in churches around the country. Though she boldly carries it, lifting that torch isn’t easy.
“I think it was actually really great that it took a minute for this moment to happen because I was ready,” Grant tells PEOPLE. “I had already chosen to release a record in the Christian genre. It was sitting there, just literally waiting for someone like Sean Feucht to give it a golden platter to fly off on.”
Flamy Grant Tour Reviews “A cheeky, country-disco track guaranteed to smear a smile across you face as bold as a heavy lip.” —Rachel Cholst, TheBoot.com
“Her vocals are not post-production magic… her strong voice helps carry sincere lyrics.” —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune
Flamy Grant On Tour – Over 70 dates booked, including:
End of Days Tour with Derek Webb, 17 cities
Official Showcase, Folk Alliance International Conferenc
Off-Broadway Solo Cabaret Show at Laurie Beechman Theatre
Kerrville Folk Festival opening weekend
Opening for Adeem the Artist’s album release shows
Winter Magic Tour with Rebecca Loebe & Crys Matthews
A Million Ways to Cry in the West Tour with Story & Tune
Official showcases at SWRFA & NERFA
Theology Beer Camp & QCF Conference
Flamy Grant is currently working on her second album. In December 2023, Flamy raised $56,608 from 559 backers on Kickstarter to fund her second studio album. She is recording it in March 2024 in Nashville at Forty-one Fifteen Studios. It is planned for a September 2024 release.
10:41
Flamy Grant on the Wednesday, February 21, 2024 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
20. Flamy Grant – “What Did You Drag Me Into?” (LIVE) This song is from: BIBLE BELT BABY / Glam & Glory Records / October 6, 2022 [Produced by Ben Grace. // Flamy Grant is winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and the 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music record by a drag performer. With influences from gospel and blues to folk and rock, this Americana showcase shines a spotlight on queerness, faith, and overcoming the spiritual trauma so often endured by LGBTQ+ people and others who grow up in conservative religious spaces. // Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart.]
[Flamy Grant plays an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO. http://www.folk.org]
11:44 – More Interview with Flamy Grant
Flamy Grant on the Wednesday, February 21, 2024 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
We are talking with Flamy Grant, the winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and is a 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music album recorded by a drag performer. Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart.
A shame-slaying, hip-swaying drag artist with Appalachian roots. Flamy Grant bring a roots-rock sound influenced by gospel and Americana. Her music shines a spotlight on the queer spiritual journey, telling stories of resilience and recovery from religious trauma. “With a bold lip and a big lash, Flamy is here to rewrite the rules when it comes to religious music.”
Flamy Grant plays several private showcases, and is an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.
Flamy Grant, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Flamy Grant plays multiple Private Showcases: Wednesday, February 21, at 11:25pm Midwood Entertainment Room # 714 Thursday February 22, at 11:30pm Mammoth Bookings Room # 614 Thursday February 22, at 2:10am TRO Essex Room # 740 Friday, February 23, at 10:30 Big Tent Room # 629 Friday, February 23, at 1:30am Rainbow Room # 715 Friday, February 23, at Kerrville New Folk Room # 635 Saturday, February 24, at 12:00am House of Pancakes Room # 546
On Tour: Mar 16 – Laurie Beechman Theatre – New York (NYC), NY Mar 17 – Laurie Beechman Theatre – New York (NYC), NY Mar 27 – Ugly Mug – Soquel, CA Mar 28 – Community Congregational United Church of Christ – Los Alamitos, CA Apr 04 – The Ringwald Theatre – Ferndale, MI Apr 22 – Hammond United Church Hall – Maple Ridge, BC
After many years of living in San Diego, last Spring, Fkamy and her partner Chris moved to North Carolina. That move was the inspiration for the single, “I Think I See the Island.”
About the song “I Think I See the Island” Flamy Grant writes:
A few months ago, my spouse turned to me and said, “Let’s do it. Let’s go to North Carolina.”
For a long time, we had been vacillating between options for the next chapter of our life together. Chicago, Nashville, Vermont, Portland and Bend were all on the table, along with my hometown of Asheville, NC — or simply staying in San Diego.
I once moved halfway across the country for a relationship… to disastrous results. So while my gut was pulling me back toward the southeast, closer to my family and the music scene I felt would suit me best, I was feeling very sensitive to the idea of asking my partner to abandon his life in America’s Finest City and start fresh with me somewhere smaller, greener, and far less politically advantageous.
“Your career is building some real momentum,” Chris said. “It makes sense for us to be where Flamy can thrive. Plus, I’m kind of excited about the idea of exploring the east coast.”
That’s the kind of partner I am lucky enough to have.
I wrote this song for Chris, & am releasing it as a surprise on his birthday – the second time I’ve surprised him with a song (the 1st was for our wedding weekend and I’ve included it as a bonus track on this release). I’m probably going to have to retire this trick soon & think of other ways to mark special occasions. But with this being his last birthday as a California resident, I wanted to suspend time for a moment the way only music can.
“I Think I See The Island” is about the morning walks we’ve taken to the top of our neighborhood hill over the past 3.5 years. On the rare clear day, you can see the tiny Isla Coronado in the distance, way off the coast of Mexico. At some point, we got into the habit of pointing it out to each other, and this initially made me laugh when I first realized we were doing it.
“We’re becoming one of those couples who say the same things to each other every day,” I chuckled one morning after he’d pointed out the island’s silhouette emerging through the coastal haze.
I imagined us in our seventies shuffling to the top of that hill every morning, peering across the canyons with failing eyes, checking to see if the island would make an appearance today. And rather than feeling predictable or boring, I found the idea very, very comforting. The song came to me in one simple writing session, and I knew I wanted to gift it to Chris as a way to mark this season of our lives — pandemic dog walks; navigating our first years as a married couple in the suburbs; the tiny, recurring thrill of a silly game we played every morning.
To me, it feels holy.
Soon we’ll be searching for new paths to climb with our dog in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and no matter how clear the day, there will be no islands to look for. But new rituals will replace the old, and we’ll invent new things to say to each other every morning.
Still, I hope one day when we’re much older, we’re able to visit our old neighborhood in San Diego, climb to the top of the hill, and see the island that inspired this song.
Happy birthday, Christopher. I’m so grateful for the holy little moments anchoring our lives.
(I owe an extraordinary debt of gratitude to my producer Ben Grace, who brought this entire track to life in a few hours, and to Karyn Thurston, who magicked gorgeous background vocals after listening through approximately twice. Superstars.)
11:51
Flamy Grant, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Flamy Grant plays several private showcases, and is an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.
James T. Lundie, Flamy Grant, and Julia Othmer on the Wednesday, February 21, 2024 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Flamy Grant – “I Think I See The Island” from: “I hink I See The Island” – Single / Glam & Glory Records / July 4, 2023 [Produced by Ben Grace. Sound engineer and electric guitars by Daniel Shearin. // Flamy Grant is winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and the 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music record by a drag performer. With influences from gospel and blues to folk and rock, this Americana showcase shines a spotlight on queerness, faith, and overcoming the spiritual trauma so often endured by LGBTQ+ people and others who grow up in conservative religious spaces. // Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart.]
[Flamy Grant plays an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thurs, Feb. 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, February 28 we talk with Malek Azrael and premiere his new single, “in ur mind” to be released on March 1, 2024.
We also welcome Alison “Al” Hawkins & Fritz Hutchison of True Lions about their new recording, Cold Gravy Bowl, and their Album Release show Sat, March 2, 2024 with The Matchsellers, at The Emerald, (2nd floor) 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO [West Bottoms].
Also next week I will be joined by Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis for our Winter Fund Drive Show. We want to hear from all of our listeners to call us up at 888-931-3901
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Folk Alliance International + Julia Othmer & James T. Lundie + Flamy Grant
Mark plays Music of Folk Alliance International from: Abraham Alexander, Lady Nade, Calvin Arsenia, Jon Muq, Crystal Matthews, OKAN, Joy Clark, The Trials of Cato, Bad Alaskan, Willi Carlisle, True Lions, Mireya Ramos, The Swallowtails, The Matchsellers, Julia Othmer, and Flamy Grant. We will also play new music from The Forcefields.
Folk Alliance International Conference is Wednesday, February 21 through Saturday, February 24, 2024 at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO. This year’s theme is ALCHEMY A Transformative Force. More information at: http://www.FOLK.org
At 11:00 Mark talks with Julia Othmer & James T Lundie about their new project, The Forcefields. We’ll play The Forcefields new single “Slip Away.” Julia & James are debuting The Forcefields with a multi-media, live music experience called Transmission, featuring collaborations with musician – Simon Huntley, artist researcher – Sarah Hearn visual artist and shadow puppeteer – Mikal Shapiro, and lighting design – Ian VanDusen, Transmission is Friday, February 23, 2024 at 7:30pm in the Stern Theater at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO. The Forcefields will be the first of a new quarterly series offered by Charlotte Street called In(Site) highlighting local, regional, & national acts at pivotal points in their practices. // Julia Othmer will be at the Folk Alliance International Conference as part of a panel discussion called Maximizing Your Revenue, Thursday, February 22, at 3:00pm in the Pershing Room, at Folk Alliance International Conference. Julia Othmer plays Folk Alliance International Conference Private Showcase at Cantina Navarro Room, on Saturday February 24, 11:20pm in Room 537 of The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO
At 11:30 Mark welcomes Flamy Grant, winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and the 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music record by a drag performer. Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart. Flamy Grant plays several private showcases, and is an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thursday, February 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.
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, February 14, 2024
Janice Woolery + David Luther & Kelly Dougherty + Buck Moon
“It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM theme]
Adrianne Lenker – “Sadness As A Gift (Radio Edit)” from: Bright Future / 4AD / March 22, 2024 [Adrianne Lenker writes: ““bright future” was made with everything in my heart, and it will be yours march 22nd. for today, i’m sharing the second song from it called ”sadness as a gift”. “sadness as a gift” was co-produced by Philip Weinrobe, with contributions from Mat Davidson, Nick Hakim, and Josefin Runsteen. // Mat, Nick and Josefin, y’all brought this whole thing to life in a way i never could’ve even imagined being possible. my heart broke open during those weeks together. your love makes it what it is and i am endlessly grateful for the presence you gave to our time together and to this music. Phil you inspire me endlessly, you ignite my curiosity and remind me to enjoy being alive. i learn so much from working and existing with you, thank you for going one thousand percent in with me, all the way through the shadows and the light. // mastered with care by the incredible Josh Bonati. // Adrianne Elizabeth Lenker was born July 9, 1991. She is an American musician. She is the lead vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter of the band Big Thief. // Lenker was born in Indianapolis and was raised in a Christian cult until the age of four, but primarily grew up in Minnesota. Her parents rented homes in Coon Rapids, Nisswa, and Bloomington, Minnesota, before settling down in Plymouth, Minnesota, where she lived for 10 years, excluding a brief time spent in Santa Cruz, California. She spent a summer traveling throughout the midwest and living out of a Ford cargo van. // Lenker wrote her first song at the age of eight, and recorded her first album at age 13. Her other interests included studying martial arts, and she was the state karate champion three years in a row.[citation needed] She moved to Santa Cruz for a year and a half, living with a family friend and working at a local McDonalds. She dropped out of Santa Cruz High School halfway into her sophomore year, moved back to Plymouth, and got her GED at the age of 16. She attended the Berklee College of Music on a scholarship provided by Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. // On February 28, 2006, when Lenker was 14, she released her first solo album, Stages of the Sun. On January 9, 2014, Lenker released her second solo album, Hours Were the Birds. // On May 1, 2014, Lenker, together with future bandmate Buck Meek, released the LP records a-sides and b-sides. In 2015, Lenker and Meek, alongside Max Oleartchik and James Krivchenia, formed the band Big Thief, whose first album was released in 2016. // Lenker released her third solo album, Abysskiss, on October 5, 2018. // On October 23, 2020, Lenker released her two most recent albums, Songs and Instrumentals. // Lenker met the future Big Thief co-founder Buck Meek at a concert when she lived in Boston, and then she encountered him again in a bodega the day she moved to New York. The pair began to play together, and married when Lenker was 24. They divorced in 2018, remaining in Big Thief as “deep friends”. In 2019, Lenker was in a relationship with the artist Indigo Sparke, and the two separated sometime in 2020. // While Lenker is comfortable with the label “queer”, she has expressed a desire not to define her sexual orientation beyond that. Her lyrics often contain discussions of gender and the gender binary. In an interview with The Brag, Lenker said of those lyrics, “I feel within myself a constant dialogue between my masculinity, my femininity and the part of me that is neither of those things. I’m just trying to talk about it because I feel like I’m something that is very ambiguous.”]
The Whips – “Begin Again” from: “Begin Again” – Single / Draft Crew Records / February 2, 2024 [The Whips are Miles Patterson on drums, Quinn Cosgrove on bass, Max Indiveri on guitar, and Coop on piano. The Whips are a funk/soul band based in Kansas City. The Whips released their 12 track debut album HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE on Lotuspool Records on September 1, 2023, Recorded with Audio Engineer Chris Cosgrove. the album features an array of their favorite local musicians guest in various tracks including: Malek Azrael, Anna Duntz, Atomic Blonde, Die Jane, Tre’ Mutava, Lymerrick & Lucy Brock. The Whips released their 6-track Debut EP, NEVER CHANGE, OR DO on August 20, 2021 on Draft Crew Records. The Whips released multiple singles in 2021. The Whips are currently on the road, they play Nashville onFriday, St. Louis on Saturday, Ames Iowa next week. More info at: ww.thewhipsband.com]
[The Whips opening for Landon Conrath at The Uptown Theatre next week on February 21.]
The Roseline – “Hot Dice” from: Keystone of the Heart / RPH Records / February 2, 2024 [Keystone of the Heart is the eighth album from the Lawrence, Kansas based band. The Roseline features: Colin Halliburton on lead vocals, Bradley McKellip on guitar, Heidi Gluck on Keyboards & backing vocals, Colin Jones on bass, Jim Piller on drums, and Chase Horseman on Mellotron. Engineered, produced, and mixed by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City, KS Mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering in Chicago, IL. // Keystone of the Heart, is arguably their most distilled, elegant, and emotionally resonant album of their career. Halliburton describes it as “a protest record which protests the dissolution of a marriage, the slog of existence in late stage capitalism, and grotesque hatred and violence.” While this certainly sounds clunky and heavy-handed, Halliburton knows when to inject some levity and humor. Songs which appear dour and grim in the early verses always seem to find some hope and light by their end. Keystone of the Heart offers pure aural aloe for troubled times. // The Roseline played an Album Release Show at The Bottleneck con February 2, 2024 with Suzannah Johannes and Empty Moon. The band will be traveling back to Scandinavia in March. // The Roseline’s 7th album CONSTANCY was released November 5, 2021, was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. // The Roseline are a Lawrence, KS, based alt-country, Americana, rock band, formed by Colin Halliburton with friends in 2005. The Roseline released their 6th album GOOD / GRIEF on April 3, 2020. The Roseline released BLOOD on September 29, 2017; and TOWNIE on June 19, 2015. The band has toured the US and parts of Europe. Halliburton has completed two European solo tours thus far, taking him through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. // . The Roseline founder and principal songwriter, Colin Halliburton, began the project as an acoustic folk trio. It has since evolved into the five-piece heartland rock band of its current form. // Kind foreign press and high charting on the Euro Americana Chart (“Lust for Luster,” “Blood,” “GOOD/GRIEF” and “Constancy” all charted in the top 10) led to a deal in the Benelux with Dutch label King Forward Records. The band also released “Vast as Sky” in 2012 with the Bay Area label Ninth Street Opus (home to Sarah Lee Guthrie and Carrie Rodriguez). Aside from those, the project has largely been a truly DIY, independent venture. // The Roseline has had the good fortune of landing placements in indie movies and major network television shows such as ABC’s “Nashville” and “Resurrection,” as well as USA’s “Queen of the South,” Netflix’s “Virgin River” and MTV’s “Teen Mom.” The band’s work has been featured on NPR, “Pop Matters,” “American Songwriter,” “The Bluegrass Situation” and “No Depression,” among others. Colin Halliburton joined us on WMM on March 25, 2020. More info at: https://roselinemusic.com/%5D
[The Roseline will tour throughout Sweden and Norway in March.]
Elexa Dawson & Stanley Hotel – “Lot of Life” from: Wanderlust / Turns Out Records / February 2, 2024 [WANDERLUST was recorded at: Remote Studios. Engineered and Mixed: Isaac Nelson, Adam Stanley. Mastered by: Brody Wellman. Produced by: Elexa Dawson, Isaac Nelson, Adam Stanley, Doug Swindell. Published By: Turns Out Records. Dawson Elexa creates community-focused Americana music with soulful vocals and connection to land. Oklahoma Native, Elexa now calls Kansas her home. Wanderlust is Elexa’s sophomore release (Feb 2024) collaboration with Stanley Hotel. Elexa Dawson also fronts the bands: Heyleon and Weda Skirts. Alexa is a Potawatomi activist and educator. Elexa facilitates songwriting workshops, talking circles, and relational plant education. // Mikal Shapiro, of Siren Song, on 90.1 FM KKFI writes, “Dear Music Lovers, do yourself a favor and put this honey in your ears. Elexa Dawson delivers yet another stunning collection of heartfelt songs in her sophomore release. // A collaboration with indie folk rockers Stanley Hotel, the chemistry is palpable and the production sparkles with Dawson’s clear and powerful voice sitting comfortably in the full-spectrum arrangements. // A soul-stirring journey through earth and sky, “Wanderlust” provides the perfect soundtrack to that road-trip you’ve been dreaming about… and you don’t have to burn any gas to get there.” // More on WANDERLUST: Nestled within the red dirt country hills of Oklahoma, Elexa Dawson and the acclaimed Stanley Hotel embarked on a visionary collaboration, crafting what can only be described as a sonic spaceship named “Wanderlust.” Reviewed as “a soul-stirring journey through earth and sky,” the album invites listeners to explore uncharted realms through its captivating songs. // From the inaugural track’s exploration of the outer limits of human experience to the final guided meditation conveying a message from the ancestors, “Wanderlust” stands as an epic odyssey worthy of the finest traveling shoes. Each song serves as a unique stop on this musical tour, gathering sentiments of loneliness, love, connection, and completion. Whether dancing with the transient and the lovers in “Rainbows,” getting “High on the Street,” or contemplating life under the southwestern sky with the poignant “Lonely Coyote,” every moment resonates with the depth of the human experience. // Elexa Dawson’s return to her Oklahoma roots for recording at Remote Records, the experimental laboratory of Stanley Hotel members Adam Stanley, Isaac Nelson, and Doug Swindell, underscores the organic collaboration between the artists. With mutual admiration at the core of their sonic choices, Stanley Hotel’s earthy soundscape perfectly supports Elexa’s vocal prowess. As both parties contribute astute compositions, the album maintains its cohesion by invoking nature’s spirits while playfully exploring the ether and always grounding itself back in the dirt. // “Wanderlust” marks Elexa’s sophomore release following her debut album, “Music is Medicine,” in 2019. The collaboration with Stanley Hotel showcases their multi-genre style and eclectic musicality, evident in releases such as “Samson Mammoth” and “The Wolf Told Me.” Elexa’s vocal quality, described by Raye Zaragoza as cutting right to the soul, blends seamlessly with Stanley Hotel’s unique style, creating a magical and expansive listening experience.More info at: http://www.elexadawson.com]
[Elexa Dawson plays Thelma’s Peach, 2008 East Admiral Blvd in Tulsa, OK on Friday, February 9, at 9:00pm with Amber Watson, and Joey Henry’s Dirty Sunshine Club.]
Keelon Vann – “Take Our Time” from: Tales of the Gypsy / KeelonVann / January 1, 2024 [Keelon Vann is a 25 year old singer-songwriter and guitarist. Keelon Vann plays an eclectic fusion of Rock & Roll, Pop, R&B, and Funk. He looks to break barriers by paying tribute to the classics and finding inspiration in modern productions alike. The Kansas born artist doesn’t believe in genre. “It’s pretty hard to put you in a box,” said Steve Kraske of KCUR 89.3 Radio. It is, however, to Vann’s dismay, that such fusion of music may result in quite an unorthodox niche. Nonetheless, music is art, and according to Vann, art is not meant to be superficial within genre. Art exists spiritually to inspire and to heal. Keelon studied at William Jewell College. He went to Wyandotte High School, Blue Valley Southwest High School, and Piper High School in Kansas.
[Keelon Vann and his trio play The Ship, 1217 Union Avenue KCMO – WEST BOTTOMS on February 15, 2024, at 8:00pm. Vann is joined by drummer Thomas Pribyl and bass guitarist Tommy OHalloran for an eclectic evening of original music.]
[Keelon Vann plays recordBar at 1520 Grand Blvd. on friday, February 23, at 7:00pm]
[Keelon Vann plays Chartreuse Saloon, 1625 Oak Street, KCMO on Friday, February 23, at 10:00pm]
[Keelon Vann plays Society on March 14, at 8:00pm.]
[Keelon Vann plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, on Thursday, March 28, at 8:00PM with Lady Revel, and IVORY BLUE]
Erin Eades – “The Lesser of Two Evils” from: “The Lesser of Two Evils” – Single / Erin Eades / January 26, 2024 [Erin Eades is an Americana singer-songwriter and solo acoustic performer from Kansas City, drawing influence from indie rock, alternative, and country music. Through her music, she weaves a narrative of resilience and transformation, inviting listeners to embrace the bittersweet complexities of the human experience. Erin frequently performs in Missouri and Kansas, and plans to release her sophomore effort, a full studio project, in 2024. More info at: http://www.erineadesmusic.com]
[Erin Eades will be playing multiple Private Showcases at Folk Alliance International Conference February 21 through 24, 2024 at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO. http://www.folk.org]
10:29 – Underwriting
The Eurythmics – “Do You Want To Break Up?” from: Savage / RCA / November 9, 1987 [Savage is the sixth studio album by British pop duo Eurythmics. Following the much more mainstream commercial content of their previous two albums, Savage saw Eurythmics “turn sharp left” (as band member Dave Stewart put it), returning to the much more experimental sound that their early albums incorporated. Produced in France (recorded at Chateau de Dangu in Normandy and mixed at Grande Armée Studios in Paris), the album made heavy use of the NED Synclavier digital sampling keyboard. The only other musician working on the recordings with Stewart and Annie Lennox was drummer Olle Romo, who handled much of the Synclavier programming. Lennox brought more of a feminist focus to her lyrics which was made more evident by the accompanying video album, which featured a video for each song. // Although the album was not as commercially successful as the duo’s previous two albums, it reached the top 10 in the United Kingdom, spawned three UK top-30 singles, and has been certified Platinum. It was less successful in the United States, where it peaked at number 41. // Eurythmics were a British pop duo formed in 1980, consisting of Scottish vocalist Annie Lennox and English musician and producer Dave Stewart. They were both previously in the Tourists, a band that broke up in 1980. They released their first studio album, In the Garden, in 1981 to little success, but achieved global acclaim with their second album, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (1983). The title track became a worldwide hit, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart, and number one in Canada and the US Billboard Hot 100. Eurythmics went on to release a string of hit singles and albums, including “Love Is a Stranger”, “There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)” and “Here Comes the Rain Again”, before splitting in 1990.= // Stewart became a sought-after record producer, while Lennox began a solo recording career in 1992 with her debut album Diva. After almost a decade apart, Eurythmics reunited to record their ninth album, Peace, released 1999. They reunited again in 2005 to release the single “I’ve Got a Life”, as part of a new compilation album, Ultimate Collection. // Eurythmics have sold an estimated 75 million records worldwide. Their awards include the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist in 1984, the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1987, and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1999. They were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.]
10:32 – Interview with Janice Woolery
Janice Woolery is a visual artist, writer, performer, and comedian. She co-founded Big Bang Buffet in 1990 where she wrote, produced, and performed in over 100 productions. Janice also organized and wrote for many LGBTQ+ organizations, the ACLU, and Planned Parenthood. In 1996 she wrote & produced a one woman show. In 2019, as a self taught artist, she began creating visual art. That year Janice was asked by Momentum Studio in Des Moines, Iowa, to create an Earth Day solo show. She won “Best in Sculpture” in the Momentum 15th Anniversary Works of Growth & Recovery, and Best in Show in their 16th Anniversary show in 2020. In 2021 Janice returned home to KC. Her visual work was featured in Tangled Roots, and the 12×12 Member Artist Showcase at the InterUrban ArtHouse in 2022, and in Art for All at the KC Artists Coalition. In 2023, her works were included in Her Art/Their Art, and Queer Experience at the InterUrban ArtHouse. In 2023 Janice appeared with Big Bang Buffet in Queer Narratives Festival.
Janice Woolery joins us to share details about: Her Art – Their Art, on Friday, Feb 16, 5:00pm to 8:00pm at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, KS. This exhibition showcases nearly 60 artists. More info at: http://www.interurbanarthouse.org
Janice Woolery thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Janice did a few stand up comedy gigs during the early 1980s, and in the late 1980s she did stand up at The Spoken Word at Cafe Lulu. Her work was warmly received and she soon became a regular performer.
In 1990 she became a co-founder of Big Bang Buffet, a performance collective. During her tenure with Big Bang Buffet, Janice wrote, produced, performed, marched, and protested. She wrote and performed works for many LGBTQ+ organizations, the ACLU, and Planned Parenthood.
Janice wrote and produced her one woman show in 1996.
In 1998 Janice retired from performing.
In 2019, as a self taught artist, Janice began seriously creating visual art. That same year Janice was asked by Momentum Studio in Des Moines, Iowa to create an Earth Day solo show. Later that year, she received an award for Best in Sculpture in the Momentum 15th Anniversary Works of Growth & Recovery; and in 2020 an award for Best in Show in the 16th Anniversary show.
In 2021, after six years in Des Moines, Janice returned home to Kansas City.
In 2022, Janice’s visual work was featured in Tangled Roots and the 12×12 Member Artist Showcase at the Interurban Arthouse; as well as work in Art for All at the Kansas City Artists Coalition.
In 2023, she had works in Her Art/Their Art and Queer Experience at the Interurban Arthouse.
Janice has also returned to performing. She appeared with Big Bang Buffet at the Queer Narratives Festival 2023.
Janice’s early works are held in the Gay & Lesbian Archive of Middle America (GLAMA) at UMKC Miller Nichols Library.
Janice Woolery thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Janice Woolery is part of the art Exhibit/Show: Her Art – Their Art, on Friday, Feb 16, 5:00pm to 8:00pm at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, KS. This exhibition showcases nearly 60 artists. More info at: http://www.interurbanarthouse.org
10:47
June Henry – “sega dreamcast” from: “sega dreamcast” – Single / June Henry Nation / January 5, 2024 [June Henry is a Lawrence KS. based musical artist. June Henry will be releasing her album, THE EXHUMATION OF PRINCESS PAVEMENT today on February 14, 2024. // June Henry released the single “method act” on December 16, 2023. // June Henry released the single “fall into” on December 2, 2023. // June Henry released the 3-track EP “the light I SPIT OUT” on November 14, 2023. // June Henry released the single “vampire song” on November 3, 3023. // June Henry released the 5-song EP “flat earth romcom” on September 22, 2023. //June Henry released the 11-track album “something friend” on June 20, 2022. // June Henry released the 15-track album “class pet” on March 15, 2022. // June Henry released the 7-track album, “SOUTH RAMP” through Lotuspool Records when she was “a gay boy in high school (released as August Henry.) // June Henry has been posting a bunch of tunes on bandcamp! These are official releases along with things that have been archived from streaming platforms, AND many demos and voice memos from long ago. Her personal favorite is “the trouble i made”, which features five tracks written and recorded in high school. The first one, “straight boys, was recorded when June was fourteen. Check http://www.junehen.bandcamp.com for even more releases from June Henry.]
[June Henry plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO on March 12 opening for Chase Petra]
Kadesh Flow & Mega Ran– “Stand on Business (feat. Mega Ran)” (CD #10) (4:03) from: “Stand on Business (feat. Mega Ran)” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / January 19, 2024 [Inspired by Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen. Instrumental: DDotProfessor, Lyrics & Vocal Performance: Kadesh Flow, Mega Ran. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow. //On January 1, 2024 Kadesh Flow released the single, “Overcome (Nanami)” with Instrumental /Verses / Hook / Trombone /Mixed / Mastered by Kadesh Flow. On Friday, January 19, 2024 Kadesh Flow releases another new single “Stand on Business”. On November 17, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Stakes” produced by Dominique Sanders (who received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his work on Janelle Monae’s “AGE OF PLEASURE album.) // On January 6, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Switch Up” with Instrumental Production by Dominique Sanders, Written & Performed by: Kadesh Flow, Mixed by: Kadesh Flow, Mastered by: Kadesh Flow. // In 2022 Kadesh Flow released 6 singles starting with “Move Different (feat. Gr3s0n)” on January 21, 2022, with lyrics by Kadesh Flow & Gr3ys0n. Music by Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow and was released on January 21, 2022. :Move Different” was part of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. On October 21, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single ”Chill (feat. Mir Blackwell).” On October 10, 2022 Kadesh Flow released “Dream For Me.” On September 30, 2022 Marcus Lewis Big Band released the single, “You’re Very Special (feat. Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow & Kevin Church Johnson).” On July 1, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single “Away From You.”About that single Kadesh told us “I’ve been a little quiet from a release standpoint because I’ve been scoring a feature length film.” “This song is… inspired by Eren Yeager and his tragic, brutal journey in Attack on Titan but is also deeply personal to me. There’s a lot of current world problem glazing that I’m doing on it as well.” “Also, June 30, 2022, marks five years since I left my financial tech career to pursue my performing and recording artist career full time. I’m releasing this on July 1, partially in celebration of that milestone.” This was one of over nearly 30 new singles Kadesh Flow released in 24 months: In 2021 Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Elegant” on May 21, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the 13-track album ROOM SERVICE 2, on July 19, 2021. Kadesh Flow released the single “Coming For Your Neck” on August 20, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Easy” on August 27, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 18th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Fiend” on Sept. 4, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique Sanders. This is his 19th single the year. le, “Gardens Out The Gutter” on Dec. 3, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “CHOICE (The Cost)” on December 17, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, Marcus Lewis Big Band, and Deshica Rage (with Jessica Paige). More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com]
[Kadesh Flow plays Replay Lounge 946 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS on Friday, February 16, at 10:00pm with special guests The Royal Chief & OG-1]
[Kadesh Flow plays Vine Street Brewing Co. 2010 Vine St Building 2A, Kansas City, MO on Friday, Feb 23, doors at 6:00pm.]
[Kadesh Flow & The Deshtet play Nighthawk 1228 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO on Thursday, March 7, doors at 9:00pm. A Planet Comic Con Pre-Party.]
Brittany Howard – “Prove It to You” from: What Now / Island Records / February 9, 2024 [Brittany Howard, the 5-time Grammy Award®-winning powerhouse released the single and video of “What Now?” on Ocober 13, 2023 off her forthcoming solo album, WHAT NOW. WHAT NOW is a thriller of a title track offering a taste of what to expect on the full-length. Written & produced by Brittany with co-production from Shawn Everett (Kacey Musgraves, SZA), with whom she has a longstanding creative relationship since Alabama Shakes. Recorded at the legendary Sound Emporium and historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, Brittany’s hometown. The accompanying cinematic & action-packed video was directed by Danilo Parra (known for his work with A$AP Rocky) & produced by Adam Braun (070 Shake, P!NK). //“What Now” takes on a potent urgency fueled by its syncopated grooves, blistering guitar riffs, & fiercely honest lyrics (“I’ve been making plans that don’t include you anymore/My heart wants to stay but I don’t know what for”). “‘What Now’ is maybe the truest & bluest of all the songs,” says Howard. “It’s never my design to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I needed to say what was on my mind without editing myself. I like how it’s a song that makes you want to dance, but at the same time the lyrics are brutal.”// Brittany Howard released the album Jaime on ATO Records on September 20, 2019.]
YESSI – “Love Yoself” from: “Love Yoself” – Single / ParallelState / December 20, 2023 [YESSI is the musical project of Kansas City, Kansas based musical atist Jessica Lynette Walker. “Loce Yoself” is their debut single release.]
11:00 – Station ID
Kelly Dougherty – “Black Is the Color” from: Dair / Kelly Dougherty / November 14, 2022 [“Black Is the Color (of My True Love’s Hair)” (Roud 3103) is a traditional ballad folk song known in the US as associated with colonial and later music in the Appalachian Mountains. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, as it refers to the River Clyde in the lyrics. American musicologist Alan Lomax supported the thesis of Scottish origin, saying that the song was an American “re-make of British materials.” Kelly Dougherty started performing in beauty pageants at the age of seven. She started doing mime, and then began singing. Her dad had a country and western band in Cheyenne Wyoming and encouraged his young daughter to join him on stage in song. Cheyenne was the hime of The Frontier Days Music Festival where Kelly met many country sngers including Johnny Cash. Kelly also sing in the duo Distant Cousins. // Kelly Dougherty serves as Director of Development & Communications at KKFI. Kelly joined KKFI 90.1 FM in September of 2022. Most recently, she was the Marketing Manager at the Folly Theatre. Having navigated and successfully marketed the Folly and its shows during a major pandemic, Kelly brings a sense of community, inclusion and thoughtfulness to the Director of Development position at KKFI. Before joining the Folly, she was the Communications Manager for Folk Alliance International, where she worked with local, national, and international artists, arts agencies, and governments, as well as Irish radio and TV RTE, the BBC, WWOZ in New Orleans, and other radio and television organizations. Kelly’s work experience also includes the private sector, working in the advertising world with Bernstein-Rein, VML, and the Intouch Group. // Kelly also works with local nonprofits in Kansas City, including being a founding member of the Kansas City Irish Festival, where she remains steadfast on the entertainment team. She is also an emeritus board member of the Kansas City Irish Center and was instrumental in purchasing Drexel Hall. Kelly is also an advisory board member for the Heartland Song Network and continues volunteering for causes close to her civic-minded heart. // She has a Master’s in Liberal Arts from Baker University and a Bachelor’s in Science majoring in Economics from Emporia State. More info at http://www.kellydougherety.bandcamp.com]
11:04 – Interview with Kelly Dougherty & David Luther
Kelly Dougherty is a musician & singer. Kelly Dougherty started performing in beauty pageants at the age of seven doing mime, and then singing. Her dad encouraged his young daughter to get onstage with bands in bars in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cheyenne was the home of The Frontier Days The Music Festival of Wyoming, where Kelly met many country singers, including Johnny Cash. Kelly records and sings as a solo artist, has been in bands, and also sinsg in the duo Distant Cousins. By day, Kelly serves as Director of Development & Communications at KKFI 90.1 FM. She formerly was Marketing Manager at the Folly Theatre, and was Communications Manager for Folk Alliance International. Kelly is a founding member of the KC Irish Festival and an emeritus board member of the KC Irish Center and was instrumental in purchasing Drexel Hall.
Kelly Dougherty, Thank you for being with us on WMM.
David Luther is a full time artist whose current influences include Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Ryan Adams and many others. David is also a recovering alcoholic and this road has led him up the path of service to others. This journey is expressed through his songs. He says “My experience in recovery and 15 years of serving in social work have helped me to understand there is so much more work to be done and that people deserve respect, honesty, and kindness. I hope my music will help others find their way out of sorrow. I hope it exemplifies what my true heart is and as a father of 2 boys it will give them the framework that will extend into their own dreams.” David recorded his self-titled EP with Neilson Hubbard in Nashville that included the backing vocals of Americana artist, Garrison Starr. David released his 7-track album, TAKE ME HOME on March 23, 2022. The album was produced by David George and engineered by Pat Tomek, and includes the song, “World’s Gonna Change” written with Academy Award & Golden Globe winning songwriter, Tom Whitlock who wrote “Take My Breath Away” for the film “Top Gun.”
David Luther, Thank you for being with us on WMM.
David Luther & Kelly Dougherty join us today on Valentine’s Day to share details about The Love Hangover, happening tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO with True Lions, Mouthstuff, Dan Jones & Matt Ronan, Marty Bush & Natalie Prauser.
David Luther & Kelly Dougherty met when she started working as his manager.
David Luther you also started singing in High School.
Kelly serves as Director of Development & Communications at KKFI 90.1 FM. She formerly was Marketing Manager at the Folly Theatre, and was Communications Manager for Folk Alliance International.
Kelly is a founding member of the KC Irish Festival and an emeritus board member of the KC Irish Center and was instrumental in purchasing Drexel Hall.
11:12
David Luther & Kelly Dougherty – “Love You ‘Till the End” (Pogues) (LIVE)
11:16 – More Interview with Kelly Dougherty & David Luther
David Luther & Kelly Dougherty join us today on Valentine’s Day to share details about The Love Hangover, happening tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO with True Lions, Mouthstuff, Dan Jones & Matt Ronan, Marty Bush & Natalie Prauser. Www.therecordbar.com
David Luther worked full time in social work for 15 years, with the last five working in foster care and adoption.
David has been courageously honest about being a recovering alcoholic and this road has led him up the path of service to others. This journey is expressed through his songs.
David is a father of 2 boys 14 and 16. Kelly Dougherty, & David Luther, Thank you for being with us on WMM.
David Luther & Kelly Dougherty play The Love Hangover, happening tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO with True Lions, Mouthstuff, Dan Jones & Matt Ronan, Marty Bush & Natalie Prauser.
11:24
David Luther – “Good To You” from: Take Me Home / David Luther / March 11, 2022 [David Luther released the 7-track album TAKE ME HOME on March 11, 2022, also produced by David George. Engineered by Pat Tomek at Largely Studios. Horns engineered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlabs. Mastered by Duane Trower – Weights and Measures Soundlabs. The album includes the song, “World’s Gonna Change” written with Academy Award & Golden Globe winning songwriter, Tom Whitlock who wrote “Take My Breath Away” for the film “Top Gun.” // David’s first release in 2009 was a self titled EP produced by Nashville based Neilson Hubbard, featuring Garrison Starr. David released the single, “Home To Kansas City” on February 3, 2021 that was produced by David Goerge. More Info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com] [David Luther plays The Love Hangover, with Kelly Dougherty, happening tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO with True Lions, Mouthstuff, Dan Jones & Matt Ronan, Marty Bush & Natalie Prauser. ]
11:27 – Underwriting
Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream – “Shangri La” from: Shangri La / myowndamnrecords / July 8, 2023 [Debut album from Nathan Corsi’s new rock band featuring Kansas City veterans Chris Meck, Tom Hudson, and Benjamin Hart. Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream released their second single, “Hits You Twice” on September 28, 2022. Nathan Corsi has one of the best voices in Kansas City music. With Steve Tulipana he fronts The Band That Fell To Earth paying tribute to David Bowie in this annual project created by Michelle Bacon. Nathan toured for nearly a decade with his band Not A Planet who released critically acclaimed EP, NAP on December 1, 2011; the album, THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE STRANGE on May 10, 2013; SMOKE BOMBS & CIGARETTES: THE HISTORY OF NOW (EP) on September 9, 2016.] [Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream play recordBar, at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, July 8, at 7:00 PM for their Record Release Party, w/ The Philistines and Friendly Thieves.]
[Tonight Wednesday, Feb 14, at 8:00om, ULAH Live Sessions presents Nathan Corsi and Chris Meck of My Atomic Daydream, at ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS. More info at: http://www.ulahkc.com]
11:32 – Interview with Buck Moon
Buck Wimberly who performs as Buck Moon is an LGBTQ artist & singer-songwriter who started his life in rural Texas growing up Southern Baptist. Being raised in smaller communities brought challenges for a young, creative, closeted gay kid, pushing Buck to hide parts of himself to minimize bullying, be accepted by his church community, and feel loved by family and friends. Buck eventually came out at 33 after overcoming depression and has since been on a journey of self-discovery. Now in his forties, having raised two boys, and happily living with his life partner, he has been working on healing past traumas through shamanic experiences, expanded consciousness, and discovering the power of the medicine found within music. Buck’s first single “Indigo Night” was released on January 23, 2024. Buck and his partner Joey Mendez are the owners of ULAH Men’s Apparel & Lifestyle Store, and LUNA by ULAH, and ULAH Home furnishings + Design. Every Month they host ULAH Live Sessions with You Found Music in an intimate performance with limited seating for 30 people.
Tonight, Wednesday, February 14, at 8:00pm, ULAH Live Sessions presents Nathan Corsi and Chris Meck of My Atomic Daydream, at ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS. More info at: http://www.ulahkc.com and http://www.buckmoonmusic.com
Buck Moon Thank you for being with us on WMM.
Buck grew up in a small town in Texas and was raised in the Southern Baptist faith.
Buck gat married early and raised two boys, who are now in their early 20s.
Buck came out at 33 years old. Since coming Our Buck has created new businesses: retail businesses, and a design company.
Buck writes about his music having “universally human themes of self-discovery, personal identity, love, struggle, mental health, growth, questioning one’s purpose, redemption, and self-actualization.” “Indigo Night” is representative of your own personal journey.
Buck writes about “Indigo Night” being “a sonic painting of your own transformative and spiritual rites of passage experience in the mountains of North Carolina.”
11:40
Buck Moon – “Indigo Night” from: Indigo Night / Buck Moon / January 25, 2024 [Produced by Ivory Blue. Buck Wimberly performs as “Buck Moon” an LGBTQ artist and singer-songwriter who started his life in rural Texas growing up Southern Baptist. Being raised in smaller communities brought challenges for a young, creative, closeted gay kid, pushing Buck to hide parts of himself to minimize bullying, be accepted by his church community, and feel loved by family and friends. // Buck eventually came out at 33 after overcoming depression and has since been on a journey of self-discovery. Now in his forties, having raised two boys, and happily living with his life partner, he has been working on healing past traumas through shamanic experiences, expanded consciousness, and discovering the power of the medicine found within. // Believing that healing the world begins by healing oneself, Buck’s music aims to challenge the listener to learn self-love, connect with the Earth and the world around them, and discover the medicine within themselves. Buck weaves together genres of folk, roots, Americana, country, indie, and electronic to share personal stories and empathy-driven messages that are mindful, conscious, motivational, and self-empowering. // In Buck’s coming music, you’ll find the universally human themes of self-discovery, personal identity, love, struggle, mental health, growth, questioning one’s purpose, redemption, and self-actualization. Buck’s first single “Indigo Night” is a sonic painting of his transformative and spiritual rites of passage experience in the mountains of North Carolina. // More information at: http://www.buckmoonmusic.com]
10:45 – More Interview with Buck Moon
Buck with partner Joey Mendez are the owners of ULAH Men’s Apparel & Lifestyle Store at Woodside Village, as well as LUNA by ULAH, and ULAH Home furnishings + Design.
ULAH has become more than a clothing store, it is also a music venue. ULAH collaborates with James Carter and You Found Music.
Every Month ULAH hosts ULAH Live Sessions with You Found Music in an intimate performance with limited seating for 30 people. On Wednesday, February 14, at 8:00om, ULAH Live Sessions presents Nathan Corsi and Chris Meck of My Atomic Daydream.
One of the artists who has played ULAH is IVORY BLUE who Buck asked to produce “Indigo Night”
Buck Moon thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Tonight, Wednesday, February 14, at 8:00pm, ULAH Live Sessions presents Nathan Corsi and Chris Meck of My Atomic Daydream, at ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS. More info at: http://www.ulahkc.com and http://www.buckmoonmusic.com
Ivory Blue – “Howl” from: “Howl” – Single / IVORY BLUE / February 16, 2024 [IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on November 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, and vocalist. IVORY BLUE lights up the airwaves once again with her latest rock pop song “Howl” set for release on February 16, 2024. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on October 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D [Ivory Blue was our guest on WMM on: March 8, 2023, June 7, 2023, our 1000th show on June 28, 2023, and September 27, 2023.]
[IVORY BLUE plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, on Thursday, March 28, at 8:00PM with Lady Revel, and Keelon Vann]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, February 21 we welcome back to WMM ….Julia Othmer.
And we welcome Flamy Grant, winner of 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition; and the 2023 San Diego Music Award nominee for Best Pop Album for BIBLE BELT BABY, the world’s first contemporary Christian music record by a drag performer. / Flamy Grant’s single “Good Day” was released September 6, 2023 and is the first song by a drag performer to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts. It also debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Christian digital sales chart. Flamy Grant plays an Official Showcase the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference on Thurs, Feb 22, at 7:30pm in Brookside Room at The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMOhttp://www.folk.org]
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Janice Woolery + David Luther & Kelly Dougherty + Buck Moon
Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Music from: Keelon Vann, YESSI, The Whips, The Roseline, Elexa Dawson & Stanley Hotel, June Henry, Kadesh Flow & Mega Ran, IVORY BLUE, Erin Eades, Buck Moon, Kelly Dougherty, David Luther, Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream, Brittany Howard, and Adrianne Lenker.
At 10:30 Janice Woolery shares details about: Her Art – Their Art, on Friday, Feb 16, 5:00pm to 8:00pm at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, KS. This exhibition showcases nearly 60 artists. Janice Woolery is a visual artist, writer, performer, and comedian. She co-founded Big Bang Buffet in 1990 where she wrote, produced, and performed in over 100 productions. Janice also organized and wrote for many LGBTQ+ organizations, the ACLU, and Planned Parenthood. In 1996 she wrote & produced a one woman show. In 2019, as a self taught artist, she began creating visual art. That year Janice was asked by Momentum Studio in Des Moines, Iowa, to create an Earth Day solo show. She won “Best in Sculpture” in the Momentum 15th Anniversary Works of Growth & Recovery, and Best in Show in their 16th Anniversary show in 2020. In 2021 Janice returned home to KC. Her visual work was featured in Tangled Roots, and the 12×12 Member Artist Showcase at the InterUrban ArtHouse in 2022, and in Art for All at the KC Artists Coalition. In 2023, her works were included in Her Art/Their Art, and Queer Experience at the Interurban Arthouse. In 2023 Janice appeared with Big Bang Buffet in Queer Narratives Festival.
At 11:00 Mark talks with David Luther & Kelly Dougherty about The Love Hangover, Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO with True Lions, Mouthstuff, Dan Jones & Matt Ronan, Marty Bush & Natalie Prauser. // Kelly Dougherty is a musician & singer. Kelly serves as Director of Development & Communications at KKFI 90.1 FM. She formerly was Marketing Manager at the Folly Theatre, and was Communications Manager for Folk Alliance International. Kelly is a founding member of the KC Irish Festival and an emeritus board member of the KC Irish Center and was instrumental in purchasing Drexel Hall. // David Luther started playing music in high school. He would go on to develop his music as he worked for ten year in social work and five years in foster care & adoption. During that time David recorded his self-titled EP with Neilson Hubbard in Nashville that included the backing vocals of Americana artist, Garrison Starr. David released his 7-track album, TAKE ME HOME on March 23, 2022. The album was produced by David George and engineered by Pat Tomek, and includes the song, “World’s Gonna Change” written with Academy Award & Golden Globe winning songwriter, Tom Whitlock who wrote “Take My Breath Away” for the film “Top Gun.”
At 11:30 Mark welcomes Buck Wimberly who performs as Buck Moon an LGBTQ artist & singer-songwriter who started his life in rural Texas growing up Southern Baptist. Being raised in smaller communities brought challenges for a young, creative, closeted gay kid, pushing Buck to hide parts of himself to minimize bullying, be accepted by his church community, and feel loved by family and friends. Buck eventually came out at 33 after overcoming depression and has since been on a journey of self-discovery. Now in his forties, having raised two boys, and happily living with his life partner, he has been working on healing past traumas through shamanic experiences, expanded consciousness, and discovering the power of the medicine found within music. Buck’s first single “Indigo Night” was released on January 23, 2024. Buck and his partner Joey Mendez are the owners of ULAH Men’s Apparel & Lifestyle Store, and LUNA by ULAH, and ULAH Home furnishings + Design. Every Month they host ULAH Live Sessions with You Found Music in an intimate performance with limited seating for 30 people. On Wednesday, February 14, at 8:00pm, ULAH Live Sessions presents Nathan Corsi and My Atomic Daydream, at ULAH, 4707 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS. More info at: http://www.ulahkc.com and http://www.buckmoonmusic.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, February 7, 2024
The Sound & Vision of Rod Parks
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980 [WMM’s theme song]
High Fade – “Sharpen Up! (Live)” from Live in London / RPN Records / October 6, 2023 [High Fade is launching a U.S. Tour in March. They will be playing Portland, Oregon on March 30. Here is what Polaris Hall in Portland wrote about the band: “On a three-man crusade to set dance floors alight with their inimitable brand of razor-sharp funk and disco, Edinburgh’s High Fade captured the attention of a global audience with their music amassing over 30 million views and streams within six months of their first release and, in the process, gaining recognition from music heavyweights including Jack Black, Cypress Hill, Deep Purple’s Glenn Hughes, and Brad Wilk from Rage Against The MachineFor a band that only started mid-2018, to already have the support of artists including Emeli Sandé, David Paitch and even Peter Andre is a testament to not only their raw musical talent but also the relentless drive and ambition that has seen the band play over 1000 gigs in the last four years. With a forward-thinking approach to grassroots promotion, High Fade have been able to capture the magic of their live performances with a proactive presence on social media and create multiple viral moments for their tracks “Sharpen Up”, “Burnin”, and “Burnt Toast and Coffee”that feed the appetite of new fans across the world.With a more traditional offline approach towards learning their craft and perfecting the HighFade sound, Harry Valentino (guitar/vocals), Oliver Sentance (bass) and Calvin Davidson(drums/vocals) developed their infectious style whilst feeding off the unpredictable crowd inter-actions that come with street shows and busking. It’s this unmatched live energy that sets their performances apart and results in the impressive musical display that comes from just three musicians working together. Indeed, with other acts in the same genre often having upwards of six members, being a three-piece could be a limiting factor for many, but for HighFade it has become an integral part of the band’s DNA, allowing them to put on a show that supersedes anything their fans have experienced before.]
10:06 – Intro / Interview with Rod Parks
Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM. I’m Mark Manning. Today, we present special edition of WMM as we bring you… “The Sound & Vision of Rod Parks.” (Part Duex)
Rod Parks is owner of Retro Inferno. He serves on the board of directors for Owen Cox Dance Group and he is a long-time supporter of area artists and musicians. Rod lives in the Bruce Goff “Nicol House” commissioned by Jim & Betty Nicol in 1964, where Rod hosts fundraisers and house concerts. Rod Parks grew up in Smithville, Missouri, and started playing drums when he was 11. Rod graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in marketing education and completed master’s degrees in education in 1993. Throughout these years Rod played drums in bands, worked in the grocery store business, and taught high school for ten years. Rod was accepted into the UMKC doctoral program in counseling psychology, and finished coursework for the PhD in 1996. Rod started buying mid-century modern furniture in the mid 1990s. In 1998, Rod opened his first store at 1712 Main, and in 2004, Retro Inferno moved to its current beautiful location at 1500 Grand Boulevard, just a few doors north of recordBar.
Rod Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard High Fade, a band 3-piece powerhouse band from Edinburgh
We’ll also spin tracks from: (more) High Fade, John Zorn, Patricia Brennan, Tony Allen & Adrian Young, and Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela, Ceramic Dog & Marc Ribot & Mark Bibot & Tom Waits.
Rod Parks Grew up in Smithville. His dad had a grocery store there. Rod played sports and got into music at a young age.
Rod Parks graduated High School 1975. Went to MU in Columbia.
10:11
Hide Fade – ‘Burnt Toast and Coffee” from: ‘Burnt Toast and Coffee” (Single) / RPN Records / July 7, 2023
Hide Fade – “Burnin’ (Live) from: ‘Burnt Toast and Coffee” (Single) / RPN Records / July 7, 2023
10:19 – Underwriting
0:21 – Interview with Rod Parks
Today, we present special edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley as we bring you… “The Sound & Vision of Rod Parks.” Rod Parks is owner of Retro Inferno.
Rod Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Rod Parks bought his first drum set for $40 when he was 11 years old.
Rod got his first “good” drum kit at 15 and he still has it (and others). Rod played in bands in his teens and then not again until he was in his 30’s.
10:26
NEWPORT, RI – AUGUST 1: The 60th edition of the Newport Jazz Festival kicks off with a full day of programming, with John Zorn’s Masada Marathon being the highlight of the day. Other acts include Mostly Other People Do The Killing, the world premiere of Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Charlie Parker Project, Jon Batista & Stay Human, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and the URI Jazz Festival Big Band. Shot on Friday, August 1, 2014.
John Zorn – “Totem and Taboo” from: Incerto / Tzadik / September 16, 2022 [Incerto is the birth of an exciting new modern jazz ensemble featuring the remarkable trio from Suite for Piano (Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, Ches Smith) joined by the brilliant guitarist Julian Lage. A quartet capable of anything, this is the perfect group to realize Zorn’s quirky compositional twists and turns. The music is wildly varied—maddeningly complex, powerfully driving, heartbreakingly beautiful—and embraces complex meter changes, atonal melodies, unusual harmonies, and bizarre structural complexity. Inspired by Freud, Sartre, and the Uncertainty Principle, the music explores possibilities, probabilities, inevitabilities, and impossibilities. // John Zorn (born September 2, 1953) is an American composer, conductor, saxophonist, arranger and producer who “deliberately resists category”. His avant-garde and experimental approaches to composition and improvisation are inclusive of jazz, rock, hardcore, classical, contemporary, surf, metal, soundtrack, ambient, and world music. In 2013, Down Beat described Zorn as “one of our most important composers” and in 2020 Rolling Stone noted that “[alt]hough Zorn has operated almost entirely outside the mainstream, he’s gradually asserted himself as one of the most influential musicians of our time”. // Zorn entered New York City’s downtown music scene in the mid-1970s, collaborating with improvising artists while developing new methods of composing experimental music. Over the next decade he performed throughout Europe and Japan and recorded on independent US and European labels. In 1986, he received acclaim with the release of his radical reworking of the film scores of Ennio Morricone, The Big Gundown, followed by Spillane, an album featuring his collage-like experimental compositions. Spy vs Spy (1989) and Naked City (1990) both demonstrated Zorn’s ability to merge and blend musical styles in new and challenging formats. // Zorn spent significant time in Japan in the late 1980s and early ’90s but returned to Lower East Side Manhattan to establish the Tzadik record label in 1995. Tzadik enabled Zorn to establish independence, maintain creative control, and ensure the availability of his growing catalog of recordings. He prolifically recorded and released new material for the label, issuing several new albums each year, along with recordings by many other artists. // Zorn performs on saxophone with Naked City, Painkiller, and Masada, conducts Moonchild, Simulacrum, and several Masada-related ensembles or encourages musicians toward their own interpretations of his work. He has composed concert music for classical ensembles and orchestras, and produced music for opera, sound installations, film and documentary. Tours of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have been extensive, usually at festivals with musicians and ensembles that perform his repertoire.]
John Zorn – “Splendid Soils” from: 444 / Tzadik / March 17, 2023 [From Free Jazz Collective, by Gary Chapin (8/7/23): Brian Marsella (electric piano), John Medeski (organ), Matt Hollenberg (electric guitar), Kenny Grohowski (drums & percussion) form a group for the ages. The electric piano always sends me back to Bitches Brew, and you might consider that a limitation for me, but its ability to float between shimmering elegy and wild abandon is unmatched. You can do things on the electric piano you can’t do anywhere else (as Sun Ra taught us), and Marsella does so many of those things on 444. // I spotlight Marsella because his voice drew my attention first. The four musicians are the quartet Chaos Magic, which started as Marsella+Simulacrum (a “heavy metal organ trio”). They are bound by the expectations of heavy metal or organ trios. “In Sulphur and in Flame” is a thrashy speed fest with the guitar sounding like an ax counting time. “Astral Projection” sounds like it could live behind a montage of Audrey Hepburn and a bombed-out city in France, just as the plants are starting to grow back. Shifting time signatures and jump scares are par for the course, as are evocations of beauty. The electric piano arpeggios that open “Tayy al-Ard,” with the shimmering cymbals underneath, are poetically powerful, pensive & filled with curiosity. The guitar & organ come in to lay a field, but the tune relies on persistence & repetition to say what it needs to say.
John Zorn – “Ne’eman” from: New Masada Quartet Vol 2 / Tzadik / January 20, 2023 [from http://www.tzadik.com: John Zorn’s newest and most exciting ensemble, New Masada Quartet, was one of Tzadik’s best selling and most popular recent releases. Here the quartet returns to perform seven more classic compositions from the Masada songbooks. One of the best ensembles Zorn has ever had, they are tighter than ever, and the performances are filled with burning solos, telepathic group interaction, heartfelt lyricism, and hypnotic grooves. Spontaneously structured by Zorn’s ever-surprising conducting techniques, a crackling live energy brings the Masada music to life like never before. Masada at its passionate best. Personnel: Kenny Wollesen on Drums, John Zorn on Alto Sax, Julian Lage on Guitar, and Jorge Roeder on Bass.]
10:46 – Interview with Rod Parks
Today, our special guest is Rod Parks is owner of Retro Inferno at 1500 Grand Boulevard.
Rod Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We just heard three different recordings from the mind of John Zorn
Patricia Brennan – “Sizigia (Syzygy)” from: More Touch / Pyroclastic Records / November 18, 2022
11:02 – Station ID
11:02 – Interview with Rod Parks
Today, we present special edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley as we bring you… “The Sound & Vision of Rod Parks.”Rod Parks is owner of Retro Inferno.
Rod Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Rod Parks Graduated High School 1975. Went to MU in Columbia. Rod majored in Marketing Education. Coordinated a Marketing Education program in Versailles MO 1979-81. Was in the Grocery business 81-86 in Smithville. Taught school again from 1988-98. Moved to Brookside in ’93 when I got into the UMKC Doctoral program in Counseling Psychology (Rod completed Masters and Ed Specialist degrees from 90-93).
11:07
Tony Allen, Adrian Younge – “Ebun (feat. Tony Allen” from: Jazz is Dead 18 / Jazz Is Dead / July 7, 2023 [With each subsequent release, Jazz Is Dead continues to exalt the legacies of iconic musicians who have shaped the fabric of Jazz across generations, genres, and continents. For their latest installment, the label connected with the late great Tony Allen, best known for his foundational work as the drummer for Fela Kuti’s Africa 70, and later Egypt 80. Over the course of Allen’s recording career, he defined the Afrobeat sound, meshing Funk & Jazz influences with Nigerian Highlife to create a cross-cultural dialogue that has gone global. It was no small honor to welcome Mr. Allen for a very special recording session at Linear Labs Studio, and we could not be more thrilled to share these crucial and downright funky cuts with you. // On album opener “Ebun”, guitars and horns build off of Allen’s instantly recognizable drum patterns, stretching and warping time signatures as they cross paths. It instantly recalls the seminal Africa 70 recordings which Allen was a driving force on. Psychedelic keyboards and percussion clash on “Steady Tremble”, a heavy stomper tailor-made for dancefloors in every corner of the world. Just as funky is the kinetic and expressive “Oladipo”. Built between a tense call and response between the horns, the track is filled with drama, and Allen steadily keeps each element in balance. As soon as the flute struts in alongside fiery horns and guitar on “Don’t Believe the Dancers”, the groove plunges further, propelled by an acerbic saxophone solo that animates Allen’s percussion. “Makoko” is a moody, mid-tempo jam that evokes classic Fela Kuti recordings such as “Open & Close” and “Gentleman”, slowly constructing an elaborate orchestra of polyrhythm, all keeping step with Allen’s rhythm. “Lagos” points towards the spiritual and literal home of Allen and Afrobeat, the capital of Nigeria, and homes in on a yearning keyboard. // Similar to on his excellent Art Blakey tribute record, Tony Allen is a revelatory jazz drummer, as heard on “No Beginning”, a mid-tempo tune that sits at the nexus of Spiritual Jazz and Afrobeat, which perfectly transitions into album closer, the aptly titled “No End”, a poignant number that combines all of the passion and precision of the previous tracks, and let’s Allen guide listeners yet again as only he so effortlessly could. // Despite the finite time that Allen had on this planet, as do all of us, his contributions to music are timeless and untouchable, and will continue to inform and inspire generations to come. Jazz Is Dead is honored to have played a part in the legacy of Tony Allen and invites you to discover the unparalleled genius that shifted the entire world’s conception of time, a magician who alchemized the past with the future and influenced countless listeners, currently and to come. – Tony Allen JID018 Liner Notes // All music composed by Tony Allen and Adrian Younge unless otherwise noted; produced and mixed by Adrian Younge at Linear Labs Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Mastered by Dave Cooley for Elysian Masters. Executive Produced by Andrew Lojero. Associate Produced by Adam Block. All songs published by Adrian Younge, Linear Labs Crew (GMR). Graphic Design by Julian Montague Photography by The Artform Studio. // For “Ebun” Musicians: Tony Allen on Drums; Adrian Younge on Electric bass guitar, Electric guitars, Acetone electric organ, Marimba, Percussion; Marcus Gray, Jazmin Hicks, Loren Oden on Additional percussion; Scott Mayo on Flute; Phillip Whack on Alto saxophone; Jaman Laws on Tenor saxophone; David Urquidi on Baritone saxophone; Jacob Scesney on Baritone saxophone; Emile Martinez: on Trumpet; Tatiana Tate on Trumpet; Lasim Richards on Trombone.]
Tony Allen opptrer på Rockefeller under Oslo Jazzfestival 2015
Tony Allen, Adrian Younge – “Steady Tremble” from: Jazz is Dead 18 / Jazz Is Dead / July 7, 2023 [ For “Steady Tremble” Musicians: Tony Allen on Drums; Adrian Younge on Electric bass guitar, Electric guitars, Acetone electric organ, Marimba, Percussion; Marcus Gray, Jazmin Hicks, Loren Oden on Additional percussion; Scott Mayo on Flute; Phillip Whack on Alto saxophone; Jaman Laws on Tenor saxophone; David Urquidi on Baritone saxophone; Jacob Scesney on Baritone saxophone; Emile Martinez: on Trumpet; Tatiana Tate on Trumpet; Lasim Richards on Trombone
11:16 – Underwriting
11:18 – Interview with Rod Parks
Today, we present special edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley as we bring you… “The Sound & Vision of Rod Parks.” Rod Parks is owner of Retro Inferno.
Rod Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Mid-Century Modern – Rod Parks happened upon an estate sale while furnishing the Brookside house and started buying 50’s-60’s stuff and people would come over, say it was cool, so I started trusting my eye and researching designers etc.
Rod started buying and selling: garage and basement full turned into storage lockers then warehouse floors. Finished the coursework for the PhD in ’96.
11:23
Tony Allen – “Secret Agent” from: Secret Agent / World Circuit Ltd. – BMG / Sept. 9, 2009 / remastered 2022 [Tony Oladipo Allen (20 July 1940 – 30 April 2020) was a Nigerian and French drummer, composer, and songwriter who lived and worked in Paris, France. Allen was the drummer and musical director of Fela Kuti’s band Africa ’70 from 1968 to 1979, and was one of the founders of the Afrobeat genre. Fela once stated that “without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat”. He was described by Brian Eno as “perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived”. // Later in life, Allen collaborated with Damon Albarn on several projects, including Gorillaz, the Good, the Bad & the Queen and Rocket Juice & the Moon.[5] Allen’s career and life were documented in his 2013 autobiography Tony Allen: Master Drummer of Afrobeat, co-written with Michael E. Veal, who previously wrote a comprehensive biography of Fela Kuti. // Tony Allen’s 2009 World Circuit debut, the raw and uncut Secret Agent, has all the ingredients that combine to make Afrobeat so special – fat, full-throated, hard-riffing horns; nagging tenor guitars; jazz- and funk-informed saxophone and trumpet workouts; effervescent chicken-shack keyboards; lyrics rich in folk metaphors and proverbs, some of which confront state corruption and oppression (Kuti’s most frequent targets); deep-soul call and response vocals; and, of course, energizing everything around it, Allen’s majestic drumming.]
Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela – Robbers, Thugs & Muggers from: Rejoice / World Circuit Ltd. – BMG / March 20, 2020 [The original sessions were recorded in London in 2010 by World Circuit’s Nick Gold, who was eager to document the first recorded meeting of the two African music legends when their touring schedules coincided. After Masekela’s death in 2018, additional tracks were recorded, again in London’s Livingston Studios, in summer 2019. The album was released on 20 March 2020. In addition to serving as the final studio album for Masekela, it also became Tony Allen’s final studio album before his death on April 30, 2020. The album contains eight tracks written by Allen and Masekela. // The track “Never (Lagos Never Gonna Be the Same)” is a tribute to Fela Kuti, through whom Allen and Masekela first met in the 1970s. // Rejoice was met with widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, this release received an average score of 82, based on eight reviews, which indicates “universal acclaim”. Album of the Year assessed the critical consensus as 81 out of 100 based on four reviews. // In reviewing the album, Nigel Williamson for Uncut wrote: “Warm, uplifting and fizzing with both passion and virtuosity, Rejoice is not only a fitting last will and testament from Masekela, but a glorious affirmation of music at its most potent and universal.” Jazz Journal’s Bruce Lindsay commented: “Ten years in the making, Rejoice was worth the wait. It’s a celebratory, groove-laden, thoughtful, danceable, collection from two of the great figures in music.” Joel Campbell of The Voice wrote: “‘Rejoice’ can be seen as the long-overdue confluence of two mighty African musical rivers – a union of two free-flowing souls for whom borders, whether physical or stylistic, are things to pass through or ignore completely.” In his review for PopMatters, George De Stefano noted: “If you need something to get your socially isolated ass off the couch and up and shaking, Rejoice is the album. Even if you have to dance alone, some polyrhythmic pleasure during a pandemic is no little thing. With its deep grooves and virtuosic playing, the pairing of Allen and Masekela—overdue and sadly not to be repeated—Rejoice is a posthumous reminder of what Hugh Masekela at his best could deliver and of the now 80-year-old Allen’s amazing vitality.”]
Tony Allen & Hugh Masekela-“Never(Legos Never Gonna Be The Same) from: Rejoice / World Circuit Ltd. – BMG / March 20, 2020
11:37 – Interview with Rod Parks (Retro Inferno)
Today, we present special edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley as we bring you… “The Sound & Vision of Rod Parks.” Rod Parks is owner of Retro Inferno.
Rod Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Rod resigned from teaching in 1998 and opened Retro Inferno in June 1998 at 1712 Main from 1998-2004 (having accumulated a warehouse full of stuff).
In March 2004, Retro Inferno moved to its current location at 1500 Grand Boulevard.
Ceramic Dog & Marc Ribot – “Connection” from: Connection / Knockwurst Records / July 14, 2023 [Ceramic Dog: Marc Ribot on guitars, tres, dobro, bass, vocals; Shahzad Ismaily on bass, electronics, vocals; Ches Smith on drums, percussion, electronics, vocals. // On their 5th studio album, Connection, Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog have pushed their long-brewing tension between traditional pop songcraft and avantgarde improvisational music to the breaking point, bridging their customary genre-agnostic approach with elements of glam boogie, minimalist disco, psychedelic boogaloo, garage-punk-against-the-machine agitprop, and so much more. Recorded at Figure 8 Recording in Brooklyn, NY and mixed by Ben Greenberg (Danny Elfman, Depeche Mode, Lamb of God) the album sees Ribot – whose prodigious, impossible-to-categorize body of work as bandleader and musician spans no wave and jazz, Brazilian and Cuban music, roots and avant-garde and protest songs (often at the same time) alongside legendary collaborations with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The Lounge Lizards, John Zorn, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Caetano Veloso, and Laurie Anderson (to name but a few) – continuing to utilize Ceramic Dog as the vessel for his distinctive stream-of-consciousness songwriting, penning three out of the album’s four vocal tracks including the groove-infected “Ecstasy” (showcasing Anthony Coleman’s slinky Farfisa and longtime friend and associate Syd Straw behind the mic). From the anthemic manifesto “Soldiers in the Army of Love” to the unhinged ranting of “Heart Attack” and indescribable “No Name,” Ceramic Dog unleash a fury of complex time signatures, blues abstraction, and free-blowing energy to create their most unapologetically audacious collection thus far, their one-of-a-kind daring evidenced by the unlikely cover of Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz’s “That’s Entertainment,” written especially for the 1953 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film The Band Wagon but here, in Ribot and Co’s hands, deconstructs Hollywood cliches while simultaneously winking at both the post-punk and post-Cultural Revolution iterations of the Gang of Four. Fueled by what Ribot calls “several bolts of creative lightning,” Connections stands as a vibrant, odd, and in many ways definitive milestone in what is truly a singular creative journey for Marc Ribot and Ceramic Dog, its zeitgeist-busting sound and vision not only affirming their place in the musical universe but raising the stakes for whatever comes next. // Lyrics by Marc Ribot (Knockwurst Music, ASCAP). Music by Ceramic Dog (Knockwurst Music (ASCAP, Preposterous Bee (ASCAP), Wazir & Malika Music (BMI). Recorded at Figure 8 Recording, Brooklyn, NY by Vishal Nayak, Engineer. Mixed by Ben Greenberg at Circular Ruin, Brooklyn, NY. Mastering by Scott Hull at Masterdisk]
Ceramic Dog & Marc Ribot – “Bertha the Cool” from: Hope / Northern Spy Records / June 25, 2021 [Ceramic Dog: Marc Ribot on guitars, vocals; Shahzad Ismaily on bass, keyboards, backing vocals; Ches Smith on drums, percussion, electronics, vocals. / /When these recording sessions began in the last week of May 2020, I hadn’t left my house to go anywhere other than the grocery store in over two months. I hadn’t taken a cab or subway. I’d lost several friends to COVID-19, and was afraid I’d also lose more thanks to the non-response of our would-be dictator/“president”, whose deliberate embrace of untruth fed tens of thousands of lives to the pandemic, and also reduced what little hope was left for avoiding global warming catastrophe. // I hadn’t seen my partner since February (our plans to fly to each other’s countries shut down) and it would be July before we finally got together. Our difficulties were nothing compared with others. When me and fellow Ceramic Dogs Ches and Shahzad figured out a way to record, we entered the studio separately, sat in separate, isolated rooms from which we couldn’t see each other, communicating through mics and headphones. We were careful to wash our hands: one of us has respiratory issues, so fuck-ups could’ve been bad. We wound up with two record’s worth of material, some released on Bandcamp in October on the EP What I Did on My Long Vacation, and the majority of the music here on this full CD-length recording. // If/when people look back on these times, maybe they’ll seem unreal… foreign, alien: the way I, as a child in the 1960’s, looked at the faded footage of the 1930’s as impossibly ancient, even though the family members who had survived those newsreels sat next to me at breakfast. In fact, my 9 year old self was closer to the burning of the Reichstag than we are now to the release of Nevermind. // Anyway, when we went into the studio, I thought we’d come up with something that spoke to our times… a message in a bottle to our equally shipwrecked (imaginary) listeners. But once we started, it was so much fun to jam that we forgot the disasters outside. So instead, we “spoke” to each other. And to other times that we couldn’t yet see: like the day, 5 months later, when people all over Brooklyn would dance in the streets for joy. // t’s almost December now. Things are shutting down again, and I’m quarantined in Europe writing liner notes for a record that will be released in the new year–once more, speaking to another time… perhaps a future? // Mixed by Randall Dunn at Aleph Recording Company, Brooklyn, NY. Engineered by Shahzad Ismaily at Figure 8 Recordings, Brooklyn, NY. Mastering by Gregory Obis at Chicago Mastering Service. Creative Direction by Bryan Abdul Collins. Management: Mary Ho / Noise Inc.]
11:51 – Interview with Rod Parks
Today, we present special edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley as we bring you… “The Sound & Vision of Rod Parks.”
Rod Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Marc Ribot & Tom Waits -“Bella Ciao” from: Songs of Resistance / Noise Inc. – Anti / September 14, 2018 [Traditional/Italian Partisan; Arranged by Marc Ribot & Tom Waits; Translated by Marc Ribot Marc Ribot on Banjo, Harmonica, Guitars; Tom Waits on Acoustic guitar. With Songs of Resistance 1948 – 2018, Ribot—one of the world’s most accomplished and acclaimed guitar players—set out to assemble a set of songs that spoke to this political moment with appropriate ambition, passion, and fury. The eleven songs on the record are drawn from the World War II anti-Fascist Italian partisans, the U.S. civil rights movement, and Mexican protest ballads, as well as original compositions, and feature a wide range of guest vocalists, including Tom Waits, Steve Earle, Meshell Ndegeocello, Justin Vivian Bond, Fay Victor, Sam Amidon, and Ohene Cornelius. Ribot began working on the project at the end of 2016, responding not just to the American elections, but to the political trends he was seeing around the world. “I am alarmed by Trump and the movement he’s part of,” he says. “I’ve spent a good chunk of my life running around the world on tour—I’m kind of an accidental internationalist—and I see that he’s not an isolated phenomenon. And if we don’t deal with what is going on, it is going to deal with us.” Ribot was born in Newark,NJ in 1954. As a teen, he played guitar in garage bands while studying with his mentor, Haitian classical guitarist and composer Frantz Casseus. He moved to New York City in 1978. He was a member of the soul/punk Realtones, and John Lurie’s Lounge Lizards. Ribot also worked with Brother Jack McDuff, Wilson Pickett, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Chuck Berry, and many others. Fay Victor was born July 26, 1965. She is an American musician, composer, lyricist and educator. Originally a singer in the traditional jazz field, she has been working in jazz, blues, opera, free improvising, avant-garde, modern classical music, and occasional acting since re-settling in New York in 2003. PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT: THE INDIVISIBLE PROJECT (501c4) http://www.indivisible.org ]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, February 14 we welcome Janice Woolery, who shares details about Her Art – Their Art, Friday, Feb 16, 2024, 5:00pm to 8:00pm at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St , Overland Park, KS. This exhibition will showcase the work of nearly 60 artists.
We will also talk with musicians David Luther & Kelly Dougherty about The Love Hangover, Thurs, Feb. 15, 2024 at 7:00pm at recordBar 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO with True Lions, Mouthstuff, Dan Jones & Matt Ronan, Marty Bush & Natalie Prauser.
AND…we talk with LGBTQ artist & singer-songwriter Buck Moon about his debut single “Indigo Night” that was just recently released on Jan. 25, 2024.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley 