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About Mark Manning

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.

Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

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

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar, with 45 musical acts, at recordBar 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, September 25-28, 2025, and around recordBar including: Kobi Q, The Belfry, and Lemonade Park. recordBar opened its doors in August 2005 in a humble Kansas City strip mall, with a simple goal: to create a space where music felt close and community came first. Founded by Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherriil, two music lovers who believed in good sound, even better drinks, and treating artists right, the original recordBar quickly became a hub for local bands, national tours, and just about any event that needed a stage—from birthday parties to fundraisers to experimental art nights. In 2015, recordBar moved to the Crossroads District, becoming part of a new chapter in Kansas City’s music scene. The new space kept the same spirit—intimate, accessible, and artist-forward—while expanding its reach and upgrading the experience for both performers and fans. Its downtown location allowed for larger shows while staying true to its roots as an independent, music-first venue. More at: http://www.therecordbar.com

  1. Roman Numerals – “My Life After Death Pt. II”
    from: Roman Numerals / Anodyne Records / 2006
    [#1 on our list of The 60 Best Recordings of 2006. William Smith on vocals, guitar, stylophone; Steven Tulipana on vocals, bass, guitars, synth; Shawn Sherrill on synth, bass; Pete LaPorte on drums, electronics.] [Bill Brownlee wrote about about Roman Numerals on October 18, 2017 for KCUR Radio. // One of the region’s most notable indie-rock bands a decade ago, Roman Numerals were Ryan Shank on drums, Shawn Sherrill on keyboards and bass, Billy Smith on guitars and vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass, guitars and vocals. // Tulipana and Sherrill went on to open the highly successful RecordBar in Westport. Their band’s last recent performance was the penultimate show at the venue’s original site on January 1, 2016. RecordBar has since re-opened at 1520 Grand Boulevard, which is where Roman Numerals reunite on Saturday. // Roman Numerals peaked at a time when like-minded bands including Interpol were also mining the new wave and post-punk sounds of the 1980s. The revivalist aesthetic was an appealing exercise in wistfulness when its self-titled album was released in 2006, a conceit that makes Saturday’s reunion a double-dip of nostalgia. // The band describes its approach as a “high-powered hybrid” that “forms a sturdy bridge between indie-rock’s angular approach and the underground club scene’s throbbing tempos.” A good example is “Rule of Five,” a gloom-laden blend of synth-pop and post-punk from that 2006 record: // “‘Rule of Five’ was recorded in Chicago the week we signed our lease on the original RecordBar via fax-machine,” Tulipana says. “We somehow managed to get the club open and do several U.S. tours that same year of 2005. We like to get together every year or so these days to revisit these old songs to help inspire us on the other newer projects we stay involved with.” // Roman Numerals, played the grand opening at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2017 with Olympic Size, opening. // Bill Brownlee blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.]

[Roman Numerals play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00pm on the recordBar Main Stageat 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

  1. Roman Numerals – “My Life After Death Pt. II”
    from: Roman Numerals / Anodyne Records / 2006
    [#1 on our list of The 60 Best Recordings of 2006. William Smith on vocals, guitar, stylophone; Steven Tulipana on vocals, bass, guitars, synth; Shawn Sherrill on synth, bass; Pete LaPorte on drums, electronics.] [Bill Brownlee wrote about about Roman Numerals on October 18, 2017 for KCUR Radio. // One of the region’s most notable indie-rock bands a decade ago, Roman Numerals were Ryan Shank on drums, Shawn Sherrill on keyboards and bass, Billy Smith on guitars and vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass, guitars and vocals. // Tulipana and Sherrill went on to open the highly successful RecordBar in Westport. Their band’s last recent performance was the penultimate show at the venue’s original site on January 1, 2016. RecordBar has since re-opened at 1520 Grand Boulevard, which is where Roman Numerals reunite on Saturday. // Roman Numerals peaked at a time when like-minded bands including Interpol were also mining the new wave and post-punk sounds of the 1980s. The revivalist aesthetic was an appealing exercise in wistfulness when its self-titled album was released in 2006, a conceit that makes Saturday’s reunion a double-dip of nostalgia. // The band describes its approach as a “high-powered hybrid” that “forms a sturdy bridge between indie-rock’s angular approach and the underground club scene’s throbbing tempos.” A good example is “Rule of Five,” a gloom-laden blend of synth-pop and post-punk from that 2006 record: // “‘Rule of Five’ was recorded in Chicago the week we signed our lease on the original RecordBar via fax-machine,” Tulipana says. “We somehow managed to get the club open and do several U.S. tours that same year of 2005. We like to get together every year or so these days to revisit these old songs to help inspire us on the other newer projects we stay involved with.” // Roman Numerals, played the grand opening at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2017 with Olympic Size, opening. // Bill Brownlee blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.]

[Roman Numerals play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00pm on the recordBar Main Stageat 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

  1. Making Movies – “Pendulum Swing”
    from: A La Deriva / Independent / October 7, 2014
    [Enrique Chi (guitar/lead vox), Brendan Culp (drums), Diego Chi (bass), Juan-Carlos Chaurand (percussion /keyboard). Their new full length was produced with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Imn 2012 the band also released the EP “Aguardiente.” The Record Machine pressed a limited number of the 7 inch vinyl, 4 song EP. // Enrique Chi, is lead singer of Making Movies joined us on the February 2, 2014 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley to talk about the band’s recent tour in Central America, and the band’s Five Year Anniversary Show at the RecordBar, Fri, Feb. 14, with The Conquerors. / The band’s critically acclaimed release “A La Deriva,” was recorded with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Making Movies had the national release of “A La Deriva.” The band played Puerto Rico in March, and you recently played Panama, where your family is from and where they had the opportunity to meet the President of Panama. // Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band acurrently recording with: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. // Making Movies released. Captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit. / The 5-track collection includes a standout performance of “Nadie Sabe (rock’n’roll),” a powerful anthem that nods to the band’s rock roots while giving fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year. / Marking Making Movies’ first major U.S. festival appearance, the performance at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival was a milestone moment in the band’s journey—and one they’ll never forget. / “I love that we have a record of that wild and special day,” says Enrique Chi of Making Movies. “The mid-set downpour turned into a blessing—though we had to pause the show, when we returned, dancing in the rain was a pure expression of joy. We are grateful that those folks opened up their space and hearts to us, giving us the opportunity to road test some new songs and prepare for the next chapter for Making Movies.” / The Baúl de las Movies series is a nod to the band’s ongoing effort to open up their archives and share treasured recordings from the road. This latest installment captures the spontaneity and soul of a band known for merging Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency. / Making Movies continues to carve a unique space in the music landscape, building bridges across cultures and generations. With this release, they invite listeners into the vibrant world they’ve created—live, unfiltered, and alive with possibility. // Last year Making Movies released Baúl De Las Movies (En Vivo En Folly Theater 2023) /=through 3/2 Recordings on September. 27, 2024, Produced by Ben Yonas, McKenzi Webster, Executive Producer Javier E. Carrizo, Production Assistant Nora Gibbons, Recording & Mixing Engineer Ben Yonas, Recording Engineer Paul Malinowski, Mastering Engineer, Dave Greenberg/Sonopod, Assistant Sound Engineers Josh Gomez, Ricky Menendez. Asdru Sierra on trumpet; Ryan Heinlein, Trevor Turla on trombone. // “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” was also filmed. Directed by William J. Stribling. // Directors of Photography Adam Baron-Bloch, Alex Gallitano. // Camera Operators Cole Blaise, Nora Gibbons, Esai Saenz. // Production Designer Aisa Palomares. // Edited by Raymond Fraser. // Colorist Tam Le // DI Coordinator John Daniels-Riveros. // DI Services Provided by Sodalite Color // Stream “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” – https://ffm.to/follyliveep.OYD. // Latin Grammy nominated band Making Movies released their special EP EN LA SALA containing 8 of the songs recorded LIVE, on January 12, 2024. // Before that they released their single “Medicina”. // Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021. On February 5, the band released the 7-song, La Cuarentena EP which included a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP also includes covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. The EP was available on BandCamp for only three days Feb. 5 through Feb. 7, 2021. // Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá) in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV.” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” Making Movies released their album I Am Another You, May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Info at: https://makingmovies.world

[Making Movies play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Friday September 26 at 11:15pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.] [Making Movies also play The Wolf’s Den at The Belfry for the 6:00pm – Happy Hour VIP experience.]

  1. Deerhoof – “Sparrow Sparrow”
    from: Noble and God Like in Ruin / Joyful Noise Recordings / April 25, 2025
    [For a band that seems to thrive on collapse, it’s simply amazing that this US/Japanese quartet is now celebrating their 31st year. Though Deerhoof long ago established itself as one of the greatest rock groups ever to stride the earth—and if you think that’s hyperbole, you haven’t spent enough time listening to Deerhoof —the furiously inventive quartet releases new albums on the schedule of a young band still hungry for its first break. As Noble and Godlike in Ruin reaffirms, each one discovers some previously unknown combination of candy-coated hard-rock riffs and free-jazz percussive freakouts, sideways J-pop hooks and fearsome dissonance, trenchant social commentary and surrealist humor. This music is joyful and foreboding, cybernetic and deeply human, carrying an implicit note of defiant optimism in their refusal to bow to convention or received wisdom. Fronting it all is Satomi Matsuzaki’s inimitable alto, whose plainspoken calm can seem strangely outside of the band’s maelstrom. Deerhoof is defined by such paradoxes. // Written, played, recorded and mixed by: Satomi Matsuzaki, Ed Rodriguez, John Dieterich, and Greg Saunier, Except “Under Rats” by:Deerhoof and Saul Williams. Band and face photos by: Satoru Eguchi. Face collage by: Satomi. // Deerhoof are an American independent music group formed in San Francisco in 1994. They currently consist of founding drummer Greg Saunier, bassist and singer Satomi Matsuzaki, and guitarists John Dieterich and Ed Rodriguez. Beginning as an improvised noise punk band, Deerhoof became widely renowned and influential in the 2000s through self-produced albums that combine “noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music” (AllMusic). // They have released eighteen studio albums since 1997. Their most recent album, Actually, You Can, was released on October 22, 2021. // Deerhoof were formed in San Francisco in 1994 as Rob Fisk’s improvisational bass/harmonica solo project. Greg Saunier joined on drums a week later. They were quickly signed to record a single for Kill Rock Stars after owner Slim Moon witnessed their performance at the 1994 Yoyo A Go Go festival. Satomi Matsuzaki joined Deerhoof within a week of moving to the United States from Japan in May 1995, with no prior experience playing in a band, and went on tour as Deerhoof’s singer only a week later, opening for Caroliner. Their 1997 debut album The Man, the King, the Girl was recorded on 4-track tape. // Deerhoof’s style has been described as indie rock, noise pop, punk rock, and “experimental pop mired in a pure punk sense of adventure”. AllMusic characterizes them as “highly revered indie rockers … who play fractured, whimsical noise pop with an avant-garde edge”, while MaineToday describes them as “the beloved punk band whose erratic style veers between pop, noise, and classic rock and roll”. // According to Noisey, Deerhoof formed as a “minimal noise improv” act before shifting to “pop-infused noise-punk”. According to AllMusic, their early releases “had a more traditionally harsh, no wave-inspired sound, though they also included the quirky tendencies that dominated their later efforts … [which] mix noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music that made them one of the most acclaimed acts of the 2000s and 2010s.” Impose writes that since “their beginnings as a noise punk band … [Deerhoof have] taken leaps and bounds artistically and stylistically, experimenting with pop and punk in ways we could’ve never imagined … [and] ultimately [proving] that punk can fit into an artistic world.” According to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, they made “some of the most difficult and unclassifiable noise of the mid-’90s [before] unexpectedly [rising] to international prominence as one of indie rock’s most renowned and influential groups … too ‘pop’ for ‘noise,’ and too ‘noise’ for ‘pop.'” For The Guardian, their breakthrough after many albums of “elliptical art-pop” came with Friend Opportunity, which showcased “a band playing a constantly shifting mixture of psychedelia, post-punk, jazz and pop, which should have been difficult and forbidding, but was given an accessible focus by the sweet vocals and expressionist lyrics of bassist/chanteuse Satomi Matsuzaki. … [The followup] Offend Maggie is head-spinning bliss from beginning to end, and proves that the quartet are the best prog-rock post-punk Afro-Oriental art-pop folk-jazz band in the world. Deerhoof also experiment with contemporary classical music. // The band has been appreciated by and/or influential to other artists, notably David Bowie, Radiohead, Questlove, St. Vincent, Foo Fighters, Dirty Projectors, Tune-Yards, Stereolab, Henry Rollins, Sleigh Bells, and of Montreal. Deerhoof’s songs are covered often by other artists (notably Phil Lesh, Los Campesinos!, Marco Benevento, David Bazan, and classical composer Marcos Balter).]

[Deerhoof play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 9:00pm on the Lemonade Park Stage, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO with Frogpond, and Paris Williams.]

  1. Approach – “Stones (feat. Joe Good & SKU)”
    from: Merely, Minutes In A Day {Section 2: Antique Mall} / Datura Records / Dec. 4, 2020
    [Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Approach writes: “Antique Mall” is fitting title for a album that has sat in the vault over 5 years. When the recording of this album was finished, I realized it didn’t compliment the sonics of the season. I felt like waiting until the sonic coloring matched the vibration of the times would be the best move. 5 years later a time capsule of love is ready to be revealed. Please enjoy your tour around of my “Antique Mall.” More info at: http://www.daturarecords.bandcamp.com/album/merely-minutes-in-a-day-section-2-antique-mall // Joe Good is Jamal Gamby one half of the the critically acclaimed hip hop band Sounds Good with producer musician beat maker Miles Bonny. Both gentlemen retired their Sounds Good project after two albums and several singles, to start families and become fathers. // This new Approach release is a Follow up to Merely Minutes, In A Day from Datura Records released February 4, 2019. Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Artwork & Design By: The Art My Life Imitates. Legendary Kansas based emcee/producer Approach is Sean Hunt who’s been in the game for almost 20 years. He’s released almost a dozen records and traveled the world over the span of his career. He’s also the cofounder of Datura Records, a hip hop label started in 2000. Approach helps curate the roster.]

[Approach and SKU play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 8:00pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

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

[The Royal Chief will play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 5:00pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

  1. Dan Jones and The Squids – “The Rhythm and The Rhyme”
    from: SERVE WITHOUT DELAY / Dan Jones / February 5, 2021.
    [Dan Jones and The Squids are: Dan Jones on vocals & guitar; Matt Ronan on drums & vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass. On the record Rich Wheeler joined them on tenor saxophone for the songs, “Rock & Roll Daydreams” and “Rhythm and The Rhyme.” Their album was engineered by Brendan “JB” Moreland at Temple Sounds in KCMO and mixed by Brendan at Massive Sound Studios in Shawnee, KS. // Dan Jones and The Squids released It was recorded Friday, February 13, 2020 at recordBar, with Paul Malinowski: live sound & recording engineer. Mixed and edited by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound, Shawnee Kansas. Mastered by Tom Nunes at Atomic Disc. Dan Jones on guitar & vocals, Matt Ronan on drums & vocals; Steve Tulipana on bass & vocals. All songs by Daniel Sherman Jones (BMI), except “I Wanna Be You” by Ed Cole. In 2020 the band didn’t get to play out much, so they hunkered down and worked up a double album’s worth of new tunes. It was a weekly woodshed-workshop that culminated with a live-streamed live-album show on November 13, 2020 at recordBar. Paul Malinowski engineered and mixed. // Dan Jones and The Squids released ROCK AND ROLL DAYDREAMS on vinyl on September 1, 2023. // Dan Jones and The Squids released WE LIVE IN A WORLD THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD on December 6, 2019. It was Recorded at Temple Sounds in KCMO, 2018-2019. Engineered. by JB Moreland. Produced by Dan Jones and The Squids and JB Moreland. Mastered by Tom Nunes at Atomic Disc. With Dan Jones on acoustic & electric guitars, keyboard, lead vocals + drums/bass on “Love/Life”; Matt Ronan on drums, percussion, vocals; Alex Alexander on electric guitar, vocals; Steve Tulipana on bass, vocals; Joey Slab on poem and spiel on “Beach, Please”; Scot Sperry on electric slide guitar on “Love/Life”; Donna Jones on lyrics to “The Violet Man.” / Dan Jones is among the hardworking lifers with taste and talent, keeping the dream alive that music matters. This is the Kansas City singer/songwriter’s seventh LP over two decades, starting in Eugene, OR before returning to his native, non-coastal home. His bio speaks of support gigs with Mike Watt (who plays these Squids on his radio show), Dinosaur Jr., Steve Wynn, John Doe, Tav Falco, Pedaljets, Peter Case, and Minus 5, all hinted at in his fine music. But what he/they most remind of is Watt’s influence The Urinals/100 Flowers, in the way he breaks out homey tunes in the rush of spikier energy—like “My Favorite Lounge,” which spits guitar glory with gusto following tight circular riffs, while hailing soulful, sweaty dives with honest bands. It’s where you’d want to catch Jones and his cephalopods, happily blasting away. // More info at: More info at: http://www.danjonesmusic.com][Dan Jones and The Squids played a Record Release Show at Woodyard BBQ, 3001 Merriam, in KCK, on Saturday, September 9, at 7:00 PM. with Tick Check. Dan Jones & Steve Tulipana joined us on WMM on Sept. 6, 2023.]

[Dan Jones & The Squids play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Friday September 26 at 5:45pm on the recordBar Front Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

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

[Madisen Ward plays the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Friday September 26 at 9:00pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO – September 25 – 28, 2025

Thursday, September 25 – Play Loud Pre-Party @ recordBar
Post Sex Nachos
They’re Theirs
Malek Azrael & The Vibes

Friday September 26

recordBar Main Stage
5:00pm – Rex Hobart & The Misery Boys
6:15pm – The Delazers
7:30pm – Info Gates Tribute
7:45pm – UBI of Ces Cru
9:00pm – Madison Ward
10:15pm – Doubledrag
11:15pm – Making Movies

recordBar Front Stage
5:45pm – Dan Jones & The Squids
7:00pm – The Bad Ideas
9:45pm – LYXE
1045pm – Red Kate

Kobi-Q Stage
8:00pm – MitchMakesBeat
8:45pm – Iocene
9:30pm – Bobcat Attack
10:15pm – Buki-San
11:00pm – Pleasure.exe

The Wolf’s Den at The Belfry
6:00pm – Happy Hour with Making Movies
7:00pm – Jamie Rhen
8:00pm – Boss Holligan Soundsystem

Saturday, September 26

Lemonade Park
6:45pm – Paris Williams
7:45pm – Frogpond
9:00pm – Deerhoof

recordBar Main Stage
2:30pm – People’s Liberation Big Band
3:45pm – The Doo-Dads
5:00pm – The Royal Chief
6:00pm – Lorna Kay
7:00pm – Dom Chronicles
8:00pm – Approach/SKU
9:30pm – Emmaline Twist
11:00pm – Roman Numerals

recordBar front Stage
3:15pm – Lone Stranger w/DJ Jamel Rockwell
4:30pm – Saint George and The Dragons
5:30pm – The Epitome
6:30pm – Steddy P
7:30pm – Cat Fight
9:00pm – Macemouth

Kobi-Q Stage
7:00pm – WRKER
7:45 – Juliette Frost
8:30pm – Faceface
9:15pm – The Delazers
10:00pm – KB Mixes

The Wolf’s Den at The Belfry
6:00pm – Happy Hour with Radkey
7:00pm – Freight Train Rabbit Killed

Sunday, September 28 – Post Party @ recordBar

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar. The event will take place on several stages:

recordBar Main Stage
recordBar Front Stage
Kobi Q,
The Wolf Den at The Belfry
Lemonade Park

recordBar opened its doors in August 2005 in a humble Kansas City strip mall, with a simple goal: to create a space where music felt close and community came first. Founded by Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherrill, two music lovers who believed in good sound, even better drinks, and treating artists right, the original recordBar quickly became a hub for local bands, national tours, and just about any event that needed a stage—from birthday parties to fundraisers to experimental art nights.

In 2015, recordBar moved to the Crossroads District, becoming part of a new chapter in Kansas City’s music scene. The new space kept the same spirit—intimate, accessible, and artist-forward—while expanding its reach and upgrading the experience for both performers and fans. Its downtown location allowed for larger shows while staying true to its roots as an independent, music-first venue.

All VIP perks: Fast-pass entry into venues // Limited-edition festival T-shirt // Commemorative festival poster

Add-ons Available: Entry to an intimate private Happy Hour on Friday featuring an acoustic performance with Making Movies at The Wolf Den, featuring cocktails with Chef Celina Tio and her Annx Spirits line.(Available As GA Add-On)

Entry to an intimate private Happy Hour on Saturday featuring an acoustic performance with Radkey at The Wolf Den, featuring cocktails with Chef Celina Tio and her Annx Spirits line. (Available As GA Add-On)

10:28 – Underwriting

  1. Nan & The One Nite Stands – “Primetime”
    rom: “Primetime” – Single / Nan Turner / September 5, 2025
    [Written by Nan Turner. Additional Vox by Tracy Flowers. Recorded + mixed + produced by Chase Horseman at Element Studios, Kansas City, KS. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Picture of Nan by Laci Kay. Additional studio support by Frida the Dog and Georgia. More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com Nan Turner was our guest on WMM on March 31, 2021.]

[Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Fri, Oct. 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO.]

10:33 – Interview with Nan Turner

Nan Turner joins us to share details about her new single “Primetime,” AND her show at Gigantic Records, and the progress on her Tonya Harding musical. The singer-songwriter-drummer-actress-dancer’s music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” As Nan + The One Nite Stands, Nan released the single”Primetime” on September 5, 2025. Nan released the single “Sick” on March 7, 2025. Nan released the 4 song EP HAWKIN’ IT on May 14, 2024. Nan released HIGH-CALIBER on February 19, 2021. Nan Turner released the single, “Desert Nites”, on May 22, 2020. Nan released her EP, CHAMPS AND LOSERS, VERSION 2, on July 12, 2019. Nan Turner was one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! with Matt Roth (Major Matt Mason USA) on electric guitar and Nan on drums. The band started in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1999 and toured internationally for over a decade, Schwervon! released 7 full length albums, 2 EPs, and 5 singles. Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock.” Nan went to college with Soon-Yi Previn

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

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

“Primetime” – Lyrics

Breezy attitude
white light
bartender
stage fright

Ladies of
certain age
hair down
on parade

Nothing prepares you
for saying goodbye
expectation
never got me high
drip of the faucet
Brando in his prime
lives on an island
and he’s fine

Snow angel
where’s your Dad?
Best time (best time)
ever had
Cold nose
lost and found
disco ball
spinning round

Nothing prepares you
being what you’re not
It’s a risky business
sliding around in your socks
Don’t know how to say
you’re asleep on a dream
so you go home
and blame your bad genes

Don’t wanna live
one foot out the door
missing all I had
just the year before

I press on you
faded bruise
left behind left behind left behind

Nothing prepares you
for the illusion of age
filter on a sunset
suppress body rage
Drugs that you pilfer
Joan Crawford with more charm
raise the stakes
set the alarm
Cha cha cha cha cha cha

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

Nan Turner has been working on a figure skating musical about Tonya Harding and that particular era of skating with Nancy Kerrigan and Oksana Baiul and even Verne Lundquist.

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

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

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

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

Nan Turner also contributed a track to the compilation called, Ain’t I Folk? (Indie, Acoustic, Pop, Rock, Weird, And Bedroom Lo-Fi Covers of New York Antifolk Classics) released February 17, 2021 on Weemayk Music. Nan recorded a cover of “I don’t get love” written by her friend Angela Carlucci who goes by the name “Little Cobweb”. More info at http://www.littlecobweb.bandcamp.com/track/i-dont-get-love

Angela Carlucci is also one of Nan’s dancers (and singers) for The One Nite Stands in NYC…and they’ve been dancing and doing shows together for many years. She is also in a great two-piece band called, True Dreams. More info at: truedreams.bandcamp.com

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

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

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

Schwervon! Discography

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

Nan Turner Discography

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

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

Nan + the One Nite Stands – EP HAWKIN’ IT – May 14, 2014
All songs written by Nan Turner. Recorded & Mixed & Co-Produced @ Emandee in Brooklyn by Mark Ospovat. Mastered by Casey Holford. Photo by Erica Peterson. Thanks so much to my One Nite Stands in NYC and London who contributed to this collection of songs! Simon Nelson: Guitar, drums on Rambo; Adrian Lobb: Keys on Rambo; Butch Merigoni: Drums on Beijing; Simon Beins: trumpet on Hawkin It; Julie Delano – vox on Hawkin It; Susan Hwang – vox on Hawkin It; Mark “slave to production” Ospovat – so many instruments, especially bass/ guitar/ textural things. Also vox on tracks 2,3,4.

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

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

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

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

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com.

10:53

  1. Nan & The One Nite Stands – “Sick”
    from: “Sick” – Single / Nan Turner / March 7, 2025
    [Nan + the One Nite Stands. Song by Nan Turner. Music backing track by Chase Horseman. Additional Vox by Tracy Flowers. Recorded + mixed + produced by Chase Horseman at Element Studios, Kansas City, KS. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Additional studio support by Frida the Dog // On February 19, 2021 Nan Turner released High – Caliber with all songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // “Yeah” is track 1, on this 5-song EP // The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler on bass on 1, 3, and 4; Pat Tomek on drums on 1, 3, and 4; Mark Ospovat on bass on 2 and 5; Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers on backing vocals on 2, 4, and 5; Chase Horseman on keyboards, guitar, and co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration. // Nan Turner released the single “Desert Nights” released May 22, 2020, written by Nan Turner, and recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // On July 12, 2019, Nan Turner released her solo EP, Champs and Losers, Version 2. Recorded, Mixed, and Co-Produced at Winky World in Kansas City, by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Alan Douches at West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns plays drums and Chase Horseman plays bass. // Nan Turner is also one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock. Her music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com Nan Turner was our guest on WMM on March 31, 2021.]

[Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO.]

  1. They’re Theirs – “Midland Empire”
    from: “Midland Empire” – Single / Chase The Horseman / February 18, 2025
    [As a live band They’re Theirs consists of Chase Horseman on vocals and guitars, Sky Cowdry on bass and Ian Dobyns on drums. // “Midland Empire” was produced by They’re Theirs, engineered by Ian Dobyns, mixed by Ian Dobyns Chase Horseman and Sky Cowdry. Mastered by Justin Perkins/Mystery Room Mastering. Recorded at Element Recording. // Chase The Horseman released the single “Silver Liner” on October 25, 2024. Drums and additional engineering by Ian Dobyns, Additional vocals by Heidi Gluck. Mastered by Anthony Puglisi. Written, produced, performed and mixed by Chase Horseman at Element Recording. // Chase Horseman has composed music for over 40 films and as musician and producer collaborated with Clairaudients, Teri Quinn, Heidi Lynne Gluck, KD Kuro, The Roseline, Nan Turner and more. Chase The Horseman film composer, band leader, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, & producer. // On April 2, 2024 Chase released the 22 track Original Sound Track for Headcount, a feature film from the Burghart Brothers, produced by Continuance Pictures, Method Media, and Shout Factory. Chase created the music for two feature-length episodes of the Blum House Films and Hulu original series, “Into the Dark.” // In February 2020 Chase released “Poor Song,” a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs track by Karen O. Chase played Sequential Circuits Prophet 600, Dave Smith MiniMopho, Korg Minilogue Xd, Moog Grandmother, Roland Alpha Juno 2, Mellotron, Guitar, Drums, Vocals all performed by Chase Horseman. Recorded at Element Recording Studios and Winky World. Mixed by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Joel Nanos. // On May 1, 2020. // Chase released, a quarantine cover of “Midnight, The Stars and You” written by Harry M. Woods, Jimmy Campbell & Reg Connelly Stanley. The most famous version was recorded in 1934 by Ray Noble & his Orchestra with an uncredited Al Bowley on vocals. This was used in the ballroom scene and closing of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror film The Shining based on the novel by Stephen King. All of the profits of the Chase Horseman single were be donated directly to service industry workers in Kansas City and Midwest Music Foundation on a 50/50 basis. // Chase The Horseman released Disinformation Blues EP on July 12, 2019. One of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Chase released the single “U Martyr U” June 19, 2018, and the single “Modern Ruins” on Oct 4, 2018. // More info at: http://www.chasethehorseman.bandcamp.com.]

[They’re Theirs play the Play Loud Fest Thurs, Sept. 25 for the Pre-Party on the recordBar Main Stage with Post Sex Nachos, and Malek Azrael & The Vibes at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Amy Steinberg– “Ready To Let Go”
    rom: Big Bang Breaks / Amy Steinberg / March 11, 2023
    [Amy Steinberg was classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

[Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, Sept 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr.]

11:04 – Interview with Amy Steinberg

Amy Steinberg was classically trained on the piano starting at age 4. She studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, September 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr., Lenexa, KS.

Amy Steinberg Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM.

Amy Steinberg was Borm July 17, 1973 (age 52) in Massachusetts, United States
She is a Singer-songwriter who plays Piano, guitar, vocals,. She had been performing since 1998. Hsr website is: http://www.amysteinberg.net

Amy Steinberg is an American minister, singer, songwriter, musician, playwright and actress. She is an independent artist. Best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. A student of the Science of Mind movement, her work has included musically directing at spiritual centers, writing songs for the Inspire Choir in Boca Raton, Florida and the One Love Choir in Charlotte, North Carolina which has brought marked spirituality into her work. She has performed at Agape International in Los Angeles, Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle, The Revelation Conference, the Michigan Womyn’s Festival, and opening for artists including Alix Olson and Melissa Ferrick.

Early life – Amy was born in Boston, Massachusetts. At age 8, her family moved to Sarasota, Florida, where she attended Booker High School for the Performing Arts. Classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College.

11:11

  1. Amy Steinberg – “Big Bang Breaks”
    from: Big Bang Breaks / Amy Steinberg / March 11, 2023
    [Amy Steinberg who is classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

[Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, Sept 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr.]

11:14 – More Interview with Amy Steinberg

Amy Steinberg was classically trained on the piano starting at age 4. She studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, September 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr., Lenexa, KS.

Amy Steinberg, Thanks for being with us on tWednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM.

Music and Theater – Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released nine albums independently, and written and performed four one-woman shows: Me, Me, Me, Me; Oh My God Don’t Stop; Ever Expanding; and The Divine Miss Aim. After selling out and winning Patron’s Pick at the 2005 Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival, Oh My God Don’t Stop went on for successful runs in Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida. It ran for three months at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts in 2008 to rave reviews. She won the Touring Act of the Year award from Songwriter Showcases of America in 2006, and Best Solo Performer from the Orlando Music Awards in 2000. She regularly tours the United States, performing in music festivals, Spiritual Centers, coffeehouses, and unschooling conferences. She currently tours in support of her newest record, Broken Open produced by Justin Beckler.

Her influences and inspirations are Bette Midler, Ani Difranco, Christy Snow, and George Carlin. Her shows are a mix of comedy, music, theater, and spirituality.

Breaking the Moon – Steinberg wrote and produced a long one act, Breaking the Moon, about 7 teenagers in treatment for suicide and suicidal behaviors. It received praise from the press and is moving forward to productions in Asheville, North Carolina, Johnson City, Tennessee and New York, NY. Currently, the original cast album is being recorded at Sound Temple Studios.[2][3]

Art and Other Expressions – In 2001 Steinberg began turning her ‘doodles’ into multi-media pieces of fine art. Her work is mostly bright acrylic pieces with words inside the images (pictures below).

Amy Steinberg is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina

Discography

Big Bang Breaks
Shine, Be Glorious
Broken Open
Fall Down to Fly
Must Be the Moon
Raw Material from the Ethereal
Emphatic at the Attic: LIVE!
Clown Princess
Sex with Amy
360 Hibiscus
Sky High

Amy Steinberg Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM.

Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, September 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr., Lenexa, KS. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

11:24

  1. Amy Steinberg – “Trouble”
    from: “Trouble” – Single / Amy Steinberg / February 24, 2023
    [Amy Steinberg who is classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She has two chihuahuas, Ru and Tiki and three cats: Poppy, Baby cat and Sebastian. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

[Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, Sept 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr.]

11:27 – Underwriting

  1. Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy – “Lost”
    from: “Lost” – Single / Til Willis / February 27, 2025
    [3rd single from the upcoming album, Glass Cactus. Written by Til Willis Til Willis on vocals & guitar; Bradley McKellip on guitar & backup vocals; Eric Binkley on bass; and Austin Sinkler on drums. Steve Faceman on backup vocals. // Til Willis, born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. Currently, when not performing solo, he makes noise with Erratic Cowboy. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger.]

[Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Sat., Oct. 4, 7:00pm.]
Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Fri., Oct. 17 8:00pm.]

11:34 – Interview with Til Willis

Til Willis was born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger. Til Willis joins us to share details about his band Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy and their latest album Glass Cactus recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas, mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas.

Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Sat, Oct 4, at 7:00pm.
Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence. on Fri. Oct. 17 at 8:00pm

Til Willis Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The last album from Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy was Grinding of The Stars, released Nov. 4, 2022 and recorded in a 122 year old barn. With Til Willis on guitars & vocals; Eric Binkley on bass, and Austin Sinkler on drums/ Recorded/Mixed/Produced by Til Willis. Mastered by John Hruska.

Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas.

Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy is:
Til Willis on vocals & guitar
Bradley McKellip on guitar & backup vocals
Eric Binkley on bass
Austin Sinkler on drums.
With Steve Faceman on backup vocals for “Lost,” Chance Dibben on Sonic Manipulations on Homecoming, Recovering Sunday, Natural Law With Nate Holt on keyboards for: Ten Miles of Days, Horizon, Smells Like Honey, Recovering Sunday

Til Willis began performing in 1992, at the remarkable age of just twelve. Since then, he’s produced an expansive catalog of music, including fifteen studio albums, two live albums, and five EPs. Til’s bandmates, known as Erratic Cowboy, both compliment and enhance Til’s well-seasoned songwriting, and have added their own dynamic energy to his albums and live shows since 2012. With November’s release, Grinding of the Stars, Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy show no signs of slowing down.

Til has headlined his own shows, and opened for such notable acts as Jesse Robinson, The Subdudes, Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos, Fainting Goats, and Pete Seeger.

Glass Cactus was Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, KS. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence. Cover art by David Huddleston

Til and the boys perform frequently at favorite venues:The Record Bar and The Brick in KC, and The Replay Lounge, Kaw Valley Public House and The Bottleneck in Lawrence.

There are people who write songs, and then there are songwriters… people who write simply because they have no other choice, poets in denim who wonder if they’re poetic at all. It’s talk of fire, and the breath of storms passed that stirs the echoes of longing to express one’s self…Til Willis came along after the birth of rock and roll, but before the setting of the sun in the home state of Elvis. A state that as John Magnie says, “Eats the roots of American music.” And, out of this climate Til strode with the confident swagger of a man possessed with the desire to be a songwriter.

Growing up on rock & roll made during a time when “rock & roll” mattered, and it wasn’t about fashion & packaging, Til strives to deliver substance in his own orchard of sound.

A listen to any of his albums, The Thought I Had, Shadow of the Future, Lovesick, Crimson Wind, or Cindershine confirms this level of commitment. It’s not bubblegum pop, or mindless distortion. This is American Rock, and Til has brought it to life on stages from Mississippi to California, Colorado to Oklahoma.

He has composed scores for plays by playwright Steve Goode, and student films made at the University of Colorado. He has produced albums for artists like Drew Fowler, in addition to producing all of his own recordings.

In short Til Willis is an energetic young singer/songwriter with a voice that thunders, and a musical passion and vision that screams the haunted howl of hellhounds down a dusty road. Rock and Roll is freedom, and Til exercises his daily.

CEO at Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy

In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger.

Studied at Colorado State University
Lives in Lawrence, Kansas // From Ouray, Colorado
Married to Stephanie Willis – (Aug. 18, 2012)
Daughter: Mahalia
Dog: Twyla

Til Willis Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Sat., Oct. 4, at 7:00pm.
Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Fri., Oct. 17 at 8:00pm

11:49

  1. Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy – “Homecoming”
    from: Glass Cactus / Til Willis / March 27, 2025
    [Til Willis on vocals, guitar, percussion, mixing, & production; Bradley McKellip om guitars & lap steel; Eric Binkley on bass, and Austin Sinkler on grums with Nate Holt on keyboards for: Ten Miles of Days, Horizon, Smells Like Honey, Recovering Sunday; Chance Dibben on Sonic Manipulations on Homecoming, Recovering Sunday, Natural Law; and Steve Faceman on backup vocals on Lost. Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas. // Til Willis, born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. Currently, when not performing solo, he makes noise with Erratic Cowboy. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger.]

[Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Saturday, October 4, at 7:00pm.]
[Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Friday, October 17 at 8:00pm.]

11:55

  1. Juliette Frost – “Drowning in a Glass of Water “
    from: Drowning in a Glass of Water – Single / Juliette Frost / September 5, 2025
    [Juliette Frost released the EP personal logs on March 3, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. personal logs was a small collection of personal notes and feelings collaged into 3 tracks which have been sliced and diced like curry ingredients. // Juliette Frost released the single “Carbon Copy (radio edit). On March 22, 2024. // Juliette Frost released the single “Wizard Trance” with Not Nymph Yet, on December 20, 2023, // Juliette Frost released the single “UeyuAau,” on December 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Night Owl,” on April 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Fruits of Our Tree,” on December 11, 2022. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Sylvrface,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Parallel,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the17 track album, “Lepidoptera” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Streetwalker,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost recorded a 6-song EP HUSH on May 5, 2021, that was created in a 5-day recording session, in December 2020 in Los Angeles, with musician, bassist, & producer Dominique Sanders. The songs, written by Juliette, feature her vocals layered in harmonies, beats and soundscapes. // Juliette Frost also released the single “burd,” on February 8, 2021. // On April 18, 2020 Juliette released Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, her 19-track, debut, recorded in her bedroom, when she was 16, sampling sounds from her own cats meowing and purring, among others. When Juliette was making the music for, Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, she really wasn’t thinking of putting out an album. She was just creating music, and before she knew it she had all of these songs. // Juliette has had the opportunity to see the recording process from two very different perspectives: in a recording studio in LA, and in her own private bedroom, working by herself. Juliette says that she prefers the alone time, in her bedroom process, because she can translate her ideas into reality, much faster. Juliette says she realized her musical passion, and that she had the abilities to create music and songs when she was in middle school. // Juliette Frost went to Shawnee Mission North High School. Juliette is not only a songwriter and producer of music but she is also a visual artist who created amazing collage art, and is also a painter and fine artist. // Juliette grew up surrounded by music in her home, Juliette is the daughter of opera and jazz vocalist Emily Frost and nationally known Hip Hop Beatboxer Adrian “A-Train” Frost] [Juliette Frost played minibar, on October 23, 2024, with Belgium-based Ultra Sunn and Religion of Heartbreak.]

[Juliette Frost plays play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO on Saturday, September 27 at 7:45pm on the Kobi-Q Stage.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, October 1 we talk with members of Whim Theatre’s Production of Boys In The Band, AND Beth Watts Nelson and Brandon Day share new music.

Stay tuned at 12:00 Noon for “Learning to Wiggle” with Steve Stemmerman at 2:00pm it’s Jazz Afternoon with Jeff Harshbarger. At 4:00pm we bring you, Dub’s Groove with Warren, at 6:00pm it’s: ON AIR with Nikki Brooks. At 7:00pm it’s VOICES OF KANSAS CITY brought to you by The Kansas City Star and 90.1 FM KKFI.]

You can find our playlists at: http://www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & http://www.kkfi.org
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
http://www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley http://www.bandcamp.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley

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

Thanks to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver. And Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made extra effort to keep our station alive.

For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

Show #1114

WMM presents: Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from 10 artists/bands playing Play Loud! The 20th Anniversary Celebration of recordBar including: Roman Numerals, Emmaline Twist, Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear, Making Movies, Approach, Juliette Frost, Dan Jones and the Squids, The Royal Chief, They’re Theirs, and Deerhoof. We will also play tracks from Nan Turner, Amy Steinberg, and Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy.

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar, with 45 musical acts, at recordBar 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, September 25-28, 2025, and around recordBar including: Kobi Q, The Belfry, and Lemonade Park. recordBar opened its doors in August 2005 in a humble Kansas City strip mall, with a simple goal: to create a space where music felt close and community came first. Founded by Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherriil, two music lovers who believed in good sound, even better drinks, and treating artists right, the original recordBar quickly became a hub for local bands, national tours, and just about any event that needed a stage—from birthday parties to fundraisers to experimental art nights. In 2015, recordBar moved to the Crossroads District, becoming part of a new chapter in Kansas City’s music scene. The new space kept the same spirit—intimate, accessible, and artist-forward—while expanding its reach and upgrading the experience for both performers and fans. Its downtown location allowed for larger shows while staying true to its roots as an independent, music-first venue. More at: http://www.therecordbar.com

At 10:30 Nan Turner talks about her new single “Primetime,” her show at Gigantic Records, and the progress on her Tonya Harding musical. The singer-songwriter-drummer-actress-dancer’s music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” As Nan + The One Nite Stands, Nan released the single”Primetime” on September 5, 2025. Nan released the single “Sick” on March 7, 2025. Nan released the 4 song EP HAWKIN’ IT on May 14, 2024. Nan released HIGH-CALIBER on February 19, 2021. Nan Turner released the single, “Desert Nites”, on May 22, 2020. Nan released her EP, CHAMPS AND LOSERS, VERSION 2, on July 12, 2019. Nan Turner was one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! with Matt Roth (Major Matt Mason USA) on electric guitar and Nan on drums. The band started in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1999 and toured internationally for over a decade, Schwervon! released 7 full length albums, 2 EPs, and 5 singles. Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock.” Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

At 11:00 Mark talks with Amy Steinberg who is classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She has two chihuahuas, Ru and Tiki and three cats: Poppy, Baby cat and Sebastian. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, September 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr., Lenexa, KS. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net

At 11:30 Til Willis shares details about his band Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy and their new album Glass Cactus. Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy is Til Willis on vocals & guitar; Bradley McKellip on guitar & backup vocals; Eric Binkley on bass; and Austin Sinkler on drums. With Steve Faceman on backup vocals for the record. Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas. Til Willis was born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger. Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Saturday, October 4, at 7:00pm. Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Thursday, October 18 at 8:00pm.

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

Show #1114

WMM Playlist from Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning & Iona DeWalt

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Wednesday – “Pick Up That Knife”
    from: Bleeds / Dead Oceans / September 19, 2025
    [Third single from upcoming album, BLEEDS. Wednesday, the North Carolina rock band led by generational songwriter Karly Hartzman released their breakthrough album, Rat Saw God. The album was one of 2023’s most critically acclaimed releases, landing on year end lists at the New York Times, NPR, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, The Atlantic, The Ringer, The FADER, Paste, Consequence, Stereogum and more. // Wednesday is Karly Hartzman, MJ Lenderman, Xandy Chelmis, Alan Miller, and Ethan Baechtold. // “What makes Wednesday one of the best bands in the world is Hartzman’s songwriting. It’s paradisiacal in a scuzzy way, adaptable to any underbelly in North America and wickedly unafraid of being too truthful or unabashed.” -Paste // “Karly Hartzman’s storytelling remains a beautifully magpie-like collection of little details drawn from memory and observation, woven together into a transcendent indie rock tapestry.” -The AV Club // Rat Saw God released September 8, 2022. It was ij the top 30 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // // Hartzman was inspired to start playing guitar after watching Mitski’s NPR Tiny Desk concert. Hartzman attended college in Asheville, where she met Daniel Gorham. The two recorded an album together under the moniker Wednesday titled yep definitely. The band’s name was inspired by the British band The Sundays. // After releasing this record, Hartzman formed another band called Diva Sweetly, alongside members of the band Pictures of Vernon. Hartzman was interested in making shoegaze music, which was not the music Diva Sweetly was making. Thus, Hartzman gathered new members to join the Wednesday band and released the second album with the group, titled I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone in 2020. The group released their third record, Twin Plagues, on August 13, 2021.// On March 11, 2022, the band released a covers album titled Mowing the Leaves Instead of Piling ’em Up, featuring covers versions of songs by Gary Stewart, Chris Bell, Roger Miller, Drive-By Truckers, Hotline TNT, Greg Sage, Vic Chesnutt, Medicine and The Smashing Pumpkins. On September 8, 2022, the band left Orindal Records and signed to Dead Oceans, releasing the single “Bull Believer”. On January 18, 2023, the band released the single “Chosen to Deserve” and announced a fifth album, Rat Saw God, which was released on April 7, 2023.] [Wednesday played the recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, on Wednesday, May 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM ]
  1. Rudy Love & The Encore – “Move Slow”
    from: 11 / Midtopia / July 11, 2025
    [Rudy Love & The Encore is comprised of Rudy Love Jr. (vocals & keys), Marrque
    Nunley (drums), Rachelle Love (percussion), Mariel Jacoda (vocals), Sherdeill (DJ) Breathett (bass), and Willy Simms (guitar). // The band members have played together for most of their lives, and formally introduced the band Rudy Love & The Encore early last year. Rudy Love Jr.’s late father, renowned musician Rudy Love Sr., was a musical mentor to the band members. The band’s name is in honor of Love Sr., based on the idea that this grouping of musicians is Rudy Love Sr.’s legacy — his encore. // In 2023, the band released their debut EP, The Beauty of Burdens, followed quickly by two more singles, “Broken Angel” and “Grey.” They have been busy since the band’s inception, performing and collaborating with Elise Trouw, performing at Black & Loud Fest in Seattle, opening for notable acts like Teddy Swims and The B-52’s, and playing multiple tours across the nation.They traded the hyper-competitive hustle of the Los Angeles show business scene, and are now working together from their hometown of Wichita, Kan. to build a dream they all hold — to make music with people they love, and to share it with the world.]

[Rudy Love & The Encore play the Mix Master Music Fest, Saturday, September 20 at 10:00pm at Northside Social 444 Locust St. Lawrence, KS.]

10:11– Interview with Nick Carswell

Originally from Limerick, Ireland. Nick Carswell has been performing professionally for 25 years, in his native Ireland and across the US Midwest, where he has lived since 2011. His main creative output is as songwriter and frontman for the alt-rock 5 piece, Carswell & Hope. Nick has wide experience with arts & cultural non-profits, community organizing, public art and professional development. Nick is a Creative Industries Specialist for the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, a Senior Artist Leadership Fellow for the Mid-America Arts Alliance’s Artist INC program, and a board member for the Heartland Song Network, Director of the Lawrence Music Alliance, and program manager for the Audio-Reader Network.

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

Nick Carswell joins us to discuss of The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference & Festival, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.Empowering musicians through collaborative programs and conversations, MXM2025 offers panels, workshops and networking opportunities accessible to all through this independently-organized conference event. The Music Fest line-up includes 6 venues over two nights with more than 25 acts performing all over Lawrence, KS. Plus, a free all ages concert on the library lawn Saturday, September 20, 2025. More info at: http://www.mixmaster2025.com

The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.

MixMaster 2025 Conference – Friday & Saturday, September 19 & 20, 2025

Presented by the Lawrence Music Alliance, MixMaster2025 is a music conference & fest in Lawrence, Kansas // A music conference in Lawrence Public Library on Sat. Sept 20th with panels, workshops, discussion & networking // Live music showcases on Friday and Saturday feature more than 25 local & regional acts performing in 5 venues across 2 nights of music across Lawrence, KS // A free all ages concert on the library lawn Sat Sept 20.

Saturday Sept 20th, 10am – 3pm: the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference. Topics include music booking, how to release an album, touring tips, music as mutual aid, production workshops, DJ workshop, and demo dip. In the Lawrence Public Library Main Auditorium, Sound + Vision Studio and Meeting Rooms.​

Through the 2024 Lawrence Music Census we’ve learned much about the needs of our music community in business training, financial support & connectivity. For example, music generates $13M in income locally, with creatives spending an average of $4,435 in the local community. However, gig income is lower than comparative studies, at $101 per gig. Only 1 in 4 music community members has received any financial support for music.

Lawrence creatives surveyed perform more than 9,600 gigs outside of Lawrence, yet 60% of respondents indicated the need for music export funding or tour support. More than 6,500 live events happen in Lawrence each year, yet 82% of respondents need audience development tools, while 57% desire a place to connect with music industry services. 52% of creatives seek audio/video/production training.

MixMaster 2025 Conference – Saturday, September 20, 2025

10:00am – Conference Registration – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium

10:15 – Panel: Lawrence Venue Roundup – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Learn how to book gigs and partner with your music venues for gig success!

11:15 – Mastering the Merch Stand – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
The merch stand can make or break your gig, tour or album release. Learn how to maximize and expand your merch offerings.

11:15 – Studio Tours – Sound + Vision Studios – Lawrence Public Library
Learn about recording, podcasting & production facilities available to all patrons of LPL

12:00 – On the Road: Touring – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Panel discussion sharing tips to book, manage and achieve success on tour.

12:00 – Outlasting the Algorithm: A DJ workshop with Jon Sabillon – Meeting Room A
DJ workshop with Jon Sabillon, diving into DJ principles, technology and sharing projects that expand who can DJ and how

12:00 – Studio Workshop: Using the Library’s Synths – Sound + Vision Studios
Studio Specialist Matt Pelsma will demonstrate a typical recording setup using the library’s collection of synthesizers.

01:00 – Make Your Release an Event- Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
This panel discusses how to make the most of your album or music release, capitalizing on media, fan engagement and gigs.

01:00- Music for Mutual Aid – Meeting Room A
Music as Mutual Aid will focus on the role artists and music industry workers can play in today’s challenging political climate.

01:00 – Capturing Live In-studio Performances – Sound + Vision Studio
Learn about how to make the best of out live in-studio performances or how to create your own, with examples from Kansas Public Radio and KJHK.

02:00 – Demo Dip – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Submit your unreleased demo for live feedback from a panel of industry experts.

MixMaster2025 is a project of the Lawrence Music Alliance, a non-profit that uses the framework of music ecosystem development to engage the music community, advocate on behalf of musicians and creatives, and act as a vital intermediary between the creative economy and the city of Lawrence, KS.

Live music all across Lawrence: 25+ acts performing in 5 venues across Lawrence showcasing the best in local & regional talent. All genres, colors, shapes and sizes. Plus, a free all-ages outdoor concert on the lawn of Lawrence Public Library. Full weekend wristbands and individual day passes available.

The live music showcases take place at multiple venues around Lawrence, including the Replay Lounge, Lucia, Eighth St Taproom, Northside Social on Friday Sept 19 and Saturday Sept 20. A special free all-ages concert is taking place on the Lawrence Public Library lawn on Saturday Sept 20 from 4pm.

MXM Music Conference FRIDAY SEPT 19

LUCIA:
Tommy Johnson, Paxton Harvey, Eddie Moore

REPLAY:
Kahlulee, Dylan Guthrie, Frankie Shorez, Bed Self Portraits, Zee Underscore, RAP Veterans

Tap Room:
Kat King, The Whips

Northside:
Blood & Velvet, Hello Biplane

MXM Music Conference SATURDAY SEPT 20

Library Lawn:
River City Rock Camp Showcase, Jon Sabillon, VCMN, INDRA, The Roseline, LYXE

REPLAY:
Cheery, Corners of The Sky, Social Cinema

Tap Room:
Foxlin, Teri Quinn, True Lions

LUCIA:
Son Venezuela

Northside:
Jackson Reed, Malek Azrael, Rudy Love and The Encore

PARTNERS
City of Lawrence, KS
Community Solutions Grant
Blue Collar Press
Kansas Public Radio
KKFI 90.1FM
KJHK 90.7FM
Heartland Song Network

MixMaster2025 is a project of the Lawrence Music Alliance, a non-profit that uses the framework of music ecosystem development to engage the music community, advocate on behalf of musicians and creatives, and act as a vital intermediary between the creative economy and the city of Lawrence, KS. Through our collaborative efforts with the city, we aim to promote and support the live music industry and ensure that Lawrence is recognized as a premier destination for music lovers everywhere.

The MixMaster Music Conference is an annual event dedicated to empowering individuals in the music industry. By bringing together musicians, industry professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, MixMaster provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and career development. The conference is a program of the Lawrence Music Alliance and supported by the City of Lawrence, Kansas, Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. For information, please visit MixMaster2025.com.

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite at http://mixmaster2025.eventbrite.com

10:29

  1. Zee Underscore – “You Dont Deserve Me (Radio Edit)”
    from: You Don’t Deserve Me (Radio Edit) – Single / Underscore Form / August 8, 2024
    [One of two new singles Zee Underscore has released so far this year. Zee Underscore released her critically acclaimed debut EP, The Zee Underscore Experience on June 15, 2024. Zee Underscore is one of 5 children in her family. Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. // Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Through this work she emcees and produces outdoor stage shows at First Friday’s in the West Crossroads. // Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. // Zee moved to KC to work in engineering, which brought you out to KC, which helped her find herself and rediscover your love for the arts. Family members would give Zee beats and she would write songs to them. Zee’s band includes: Alex Chase, Jade Harvey, Stephen Bond who helped Zee translate her songs to live instruments. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D

[Zee_Underscore plays the Mix Master Music Fest, Friday, September 19 at Replay.]

10:33 – Underwriting

10:33 – Underwriting

  1. Brody Lowe – “Flash Bomb”
    from: Flash Bomb / The Basement Arcade / July 25, 2025
    [First single from upcoming album Draculover. To be released September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.]

10:38 – Interview with Brody Lowe

We just heard Flash Bomb the first single from upcoming album Draculover. To be released September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moon where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Brody Lowe released Maul (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on March 3, 2023. Brody Lowe released the 8-track album Cicadaville on May 18, 2021Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

Brody Lowe, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019

After moving to KC he met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People.

Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music.

Brody Lowe released Maul (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on March 3, 2023

Brody Lowe released the 8-track album Cicadaville on May 18, 2021

Brody Lowe released his debut EP Sea Monsters of the Pacific on February 15, 2018

Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

Keyboards Keyboards Keyboards

Brody Lowe, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

10:54

  1. Brody Lowe – “Draculover”
    from: Draculover / The Basement Arcade / September 19, 2025
    [Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.]
  1. Curtis Harding – “The Power – Radio Edit”
    from: Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt / Anti / September 5, 2025
    [Curtis Harding – “making some of the best modern soul music out right now” (Uproxx) – has returned today with his first new music in four years. Following collaborations in recent years with RÜFÜS DU SOL and Jazmine Sullivan, the catchy new song “There She Goes” is accompanied by a new music video by Italian director Michele Civetta; taking place in an opulent Beverly Hills Garden with a sinister Twilight Zone-esque secret and featuring actor Omar Dorsey (Selma, Queen Sugar) who is a recurring presence in Harding’s music videos, watch it below. // Curtis Harding is an American soul singer, born in Saginaw, Michigan. Raised as a Mennonite, Harding’s family had no home until they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, when he was 14. Harding’s father, a mechanic, and his mother Dorothy, a gospel singer, took Harding and his five siblings around the United States in a van, stopping at churches. While his mother performed, Harding grew up playing music, though he originally wanted to play professional sports. In the early 2000s, Harding was part of the hip-hop group Proseed. He rapped on and co-wrote CeeLo Green’s 2002 album Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections along with several Proseed members. He toured with Green as a backing singer on the Smokin’ Grooves Tour in 2002 alongside Outkast, Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, and The Roots. Harding spent time working with groups in Atlanta before moving to Toronto for a year. A year later, he “came back to record with some friends in my living room.” From these sessions came his debut album, Soul Power, on the indie label Burger Records, released May 6, 2014. He spent two weeks recording the album. Randy Michael composed the music on the single “Keep on Shining”, and Jason Reynolds co-wrote “Heaven’s on the Other Side” with Harding.He formed the band Night Sun with two Black Lips members, guitarist Cole Alexander and drummer Joe Bradley. His second album, Face Your Fear, was recorded at Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Studio in New York City. “Wednesday Morning Atonement” is the opening single. Harding describes his genre as “slop ‘n’ soul”, a combination of gospel, punk, psych rock, and blues. He has said that his influences include Albert King, the Everly Brothers, and Ronnie Dyson.]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Fritz & Sons – “I’m a Goner!”
    from: Sprinkler Man – I’m a Goner! – Single / Manor Recpords / July 17, 2025
    [Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. “I’m a Goner!” is built around “Goner,” a traditional fiddle tune. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com]

11:04 – Interview with Fritz Hutchison

Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter based in Kansas City. Fritz was born May 27, 1991. Fritz landed in the KC Music Community in 2008 gaining notice as part of the critically acclaimed band, She’s a Keeper where he played drums. Fritz played for several years with Grand Marquis, and for a while was part of the band Freight Train Rabbit Killer. Fritz has also played lived with multiple bands and performers including Krystle Warren, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, J Ashley Miller, Lauren Krum, and others. 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. His second solo album, MOVIE NIGHT was released on April, 15, 2022 through Manor Records. With his partner Alison Hawkins he has played as a guitarist with the ever evolving genre defying band True Lions, where Fritz has also released a split cassette release of his solo work on one side and True Lions songs on the other. With True Lions he also released Cold Gravy Bowl and MidCoast LIVE! Fritz has also released a series of sweet and sad country singles “All the Way From Here (Happy Holidays)” in January 2021 and the unhinged rock rave-up “Zack Attack!” in March 2022, and “Doug Died” in July of 2024.

Fritz Hutchison joins us to share details about the new recordings of Fritz and Sons, his newest band who released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025. Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com

Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Fritz and Sons are, for lack of a more nuanced determination, a country band. Led by Fritz Hutchison at the drums, joined by members of True Lions, Polymer Mercies, and the Poor Choices, the Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. You can find them touring the region and taking their sweet time cooking up material for their upcoming debut record.

The sons are:
Fritz Hutchison – drums and vocals
Zac Arias – guitar
Carly Atwood – bass
Alison Hawkins – fiddle, keys, vocals
Marco Pascolini – pedal steel and lap steel

Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who has been recording and performing in the Midwest music scene for the past 15 years. His music is a humorous and poetic exploration of everyday life and relationships, blending influences from both Jazz and Folk traditions into a spicy flavor of Rock and Roll. In March 2020, he released his debut solo album Wide Wild Acres on Center Cut Records, to local and international acclaim.

Fritz Hutchison, leader of the band Fritz and Sons, knows his way around the Kansas City music scene. The multi-instrumental singer-songwriter said his “hunger” for music led him to be versatile. Fritz Hutchison plays piano, guitar, bass and other instruments, and makes music under his own name as well. It’s given him the opportunity to play with multiple bands across multiple genres in Kansas City.

Fritz Hutchison told KCUR’s spotlight for Kansas City that he got a drum set at 12 years old, he was hooked. As a kid who was into extreme sports and wanted to be a stunt man, Hutchison says drums offered a release. “I just wanted the extreme kind of adrenaline experience. And the drums are loud and aggressive, and you have to, like, keep playing them endlessly,” Hutchison said. “You have to physically engage with every moment of music that is happening. And I think that I just, like, responded to that level of engagement, and also just it being very loud and aggressive sounding.”

In an interview with KJHK Fritz was asked, What’s your creative process like? What do you do to write a song? Fritz responded: “It’s very slow. I try to write a lot and most of the ideas are bad, but a lot of times there’s a little nugget of something good. … I save up all these scraps and it can take a while for them to come together… I also like to play different instruments. I’ll come up with a chord progression on a guitar and get kind of stuck and don’t know where to go with it. Then I’ll try it on piano instead and my hands will just do something different… So, I try to jump around on different instruments.”

Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Fritz and Sons released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025.

11:22

  1. Fritz & Sons – “Sprinkler Man”
    from: Sprinkler Man – I’m a Goner! – Single / Manor Recpords / July 17, 2025
    [Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. “I’m a Goner!” is built around “Goner,” a traditional fiddle tune. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com]

11:25 – Underwriting

  1. Pool Culture – “Birds Like These”
    from: “Birds Like These” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / July 25, 2025
    [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. “Birds Like These is the first of three new songs that Pool Culture, is putting out over the next three months leading up to Their first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, will be released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

10:31 – Interview with Mark Ronning & Iona Dewalt

Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.

Mark Ronning thanks for being with us on WMM

Iona DeWalt is a 27-year old Kansas City-native musician and composer, whom is classically trained and studied cello performance at William Jewell College under the direction of Dana Woolard-Hughlett. At the college, she performed in a number of ensembles, including Liberty Symphony, the Jewell String Quartet, and jazz band. She has played for several musicals, such as Into the Woods at Missouri Theatre Heritage and Spring Awakening at Missouri Western. She also participated in the 2017 Missouri All-Collegiate Orchestra, and is a member of the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Iona Dewalt plays synthesizers in Pool Culture and also performs as a solo artist and with the band Pink Phase who released the EP Wave in January of 2023.

Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds.

The band started as a solo project for Mark Ronning after he graduated from college in 2017, but it grew into an earnest project when it became a full band in 2023, with Jeff McCreary on bass guitar, Kody Krause on drums, Iona DeWalt on synth, and Mark Ronning on vocals and synthesizer. Now, in 2025, Pool Culture features Sean Logan on drums, and they are promoting their upcoming EP “Pure Lemon” with a stint of small tours, beginning this weekend. They’ve released two singles so far, and the third comes out Friday, September 19th.

“Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17th, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

Bird Like These is the first single from Pool Culture’s upcoming EP Pure Lemon. The track evokes both 90s IDM in its dreamy, nostalgic pads as well as 70s psych rock through its dense layers of shimmering lead lines. In their first single, Pool Culture explore a balance of feelings, spanning euphoria to dread, trying to make sense of that spectrum. But they do that in a pop package, complete with sparkling vocals, glistening synthesizers, syrupy leads, and a hypnotizing linear drum pattern.

Birds Like These was the first track we wrote together as a full band. It arose so organically: Iona started playing the progression on her Korg Minilogue with thick, VHS-like synth pad. Kody’s linear drum part appeared almost instantaneously as well. This was the perfect foundation for Mark’s sparkly sawtooth chords that sat above the track. The song evolved over a few sessions, and there was originally a key change after the second chorus. However, that was dumped, but we still liked how the final outro sounded in the key of C minor, so the transition into the outro required some sort of key change, which Iona provided. Mark took inspiration from Jeff’s bass melody for the outo’s vocal melody and added some harmonies and 70s Moog-style leads to flesh out the sonic midrange above Iona’s arpeggiator. This track showcases how inspiring it is to create music with one another and how effortless it can feel when everyone is listening and responding to each other’s ideas.

Birds like these – lyrics
They flood an otherwise
empty heaven
This cloud of starlings
Press against its phantom center of

Birds like these
Birds like these

Hate to say my head’s cracked
by a decade of iron ruin
But it’s Easter season
Is it a womb or a tomb? But there’s

Birds like these
Birds like these

Past three blocks of porch lights outside
And the shimmering headlights of motorbikes
But why does my head hang low like
My spirit’s propped against my insides?

In the dark of this night
I raise my hand to this neon sign
That stands at twice my height
Warms my ears, dries my eyes
Say a prayer, second sight
Gloves are off, laces tied
No star can outshine
Its final spark when it dies

released July 25, 2025
Produced by Pool Culture
Written by Pool Culture
Lyrics by Mark Ronning

Pool Culture is Mark Ronning (vocals, synthesizer), Iona DeWalt (synthesizer), Jeff McCreary (bass), and Kody Krause (drums).

Mixed and mastered by Stephen Sesso at Blue Canyon Recording Studios.
Album artwork by Claire Monroe.
Licensed to Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

11:39

  1. Pool Culture – “Mathletes”
    from: “Mathletes” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / August 22, 2025
    [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. This is from the band’s first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes,” was released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, Sept.17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

11:44 – More Interview with Mark Ronning & Iona Dewalt

Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.

Mark Ronning thanks for being with us on WMM

Iona DeWalt is a 27-year old Kansas City-native musician and composer, whom is classically trained and studied cello performance at William Jewell College under the direction of Dana Woolard-Hughlett. At the college, she performed in a number of ensembles, including Liberty Symphony, the Jewell String Quartet, and jazz band. She has played for several musicals, such as Into the Woods at Musical Theatre Heritage and Spring Awakening at Missouri Western. She also participated in the 2017 Missouri All-Collegiate Orchestra, and is a member of the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Iona Dewalt plays synthesizers in Pool Culture and also performs as a solo artist and with the band Pink Phase who released the EP Wave in January of 2023.

Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

“Mathletes” is the latest single from the electronic dream pop band Pool Culture. The track is melancholy, evoking a rainy afternoon which builds musically into a full storm. Beneath the lyrical narrative of a missed connection, the song evolves from ambient synths and voices into shoegazey choruses and outros, climaxing with modulating sawtooth pads, gliding pulse leads, and snapping granular synths. “Mathletes” captures the pain of putting your faith in something even while it’s slipping away.

lyrics
You wore your medal around your shoulders
Your brand new devil, your good adviser
In your winning, a beginning
As if forgotten or forgiven

But meeting you was easy
As eating breakfast or buying groceries
Or walking to the movies
Every evening

I was waiting at my window
With no bad weather to excuse
Your knock never reaching my door
Your feet failing to cross my floor

But I’ve my garden to watch over
And no thumb can snuff the sun
There’s a highway above your shoulder
That poor devil

Famous as the rain was your blue ribbon
And your racing shoes
I was in between life and living
When I found you

Lining up like athletes between the tape and the gun
Forever winning, forever losing, blowing kisses at the sun
Lining up like athletes between the tape and the gun
Forever winning, forever losing, blowing kisses at the sun

Your train came back
I heard it howl
Your my highway
First day on the job

But I wake up to fire
Howling through its hemorrhage
One tear for this century’s
First day on the job

You’re my highway
I turn the airbags off
Christened through the windshield
First day on the job

credits
released August 22, 2025
Produced by Pool Culture
Written by Pool Culture
Lyrics by Mark Ronning

Pool Culture is Mark Ronning (vocals, synthesizer), Iona DeWalt (synthesizer), Jeff McCreary (bass), and Kody Krause (drums).

Mixed and mastered by Stephen Sesso at Blue Canyon Recording Studios.
Album artwork by Claire Monroe.
Licensed to Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

Mark Ronning and Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, Sept.17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

11:52

  1. Pool Culture – “Finish Line”
    from: “Finish Line” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / September 19, 2025
    [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. This is from the band’s first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, was released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on Wednesday, September 24, Nan Turner joins us with a new single release and upcoming show. Til Willis also joins us, and we’ll play music in honor of the recordBar’s 20th Anniversary Play Loud Fest,

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1113

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Pool Culture, Zee Underscore, Brody Lowe, Fritz and Sons, Rudy Love & The Encore, Curtis Harding, and Wednesday.

At 10:10am Nick Carswell of The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference & Fest, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.Empowering musicians through collaborative programs and conversations, MXM2025 offers panels, workshops and networking opportunities accessible to all through this independently-organized conference event. The Music Fest line-up includes 6 venues over two nights with more than 25 acts performing all over Lawrence, KS. Plus, a free all ages concert on the library lawn Saturday, September 20, 2025. More info at: http://www.mixmaster2025.com

At 10:30 musician Brody Lowe joins us to share details about his new 11-track album Draculover that will be released Friday, September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

At 11:00 Fritz Hutchison joins us to share details about the new recordings of Fritz and Sons who released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025. Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com

At 11:30 Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones. 

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

Show #1113

WMM PLAYLIST from September 10, 2025

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Folly Theater’s 125th Anniversary + Stephonne + Big Fat Cow

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Mavis Staples – “Beautiful Strangers”
    from: Sad And Beautiful World / Anti / June 10, 2025
    [Written by Kevin Morby who released this song as a single in 2016 in tribute to the victims of the Orlando Pulse shooting. Staples’ version is gentle and lived-in. It’s got electric guitars from MJ Lenderman and Staples’ bandleader Rick Holmstrom. Brad Cook plays vibraphone, and his brother Phil adds piano. Nathaniel Rateliff and Tré Burt sing backup vocals. Unsurprisingly, Kevin Morby is pretty bowled over by the existence of this cover. Morby says. “It isn’t easy to put into words what it feels like having one of the best, most important vocalists and cultural figures of both the 20th and 21st century sing one of my songs. But hearing Mavis sing “Beautiful Strangers” is hands down the greatest moment and highest honor of my career. Far beyond any kind of accolade or acclaim — having one of my biggest heroes sing something I wrote is the most validating and flattering thing that could ever happen to me as a songwriter and person. Thank you, Mavis. Mavis also wields that extremely rare power to take a song somebody else wrote and make it entirely her own. As the person who penned “Beautiful Stranger,” I feel I have every right to say: Her version is better. // This is the second single from Mavis Staple’s new album of cover songs. The first single was “Godspeed” written by Frank Ocean. A legendary performer who turned 86 next month on July 10, Mavis Staples continues to be a tour-de-force in music and a voice for the voiceless in today’s divided society. Well known for her work in the gospel and Americana space, Staples is also an R&B icon who famously worked with the one and only Prince in his 80’s heyday. // Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a GRAMMY Award-winner; a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. // At a time when most artists begin to wind down, Staples ramped things up, releasing a trio of critically acclaimed albums in her 70’s with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy that prompted Pitchfork to rave that “her voice has only gained texture and power over the years” and People to proclaim that she “provides the comfort of a higher power.” “I sing because I want to leave people feeling better than I found them,” Staples says. “I want them to walk away with a positive message in their hearts, feeling stronger than they felt before. I’m singing to myself for those same reasons, too.” // On July 9, Staples and award-winning children’s poet Carol Boston Weatherford will release the new children’s book ‘Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples’, a vibrant and poetic new picture book that introduces young readers to Staples’ life story, who began singing at age 8 and ever since has used her voice as a rallying cry to the country at numerous civil rights protests and continues to sing and share her message of love, faith and justice in front of large audiences today. // Staples recently celebrated her upcoming birthday early in stellar fashion at Los Angeles’s YouTube Theater this past April, gracing the stage alongside a star-studded lineup including Hozier, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Black Pumas, and more. Currently on tour in Europe, Staples will return to the US and perform at Willie Nelson’s 4th of July picnic on the nation’s birthday. The next day she begins a run of dates with Norah Jones, who she affectionally calls “my baby sister.” All upcoming dates are listed below. // Mavis Staples (born July 10, 1939) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist. She rose to fame as a member of her family’s band The Staple Singers, of which she is the last surviving member. During her time in the group, she recorded the hit singles “I’ll Take You There” and “Let’s Do It Again”. In 1969, Staples released her self-titled debut solo album. // Staples continued to release solo albums throughout the following decades and collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Prince, Arcade Fire, Nona Hendryx, Ry Cooder, and David Byrne. Her eighth studio album You Are Not Alone (2010), earned critical acclaim, and became her first album as a soloist to reach number one on a Billboard chart, peaking atop the Top Gospel Albums chart. It also earned Staples her first Grammy Award win. Following this, she released the albums One True Vine (2013), Livin’ on a High Note (2016), If All I Was Was Black (2017), and We Get By (2019); she is also featured on the single “Nina Cried Power” by Hozier. // Staples is the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and has won three Grammy Awards, including one for Album of the Year as a featured artist on We Are by Jon Batiste.[6] Named one of the ‘100 Greatest Singers of all Time’ by Rolling Stone in 2008; Staples was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018, as a member of The Staple Singers. Additionally, she was made a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2016. The following year, she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a soloist. In 2019, she received the inaugural Rock Hall Honors Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a soloist. // Staples was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 10, 1939. She began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches and appearing on a weekly radio show, the Staples scored a hit in 1956 with “Uncloudy Day” for the Vee-Jay label. When Mavis graduated from what is now Paul Robeson High School in 1957, The Staple Singers took their music on the road. Led by family patriarch Roebuck “Pops” Staples on guitar and including the voices of Mavis and her siblings Cleotha, Yvonne, and Pervis, the Staples were called “God’s Greatest Hitmakers”. // With Mavis’ voice and Pops’ songs, singing, and guitar playing, the Staples evolved from enormously popular gospel singers (with recordings on United and Riverside as well as Vee-Jay) to become the most spectacular and influential spirituality-based group in America. By the mid-1960s The Staple Singers, inspired by Pops’ close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr., became the spiritual and musical voices of the civil rights movement. They covered contemporary pop hits with positive messages, including Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” and a version of Stephen Stills’ “For What It’s Worth”. // During a December 20, 2008, appearance on National Public Radio’s news show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, when Staples was asked about her past personal relationship with Dylan, she admitted that they “were good friends, yes indeed” and that he had asked her father for her hand in marriage. // The Staples sang “message” songs like “Long Walk to D.C.” and “When Will We Be Paid?,” bringing their moving and articulate music to a huge number of young people. The group signed to Stax Records in 1968, joining their gospel harmonies and deep faith with musical accompaniment from members of Booker T. and the MGs. The Staple Singers hit the Top 40 eight times between 1971 and 1975, including two No. 1 singles, “I’ll Take You There”, produced by Al Bell and recorded and mixed by Terry Manning, “Let’s Do It Again,” and a No. 2 single “Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas?” // Mavis made her first solo foray while at Epic Records with The Staple Singers, releasing a lone single “Crying in the Chapel” to little fanfare in the late 1960s. The single was finally re-released on the 1994 Sony Music collection Lost Soul. Her first solo album would not come until a 1969 self-titled release for the Stax label. After another Stax release, Only for the Lonely, in 1970, she released a soundtrack album, A Piece of the Action, on Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom label. A 1984 album (also self-titled) preceded two albums under the direction of rock star Prince; 1989’s Time Waits for No One, followed by 1993’s The Voice, which People magazine named one of the Top Ten Albums of 1993. Her 1996 release, Spirituals & Gospels: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, was recorded with keyboardist Lucky Peterson. The recording honors Mahalia Jackson, a close family friend and a significant influence on Mavis Staples’s life. // Staples singing during the 2006 NEA National Heritage Fellows concert. // Staples made a major national return with the release of the album Have a Little Faith on Chicago’s Alligator Records, produced by Jim Tullio, in 2004. The album featured spiritual music, some of it semi-acoustic. // In 2004, Staples contributed to a Verve release by legendary jazz-rock guitarist, John Scofield. The album, entitled That’s What I Say, was a tribute to the great Ray Charles and led to a live tour featuring Staples, John Scofield, pianist Gary Versace, drummer Steve Hass, and bassist Rueben Rodriguez. A new album for Anti- Records entitled We’ll Never Turn Back was released on April 24, 2007. The Ry Cooder-produced concept album focuses on gospel songs of the civil rights movement and also included two new original songs by Cooder. // Her voice has been sampled by some of the biggest selling artists, including Salt ‘N’ Pepa, Ice Cube, Ludacris, and Hozier. Staples has recorded with a wide variety of musicians, from her friend, Bob Dylan (with whom she was nominated for a 2004 Grammy Award in the “Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals” category for their duet on “Gonna Change My Way of Thinking”, from the album Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan) to The Band, Ray Charles, Prince, Nona Hendryx, George Jones, Natalie Merchant, Ann Peebles, and Delbert McClinton. She has provided vocals on current albums by Los Lobos and Dr. John, and she appears on tribute albums to such artists as Johnny Paycheck, Stephen Foster and Bob Dylan. // In 2003, Staples performed in Memphis at the Orpheum Theater alongside a cadre of her fellow former Stax Records stars during “Soul Comes Home,” a concert held in conjunction with the grand opening of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music at the original site of Stax Records, and appears on the CD & DVD that were recorded and filmed during the event. In 2004, she returned as guest artist for the Stax Music Academy’s SNAP! Summer Music Camp and performed again at the Orpheum with 225 of the academy’s students. In June 2007, she again returned to the venue to perform at the Stax 50th Anniversary Concert to Benefit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, produced by Concord Records, who now owns and has revived the Stax Records label. // In 2009, Staples, along with Patty Griffin and The Tri-City Singers, released a version of the song “Waiting For My Child To Come Home” on the compilation album Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration. // On October 30, 2010, Staples performed at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear alongside singer Jeff Tweedy. In 2011 she was joined on-stage at the Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival by Arcade Fire singer Win Butler. The two performed a version of “The Weight” by The Band. // Staples also performed at the 33rd Kennedy Center Honors, singing in a tribute to honoree Paul McCartney. // Staples headlined on June 10, 2012, at Chicago’s Annual Blues Festival in Grant Park. // On June 27, 2015, Staples performed on the Park Stage of Glastonbury Somerset UK. On October 31, 2015, Staples performed with Joan Osborne in Washington, D.C. at The George Washington // University’s Lisner Auditorium as part of their Solid Soul Tour. // In February 2016, Staples’s album Livin’ on a High Note was released. Produced by M. Ward, the album features songs written specifically for Staples by Nick Cave, Justin Vernon, tUnE-yArds, Neko Case, Aloe Blacc, and others. Discussing the album Staples said: “I’ve been singing my freedom songs and I wanted to stretch out and sing some songs that were new. I told the writers I was looking for some joyful songs. I want to leave something to lift people up; I’m so busy making people cry, not from sadness, but I’m always telling a part of history that brought us down and I’m trying to bring us back up. These songwriters gave me a challenge. They gave me that feeling of, ‘Hey, I can hang! I can still do this!’ There’s a variety, and it makes me feel refreshed and brand new. Just like Benjamin Booker wrote on the opening track, ‘I got friends and I got love around me, I got people, the people who love me.’ I’m living on a high note, I’m above the clouds. I’m just so grateful. I must be the happiest old girl in the world. Yes, indeed.” // In January 2017, Staples was featured as a guest vocalist on “I Give You Power”, a single from Arcade Fire benefiting the American Civil Liberties Union. In February 2017, Staples appeared on NPR’s Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me! in the “Not My Job” segment, answering questions about the rock band The Shaggs. In April 2017, “Let Me Out”, a single from the fifth studio album by Gorillaz, Humanz, was released, featuring Staples and rapper Pusha T. // Staples’s sixteenth album If All I Was Was Black was released on November 17, 2017. The record was again produced by Jeff Tweedy and contains all original songs cowritten by Mavis and Tweedy. Following the release, Staples toured with Bob Dylan. She also appeared on the 2017/18 Hootenanny. In 2018, she sang on Hozier’s single “Nina Cried Power”. // In May 2019, Staples celebrated her 80th birthday with a concert at the Apollo Theater, 63 years after first appearing at the theater as a teenager with her family band, the Staple Singers, in 1956. The show, which featured special guest artists, including David Byrne & Norah Jones, is one of a series of collaborative concerts she staged in May to commemorate her 80th birthday. She performed at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival. // In 2022, Staples released Carry Me Home, a collaboration with Levon Helm, recorded at Helm’s Midnight Ramble in 2011. // She released the single “Worthy” on June 18, 2024.]
  1. Suzannah Johannes – “Churchy Girl”
    from: Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard / Suzannah Johannes / August 29, 2025
    [Lawrence based singer songwriter Suzannah Johannes about her new album, Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard, to be released on August 29, 2025. Raised on a farm outside of Powhattan, Kansas, Suzannah was surrounded by music from an early age but didn’t begin teaching herself guitar and singing until after college, thanks to her friend, Hanz Bronze. In 2007, she won the KJHK Farmers Ball and used the prize money to record at Black Lodge Studio Four tracks from those sessions became a debut EP, released by Range Life Records in 2008. In 2008, Suzannah Johannes was an up-and-coming singer-songwriter and then life happened: she got married, became a mother, dedicated her time to responsibilities outside of music. A few times a year, Johannes would play out in local clubs, but in ways too many women will recognize, her music career felt stuck on pause. // After becoming a mother in 2014 and balancing full-time work, music took a back seat—but with new self-released material on the way, she’s finding balance and momentum creating and playing music in Lawrence and Kansas City. Over the past 19 years, she has performed solo and with a rotating group of collaborators, including David Wetzel, Nate Holt, Sean McCue, Jeff Jackson, Dustin Kinsey, and Gus Seyffert. . // Seventeen years later, it’s time to press play—Suzannah Johannes returns with two brilliant full albums: Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard and Los Angeles: The Missing Album. // Her most recent album, Kansas City, features contributions from Jimmy Fitzner, John Nichols, and Mike Stover of The Grisly Hand, Bill Dolan from 5ive Style, and Brooke and Mike Tuley of Brooke Tuley and the Moontravelers and Ad Astra Per Aspera. More info at: http://www.suzannahjohannes.com]]

[Suzannah Johannes plays an Album Release Show Thurs, Sept. 11, 2025, at 8:00pm, at The Ship OG – Enter from the back alley, 1217 Union Avenue Kansas City, MO with 95 Sweetbird & Hanz Bronze]

  1. The Swallowtails – “I’m On Fire”
    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 the LUCKY PENNY EP was split between Rachel and Miki P, and this was 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.” // Swallowtails embarked 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 hwere recently approved as part of KCAIC Touring Artists Roster, through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. // Historically, on May 22, 2023 The Swallowtails released their 7-track EP THE WORLD STILL SPINS with 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]

[The Swallowtails play Waldo Folk, Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00pm, showcasing their poignant songwriting in the Tap Room at Waldo Pizza, 7433 Broadway Street Kansas City, MO]

[The Swallowtails play Art in the Loop – Thursday, September 11, at 5:30pm, at Oppenstein Park, 1123 Walnut Street, Downtown KCMO with by Unique Sixteen, and EleveN2wenty2]

  1. June Henry – “to love you”
    from: chasing 3-song single / june henry nation / April 7, 2025
    [One of several new singles June Henry is releasing this year. Chris Garibaldi of Lotus Pool Records wrote: June and is now our most popular artist. June Henry is a second generation Lotuspool. June is the spawn of Matt Hyde, the other Lotuspool founder. // June Henry released The Exhumation of Princess Pavement on February 14, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // June Henry is a 22-year-old is a Lawrence KS. Based, freak folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.. Her music explores themes of mental illness, queerness, and growing up. // Prior to her official debut, Henry had collected her music in a Google Drive folder, shared only with a small group of friends. Bedridden in 2022, she was convinced to release this music in her first official album Class Pet. // It’s not really something I know how to do, as much as something I have to do to stop myself from exploding,“ from June Henry’s Spotify bio. // Since her debut, she hasn’t gone more than a couple months between releases- creating a niche audience and some of her most popular songs, such as Void-Adjacent and Excoriation. // In 2024 she has released 9n singles, two 4-song EPs., the 11 track album, The Exhumation of Princess Pavement, released February 14, 2024, the 14 track album Between Singles and One-Offs, exclusive CD comprised of singles and EP tracks released May 27, 2024, the 17 track album Podium, released June 30, 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 14. Check http://www.junehen.bandcamp.com for even more releases.]

[June Henry play HOWDY Thursday, December 11, at 7:00pm at 6523 Stadium Drive, KCMO, with Cyprus Hartford, Amber River, and Gwyndolin.]

  1. Iris DeMent – “The Last Toast”
    from: The Trackless Woods / FlariElla / August 7, 2015
    [6th album from Grammy nominated Iris DeMent who NPR said was ”one of the great voices in contemporary popular music.” The Trackless Woods sets 18 poems by acclaimed 20th century Russian poet Anna Akhmatova to life. Hailed as one of Russia’s finest poets, Akhmatova survived the Bolshevik Revolution, both World Wars and Stalin. She lost family, friends & fellow writers to political killings and labor in the gulags. When Iris randomly stumbled upon Akhmatova’s work in a book of poetry a friend sent as a gift, she was immediately taken by the sorrow and burden of the poems, juxtaposed with Akhmatova’s lightness and transcendence in the face of inhumanity. ”Anna’s gift of song is so strong, about alI I had to do was get really quiet and listen,” says Iris. After reading that first poem the melodies began pouring out of her, and before she even fully understood what was driving her, Iris was gathering musicians & friends, including co-producer Richard Bennett (Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond, Steve Earle), to record ‘The Trackless Woods’ in her living room over a 5-days. The result is a pairing of piano and voice in Iris’ style with timeless melodies that are rooted in the American South.]
  1. Sisterbot – “You Won’t Play Me”
    from: “You Won’t Play Me” – Single/ Aletheia Maison Records / January 16, 2023
    [Written by Sisterbot. Engineered and Produced by Brandon Yangmi. Lead vocals: Sisterbot. Drums: Bailey Keling. Electric Guitar: Benjamin Hart. Violin: Laurel Morgan Parks, Kaydee Gabel. Viola: Victor Diaz. Cello: Sascha Groschang, Sisterbot. Cello Solo: Sisterbot. Bass Guitar: Madison Monroe. Background Vocals: Hadiza. and Logan Smalley. // Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “Three years ago, I wrote a song called “You Won’t Play Me.” I had been cleaning my apartment when I found an old pile of letters that brought back difficult memories… they were from someone who had spun many webs of lies and manipulations to gain my attention and affection. I hadn’t realized the extent of this mind-molding until my mid-20’s, after nearly a decade of experiences with this person. Holding the letters in my hand, I felt anger, embarrassment, protective of my younger self, but also, freedom. The knowledge that this person had no hold over me today, or ever again, gave me a sense of triumph. In a rush of catharsis, I ripped up all of the letters, tossing them into the air with relief. Immediately, this song came to me. I sat down at the keyboard, and out it poured. // Though it came nearly completely formed as a song, there were pieces missing that took me three years to finish. The composition, the arrangement for the band, and the recording process came slowly. During that time, I also collaborated with the amazing Marísa Adame Grady to write and film a music video for the song. The story portrays the long-term manipulation I faced, particularly on the internet, with dramatized scenes of common control and grooming tactics that I and many others have experienced. We hoped that this song and this music video would bring light to an all-too-common pattern in the dawn of the internet, empowering those who listen or watch to end patterns of manipulation in their own lives. More info at: sisterbotmusic.com]

[Sisterbot sits down for a Perspectives: Artist Talk, at Lavender Studios. 12307 E 47th Street South, Independence, on Sunday, September 14, at 2:00pm. An intimate conversation about the origins of their unique sound, how queerness and community shape their work, and what it means to lead a “punk-pop chamber orchestra” in a DIY music scene.]

10:28 – Underwriting

  1. The Freedom Affair – “So Much More”
    from: The Freedom Affair / Sunflower Soul Records / May 9, 2025
    [Shon Ruffin on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on bass & Acoustic Guitar=, Chris Hazelton on Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals; Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet & flugelhorn; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, tambourine. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN. Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell. Tape Operator: Wesley Graham. Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair. Mixed by: Vince Chiarito. Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering. Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales. Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan // The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness. // A fateful February 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to Kansas City with new musical conviction. By November, the band had returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio. // The ever-powerful female trio fronting the band–Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves, and Shon Ruffin–has been the hallmark of The Freedom Affair’s sound and identity, and their collective vocal prowess is on full display ranging from tough to tender, touching on heartache and hope. The experience at Royal studios convinced the band that there isn’t a better room to record horns. The “one take” horns of Pete Carroll on trumpet and Brett Jackson on saxophone prove their years together as a unit have paid off with their precision and lines written to meet the vibe perfectly. With rhythm section personnel remaining the same from their debut album Freedom is Love, a shift in instrumentation moves Chris Hazelton from bass to his primary instrument of the Hammond B3 organ along with various keyboards. Branden Moser swaps in the bass, which also happens to be his primary instrument, from his former rhythm guitar. Cole Bales continues to dig into timeless riffs on lead guitar, and Dave Brick maintains the backbone with the heavy boom-bap on drums. This album has cemented The Freedom Affair’s sound: enduring melodies with rich arrangements, backed by a gritty pulse. // Royal was the perfect site for this album, and the band took full advantage of the studio’s history by incorporating studio tools and relics throughout the process. With only four days to fully track the ten-song album, the band insisted on using the same Ampex 1” tape recorder that produced all the Hi Record hits from 1974 and prior to preserve authenticity. It was the first time the machine had been used for an album since 1974. The limitations and quirks of using vintage, analog gear made way for magic moments that shape the album’s charm. The record calls fresh attention to classic Southern Soul with all the coziness and warmth you’d expect from listening to Al Green or Ann Peebles, captured in the very same room. Mixed by Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) and mastered by JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), this album is a truly an all-killer, no-filler lesson in soul music.]

[The Freedom Affair play The Folly Theater 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:30pm for The Folly’s 125th Anniversary Birthday. More information at http://www.follytheater.org]

10:33 – Interview with Rick Truman

Rick Truman is the Executive Director at The Folly Theatre at 300 West 12th Street, KCMO. Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater as Executive Director in January 2022. From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University. In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater. More information at http://www.follytheater.org

Rick Truman, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Folly’s 125th Anniversary with The Freedom Affair on September 23, 2025.

Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater as Executive Director in January 2022.

From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations.

He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University.

In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater

FOLLY PROGRAMMING AND PARTNERS

Folly Jazz Series
The Folly + 90.9 The Bridge Americana Concert Series
Live! In the Lounge
Folly Kids’ Series
Friends of Chamber Music
Harriman Jewell Series
Heartland Men’s Chorus
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

Folly Theater Schedule

Sep 13 Sat • 7:30 PM – Musiq Soulchild

Sep 26 Fri • 7:00 PM – The Ultimate Elvis Concert

Sep 27 Sat • 7:30 PM – The Mask – Stage Play

Oct 4 Sat • 7:30 PM – Pete Escovedo

Oct 11 Sat • 7:30 PM – The Phil Collins Experience – Tribute

Oct 16 Thu • 7:30 PM – Marc Cohn & Shawn Colvin

Oct 18 Sat • 7:01 PM – Angela Hewitt

Oct 25 Sat • 11:00 AM – Dogman: The Musical

Oct 25 Sat • 3:00 PM – Dogman: The Musical

Oct 26 Sun • 12:00 PM – Dogman: The Musical

Nov 1 Sat • 7:30 PM – Lakecia Benjamin

Nov 8 Sat • 7:30 PM – Paula Poundstone

Nov 22 Sat • 7:30 PM – Samara Joy

Dec 9 Tue • 7:00 PM – The Brandenburg Concertos

Dec 13 Sat • 2:30 PM – Holiday Harmonies

Dec 13 Sat • 7:00 PM – Holiday Harmonies

Dec 20 Sat • 7:30 PM – Christmas with the Petersens

Feb 7 Sat • 7:30 PM – The Joshua Redman Quartet

Mar 6 Fri • 7:00 PM – Wu Han, Daniel Hope, & David Finckel

Mar 14 Sat • 7:30 PM – Cyrille Aimee

Sun • 3:30 PM – Miles Davis at 100

Rick Truman, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Freedom Affair play The Folly Theater 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:30pm for The Folly’s 125th Anniversary Birthday. More information at http://www.follytheater.org

10:53

  1. The Freedom Affair – “If You Don’t Want Me”
    from: “If You Don’t Want Me” – Single / Sunflower Soul Records / May 15, 2024
    [The Freedom Affair is a 9 piece soul juggernaut from Kansas City, MO. The band formed in 2017 with a vision to write original soul music inspired by the traditions of the genre’s past with a universal message looking toward the future. Their new single “If You Don’t Want Me” features: Shon Ruffin on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on guitar, Chris Hazelton on bass, Dave Brick on drums, Pete Carroll on trumpet, Brett Jackson on tenor Sax, Pat Conway on congas, and Nick Howell on tambourine. Written, Recorded & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Mastered by JJ Golden // With their debut album FREEDOM IS LOVE, The Freedom Affair has received critical acclaim and have established themselves as a force in the soul music scene across the states and abroad. Keep your eyes and ears open for their songs and album art featured in the series Bel-Air, an Apple commercial, a Netflix series, etc… This band is just getting started. // The Freedom Affair’s live shows have proven to be soul-stirring, transformative events moving audiences both physically and emotionally to joy. // The Freedom Affair released their debut album Freedom Is Love on September 25, 2020. from The album explores themes of love, heartache, empower-ment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording techno-logies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. For the debut record The Freedom Affair was: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns] [The Freedom Affair played The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest Saturday,]

[The Freedom Affair play The Folly Theater 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:30pm for The Folly’s 125th Anniversary Birthday. More information at http://www.follytheater.org]

  1. 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 The Folly Theater 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 8:00pm. More information at http://www.follytheater.org]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Stephonne – “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright”
    from: “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” – Single / Glory Blue Music / April, 2025
    [Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. Stephonne’s new single Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) was released an May 21, 2025. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]

11:03 – Interview with Stephonne

Stephonne returns to the show to talk about his new singles including, “Worship At The Chappell:” his upcoming solo album, and RENT. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Stephonne produced several epic tribute shows, to Mary J. Blige at the Fifth Floor I the historic West Bottoms. And you were one of the featured artists at the Rock is Black concert at the Zhou B Art Center in the heart of the 18th & Vine Arts & Cultural District.

Both of these events were very important to you as a performer, but also in the community building work that you do, is that fair to say?

Stephonne is a multifaceted performer, actor, drag performer, singer-songwriter, model. I personally have loved watching your journey as a musical performer.

Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show

12:12

  1. Stephonne – “Worship at the Chappell”
    from: “Worship at the Chappell” – Single / Glory Blue Music / August 15, 2025
    [Co-written with Shawn M. Stewart and produced with Patrick Meagher, the song is a declaration of power, pleasure, and pride—a sonic celebration of being fully and freely oneself. “Worship at the Chappell” is a bold, genre-bending anthem from Kansas City artist Stephonne—an electrifying fusion of disco, pop, and gospel spirit. Inspired by fellow Missouri native Chappell Roan, the track transforms the dance floor into a sanctuary for queer joy, spiritual liberation, and unapologetic self-love. With soaring vocals, provocative lyrics, and infectious grooves, Stephonne delivers a soulful sermon for the marginalized. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. // Stephonne is an Alternative/Genrequeer singer-songwriter, cultural producer, and generative performing artist from Kansas City, MO. They synthesize music, written/spoken word, performance and visual art/media into an inimitable art. They share their struggles, triumphs, and journey to self-love through multidisciplinary performance and have sent audiences on visceral and experiential journeys through a multitude of music and video releases since 2015. Bold new 2025 singles and videos continue to push boundaries! New experiences, both sonic and visual, await us from the upcoming sophomore LP, STEPHONNE. // Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. Stephonne released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne released the single “I think its Gonna Be Alright” I April 2025. Stephonne released the single, Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) on May 21, 2025. // More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]

11:15 – More Interview with Stephonne

Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Along with your work with KC Folk Fest, you have also worked with Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show.

Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows.

Each Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Award receives an unrestricted cash grant of $10,000, recognition by Charlotte Street at the time of the award announcement and throughout 2023. The 2023 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Awards recognize two exceptional artists in the fields of dance, theatre, music, opera, sound art, performance art, multimedia performance, spoken word, puppetry or hybrid performance-based forms. Along with Stephonne Singleton and Tiara Nicole was the other recipients of the 2023 Generative Performing Artist Awards. Since 1997, 29 performing artists and 106 visual artists in the Kansas City region have received this highly regarded award.

All of the 2023 Charlotte Street Award Fellows were selected through competitive processes beginning with open calls for applications from artists based in the five-county Kansas City Metro Area. Artist selections were made by a panel of jurors consisting of renowned and qualified arts professionals. Jurors participated in interviews, presentations, and studio visits, resulting in the selection of 10 finalists for the Generative Performing Artists Awards and 12 finalists for the Visual Artist Awards.

Stephonne’s Statement:

As a generative performance artist and musician, my music is a result of radical and unconditional love that I have for my life and human connection. That love persists, despite living in a world that relishes my artistic contributions but not the color of my skin nor my queerness. It is within this relentless predicament that I find myself, my melodies, and my lyrics. I share my struggles, triumphs, and journey to self-love through performance. I create music and live experiences that break through the boxes of race, gender, social status and genre so that others may see their reflection in my art. All of my musical influences come together to create something inimitable but familiar. Music has always understood me and It is through music that I continue to define and understand myself. I want my audience to feel accepted and understood by my art, to feel seen – and then to better understand themselves and those around them.

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

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

11:22

  1. Stephonne – “1”
    from: “1” – Single / Stephonne / August 21, 2024
    [Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Trombone – Trevor Turla. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, organizing Tribute Shows, working as a Resident Artist at Charlottee Street studios, playing Music Festivals, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, collaborating with The Black Creatures, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, Jass, Eboni Fondren, putting out EPs, and singles. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022 it was in the TOP TEN of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. Stephonne was a featured performer at the 23rd Annual West 18th Street Fashion Show on Friday, June 2, 2023, and also in the 24th annual West 18th Street Fashion Show.]
  1. Ivory Blue – “Echo”
    from: “Echo” – Single / IVORY BLUE / September 5, 2025
    [What IVORY BLUE says: “Echo” is about the energy in the world and how we get back what we put into it. The theme came to me when I was in the hospital, listening to stories from all kinds of people who were there. Our situations were different, but we were part of the same community striving for the love and connection we all deserve. I wanted this song to capture the echoes of our actions, our struggles, and our hopes all returning to use like a gift from above.” // Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Mirrors” pon August 1, 2025. //IVORY BLUE released the single “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 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. // 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’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 when 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 with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at KC 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. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // 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. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]

11:28 – Underwriting

  1. Big Fat Cow – “Cat Call”
    from: Behold The Soil! / Big Fat Cow / August 1, 2024
    [Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com]

[BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade!]

10:34 – Interview with Noah Cassity and Cole Waters of Big Fat Cow

Joining us from the band Big Fat Cow are Noah Cassity, and Cole Waters. to talk about the release of their new EP “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” on September 26, 2025. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade! More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com

Noah Cassity and Cole Water thanks for being with us on WMM

Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz since 2022.

Big Fat Cow’s first endeavor was a folk album (Glutton for Punishment) written and recorded by Noah Cassity and mastered and digitized by Kole Waters. Wanting to perform the songs live, Noah recruited the help of Kole on lead guitar alongside childhood friend Alex May to play the bass. Kole was able to bring in Matt Chipman to play drums and finish out the band.

Noah Cassidy – lead vocals & guitar
Kole Waters – guitar & vocals
Alex May – bass guitar & vocals
Matt Chipman – drums

Meeting for the first time in KA studios, the newly formed quartet ripped into Noah’s folk songs, turning them into the rock, indie, americana and country inspired pieces that you know today. Each member of the band took and ran with the folk songs that Noah recorded and made it their own, pulling in inspirations from each of their unique musical backgrounds.

Big Fat Cow has made themselves a household name in the Kansas City music scene, leaving an impression on everyone who comes out to see them play. With songs you can dance to and songs that will make you cry in the basement of a DIY show, Big Fat Cow is sure to leave their mark.

“A band this good shouldn’t get saddled with a name this bad … you’re just going to have to tell your friends that you’re going to see Big Fat Cow, and wince while you do it.” – Too Much Rock

The KC based band, Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest.

Gremlin Goop (released 9/1)

The track is an outward embrace of being tagged “an artsy punk band playing on the side of a gravel road.” The slow, vulnerable intro escalating into sink or swim pacing and squealed protest is signature “cowpoke fuzz,” the band’s internalized blend of post- and cosmic country, alt-Americana, and punk rock.

In Goop, there’s an emphasis on highlighting each member’s further skillset and influence, which could be an interesting conversation point for the members to talk about their respective contributions.

BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade!

11:41

  1. Big Fat Cow – “Gremlin Goop”
    from: “Gremlin Coop” – Single / Big Fat Cow / September 1, 2025
    [From their upcoming EP – GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com]

[BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade!]

11:46 – Interview with Noah Cassity and Cole Waters of Big Fat Cow

Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling.

The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassidy on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums.

Joining us live on the show is Noah Cassidy who is the lead vocalost & plays guitar, and Kole Waters who plays guitar & provides vocals and recording and mastering.

Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz since 2022.

The cattle’s broadly appealing, yet super unique brand of post-country, a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling.

The herd’s captured a bit of what some suit from a less evolved time would’ve called “It.”

Kole Waters is also in the band Dreamist who release the album Shouldn’t Be from midnomid collective on September 13, 2024

Their 7-track debut album LP. “Made for everyone who cannot live within the margins of the culture imposed upon them.” // Written by Dreamist and Former Members Robert Graves and Travis Barker. Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Kole Waters at KA Productions. Released by Midnomid Collective. Album Art by Jaelin Kingsley. Album Packaging Formatted by Jacob Kingsley.

Dreamist is a Post-Emo four-piece based in Kansas City, MO. // Dreamist is the result of the love of art that can simultaneously convey the visceral and esoteric. Holding post-hardcore aggression in one hand and the understated finesse of ambient and art rock in the other; Kole, Eli, Mitri, and Jacob embrace a full spectrum of genre to convey the many highs and lows of the human experience. Whether it is with voice, guitar, drum, synthesizer, or sample, Dreamist creates a space of vulnerability and catharsis in every performance and recording. // Too Much Rock writes: “The band’s songs are long, drifting from twinkling emo into post-rock climaxes. From sung to screamed. From beautiful to brutal. And all of them back again. While Waters’ is generally the pretty guitar, both he and Elisha Ruhman can make their guitars howl. That’s when the crashing drums of Mitri McCawley come into play. Whether on bass or keyboards, Jacob Kingsley filled in the gaps, giving body and weight to the compositions that otherwise might float away on a bed of lighter than air guitar effects.” // More info at: http://www.dreamistkc.com]

Noah Cassidy and Kole Waters thanks for being with us on WMM

BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade!

For more on Big Fat Cow, please visit https://bigfatcowband.com and/or follow https://www.instagram.com/bigfatcowband/.

11:54

  1. Santigold – “L.E.S. Artistes”
    from: Santigold / Downtown Music / April 29, 2008
    []Santogold is the debut studio album by musician and singer Santigold (who performed as Santogold at the time of the album’s release). The album was recorded within eight weeks in New York City at Schoolhouse and Pitch Black Studios. It was written and produced primarily by Santigold and former Stiffed bandmate John Hill, alongside contributions from other producers, including Diplo, Switch and Disco D, and vocal appearances from Spank Rock and Trouble Andrew. // This album incorporates a variety of musical styles, such as new wave, punk, electro, reggae and dub, with the aim of defying boundaries and genre classification. This genre-defying approach awarded the album with praise from music critics. It earned multiple spots on music publications’ year-end lists of the best albums of the year, as well as on several decade-end lists. The record charted in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, France and Belgium, and spawned the singles “Creator”, “L.E.S. Artistes”, “Lights Out”, and “Say Aha” // Santi White was born September 25, 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents Ron White, an advisor to mayor John F. Street and Aruby Odom-White, a psychiatrist. She attended Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, and later attended college at Wesleyan University, where she double-majored in music and African-American studies. Santi has described herself as “super-social and a connector of people” in her youth, growing up in Philadelphia. // She is known professionally as Santigold (formerly Santogold). She obtained her pseudonym in the 1990s after a friend gave it to her as a nickname. She worked for Epic Records as an A&R representative but left the position to co-write and executive produce How I Do, the singer Res’s debut album. // She was the singer of Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed, which released the EP Sex Sells (2003) and the album Burned Again (2005). Both records were produced by Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer. While in the band, White was offered a solo contract by Martin Heath of London-based independent label Lizard King Records. // Her debut studio album, Santogold (2008), was released by Atlantic Records and met with widespread critical praise for its cross-genre blending of dub, new wave, and hip hop music. Its second single, “L.E.S. Artistes”, peaked within the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart. // Her second album, Master of My Make-Believe (2012), was met with continued positive reception and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200. It spawned the single “Disparate Youth”, which entered the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and moderately entered charts in several countries. Her third album, 99¢ (2016), her second mixtape, I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions (2018), and her fourth album, Spirituals (2022), were each met with continued praise. The latter was described by The Guardian as a “whirlwind album full of feeling and fervour”. // Additionally, Santigold has collaborated with artists including Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Kanye West, David Byrne, Mark Ronson, Karen O, ASAP Rocky, and Diplo. Her awards include “Best Breakthrough Artist” at the 2008 NME Awards, and the Vanguard Award at 2009 ASCAP Awards.]

[Santigold plays the Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway, KCMO on TWO NIGHTS! Monday, September 15, and Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 pm.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on September 17, Nick Carswell of Lawrence Music Alliance joins us to share details about the MixMaster Music Conference Sept. 19 & 20 // Brody Lowe shares new electronic music // Fritz Hurchison will be here // And we will also talk with Mark Ronning of Pool Culture.


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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1112

The Folly Theater’s 125th Anniversary + Stephonne + Big Fat Cow

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Folly Theater’s 125th Anniversary + Stephonne + Big Fat Cow

Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Suzannah Johannes, June Henry, Stephonne, The Freedom Affair, The Swallowtails, IVORY BLUE, Sisterbot, Iris Dement, Bog Fat Cow, Danielle Nicole, and Santigold.

At 10:30 Rick Truman Executive Director of The Folly Theater joins us to talk about the Folly’s 125th Anniversary with The Freedom Affair on September 23, 2025. Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater in January 2022. From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University. In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater. More information at http://www.follytheater.org

At 11:00 Stephonne returns to the show to talk about his new singles including, “Worship At The Chappell:” his upcoming solo album, and RENT. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

At 11:30 Mark talks with Noah Cassity, and Kole Waters, of the band Big Fat Cow who join us to talk about the release of their new EP “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” on September 26, 2025. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade! More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com

Show #1112

WMM PLAYLIST from September 3, 2025

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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

  1. “It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980
    [WMM’s theme song]
  1. Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “I’ve Seen Days”
    from: Diary [Remastered] – EP / Parlour Door Music 2025 / March 10, 2005
    [Krystle Warren & The Faculty’s first official release, ‘Diary’, has been remastered by chief-inspector, Ben Kane, who not only recorded those clandestine sessions at Electric Lady Studios; he also co-produced and mixed their conclusion with his then mentor, the legendary Russell Elevado. With KW and The Faculty at the time ranging in age from eighteen to twenty-three, ‘Diary’ is a snapshot of youth and discovery; a “baby-band” finding their sound, and pushing their creativity into uncharted territory. // On November 1, 2024 Krystle Warren & The Faculty release EXTENDED PLAY whisch was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2024. Krystle Warren & The Faculty are: Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Jonathan Anderson. Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) Krystle Warren & The Faculty were involved in many musical projects. Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023. They released and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When Covid delayed the upcoming release of Extended Play, Krystle and members of The Faculty along with some of their frequent collaborators formed The Crew to release the 4-song CREW EP on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew was made up of: Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP were donated to the various causes and organizations //// The Faculty was formed with Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Dave Moore. While the four boys had classes and gigs, Krystle floated around New York and made a lot of friends. She busked and wrote songs, and, with the help of her band members and Ben Kane, who had an internship at Electric Lady Studios and was sneaking them in at odd hours, Krystle turned those songs into an e.p. called Diary. // Diary led to Circles, which Ben Kane co-produced with Voodoo engineer Russell “The Dragon” Elevado. Circles was bought by Because Music in France, but Krystle still recorded Love Songs in New York, a double album that invokes a Blakean duality with its two subtitles, ‘A Time to Refrain from Embracing’ and ‘A Time You May Embrace’. // Love Songs​ was produced with most of the Faculty (Zach was on tour with Amos Lee) and a slew of guest musicians in Brian Bender’s Brooklyn studio, The Motherbrain. Bender’s assistant, Jonathan Anderson, would later go on to replace Dave Moore on keys. // The Faculty has always been a tenuous project for everyone involved because of the distance and the schedules. While everyone remains close friends, the band members are spread across the globe. Krystle in France. Riddleberger in New York and Zach in Woodstock. Jonathan in Los Angeles. And then they are all working musicians, touring, recording, and collaborating with an impressive list of artists. Musicians like, in no particular order: D’Angelo, Hercules and Love Affair, Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers, Joan As Police Woman, Jonathan Wilson, Emily King, Janet Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Amy Helm, Taylor Swift, Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, The Knights, Bleachers, Emmylou Harris, Amos Lee, Mayra Andrade, Lana Del Rey, Broken Social Scene, Teddy Thompson, Lakecia Benjamin, and honestly that’s less than the half of it. // So they have been busy, and they have gained a lot of experience since the days of sneaking into ElectricLady late night or playing for meager pay and free wine at an East Village Italian resto. And while Diary, Circles, and Love Songs​ were recorded with everyone in the same room (​Three the Hard Way, Krystle’s solo album, was pared down to her and Kane collectively), Extended Play​ was recorded disparately and assembled together by the steady hands and ears of Kane and Krystle. There is distance between the musicians in the recording process, but there is still a close emotional connection that can be heard in these songs. // The songs that make up ​Extended Play​ are songs of experience—the lyrics reflect on a crush from high school, a departed musical hero, and others who live in memory. There is nostalgia in Extended Play, and a forlornness. // Krystle describes “When I Look Back,” the last song of the album, as “an apology to my teenage self.” Twenty years ago she was writing songs about what happened day-of because being young is about immediacy and living in the present tense. Now the songs are about years past because life slows down, and we are allowed the time to “look back.”// But as Krystle sings in “Rising,” “Future lingers while past is present.” She’s writing about the past because we are all our collected histories—or as she puts it in “When I Look Back”: “there’s still something of her that stays.” The future, of course, still lingers, always there waiting for us, for the next move. The album ends with a recording of Audre Lorde’s gravelly voice. She says, // I’m going on to something else, the shape of which, I have no idea. ‘Only thing I know is, it’s going to be quite different. What I leave behind has a life of its own – I’ve said this about poetry … Well in a sense, I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been. // Krystle Warren & The Faculty still have more to come. They have built twenty years of memories, experiences, recordings, and shows, and with the release of Extended Play,​ they continue to show a commitment to growing as musicians together, even if apart. The Extended Play bio written by Phil Anderson]

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

10:05

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

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

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

10:06 – Imterview with Bill Sundahl and Krystle Warren

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

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Krystle Warren Poster designd by Krystle

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

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

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

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

Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:

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


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


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

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

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

10:15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:

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

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

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


11:28 – Underwriting

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

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

10:31

  1. Friendly Thieves – “Get it Yourself”
    from: “Get it Yourself” – Single / Friendly Thieves / June 7, 2024
    [New single from five-piece alt-funk band, Friendly Thieves who are: Sam Wells on lead vocals, Jamae Breeze on lead guitar, Sam Millard on bass, John Goss on drums, and Ben Baker on saxophone. // Friendly Thieves released their debut album Til Death on October 31, 2023. // From Michelle Bacon’s piece in http://www.bridge909.org: Friendly Thieves describes themselves as if “Alabama Shakes and Young The Giant had a Vulfpeck-inspired love child,” and well, that’s pretty spot on. Their single captures that intersection of vibrant indie-rock energy and exceptional musicianship, with an intriguing funk aroma. // The bands show at ULAH is their only KC show so far this year before the ban sets off on tour to Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Nashville. // Sam Wells released her debut EP, FOR THE DEFLATED on French Exit Records on December 31, 2020. Sam Wells is a Kansas City, based singer songwriter who has shared stages with Betsy Phillips, Kelly Hunt, Andrew Ryan, The Zack Pietrini Band, and The Phantastics. She was featured as a composer and performer in the Kansas City Repertory Theater production of “Ghost Light” performed on the lawn of The Nelson Atkin Museum of Art in October, 2020. Sam has also performed in Troostival (2020), Kansas City Porchfest (2019) and Jamdemic. In 2019, Wells released her debut single “Lesson Learned.” In early 2020 Wells released her second single “Sugar” producer and engineered by Riley Corbin at the Lawrence Kansas Public Library recording studio. It was only a decade ago, Sam Wells sat in her bedroom learning the Corrine Bailey Ray classic “Put Your Records On”. This was all it took to ignite a lifetime love affair with music. With her smooth and sultry voice and the warm tones of a baritone ukulele, she shares stories of love, loss and everything in between. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Sam Wells has lived in Lawrence, but now calls KC home. Sam Wells also contributed to The Black Lives Matter Compilation from French Exit Records that featured tracks from 22 acts from the area, and was released on July 6, 2020. Sam contributed the song, “Dear Black People”. On WMM we featured tracks from: Blackstarkids, Daniel Gum, Crystal Rose, UpKeep, Bream, Heavy Surface, Palace Intrigue, Self Harmony, and Sam Wells. All proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. French Exit Records launched in 2018, and is an independent music label based out of Kansas City, Missouri founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond, and has organized live events. ]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:

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


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

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


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

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

10:52

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:04 – Interview with Krystle Warren and Bill Sundahl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Krystle Warren & The Faculty Discography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Phil Anderson
______________________________________________________________

Krystle Warren and 90.1 FM KKFI

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

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

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

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

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

11:23

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

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

11:26 – Underwriting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:34

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


Event Schedule:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CMF Ticket Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:49

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

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

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

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

11:54

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1111

WMM presents Krystle Warren + Bill Sundahl & Crossroads Music Fest Preview

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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

Mark spins tracks from 15 of the 35 bands playing the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest including: Krystle Warren & The Faculty, The Royal Chief, Stranded in the City, Talia Keys, Jesus Christ Taxi Driver, SEYKO, Rudy Love and the Encore, Sara Swenson, Laura Noble, The MGDs, Friendly Thieves, Jelly Rose, Nature Boys, Osezua, and John L. Keck.

At 10:00 Bill Sundahl joins us to share details about the 21st Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 6, 2025, Noon to Midnight, in the Historic West Bottoms with 35 Bands, on 6 stages including: Lemonade Park, The Campground, Voltaire, The Livestock Exchange Lot, Stockyards Brewing, and a VIP stage at the Ox Cafe & Bakery. CMF also presents a Free Band of Angels Day Party at Lemonade Park from Noon to 3:00pm with: The Apologies, Little Miss Dynamite, Flat Susan, and Sass-A-Brass Band. Crossroads Music Festival is a fundraiser for 90.1 FM KKFI. Starting at 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. Purchase tickets at: WWW.CMFKC.COM

At 11:00am, CMF headliner – Krystle Warren joins to share details about The Faculty’s first 2005 official EP release, DIARY, just recently re-released and remastered by Ben Kane, who originally recorded those sessions at Electric Lady Studios, where he also co-produced and mixed the tracks with his then mentor, the legendary Russell Elevado. Krystle Warren is one of our most played artists and most frequent guests. Krystle Warren began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16. She graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. Krystle Warren & The Faculty released the full length album CIRCLES in 2009. Their epic sophomore release, LOVE SONGS followed in 2011, and contained 24 songs about love, recorded in New York City over the span of two weeks, with close to thirty musicians. Around this time, Krystle also joined forces with one of her musical idols, Rufus Wainwright, on his world tour as opener and bandmate. Krystle Warren released her solo album THREE THE HARD WAY, co-produced with Ben Kane in 2017. Krystle will also be sharing details of , Krystle Warren & The Faculty’s released EXTENDED PLAY in November of 2024. EXTENDED PLAY was #1 on WMM’s 120 Beast Recordings of 2024. More info at: http://www.krystlewarren.com

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

Show #1111

WMM PLAYLIST from August 27, 2025

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

New & MidCoastal Releases + TheBabeGabe & TyFaison + Mitzi McKee + Don Simon & Morgan Holcomb

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Cass McCombs – “Peace”
    from: Interior Live Oak / Domino / August 15, 2025, 2019
    [First single from Cass McCombs new album Interior Live Oak. Pubnlicity material reports this is Cass’s most personal album to date, and, more than any previous record, shows Cass’ vast range as a lyricist and musician. It draws from everything Cass has created over two decades of experimentation to cut through with a direct and clarifying light. Throughout, his attitude is hopeful, which may sound odd for someone who often sings about the more extreme aspects of modern life. Interior Live Oak, however, is the resolve of someone who has lived those extremes. NPR MUSIC writes: “Cass McCombs’ songs are slow, languid and beautiful, which feels like the right counterbalance to our fast-paced times.” MOJO writes: “Steadily, Interior Live Oak becomes the kind of record it’s impossible to be casual about… Those who find themselves in his songs can expect to be transformed, no longer just lover, friend, chance encounter, but an epic hero, warrior, a creature in the throes of metamorphosis.” // Cass McCombs was born 1977 in Concord, California. He is an American musician, best known for blending genres such as rock, folk, psychedelic, punk, and alt country, he has played in numerous bands in the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest during the 1990s, often in DIY spaces, before relocating to New York City. He moved to San Francisco in 2001, where he recorded his debut E.P., entitled Not the Way E.P., released on Monitor Records in Baltimore. McCombs then recorded a Peel Session for John Peel in 2003, and that year released his first LP A, also touring with Baltimore’s OXES as his backing band. McCombs and his band spent much of 2003 and 2004 touring, performing everywhere from the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival to house shows. McCombs otherwise divided his time amongst the Pacific Northwest, England and Baltimore. In spring 2005 he released PREfection on Monitor Records and 4AD, and in support of the album he toured with Modest Mouse. Later that year, he moved to Southern California to begin work on his third full-length, Dropping the Writ, which was released on October 9, 2007, by Domino Records. It was named one of Amazon.com’s Best Albums of 2007. Also in 2007 he toured with Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti. He signed a multiple-album deal with Domino Records, who released his following four records including Catacombs (2009), which was voted one of the “50 Top Albums on the Year” by Pitchfork. It was followed by Wit’s End (2011), Humor Risk (2011), and Big Wheel and Others (2013). He toured with John Cale in 2012, and also performed at the benefit concert Occupy Sandy. Other bands he has performed or toured with include Ariel Pink, Cat Power, Band of Horses, Andrew Bird, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Peter Bjorn and John, Papercuts, The Shins, Iron and Wine, Deerhoof, The Walkmen, Jana Hunter, Thurston Moore, Joe Russo and The War On Drugs. His single “Bradley Manning” premiered on the Democracy Now News Hour in 2012. His songs have been featured in films including the surf film The Present (2009), and Ralph Arlyck documentary Following Sean, as well as notable skate videos featuring Jason Dill, Jerry Hsu Chima Ferguson and Dylan Rieder. His song “Bobby, King of Boys Town” appeared in HBO show Girls (Season 2, Episode 9 – “On All Fours”). In 2014 he did a co-headlining fall tour with the Meat Puppets. McCombs is a member of The Skiffle Players, who released their debut LP, Skifflin’ on February 12, 2016. In June 2016, McCombs performed at the Primavera Sound and Field Day music festivals. McCombs ANTI- Records debut, Mangy Love was released on August 26, 2016. // Cass McCombs released Tip of the Sphere on Anti Records on February 8, 2019.]
  1. Kathleen Edwards – “Save Your Soul”
    from: BILLIONAIRE / Dualtone / June 3, 2025
    [Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer Kathleen Edwards returns with her highly anticipated new album, Billionaire, August 22 on Dualtone Records. Evoking her debut, Failer, the new 10-song album is full of Edwards’ trademark lyrical sharpness and unflinching observations and was produced by Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson. Celebrated as one of the forebears of modern alt-country and Americana music, Edwards is beloved by fans and fellow musicians, and praised by The New York Times for her, “droll, observant and unsparing tone that is all her own. In her best lines, Edwards has the conversational vernacular and emotional eloquence of a great short-story writer.” Since debuting in 2003, Edwards has released five albums, including 2020’s Total Freedom — her first after stepping away from music for almost a decade. Released to overwhelming acclaim with pieces at The New Yorker, The New York Times, Rolling Stone and more, Pitchfork called it,”a creative breakthrough, written solely for the thrill of discovery,” while Rolling Stone declared it as, “devastatingly great.” Most recently, Edwards released a covers EP featuring special guests Isbell, Bahamas and Daniel Tashian and including renditions of Isbell’s “Traveling Alone,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Human Touch,” The Flaming Lips’ “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate,” Tom Petty’s “Crawling Back To You” and more. She has been nominated for multiple JUNO and Americana Awards and, in 2012, was awarded the SOCAN Songwriting Prize.]
  1. Jon Batiste – “BIG MONEY”
    from: BIG MONEY/ Verve – Interscope / August 27, 2025
    [Multi-GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Jon Batiste today announced his new album BIG MONEY, out August 22 via Verve/Interscope. Described by The Guardian as “a certified musical genius,” Batiste continues to defy categorization with BIG MONEY—a bold, groove-driven statement about humanity, capitalism, and Americana. Stripping things down to their most essential elements, the album delivers a richly textured sound layered with spirit, irony, joy, and depth. Written and recorded mostly live in single takes over the course of just two weeks, BIG MONEY captures the raw immediacy of creative expression. The emphasis on collective energy and spontaneity draws on the roots of American music as a communal force—and offers an antidote to modern disconnection. // At the heart of the album is its title track—a percussive, hook-laden anthem sparked by a moment of inspiration following Batiste’s 2024 performance at The Ryman Auditorium. He wrote the song on guitar before he even knew he was making a new album. On the surface, it’s an infectious call for ambition. Beneath the rhythm, it’s a layered meditation on capitalism, survival, and what we choose to value. // “This is the circus of love. Under our tent there is revival and joy,” Batiste says. “You don’t lose your soul—you gain it. When Mama says, ‘Don’t be a dummy, everybody chasing that BIG MONEY,’ Mama is pushing you—while warning you. It cuts both ways.” // The track, anchored by Batiste’s guitar and retro-soul revivalist Nick Waterhouse, is brought to life by the soaring vocals of The Womack Sisters—a rising trio and granddaughters of soul legend Sam Cooke—who echo the refrain: “Might as well live for something you can feel…something that’s real.” // Batiste co-produced the album with longtime creative confidant Dion “No ID” Wilson. Other collaborators include Andra Day, Randy Newman, and a tight-knit group of musicians, songwriters, and engineers. Rather than aiming for polish, the sessions prioritized feel and presence—capturing performances in real time and preserving their imperfections as part of the record’s spiritual DNA. // Anchored by lyricism, heart, and the power of collaboration, BIG MONEY reframes and recasts Americana for a new generation—drawing on Batiste’s New Orleans roots, his gospel and protest music lineage, and his love of raw, immediate expression. The sonic palette spans blues, soul, reggae, and minimalist balladry, daring to classify them all as part of a new, evolving genre: New Americana. // Variety has called Batiste “a protean pianist and megawatt personality”—a description embodied here as he dances between styles and philosophies without losing cohesion. Each track builds on the last to create a unified vision of music as both resistance and release. // “However you interpret the songs,” Batiste says, “you can’t help feeling them. You can’t help accepting an invitation into the tent. Come in and have fun…some deeply serious fun.” // Earlier this year, Batiste made headlines for his powerful performance of the National Anthem at the 2025 Super Bowl, which brought his singular artistry to one of America’s most-watched stages. He also took home two GRAMMY® Awards—Best Music Film for the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary American Symphony, and Best Song Written for Visual Media for “It Never Went Away,” the Oscar-nominated track he co-wrote with Dan Wilson for the film. // BIG MONEY follows Beethoven Blues, released November 15 via Verve/Interscope. The album marked Batiste’s biggest sales week to date, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart and No. 9 on the Top Album Sales chart. It also entered the Billboard 200 at No. 64—his highest debut on the chart and his fifth career entry. Beethoven Blues held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Classical Crossover Albums chart for nine consecutive weeks and topped the Billboard Classical Albums chart for five weeks. Showcasing his interpolations of Beethoven’s most iconic works through an expansive and innovative lens, the album expands the boundaries of classical music by infusing it with spontaneity, soul, and inclusivity. // Batiste will support BIG MONEY with a national headlining run, The BIG MONEY Tour: Jon Batiste Plays America, kicking off August 27 in Kansas City, MO. The tour will stop at more than 30 venues across the country, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Grand Ole Opry, and a co-headline date with Diana Ross at The Muny in St. Louis, MO. Full tour dates below and ticket information are available at jonbatiste.com.]

[Jon Batiste plays The Midland Theatre 1228 Main St, KCMO, TONIGHT – Wed., Aug. 27, at 8:00, doors at 7:00pm.]

  1. KeiyaA – “stupid prizes”
    from: “stupid prizes”- Single / XL Recordings / August 20, 2020
    [After five years of navigating loss, grief, and anger, Chicago-born, NYC-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer keiyaA emerges in the light of reinvention and healing, shaped by years of solitude spent in the unending tide of mess and renewal, returning to share her findings with unapologetic clarity. Her new single “stupid prizes,” accompanied by a self-co-directed music video with Caity Arthur, is a soulful, arresting prelude that marks a powerful next chapter. Known for her penetrating explorations of Black womanhood and liberation, rich harmonies, and fearless experimentation, keiyaA reintroduces her artistry with the same emotional intensity and sonic innovation that defined her 2020 debut Forever, Ya Girl, arriving in the wake of her first theatrical stage play, milk thot. // Speaking about “stupid prizes,” keiyaA says: “i wrote, recorded, and produced “stupid prizes” all in one sitting, at home late at night in my living room in Brooklyn. i sampled Percy Faith, an orchestral composer known for creating rich and luscious scores and show tunes, helping contribute to this classic “American” sound. i sought out to create this sort of bed of irony, to speak and sing about being miserable on top of this beautiful, dreamy and romantic music. which speaks not only to what it can feel like navigating my internal and external worlds, but also what it feels like being a marginalized person in America.” // In 2020, keiyaA released her self-produced debut album Forever, Ya Girl, a genre-defying blend of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and experimental music that earned widespread critical acclaim. The project went on to receive Pitchfork’s “Best New Music” designation, landed on year-end best-of lists from The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian, and was later named to Pitchfork’s Best of the Decade So Far list. It also drew praise from artists including Solange, Jay-Z, Earl Sweatshirt, Blood Orange, Kimberly Drew, and Moses Sumney. The album announced keiyaA as one of music’s most vital new voices and producers, and the attention it garnered gave her the access to expand on her creative vision—one that has since grown into a thriving garden of projects, performances, and collaborations, each distinct but rooted in her singular artistry. // Since the release of Forever, Ya Girl, keiyaA showcased her dynamism through a Tiny Desk concert and appearances at Solange’s El Dorado Ballroom show at BAM, Wales Bonner’s Togetherness presentation at the Guggenheim, ESSENSE’s Girls United Summit, and MoMA PS1’s Warm Up series. She walked in Telfar’s 20th-anniversary show, contributed music to the brand’s Moose Knuckles collaboration, and scored Nike’s Come Thru series. She also performed at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, as well as in her hometown of Chicago at Pitchfork Music Festival and Theaster Gates’ Kenwood Garden community space. // Earlier this year, keiyaA expanded her artistic expression with milk thot, her first full-length stage production, which premiered at Abrons Arts Center in New York City. The performance combined live music, poetry, and choreography to delve into topics such as self-image, family lineage, and societal consumption. Developed during a residency at Abrons, milk thot marked a significant evolution in her multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. // In 2025 keiyaA will release her much anticipated sophomore album. // KeiyaA released her break through album Forever, Ya Girl through Forever Recordings on March 27, 2020 This album was part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. The debut album from KeiyaA originally from Chicago, now based in NYC. Written and produced by keiyaA, featuring additional production from dj blackpower & dj cowriiie. Mixed & mastered by BSTFRND. // Chakeiya Camille Richmond was born July 28, 1992. She is known professionally as Keiyaa (stylized as KeiyaA), is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a record producer. She independently released her debut album Forever, Ya Girl in 2020. // Chakeiya Camille Richmond was born and raised in Chicago on the city’s south side. During childhood she sang in the Chicago Children’s Choir until switching to the alto saxophone in seventh grade. She cited soul artists including Chaka Khan, Patrice Rushen, jazz musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis and R&B groups such as SWV as early musical influences. She also finds inspiration in goth and post-punk/alternative rock artists like Nirvana and Siouxsie and the Banshees. // Richmond attended University of Illinois at Chicago and Columbia College to study jazz and play alto sax before leaving due to disillusionment with the program’s hierarchical nature, as well difficulty balancing school with working full-time. Shortly after she decided to pursue music professionally. // While still playing and performing on alto sax, she collaborated with Chicago musicians including Noname and Vic Mensa. She decided to switch her focus to solo work producing and singing R&B and electronic music. Perform-ing under the name Keiya, she released her debut EP, WORK, in July 2015. It was described as “emotional, sleepy, and yet strikingly optimistic” by These Days magazine. Shortly after its release she moved to New York. She added an additional “A” to her name (KeiyaA) in order to differentiate herself from other performers on streaming sites. // KeiyaA’s debut album Forever, Ya Girl was released in March 2020 and self-produced under her personal label Forever Recordings. It was reviewed by Olivia Ovendon for KEXP as featuring “powerful mantra-esque lyrics, and woozy, heady, immersive beats in captivating fashion.” Esquire described the sound as “downcast grime and smooth R&B.” Pitchfork writer Clare Lobenfeld rated the album an 8.2/10 and praised its “resolute realness that can only happen outside the major label gaze.” Forever, Ya Girl was named to Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian’s “Best Albums of 2020” lists. // Keiyaa resides in Brooklyn.]
  1. Kat King – “It’s In A Dream”
    from: “It’s In A Dream”- Single / Kat King / July 11, 2025
    [Kat King released the single “Somersaults”on May 2, 2025.// Kat King released the single “I Might Like It” through Manor Records on February 28, 2025 / / Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. Produced by Isaac Flynn of Hembree. // Kat King released the EP Domestic Bliss on April 5, 2024. Domestic Bliss was in the Top 25 of WMM’s 129 Best Recordings of 2024. // 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’s career started as far back as 2nd grade in small town Kansas. As a solo singer-songwriter act, she produced one 13-song album and three EP’s. Now based in Kansas City, Kat King graduated into a 5-piece indie-pop rock group who are gearing up for the release of their second EP together. Their infectious energy has landed them on some of KC’s biggest stages.]

[Kat King plays The Ship 1221 Union Ave., KCMO WEST BOTTOMS on Saturday, October 25.]

  1. Paris Williams & Bloom Allen – “Truthfully” (radio edit)
    from: Give Em Hell, Truthfully – Single / BitterSweet Sound / August 12, 2025
    [Paris Williams is a 26-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the EP COCOA on December 10, 2020 . // He released the single , “Austin”on February 18, 2021. // Paris Williams released the single, “Sweeter” on July 9, 2021. // He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. // He released the single ,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. // He released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. // Paris Williams released the EP REBEL HEART on January 31, 2023. This release was part of WMM ‘s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. // Paris Williams released the single, “Pack Light” on July 25, 2023. // Paris Williams with Globetrotters & Kaleab Samuel released the single, “C.est La Vie” on September 14, 2024, // Paris Williams with Globetrotters & Kaleab Samuel released the single, “Ayo (Feat TyFaison)” on September 18, 2024. // Paris Williams & The Human released the 10-track album, A Paris Williams Joint through Bitter Sweet Sound on November 19, 2024. This release was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // Paris Williams & TheBabeGabe released the single “Me Again” on April 28, 2025, // More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

[Paris Williams plays Turnaround Fest August 29 – 30 at White Schoolhouse, 1510 N. 3rd Street, Lawrence, KS. with, Dalima Kapten, The Elektrik Band, Flora From Kansas, Teazers, Discotek Mama, and 95 Sweetbird – All Ages.]

Significant Brother
  1. Significant Brother – “Look At You Now”
    from: Low Tempo, High Times / The Record Machine / July 18, 2025
    [Written, performed, mixed by Alex Ward“Look At You Now” is one of three mew singles released from the upcoming solo debut album LOW TEMPO, HIGH TIMES. The single “Temporary Phase” was released on June 20, 2025. // The Single. “Less Me, More You” was released on August 22, 2025. // Significant Brother is the indie-rock solo project of Alex Ward – a longtime collaborator in bands like Hembree, The Noise FM, and Scores. After more than 25 years playing in bands, Alex decided it was finally time to release music that didn’t rely on his bandmates texting him back. // Significant Brother’s debut album, Low Tempo, High Times, is a five-year collection of tracks pulled directly from the “could this be a song?” folder on his desktop. These were the oddballs, the misfits, the tracks that didn’t quite fit with his other bands but were too personal (or too weird) to let go. Nearly every sound on the album was written, performed, and mixed by Alex — sometimes at 3 a.m., usually in gym shorts, and never far from his cat Carl. The result? Dreamy, low-key, yet danceable songs about navigating aging, relationships, and the end of the world — set to a melodic, slightly offbeat soundtrack.]

10:28 – Underwriting

10:30 – Interview with Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon

Morgan Holcomb is a senior at Smithville High School in Smithville, Missouri. For over a year, she has hosted The Local Show with Morgan, a program spotlighting local and regional artists. The show airs Sunday evenings from 5-8 p.m. on Warrior Radio, the school’s online station, and is also syndicated on community radio stations Oak Grove Radio in Minneapolis, Kansas, and Radio Joe in St. Joseph, Missouri. After graduation, Morgan plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, where she will major in marketing and minor in broadcasting.

Don Simon teaches broadcasting, business, and marketing at Smithville High School in Smithville, Missouri. Now in his fourth year as a high school teacher, he previously worked in a variety of legal and business roles in the Kansas City area. He is a former Board Member of 90.1 FM KKFI, he has worked with the Art Institutes of Kansas City, Artist Inc., Folk Alliance International, and has consulted artists and worked in record labels and festivals.

Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon join us in our 90.1 FM studios to share details about Warrior Radio, an award-winning, Internet student-run station for Smithville High School, in Smithville, Missouri. More info at: http://www.tinyurl.com/Warrior-Radio

Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon Thank you for being with us on WMM

About Warrior Radio: Curated by high school students, Warrior Radio is on the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Live365 streaming service.

The following link is http://tinyurl.com/Warrior-Radio.

From Smithville to the World…it’s Warrior Radio, an award-winning, student-run Internet station! Part of the Smithville Media Network.

The station can also be accessed by downloading the Warrior Radio app from Google Play or the Live365 app to a mobile phone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play and adding Warrior Radio as a “Favorite.” Or listen on ROKU, AppleTV, Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, or other streaming devices by adding the Live365 app

645 S. Commercial Ave., Smithville, MO, United States, Missouri (816) 532-0405

Morgan Holcomb is a senior at Smithville and is host of “The Local Show with Morgan,” Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00pm, spotlighting local & regional artists.

It’s The Local Show with Morgan! Three hours of local and regional artists every Sunday. This week, new music by 90 MInute Cassette, Land Lion, and Kasey Rausch.
If you want to hear your music on a future episode of the Local Show, email or share your MP3s and album art to: broadcastingshs@smithville.k12.mo.us.

Morgan plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, and major in marketing and minor in broadcasting.

Don Simon teaches broadcasting, business, and marketing at Smithville High School. Now in his fourth year as a high school teacher, he previously worked in a variety of legal and business roles in the Kansas City area.

Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon Thank you for being with us on WMM

For more information about Warrior Radio you can visit: http://www.tinyurl.com/Warrior-Radio

10:51

Katy Guillen and Stephanie Williams
  1. Katy Guillen & The Drive – “What If”
    from: “What If” – Single / Are and Be Recordings / July 25, 2025
    [One of two new singles (including “Outcome” released August 22, 2025) from the band’s upcoming album MAKE THAT SOUND.// “What If” was written by Katy Guillen & The Drive with Megan McCormick. Produced by Megan McCormick, Engineered & Mixed by Brandon Bell with Annie Petrik, Mastered by Kim Rosen. Katy Guillen on vocals & guitar; Stephanie Williams on drums & percussion; Megan McCormick on bass, backing vocals, additional guitars & percussion; Erin Manning on Synthesizers; and Brandon Bell on Loops & programming. // Established in 2019, Katy Guillen & The Drive is an independent Indie Roots Rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, formed by partners Katy Guillen (Vocals, Guitar) and Stephanie Williams (Drums). The band’s 2022 debut album Another One Gained, produced by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Heartless Bastards), “hit the sweet spot with a mix of spiky garage rock and soulful country torch songs,” lauds Uncut Magazine. Under The Radar Magazine declares the duo “evokes a timeless indie rock sound” and displays “effortless instrumental chemistry that gives both members a chance to shine.” Following this release, the band unleashed Another One Gained Deluxe featuring ‘Batallas,’ a highly anticipated Spanish version of the fan-favorite ‘Battles,’ which spotlighted special guest Latin Grammy winner Mireya Ramos (Flor De Toloache) on violin and backing vocals. // Katy Guillen & The Drive prides itself on fostering empowered spaces for women in music both onstage and off, and performances showcase the group’s signature all-female powerhouse formation, technical prowess, and electrifying chemistry. This core value heavily influenced the band’s second full-length effort Make That Sound. Guillen admits, “Having never worked with a woman in the studio, that’s something we wanted to change on this record. We wanted more female energy, ideas, and power to influence this album.” With this goal in mind, the band was eventually led to Producer Megan McCormick (Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah). As a result of their fast friendship and facile chemistry, the duo embraced their newfound creative trust in this relationship and ran with it. Within a matter of a few days, the three collaborated on everything from songwriting and arrangements to live tracking and overdubs, resulting in a liberated, emboldened, and nuanced new record. Williams shares, “The recording process was dense and fast. It required being totally present, trusting our initial instincts, and pushing into some uncharted territory at times.” Guillen speaks to the inspiration behind the songs and process, “In creating this album I felt particularly inspired by the countless strong and important women in my life, the love that I’ve grown with my partner, and the strength I’ve gained from digging inward through challenging times.” Make That Sound is a celebration of self-empowerment, liberation, vulnerability, honesty, and love. In addition to McCormick, the band was fortunate to work with engineers Brandon Bell (Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell) and Annie Petrik on tracking and mixing, as well as mastering engineer Kim Rosen (Bonnie Raitt, Allison Russell). The band will partner with Nashville-based indie label and artist collective Are & Be Recordings for the release.]

[Katy Guillen & The Drive set out for a 32 city tour September 19 through November 23, 2025 with a show at Knuckleheads on Friday, November 14 at 8:00pm.]

  1. Religion of Heartbreak – “100 Degrees”
    from: LUNATE EP / Kosmic City Records / September 12, 2025
    [Religion of Heartbreak transform perpetual longing into dance floor salvation with their new single “100 Degrees,”another taste of their upcoming EP Lunate (September 12). Mikal Shapiro’s sensually detached vocals float over Dedric Moore’s pounding EBM foundation, where snakey synth leads coil around italo disco-ized bass lines in a haze of post-wave nostalgia. The track resuscitates lost loves through desperate dreamscapes that spark second chances, casting shadows from the past while the fog machine churns at maximum capacity. // “100 Degrees”captures that feeling when eyes meet across a crowded floor and resistance becomes impossible—a moment when dancing eyeliner moves and syncretic chemistry collide. This is electronic pop music for the romantically wounded, the perfect soundtrack for those who prefer their heartbreak served with a relentless beat. // Religion of Heartbreak Bio: Music for those broken moments and flashes of love. // Religion of Heartbreak formed out of a desire to make music with a darker dance floor focus. The combination of Mikal Shapiro’s vocals battling against Dedric’s icy synths, mechanized beats and dub-inflected electro-bass creates a juxtaposition that works in all the right ways. // Religion of Heartbreak delves into the sounds of Darkwave, EBM, and the darker side of Synth Pop. The grooves are there. The songs are clever, and always filled with a sense of lost love as we follow our dark hearts. // Religion of Heartbreak delves into the sounds of Darkwave, EBM, and the darker side of Synth Pop. The grooves are there. The songs are clever and always filled with a sense of lost love as we follow our dark hearts. // ROH is the band formerly known as Monta At Odds. It was recently announced that Krysztof Nemeth was stepping away for Religion of Heatbreak to focus on his band ReViser also with Dedric Moore and with Breaka Dawn. // On June 27, 2025 Religion of Heartbreak released the single “Love Tourniquet” through Kosmic City Records // On February 3, 2025 Religion of Heartbreak released the 5 song EP Dream Reflection with Dedric Moore on vocals, guitar, synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth: baritone guitar, electronic percussion; Alexander Thomas on electronic percussion on MGGG, Dream Reflection, Skeptic; Regan Moore on electronic percussion on Dark Hour of Meditation // Dream Reflection EP carries forward the motorized heartbeat of classic darkwave while forging its own metallic path. Drawing from EBM and Synth Pop traditions, this five-track release sees the Monta At Odds offshoot strip away unnecessary embellishments, leaving only the essential elements and textural remnants that speak to our collective digital malaise. // The EP’s centerpiece and title track emerges like a ghost in the machine, with Mikal Shapiro’s coolly delivered vocals floating above Dedric Moore’s gritty synth programming and precision-guided guitar along with Krysztof Nemeth’s synth pad percussion. Each track builds upon this foundation, from the robot-dance urgency of “Forget About You” to the beautiful desolation of “Skeptic,” creating a cohesive statement about modern isolation and the personas we construct. The result feels familiar and alien—like catching your reflection in a black mirror and seeing someone else staring back.]

[Religion of Heartbreak plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 7:00pm with Carrellee and Sleep Akima, Juliette Frost opening.]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo – “Your Scream and Shout”
    from: Inverted Shadows / Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo / Fall, 2025
    [From upcoming debut album Inverted Shadows. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. // Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also worked the front-of-house. Mitzi and on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Sat., Sept. 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, Kissy Fit and Cat Voltron.]

11:03 – Interview with Mitzi McKee

And now we happily welcome back to Wednesday Midday Medley, Kansas City based Mitzi McKee who grew up in a musical and theatrical family in Phoenix, AZ, and has played in several punk bands over the years, along with performing in over 40 plays & musicals since the age of 5. Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi began playing out solo here in KC back in 2022, frequenting The Pairing and Chartreuse Saloon, until forming the Precious Cargo in 2024 with longtime friends & previous bandmates Brendan Bennett (bass) of The Stonebreakers & Nuthatch 47, and Caleb Robertson (drums) of Valency. Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo are proud to be releasing their debut album, Inverted Shadows, later this fall.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.

Mitzi McKee thanks for being with us on WMM.

We just heard “Your Scream and Shout”

We had Mitzi on WMM on July 3, 2024. That was over a year ago and so much has happened since then…

The Pairing closed.

Mitzi and wife had a baby, Charlie – a new addition to their family.

Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo have recorded a new album called Inverted Shadows

Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo have been playing out more.

Mitzi McKee grew up in Phoenix, Arizona in a musical theatre household, and performed in nearly 40 stage productions in Phoenix.

Mitzi McKee played in punk & hardcore bands for over 10 years.

Mitzi played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun,

and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair.

Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency.

Mitzi began playing out solo here in KC back in 2022, frequenting The Pairing and Chartreuse Saloon, until forming the Precious Cargo in 2024 with longtime friends & previous bandmates Brendan Bennett (bass) of The Stonebreakers & Nuthatch 47, and Caleb Robertson (drums) of Valency.

Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo are proud to be releasing their debut album, Inverted Shadows, later this fall.

11:12

  1. Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo – “Metamorphosis”
    from: “Metamorhosis”- Single / Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo / August 6, 2025
    [First single, ‘Metamorphosis’, off our upcoming debut album Inverted Shadows. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. // Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also worked the front-of-house. Mitzi and on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.]

11:15 – More Interview with Mitzi McKee

We are talking with singer-songwriter Mitzi McKee

Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she worked the front-of-house.

The Precious Cargo were formed in 2024 with longtime friends & previous bandmates Brendan Bennett (bass) of The Stonebreakers & Nuthatch 47, and Caleb Robertson (drums) of Valency.

Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.

She/her. Musician, mama, actress, baker, cook. Thinks mostly in movie quotes. Punx 4 lyfe

Mitzi writes: I actually didn’t join AA until last December, having already white-knuckled it for 29 months. My addictive tendencies, while not succumbing to alcohol, were manifesting in other ways that were of no help at all to my mental health & family life. At the urgent behest of my wife & father, I finally sought out a queer group (which I didn’t think existed in town; BIG thanks to Annie Thrax for the tip-off 😘) that met on Sunday nights, in the backroom of the very same bar where I’d started my heaviest drinking by that point, way back in the summer of 2014. The group was a revelation.

People like me, having dealt with things I had too, all coming together to essentially do some real growing up and become the people we wanted to be. It’s honestly akin to a second therapy session every week, and I highly recommend ripping off the bandaid for anyone who’s been thinking of going but has been hesitant. I’ve realized, and have happily accepted, that I need the group in my life. The camaraderie of the people. The catharsis of speaking my piece every week. It mentally cleanses me somewhat. And I truly couldn’t be more grateful to still be sober, and to have the support of the folks in this lovely group.

Mitzi talked with Mark about her receiving her first-ever recovery milestone coin in front of the whole group after revealing her 3-year soberversary had passed. She talked all the hard work she has been putting in so far in her maturity & self-care, and that even though the learning journey never ceases. “Take it from someone who almost did: Don’t ever give up on yourself. There is always a light.”

Mitzi works as a construction tech at Kind Mind Organization & Renovation

Mitzi McKee is married to Tarryn Godwin-Failla

Their oldest child Lyric James is now in First Grade

Mitzi McKee Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.

11:25

  1. Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo – “Threads and Branches”
    from: Inverted Shadows / Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo / Fall, 2025
    [From upcoming debut album Inverted Shadows. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. // Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also worked the front-of-house. Mitzi and on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.]

11:28 – Underwriting

  1. TheBabeGabe X The Human – “Miss U”
    from: HONEYPOP: RELOADED / Seven Rings Media / August 15, 2025
    [This isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. // Production by The Human which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom. // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.”

[TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS. on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.]

11:33 – Interview with TheBabeGabe & TyFaison

TheBabeGabe and TyFaison are 2/3rds of the BLACKSTARKIDS. After the break-up of the band last year, longtime friend TyFaison is collaborating with TheBabeGabe in launching her solo career. Years of being the girl in the the alt-rap trio, TheBabeGabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy to the released of her debut mixtape HONEYPOP, on March 5, 2025 and five months later, HONEYPOP: RELOADED on August 8, 2025. RELOADED isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. Both albums introduce to the world a young black girl from KC hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, and Glass Animals. That confidence shines through as she pulls from influences such as Doja Cat, Tyler The Creator, Missy Elliott, & Janet Jackson to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound.

BabeGabe thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

HONEYPOP and HONEYPOP: RELOADED were both produced by “The Human” which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom. On Bandcamp we found that TyFaison made a 14 track album when he was 13. He released Space Cult on August 31, 2013, followed by the 12 track album, internet en casa, which was released September 26, 2015, and the 12 track album, scottie, which was released on October 8, 2016. (Ty told us there were several others before these that he didn’t put on Bandcamp.) The first album from BLACKSTARKIDS, LET’S PLAY SPORTS was released August 1, 2019, followed by SURF in February 2020, WHATEVER MAN on October 22, 2020, PUPPIES FOREVER on October 15, 2021, CYBERKISS on September 23, 2022, SATURN DAYZ on September 20, 2024, and HEAVEN ON EARTH in September 20, 2024. With Medici as “The Human” Ty produced Paris Williams 2024 album A PARIS WILLIAMS JOINT released November 19, 2024, and the full length album MANGO MARAI & SATURN STAR, released in December 2024.

TyFaison Thanks for being with us on Wednesday Midday Medley

TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.

Formerly a member of alternative Kansas City trio BLACKSTARKIDS, rapper-singer TheBabeGabe reemerges on her debut solo mixtape HONEYPOP. Released on March 5, the 12-track project is a detour from the original Gabe, born Gabrielle Kearney, that BLACKSTARKIDS loyalists met in 2019. Just five months separated from the group’s final release, Heaven on Earth, Gabe’s fearlessness shows in her delivery and vision, no longer being hindered as a lone female voice.

Over spaced-out beats by BLACKSTARKIDS alum TyFazion, one-half of production duo TheHuman, Gabe’s deeply reflective on HONEYPOP, whether she’s intensely expressing the burdens she carries (“Soul Food”) or seamlessly fitting herself in the current drum and bass wave (“Futuristic Lovers”). Gabe’s individuality knows no bounds, and on HONEYPOP, she gets to know explorative versions of herself.

Gabe and Ty met in high school, where they first planned to collaborate on a project together, but it was following the disbanding of BLACKSTARKIDS, including former member Deiondre, that the artist sat with herself to rediscover her musical perspective.

When we first heard BLACKSTARKIDS – “Sounds Like Fun!” from: SURF on Bedroom Records, released February 28, 2020, we lost our minds. It was one of our most played song on the radio show that year and landed at #2 in WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020.

Blackstarkids were/are phenomenon who came out of Raytown, Missouri and SURF became the soundtrack for the summer of 2020.

Blackstarkids are a pop/R&B/hip-hop trio based in Kansas City, Missouri. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective).

The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019.

The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020.

Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020,

Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their 3rd album of 2020.

Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.”

Ty wrote, “The Kansas City scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”

11:42

  1. TheBabeGabe X The Human – “Minutes”
    from: HONEYPOP: RELOADED / Seven Rings Media / August 15, 2025
    [This isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. // Production by The Human which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom. // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.”

[TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.]

11:45 – More Interview with TheBabeGabe & TyFaison

TheBabeGabe and TyFaison are two thirds of the acclaimed BLACKSTARKIDS. After the break-up of the band last year, longtime friend TyFaison is collaborating with TheBabeGabe in launching her solo career. Years of being the girl in the the alt-rap trio, TheBabeGabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy to the released of her debut mixtape HONEYPOP, on March 5, 2025 and five months later, HONEYPOP: RELOADED on August 8, 2025. RELOADED isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. Both albums introduce to the world a young black girl from Kansas City hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, and Glass Animals. That confidence shines through as she pulls from influences such as Doja Cat, Tyler The Creator, Kelis, Missy Elliott, & Janet Jackson to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. HONEYPOP and HONEYPOP: RELOADED were both produced by “The Human” which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom.

BabeGabe and TyFaison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, October 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.

The following notes are from: TheBabeGabe’s HONEYPOP Era: A Black Girl Weirdo Anthem By Jaelani Turner-Williams March 19, 2025

TheBabeGabe:

“When I was working on this project, there was so much going on in my personal life and then we’d just disbanded the group, so I was just kind of lost on what’s next,” Gabe tells AFROPUNK. “I just had doubts about going as a solo artist. It’s not always easy for people who are in bands to make that transition, so just worried about that and then coming out of a label situation that didn’t go as well. So, I feel like this project in a way really healed me and Ty specifically because we got to regroup together and figure out what’s next.”

“We were both going through the band breakup. It was kind of hard for us and so we really took that time to come back together and figure out what’s going to be next. I’ve known Ty for so long and I feel like it just makes sense that me and him really locked in on this project,” Gabe shares.

“I feel like a lot of the songs on ‘HONEYPOP,’ they would not make sense to do in BLACKSTARKIDS, but those are the songs I’ve been wanting to make for so long,” Gabe says. “After ‘Saturn Dayz,’ we were going to take a break initially and just say, ‘Yeah, let’s do the solo run,’ so we were already prepared to do the solo albums.”

“Everybody thought I was the weirdest girl ever ‘cause I love Tyler, the Creator. And it’s so crazy now because like the kids absolutely love him, but [initially] they were like, ‘Girl, he’s kind of different. What’s the appeal here?’”

It has been written that Gabe in a transitional stage with HONEYPOP.

“I definitely feel like growing up, I wasn’t as welcome in certain communities just because I liked things that might not have been [accepted in] my culture. I really want those girls who feel like, ‘I like this and I like that’ to feel welcomed into what I’m doing because I know what it feels like to feel outcasted, in a way.’”

TheBabeGabe and TyFaison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS. on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.

We close w/ TheBabeGabe X The Human – “FUTURISTIC LOVERS” For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening.

11:55

  1. TheBabeGabe X The Human – “FUTURISTIC LOVERS”
    from: HONEYPOP / Seven Rings Media / March 5, 2025
    [Production by The Human // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.” // With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, Glass Animals, & more. That confidence shines through on braggadocios tracks like Only See Me, Pulse, and Pep Rally where she raps, “hoe shut the fuck up when I’m talking, got a pretty face but this mouth repulsive.” Pulling inspiration from future peers like Doja Cat & Tyler, The Creator, Gabe is quick to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. There’s no shortage of variety with sticky hooks, soulful ballads, Janelle Monáe -esque pop hits, somber reflective cuts, and boomy west-coast kickbacks. // No song boasts this genre-bending ability better than the double track RIOT GRRL//DRAMA QUEEN. Starting with an inspirational pop-punk banger that could make any Olivia Rodrigo fan nod in approval, it soon turns to the emotional DRAMA QUEEN, seeing Gabe grapple with difficult changes and struggle to find the best way forward. Listening to Gabe can often feel like hanging with your bestie in that you’re getting both the yap sessions about the everyday as well as the venting about life’s drama and all its uncertainties. // These confessions, boasts, hooks, croons, screams, beats, and sounds all come together to create an extraordinary portrait of a young artist figuring it out. It’s an unfiltered showcase that sees Gabe pull back the curtain and step forward so you can meet her where she’s at. So when you listen, you’re seeing her for who she really is. And for many, that’s someone you can see yourself in. That’s TheBabeGabe. // TheBabeGabe was one-third of the Kansas City based BLACKSTARKIDZ Gen-Z upstarts BLACKSTARKIDS have released their sixth studio album Saturn Dayz on Sept. 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track 7th studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on Oct. 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. Music writer Bill Brownlee talked with us about how the band created a double album, but the record company decided to release as two separate albums. The music from both albums relate to each other. Before the release of Saturn Dayz the band released their single and video “SOULMATEZ!” on August 30, 2024. “SOULMATEZ!,” is a magnetic, blissed-out bop that brings together pop, indie, and alt-rap, reminiscent of Dev Hynes-era Solange mixed with De La Soul. // The follow up to BLACKSTARKIDS’ acclaimed 2022 album CYBERKISS* which featured standout singles “CYBERKISS 2 U* ft. beabadoobee” and “SEX APPEAL,” SATURN DAYZ is an otherworldly, genre-crossing testament to their unrelenting artistry and is their most impressive work to date. PRESS HERE to pre-save SATURN DAYZ. // Putting out music at a prolific rate and making waves for their formidable songwriting and producing talents, as well as their endless energy and truly limitless sound, BLACKSTARKIDS have received critical acclaim from New York Times, MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, SPIN, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more. Blending garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie, such as on their beloved album Puppies Forever which features anthemic singles “ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS,” “JUNO,” and “FIGHT CLUB,” BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom and have previously toured with the likes of The 1975, COIN, Glass Animals, beabadoobee, Christian Leave, GroupLove. // Incorporating each member’s wide-ranging influences into their blissful DIY sound, such as Toro Y Moi, NERD*, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest, BLACKSTARKIDS first captivated the internet with their “black coming of age trilogy” of projects Let’s Play Sports, Surf, and Whatever, Man that feature critically acclaimed singles including “BRITNEY BITCH” and “FRANKIE MUNIZ.” // Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of KC in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On Oct. 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. KC is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The KC scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]

[TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on September 3 – we welcome special guests: Bill Sundahl joins us to share all of the details of the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest. We will feature music from the Festival. AND…we also welcome very special Guest and the Crossroads Music Headliner – Krystle Warren.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1110

WMM presents: TheBabeGabe & TyFaison + Mitzi McKee + Don Simon & Morgan Holcomb

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

New & MidCoastal Releases + TheBabeGabe & TyFaison + Mitzi McKee + Don Simon & Morgan Holcomb

Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: TheBabeGabe & The Human, Katy Guillen & The Drive, Significant Brother, Mitzi McKee & the Precious Cargo, Paris Williams with Saving Miles Lemon, Religion of Heartbreak, Kat King, KeiyaA, Jon Batiste, Kathleen Edwards, Mac DeMarco, and Cass McCombs.

At 10:30am Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon share details about Warrior Radio, an award-winning, Internet student-run station for Smithville High School, in Smithville, Missouri. Morgan Holcomb is a senior at Smithville and is host of “The Local Show with Morgan,” Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00pm, spotlighting local & regional artists. The show not only airs on Warrior Radio, but is syndicated on community radio stations: Oak Grove Radio in Minneapolis, Kansas, and Radio Joe in St. Joseph, Missouri. Morgan plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, and major in marketing and minor in broadcasting. Don Simon teaches broadcasting, business, and marketing at Smithville High School. Now in his fourth year as a high school teacher, he previously worked in a variety of legal and business roles in the Kansas City area. More at: http://www.tinyurl.com/Warrior-Radio

At 11:00 we welcome back Mitzi McKee who grew up in a musical and theatrical family in Phoenix, AZ, and has played in several punk bands over the years, along with performing in over 40 plays & musicals since the age of 5. Mitzi began playing out solo here in KC back in 2022, frequenting The Pairing and Chartreuse Saloon, until forming the Precious Cargo in 2024 with longtime friends & previous bandmates Brendan Bennett (bass) of The Stonebreakers & Nuthatch 47, and Caleb Robertson (drums) of Valency. Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo are proud to be releasing their debut album, Inverted Shadows, later this fall. // Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore. // Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, Kissy Fit and Cat Voltron.

At 11:30 Mark talks with TheBabeGabe and TyFaison two thirds of the acclaimed BLACKSTARKIDS. After the break-up of the band, longtime friend TyFaison is collaborating with TheBabeGabe in launching her solo career. Years of being the girl in the the alt-rap trio, TheBabeGabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy to the released of her debut mixtape HONEYPOP, on March 5, 2025 and five months later, HONEYPOP: RELOADED on August 8, 2025. RELOADED isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. Both albums introduce to the world a young black girl from Kansas City hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, and Glass Animals. That confidence shines through as she pulls from influences such as Doja Cat, Tyler The Creator, Kelis, Missy Elliott, & Janet Jackson to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. HONEYPOP and HONEYPOP: RELOADED were both produced by “The Human” which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom.

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Show #1110