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 1, 2021

Billy Smith + Whim Grace + Special Co-Host Julia Othmer

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Company No Company, Quiet Takes, Catty Cline, Rob Rice, Lee Walter Redding, Whim Grace, Lesser Pleasures, and Julia Othmer with Jessica Pearson and East Wind, and Lunatraktors.

Julia Othmer joins us as Guest Co-Host. Julia recently participated in Global Music Match that included 78 artists, from 17 countries who were divided into 14 groups. Julia covered a song from each artist in her team, and collaborated with Jessica Pearson and East Wind from Ottawa, Canada, and Lunatraktors from Margate, England. Julia will share these new recordings. This year Julia released SEEDS VOLUME 2, her 4th album with live recordings from her 30-day “Songs of September Project”, where Julia covered songs of protest & hope, to inspire people to vote. In 2020 Julia released SEEDS VOLUME 1. Julia released SOUND in 2019. Julia moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st album, OASIS MOTEL. In 2018 and 2019 Julia toured with The Alarm in U.S. and United Kingdom. More info at: http://www.juliaothmer.com.

At 11:00 Mark talks with musician Billy Smith about his new band Company No Company with John Bersuch and Wade Allen Williams. Company No Company is releasing their debut album, BRIGHT FOG on Friday, September 3, 2021 with a special Release Show at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, at 8:00 PM with Lesser Pleasures and Redder Moon. Billy Smith is also part of the bands: Season to Risk, Roman Numerals, Thee Water MoccaSins, Olympic Size, and was part of the bands Dirt/Nap and diels. Billy also works as a DJ and has worked for the World Wrestling Entertainment, Warner Music Group, Marcel Mobile Art, Moxie Catering, The Brick, Hurricane, Czar Bar, and Recycled Sounds. Billy grew up in Kansas City and studied at Missouri State University.

At 11:30 singer songwriter Whim Grace plays live in our 90.1 FM Studios. Whim recently relocated to KC and just released her new EP, MY DEAR SWEET DYSTOPIA on July 4, 2021. Since 2013 Whim Grace has released two albums, two EPs, one live EP, and six singles. She has 41 published songs. Whim Grace is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who is best known for her sultry soulful voice and unique sound. Born in the Philippines, Whim has been wandering the world ever since, seeking sound and connection. She is always hoping someone will understand and answer her siren’s call. About MY DEAR SWEET DYSTOPIA Whim writes, “This EP means a lot to me. The culmination of so much time and effort. Three songs with all the sound of space, time, earth, and hope I could possibly jam into them.” More info at: http://www.whimgrace.bandcamp.com

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

Show #905

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, August 25, 2021

In The Pines + ZAVA + Eggs On Mars + Tucker Slough

10:00 – Station ID

10:00 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions”

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

2. Liam Kazar – “Nothing To You”
   from: Due North / Woodsist – Mare / August 6, 2021
   [The Kansas City-based, Chicago-raised musician and acclaimed chef/founder of the Armenian pop-up restaurant Isfahan, describes the making of Due North as a personal revelation, where the more he wrote the more his songs showed what kind of artist he’s always wanted to be. A bandmate performing with artists like Jeff Tweedy, Steve Gunn, Daniel Johnston, and more, making his own songs presented a chance to finally find his own voice. But figuring out how to step out was a rewarding challenge. “This record kind of all stemmed from a conversation I had with Jeff,” says Kazar. “I showed him some of my earliest songs I was working on and he told me, ‘It sounds like you’re writing for the people in your bands, you’re not writing for yourself.’ He was completely right. I was not writing songs for myself.” With that needed insight, Kazar decided to start from scratch and write songs that felt like himself. // Jeff Tweedy said, “I love everything about Liam. His voice, his songs, the way he plays instruments, his smile, his cooking… Everything,” says Tweedy. ”Whenever I hear one of his songs for the first time I almost immediately start thinking to myself, ‘oh yeah! This song! I love this song.’ It’s a magic trick very few people can pull off: making something brand new sound like a cherished memory.” // “There were two words I had in my head during the making of this record, which was joyful and vulnerable,” says Kazar, citing Al Green’s 1978 The Belle Album as an LP that encapsulates such a feeling. “I was trying to talk about things that I’m scared about but acknowledging that I’m not that powerful and you can still be joyful in the face of your own insecurities.” Take album highlight “Frank Bacon,” where Kazar sings, “When you’re running uphill and swimming upstream / Nothing’s ever gonna be the way it seems.” Despite any lyrical uncertainty the track is bursting with life, especially in the monster groove from drummer Spencer Tweedy and bassist Lane Beckstrom. Elsewhere on “Nothing To You,” Kazar finds the sweet spot between indie rock jangle and subtle country twang as he sings, “I hope you don’t resent / The love between your hands.” // Along with Tweedy and Beckstrom, Kazar enlists keyboardist Dave Curtin (Woongi), co-producer James Elkington on pedal steel, as well as Ohmme and Andrew Sa on backing vocals. Opener “So Long Tomorrow” showcases the band’s chemistry, a winding jam full of playful and soulful instrumental flourishes. One of the last songs written for the album, it was recorded remotely in quarantine but despite the distance the band’s tight bond is obvious. “These songs totally blew me away the first time I heard them: they sound like David Bowie meets the Band,” says Mare Records co-founder Kevin Morby. Due North was mixed by Sam Evian at his Flying Cloud Recordings Studio in upstate New York. “Sam knew exactly what I’m trying to do with this record,” says Kazar. “He put the whole track listing together and really had a vision for the record that I needed at that time.” // Like most musicians, the pandemic threw Kazar for a loop, knocking out both his touring revenue and his part-time gigs as a bartender. With more than enough time in his Kansas City home, he decided to pursue his longtime love of cooking by creating the restaurant, Isfahan. With recipes that honor his Armenian heritage and his family’s journey to the United States from Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, Kazar’s cooking has received press from Time Out Chicago and Eater. “In COVID, my mantra was to not have my heart broken about the future and be present,” says Kazar, explaining that ethos is one of the reasons why he named the LP Due North. // Though Due North is full of songs that act as a mirror to Kazar’s many talents, few sum it up as concisely as “No Time For Eternity.” On the track, he and Chicago country crooner Andrew Sa sing over wailing pedal steel, taking stock of the most important things in life: “Making time to live my life / Making time for you and me.” “The reality of my life is that when I come home, and I’m talking with my partner, maybe we had a bad day, but we still are laughing and having a good time with each other at the same time,” says Kazar. “I had to make music that expressed that part of me that’s a person who genuinely enjoys themselves.”]

3. Remy Styrk – “Heavy”
   from: Fountainhead EP / Remy Sryrk / August 16, 2021
   [22 year old Remy Styrk lives in Leawood Kansas, originally from Newark, New Jersey. This multi instrumentalist has been writing & recording music for several years. “Fountainhead” is 3 intimate songs about grieving different parts of my life. these songs are the most honest way i can share with you. i am doing it for no one other than myself. welcome back, old friend. Remy Styrk is a composer and creator. Born to a homeless heroin addict in Newark, New Jersey in 1999. At the age of 14 months, he was adopted by a couple, the husband, a fashion photographer and wife, a creative director. His parents’ love of the arts helped deepen his curiosity in music and the creation of it. In 2020 Remy released “Of My Own Design” his 9-minute interactive album structured like an “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” Remy asked listeners, to imagine and create the visual story. In 2019 Remy released “In Too Deep” one of 5 singles Remy has released sice 2018. Remy Styrk released the EP Sunday, on Jan 25, 2018, following the Aug 12, 2015 full length album, Telling Stories Through The Basement Door. More info at: http://www.remystyrk.com]

4. Effie – “Ain’t Gotta Lie”
   from: Curve My Enthusiasm / DISTRKCT / August 13, 2021
   [Effie is Effie Altoro. Effie is a songwriter, singer, rapper, producer, one part of Kansas City’s own Jet Pack Productions originally from the Bronx, New York. Effie says that music saved her life and means everything to her. She puts herself in the category of a R&B/Hip Hop Artist. She claims Nina Simone as her biggest influence. Effie writes, “I have been writing for so many years but never shared any of my personal work until last year. So I’m working on pacing myself with releases, instead of just putting so many albums out back to back. My album, Curve My Enthusiasm, is so special to me that I’m going to release a deluxe version in January with 4 additional tracks and videos, including some exciting collaborations. I have also been writing for other artists, so you’ll be able to hear some of those releases soon, as well!” More info at: https://smarturl.it/37jrdz%5D

2. In The Pines – “Ghosts”
   from: Interlude / Arctic Rodeo Recordings / August 20, 2021
   [In The Pines are back with their 2nd album, INTERLUDE, 13 years after the release the self titled debut. Both albums are on Arctic Rodeo Records. More info at: http://www.arcticrodeorecordings.com . KC based six piece band with Brad Hodgson on guitar & vocals, Darren Welch on bass, Laurel Morgan on violin & vocals, Matt Wolber on guitar, and Mike Myers on drums. Made up of two guitars, a bass, a violin, a viola, a pump organ, drums, and five vocals, their music is serene at times, other times brooding, creating an atmosphere ideal for their subject matter: narratives of a man wasted away in prison, a woman burning to death as her dress catches fire, a handless man intent on showing others the subtle gifts in life. It is dark, it is dirty, it is sometimes drunken. It is intimate. Arctic Rodeo Recordings wrote: When we listened to IN THE PINES from Kansas City for the first time, we were totally blown away. This melancholic, morbidly charming and dark sounding music was so special, it was a real discovery. IN THE PINES sounded so different than anything we had in mind for Arctic Rodeo: A 6 piece band, 2 playing strings, sounding more like folk than like rock, mixing it up with singer/songwriter elements, and their songs were slow and beautiful, and so sad at the same time. We fell in love with IN THE PINES right away and ended up putting their debut album as the 7th release on Arctic Rodeo back in 2008. The band came over to Europe for touring and opening up for The New Amsterdams and Kevin Devine. 13 years later, IN THE PINES have finished their second record. We became friends and have always been in touch during this long period of time, and at some point, we honestly did not dare to hope for a new album to come anymore at all. But as special as this band sounds anyway, they actually did it and proved us wrong. Now, as a five piece band, IN THE PINES are back with their second record called Interlude, that has just been mastered by non other that Bob Weston in Chicago. The first single called Bones has already been released in June last year. It shows our friends continuing exactly where they started back 13 years ago – and it was totally worth the wait.Please check out the video for the first single Bones below. Interlude will be available on limited edition white vinyl and on all digital platforms. More info at: http://www.inthepines.com

10:18 – Interview with Laurel Morgan Parks and Darren Welch

Darren Welch and Laurel Morgan Parks are original members of the band In The Pines. They join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios. In The Pines are back with their first new album since their 2006 self titled debut album, In The Pines. INTERLUDE was released on August 20, 2021, 13 years after the release the debut. Both albums are on the Hamburg Germany label, Arctic Rodeo Records. The KC based six-piece band includes Brad Hodgson on guitar & vocals, Darren Welch on bass, Laurel Morgan on violin & vocals, Matt Wolber on guitar, and Mike Myers on drums. “Made up of two guitars, a bass, a violin, a viola, a pump organ, drums, and five vocals, their music is serene at times, other times brooding.” More info at: http://www.inthepines.com

Darren Welch & Laurel Morgan Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

From: https://arcticrodeorecordings.com

When In the Pines released their self-titled debut in 2008, their sound resonated profoundly within and beyond the Kansas City music community.

Founded as a sextet that included a two-piece string section, the band deftly mixed music from disparate genres and eras into a sound that was fresh but familiar—nostalgic, even: a blend of old-time folk, classical music and experimental folk-rock. It cast a spell that transported listeners forward into new terrains and back into long-lost times, a sound with a sepia-toned Dorthea Lange/Dust Bowl vibe embellished with contemporary attributes that quashed any notions of revivalism or retroism.

“In The Pines” impressed listeners far beyond the band’s hometown, It was released in Kansas City by Second Nature Recordings, which led to some regional touring, and by the German label Arctic Rodeo, which led to a tour of Germany. The future looked bright. Then life got in the way.

In 2010, lead singer Brad Hodgson moved to Austin, Texas. Then live shows became more infrequent; the lineup changed; the band took a hiatus; and the recording process was delayed, interminably, it seemed to fans awaiting new music.

In June 2020, the band released “Bones,” the first song from the impending, long-awaited second full-length. The lineup still includes five original members: Hodgson, Darren Welch (bass, vocals), Laurel Morgan Parks (violin, vocals), Matt Wolber (guitar) and Mike Myers (drums).

Despite the song’s title, there was nothing skeletal about “Bones.” It’s a lush and orchestral, midtempo, folk-ish rock ballad awash in strings, embroidered with violin and guitar filigrees and bathed in dreamy vocals and supernal harmonies – five minutes of deep reverie.

And now, a year after the release “Bones,” In the Pines is set to release on Arctic Records its 11-track, full-length second album, “Interlude.” The song, it turns out, revealed in many ways what the rest of the album would sound like.

It signified a departure from the Pines’ initial sound yet replete with all its trademark traits: melodic, meditative and built on clever turns and changes. Over the course of 45-plus minutes, the band transports listeners on a mesmeric ride, one filled with hypnotic grooves and dusky terrains.

The opening track is aptly titled “The Sun Is Going Down.” It’s a twilit ballad with shifting time signatures and spell-binding vocals that don’t appear until halfway through. “Ghosts” sways gently to a hearty, angelic, orchestral-folk vibe. The instrumental closer, “Moving On,” arrives and departs in 2 minutes and change, depositing its own unique spirit along the way, one garbed in piano, strings and horns. As the album’s swan song, it casts a fitting mood, one of optimism and melancholy.

Upon the release of the “Bones” single, Hodgson called the process of making “Interlude” a “long haul with lots of obstacles” but one with a deeply satisfying payoff: “The thing that stands out is how much I love working with and creating with the band. We’ve been together so long, no matter the distance or time apart, it still feels like family.”

The rewards of that long haul and hard work are about to be distributed beyond the band family. Loyal fans at home and abroad will soon discover that the decade-plus wait for “Interlude” was well-worth all the patience spent

In The Pines includes (five original members):
Brad Hodgson on guitar & vocals,
Darren Welch on bass,
Laurel Morgan on violin & vocals,
Matt Wolber on guitar,
Mike Myers on drums.

Laurel Morgan Parks has other musical projects including:

Of Tree – a folk-pop band from Kansas City made up of Benjamin Parks (guitar/vocals), Laurel Morgan Parks (violin/fiddle/vocals) and John Bersuch (percussion/sub-bass). The music can be as quiet as porch ballads on a lonely summer night or as textured as a multi-pieced orchestra layering on top of soaring bowed guitars. Dynamic and expressive, Of Tree’s music draws from deep emotions of loss and triumph, failure and hope,

The Wires (Alternative String Duo). Created in KCMO with: Laurel Morgan Parks, violin, and Sascha Groschang, cello, have been composing dynamic and cinematic music as best friends since 2009. Their music is inspired by imagery found in the natural world, folk styles and modern string techniques. Following their debut album in 2012, their 2nd album “Wilder” (May 2019) is an imagined journey that includes depths of the oceanic world, the vast expanse of Celtic hills, the coldness of frozen tundra and a discovery of the cosmos. Their holiday album, “Winter” (December 2020) encompasses a cinematic, yet an intimate timbre, with the classic sounds of the season. “Winter,” their collection of holiday favorites arranged by The Wires along with their original piece, ‘Campbell Street,’ is published by Mel Bay Publications.

Laurel Morgan Parks & Sascha Groschangs are the hosts and curators of “Sound Currents” on 91.9 Classical KC – a weekly radio show that explores & discovers a broad range of new music.

“Fiddle Life,” (http://www.fiddlelife.com), teaches adults traditional styles at beginner and intermediate levels. The duo performs at festivals, concert halls, and music venues in the Midwest and beyond.

Musician/Collector/Curator Darren Welch is a key stitch in the fabric of the KCMO music scene for the past 30 years.

The Hearers – lead singer and bassist. The Hearers are a Kansas City “space country” band that released, FIVE SEASONS on September, 17, 2017
Darren Welch – bass, vocals, 12-string, keys
Marc Tweed – guitar, vocals, synth
David Moore – guitar, vocals, Hammond
Chris Braun – piano, cello, Hammond, ukulele, flute, vocals
Jay Kakert – harmonica, glockenspiel
Jeff doom – electric guitar
Eric Mardis – pedal steel, banjo
Rob Veitch – drums, percussion, concert bass drum
Recorded, mixed and mastered by David Moore at Merriam Shoals
Additional recording by Marc Tweed at SexDungeon Studio

In the 1990s Darren Welch was with the bands: DracoMagnet and Amputato,

Found Sound – 1826 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, Temporarily closed. A KC Crossroads retail/consignment shop with a vintage guitar store vibe and Hi Fi stereo gear. We offer guitar, pedal and amp repair. Open 11-6 Thurs-Sat or by appt. (with his biz partner Cole Wheeler.) http://www.foundsoundkc.com with co-owner/wife Kathi Callahan Welch

CowTown MallRoom at The El Torreon, then Holy Cow, a DIY mixed store/venue setting with live music, PBRs and sangria.

Darren also works with Matt Kesler with the Midwestern Musical Company.

Darren Welch & Laurel Morgan Parks, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

In The Pines are back with their first new album since their 2006 self titled debut album, In The Pines. INTERLUDE was released on August 20, 2021, 13 years after the release the debut. Both albums are on the Hamburg Germany label, Arctic Rodeo Records. More info at: http://www.inthepines.com or http://www.arcticrodeorecordings.bandcamp.com

10:31

6. In The Pines – “Sinner”
   from: Interlude / Arctic Rodeo Recordings / August 20, 2021
   [In The Pines are back with their 2nd album, INTERLUDE, 13 years after the release the self titled debut. Both albums are on Arctic Rodeo Records. More info at: http://www.arcticrodeorecordings.com . KC based six piece band with Brad Hodgson on guitar & vocals, Darren Welch on bass, Laurel Morgan on violin & vocals, Matt Wolber on guitar, and Mike Myers on drums. Made up of two guitars, a bass, a violin, a viola, a pump organ, drums, and five vocals, their music is serene at times, other times brooding, More info at: http://www.arcticrodeorecordings.bandcamp.com]

10:35 – Underwriting

7. Zava – “Wrong”
   from: “Wrong” – Single / Taylor Avazpour / August 13, 2021
   [Zava is the musical project, of Taylor Avazpour. Zava ‘s new single “Wrong” was recently added to the “New Queer Friday Playlist” on Spotify. “Wrong” is the 5th single Zava has released this year, including: “Electric” on June 4, “I Could Get used To This” on May 14, “Attitude” on April 23, and “Lightyears” on February 12. Since 2017 Taylor has been releasing music videos, has worked at Starlight Theatre, lived in New York City and Boston. Zava was a featured performer at this year’s Show-Me Kansas City Pride Festival (Aug. 21-22) in Theis Park, KCMO, as presented by KC Pride Community Alliance. Taylor Avazpour is Senior Operations Analyst at Netsmart and Assistant Director at Music Theatre Kansas City. More information at: http://solo.to/thisiszava%5D

10:41 – Interview with Taylor Avazpour

Singer, songwriter, actor, dancer – Taylor Avazpour joins us to talk about his musical project, Zava and his new single “Wrong” that was released on August 13, 2021 and recently added to the “New Queer Friday Playlist” on Spotify. “Wrong” is the 5th single Zava has released this year, including: “Electric” on June 4, “I Could Get used To This” on May 14, “Attitude” on April 23, and “Lightyears” on February 12. Since 2017 Taylor has been releasing music videos, has worked at Starlight Theatre, lived in New York City and Boston. Zava was a featured performer at this year’s Show-Me Kansas City Pride Festival (Aug. 21-22) in Theis Park, KCMO, as presented by KC Pride Community Alliance. Taylor Avazpour is Senior Operations Analyst at Netsmart and Assistant Director at Music Theatre Kansas City. More info at: @thisiszava

Taylor Avazpour, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

“Wrong” was recently added to the “New Queer Friday Playlist” on Spotify.

Zava was a featured performer at this year’s Show-Me Kansas City Pride Festival (Aug. 21-22) in Theis Park, KCMO, as presented by KC Pride Community Alliance.

“Wrong” is the 5th single Zava has released this year, including: “Electric” on June 4, “I Could Get used To This” on May 14, “Attitude” on April 23, and “Lightyears” on February 12.

Since 2017 Taylor has been releasing music videos. Taylor Avazpour has worked at Starlight Theatre, went to college in Boston, and then lived in New York City.

Taylor Avazpour is Senior Operations Analyst at Netsmart and Assistant Director at Music Theatre Kansas City.

We asked Taylor about his role models and inspirations. He told us that when he was a young kid he was in love with the music of The Spice Girls and their bright positive affirming songs. His mother took him as a young eight-year-old the see The Spice Girls in concert at Sandstone Amphitheatre. While he and his mom were waiting for the concert to begin, someone from The Spice Girls team approached them and asked if Taylor wanted to be part of the show. During the concert there was a moment when Baby Spice sings to a young boy form the audience. Taylor was asked if he wanted to be on stage with Baby Spice. It all happened and Taylor had his stage debut and was able to go back stage, after the show and meet all of The Spice Girls.

Taylor has an upcoming show with Stephonne and Felix.

Taylor Avazpour, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

“Wrong” that was released on August 13, 2021 and recently added to the “New Queer Friday Playlist” on Spotify. “Wrong” is the 5th single Zava has released this year, More info at: @thisiszava

10:53

8. Zava – “Electric”
   from: “Electric” – Single / Taylor Avazpour / June 4, 2021
   [Zava is the musical project, of Taylor Avazpour. Zava ‘s new single “Wrong” released August 13, 2021, was recently added to the “New Queer Friday Playlist” on Spotify. “Wrong” is the 5th single Zava has released this year, including: “Electric” on June 4, “I Could Get used To This” on May 14, “Attitude” on April 23, and “Lightyears” on February 12. Since 2017 Taylor has been releasing music videos, has worked at Starlight Theatre, lived in New York City and Boston. Zava was a featured performer at this year’s Show-Me Kansas City Pride Festival (Aug. 21-22) in Theis Park, KCMO, as presented by KC Pride Community Alliance. Taylor Avazpour is Senior Operations Analyst at Netsmart and Assistant Director at Music Theatre Kansas City. More information at: http://solo.to/thisiszava%5D

9. Just Angel – “My Way”
   from: Just Angle Pt.1 – EP / Just Angel / December 24, 2020
   [Just Angel is a Kansas City based, singer, musician, songwriter, dancer. and creative artist. Se recently contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: /distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justangel/just-angel–pt-1

[Just Angel is Kansas City opener for the Edi Callier THE ROAD TO GREATER TOUR! August 26, 2021. https://www.officiallyedi.com/tour%5D

11:00 – Station ID

11:01 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions”

10. Eggs On Mars – “Fingers & Lips”
    from: Brighter Now / Subjangle / June 25, 2021
    [Eggs on Mars, a four-piece soft psych pop band from Kansas City, Missouri. Brad shares details about the new 7-track album, BRIGHTER NOW, released June 25, 2021. Eggs on Mars is: Brad Smith on vocals & guitar, Mason Potter on drums & backing vocals & self-sacrificial tambourine, Bennie Neselroad on keyboards & backing vocals, and Doug Bybee on bass & backing vocals. All songs on the new album were written by Eggs on Mars. Their new album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Rodd Fenton. The album was recorded in the fall of 2020 at Solstice Audio. Album cover painting by Jesse Bartmess. Info at: http://www.eggsonmars.bandcamp.com]

11:04 – Interview with Brad Smith

27 year old Brad Smith is Assistant Manager at Mid-Continent Public Library the largest library system in the Kansas City metropolitan area serving over 820,000 residents in Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties. Brad studied Marketing at Northwest Missouri State University. Brad Smith is also the lead vocalist and lead guitar player for the Kansas City based band Eggs On Mars who since 2014 have released 5 full length albums and two EPs, equalling a total of 60 musical compositions on record. For the band’s first five releases they played as a 3-piece. With their latest release, BRIGHTER NOW, the band has had a line-up change, and is now a 4-piece band, at least on record. BRIGHTER NOW, was released June 25, 2021. Eggs on Mars is: Brad Smith on vocals & guitar, Mason Potter on drums & backing vocals & self-sacrificial tambourine, Bennie Neselroad on keyboards & backing vocals, and Doug Bybee on bass & backing vocals. Joining us in our 90.1 FM studios is Brad Smith of Eggs On Mars.

Brad Smith thanks for being with us on WMM.

Brighter Now was released on June 25, 2021

Eggs on Mars is:
Brad Smith on vocals & guitar,
Mason Potter on drums & backing vocals & self-sacrificial tambourine,
Bennie Neselroad on keyboards & backing vocals, and
Doug Bybee on bass & backing vocals

Longtime band member and bass player – Justin Longmeyer was not on this new record he recently moved to Japan for a teaching job.

Brighter Now was recorded / mixed / mastered by Rodd Fenton
Recorded in the fall of 2020 at Solstice Audio

Brighter Now cover painting by Jesse Bartmess

Subjangle Records

http://www.eggsonmars.bandcamp.com

Brad Smith is Assistant Manager at Mid-Continent Public Library the largest library system in the Kansas City metropolitan area serving over 820,000 residents in Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties.

It Will Be Like It Was came out on October 4, 2019 and Brighter Now came out on June 25, 2021, some where in the middle of making of those two recordings Brad Smith got married to Taylor Smith.

Eggs On Mars where did that name come from?

Eggs On Mars Discography

Welcome to our Family August 25, 2014
10-track album
Recorded Summer 2014 at Potter Underground Studios
Guitars/Lead Vocals-Brad Smith
Bass/Other Vocals-Justin Longmeyer
Drums-Mason Potter

Spacey Stacy September 4, 2015
8-track album
Recording/Mixing/Mastering/Pancakes-Doug Bybee
Recorded August 2015 at Sound + Vision Studios of the Lawrence Public Library
Cover photo taken by Mason Potter
Guitars/Vocals – Brad Smith
Bass – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

On Hold, Hold On October 7, 2016
5-track EP
Album art by Anna Smith
Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Justin Longmeyer
Guitars/Vocals/Keys – Brad Smith
Bass – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

In A Desert Place March 15, 2018
10-track album
Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Justin Longmeyer
Recorded at 2319
Guitars/Vocals – Brad Smith
Bass/Vocals/Guitar solo – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

Mama Pancake November 9, 2018
10-track album
Recorded/mixed/mastered by Rodd Fenton
Recorded May through September of 2018 at 2319
Artwork by Julie Smith
Brad Smith – guitars/vocals/keys
Justin Longmeyer – bass
Mason Potter – drums/percussion

It Will Be Like It Was October 4, 2019
10-track album
Recorded/Mixed/Mastered by Rodd Fenton
Recorded summer of 2019 at Bread Basket Music Studios
Guitars/Vocals/Keys – Brad Smith
Bass – Justin Longmeyer
Drums – Mason Potter

Brighter Now June 25, 2021
7-track EP
Recorded / mixed / mastered by Rodd Fenton
Recorded in the fall of 2020 at Solstice Audio
Cover painting by Jesse Bartmess
Brad Smith – Vocals, guitar
Mason Potter – Drums, backing vocals, self-sacrificial tambourine
Bennie Neselroad – Keys, backing vocals,
Doug Bybee – Bass, backing vocals

Brad Smith thanks for being with us on WMM.

BRIGHTER NOW, was released June 25, 2021.
http://www.eggsonmars.bandcamp.com

11:16

11. Eggs On Mars – “Oil Spill Rainbow”
    from: Brighter Now / Subjangle / June 25, 2021
    [Eggs on Mars, a four-piece soft psych pop band from Kansas City, Missouri. Brad shares details about the new 7-track album, BRIGHTER NOW, released June 25, 2021. Eggs on Mars is: Brad Smith on vocals & guitar, Mason Potter on drums & backing vocals & self-sacrificial tambourine, Bennie Neselroad on keyboards & backing vocals, and Doug Bybee on bass & backing vocals. All songs on the new album were written by Eggs on Mars. Their new album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Rodd Fenton. The album was recorded in the fall of 2020 at Solstice Audio. Album cover painting by Jesse Bartmess. Info at: http://www.eggsonmars.bandcamp.com]

11:19

12. videodisk – “Last Day”
    from: “Last Day” – Single / videodisk / August 12, 2021
    [videodisk is: Elizabeth Garcia on vocals. Steven Garcia on bass & vocals, Corey Vitt on guitars & drum programming. Recording Engineer, Mixing, and Additional Percussion by Pat Tomek. Mastering by Duane Trower of Weights and Measures Soundlab. Michael Lindau – Cover Artwork. Elizabeth Garcia – Cover Photo. Kansas City shoegaze / dream pop band featuring current and former members of Beautiful Bodies, Hidden Pictures, Rooms Without Windows, Shadow Paint, Is Paris Burning, Deco Auto, Knee Jerk, and Armchair Martian. More info at: http://www.videodisk.bandcamp.com]

13. Miki P – “Don’t Lose Your Hope” from: Don’t Lose Your Hope – EP / Miki P / June 25, 2021 [Singer, songwriter, dreamer. Miki P makes music sometimes by herself and she leads the band Miki P and the Swallowtails.We first heard a different version of this song on the July 17, 2000 release of Kansas City Syzygy a special compilation of over 25 Kansas City-based musicians who created music during the shutdown of the world in the Spring of 2020. Though COVID-19 may have shut down innumerable business and altered our lives forever, one thing it couldn’t stop is the creative drive and spirit in the world’s artists. Kansas City Syzygy is a glimpse into the music created in the middle of the map in the middle of a pandemic. All proceeds donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone in KC has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home. // Miki P contributed an earlier version of this track, but had created even more songs. The result is her new EP release, DON”T LOSE HOPE, 6 songs created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home office space. Sitting & working from Miki’s computer, she composed and recorded 80% of the EP, working through the music like a journal entry, creating each song from her internal hurricane of emotions. All songs written, recorded, played, & mixed by Miki P. Recorded & Mixed with Emma Klien and Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos.// Mikala Petillo, who was born in Kansas City, KS, and performed ‘She Loves You’ at her 7th grade talent show. In 9th grade she joined a teen-band called American Slim as drummer & vocalist, and released a full-length album, Irreplaceable, in 2017, played Middle of the Map Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art before officially ending in 2018. That year, at 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, Dome of Swallows, released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, with Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, Cade Pool on drums, Robert Castillo on bass, and Miki P on guitar & lead Vocals. In June they’ll release a follow up. With half of the band’s members having Classical music degrees, and the other half with Jazz degrees, Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro. “Introspective pop music with lyric-driven folk influences, mixed with collaborative energy & an odd pairing of instruments, Miki P locked in with the Swallowtails create a moment with music written and arranged from the heart.” Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. She wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. Miki P and The Swallowtails –released, Right Where We Are /on August 21, 2020 with Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead Vocals. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro. “Introspective pop music with lyric-driven folk influences, mixed with collaborative energy & an odd pairing of instruments, Miki P locked in with the Swallowtails create a moment with music written and arranged from the heart.” Miki P also plays ukulele & piano, teaching herself how to play both the instruments, using them frequently in all projects she is involved in. She was a featured vocalist with The Band That Fell to Earth Bowie Tribute. She’s played Boulevardia, Middle of the Map Fest, Royal’s Kaufman Stadium, recordBar, Uptown Theater, Arrowhead Stadium, Nelson Atkins Museum, the Crossroads Music Festival and the SXSW Music Fest. More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com .]

14. Hotel Leo – “Gaslight” from: Oddity / French Exit Records / August 20, 2021 [Written, recorded, produced, and performed by Stephen Roper. Production assistance by Jess Klein. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Hotel Leo released the 10-track album, OVERFLOW on May 29, 2020 and the self titled EP Hotel Leo on October 14, 2016. More info at: http://www.hotelleo.bandcamp.com]

11:28 – Underwriting

15. Tucker Slough – “No Participation Tropies”
    from: DraculaVision / Tucker Slough / June 16, 2021
    [Tucker Slough is an MC/drummer/actor/ who makes stuff that you may enjoy…. DraculaVision was performed entirely by Tucker Slough with guest appearances by Shante’ Clair of ShinyJets and a cartoon bear. More info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com]

11:38 – Interview with Tucker Slough

Kansas City based MC, drummer, and actor, Tucker Slough joins us to share music and details about his latest 16-track album, DraculaVision, released June 16, 2021. A veteran of the Kansas City music community, Tucker has previously released the 23-track album, Sloughterhouse V, in 2007, the 15-track album, The Sloughvinci Code, from 2007-2008, and the 28-track album Neonderthal in 2014. Tucker Slough has also released two vinyl albums: EPs 1 & 2, and EPs 3 & 4, with Shante’ Clair for their experimental Chicago/Kansas City band, ShinyJets. Info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com or http://www.shinyjets.bandcamp.com

Tucker Slough Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

We just heard the epic “No Participation Tropies”. On July 16, 2021 Tucker Slough posted a music video for “No Participation Trophies” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt2gbEHJauY

Tucker Slough is a veteran of the Kansas City Music Community.

His father is Fred Slough a well know Kansas City Attorney, and part of the progressive law firm Slough Connealy Irwin and Madden who had offices above The Corner Restaurant in Westport, back when Westport was progressive and cool.

The late Kathleen Connealy was an Attorney for KKFI in our early years. Kay Madden was a regular contributor to KKFI’s The Tenth Voice for over a decade.

Tucker’s music is incredibly original, theatrical, hilarious, political, making social commentary with song, and the poetry of hip hop.

Tucker’s home i where he makes his music and where his band ShinyJets practice and make music.

How did Tucker start making music as a very young kid. All of his life he has loved rap music and has been making hi own home made tapes.

Tucker is an actor who has been in show at The Coterie Theatre and The Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Tucker is a drummer. He has played in many different bands in Kansas City and in Chicago.

Tucker is part of the band ShinyJets: Shiny Jets is an experimental rock band formed in Chicago in 2004. The band began when drummer Tucker Slough encountered Singer/Guitarist Shanté Clair performing at a party thrown by a mutual friend in the Rogers Park area. The two struck up a friendship and began trying to incorporate Tucker’s drumming into Shanté’s existing solo project, The Maybe. Soon they began writing new songs and pushing their musical ideas further, incorporating looping pedals and other electronics until they had compiled a number of songs. Some time afterwards, Tucker moved back to his hometown of Kansas City and Shanté left Chicago to live in New York for a number of years. Around 2014, the two began working on new songs together, with Shanté writing songs that Tucker would then add drums parts to and send back via Dropbox. Within a short time the material they were creating began to take shape and discussions began about re-establishing the band. In March of 2015 Shanté packed up and moved to Kansas City to begin work on the project that would assume the moniker Shiny Jets. Incorporating songs written back in Chicago and those songs written long distance between New York and Kansas City, the two began adding layers of sampling and further experimentation with even more complex looping and arrangements. Currently Shiny Jets are currently based in Kansas City where the band rehearse, perform and record. More info at: http://www.shinyjetsmusic.com

Tucker Slough is a husband and father.

Tucker Slough Discography

Sloughterhouse V, released in 2007
23-track album, Produced by Tucker Slough in Chicago and Kansas City. Featuring the cartoon bear. http://www.neonderthalkcmo.bandcamp.com

Tucker Slough: The Sloughvinci Code, released 2007-2008
15-track album, recorded in KCMO 2007, 2008 in a house near Topp Boom’s crib. All production by Tucker Slough. Rhymes by Tucker Slough.

Sloughchwitz. Released in 2009-ish
Sloughschwitz is a concept album recorded in and around Kansas City in 2009-ish, at a time when Tucker Slough was obsessively studying the bizarre and fascinating, crypto-right wing extremist Lyndon Larouche cult, and observing in horror the growth of the right-wing extremism in the United States and around the world. All music and rhymes by Tucker Slough except Negro Sco verse on his cameo song. This album has a conspicuous absence of the cartoon bear.

Neonderthal released in 2014
28-track album, Produced by Luke Rocha and Tucker Slough, compact disc and digital download available at- http://www.neonderthalkcmo.bandcamp.com. Recorded in Kansas City, 2014. Symbol Heavy Recordings

(There are other Tucker Slough recordings that Tucker doesn’t really want anyone to hear.)

Tucker Slough has also released two vinyl albums:
EPs 1 & 2, and EPs 3 & 4, with Shante’ Clair for their band, ShinyJets.

Tucker Slough Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Tucker Slough’s latest 16-track album, DraculaVision, was released June 16, 2021. Info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com

16. Tucker Slough – “the pretty sweet strawberries”
    from: DraculaVision / Tucker Slough / June 16, 2021
    [Tucker Slough is an MC/drummer/actor/ who makes stuff that you may enjoy…. DraculaVision was performed entirely by Tucker Slough with guest appearances by Shante’ Clair of ShinyJets and a cartoon bear. More info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com]

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

Next week on WMM, on September 1 we welcome back to the show Julia Othmer. We also welcome William Smith and play music from his new band CompanyNoCompany. Plus, we welcome singer songwriter Whim Grace.

ZAVA photograph by: @pigeonshellie

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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

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

Show #904

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, August 25, 2021

In The Pines + ZAVA + Eggs On Mars + Tucker Slough

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Miki P, Remy Styrk, Tucker Slough, In The Pines, Just Angel, Liam Kazar, Effie, ZAVA, Eggs On Mars, videodisk, and Hotel Leo.

At 10:15 Darren Welch and Laurel Morgan Parks of the band In The Pines join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios. In The Pines are back with their first new album since their 2006 self titled debut album, In The Pines. INTERLUDE was released on August 20, 2021, 13 years after the release the debut. Both albums are on the Hamburg Germany label, Arctic Rodeo Records. The KC based six-piece band includes Brad Hodgson on guitar & vocals, Darren Welch on bass, Laurel Morgan on violin & vocals, Matt Wolber on guitar, and Mike Myers on drums. “Made up of two guitars, a bass, a violin, a viola, a pump organ, drums, and five vocals, their music is serene at times, other times brooding.” More info at: http://www.inthepines.com

At 10:35 Taylor Avazpour joins us to talk about his musical project, Zava and his new single “Wrong” that was released on August 13, 2021 and recently added to the “New Queer Friday Playlist” on Spotify. “Wrong” is the 5th single Zava has released this year, including: “Electric” on June 4, “I Could Get used To This” on May 14, “Attitude” on April 23, and “Lightyears” on February 12. Since 2017 Taylor has been releasing music videos, has worked at Starlight Theatre, lived in New York City and Boston. Zava was a featured performer at this year’s Show-Me Kansas City Pride Festival (Aug. 21-22) in Theis Park, KCMO, as presented by KC Pride Community Alliance. Taylor Avazpour is Senior Operations Analyst at Netsmart and Assistant Director at Music Theatre Kansas City. More information at: http://solo.to/thisiszava/

At 11:11 Mark talks with musician Brad Smith of the Kansas City band Eggs on Mars, a four-piece soft psych pop band from Kansas City, Missouri. Brad shares details about the new 7-track album, BRIGHTER NOW, released June 25, 2021. Eggs on Mars is: Brad Smith on vocals & guitar, Mason Potter on drums & backing vocals & self-sacrificial tambourine, Bennie Neselroad on keyboards & backing vocals, and Doug Bybee on bass & backing vocals. All songs on the new album were written by Eggs on Mars. Their new album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Rodd Fenton. The album was recorded in the fall of 2020 at Solstice Audio. Album cover painting by Jesse Bartmess. Info at: http://www.eggsonmars.bandcamp.com

At 11:30 Kansas City based MC, drummer, and actor, Tucker Slough joins us to share music and details about his latest 16-track album, DraculaVision, released June 16, 2021. A veteran of the Kansas City music community, Tucker has previously released the 23-track album, Sloughterhouse V, in 2007, the 15-track album, The Sloughvinci Code, from 2007-2008, and the 28-track album Neonderthal in 2014. Tucker Slough has also released two vinyl albums: EPs 1 & 2, and EPs 3 & 4, with Shante’ Clair for their experimental Chicago/Kansas City band, ShinyJets. Info at: http://www.tuckerslough.bandcamp.com or http://www.shinyjets.bandcamp.com

ZAVA photograph by: @pigeonshellie

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

Show #904

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, August 18, 2021

Monta At Odds + Stephonne + Geraldine Glen + Black Light Animals

10:00 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions” (PAL) ( :15)

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

2. Bobby Watson & the UMKC Concert Jazz Orchestra –”May I Help You”
   from: The Gate’s BBQ Suite / Lafiya Music / Sept. 14, 2010 / Physical – Nov. 12, 2013
   [A 2021 Limited Edition Vinyl Release (100 Copies) was made available through Diggers Factory. WMM got one!!!! Composed and Directed by Bobby Watson. Bobby Watson on Saxophone. The UMKC Conservatory of Music & Dance Concert Jazz Orchestra: Saxophones: Michael Shults, Mario Bennett, William Sanders, Steven Lambert, Justin Bayne. Trombone – Karen Zawacki, Ben Saylor, Eric Chapman, Sarah Braun. Trumpet Aaron Linscheid, Hermon Mehari, John Merlitz, Ryan Sharp. Rhythm: Nick Grinlinton on guitar, Will Crain on piano, Ben Leifer on bass, Ryan Lee on drums. Executive Producer: Bobby Watson. Associate Producer – Michael Carvin. Produced by: Bobby Watson and Bill Crain. Recorded and Mixed by Bill Crain at: BRC Audio Productions, Kansas City, USA. Assistant Engineers: Josh Williams & Bill Pollock. Mastered by Bill Crain at: Studio “C” BRC Audio Productions. All compositions written by Bobby Watson. Design Concept, by Lafiya Watson Ramirez: badchickstudios.com. Photography by Bobby Watson. More info at: http://www.bobbywatson.com // From wikipedia.org: “Bobby Watson was born in Lawrence, Kansas, August 23, 1953. he is an American post-bop jazz alto saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator. Watson now has 27 recordings as a leader. He appears on nearly 100 other recordings as either co-leader or in a supporting role. Watson has recorded more than 100 original compositions. Watson grew up in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas. He attended the University of Miami with fellow students Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius and Bruce Hornsby. After graduating in 1975, he moved to NYC and joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He performed with the Messengers from 1977 to 1981. After the Jazz Messengers, Watson work with many notable musicians, including: drummers Max Roach and Louis Hayes, fellow saxophonists George Coleman and Branford Marsalis, multi-instrumentalist Sam Rivers and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. In addition, Watson has served in a supporting role for a number of vocalists including: Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, and Carmen Lundy, and has performed as a sideman with Carlos Santana, George Coleman, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Bob Belden and John Hicks. Later, in association with bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Lewis, Watson started the first edition of Horizon, an acoustic quintet modeled after the Jazz Messengers but with its own slightly more modern twist. In addition to his work as leader of Horizon, Watson also led a group known as the High court of Swing (a tribute to the music of Johnny Hodges), The Tailor-Made Big Band (16 pieces in all) and is a founding member of the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, an all-horn, four-piece group with alto saxophonist Ed Jackson, tenor saxophonist Rich Rothenberg, and baritone saxophonist Jim Hartog. Watson also composed an original song for the soundtrack of Robert De Niro’s A Bronx Tale (1993). A resident of New York for most of his professional life, Watson served as a member of the adjunct faculty and taught private saxophone at William Patterson University from 1985 to 1986 and the Manhattan School of Music from 1996 to 1999. He is currently involved with the Thelonious Monk Institute’s yearly “Jazz in America” high school outreach program. In 2000, he was approached to return to his native midwestern surroundings on the Kansas-Missouri border. Watson was selected as the first William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri, Distinguished Professorship in Jazz Studies. The past seven years he has served as the director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music although he still manages to balance live engagements around the world with his teaching responsibilities. Watson’s ensembles at UMKC have garnered several awards and national recognition.]

3. BLACKSTARKIDS – “Juno”
   from: Puppies Forever / Dirty Hit Records / Expected October 15, 2021
   [“Puppies Forever” is the fourth album released by Kansas City band BLACKSTARKIDS, and their second album under indie record label Dirty Hit. “Juno” is the first single from the upcoming album. Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of Kansas City in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Blackstarkids are a pop/R&B/hip-hop trio based in Kansas City, Missouri. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. SURF was #3 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Blackstarkids was one of the most played bands on WMM in 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The Kansas City scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]

4. Cheery – “Concept of Love”
   from: “Concept of Love” – Single / Katlyn Conroy / August 3, 2021
   [Cheery is the new “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Conroy, who is based in Lawrence, Kansas. “Concept of Love” was written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015.]

5. Monta At Odds – “When I’m Gone (feat. Teri Quinn)”
   from: PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT / The Record Machine / July 23, 2021
   [“When I’m Gone” was the band’s second single from the new album. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life. // Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. The two have played music together all their lives and have been exploring the Monta At Odds sound since the band’s debut in 2000. Dedric’s pulsing, melodic bass and Delaney’s artfully unhinged synthesizers frame the band’s central character, which is fleshed out by a talented cast of musicians and collaborators. The result is a heady sonic pool that has been inscrutably referred to as ‘Ummagumma meets Arthur Russell’s mutant disco at Vangelis’s house.’ // 2020 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists, guitarists, and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth and Matthew Heinrich on drums both rounds out the stellar lineup. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/montaatodds%5D

[Monta At Odds play a Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, at 7:00 PM, with Emmaline Twist and a very special New Order Tribute set]

10:17 – Interview with Dedric Moore and Teri Quinn

KCK based musician and producer Dedric Moore and his brother Delaney Moore are the founders of the prolific band Monta At Odds who just released their latest album PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, on July 23, 2021. Monta At Odds is brothers Dedric Moore on pulsing melodic bass and Delaney Moore’s artfully unhinged synthesizers in collaboration with acclaimed vocalists and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn, Krystof Nemeth of Emmaline Twist on baritone guitar, Matthew Heinrich of Mysterious Clouds on drums, Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers on synth, and Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth. The record contains Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, with guest vocalist Your Friend on two tracks.

Dedric Moore, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Teri Quinn is a KC based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Teri moved to Kansas City in 2009 to study clarinet performance and Music Composition at the UMKC’s Conservatory of Music where she graduated in 2013. Teri released her debut EP, Moons and Meltdowns in 2017. Along with being a touring solo artists Teri has also played with Claire and the Crowded Stage, Abandoned Bells and True Lions.

Teri Quinn, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Monta At Odds play a special Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, at 7:00 PM, with Emmaline Twist and a very special New Order Tribute set.

Sonic prognosticators Monta At Odds is a Kansas City combo led by the brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore. 2021 finds the addition of acclaimed vocalists and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn to the band’s lineup of Krystof Nemeth (Emmaline Twist) on baritone, Matthew Heinrich (Mysterious Clouds) on drums, Kenn Jankowski (The Republic Tigers) on synth, and Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth. With Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, along with guest Your Friend, Peak of Eternal Light is a cosmic sonic journey stopping off in post-punk and dark synthpop galaxies.

Monta At Odds continues to push their alternate reality into streamlined consciousness. Expect minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegaze guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic darkwave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind.

Monta At Odds is now on The Record Machine

Monta At Odds collaborated with labelmates Republic Tigers:

Monta At Odds released “When I’m Gone (The Republic Tigers Remix)” through The Record Machine on May 14, 2021. Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers wrote: My band The Republic Tigers released a new remix/reimagined song yesterday. It’s a Monta At Odds song featuring Teri Quinn. I got to sing on it with her.” Teri Quinn’s vocals soar, driven into the air by The Republic Tigers’ full sound explosion without betraying Monta At Odds’ cosmic vibe. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Monta At Odds released their latest single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life.

Monta At Odds play a special Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, at 7:00 PM, with Emmaline Twist and a very special New Order Tribute set.

Teri was on WMM on March 11, 2020 with Landon Hambright to share her single “Sweet Savannah”

Dedric Moore is the founder of the bands: Monta At Odds, Mysterious Clouds, and Gemini Revolution.

Last year Monta At Odds released the EP, ZEN DIAGRAM through their own label, Kosmic City, on May 1, 2020. Conceptual Kansas City art-rock combo Monta At Odds continue their experimentation in sound with an expanded line-up and a new EP, Zen Diagram. Led by Dedric Moore and fueled from 2020’s angst and uncertainty, the band adopts a darker, grittier direction that coincides with a post-punk indulgence. The result is an evocative four-song tableau, showcasing the veteran project’s drive to explore sonic territory as they lay down some mesmerizing jams. The title track opens the EP as a voyage into soundtrack dreams and sonic imagery. It’s a fully-packed production, featuring twin vocals from Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn, Krystof Nemeth of Emmaline Twist on epic baritone guitar, Lucas Behrens on Moog, and Delaney Moore on slide guitar. The song builds and builds over 10 minutes, introducing a bevy of interplaying elements and melodies. There’s a complexity that grooves. Monta At Odds embraces the grayer shades of these sessions with a faithful but otherworldly cover of “Movement of Fear,” the classic cut from Tones On Tail. Mikal leans into the vocals with gentle whispers as Lucas plucks the atmosphere. Meanwhile, Matthew Heinrich merges live drums with the programmed ones until he is one with the machines. The result is multi-textured and dubbed-out, exposing the bloodline of Monta’s aesthetic. “Two Lanes Two Paths” is frenetically powered by the jazzy drum drive of Alexander Thomas. Dedric’s relentless bassline, Delaney’s freeform synthesizer soloing, and Krystof’s expressive guitar tones conspire to form a congealed essence. It’s a spaced-out instrumental that could be from another time, floating defiantly into the present. Zen Diagram ends with “I Count The Steps To A New Sunrise.” The previous cut’s path takes us to a crest on a hill with a view of the damage below. The combo is locked-in, as skittering drums, cosmic synths, spacious noise guitars, and a pensive bass riff promise a way out. Dedric’s vocals are pure 2020, overcome with the zeitgeist of isolation and yearning to reach for something, anything. The diagram becomes a map, and this is how we find an escape.]

Dedric is also the creator the annual Kansas City Psych Fest, launched in 2012. The idea grew out of the music he was creating with his Brother Delaney Moore at the HQ Artspace in KCK. The KC Psych Fest is now called Outer Reaches Fest and is produced in collaboration with Haymaker Records and recordBar.

Dedric Moore has produced music for KC bands the Philistines, HMPH, and others.

Dedric has released several monthly compilations from his music label Kosmic City. More information at: http://www.kosmiccity.com

Recent Discography:

Monta At Odds released their 6th full length album ARGENTUM DREAMS on Oct 19, 2018.

Monta At Odds released their 4-song EP ZEN DIAGRAM last year on May 1, 2020, a more post-punk leaning follow-up to Argentum Dreams, with minimal rhythms set to maximum noise, shoegaze guitar signals, slo-mo psychedelic dark-wave, endless dub echo, and extended-cut warped disco. Live musicians manipulating time and space via knob turning, cymbal cracking, and pedal pushing as they interlock into hypnotic moments of heavenly bliss that seem to hold forever, captivating the mind.

Monta At Odds released A GREAT CONJUNCTION on December 18, 2020 their 5-song EP released just in to coincide with the ‘double-planet’ convergence of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21 which last occurred in 1226. These tunes form a soundtrack to the planetary event, five songs linked together by the vastness of space and as a meditation on our infinitesimal place in the universe. The EP featured Krystof Nemeth, Teri Quinn, Alexander Thomas, Dedric Moore and Matthew Heinrich.

Monta At Odd’s seventh full-length album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, was released July 23, 2021 on The Record Machine.

Dedric Moore, & Teri Quinn Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Monta At Odds play a special Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, at 7:00 PM, with Emmaline Twist and a very special New Order Tribute set.

10:30

6. Monta At Odds – “Other Side of Yesterday (feat. Your Friend)”
   from: PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT / The Record Machine / July 23, 2021
   [This is the third single from Monta At Odds upcoming new album, PEAK OF EYERNAL LIGHT released on July 24, 2021, through The Record Machine. For this song, the Kansas City-based band once again collaborated with Taryn Blake Miller, AKA Domino Record Co. artist Your Friend. Follow up single to the Republic Tigers remix of Monta At Odds’ “When I’m Gone” with Kenn Jankowski joining with Teri Quinn on vocals. The two bands are label mates on The Record Machine. Band leader Dedric Moore tells us that after this album Teri Quinn is leaving the band and Kenn Jankowski is joining the band. Monta At Odds released the single, “When I’m Gone. (feat. Teri Quinn)” on March 5, 2021. Monta At Odds has traced its adventure from its inception to vocalist Teri Quinn’s addition to their sleek, indie-Tronic cascade of the band’s latest recording. An electric drum punch and layers of buzzing synths anchor Quinn’s pleading words, depositing the fact that “we both know you’ll feel better when I’m gone.” It’s the hard choice of ending a relationship and hanging on for dear life.

[Monta At Odds play a PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT – Album Release Concert at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Friday, August. 20, with Emmaline Twist. The evening ends with a New Order Tribute Set. Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM. http://www.therecordbar.com ]

1034 – Underwriting

7. Stephonne – “The King’s Gambit”
   from: “The King’s Gambit” – Single / Stephonne Singleton / July 28, 2020
   [Stephonne loves to push boundaries with his music by blending the genres of Alt-Rock & R&B/Soul. His influences, like Prince, Billie Holiday, and The Alabama Shakes, are apparent in the foundation of his music and his upcoming single “The King’s Gambit”. Stephonne wrote this track about having strong feelings for a man, but due to the fear of rejection, was afraid to share these sentiments aloud. In this track, Stephonne compares the skill of flirtation to a game of chess. In 2020 Ste[phonne released the EP SIS: Side A co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar and Adam McKee on drums. Stephonne grew up in KCK. He released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas. He has performed in multiple shows for Late Night Theatre. Stephonne told John Long of Camp Magazine “I was surrounded by records, and my parents always had music on.” A video for “Want Me” was just released. “Want Me” is part of a new 4-song EP.]

[Stephonne plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, on Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 PM with Lee Walter Redding and Nathan Corsi Band. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com]

10:41 – Interview with Stephonne Singleton

Singer, songwriter, & actor – Stephonne Singleton joins us to talk about his new single,”The King’s Gambit” released on July 28, 2021. 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. His debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard” was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. In 2020, Stephonne released the EP, SIS: Side A. Earlier this year Stephonne collaborated with Lee Walter Redding on the single “Elephant Man.” More info at: http://www.stephonne.com.

Stephonne plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, on Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 PM with Lee Walter Redding and Nathan Corsi Band. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Stephonne loves to push boundaries with his music by blending the genres of Alt-Rock & R&B / Soul. His influences, like Prince, Billie Holiday, The Alabama Shakes, are apparent in the foundation of his music and his single “The King’s Gambit”. Stephonne wrote this track about having strong feelings for a man, but due to the fear of rejection, was afraid to share these sentiments aloud. In this track, Stephonne compares the skill of flirtation to a game of chess.

Last July 15, 2020, Stephonne Singleton joined us on WMM to talk about his EP, SIS: Side A, released August 7, 2020, and the single “Deep,” released July 14, 2020. Stephonne co-produced his EP with Justin Mantooth who also engineered & mixed, at Westend Studios. Joining Stephonne was Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar, & Adam McKee on drums.

After 2018’s Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard and the release of two singles, ‘Want Me’ and ‘Dominate’, on 2020 Stephonne released SIS: Side A EP. Stephonne wrote, “I finally found a full confidence and strength in myself again. There were a lot of years that passed, where I really felt that I couldn’t do this independently. I stopped listening to the music and instead listened to rejection, doubt and a lot of self-sabotage.” After a 2018 New York showcase, Singleton laid in A friend’s Philadelphia bed and thought about what was next. He had taken a step he hadn’t before and it was that precise step that woke up a sleeping giant. “It all hit me at once! I got so much closer to my dream than ever before and a dream with steps and goals that I’d written down and prayed aloud for since I was 7.”

Stephonne’s talked about his single, “‘Want Me’ had been written before his debut was released but was just sitting and, honestly, after I decided I needed to go about this alone I remembered that I was broke,” laughs the singer-songwriter. From jobs in corporate America, local theatre and drag Stephonne put his money where his dreams were. After crowdfunding success, the songs just showed up and demanded attention. SIS, in the case of this EP, actually means Summoning Insatiable Spirits.

“That is what I do every time I write a song. The spirits are my emotions, thoughts, traumas, fears and joys.” On Side A and, an upcoming, B we find those spirits. “All of these songs came to me in an instant. They are really from some relationship that I have with the ether that I can’t explain. Whole songs in 10-15 minutes that I hear over and over until I get in with the band (Johnny Hamil, Ben Byard and Adam McKee) finish writing with everyone and then record them. They are literal sprits or ghosts that demand to be heard.”

Side A’s first single, ‘Deep’, came to Stephonne on a return to MCI from SEA. “There I was… crying on the plane like a big ass baby because of some dude I fell in love with and knew it wouldn’t work out with. The melody and lyrics hit me like a brick and after trying to hide my weeping face from the two passengers next to me, I went to that tiny bathroom and got everything on my phone.” Like ‘Want Me’, the pop gem would sit and scream at Stephonne until late 2019. The influence of 90’s and early 00’s radio rock reigns supreme on ‘Deep’ and we find Stephonne in his greatest melodic and lyrical territory yet. “I feel like you are always trying, unsuccessfully, to write a hit and with every single one of these songs there was no trying. I listened to life, wrote it down and got out of my own way.” Each song holds its ground without overproduction and a desperation for chart placement that holds back many industry hopefuls. What is delivered is sincere, raw but refined, pure and honest music that is accessible no matter your love of genre. With that being said, that this is a rock record is undeniable. “The frustrating thing for me about it, is that radio and audiences look at my skin color and automatically label everything as Hip-Hop and R&B. I’d say I did music as a kid and people would ask me if I was a rapper without even a second passing… Music of every genre has BLACK origin and yet where are we on the radio? We continue to carry the industry on our backs and are still having to use the back door!”

The genre jumper doesn’t deny his R&B, Soul and Jazz influences on SIS. It’s quite the opposite. Rock and R&B collide with the sultry, silky and vocal grit of Stephonne. He is an artist who conjures up the spirits of Prince and Billie Holiday (his biggest influences) but that delivers something inimitable, visceral, strange and beautiful. Even on the sugary and hyper sexuality of ‘Sweet Tooth’ and the dark but hopeful beauty of ‘Middle Man’, there is a triumphant transcendence that was a staple of yesteryears Popular music. A time when saturation wasn’t heavy and when artist development was embraced over carbon copying. “I only have interest in being me. Sis, I’m Black, unapologetically Queer, and very sex positive. I’m at a point in my life where I embrace every single part and won’t spend energy on anything but self-love, my music and the things that I can help with to change this world for the better.” SIS: Side A reflects all of the above exclamations of Stephonne but it also puts him in position to step into the world’s radar and officially begins his legacy as one music’s greatest treasures.

For more visit www.stephonne.com!

Stephonne slinks and slides into ears with ‘Want Me’. The dark and slickly polished track oozes of sex, confusion and tension. “Those things describe my coming of age as a black gay man. I’ve put my heart and mental health through a lot, trying to find love.” With Stephonne you find a painfully personal style of writing. Here, he delves into the point of view of an ex-lover. “I kept trying to make it work and the outcome was always the same. It was so confusing, that it haunted me. I was with a person who loved me but that didn’t want anything to do with love. I was just a body for sex and a cheerleader when he decided it was game on.” The song was his final straw and a way to make sense of what he’d been through. It also examines the hookup culture of apps like Grindr & Scruff. “The app culture feels like shopping at a butcher shop for meat. It’s a bunch of ghosts, most of the time, who appear and disappear as soon as they cum. Sex can be utility but I suddenly don’t exist after that?!” Being black, becoming fetishized and turned away from members of queer communities has been an often occurrence for the singer-songwriter.

The writing and production comes solely from the Kansas City native, with a huge helping hand from co-producer, Justin Mantooth. Recorded at Westend Recording Studios the track features Johnny Hamil on bass, Ben Byard on guitar and Adam McKee on drums. Singleton continues to defy genre, but instead of dipping his toe into his alternative rock roots he takes a deep dive in. Still marked by breathy vocals, buttery falsetto, gospel rasp and innate jazz sensibilities, the track and brand new music video lift Stephonne to new heights. 

The video transports us into the center of a horror movie. Surrounded by candles and ancient sigil work, Stephonne is painted in a nod to Grace Jones and Kieth Haring. Artist, Ryan Wilks makes Stephonne and the set a canvas, where he resurrects someone he probably shouldn’t. From a mere snap, we travel through a film noire that is equal parts Nosferatu, The Craft and an inescapable heat and sexuality that emit from both the songwriter and featured dancer, Courtney Germany. “I needed black girl magic in this video and what was most important to me was to have someone who could express every bit of agony and yearning in the song with their body.” Courtney is breathtaking. Choreographed by Ashley Personett of Empire Dance Academy and That’s Entertainment KC, Germany turns into a lovelorn golem who will do anything for the attention of its maker. “There is a magic that BIPOC hold within us that comes from a 24/7, 365 day struggle just to survive. On top of that, we also have to live, love and try to find time to heal. We are worthy of so much more than this world gives us.” In this way, Stephonne becomes a symbol for what’s not given and for what doesn’t wish to be given in the video.

The multi-layered and cinematic masterpiece was helmed and directed by Method Media. You may know them from the critically acclaimed and TIME magazine reviewed/featured videos by Kansas City natives, SSION (Inherit, At least The Sky is Blue and Comeback). Every detail is given the utmost attention by director and editor, Jordon Rioux. Every tone, shot and transition contains an edge and sophistication that only heightens this supernatural affair. The video production is an affair of its own. A Kansas City love affair that showcases the talents, locations (filmed at Heidi Van’s Black Box) and savvy of a slept on city that has recently gained new notoriety due to shows like Queer Eye. “We are a city full of so much treasure and promise! Every part of this video was responsible because of Kansas City businesses, costume/jewelry makers, artists and more. I will always rep my city.”

Joshua Davidson of Lee Walter Redding told Mark Manning that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI and heard Stephonne for the first time. (WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004.) Lyrics and music by Lee Walter Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear.

Stephonne Singleton, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Stephonne plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, on Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 PM with Lee Walter Redding and Nathan Corsi Band. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

10:54

8. Lee Walter Redding – “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)”
   from: “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)”-Single / Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne /Apr. 9, 2021
   [Lee Walter Redding told Mark that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. Lyrics and music by Lee Redding. Vocals and raw emotion on Elephant Man by Stephonne. Mixing and mastering by Justin Skinner. Lee Walter Redding writes: “Elephant Man” is inspired by young, black men diagnosed with schizophrenia and the issues they face dealing with stigma and difficulty fitting into a society that makes little room for those with severe mental health challenges. This is something that Stephonne felt deeply connected to and was gracious enough to put his full heart on display for the world to hear. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. // Stephonne grew up in KCK. He released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas. He has performed in multiple shows for Late Night Theatre. Stephonne told John Long of Camp Magazine “I was surrounded by records, and my parents always had music on.” A special video for “Want Me” was released in 2020. Stephonne joined us on WMM on July 15, 2020]

9. The Grisly Hand – “Why Make Me Cry”
   from: “Why Make Me Cry” – Single / The Grisly Hand / August 20, 2021
   [Since April 2021 the band has been in the studio working on a handful of tracks, with the intention of releasing singles over the summer & fall, and possibly a full-length release at the end of the year. On May 14, 2021 they released the ingle “Now That You Know.”It has been four and a half years since The Grisly Hand has released new music. The band released Hearts & Stars on November 18, 2016, and Flesh & Gold on October 2, 2015. The band had spent a year with Joel Nanos at Element Recording and decided to split the songs between two CD/digital releases: and also release them both together as a double vinyl album release, called The Grisly Hand, released November 18, 2016 with a new reshuffling of songs for the vinyl LP format. Jimmy Fitzner on guitar & vocals, Lauren Krum on vocals & percussion, Kian Byrne on drums, Mike Stover on steel guitar, bass & vocals, Ben Summers on guitar, vocals & mandolin, Dan Loftus on bass, keyboards & vocals. For the double albums the recordings also featured: Rich Wheeler on tenor saxophone, Nick Howell on trumpet, and Mike Walker on trombone. More info at: http://www.thegrislyhand.com]

[The Grisly Hand play Brew At The Zoo & Wine Too on Saturday, Oct, 9, 6:30 – 11:00 PM Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive in historic Swope Park, w/ Fainthaert, DJ Sybematix. More info at: http://www.kansascityzoo.org]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productio

10. Whim Grace – “Light Leaks””
    from: My Dear Sweet Dystopia EP / Whim Grace / July 4, 2021
    [Now recently based in KCK. Since 2013 Whim Grace has released two albums, two EPs, one live EP, and six singles. She has 41 published songs. Whim Grace is an award winning multi instrumentalist who is best known for her sultry soulful voice and unique sound. Born in the Philippines, Whim has been wandering the world ever since, seeking sound and connection. She is always hoping someone will understand and answer her siren’s call. // About My Dear Sweet Dystopia Whim writes, “This EP means alot to me. The culmination of so much time and effort. Three songs with all the sound of space, time, earth, and hope I could possibly jam into them. Sean Berahmand and I made every single sound you hear. We re-created the Apollo moon landing in the studio to avoid any possible copyright issues. Every beat, static, or melody, we made. I wrote every musical line of this EP, I guess to prove I could, but also to better communicate the world I hear with others. Sharing that impossible fantasy place with you.” // Whim continues: “I often spend alot of time out of my body, somewhere else… Maybe it’s disassociation from years of trauma, maybe it’s meditation, or time travel, or astral projection, or death, but this allows me often to see the world, and even my life, from above, a wonderous bewildering colorful thing. This view of life gives me peace. Everything is so beautiful from above. Earth and us, and all the chaos. Let’s not forget the miracle of our time here. The miracle of each other.” // Whim says, “That’s what sound gives me. The reminder of the connection to all places things people. Let’s try to remember how beautiful the earth is. Protect and honor her, and all the pieces of existence. I feel like that’s our only true purpose floating in space on this small blue imperfect thing. Take care and honor what we have been given. // Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Sean Berahmand. Sound by Whim Grace. Album Art designed by Rachel Rosenkoetter. Photos by Tom Boehme. More information at http://www.whimgrace.bandcamp.com]

11. Miss Boating – “It’s A Lie”
    from: “It’s A Lie” – Single / Miss Boating / December 31, 2020
    [Miss Boating is: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. With Pat Conway on samba orchestra. Ross Brown covered engineering & mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep. Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering New single from Miss Boating who released their debut The Vhargon Sidestep on January 1, 2020 and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne & Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend & bassist Evan Vhargon died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill & Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us. The jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. . Charles Colborne & Bill Belzer were our guests on WMM on April 1, 2020. More info at: https://missboating.bandcamp.com%5D

[Miss Boating plays Southside Wood Company, 3001 Merriam Lane, KCK, on Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Black Creatures, and Porch And Parlor Music.]

12. Kelley Hunt – “The Beautiful Bones”
    from: The Beautiful Bones / 88 Records / May 20, 2014
    [Kelley Hunt’s acclaimed albums have reached the top ten of the Billboard Blues Charts, she has toured all over the world, and has performed six times on A Prairie Home Companion. Born in Kansas City and based in Lawrence, Kansas, Kelley Hunt is a 2007 recipient of the State of Kansas Governor’s Award for the Arts, and is a 2006 Kansas Music Hall of Fame inductee alongside such artists as Mike Finegan, Melissa Etheridge, the Byrds’ Gene Clark and Big Joe Turner. Known as a roots/blues/Americana singer songwriter Kelley Hunt’s latest full length release, The Beautiful Bones, is her 6th full length recording, from 88 Records, and was part of WMM’s 114 Best Recordings of 2014. Kelley Hunt co-produced “Bones” with her husband and manager, Al Berman, at Sixteen Ton Studios in Nashville.]

[Kelley Hunt plays Light Up The Lawn at Johnson County Community College’s Midwest Trust Center outside on the Nerman Museum Lawn on Friday, August 20, at 8:30 PM.]

11:11 – Interview with Geraldine Glen

Vocalist Geraldine Glen joins us to talk about her debut single, “Interim Love” released July 23, 2021, on Groove King Records with help from Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals. Geraldine Glen told Michelle Bacon at the http://www.bridge909.org: that “Interim Love” reflects on that feeling of imbalance and negligence through the lens of a past relationship. I recognized that I was being treated as an interim love. At the time, this was not such a big deal to me so long as my autonomy would be respected. It wasn’t,” she says. “So, this is me telling the lazy man eating his cake and ice cream: ‘Don’t get mad when the sugar walks out.’”

Geraldine Glen thanks for being with us on WMM.

Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals helped write, arrange, mix, and produce the new track.

They also played on the track with The Freedom Affair’s Brett Jackson and Pete Carroll on horns.

Geraldine Glen move to KC from Wisconsin. She move to the Kansas City area to be closer to her twin sister who recently had a baby. Geraldine Glen moved here to help her sister with the baby.

The name “Geraldine Glen” was taken from her aunt.

11:17

13. Geraldine Glen – “Interim Love”
    from: “Interim Love” – Single / Groove King Records / July 23, 2021
    [Geraldine Glen collaborated with Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals helped co-write, arrange, mix, and produce the track, with The Freedom Affair’s Brett Jackson and Pete Carroll on horns. More info at: http://www.groovekingrecords.com]

Geraldine told us she mostly composes her songs on the piano. She brought a couple dozen songs to Cole Bales and Branden Moser, and they ended up choosing “Interim Love” as her first single, the team built the recording around her voice and vocal track.

Geraldine Glen thanks for being with us on WMM.

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

11:28 – Underwriting

14. Black Light Animals – “Dark Fantasies”
    from: Playboys of The Western World / Groove King Records / July 3, 2020
    [Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Members include: Cole Bales on vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun on guitar, Branden Moser on bass, and Zach Harris on drums. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

[Black Light Animals will play a special Vinyl Release Show at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Freedom Affair. They will have vinyl available including a limited edition fire orange swirl colored vinyl. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com]

11:34 – Interview with Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun

Joining us live in our 90.1 FM Studios are Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun who are here to talk about the Vinyl Release of their band, Black Light Animals debut album, Playboys of The Western World, that was digitally released on July 3, 2020. Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Cole & Branden also play with The Freedom Affair.

Black Light Animals will play a special Vinyl Release Show at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Freedom Affair. They will have vinyl available including a limited edition fire orange swirl colored vinyl. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com

It was just a little over a year ago that Cole and Cody joined us on July 1, 2020 to talk about the new record.

Cole Bales – vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun – guitar, Branden Moser – bass.

Recently Alex Hartmann (of the band Pink Royal) to over on drums replacing longtime friend and band member Zach Harris.

Instant Karma Discography:
Make Me a Man – Single – April 7, 2016
Three Little Flames – Single – May 22, 2016
Wait On Love – Single – May 22, 2016
Trying To Find My Mind EP – July 22, 2017
Give Me Freedom / Shine on – Single – May 11, 2018 (Sunflower Soul/Chris Hazleton)

Cole Bales and Branden Moser also play with The Freedom Affair. The Freedom Affair is a unique collective featuring 3 powerhouse female vocalists in front of a dynamic 6-piece band. On “Freedom Is Love”, each of the ladies get their time to shine individually, but the magic is on full display when all 3 come together in unison and harmony, symbolically embodying the messages that they sing about. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording technologies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. The Freedom Affair is: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar; Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ, tambourine, Glockenspiel, & Chimes; Dave Brick on drums. 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, and the combined vocals of Misha Roberts, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders to put this band over the top. Politically charged soul music for the dancefloor!” Chris Hazelton was our guest on WMM on Sept. 16, 2020.]

Colby Bales & Cody Calhoun, thanks for being with us on WMM

Black Light Animals will play a special Vinyl Release Show at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Freedom Affair. They will have vinyl available including a limited edition fire orange swirl colored vinyl. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

11:49

15. Black Light Animals – “Special FX”
    from: Playboys of The Western World / Groove King Records / July 3, 2020
    [Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Members include: Cole Bales on vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun on guitar, Branden Moser on bass, and Zach Harris on drums. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

[Black Light Animals will play a special Vinyl Release Show at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Freedom Affair. They will have vinyl available including a limited edition fire orange swirl colored vinyl. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com]

16. Black Light Animals – “Halo”
    from: Playboys of The Western World / Groove King Records / July 3, 2020
    [Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Members include: Cole Bales on vocals & guitar, Cody Calhoun on guitar, Branden Moser on bass, and Zach Harris on drums. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

-27. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
     from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Next week on WMM, on August 25 we talk with members of the band, In The Pines who are releasing their 2nd album, INTERLUDE on August 20, 2021, 13 years after the release the debut. Both albums are on Arctic Rodeo Records. More info at: http://www.arcticrodeorecordings.com. We also talk with singer songwriter performer Taylor Avanzpour about his musical project Zava and his new single “Wrong.” We also talk with members of the band Eggs On Mars about their new album, BRIGHTER NOW. AND, we welcome musician songwriter experimental music mastermind Tucker Slough about his new album, Dracula Vision.

Stephonne Singleton Photo by John Brant

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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

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

Show #903

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, August 18, 2021

Monta At Odds + Stephonne + Geraldine Glen + Black Light Animals

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Blackstarkids, Cheery, Monta At Odds, Bobby Watson & The UMKC Concert Jazz Orchestra, The Grisly Hand, Stephonne, Miss Boating, Geraldine Glen, Liam Kazar, Kelley Hunt, Black Light Animals, Lee Walter Redding, and Whim Grace.

At 10:15 Dedric Moore & Teri Quinn of the band Monta At Odds join us to talk about their new album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT, released July 23, 2021. The KCK based, Monta At Odds is brothers Dedric Moore on pulsing melodic bass and Delaney Moore’s artfully unhinged synthesizers in collaboration with acclaimed vocalists and songwriters Mikal Shapiro and Teri Quinn, Krystof Nemeth of Emmaline Twist on baritone guitar, Matthew Heinrich of Mysterious Clouds on drums, Kenn Jankowski of The Republic Tigers on synth, and Lucas Behrens on guitar and synth. The record contains Mikal and Teri’s otherworldly vocal contributions, with guest vocalist Your Friend on two tracks. PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT is released through The Record Machine. More info at: http://www.therecordmachine.co. Monta At Odds play a special Record Release Show for PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Friday, August 20, at 7:00 PM, with Emmaline Twist and a very special New Order Tribute set.

At 10:35 Mark talks with singer, songwriter, & actor – Stephonne Singleton about his new single,”The King’s Gambit” released on July 28, 2021. 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. His debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard” was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. In 2020, Stephonne released the EP, SIS: Side A. Earlier this year Stephonne collaborated with Lee Walter Redding on the single “Elephant Man.” More info at: http://www.stephonne.com. Stephonne plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, on Saturday, August 28, at 7:00 PM with Lee Walter Redding and Nathan Corsi Band. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

At 11:11 Mark talks with vocalist Geraldine Glen about her debut single, “Interim Love” released on Groove King Records with help from Cole Bales and Branden Moser of the bands The Freedom Affair, and Black Light Animals. Cole and Branden helped write, arrange, mix, and produce the new track. They also played on the track with The Freedom Affair’s Brett Jackson and Pete Carroll on horns. Geraldine Glen told Michelle Bacon at the http://www.bridge909.org: that “Interim Love” reflects on that feeling of imbalance and negligence through the lens of a past relationship. I recognized that I was being treated as an interim love. At the time, this was not such a big deal to me so long as my autonomy would be respected. It wasn’t,” she says. “So, this is me telling the lazy man eating his cake and ice cream: ‘Don’t get mad when the sugar walks out.’” More info at: http://www.groovekingrecords.com

At 11:30 Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun share details about Black Light Animals and their debut album, Playboys of The Western World, released digitally July 3, 2020. Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. Colby also plays in the band The Freedom Affair. Black Light Animals will play a special Vinyl Release Show at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO, Saturday, August 21, at 7:00 PM with The Freedom Affair. They will have vinyl available including a limited edition fire orange swirl colored vinyl. More info at: http://www.lemonadeparkkc.com

Stephonne Singleton Photo by John Brant

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

Show #903

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, August 11, 2021

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam + Mike Alexander + MG Salazar & Ignacio Carvajal

“Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions”

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

2. Lava Dreams – “Out Loud”
   from: “Out Loud” – Single / R.I.O.T. LLC / August 13, 2021
   [“Out Loud” is the 6th single from Lava Dreams full-length, self-titled debut album, released . More info at: linktr.ee/lavadreams. Solo artist Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Lava Dreams is planning to release an 11-song album later this year and will be releasing a new single every month leading up to the release. This is one of several single we’ve played.”Galaxies,” (the 5th single) was released July 9, 2021. “Simple Magic” was released May 7, 2021. “Surprise!” was released on March 26, “You’re The One” released February 26, and “The Amazing Wave” released Jan./ 8, 2021. All single were released through R.I.O.T. LLC The music was co-written and produced by Duncan Burnett. Lava Dreams released their debut EP “Good Energy + Focus” on June 13, 2020. Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Duncan Burnett. Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton is from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar & singing in several KC bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Julia Hamilton is also a filmmaker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila Unversity. http://www.LavaDreamsMusic.com]

[Lava Dreams plays Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, KCMO for PLAYBACK: 20 Years of Music Discovery, a special video tribute to the 20th Anniversary of 90.1 The Bridge with Jass and Ezmerelda (Kianna White).]

3. Sisterbot – “Approval (feat. Just Angel)”
   from: Truth House / Sisterbot / July 10, 2021
   [Sisterbot is a performing artist dedicated to breaking genre boundaries, creating cosmic musical and theatrical experiences. The 9-piece Sisterbot Band is a “punk pop chamber orchestra” complete with electric guitar, drums, piano, strings and horn. “Truth House (2021) is a concept album written over the span of three years, encapsulating a chapter of my life that I spent in a house alone, dealing with the aftermath of trauma and rebirth.”- Sisterbot (Adee Dancy). Written by Sisterbot. Produced by Jametatone and Sisterbot. Engineered, Mixed, Mastered by Jametatone, except “Approval” which was Produced, Engineered, & Mixed by Andrew Bonci Jr. at Magnolia Tree Studios, with AJ Bonci on guitar, Just Angel and Sisterbot on vocals. Cover Art by Mazzy Mann. Adee Rocket Dancy released the single “Hello Moon (feat. The Swallowtails)” on April 26, 2021. (This song is alon on the Sisterbot album.) Produced by Jametatone & Adee Rocket Dancy. Adee Rocket Dancy on piano & vocals & cello; Rachel Lovelace on bassoon; Mikala Petillo on guitar & background vocals, Mixing and Mastering by Jametatone, (J. Asley Miller). Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “This is a song about my life-long love for the moon, featuring The Swallowtails (Rachel Lovelace and Miki P). Adee chose the date April 26, 2021, as their release date, to honor the full moon called “The Pink Moon.” More info at: Sisterbot.bandcamp.com]

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

[The Roseline play 940 LIVE at South Park, 1198 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., on Thursday, August 26, at 7:00 PM.]

[The Roseline play Replay Lounge 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., on Sunday, September 19, at 5:00 PM, with Fred Wickham Caravan.]

5. namelessnumberheadman – “Mt Analogue St”
   from: Mt. Analogue St.- Single / Namelessnumberheadman / August 13, 2021
   [1st single from their new upcoming album, PLOT THE POINTS. More info at: https://soundcloud.com/nnhm. Mt Analogue St – Rene Daumal wrote a moving, amusing, and confusing book, Mount Analogue, in which there is an expedition to find a mountain that is so tall that the top can’t be seen. Why might someone want to take the journey up the mountain? Step after step plodding up the mountain, trusting that even though no one has seen the peak, that it’s actually there. Namelessnumberheadman is: Chuck Whittington, Jason Lewis, and Andrew Sallee. Plot the Points will be released on Friday, September 2, 2021. Back in 2019 Namelessnumberheadman released three instrumental records (The Ground, Current, and Meditations) which we were very proud of. But during the shutdown in 2020 we decided to dive back into our classic way of working: melding catchy rock/folk songs with sonic panoramas.]

[Namelessnumberheadman play recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO on Friday, October 1, with Elevator Division]

[Namelessnumberheadman play Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., on October 23, 2021.]

6. CompanyNoCompany – “Passing Directions”
   from: Bright Fog / CompanyNoCompany / September 3, 2001
   [William Smith on vocals, guitar, synthesizers, RC-505, percussion; John Bersuch on drums and percussion, additional keyboards, synths; and Wade Allen Williamson on live support. Produced, Mixed, Programmed, Organized and Saxophone by David Gaume Los Angeles, CA. Recorded by Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios Kansas City, MO. William Smith will be with us on WMM on September 1, 2021]

[CompanyNoCompany play recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave, KCMO on Friday September 3, 2021 with Lesser Pleasures and Redder Moon.]

10:28 – Underwriting

7. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam – “The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged”
   from: The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged / Shafer / July 9, 2021
   [Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits. Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

10:33 – Interview with Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam

Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. – Nick Spacek The Pitch Kansas City

Bob Pulliam is a Licensing Specialist. He is a Drummer/Beatsmith at Bob The Beat Builder and Music Producer at THUMPR. Bon studied Studied Film and Media Studies at The University of Kansas from 2005 to 2010. He is the Founder/CEO at KC PUB CO. Bob attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam join us live in our 90.1 FM studios to share tracks from their new EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, that was released on July 9, 2021. Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, Lyricist Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam take on a slew of social issues on their 4-track EP release: police brutality on “P.O.P. Off”, quotes from revolutionaries and civil right activities on “Different Ships,” and the United States tragic apathy towards gun violence for the track “Child’s Play” featuring Bob’s dad, KC Jazz musician and teacher Joe Miquelon. More Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam thanks for being with us on WMM

This year is the 50th anniversary of Gil Scott-Heron‘s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.”

Flare Tha Rebel told Nick Spacek in a July 13, 2021 article for The Pitch Kansas City:

“When you listen to it today, it is dated yet timeless at the same time, you know?” Flare posits. “The pop culture references that he had in that original song may not be as relevant today, but the essence of the song is very relevant, right? His call to action to us to say that change will not just be handed to us, will not just be delivered to us–we have to go out and do something about it.”

As Flare continues, he thinks that Scott-Heron’s song is still relevant, in that Americans are addicted to consumerism and ready-made products, to the point that we’re at risk of feeling that social change will be delivered to us on TV or Netflix on Instagram.

“In fact, we have to go out in the community and do something about it,” says the rapper. “I was motivated to take that essence and create a modern-day interpretation of that song, but then also have the new title, “The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged,” be a moniker for the EP ’cause the other songs on there aligns with racial and social justice.”

I think some people might hear it and be like, ‘There’s no point of ever touching that song,’ and I gotta respect that,” says Flare. “At the same time, I feel that, when you are an artist and you can empower and motivate, it’s kind of like picking up the torch.”

“Career and love” Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown KCMO from Chicago.”

Flare left KC in the late 2000s

“As a member of the hip-hop collective Anti-Crew m Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip hop scene.” – Nick Spacek The Pitch

Flare Tha Rebel aka Jeff Shafer is Executive Director for City Year Kansas City, an educational-equity nonprofit that places mentors/tutors in schools to keep kids on track to graduate. This was the job that brought him back to KC.

Flare Tha Rebel aka Jeff Shafer and Bob Pulliam went to middle school together and also went to Lincoln Prep Academy together. They played baseball together.

Bob Pulliam is a Drummer/Beatsmith at Bob The Beat Builder and Music Producer at THUMPR. Bon studied Studied Film and Media Studies at The University of Kansas from 2005 to 2010. He is the Founder/CEO at KC PUB CO.

Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam teamed up for, “Child’s Play” a track that features Bob Pulliam’s father, Kansas City based Jazz Musician, Joe Miquelon who passed away on March 5, 2021.

Joe Miquelon devoted his life to music. He was a renowned piano and saxophone player; playing in bands such as Jim Sweeney and The Jumpshotz, The Zoo, The Blue Riddim Band, New Riddim, Boko Maru, Tony DiPardo’s KC Chiefs Endzone Pack Band, The Elders, and The KC Aces. He shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughnn, Huey Lewis, U-Roy, Ida McBeth, Kevin Mahogany, Parliament Funkadelic, Mike Finnigan, Danny Cox, and many other stars. Joe also had a passion for teaching music. Spanning over 3 decades of private instruction, he taught hundreds of students and recently taught for The Kansas City Jazz Academy. In 2017, Joe wrote and released his piano book titled “The Beginner’s Emergency Handbook for Jazz Piano and Theory”. A celebration of his life was held at Knuckleheads on July 21, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s name to The Kansas City Jazz Academy.

10:42

8. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam – “Child’s Play (Radio) feat. Joe Miquelon”
   from: “Child’s Play (Radio) feat. Joe Miquelon” – Single / Shafer / July 12, 2021
   [Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam team up for “Child’s Play” a track that feature Bob Pulliam’s father, Kansas City based Jazz Musician, Joe Miquelon who passed away on March 5, 2021. Joe devoted his life to music. He was a renowned piano and saxophone player; playing in bands such as Jim Sweeney and The Jumpshotz, The Zoo, The Blue Riddim Band, New Riddim, Boko Maru, Tony DiPardo’s KC Chiefs Endzone Pack Band, The Elders, and The KC Aces. He shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughnn, Huey Lewis, U-Roy, Ida McBeth, Kevin Mahogany, Parliament Funkadelic, Mike Finnigan, Danny Cox, and many other stars. Joe also had a passion for teaching music. Spanning over 3 decades of private instruction, he taught hundreds of students and recently taught for The Kansas City Jazz Academy. In 2017, Joe wrote and released his piano book titled “The Beginner’s Emergency Handbook for Jazz Piano and Theory”. A celebration of his life was held at Knuckleheads on July 21, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s name to The Kansas City Jazz Academy. This was the first single from the EP, THE REVOLUTION WIL NOT BE HASHTAGGED. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits, such as his Royalty EP poster designed by muralists JT Daniels, which raises funds for the Equal Justice Initiative. More information at: http://www.flaretharebel.com]

10:47 – More Interview with Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam

We are talking with Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam about their new EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, that was released on July 9, 2021. Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, Lyricist Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam take on a slew of social issues on their 4-track EP release: police brutality on “P.O.P. Off”, quotes from revolutionaries and civil right activities on “Different Ships,” and the United States tragic apathy towards gun violence for the track “Child’s Play” More Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam thanks for being with us on WMM

Earlier this year, Lyricist and MC Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam team up with Oboi Kong to release the single “Happy Clouds (Bob Ross Flow)” on April 9, 2021, This single hip hop tribute to the legendary Television artist/host, Bob Ross. Check out their video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brTTvYOi2jQ. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music.

Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party.

Flare’s older brother Sike‘s time working at Recycled Sounds was memorable for Jeff as a young kid and as he developed into a DJ and graphic designer and got heavily into the scene with The Guild, CES Cru, Sounds Good, Brother of Moses, etc. it influenced Jeff and Anti-Crew to start releasing music and performing as well.

Many of Flare’s songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits, such as his Royalty EP poster designed by muralists JT Daniels, which raises funds for the Equal Justice Initiative.

“Happy Clouds” video shows Flare’s striking resemblance to Bob Ross.

Flare Tha Rebel told Nick Spacek in a July 13, 2021 article for The Pitch Kansas City:

“The entirety of The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged EP carries through on that sense of empowering and motivating the listeners. “Different Ships,” especially, interweaves a series of quotes from people by whom the rapper has been motivated, drawing its title from a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” As Flare puts it, “That’s a call for unity amongst the Black community, but it’s also showcasing the struggles that we’ve had in our shared experience.”

“I’m motivated by my ancestors,” states Flare emphatically. “I’m motivated by the revolutionaries and civil rights activists that have come before me and I’m motivated by the ones that exist today. I’m learning from them and when I’m creating art, I’m interweaving what I’ve learned from them into what I’m addressing. It was a way to create a lyrical pro-Black narrative that I felt was very relevant.”

To that end, Flare is releasing merchandise to tie in with the EP’s release which will benefit The BlocKC, a community organization which “focuses on Sustaining and Retaining Black men in education.”

“This isn’t a release to be preachy or tell people what to do as much as it’s also to encourage and amplify the action that’s taking place right now,” Flare explains. “There are a lot of people that are in the streets and getting very involved. The Bloc is a nonprofit I’ve gotten involved with and been very motivated by because they work to develop and retain more Black men as educators.”

As Flare explains, in our country Black men are being mistreated, demonized, killed, and not given the same structures that they need to be successful.

“We have to pull together ourselves as a community, but something like the Bloc is very education-focused and that’s something that I’m very passionate about. I can’t just talk about it. I got to walk the walk and, if I can use art to promote and raise funds for nonprofits and social justice causes that are making difference on the front lines, then that’s what I want to do.”

The end result of all of this is that The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged is a very powerful collection of songs, not just because of the strength in the lyrics and in Flare’s delivery, but also with a lot of empathy. The rapper isn’t attempting to shame anyone so much as he’s addressing sense of being overwhelmed by these things and understanding of how that can be for folks.

“You can’t do this without being empathetic, in my opinion,” Flare concurs. “I might be bringing up topics that are hard for people to swallow, but I hope I do so in a way that’s still motivating. Music is supposed to make you feel an emotion and hopefully, the emotion that people feel from this music is motivation to make a change, to make a stand, or–at the very least–to educate themselves about the realities of our country.”

Flare’s Art to Empower initiative, and about merchandise that was designed by your brother muralist Sike Style to raise funds and awareness for BLOC (Brothers Liberating our Communities).

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam thanks for being with us on WMM

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam about their new EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, that was released on July 9, 2021. IMore Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

10:56

9. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam – “Different Ships (Radio Edit)”
   from: The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged / Shafer / July 9, 2021
   [Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits. Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

11:00 – Station ID

10. Hipshot Killer – “All This Pain”
    from: Guns and Gas / Hipshot Killer / July 23, 2021
    [KC based 3-piece power punk band formed in the fall of 2008. The current line up consists of: Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects, John Velghe and The Prodigal Sons, The Starhaven Rounders), on guitar & vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol, John Velge and The Prodigal Sons) on bass & vocals; and Adam Phillips on drums. The band released their debut record Hipshot Killer, April 29, 2011. The band released their second album They Will Try To Kill Us All on January 16, 2016. It was number 7 in Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016. Hipshot Killer also released a single on Too Much Rock on October 21, 2016. Hipshot Killer released the album , ALL THIS TIME IS OURS on March 20, 2019. #21 of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019.

11:03 – Interview with Mike Alexander

Mike Alexander is lead vocalist & guitarist of Hipshot Killer with Chris Wagner on bass & vocals, and for this recording Adam Phillips on drums Jon “Buddy” Paul on drums. Hipshot Killer released their debut album Hipshot Killer, on April 29, 2011. The band released their second album They Will Try To Kill Us All on January 16, 2016. It was # 7 in Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016. Hipshot Killer also released a single on Too Much Rock on October 21, 2016. Hipshot Killer released the album , ALL THIS TIME IS OURS on March 20, 2019. #21 of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Mike Alexander has been a tireless organizer of the KC area punk scene and has helped to produce multiple years of the Center of the City Fest. Mike Alexander joins us to share information about Hipshot Killer’s new 7-track EP, GUNS AND GAS, released July 23, 2021.. More info at: http://www.hipshotkiller.com

Mike Alexander thanks for being with us on WMM.

Guns and Gas was recorded by at Mastered at Weights and Measures studio by Duane Trower.

All songs written by Mike Alexander

Hipshot Killer describe their sound as “a loud, three piece, power punk band from KCMO.” With Mike Alexander and lead vocals and lead guitar, Chris Wagner on bass and backing vocals, and for this recording Adam Phillips on drums. Mike Alexander played with Adam in the legendary KC band The Architects. Mike Alexander also plays with The Starhaven Rounders

For 2019 Hipshot Killer’s All This Time is Ours features: Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects), on Guitar & Vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol) on Bass & Vocals, legendary drummer Jon

With bandmate Chris Wagner Mike Alexander plays with John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons.

Mike Alexander grew up in KCK. He currently lives in KCMO, not far from KKFI Studios. Mike also works full time at Revolution Records

Several years ago, Mike helped to create the 8-song tribute recording, I’ll Repay You: A Benefit for John Fackler – featuring the songs of John Fackler and Jettison .

Mike is also a much sought after guitar player and he regularly performs live and records with John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons, The Starhaven Rounders, Revovers and The Architects.

Mike Alexander thanks for being with us on WMM.

Hipshot Killer’s new 7-track EP, GUNS AND GAS, released July 23, 2021.. More info at: http://www.hipshotkiller.com

11:19

11. Hipshot Killer – “I Am Not Alone”
    from: Guns and Gas / Hipshot Killer / July 23, 2021
    [KC based 3-piece power punk band formed in the fall of 2008. The current line up consists of: Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects, John Velghe and The Prodigal Sons, The Starhaven Rounders), on guitar & vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol, John Velge and The Prodigal Sons) on bass & vocals; and Adam Phillips on drums. The band released their debut record Hipshot Killer, April 29, 2011. The band released their second album They Will Try To Kill Us All on January 16, 2016. It was number 7 in Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016. Hipshot Killer also released a single on Too Much Rock on October 21, 2016. Hipshot Killer released the album , ALL THIS TIME IS OURS on March 20, 2019. #21 of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019.

11:23

12. In The Pines – “Bones”
    from: Bones – Single / Arctic Rodeo Recordings / June 5, 2020
    [In The Pines are back with their first new release since the 2006 debut album In The Pines. “Bones” the single os from upcoming 2nd album, INTERLUDE on August 20, 2021, 13 years after the release the debut. Both albums are on Arctic Rodeo Records. More info at: http://www.arcticrodeorecordings.com . KC based six piece band with Brad Hodgson on guitar & vocals, Darren Welch on bass, Laurel Morgan on violin & vocals, Matt Wolber on guitar, and Mike Myers on drums. Made up of two guitars, a bass, a violin, a viola, a pump organ, drums, and five vocals, their music is serene at times, other times brooding, creating an atmosphere ideal for their subject matter: narratives of a man wasted away in prison, a woman burning to death as her dress catches fire, a handless man intent on showing others the subtle gifts in life. It is dark, it is dirty, it is sometimes drunken. It is intimate. Arctic Rodeo Recordings wrote: When we listened to IN THE PINES from Kansas City for the first time, we were totally blown away. This melancholic, morbidly charming and dark sounding music was so special, it was a real discovery. IN THE PINES sounded so different than anything we had in mind for Arctic Rodeo: A 6 piece band, 2 playing strings, sounding more like folk than like rock, mixing it up with singer/songwriter elements, and their songs were slow and beautiful, and so sad at the same time. We fell in love with IN THE PINES right away and ended up putting their debut album as the 7th release on Arctic Rodeo back in 2008. The band came over to Europe for touring and opening up for The New Amsterdams and Kevin Devine. 13 years later, IN THE PINES have finished their second record. We became friends and have always been in touch during this long period of time, and at some point, we honestly did not dare to hope for a new album to come anymore at all. But as special as this band sounds anyway, they actually did it and proved us wrong. Now, as a five piece band, IN THE PINES are back with their second record called Interlude, that has just been mastered by non other that Bob Weston in Chicago. The first single called Bones has already been released in June last year. It shows our friends continuing exactly where they started back 13 years ago – and it was totally worth the wait.Please check out the video for the first single Bones below. Interlude will be available on limited edition white vinyl and on all digital platforms. Members of In The Pines will join us on WMM on August 25, 2021. More info at: http://www.inthepines.com

11:28 – Underwriting

13. Elexa Dawson – “New Song”
    from: “New Song” – Single / Lost Cowgirl Records / April 2, 2021
    [Elexa’s 2019 album, MUSIC IS MEDICINE (Lost Cowgirl Records) and her song “High Place” charted at #6 on Sirius XM’s Indigenous Music Countdown. // Elexa Dawson writes: The song was written at the very beginning of the shutdown and is a call to all of our better, higher selves to imagine a better world. “The Way it has always been done is now gone. This is our moment to sing a new song.” // I thought it would be a great campaign song for Bernie Sanders, but the day after I wrote it, he suspended. Ah, well. It’s still a good song. ”“New Song” is Elexa Dawson on vocals & guitar, Kelby Kimberlin on bass guitar, Melissa Tastove on vocals & percussion, Jenna Rae on vocals & percussion, Martin Farrell on vocals & keys. Recorded, produced & engineered by Martin Farrell, Lost Cowgirl Records http://www.thelostcowgirl.com Mastered by Brody Wellman Mixing by Peter Oviatt, Moonflower Sounds http://www.moonflowersounds.com. Cover Photo: Jordan Storrer, Lifeleak Visuals Elexa Dawson joined WMM on June 2, 2021. http://www.elexadawson.com]

11:34 – Interview with MG Salazar and Ignacio Carvajal

MG Salazar is a poet, writer, performer, curator, business owner, chef, civil rights activist, assistant to Antoni Porowski for Season 3 & 4 of Netflix’s acclaimed television program – Queer Eye, cultural reporter & music reviewer for KCUR 89.3 FM, subject of the HBO documentary, Abortion: Stories Women Tell, and former host & producer on 90.1 FM’s long running LGBTQIA program, The Tenth Voice, Saturdays, at 1:00 PM. A lifelong activist for equality & justice, MG Salazar twice traveled to Standing Rock during the winter of 2016-2017 to stand as a water protector at the Oceti Sakowin Camp. In 2020 MG Salazar ran as a Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, challenging 8-term, incumbent Emanuel Cleaver II. MG’s latest book, Tiny Bits of Flesh was published by La Resistencia in 2019; their book, Striking the Black Snake: Poems from Standing Rock, was published by 39 West Press in 2017; and MG’s debut, If You See My Ghosts Like I Do, was published by Spartan Press in 2016.

MG Salazar, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Ignacio Carvajal‘s new chapbook, Allow: A Litany, is the most recent release from La Resistencia Press who will host a Book Release, outside, this Saturday, August 14, at 4:30 PM at InterUrban ArtHouse 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, Kansas. Ignacio Carvajal is the author of Plegarias, winner of the Poetic Bridges contest by Casa Cultural de las Américas and the University of Houston in 2019. He has a Ph.D. in Iberian and Latin American Languages and Cultures, with a portfolio in Native American and Indigenous Studies, from the University of Texas at Austin. He also obtained a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies with highest distinction from the University of Kansas and a A.A. in Liberal Arts, with honors, from Johnson County Community College. He is an assistant professor of literature and language at the University of Kansas. More info at: http://www.laresistenciapress.com

Ignacio Carvajal, thanks for being with us on WMM.

MG Salazar is a cofounder of La Resistencia, a collective of LGBTQ creatives of color in the KC area: Jessica Ayala, Lucky Garcia, Alex Martínez, Miguel M. Morales and MG Salazar sharing their words, art, voices, & bodies with community and to live the pride of their people. Sharing & celebrate the lived experiences of QTPOC and amplifying voices.

La Resistencia Press removes the biggest barrier from publishing: The Gatekeeper. Too often, non-white folks are at the mercy of begging for a chance from someone who does not look like them, have the same cultural experience, or does not care to hear artists from outside their realm. So La Resistencia Press thier our own press.

Books:

Concealment – Pre-production – Alex Martinez

Allow: A Litany – Post – production – Ignacio Carvajal

Tiny Bits of Flesh (2018) – MG Salazar

MG Salazar ran as a Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, challenging 8-term, incumbent Emanuel Cleaver II. When running for Congress MG ran openly as a non-binary candidate. They / Them

From MG Salazar’s Campaign bio, MG wrote: “I can’t ask you to vote for me because I am Non-Binary. Or based solely on any of the identities I hold as a marginalized person. There are plenty of people who exploit their identities for political gain and do nothing to actually impact the community they claim to represent, or only represent the most privileged of their community. I do, however, promise to Queer Congress.” What does that mean? “It means challenging the status quo. Agitate Cisgender & Hetero-sexual Peers to reflect on their values. Make it clear that Queer & Trans people are not going anywhere without a fight. In many Indigenous Cultures, like the ones of my ancestors, Transgender & Gender Variant people were REVERED and CELEBRATED.”

MG Salazar aka Maite has had a passion for making change that started when they were very young. Their first time “organizing” was when they were a little kid, advocating for animal rights with plans to send a “Barbie Jeep” to save endangered animals from poachers. As they grew up, they got involved in the Anti-War movement during the Bush Administration, at the age of 17 going as far as participating in a direct action when President Bush was in town, that was powerful enough that he thought it was best to run from his car to the building of the event, rather than confront the protest. This was the start of Maite putting themselves on the front lines of movements seeking justice.

One of the most memorable movements they were a part of was the North Dakota Pipeline Shutdown protests facilitated by the Water Protects. During the protests, Maite raised thousands of dollars to support Water Protectors on the front lines, and even joined the front lines themselves, witnessing/experiencing first hand the full barrage of human rights violations and police brutality facilitated by the United States Government, North Dakota and Private Police forces on their fellow peaceful protesters.

As far as their adult life, Maite has worked Service Industry jobs for over 17 years, at restaurants, bars, call centers and more. Customer Service is one of their greatest skills.

They also have spoken at almost every University in the Kansas City area, including some guest lecturing for The Art Institute and Park University, as well as worked as a cultural reporter and music reviewer for KCUR.

MG writes that they are no a millionaire. Not groomed by any party. Not from a political family. Just a regular working class person with some powerful experiences who saw an opportunity to make a difference for the people of 5th district and the took it.

In 2020 MG Salazar ran as a Democratic candidate for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, challenging 8-term, incumbent Emanuel Cleaver II. Why Challenge an Incumbent Democrat? MG believes in direct democratic representation, and that reaching your representative should be EASY and NORMAL. That a representatives responsibility is to be an ACTIVE member of community, not just a public figure who shows up for photo ops and fancy closed door fundraisers and events. MG supports Progressive Polices her opponent doesn’t believe in. They here to stay, and they are gonna keep challenging incumbents until they are replaced by people who understand what being a representative is REALLY about.

MG Salazar worked as an assistant to Antoni Porowski for Season 3 & 4 of Netflix’s acclaimed Emmy winning television program – Queer Eye. MG Salazar talked about how Antoni is just as beautiful on the inside as he looks on the outside. MG set up all of the food demos on the show.

Ignacio Carvajal specializes in interdisciplinary research on Mesoamerican Literatures, Languages, and Cultures and pedagogical approaches to Indigenous Languages instruction. He focuses on Mayan Languages from Guatemala, particularly K’iche’.

His interests include Indigenous responses to colonialism, particularly how early-modern notions of territory relate to political organization, authority, and religion. Drawing from Literary Studies, Ethnohistory, Indigenous Studies, and other disciplines, he analyzes indigenous language documents, doctrinal materials, religious chronicles, and other sources to better understand colonialism and coloniality, along with its contemporary remnants.

He is also interested in pedagogical approaches and the creation of open access materials for the study of Indigenous languages. He is a member of a team of collaborators working on Chqeta’maj le qach’ab’al K’iche’ (Let’s learn K’iche’!), an open resource, digital repository of language lessons, which are also the base for his K’iche’ class at the University of Kansas’s Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Ignacio reads & writes poetry. His work has appeared in journals such as Acentos Review, Rio Grande Review, Coal City Review, and in the anthologies The Wandering Song: Central American Writing in the United States and Primera Página: Poetry from the Latino Heartland. He is a member of the Latino Writers Collective of Kansas City, the Taller Literario Don Chico in Costa Rica, and the board of directors of Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, in Austin. Ignacio has a Ph.D. in Iberian and Latin American Languages and Cultures, with a portfolio in Native American and Indigenous Studies, from the University of Texas at Austin. He also obtained a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies with highest distinction from the University of Kansas and a A.A. in Liberal Arts, with honors, from JCCC. ignaciocarvajal@ku.edu

MG Salazar and Ignacio Carvajal, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Ignacio Carvajal’s new chapbook, Allow: A Litany, is the most recent release from La Resistencia Press who will host a Book Release, this Saturday, August 14, at 4:30 PM, Outside, at InterUrban ArtHouse 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, Kansas. More info at: http://www.laresistenciapress.com

11:49

14. Margo May – “SoCal For The Summer”
    from: “SoCal For The Summer” – Single / Margo May / August 5, 2021
    [Margo wrote this song with Zack Hames from Kansas City. Singer Songwriter – All around pop song writing gal. More info at: http://www.soundcloud.com/margomay.“ Inspired by everyone from Loretta Lynn to Lykke Li, Margo May has been writing songs since she was 15. Because she was underage at the time, May slowly gained some traction in her hometown, Kansas City, by playing whatever coffee houses and venues would let her on stage. That was a comfortable place for May as she’d worked in professional theatre as a kid. Now that she’s older, May balances her love of acting with her passion for pop, crafting songs than span a spectrum which mirrors her influences. “At the end of the day, though,” May has said, “I know my strength and it is folk music.” Despite appreciating the immediacy of pop, May also understands that folk music ages well. It’s also a lot more portable and playable for a solo artist on the rise, and it suits the sound of heartbreak a bit better.” – The Blue Grass Situation, 2015. Margo May released the 9 track album “I’m Not Coming Home” released July 19, 2015 With Margo May on vocals & acoustic guitar with Doby Watson on acoustic and electric guitar. Margo May released the 5-song EP HIPPY BOY KILLERS on May 29, 2014 Margo May released the 11 song album SPACE​/​FACE October 12, 2012, Recorded in Portland Oregon (2011) by Yahnee Kilfe. More info at: http://www.margomay.com]

11:54

15. Camp Clover – “Covered in Gasoline”
    from: “Covered In Gasoline” – Single / J Ashley Miller / August 1, 2021
    [ Camp Clover is a band and a new musical project of J Ashley Miller and Simon Huntley]

[Camp Clover plays recordBar, 1520 Grand KCMO on Thursday, August 12, 2021.]

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

Next week on WMM, on August 19 we welcome Dedric Moore and the band Monta At Odds who released their new album, PEAK OF ETERNAL LIGHT on July 24, 2021, through The Record Machine. We also welcome singer & actor Stephonne Singleton about his new single “The King’s Gambit” and his show at Lemonaide Park on August 28. We also talk with Geraldine Glen about her new single “Interim Love” released July 23, 2021 on Groove King Records. Also, Cole Bales and Cody Calhoun of Black Light Animals share their newest release and details about their show at Lemonade Park with The Freedom Affair on Saturday, August 21.

Flare Tha Rebel photographs by Selina Rios

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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

Show #902

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, August 11, 2021

Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam + Mike Alexander + MG Salazar & Ignacio Carvajal

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: namelessnumberheadman, In The Pines, Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam, Hipshot Killer, Lava Dreams, The Roseline, Margo May, Camp Clover, Sisterbot, Elexa Dawson, and CompanyNoCompany.

At 10:30 Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pulliam share tracks from their EP, THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE HASHTAGGED, released July 9, 2021. Inspired by Gil Scott-Heron’s 1971 single, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, Lyricist Flare Tha Rebel and beat producer Bob Pulliam take on a slew of social issues on their 4-track EP release: police brutality on “P.O.P. Off”, quotes from revolutionaries and civil right activities on “Different Ships,” and the United States tragic apathy towards gun violence for the track “Child’s Play” featuring Bob’s dad, KC Jazz musician and teacher Joe Miquelon. As part of Flare Tha Rebel’s, Art to Empower initiative, merchandise was designed by muralist Sike Style to raise funds and awareness for BLOC (Brothers Liberating our Communities). Info at: http://www.flaretharebel.com

At 11:00 Mark talks with Mike Alexander of Hipshot Killer about his band’s new 7-track EP, GUNS AND GAS, released July 23, 2021. Hipshot Killer describe their sound as “a loud, three piece, power punk band from KCMO.” With Mike Alexander and lead vocals and lead guitar, Chris Wagner on bass and backing vocals, and for this recording Adam Phillis on drums. Mike Alexander played with Adam in the legendary KC band The Architects. Mike Alexander also plays the John Velge and The Prodigal Sons, and The Starhaven Rounders. More info at: http://www.hipshotkiller.com

At 11:30 MG Salazar & Ignacio Carvajal share details about La Resistencia Press and Ignacio Carvajal’s new chapbook, Allow: A Litany Outdoor, that will have a Book Release, Saturday, August 14, at 4:30 PM at InterUrban ArtHouse 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, Kansas. MG Salazar is a poet, writer, performer, curator/business owner, chef, civil rights activist. MG’s book, Little Bits of Flesh was published by La Resistencia in 2019; her book, Striking the Black Snake: Poems from Standing Rock, was published by 39 West Press in 2017; and MG’s debut book, If You See My Ghosts Like I Do, was published by Spartan Press in 2016. Ignacio Carvajal is the author of Plegarias, winner of the Poetic Bridges contest by Casa Cultural de las Américas and the University of Houston in 2019. He has a Ph.D. in Iberian and Latin American Languages and Cultures, with a portfolio in Native American and Indigenous Studies, from the University of Texas at Austin. He also obtained a B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies with highest distinction from the University of Kansas and a A.A. in Liberal Arts, with honors, from Johnson County Community College. He is an assistant professor of literature and language at the University of Kansas. More info at: http://www.laresistenciapress.com

Flare Tha Rebel photographs by Selina Rios

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

Show #902

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, August 4, 2021

WMM’s “901 SHOW” shares stories about 90.1 FM KKFI
with 9 special guests, who all keep 90.1 – On The Air!

10:00 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions”

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

2. Joni Mitchell – “You Turn Me On I’m A Radio”
   from: For The Roses / Asylum / 1972
   [“You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” is a song written and originally recorded by Canadian singer songwriter Joni Mitchell. It was released on her fifth studio album entitled For the Roses and was issued as a single as well. // Joni Mitchell originally wrote the song in response to her record label’s desire for her to write a hit song. Mitchell reveals her purpose on lines such as, “And I’m sending you out this signal here, I hope you can pick it up loud and clear”. She believed that including words in the song about radio themes would convince stations to play the recording. The song was recorded in preparation for Mitchell’s then-upcoming fifth studio album in Hollywood, California at A&M Studios. Although Graham Nash, David Crosby, and Neil Young all contributed to the recording session for the song, only the harmonica piece performed by Graham Nash was included on the official release. // “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” was released as a single in November 1972 via Asylum Records. The song became Mitchell’s first top-ten hit in Canada, reaching the tenth position on the RPM Top Singles chart. Additionally, the single became her first top-forty hit in the United States, reaching number twenty-five on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside North America, “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” peaked within the top forty on the Australian Kent Music Report chart.[6] The single was included on Mitchell’s fifth studio effort For the Roses, which was issued in November 1972. // For The Roses was released between her 2 biggest commercial and critical successes, “Blue” and “Court & Spark.” In 2007 it was one of 50 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry. “For the Roses” was Mitchell’s farewell to the business; she took an extended break for a year after. The album was critically acclaimed with The New York Times saying, “Each of Mitchell’s songs on For the Roses is a gem glistening with her elegant way with language, her pointed splashes of irony & her perfect shaping of images. Never does Mitchell voice a thought or feeling commonly. She’s a songwriter and singer of genius who can’t help but make us feel we are not alone.” A nude photograph of Joni Mitchell was included on the inside cover of the original LP and is included in the CD booklet. The photograph shows the singer from the rear & was taken from a considerable distance; she is shown standing on a rock and staring out at the ocean. This created some controversy at the time.]

10:03

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today we bring you WMM’s 901 show about 90.1 FM KKFI with 9 special guests, who all keep 90.1 – On The Air!

Stay tuned in to hear stories about how it took over ten years to get KKFI started, about how we almost lost KKFI, about the “terrible teenage years” of KKFI, about how lifelong friends were forged at KKFI, about how far KKFI has come in 33 years, and how far we have yet to go. 90.1 FM KKFI is Kansas City’s most original broadcasting station with over 85 weekly LOCALLY PRODUCED radio programs to serve Kansas City’s diverse collective communities! We’ll also spin songs about radio from: Psychic Heat, Elevator Division, Emily King, Kristie Stremel, Nivea, and Anne Feeney. We started the Show with Joni Mitchell.

At 10:00 we talk with Tom Crane – host & producer of World Sound Radio, about “the beginning” of 90.1 FM – KKFI.

At 10:20 Judy Ancel – host & producer of Heartland Labor Forum shares stories about “the struggle” a 3-year public campaign to take back 90.1 FM, restore our name, restore our bylaws, restore our Board, and our Active Members system.

At 10:40 Dorothy Hawkins – host & producer of Mother’s Mix, and Barry Lee – host & producer of Signal To Noise, share stories about the “bump & grind” of 90.1 FM.

At 11:00 Maria Vasquez Boyd – host & producer of ARTSPEAK RADIO and Marion Merritt – host & producer of Wednesday MidDay Medley share stories about “The Friendships” that have been created through KKFI.

At 11:20 Ebony Johnson – host & producer of Ebony’s Bones show, and Catina K Taylor – Vice President of the MidCoast Radio Project Board of Directors share their ideas about “The Current” of The Mid-Coast Radio Project.”

At 11:40 Lesley Pories – President of the MidCoast Radio Project Board of Directors, talks about “The Future” of 90.1 FM KKFI and the continual effort to help 90.1 FM become more secure, live by our mission, and sound as great as possible, while creating a place for volunteers to learn and grow as hosts, producers, engineers and collaborators.

10:05 – Interview with Tom Crane – “The Beginning”

We begin with the beginning, with a man who has been with KKFI when there were fewer than 3 people keeping the dream alive. Tom Crane studied International Affairs at Ohio University. He worked for the Peace Corps and Corporation For National Service (CNS) serving as health volunteer in Africa in Malawi. Tom Crane helped give birth to KKFI. His father, an engineer with WGN in Chicago, helped foster KKFI. At one time radio shows were produced in Tom Crane’s basement studio and recorded on reel to reel to then be taken to the tower to be played. Tom Crane stated his family at KKFI. He has two sons, Cameron Crane and Alex Crane. Tom was one of the members of Friends of Community Radio who worked to take back KKFI in the early 2000s. After a 3-year struggle Tom was reinstated as a programmer and has continued to produce and host his program World Sound on KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City, Mo. Sundays at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, promoting world peace thru world music.

Tom Crane thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 901 Show.

The notes below were all written by Tom Crane and are at: http://www.kkfi.story.org

KKFI started broadcasting as a 100,000-watt FM station on 90.1 on the FM dial in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, February 28, 1988 at about 10:00 AM.

The http://www.kkfistory.org celebrates the work of hundreds of volunteers and the contributions of thousands of listeners who have kept KKFI going through the years. It chronicles some of the history, facts, and, interesting anecdotes about the struggle to get the community radio station going and keep it on the air.

On March 25th, 1977, the Mid-Coast Radio Project was born and was incorporated by a few individuals who supported starting a community radio station – as a Not for Profit Corporation under the laws of Missouri.

Original bylaws for the incorporation of Mid-Coast Radio certified by board secretary 5/10/77.

After incorporation the group of radio & media enthusiasts got together to set up a Communiversity course called “Radio Free Kansas City” for exploration of the idea of a citizen-owned, non-commercial radio station. The Communiversity was a free-university under the auspices of the University of Missouri Kansas City. People from the community could offer courses where ordinary people could enroll ranging from pottery, to investment strategies for a small fee. A quarterly catalog was put out of courses, and “Radio Free Kansas City” was offered several times.

The text book used in the Communiversity class was the 1971 book: Sex and Broadcasting, A Handbook on Starting a Radio Station for the Community, was written by Lorenzo Wilson Milam. Milam is credited with helping start 14 stations from the early 1960s through late 1970s. He got his start in radio volunteering in 1958–1959 at Lew Hill’s KPFA in Berkeley, California. He used a $15,000 inheritance to buy a small FM transmitter in 1959 and spent the next 3 years seeking a broadcasting license “anywhere in the US” from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which assigned him a frequency in Seattle, 107.7FM. With the help of volunteer engineer Jeremy Lansman he was able to get his antique Collins Radio transmitter on the air in 1962, creating the station KRAB. // Milam and Lansman later assisted in the creation of community radio stations around the country, starting in 1968 with KBOO (1968-1971) in Portland, KTAO (1968-1974), KDNA (St. Louis) 1969-72, KPOO-FM) (1972-) San Francisco, KCHU, 1975-77, KFAT (1975-1983) Gilroy, CA, WORT, WRFG 89.3 FM (Atlanta, Georgia), KOPN 89.5 FM (Columbia, Missouri), KZUM 89.3 FM (Lincoln, Nebraska). // The KRAB Nebula, was a tape exchange, using quarter-inch audio tape sent to stations, sharing programs. // According to David Armstrong in A Trumpet to Arms: Alternative Media in America, “Milam’s passion for community radio–and 1.1 million from the sale of a second station, KDNA-St.Louis, to commercial broadcasters in 1973–led him to become a veritable Johnny Appleseed of community radio.” // Lorenzo Wilson Milam, born on August 2, 1933, in Jacksonville, Florida, died on July 19, 2020 in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico, was an American writer and activist who was instrumental in starting many of the first listener-supported community radio stations in the United States, beginning with KRAB in Seattle in 1962. // In 1952, at age 19, he was diagnosed with polio. His sister died of the disease on December 29, 1952, but Milam’s case was milder and he was able to walk with crutches after one year. This is described in his autobiographical book “The Cripple Liberation Front Marching Band Blues.”

In KC a Communiversity Class was offered for students to study this book. From that group of Communiversity student the 501 (c) 3 organization The MidCoast Radio Project was formed.

The first sessions, organized by David Dye, drew about 57 participants. Soon the group adopted the name, “The Mid-Coast Radio Project”. This nomer was chosen as a rejection of the fact that all media are developed and dominated by the East and West Coasts of the United States. Some people whimsically also offered that there had originally been an ocean in the Kansas City area millions of years ago. (In fact, when the eventual KKFI radio station went on the air, it sometimes logged on as, “. . .from the floor of the Inland Sea”.

Soon the group starting publishing newsletters explaining what community radio is to encourage people to get involved.

During the year 1979, the numbers of people involved with Mid-Coast dwindled down to about 3 people, Gil Werner, Tom Crane, and Barbara Blake. The future for putting a community radio station on the air seemed bleak. Then it was discovered that there was some hope from an unlikely source, the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The PTFP (Public Telecommunications Facilities Program) of the Department of Commerce (DOC), announced that from one of their branches the NTIA (National Telecommunications Information Agency), that there would be a limited number of “planning grants” awarded which would enable organizations that were trying to put radio stations on the air that would serve a wide community, to hire someone to explore preparing an FCC application for a radio station.

The idea was since the space on the broadcasting band for non-commercial stations was so small, the DOC wanted to encourage groups that would serve a larger audience.

Gil Werner and Tom Crane discovered this almost too late, but managed to slap-together an ill-prepared application to the PTFP. Since the grants would be awarded in 1980, this put Mid-Coast’s foot in the door to reapply. If the application had not gotten in on time then there would have been no chance to apply for the next year.

The application got sent in in August. With help of a postal-meter and a friend in Washington who could get the document to the Department of Commerce in person, the day was saved.

The application was rejected with a note of encouragement to apply again. At this point Barbara Blake took the reins and prepared a decent application which was re-submitted to the PTFP. Letters of support were received from the community.

The Mid-Coast Radio Project looked like it was not going to succeed. The problem was – there was no spot on the radio dial for a new station – all the spots were taken.

There were 2 low-powered stations at 10 Watts each that occupied space on the non-commercial end of the FM broadcast band. Only a small portion of the broadcast frequencies on the radio dial can be used by non-commercial, non-profit stations – these 2 stations took up that space.

The stations were licensed to what was then Park College – KGSP FM, and to the Nazarene Theological seminary – KTSR FM.

As the situation looked hopeless, the membership of Mid-Coast dropped down from the original 30 or so which had showed up for the Communiversity class “Radio Free Kansas City” to 2 or 3 people who stuck with the goal of a community radio station.

Then, in 1978, things changed. The FCC in its infinite wisdom, decided that since there was a limit to the number of stations that could be put on the FM dial, that they had better make sure that all these stations were serving the most people.

10 Watt stations only could cover an area equivalent to a large neighborhood, and they were taking up a spot on the dial.

So in 1978, the FCC made a new rule that these 10 Watt stations either had to boost their power to 100 Watts, or move to another spot on the dial.

Maybe, just maybe, the small, broke organization, Mid-Coast Radio, could take advantage of the new ruling by negotiating with the two 10 Watt Kansas City stations!

The struggle to put KKFI on the air started in earnest in 1981 when negotiations had to happen with KTSR, the Nazarene station; KGSP, at Park College; and KIEE, a commercial station. The long and drawn out legal work with KTSR will be placed on the KKFISTORY site soon for people to read. It is an amazing story. The letter below highlights attempted negotiation with the Nazarene station which ultimately ended up with them going off the air.

After 11 years of work, Mid-Coast Radio finally put KKFI on the air!

A great party was held at the site of the new studios at the Mainmark Building. The first connection to the transmitter and radio tower was done over phone lines since no “studio-tower-link” had been set up yet.

First song played on KKFI, February 28, 1988 – “When the Ship Comes In!” by Bob Dylan

“. . . and the ship’s wise men
will remind you once again,
that the whole wide world is watching!

Oh the foes will rise,
with the sleep still in their eyes,
and they’ll jerk from their beds
and think they’re dreamin’,

But they’ll pinch themselves and squeal,
and know that it’s for real,
the hour when the ship comes in

And they’ll raise their hands
saying we’ll meet all your demands,
But we’ll shout from the bow,
‘your days are numbered’!

And like pharaoh’s tribe
they’ll be drownded in the tide,
and like Goliath,
they’ll be conquered!”

The first song was played at the Mainmark Building on 1627 Main Street in Kansas City.

The first radio programs were recorded on a reel-to-reel tape recorder produced in temporary basement studios. The tapes were then taken out to the tower location and played back on an identical tape recorder to the transmitter which broadcast the shows.

The station’s first program schedule was 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (signing off to the song “Route 66”). A year later, KKFI would expand to a full 24-hour schedule.

First program guide put together by Kevin Dowd, Matt Quinn, & a crew of KKFI volunteers!

The notes above were all written by Tom Crane and are at: http://www.kkfi.story.org

Tom Crane can tell you about:

Charity Bingo Hall – to raise money for KKFI volunteers worked the Charity Bingo Hall in Midtown Kansas City near Main Street between Linwood and 31st Streets.

KKFI Locations:

MainMark Building, 1627 Main Street (in now the Crossroads)
9001/2 Westport Rd. (Westport)
3901 Main Street (Midtown)

Here are some of the hundreds of people who helped make KKFI happen: Barbara Blake, Ralph Tomlinson, Rachel Kaub, Kevin Dowd, Gil Werner, Mabel Guthrie, Anne Winter, Suzi Colbert, Rev. Sam Mann, Ron McMillan, Jennifer Field, Karen Wright, John Wright, Sunshine Del Hamrick, Lloyd Daniel, Barbara Crist, Bill Hillburn, Michael Hogue, April Fletcher, Steve Peters, and so many more.

Tom Crane thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 901 Show.

World Sound airs on 90.1 FM KKFI – Sundays at 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Promoting world peace thru world music. Tom’s website about KKF’s history is http://www.kkfistory.org

10:22 – Underwriting

3. Anne Feeney – “Look To The Left”
   from: Look To The Left / Center Cut Records / 1992
   [Debut album. Anne Feeney was born July 1, 1951 and died from complications related to COVID-19 on Feb. 3, 2021. Anne Feeney was an American folk musician & singer-songwriter, political activist & attorney. She began her career in 1969 as a student activist playing a Phil Ochs song at a Vietnam War protest, one of many causes she embraced. As an undergraduate she cofounded Pittsburgh’s first rape crisis center and went on to earn a Juris Doctor (law) degree in 1978, seeking to effect social change through the legal system. She worked as a lawyer for 12 years while also pursuing music and activism, and ultimately decided engaging through music was her calling. Blending Irish music with American folk and bluegrass, as well as her political message, she recorded twelve albums and toured most of the period from 1991 to 2015, attending protest rallies and joining the concerts of groups like Peter, Paul and Mary. The latter also recorded a version of Feeney’s anthem for civil disobedience, “Have You Been to Jail for Justice?” // Feeney was born July 1, 1951, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, to Annabelle (née Runner) and Edward J. Feeney. Her mother was a homemaker and her father a chemical engineer at Westinghouse Electric Co. She had one sister, Kathleen. The family moved to the nearby Brookline neighborhood of the city of Pittsburgh in 1954. Feeney’s grandfather, William Patrick Feeney, was a significant early influence on her, as mineworkers’ organizer and violinist who also used his music in the service of political and labor causes. // Feeney graduated from Fontbonne Academy, a Catholic girls’ high school in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, in 1968. // As a high school student, Feeney purchased a Martin D-28 guitar in 1968 and gave her first performance at an anti-war protest in 1969, playing a song by Phil Ochs. She played the same guitar for 40 years. // She enrolled in college at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and joined Thinking Students for Peace, a group that protested the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa. In 1972, while an undergrad, she was arrested in Miami at the Republican National Convention where she was protesting Richard Nixon’s re-nomination for President of the United States. That same year, Feeney attended the annual Conference on Women and the Law. Inspired by the group that founded “Women Organized Against Rape” in Philadelphia, Feeney began a campaign for a rape crisis center in Pittsburgh. This effort became Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), which still provides services to rape victims in the Pittsburgh area as of 2021. Feeney graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. // She enrolled in law school, also at Pitt, and in 1976, she joined a bluegrass band, Cucumber Rapids. The group disbanded in 1977, but Feeney carried on performing locally.// Feeney graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1978. She worked for 12 years as a trial attorney, something she said had interested her as way to effect social change, although later she found her music to be a better route for that goal. While a lawyer, Feeney’s clients were mainly refugees and domestic violence survivors. She was a member of the Gender Bias Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association. // From the early 1980s through the 2010s, Feeney served on the board of Pittsburgh’s Thomas Merton Center, devoted to advocating for peace and justice causes. She was also chapter president of NOW and served on the organization’s state executive board in Pennsylvania. // In 1989, Feeney’s music career became an increasing focus after she won a national song writing contest, the Kerrville New Folk contest. Beginning in 1991, Feeney toured North America and the world to perform and participate in political and labor rallies and events. In 2008, she said in an interview, “I think music is a fantastic way of empowering people and giving them strength and energy. I’ve spent a good part of my life trying to find and write music that will empower people to resist and stand up for what’s right.” Feeney’s music is frequently featured on the broadcast radio program Democracy Now! and her anthem “Have You Been to Jail for Justice?” is featured in the documentaries This is What Democracy Looks Like, Isn’t This a Time: A Tribute to Harold Leventhal and Get Up/Stand Up: The History of Pop and Protest. The song is an ode to civil disobedience, beginning, “Was it Cesar Chavez? Maybe it was Dorothy Day / Some will say Dr. King or Gandhi set them on their way / No matter who your mentors are it’s pretty plain to see / That, if you’ve been to jail for justice, you’re in good company.” // Feeney served as president of the Pittsburgh Musicians’ Union from 1997 to 1998, the first and only woman ever elected to this position, as of 2021. She was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World as well as the American Federation of Musicians. In 2005, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Labor Heritage Foundation. Her business cards described her as “Performer, Producer, Hellraiser.” // Her first recording, Look to the Left, was released in 1992. She put out 12 albums in all, including Union Maid, If I Can’t Dance, Have you Been to Jail for Justice?, and Dump the Bosses Off Your Back. Fenney’s last album was Enchanted Way in 2010. // Feeney and her daughter, Amy Berlin, performed Feeney’s song “Ain’t I a Woman” at the March for Women’s Lives in Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2004. Feeney’s song “Have You Been to Jail for Justice?” was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary and she also worked with John Prine and Pete Seeger. Political cartoonist Mike Konopacki included her recording of “Union Maid” in a flash animation in 2003. She also collaborated with spoken word artist Chris Chandler, whom Sing Out! said “finally met his match with the powerful, radical singer-songwriter” Feeney, and called their performances together “highly entertaining.” // The Washington Post described her music as “blending elements of Irish, bluegrass, folk & pop music while coupling many of her melodies with political lyrics, sometimes tinged with satire & humor, that were reminiscent of the ’60s protest songs.” In 1989, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary wrote expressing his enthusiasm for her music, which he saw as a continuation of his own efforts: “I think your songs are wonderful, your group is terrific and your music rings with resonance of all that Peter, Paul & Mary has attempted to share throughout the last 28 years. It is comforting and exciting to know that the torch of folk music is being passed on to people as concerned, artful and decent as yourselves.” // On Nov. 19, 1977, Feeney married labor attorney Ron Berlin. She & Berlin had 2 children, Dan & Amy. The marriage ended in divorce in 1995. In 2002, she married Swedish political artist Julie Leonardsson. // In Aug. 2010, while touring in Sweden, Feeney was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. She underwent treatment, recovered and returned to touring, but the cancer returned in 2015. // Feeney was in rehabilitation for a fracture in her back when she contracted pneumonia related to COVID-19. She died at UPMC Shadyside hospital in Pittsburgh on Feb. 3, 2021, aged 69, with her family by her side.]

10:26 – Interview with Judy Ancel – “The Struggle”

Judy is Ancel is President of the Cross Border Network. From December 1988 until November 2017 she served at Director of Worker Education & Labor Studies at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She has also worked with Missouri Jobs with Justice. Originally from Maywood, Illinois, she went to elementary school with with John Prine who carried her books home for her in third grade. Judy graduated from Stanford University and received her Masters in History from Hunter College. She is host and producer of The Heartland Labor Forum Kansas City’s only program about the workplace. It airs every Thursday at 6:00 PM, and rebroadcasts at 5:00 AM on Fridays. It is produced by and for working people. The show has been on the air since 1988 and is part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Always choosing to give her volunteer efforts to producing radio, Judy chose not to get involved in KKFI governance, but in 2001, using her own labor organizational background, Judy helped organize a coalition of courageous KKFI programmers who, while continuing to do their weekly shows on KKFI, created the not-for-profit organization, Friends of Community Radio, and filed two lawsuits against the Board of Directors and launched a 3-year public campaign to take back 90.1 FM, restore our name, restore our bylaws, restore our Board, and our Active Members system. After winning the struggle and achieving all of the objectives of FCR Judy later has served as Treasurer of the Board of Directors, Chair of KKFI’s Finance Committee helping to guide KKFI from our difficult teenage years to being financially balanced, with the security we need to continue to grow.

Judy Ancel thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 901 Show.

On May 16, 2002 – Anne Feeney played All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church with Chris Chandler in support of Friends of Community Radio

Judy Ancel first get involved at KKFI 90.1 FM with Heartland Labor Forum in 1989

Mark Manning started as a volunteer in May 2001, and did his first program for The Tenth Voice on Wednesday, June 6, 2001.

Sometime in 2000, KKFI hired a Station Manager who’s name we will change to protect the guilty. We will call him “Louie De Palma” the character Danny Devito played on the late 1970s early 1980s sitcom TAXI. – Louie is the main antagonist of the sitcom. The head dispatcher of the Sunshine Cab Company, Louie spends his time holding court inside the caged-in dispatch office at the garage, arguing with, belittling and bullying the drivers. He not only lacks morals, he is openly proud of his misdemeanors and outright crimes. Louie will do anything to benefit himself.

So… KKFI hired Louie De Palma who had recently been fired from another public radio station in the area after every single female employee at that station complained about his behavior to the General Manager. Louie De Palma filed a lawsuit against the station and asked the court for a “gag order” so that no one could talk about the particulars. No one could warn a 13 year old radio station from hiring Louie De Palma, and that is what happened he became KKFI’s Station Manager.

Immediately he changed things: Bringing in a new Board, finding another set of bylaws in a filing cabinet he claimed were the “real” bylaws. He changed the name of “KKFI Community Radio” to “KKFI Public Radio.” He helped squeeze the Active Member System by helping to create two class of members: 1. “those in good standing,” and 2. “those NOT in good standing.” Essentially the ACTIVE MEMBERS were squeezed to less than 13 “members in good standing”

At http://www.kkfistory.org you can find out the true identity of, “Louie De Palma,” you can see the actual lawsuits filed by Friends of Community Radio, and see newsletters and fliers.

The notes below were all written by Tom Crane and are at: http://www.kkfi.story.org

Friends of Community Radio was founded in 2001 as a response to the takeover of KKFI FM 90.1 by new management.

The group that was now running the station, allegedly illegally in power, tried to change the community radio station into an amorphous “public radio” station aligned with mainstream media. A new general-manager hired in 2000 did not follow the original goals of Mid-Coast radio which was founded in 1977 as a cooperative community effort to put a non-commercial radio station on the air.

Hired in 2000, after tenure with the American Heartland Theater and previous employment with KCUR FM (leaving that radio station under questionable circumstances) “Louie De Palma” was hired by the KKFI board after a recommendation from the personnel committee with some dissent.

During early 2001, it became apparent that KKFI was under threat of radical change as the new general manager purged the voting membership (active members) of the station, with his associates put forth a slate of board candidates to his liking, who were installed to the Mid-Coast board of directors.

The active members who are volunteers who after having proved they have done work for the station are then voted in as voting members, elect the entity that legally owns and governs the station – the board of directors.

A new set of bylaws approved by the reduced voting membership, also made the general manager a voting member of the board which increased his dominance of the station.

Throughout the year the KKFI program schedule became radically changed as programmers of long-standing were pushed out (some representing minority communities), and others resigned their radio shows in protest.

In the May 31, 2001 issue of the Pitch, Kansas City’s alternative news weekly, a scathing article was published on the goings on at KKFI.

Two people who who had long-standing shows on KKFI wrote letters to the editor in June in response to the Pitch article in May. Fortuitously. These letters were read by Denis Moynihan, who happened to be working with an activist group in Lawrence, Kansas. Denis is an associate of Amy Goodman who produces the “Democracy Now” news show on KKFI. Denis would be instrumental in arranging for the visit of Amy in 2002 to help raise funds to fight the station takeover and he offered to help with the KKFI struggle.

Coincidentally, the Pacifica Radio Network was undergoing its own take-over which forced out Amy Goodman and installed a questionable board of its own. Denis, helped link the struggles of KKFI and Pacifica together over the Internet and people around the country also started contributing also to FCR.

Some of those who had founded KKFI and who had worked for years to make community radio in Kansas City sustainable, became increasingly alarmed. They decided to meet on a regular basis to counter the threat.

Ultimately, with no hope of modifying the take-over of the station, the informal group became an underground organization which proposed strategies to remove the current management. This resistance group decided to call itself the Friends of Community Radio (FCR). Some demonstrated in front of the KKFI studio.

Because of threats of retaliation by management, the identities of some FCR activists were forced to remained hidden at first. One person even wore a cardboard mask at a demonstration outside the station, with the face of “Louie De Palma” so s/he would not be identified and lose a radio show.

Friends of Community Radio members soon realized that the only way to solve the problem of what was going on and to save the station was through legal remedies and the court system.

To start the process of getting rid of the current management, Friends of Community Radio in December, 2001 after preparing extensive paperwork, became incorporated in Missouri as a 501(c)3 non-profit group. This meant that FCR as a tax-exempt organization could now cover the costs of hiring attorneys to legally challenge those who were running the station.

As a part of becoming a non-profit organization, Friends of Community Radio passed its own set of by-laws in December, 2001

On December 29, 2001, while some were on vacation. the management cronies passed a resolution at the shrunken active members meeting designation those associated with FCR as enemies which should be expelled from KKFI.

Friends of Community Radio and listeners started raising money with other events, flyers, newsletters, and T-Shirts – in earnest for the needed upcoming battles in court.

On February 15th of 2002, Amy Goodman of “Democracy Now” whose show had been moved to 10 PM away from drive time, performed a benefit at All-Souls Unitarian Church in Kansas City. The purpose was to raise money FCM to mount a legal challenge that would restore the democratic process to KKFI

In April, 2002 after seeking the help of Lawyer Robin Martinez and Aldo Caller, eight members of Friends of Community Radio filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Jackson County to overturn decisions made by the current management of the station. A 19-page legal document was filed with the court.

One of the things that the general manager (GM) did in August, 2002 was to institute an 14-page “volunteer contract” that all people involved with KKFI had to sign. This took away rights and became an instrument of control which the GM could use at his discretion.

In 2002, Friends of Community Radio had taken action in court with a second lawsuit to return the station to volunteer control.

Through the lawyers representing Friends of Community Media – Robin Martinez, and Aldo Caller, a settlement proposal was given to the current KKFI management.

After over two years of drama, turmoil, and strife, it was finally announced by the current board president, Chuck Tackett, that Louie De Palma would resign on September 3rd (after taking a buy-out).

Effective September 1, 2003 Louie De Palma resigned as General Manager of 90.1 FM.

Effective September 2, 2003 Bob Terry accepted the position of General Manager. The Board of Directors assigned Jim Olenick official spokesperson to the media and press. There was no advertised position or interviews for the manager position. Bob Terry was related to one of the Board Members. Bob Terry was in his mid 80s and only had experience in commercial radio. It also took him 30 minutes to climb up KKFI’s rickety wooden staircase.

The notes above were all written by Tom Crane and are at: http://www.kkfi.story.org

After a three-year struggle, KKFI righted itself and was now called a “community-radio” station again, not a “public-radio” station. This article was published in 2004 in the Kansas City Pitch, an alternative weekly newspaper.

Meeting. Meetings. Meetings! – Mark’s Timeline of Friends of Community Radio Events:

Sept. 30, 2001 – Tom Crane Speaks at Culture Under Fire event at Westport Coffeehouse about the struggles to save KKFI.

November 11, 2001- Meeting at Plaza Library of concerned KKFI Programmers that ultimately leads to the formation of FCR Friends of Community Radio

January 26 & 28, 2002 – Friends of Community Radio – mailing – stuffing envelopes, sending newsletter to listeners and the public.

February 24, 2002, FCR Meeting

March 25, 2002 Michael Moore in KC speaks at UMKC and at The Uptown with Iris DeMent

April 13, 2002 – Reclaiming Democracy at All Souls

May 14, 2002 – FCR Meeting

May 16, 2002 – Anne Feeney plays All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church with Chris Chandler in support of Friends of Community Radio

May 20, 2002 – Mark breaks arm in garden with 1st grade students

May 21, 2002 – arriving late to FCR Meeting Mark is informed he’s been elected President of FCR

June 16, 2002 – Judy’s Mediation

June 27, 2002 FCR Board Meeting

June 30, 2002 – Judy’s Mediation

July 11, 2002 – Mediation at All Souls with FCR and KKFI

July 11, 2002 – FCR Meeting at All Souls

July 23, 2002 – FCR Board Meeting

July 28, 2002 – FCR Strategy Meeting at Judy’s

August 6, 2002 – FCR General Meeting

August 9, 2002 – BBB’s “Askew Airwaves” at J.O.B.

August 13, 2002 – FCR Strategy Meeting at Judy’s

August 18, 2002 – FCR Board Meeting

August 22, 2002 – Meet with Judy

August 23, 2002 – Mediation: Judy Ancel & Mark Manning with Jim Murtha & George Biswell

September 3, 2002 – FCR Strategy Meeting at Tom Crane’s

September 8, 2002 – FCR Board Meeting (Ruiz Library)

September 10, 2002 – Justice Not Revenge Rally

September 26, 2002 – FCR Meeting

September 28, 2002 – Barbara Blake honored (Tom outs Mark at FCR President to Louie)

October 10, 2002 – FCR General Meeting

October 22, 2002 – FCR Meeting

October 26, 2002 – Iris DeMent & Greg Brown Benefit Concert for FCR at Unity Temple

October 29, 2002 – FCR Strategy Meeting at Judy’s

November 1, 2002 – Angela Davis at UMKC

November 10, 2002 – FCR Strategy Meeting

November 19, 2002 – FCR Strategy Meeting

November 24, 2002 – FCR Strategy Meeting

November 26, 2002 – FCR Communications Meeting

December 9, 2002 – FCR Communications Meeting

January 5, 2003 – FCR Meeting

January 26, 2003 – FCR General Meeting

January 30, 2003 – FCR Strategy & Communications Meeting

February, 23, 2003 – FCR Protests Outside Station 9001/2 Westport Rd.

March 18, 2003 – FCR Meeting

March 30, 2003 – FCR Meeting

April 10, 2003 – FCR Board Meeting

April 26, 2003 – BBB’s “Gag Reflex” at J.O.B.

April 27, 2003 – Mark speaks at All Souls Forum

April 27, 2003 – FCR Annual Meeting

May 8, 2003 – FCR Board Meeting
June 27, 2003 – FCR Strategy Meeting with FCR Attorney Aldo Caller

June 28, 2003 – KKFI Special Active Members Meeting, called by Jim Murtha, President of KKFI’s Board. A coalition of FCR members, and Blues Programmers attended but would not sign-in in protest of Jim Murtha. This shut down the meeting for lack of quorum.

July 7, 2003 – FCR Communications Meeting

July 10, 2003 – FCR Board Meeting

August 24, 2003 – FCR Strategy Meeting at Judy’s

August 29, 2003 – Meet with FCR Attorney Aldo Caller on Strong Avenue.

September 1, 2003 – Louie De Palma resigned as General Manager

September 2, 2003 – Bob Terry accepted the position of General Manager

September 7, 2003 – FCR Strategy Meeting

September 11, 2003 – FCR Board Meeting

September 15, 2003 – KKFI All Station Meeting at Californos
KKFI programming changed with New Program Director John Jessup. Several Public Affairs and News shows were moved from weekdays to Saturday afternoon: The Tenth Voice, Every Woman, Urban Connections, and Guess Who’s Coming to Kansas City. The Morning Buzz now aired from 6:00 to 9:00 AM, hosted by John Jessup, and MidDay Medley/Eclectics from 9:00 to 11:00 AM hosted by Rebecca Roche. Democracy Now moved to 10:00 PM.

September 21, 2003 – FCR Strategy Meeting

October 16, 2003 – FCR Board Meeting

October 18, 2003 – Rolling Thunder

October 21, 2003 – FCR Strategy Meeting

November 1, 2003 – Amy Goodman & The Wilders at Unity Temple in Benefit for FCR

November 9, 2003 – FCR Strategy Meeting at Judy’s

November 13, 2003 – FCR Board Meeting

December 11, 2003 – FCR Board Meeting

January 8, 2004 – FCR Board Meeting

January 24, 2004 – KKFI Governance
Judy Ancel and Mark Manning were approved by The KKFI Board to serve on the Governance Committee along with Charles Ragsdell, who worked as Chairperson on this important committee, and who’s wife Lori Ragsdell was recently elected to KKFI Board. The Governance Committee was tasked with re-writing the Midcoast Radio Project bylaws.

February 12, 2004 – FCR Board Meeting

February 15, 2004 – KKFI Governance Meeting

February 22, 2004 – KKFI Governance Meeting

February 27, 2004 – KKFI Governance Meeting

March 7, 2004 – KKFI Governance Meeting

March 11, 2004 – FCR Board Meeting

March 23, 2004 – Special KKFI Active Members Meeting to hear new bylaws (called by 5 Active Members and where KKFI Governance Chair – Charles Ragsdell read out loud the extensive new bylaws top the members present, with notes taken and made available to anyone.

March 30, 2004 – Special KKFI Active Members Meeting to hear second reading of new bylaws, read by KKFI Governance Chair – Charles Ragsdell, and then voted on bu quorum of Active members to pass them. The passage of these new bylaws was an achievement and satisfied one of FCR’s biggest objectives to restore our bylaws.

March 28, 2004 – FCR Meeting

April 5, 2004 – Special Meeting of KKFI Active Members
Active Members voted to remove Jim Murtha as a Board Member, Board President, and Active Member. The Motion passed.

April 5, 2004 – Annual Meeting of the Active Members
(After voting out Murtha, FCR members realized there was one more open seat on the Board, and that with their new numbers (as restored members returned) they had the votes to put an FCR member on the Board. FCR chose Mark Manning. Mark later jokingly said, “I was chosen because I was new, no one hated me yet.”

April 5, Mark Manning (Secretary) was elected to Jim Murtha’s old seat along with LaDonna Sanders (Treasurer), Dorothy Hawkins (Vice President), Charles Ragsdell (Active Member Chair), Lori Ragsdell (President), Cindy Terwiliger, Donna Wolfe, and others including a few from the previous Board including George Biswell who had been a soldier for Louie de Palma and had been Active Member Chair when the membership was squeezed down to just 13 voting members who just agreed and passed everything Louie De Palma wanted.

April 20, 2004 – KKFI Board Meeting

April 30, 2004 – KKFI Executive Board met with organizational leaders at KCPT KC PBS

May 3, 2004 – KKFI All Station Meeting
KKFI Programming Changes: The 5 Morning Buzz and 5 Midday Medley were divided to 10 slots with 10 programmers hand picked by John Jessup, Program Director

May 5, 2004 – The first Wednesday MidDay Medley

May 7, 2004 – FCR meets KKFI at All Souls

May 13 – FCR Board Meeting

May 23, 2004 – KKFI Board at Minsky’s

May 25, 2006 – KKFI Executive Board meeting

June 1, 2004 – KKFI Board Meeting

June 27, 2004 – Amy Goodman at Community Christian Church

July 18, 2004 – KKFI Board Meeting

July 29, 2004 Marion’s first WMM

August 16, 2004 – KKFI Board Meeting (Lori Ragsdell resigned as President and from the Board after a difficult dispute with KKFI’s Office Manager, hired previously by Louie De Palma)

(Please Note: Mark created this timeline based on personal notes form his calendars. If you have more correct information please contact Mark. This was a big endeavor with lots of activity, and there is so much more that is part of the story.)

Judy Ancel thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 901 Show.

Judy Ancel is host and producer of The Heartland Labor Forum Kansas City’s only program about the workplace. It airs every Thursday at 6:00 PM, and rebroadcasts at 5:00 AM on Fridays. It is produced by and for working people. The show has been on the air since 1988 and is part of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.

10:41

4. Psychic Heat – “Black Radio” from: Sunshower / High Dive Records / May 27, 2016
   [Psychic Heat was created by Evan Herd & Tanner Spreer. After releasing their EP Lighter and Brighter in 2015 they quickly turned their attention to their first full length Sunshower being released through High Dive Records. Sunshower is Engineered by Ron Miller (Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds) & mixed/mastered by Kliph Scurlock (previously of the Flaming Lips). Psychic Heat is: Steve/Evan Herd on guitar & vocals, Tanner Spreer on guitar & vocals, James Thomblison on bass, and Mark Rockwell on drums.]

10:43 – Interview with Dorothy Hawkins and Barry Lee – “The Bump & Grind”

Dorothy Hawkins is host & producer of Mother’s Mix, Mondays from 3:00 to 6:00 PM on 90.1 FM since 1999. Dorothy came to Kansas City from Great Bend, Kansas. She studied Sociology at Rockhurst University, and studied Economics at UMKC where she also worked. Dorothy is a mother and grandmother. She was elected to the MidCoast Radio Project Board of Directors in 2004 where she served as Vice President. Dorothy also served as an interim Station Manager for six months. A midtown resident Dorothy practices Yoga, Buddhism, positive thinking and she taught me to chant during stressful board meetings.

Dorothy Hawkins thanks for being with us on our 901 Show

Barry Lee is host of Signal to Noise heard Friday nights at 9:00 here on KKFI 90.1 FM. Barry has been a longtime programmer at KKFI. Barry Lee lives in Lawrence but grew up in the Independence and Raytown areas. He studied creative writing, poetry and radio at UMKC. Barry Lee has organized multiple benefit concerts for KKFI including his annual Beatles Tribute shows, A Tribute to Pete Seeger, and special “Collaborations” recordings. It was while playing in a tribute to Neil Young that Barry and friends formed Broken Arrows, a 5-piece band that has released multiple records to critical acclaim. Barry Lee has also played and recorded with The Jubilee Mystics, and this year is releasing new music as Barry Lee and The Mystic Arrows.

Barry Lee thank you for being with us on our 901 Show

Dorothy Hawkins & Barry Lee shared stories about the “bump & grind” of 90.1 FM, the “terrible teenage years” of KKFI, a rickety unaccessible staircase, unconscious guests in the studio, and being Station Managers.

Dorothy was brought into the station by Wendy Mason who in 1999, as office manager, was serving as programmer Monday through Friday 6:00 to 9:00 on the Morning Buzz and then doing organizational work in the office. Wendy recruited Dorothy because Wendy thought the station needed more female DJs. Barry Lee trained Dorothy as a programmer.

Barry Lee started early at KKFI, in 1986. He also signed the incorporation papers to create the not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization: Friends of Community Radio.

In our last segment we talked with Judy about “The Struggle” to save KKFI. Barry actually resigned from his show in protest of what Barrientos was doing to the station in 2001. Lonesome Cowboy Bill Hilburn joined Barry in the on-air resignation.

Dorothy, also lived through “The Struggle” and ended up in being elected to the Board of Directors in April 2004. Friends of Community Radio had won all of their objectives, but in many ways KKFI was facing even more challenges during our difficult teenage years.

One of the first things Dorothy and Mark and the other Executive Board (Lori Ragsdell, LaDonna Sanders, Chales Ragsdell) had to do was on April 30, 2004 – when KKFI Executive Board Members met with organizational leaders at KCPT Channel 19 PBS. The previous Louie De Palma Board had been hatching a plan. After changing the name from “Community radio” to “Public Radio” they had been in serious negotiation with KCPT to move KKFI’s entire operation into the facilities at KCPT

We also were working with a Station Manager hired by the previous Louie De Palma Board of Cronies. The manager was in his mid 80s and it took him 30 minutes to climb KKFI’s rickety staircase. He once called Mark while he was at work teaching a 6th grade class a gardening workshop, asked Mark to tell him what LGBT meant.

Four months into our terms The Board President Lori Ragsdell and Active Member Chair Charles Ragsdell resigned and left KKFI.

Dorothy and Mark served together on a Board that went through several management hirings that didn’t work out. In-between permanent managers, the Board appointed temporary, “Interim Managers” after serving on the Board, Dorothy was asked to temporarily step in an Interim Station Manager for six months.

Barry Lee volunteered to be Station Manager and was hired by the Board in a paid position for nearly two years. He became an important link to the Folk Alliance International Conference that was now based in Kansas City and help creat Live Broadcasts from the Conference. He also helped get The Boogie Bridge and River Trade radio on the air at 90.1 FM.

One of the things we try to avoid in radio is “dead air” but Dorothy one day came in to do her show. The Jazz Programmer was packing up his stuff and exiting the studio when Dorothy noticed a passed out man sitting in the guest chair. What about him? she asked, the Jazz Programmers was almost out the door and stopped to realize the situation. 911 was called and an ambulance took away the passed out guest.

Barry Lee for many years you produced your show on Sundays followed by Lonesome Cowboy Bill Hilburn, one of the funniest men on planet earth.

Dorothy Hawkins was at one time the “baby sitter” for Luscious Lynn of Beauticians’s Blues.

Dorothy Hawkins & Barry Lee, thanks for being with us on our 901 Show

Dorothy Hawkins – host & producer of Mother’s Mix, Mondays from 3:00 to 6:00 PM

Barry Lee is host of Signal to Noise, Friday nights 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – “Support for Wednesday MidDay Medley from Blue Fox Productions”

5. Various Artists – “WKRP In Cincinnati”
   from: All-Time Top 100 TV Themes / TVT Records / 2005
   [WKRP in Cincinnati is an American sitcom television series that features the misadventures of the staff of a struggling fictional radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show was created by Hugh Wilson and was based upon his experiences working in advertising sales at Top 40 radio station WQXI in Atlanta. Many of the characters and even some of the stories (including that of the Season 1 episode “Turkeys Away”) are based on people and events at WQXI.Wilson once told The Cincinnati Enquirer that he selected WKRP as the call sign to stand for C-R-A-P. // The ensemble cast consists of Gary Sandy (as Andy Travis), Howard Hesseman (Dr. Johnny Fever), Gordon Jump (Arthur Carlson), Loni Anderson (Jennifer Marlowe), Tim Reid (Venus Flytrap), Jan Smithers (Bailey Quarters), Richard Sanders (Les Nessman) and Frank Bonner (Herb Tarlek). // The series won a Humanitas Prize and received 10 Emmy Award nominations, including three for Outstanding Comedy Series. Andy Ackerman won an Emmy Award for Videotape Editing in Season 3. // WKRP premiered on September 18, 1978 on the CBS television network and aired for four seasons and 90 episodes, ending on April 21, 1982. Starting in the middle of the second season, CBS repeatedly moved the show around its schedule, contributing to lower ratings and its eventual cancellation. // When WKRP went into syndication, it became an unexpected success. For the next decade, it was one of the most popular sitcoms in syndication, outperforming many programs that had been more successful in prime time, including all the other MTM Enterprises sitcoms. // Jump, Sanders and Bonner reprised their roles, appearing as regular characters in a spin-off/sequel series, The New WKRP in Cincinnati, which ran from 1991 to 1993 in syndication. Hesseman, Reid and Anderson also reprised their roles as guest stars.]
6. Elevator Division – “Radio”
   from: Years / Second Nature Recordings / September 7. 2004
   [Elevator Division play recordBar October 1, with Namelessmumberheadman]

11:03 – Interview with Marion Merritt and Maria Vasquez Boyd – “The Friendships”

Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, She grew up in Los Angeles, and St. Louis. She went to college in Columbia, Missouri. She studied art and musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films and punk rock music. She saw Talking Heads on their first U.S. tour when they played One Block West, in 1978. For 17 years she has been sharing her sonic discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic brain on Wednesday MidDay Medley. Marion has joined us for every WMM on-air fund drive to help raise funds for the MidCoast Radio Project. Along with her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is also the proprietor of Records With Merritt, at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri, that feature in-store performances from young and upcoming bands.

Marion Merritt thank you for being with us on our 901 Show.

Maria Vasquez Boyd is an artist, poet, educator, and radio show host & producer. She has been a regular contributor to Wednesday MidDay Medley where she has produced shows about Ukuleles, The Day of The Dead, and The Artist’s Studio. She has been a regular cast member in our “He Touched Me Gospel Hour” programs, and has contributed original material for almost all of our “A Story In A Song” shows, including our live show at recordBar, and Big Bang Buffet Black Sheep Rising at The Buffalo Room. Maria is graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, where she has taught in the Design/Illustration Department, as well as, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Maria is a founding member of the Latino Writers Collective. Maria uses all of her experience as the host and producer of ARTSPEAK Radio which airs Wednesdays at Noon, following Wednesday Midday Medley on 90.1 FM KKFI. Soon ARTSPEAK Radio will be celebrating 9 years on the air!

Maria Vasquez Boyd, thanks for being with us on our 901 Show

We always wanted someone from a record store to have a regular presence on WMM. Marion’s first WMM was on July 29, 2004. For 17 years Marion has had a huge influence on our playlists

Mark first met Marion when shoe walked up to him and handed him the Philip Glass recordings of the Low Symphony with David Bowie and Brian Eno, saying, “I think you may be interested in this.” Mark continually asks Marion when she learned she has musical E.S.P.

Maria Congratulations on ARTSPEAK Radio!

Mark met Maria at The Writer’s Place. Mark was on the Board of KKFI’s MidCoast Radio Project, Maria was on the board of Latino Writer’s Collective. They would both go in early to set up for their meetings. Maria was a guest on WMM and was welcomed you back to produce & host several shows on WMM. After a few years of being “Guest Producer” it became clear that Maria should create Artspeak Radio.

Mark and Maria became friends, and Mark became Maria’s “Radio Husband”.

Mark and Marion really didn’t know each other in the beginning, but throughout these 17 years they’ve become close friend. Mark has watched Marion’s life transition from corporate retail to owning her own record store, with her partner Ann Stewart, in the neighborhood where Mark lives.

Marion & Maria both ended up producing & hosting radio programming for nearly two decades.

Marion And Maria both ended up serving on the Board.

Maria Vasquez Boyd, and Marion Merritt thanks for being with us on our 901 Show

ArtSpeak Radio airs Wednesday at Noon. Records With Merritt, at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri, More info at http://www.recordswithmerrtitt.com

11:18 – Underwriting

11:20

7. Nivea – “Don’t Mess With The Radio”
   from: Nivea / Zonma Recordings / September 25, 2001
   [Nivea B. Hamilton (born March 24, 1982),[3] better known by the mononym Nivea, is an American singer whose recordings reached the Billboard charts during the early 2000s. Nivea is known most for her Grammy-nominated hit “Don’t Mess with My Man” as well as “Laundromat” and “Okay” featuring YoungbloodZ & Lil’ Jon. She has released three studio albums: Nivea (2001), Complicated (2005), Animalistic (2006), and an independently released extended play Nivea: Undercover (2011). // On September 26, 2019, she released her album Mirrors, including the single “Circles”. // Hamilton was born in Savannah, Georgia, the youngest of three sisters. She sang in a church choir and admired the music of Mariah Carey.[6] Nivea admitted to being shy in a BET “Finding Nivea” interview. She said, “I never wanted anyone to hear me sing… my parents would turn down the radio.]

11:22 – Interview with Ebony Johnson and Catina Taylor – “The Current”

Ebony M. Johnson is native to Kansas City, however she has lived, studied and worked throughout the United States. Ebony received her Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and she received her Masters degree in Arts from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. With her MBA Ebony is an arts and entrepreneurial advocate who thrives on making connections and a beautiful life. Ebony is host and producer of one of KKFI’s newest public affairs shows, Ebony’s Bones, which airs every Wednesday night at 6:00 PM (CST). Ebony is a natural conversationalist, she nourishes kitchen table conversations that seek to explore black folk, question what we’ve been told to believe and decolonize.

Ebony Johnson, thanks for being with us on our 901 Show

Catina Taylor serves as Vice President of the MidCoast Radio Project 90.1 FM KKFI’s parent organization. She is Founder, CEO at Dreams Consulting and Founder and Executive director at Dreams KC a rigorous educational environment which uses the Project Based Learning strategy to reengage students & increase achievement.Studied B.S. Paralegal Studies Political science at Avila University where she graduated in 1996. From 1996 to 1999. Catina is from Kansas City. She is a former 1st Grade Teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School from 2005 – 2011.

Catina Taylor, thanks for being with us on our 901 Show

Ebony heard Maria Vasquez Boyd at an event talking about KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. Ebony started co-hosting and co-producing on shows: Every Woman, Guess Who’s Coming to Kansas City, Urban Connections.

Ebony encouraged Catina to run for a position on KKFI’s Board of Directors.

Ebony has volunteered as part of several public affairs programs on KKFI including Guess Who’s Coming To Kansas City, Urban Connections. She has filled in on Jazz programs and as host of ARTSPEAK RADIO, she has served on staff os the Volunteer Coordinator, and served on KKFI’s Board of Directors.

Ebony’s Bones is cohosted by Historian & Professor AJ Lowe the team also includes: Dominique McCrary, and Ronkeia Bates a recent journalism graduate.

KKFI Mission Statement

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

KKFI Philosophy Statement

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

Ebony Johnson, and Catina Taylor thanks for being with us on our 901 Show.

Ebony is host and producer of Ebony’s Bones, which airs every Wednesday night at 6:00 PM (CST).

To learn more about Dreams KC you can visit: http://www.dreamskc.weebly.com/

11:36

8. Kristie Stremel – “Radio”
   from: Here Comes The Light / Stremeltome / July 1, 2003
   [Last year on November 13, 2020 Kristie released her 11th full length release.. Recorded at Stremeltone Studio, Kansas. Mixed by John Hobson. Mastered by Paul Malinowski. Kristie Stremel on vocals & guitar, Lance Gilchrist on drums, Jason Hammond on bass, Ryan McCall on keyboards, and John Hobson on guitar & vocals. Described as “Joan Jett & Tom Petty’s love child,” and armed with her guitar, fueled by coffee, and over 85 published songs, singer, songwriter, producer, rock & roll mom, Kristie Stremel has 11 full-length releases in her musical career of over 20 years. She has recorded as a solo artists and also on the bands Frogpond, and The 159ers. In October, 2013 Kristie and her partner, Lori Isabell, welcomed their adopted baby son, Charlie, into their family. In April 2014 Kristie released her 6th solo record, and the 9th full-length release of her musical career of over 20 years. SONGWRITER was released on her own label, Stremeltone, it was Kristie’s first self-produced album. Stremeltone Records, was created in her home in Lawrence. The last track, “It’s Enough” was released early, as a video, featuring photos of couples in partnerships, relationships, marriages, unions, families. The video was Kristie’s response the the KS House of Representatives passing HD 2453 allowing businesses the right to refuse service to LGBT customers. In 2015 Kristie released, WILDFLOWERS, her children’s book of song and poems with accompanying CD recording with contributions from Victor & Penny, Kelley Hunt, Ron Megee, Kasey Rausch and more. In 2016 Kristie released the single “Orlando (Keep Dancing).” The song was written by: Kristie Stremel in response to the Pulse Nightclub massacre on June 12, 2016, when Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old security guard, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in a hate crime inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Pulse was hosting Latin Night and most of the victims were Latino. About 320 people were inside the club, which was serving last call drinks at around 2:00 a.m. After arriving at the club by van, Omar Mateen approached the building on foot, armed with a SIG Sauer MCX semi-automatic rifle and a 9mm Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol and bypassed security and began shooting and taking hostages. After a three-hour standoff, he was shot and killed by Orlando Police Department officers. It was both the deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter and the deadliest incident of violence against LGBT people in United States history. It was also the deadliest terrorist attack in the US since the 9 /11 attacks in 2001. “Keep Dancing” was included in the new release SKY CREW. More info at: http://www.kristiestremel.com]

11:38 – Interview with Lesley Pories – “The Future”

Lesley Pories is President of the MidCoast Radio Project Board of Directors, Lesley moved to KC seven years ago and has been volunteering at 90.1 FM for most of that time, and has served on the Board of Directors for five of those years. A DC native, Lesley has a Masters in Urban Planning from UNC Chapel Hill and a Masters in International Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Aside from the East Coast, she’s lived and worked in Uzbekistan, India and Guinea. Here in KC, she also serves on the Board of BikeWalkKC. During the day, Lesley works as a Manager, Sector Strategy for the non-profit, Water.org.

Lesley Pories, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Lesley has two Masters Degrees

She served in The Peace Corps in Uzbekistan

She worked with The Carter Center – observing political elections in Guinea

Lesley works as a Manager, Sector Strategy for Water.org based in Kansas City.

Since volunteering at KKFI over 6 years ago Lesley has been very involved with Membership and Active Membership, and became a Board Member

Lesley has been instrumental in bringing more of the community onto KKFI’s Board of Directors.

Lesley has worked on KKFI’s long-term strategies, and the continual effort to make 90.1 FM sound as great as possible, while creating a place for volunteers to learn and grow as hosts, producers, engineers and collaborators.

Lesley and Mark discussed the great Staff Members at KKFI 90.1 FM

Bill Sundahl, Development Director, Developmen@kkfi.org

Bill Sundahl became Development Director in July of 2017. He joined KKFI 90.1 FM in May of 2014 as Events & Volunteer Coordinator. He has completed the Fundraising Leadership Series at Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership in the UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of management and is working to expand the fundraising capacity of KKFI. // Prior to that he was owner of Spice of Life Productions. For more than a decade he has produced the Crossroads Music Fest, the Spring Dance, The Donkey Show. and many more great Kansas City events . He is also a working musician, playing bass and singing in the Starhaven Rounders. // In 2020, Bill has been a presenter for the NFCB (National Federation of Community Broadcasters) on Event Management an Underwriting as well as a panelist on Monthly Giving presented by the Greater KC chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). He has also been honored with an Urban Hero Award from the Kansas City Downtown Council in 2007 and has won two Pitch Music Awards.

Chad Brothers, Chief Operator & Traffic Coordinator, Chief Operator@kkfi.org

Chad Brothers joined KKFI as Chief Operator in August 2019. He has been an avid listener, donor, and often guest on various KKFI programs for nearly two decades as a resident and working musician in Kansas City. // Chad grew up on a small family farm outside of Winfield, KS, where he developed a love for music and listening to radio while spending long days on a tractor working in the fields. He attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. It was there where he also logged hours as a late night DJ on campus radio station The Wildcat 91.9. Chad has been playing guitar and performing music for over 28 years and operates a home recording studio out of his basement. // You can find Chad performing live in his various musical projects in KC and beyond with Old Sound, Shapiro Brothers (with his wife Mikal Shapiro), Supermassive Black Holes, Scott Stanton and The Butter Band, Howard Iceberg, and Chris Hudson.

Darryl Oliver, Volunteer Coordinator, Volunteer@kkfi.org

Darryl joined KKFI as Volunteer Coordinator in May 2020. // Darryl moved to Overland Park from Macon, GA when his family opened the first Bonanza Steak House franchise in the Kansas City area. He attended Alcorn State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in English. His varied career has included stints in advertising & marketing communications, computer consulting, tech support, broadcasting and telecommunications. // Darryl enjoys live music – especially jazz at any of Kansas City’s fine venues, and is an avowed word nerd. // Favorite quote: “Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put.” -Winston Churchill

Shaina Littler, Office Manager, Office@kkfi.org

Shaina Littler hails from Kansas City, Missouri’s Waldo neighborhood. She is a recent graduate of MCCKC having earned her AAS degree as an honors student in the Spring of 2018.
During her time with MCCKC Shaina was an active member and volunteer of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, as well as a mentor and tutor to her fellow accounting students. Shaina is a committed lifelong learner, with the dream of becoming an educator. She is continuing her education in the accounting field as a graduate student, with the goal of better serving her community through platforms and opportunities such as those presented by KKFI.
Shaina has over a decade of hospitality management experience working exclusively for locally owned and operated firms in the Greater Kansas City Area. While her background is not in broadcasting or programming, she descends from a long line of musicians and community advocates, who have inspired her to pursue work with nonprofit organizations. In her free time, Shaina is most notably found enjoying precious moments with her husband, children, and pets.

Sam Wisman, Community Marketing Representative, Data & Traffic Specialist, Sam@kkfi.org

If for any reason you need more help please contact the Underwriting Coordinator.
816-994-7869 or email Development (at) kkfi.org.

Volunteer Staff:

Mike Lytle, Station Manager, Manager@kkfi.org

Mike Lytle has been part of the KKFI family since 2003. He has served in many positions from phone volunteer to being a member of the Board Of Directors and everything in between. He enjoys his own long standing radio show that is on KKFI every Friday night beginning at 7pm CST. “The Real Deal” plays a variety of unique and rare rock music that you will not hear anywhere else. // Mike grew up in and around the radio business with his parents being “radio people” in Kansas City all of his life. Mike has spent a good portion of his career in commercial radio, but his love of non commercial radio and serving the KKFI Mission Statement is his primary focus. // Mike graduated from Kansas University with a BA in Psychology in 1978 and is lucky number is 128 1/2.

Norm Browning, KKFI Music Librarian AKA ‘Alley Cat’, newmusic@kkfi.org

Lesley Pories Thanks for being with us on Show 901.

For more info on KKF you can go to http://www.kkfi.org

11:54

9. Emily King – “Radio (Acoustic)”
   from: Sides / ATO Records / January 27, 2020
   [Emily King (born July 10, 1985) is an American singer and songwriter. She started her career in 2004 and her first album East Side Story was released in August 2007. In December 2007, King was listed as a Grammy nominee for Best Contemporary R&B Album. In 2019 Emily King was nominated for Best R&B Song for the 62nd Grammy Awards and her album Scenery was nominated for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. In 2020 Emily King was nominated again, this time for t for her song “See Me”. // Born in New York City in 1985, King grew up in a small apartment on the Lower East Side. Her parents, Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti, were a singing duo who performed and traveled regularly taking her and her older brother with them. At age 16, King left high school after earning her GED to pursue her music career. She began playing shows in restaurants and venues around New York City including CBGB and The Bitter End. // King signed her first record deal with J Records in 2004 and appeared on Nas’ 2004 album Street’s Disciple credited as simply “Emily”. Her first album East Side Story was released in August 2007. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album of the Year. After leaving the label in 2008, King continued her work independently with producer Jeremy Most. She self-recorded her follow-up EP Seven in her home, released in July 2011. Throughout this time, King toured domestically and internationally with many artists including Nas, John Legend, Floetry, Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, and Maroon 5. // In 2012, King was awarded the Holly Prize (a tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly) from The Songwriters Hall of Fame for recognition of the “all-in songwriter” whose work exhibits the qualities of Holly’s music: true, great and original. In the fall, King was invited by Emeli Sandé to open for her UK tour playing sold out shows in five cities including at The Royal Albert Hall in London. King collaborated with José James on his album No Beginning No End in 2013 and can be heard on the tracks “Heaven on the Ground” and the acoustic version of “Come to My Door”. In 2014, King performed as an opening act for Sara Bareilles’ Little Black Dress tour. //King’s second studio album, The Switch, was self-released by her own label, Making Music Records, on 26 June 2015. The Wall Street Journal remarked that the album is “a tasteful collection of eleven songs that showcase King’s distinctive voice”. // She signed with the independent label ATO Records in 2017 and with them released her third studio album, Scenery, on 1 February 2019. // In late 2019, King once again performed as an opening act for Sara Bareilles in her Amidst The Chaos Tour. // In 2019, King helped to compose “Being Human”, the ending theme song for the Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe Future, which she sang. Her song “Can’t Hold Me” was also used in an episode of the series. // King released her fourth studio album, Sides, on January 17, 2020. The album features acoustic takes on her previous songs, and includes a guest appearance by Sara Bareilles on the track “Teach You.” In response to racial unrest in the summer of 2020, King released the song “See Me” in August. The song was nominated for Best R&B Performance in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.]

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

Next week on WMM, on August 11 we bring you show # 902 with Flare Tha Rebel and Bob Pulliam. Plus Mike Alexander of Hipshot Killer, Plus, MG Salazar & Ignacio Carvajar of La Resistencia Press.

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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

Show #901

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, August 4, 2021

WMM’s show # 901 shares stories about 90.1 FM KKFI
with 9 special guests, who all keep 90.1 – On The Air!

Tune in to hear stories about how it took over ten years to get KKFI started, about how we almost lost KKFI, about the “terrible teenage years” of KKFI, about how lifelong friends were forged at KKFI, about how far KKFI has come in 33 years, and how far we have yet to go. 90.1 FM KKFI is Kansas City’s most original broadcasting station with over 85 weekly LOCALLY PRODUCED radio programs to serve Kansas City’s diverse collective communities! We’ll also spin songs about radio from: Psychic Heat, Elevator Division, Emily King, Kristie Stremel, Nivea, Anne Feeney, and Joni Mitchell.

At 10:00 we talk with Tom Crane – host & producer of World Sound Radio, who talks about “the beginning” of 90.1 FM – KKFI, and the years of working the Charity Bingo Hall to raise money to purchase the license and our tower. We’ll also discuss creating radio in a basement, driving tapes to the tower, and Sex and Broadcasting.

At 10:20 Judy Ancel – host & producer of Heartland Labor Forum shares stories about “the struggle” and the courage of a small coalition of KKFI programmers who, while continuing to do their weekly shows on KKFI, created the not-for-profit organization, Friends of Community Radio, and filed two lawsuits against the Board of Directors and launched a 3-year public campaign to take back 90.1 FM, restore our name, restore our bylaws, restore our Management, Board, and our Active Members system.

At 10:40 Dorothy Hawkins – host & producer of Mother’s Mix, and Barry Lee – host & producer of Signal To Noise, share stories about the “bump & grind” of 90.1 FM, the “terrible teenage years” of KKFI, a rickety unaccessible staircase, unconscious guests in the studio, and being Station Managers.

At 11:00 Maria Vasquez Boyd – host & producer of ARTSPEAK RADIO joins Marion Merritt – host & producer of Wednesday MidDay Medley to share stories about “The Friendships” that have been created through KKFI, and how they first were invited onto the airwaves of 90.1 FM KKFI, and how they ended up producing and hosting radio programming for nearly two decades.

At 11:20 Ebony Johnson – host & producer of Ebony’s Bones Show, and Catina K Taylor – Vice President of the MidCoast Radio Project Board of Directors speak about “The Current” of The Mid-Coast Radio Project,” about they jumped in as volunteers, board members, and programmers, and about the mission “to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.”

At 11:40 Lesley Pories – President of the MidCoast Radio Project Board of Directors, talks about how she first became a volunteer at 90.1 FM, and was eventually elected to the board and as president. We’ll ask Lesley about 90.1 FM tower and location, about KKFI’s long-term strategies, and the continual effort to make 90.1 FM sound as great as possible, while creating a place for volunteers to learn and grow as hosts, producers, engineers and collaborators.

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

Show #901

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

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

WMM Celebrates 900 Shows with four of our most favorite musical guests: Calvin Arsenia, Krystle Warren, Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear, and Ivory Blue

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

1. Calvin Arsenia – “Experience”
   from: Catastrophe / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017
   [Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artists. Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in the Kansas City music scene and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter/performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies. Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. His full-length album Catastrophe on February 14, 2017, His EP Caviar in Novenber 2017. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, was released on September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On September 20, 2019 Calvin released LA Sessions. On December 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC. Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin was first on WMM on July 25, 2012. He has appeared live on 19 shows, including today, and most recently on Oct 14, 2020]

10:04 – Interview with Calvin Arsenia

Calvin Arsenia has been described as,”Jeff Buckley meets Nina Simone with the soul of Sam Cooke, and the sparkle of Bjork on a harp.” Calvin Arsenia is one of our most frequent guests who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. Today marks his 19th appearance! Since signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, L.A. Sessions in 2019, the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is getting ready to release a book, an new musical, and new tours of the East Coast and West Coast. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com

Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Calvin Arsenia plays The Cable Building, 1321 Burlington Street, North Kansas City, on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM, for a live podcast recording of Spirituality Adventures with live speaking from Fred Herron. Previous podcast: Former Evangelical Megachurch Pastor Fred Herron and I talk about my musical career and Cantaloupe. We talk about the context of my show at the Gem Theater, incorporating the Marching Pythons as well as civil rights and gay marriage.

Calvin Arsenia plays The Candlelight Sessions at PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave Kansas City, MO Monday, August 2, at 6:30 PM – The Candlelight Sessions Showcase is an intimate and experimental open mic and networking event designed and curated by Calvin Arsenia to elevate and empower singers, musicians, writers, and artists who are looking to expand the depth and breadth of their craft. 1-3 songs/pieces or 10 minutes per performer. This is a chance to share what your passions are and what you Pedal harp, acoustic steel string guitar, and a non-weighted keyboard are provided.

Calvin plays the Inner Sanctuary with Maralis Self on Wednesday, Aug 25 at 7:00PM at The Shop, 407, N 6th St., Kansas City, KS – There is a magnificent thing that happens once we become more aware of, connected to and more perceptive of our own energy. We can then learn ways to sense and navigate that energy. We, as humans, are in charge of our own energy. We get to discern and decide what our reactions to energy and emotions will be. Join Calvin & Maralis as we discuss ways to direct your energy, and ways you can begin to utilize your energy for self-healing. We will learn and experience how music and sound can work harmoniously in tandem with our efforts to uplift and shift. If you missed the first event in the series, not to worry, we have notes! Come as you are, ready to connect, with an open mind and an open heart. We will learn, we will move, we will experience music, and we will share in the beautiful harmonious vibration we create. Join us! *Please bring a mat or something to sit /lay on, a blanket if you’d like, a journal and your favorite writing utensil. **Handout will be provided with the teaching and with our information.

Calvin is working on a new book that will be released by Andrews McMeel Publishing

Calvin is also working on a new musical about Marie Antoinette with Calvin playing in the title role.

Calvin came home to KC in 2014 after working in Edinburgh, Scotland. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch in 2018, and 2020, and featured in Billboard, NPR.org, and GRAMMY.com, Calvin’s classically trained voice, visually striking 6-foot-7 presence, and deft harp playing have built his reputation as an incredible live performer.

Calvin Arsenia’s angelic stylings on voice & harp create rare harmonies & arrangements that look past the boundaries of traditional gospel & classical disciplines finding the most direct line of expression to inform common struggles. Known for his elaborate and ceremonious sensory concert experiences that merge jazz & electronic influences, “Calvin has consistently delivered genre-bending (and gender-bending) shows that tackle sexuality, religion, and race in a stunningly unorthodox manner. Somewhere between sacred and sacrilege.”

Calvin recently played shows in Homer, Alaska and on the West Coast.

Calvin can be heard on several tracks currently on the radio:

Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel”
From La Cuarentena EP / 3/2 Recordings / February 5, 2021

Rob Rice – “Tiny Window (feat. Calvin Arsenia & Ezgi Karakus)”
from: “Tiny Window” – Single / Rob Rice / March 3, 2021
[1st single from the debut EP of Rob Rice titled, and the Devil’s Threesome to be released March 21, 2021.. Singer/songwriter Rob Rice is a Kansas City native with a spark of millennial magic, his dusty acoustic music transitions from barn-burning ballads to soothing serenades, all of which contain notes of love, loss, and lust whilst learning to live with oneself through it all. On his debut EP and the Devil’s Threesome, Rob humbly assumes the role of choirmaster to a caravan of iconic Kansas City artists and musicians (12 in total) to create unique trios for each song, meditating and musing on the woes and wins of yesteryear.

True Lions – “Blue Marble feat. Calvin Arsenia”
from: The Fempire Strikes Back, / Manor Records / April 9, 2021
[Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Calvin Arsenia on harp & vocals, Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion, Fritz Hutchison on lead electric guitar, Iona DeWalt on synthesizers;, Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Teri Quinn on bass, plus a sample of Greta Thurnberg’s speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in NYC, Sept. 2019. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on Feb. 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on Nov. 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams &Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing & Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. Info at: http://www.manorrecords.com ] ]

Calvin is working on a new record with J. Ashley Miller and Simon Huntley

Congratulations to Calvin and his fantastic team of co-conspirators & creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, & crew. The Toxic music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song & Best Male Vocalist.

Born in Orlando, Florida, his creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in the Kansas City music scene and beyond.

His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life.

Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter/performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’

Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe (Center Cut Records), has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. Calvin performed live at L.A.’s The Mint, showcasing the songs on LA Sessions with the musicians who collaborated with him on the album. Says Calvin: “It’s such a special experience to play with them. To be able to perform these songs in front of an audience and do this for a living – to have made a career out of something I love is so amazing – it is an honor that I never take for granted.”

On September 15, 2018 Calvin released Cantaloupe on Center Cut Records.

Calvin released L.A. Sessions September 20, 2019 on Center Cut Records

Calvin Arsenia – Honeydew / Center Cut Records / June 28, 2019
[On September 15, 2018 Calvin released Cantaloupe on Center Cut Records. This new EP is a remix of three of the songs from Cantaloupe, plus a Talking Heads cover that was performed live in this style at a New Year’s Eve show at The Truman opening for Making Movies who performed the entire Talking Heads album, Remain in Light. The last three songs on Honeydew were from performed in this style at The Nelson Atkins 2019 event “Party Arty.” Honeydew was produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley, Calvin Arsenia.

Quixotic & Calvin Arsenia – “Goddess – EP / Quixotic / May 17, 2019
[An innovative performance art collective that fuses imagination with technology, dance, projection, mapping & live music to create fully-immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Quixotic harnesses light, rhythm and expressive emotion. Quixotic was given Silicon Valley’s unofficial stamp of genius when they were invited to perform at the global TED Conference in 2012. A unique blend of performance art, technology & emotion. Quixotic fuses all these elements in to what the New York Times branded an “innovative circus performance”.]

Calvin Arsenia – all is calm / Calvin Arsenia. / December 13, 2019
[Arsenia’s dreamlike whimsy shimmering through your favorite Christmas Classics. All proceeds for this album go towards the purchase of Calvin’s first harp. Featuring: Ben Muñoz on Cello, Shane Borth on Violin and Voila, and Luke “Skippy” Harbur on Beatbox. Mastered by Jametatone at the Infoaming Vertex and special thanks to Simon Huntley. Calvin wrote: “I recorded the majority of this album in my bedroom in between flights to and from KC and SF. I had my nephews and friend’s kids in mind and wanted an album of Christmas lullabys. I think it became just a little more sassy than anticipated, but I think you’ll enjoy it regardless.

Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 4.5 octave range, playing piano, banjo, guitar & harp. Calvin has played Folk Alliance Int., KC Fringe Fest, Apocalypse Meow, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin undertook a three month US/European Outlyre Tour playing San Francisco, Vancouver, NYC, Boston, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland and Paris.

Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.

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

10:25

3. Calvin Arsenia – “Falling Over”
   from: L.A. Sessions / Center Cut Records / September 20, 2019
   [Produced by Tony Braunagel (he also delivers exquisite percussion on LA Sessions) with Paul Brown on guitar, Mike Finnigan on keyboards, Freddie Washington on bass, and David Garfield on piano. Between them, the five musicians have worked with some of music’s most iconic names, including Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Leonard Cohen, Bonnie Raitt, Chuck Loeb, Rickie Lee Jones, Buddy Guy, The Neville Brothers From Center Cut Record Press Release: “It was a thrill for me to work with such legendary players,” says Calvin. “Not only were they incredibly talented, but I got off a plane straight from Australia, hit the studio, and they were more than ready to get to that place where you honor the songs, leaving their egos at the door and honoring what the muses tell them. It was one of the best recording experiences I ever had.” Calvin’s production M.O. on previous recordings was to piece together songs “like pieces of a puzzle” and “layer them over several sessions.” He believes the immediacy of the LA Sessions, and having the instrumentation all happening in the “same emotional space together as a band,” powerfully served the intimacy of the album, particularly on the reflective “Back To You.” “It’s one of the most vulnerable songs on the album, and it always plays that way in my live set, and the guys were able to help me capture that,” he says. “The song is a very heartfelt admission of guilt, I think. But it’s done in a way people usually don’t want to talk about. Breakup songs are usually angry and lashing out and this is a very sober-minded take on it. It’s not something we usually want to admit, surrendering or admitting defeat in a relationship, because everyone thinks you’re always going to make it through, and this is saying ‘no we didn’t…but it’s OK.’” Born in Orlando, Florida, his creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in the Kansas City music scene and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter/performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe (Center Cut Records), has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. Most recently, Calvin performed live at L.A.’s The Mint, showcasing the songs on LA Sessions with the musicians who collaborated with him on the album. Says Calvin: “It’s such a special experience to play with them. To be able to perform these songs in front of an audience and do this for a living – to have made a career out of something I love is so amazing – it is an honor that I never take for granted.” On September 15, 2018 Calvin released Cantaloupe on Center Cut Records. Calvin released Honeydew on June 28, an EP including a remix of three of the songs from Cantaloupe.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays The Cable Building, 1321 Burlington Street, North Kansas City, on Friday, August 13, at 7:00 PM, for a live podcast recording of Spirituality Adventures with Fred Herron.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays The Candlelight Sessions at PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave Kansas City, MO Monday, August 2, at 6:30 PM]

[Calvin plays the Inner Sanctuary with Maralis Self on Wednesday, Aug 25 at 7:00PM at The Shop, 407, N 6th St., Kansas City, KS]

10:29 – Underwriting

4. Station ID with Krystle Warren

5. Krystle Warren & The Crew – “Gimme Some Truth”
   from: The Crew EP / Parlour Door Music / September 15, 2020
   [Through isolation came unity. The Crew is Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They have recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP will be donated to the various causes and organizations The Crew. support.From Billboard.com: Singer-songwriter Krystle Warren has made a powerful statement about the struggle for Black equality with the help of Kermit the Frog’s iconic song “Bein’ Green” (written by Joe Raposo). // The moving five-minute clip, over which Warren sings her rendition of the 1970 song — since recorded by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and others — sprang from a covers EP she recorded during the pandemic with a group of musicians known as The Crew. Warren embarked on the project after her forthcoming album with her regular group, The Faculty, was put on hold due to COVID-19. The EP, which tackles themes of racial injustice in the wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests this summer, also includes a cover of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.” // The “Bein’ Green” video weaves in footage of this year’s Black Lives Matter protests, and also includes a heartbreaking montage of young Black children choosing white dolls over dark-skinned ones. It additionally features archival footage of such transformative Black figures as James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Malcom X, Nina Simone, Marsha P. Johnson and Al Sharpton, as well as victims of police brutality including Sandra Bland, George Floyd and Eric Garner. It ends with a clip from a speech by civil rights activist Ella Baker. // “‘Bein’ Green,’ it’s such a gorgeous song, and it says so, so much,” says Warren. “I began thinking about what I wanted it to express visually before we started [recording the song]. Essentially — it’s not easy being Black. That’s what Ray Charles was saying, and we felt it needed to be said again.” // Warren, who now resides in Paris, began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16 before moving to New York City, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty. She and the group have recorded several full-length albums, including 2009’s Circles, 2012’s Love Songs and 2017’s Three the Hard Way. Her next album is slated for release this winter. // A large percentage of proceeds from sales of the EP will be donated to the ACLU.]

6. Krystle Warren and The Faculty – “Tuesday Morning”
   from: Love Songs- Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace (A Time to Refrain from Embracing) / Parlour Door Music / April 9, 2012 UK]
   [Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.]

7. Krystle Warren & The Faculty– “Rising”
   from: Rising – Single / Parlour Door Music / May 31, 2019
   [This single was produced by co-founding member of The Faculty, bassist Solomon Dorsey. I was texting with Krystle over the weekend after the KC Bands Together (May 15 and May 16, 2020) weekend, 6-hour streaming concert, where Krystle shared three songs including a cover of Gerry Raferty’s “The Ark” from his 1978 album, City to City. Krystle was currently doing over dubs on “Rising” that will be included on the new Krystle Warren & The Faculty album called, “Extended Play.” Krystle told me that they had wanted to do album cover photos during a concert that was scheduled in Kansas City in March, 2020, but was cancelled due to COVID-19. Getting everyone together has not been possible. Krystle was hoping for a late 2020 release. This album will now come out in 2021.]

10:41

Krystle Warren‘s album THREE THE HARD WAY as #1 on WMM’s Best Recordings of 2017. 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. Last year in Krystle Warren premiered this song and her other 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.” On the Wednesday MidDay Medley radio show in 2016 Krystle shared inspirations for this record, early gospel recordings, that crossed over into Jazz from: Pharoah Sanders, Edwin Hawkins, and The Swan Silvertones.

10:43

8. Krystle Warren – “Move!”
   from: Three The Hard Way / Parlour Door Music / August 18, 2017
   [Produced by Krystle Warren and Ben Kane (D’Angelo, Emily King, PJ Morton). Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Ben Kane. Written & performed by Krystle Warren. Mixed at The Garden, Brooklyn. Mastered & cut by Alex DeTurk at Masterdisk. Last year in Krystle Warren premiered this song and her other 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.” On the Wednesday MidDay Medley radio show in 2016 Krystle shared inspirations for this record, early gospel recordings, that crossed over into Jazz from: Pharoah Sanders, Edwin Hawkins, and The Swan Silvertones. Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.

10:48 – Interview with Krystle Warren

KC born and internationally known singer songwriter Krystle Warren joins us from France. One of our most played artists of all time on the show. Krystle has appeared on WMM nearly 15 times. Mark first interviewed Krystle Warren for The Tenth Voice, back 2002. 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. Krystle came on the show months before the release, to share music that was the inspiration for the recording. We last talked with Krystle last fall sharing details about The Crew EP where Krystle and friends recorded unique versions of four classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of the moment: the movement of the people. Warren embarked on the project after her newest album, with her band The Faculty, was stalled due to COVID-19.

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

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.

Warren began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16 before moving to New York City, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty. She and the group have recorded several full-length albums, including 2009’s Circles, 2012’s Love Songs and 2017’s Three the Hard Way. Her EP, THE CREW was released on September 15, 2020. Her band The Faculty is ready to release their new album EXTENDED PLAY.

Krystle recently played the Stimmen Festival Ettiswill in Switzerland on May 8.

Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, who gave her a one way ticket to France. Krystle moved to Paris to release CIRCLES in 2009. Krystle played French & British TV programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world on tours with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman.

Krystle left Because Music and created her own recording label, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace / A Time to Refrain from Embracing” a double album recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. In 2019 The Kansas City based Owen/Cox Dance Group premiered a new dance piece titled “Love Songs” with choreography by Jennifer Owen, set to all 24 songs, in the order they appear in the recording.

Krystle Warren has collaborated with Erykah Badu, Keziah Jones, Zap Mama, Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright, Brad Cox, Amadou & Mariam, Lakecia Benjamin, Guarco, Teddy Thompson, Gwyneth Herbert, Hercules & Love Affair, and Joon Moon. Along with being included in the compilation “NYC Subway – Songs from the Underground,” and tribute recordings for Kate McGarrigle, and Nick Drake,

Warren has released the EP “Diary” on May 1, 2007; “The Up Series – EP” on November 10, 2008; “Circles” her 13-song full length on March 13, 2009; “A Time To Keep – Love Songs EP”, on August 12, 2011, The double album 24-song “Love Songs” released on vinyl in Europe on April 9, 2012 and as separate digital and CD albums in the U.S. 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 released “Three the Hard Way” on August 18, 2017.

Last time Krystle was on the show live, was October 16, 2019 with Brad Cox when she was here in KC to present Love Songs with Owen/Cox Dance Group at Oct 19 & 20, 2019 at Polsky Theatre at JCCC.

In an article in SPIN Magazine, December 6, 2020,
The 35 Best Lesser-Known Artists of the Last 35 Years, Picked by 35 Well-Known Artists — Krystle Was named twice!

Joan as Police Woman on Krystle Warren: “Most stellar voice, tender and strong in equal measure with a range nothing short of miraculous. Incredible writer of songs, the type of which used to get written and go on to become classics. Exquisite live performer in the way you forget completely where you are and what’s happening in your life.”

Rufus Wainwright on Krystle Warren: “Krystle Warren’s voice and performance style seared an indelible mark on me years ago when she joined Martha and I on tributes to our mom Kate McGarrigle in both London and New York. Her haunting interpretations, vocal timbre and singular look completely devastated all present, and soon after I had the honor of taking her out on the road with me. Be it covers, her own material or harmonizing with others, she is a true musician and should be considered an international treasure.”

From http://www.krystalwarren.com written by Phil Anderson:

From Diary EP to Extended Play A Truncated History of Krystle Warren & The Faculty

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

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

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

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

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 New York and Zach in Woodstock. Solomon and 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 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, 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​ and ​Circles​ and ​Love Songs​ were recorded with everyone in the same room (​Three the Hard Way​ was just Krystle and 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. And 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 the ACT UP movement) 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.

From http://www.krystalwarren.com written by Phil Anderson:

In 2020 Krystle Warren & The Crew released the 4-track EP THE CREW. Warren embarked on the project after her forthcoming album with her regular group, The Faculty, was put on hold due to COVID-19. The Crew EP, which tackles themes of racial injustice in the wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests this summer, also includes a cover of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.”

The Crew: Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane.

With the EP, The Crew, the band released a video of their interpretation of “Bein’ Green” an emotionally stirring five minute montage of footage of Black Lives Matter protests, young Black children choosing white dolls over dark-skinned ones, archival footage of James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Malcom X, Nina Simone, Marsha P. Johnson Al Sharpton, Ella Baker, as well as Sandra Bland, George Floyd and Eric Garner. Proceeds from the EP will be donated to the ACLU.

Bein’ Green – Kermit the Frog’s iconic song “Bein’ Green” (written by Joe Raposo). // The moving five-minute clip, over which Warren sings her rendition of the 1970 song — since recorded by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and others — sprang from a covers EP she recorded during the pandemic with a group of musicians known as The Crew. ‘Bein’ Green,’ it’s such a gorgeous song, and it says so, so much,” says Warren. “I began thinking about what I wanted it to express visually before we started [recording the song]. Essentially — it’s not easy being Black. That’s what Ray Charles was saying, and we felt it needed to be said again.”

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

Krystle Warren & The Faculty are working on a new album, the first single “Rising” was included in the official soundtrack to the Ana DuVernay television series soundtrack for “When They See Us.” The single was released May 31, 2019. The Crew EP was released by Parlour Door Music on September 15, 2020. More info at http://www.krystlewarren.com

11:00 – Station ID with Bobby Watson

9. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – “Never Met a Mutha”
   from: Started With a Family / Starts With Music, LLC / September 6. 2019
   [Produced with Grammy-winner Nathan Chapman at iconic Blackbird Studios in Nashville. 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 ocassional cover of a classic track, reinterpreted in their own incredibly beautiful performance 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 received critical acclaim.] [Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear played Crossroads Music Fest, Sat., Sept 7,, Crossroads KC, with Shy Boys, Split Lip Rayfield, The Freedom Affair.]

[Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear play the 2nd Annual Camp Leavenworth, Friday, September 24, at 8:30 PM. More info at: http://www.madisenwardandthemamabear.com]

11:04 – Interview with Madisen Ward and Ruth Whitlock Ward

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear released their debut album, The Skeleton Crew on May 9, 2015 and performed their debut single “Silent Movies” on The Late Show with David Letterman. They have been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s The Today Show, “Later With Jools Holland” and played Bonnaroo, Pilgramage, the Newport Folk Festival, and at the Ryman Theatre, in Nashville. Getting married and raising a family slightly delayed Ruth Ward’s 30-year musical journey. Her son Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of Kansas City, watching his mom perform at local coffee shops. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2007. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear have released two albums, and two EPs, and a Live Album. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear play the 2nd Annual Camp Leavenworth, Friday, September 24, at 8:30 PM. More info at: http://www.madisenwardandthemamabear.com

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear thanks for being with us on WMM.

We first played the song “Whole Lotta Problems” on May 8, 2013 from their self produced We Burned The Cane Field Down / Independent / October 6, 2012. Their debut EP was recorded in Kansas city’s Element Studios with recording by Joel Nanos who passed this release on to me back then and said he hadn’t ever heard anything quite like it.

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear played live on our shows on July 10, 2013, November 20, 2013, July 9, 2014, September 24, 2014, and came back to see us on November 18, 2015, and September 20, 2017, September 4, 2019 and now today.

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear are part of great lineup, this time at Camp Leavenworth that features Melissa Etheridge, returning to her hometown for a big show.

During the quarantine, Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear created their own podcast: “Mad Mama Half Happy Hour Podcast.” They’ve already have created 33 episodes with some amazing guests including: Will Forte, Heidi Gardner, and Joseph Gordon Levitt.

Ruth Ward said it was her brother who turned her onto Folk Music. 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 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

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear consists of singer-songwriter and guitarist Madisen Ward and Guitarist and vocalist Ruth Ward. They are a modern soulful/folk music duo from Independence, Mo. The band’s debut album Skeleton Crew, produced by Jim Abbiss, known for his award-winning work with Arctic Monkeys and Adele, captures Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear in their most natural setting. The two tracked most of the tracks live, sitting across from one another in the recording studio. They didn’t use a click track. With help from a handful of session musicians, the two Wards captured the sound they’d been making since those coffeeshop days. The album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. The album reached number 50 on the UK Albums Chart on June 14, 2015.

The Skeleton Crew, was released May 19, 2015 and was our most played record on WMM that year and was #1 on WMM’s The 115 Best Recordings of 2015.

In 2015, The duo appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, Later… with Jools Holland, BBC Breakfast News, CBS News Sunday Morning, and Today (U.S. TV program). That same year, the band performed in the USA, Canada and Europe, including Bonnaroo Music Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Americana Music Festival & Conference.

They also supported The Tallest Man on Earth, Sufjan Stevens, Pixies, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Old Crow Medicine Show.

The duo released The Radio Winners (EP) in July 2018. They co-wrote each song, also working with Grammy-winner Nathan Chapman — a producer on Taylor Swift’s first five albums — and Ryan Hadlock, best known for his work with the Lumineers.

Madisen War and the Mama Bear’s video for “Started With a Family” was released Aug 6, 2019 was shot at the iconic Blackbird Studios in Nashville. Produced by Nathan Chapman.

Two years ago, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear headlined the 15th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on the KC Crossroads Stage.

Madisen Ward ‘s Birthday is August 23.

Ruth’s Husband and Madisen’s Dad is Kenneth Ward

Madisen Ward wanted to follow in his uncle’s footsteps. His Uncle was on The Wire and has been in many other TV shows and films. Madisen’s Uncle, Ruth’s brother is, Isiah Whitlock Jr. Born September 13, 1954, in South Bend, Indiana, USA. – He is an actor and writer, known for Da 5 Bloods (2020), Cedar Rapids (2011) and BlacKkKlansman (2018). Trade Mark – Distinctive way of saying “shit” in many of his films and “The Wire” He has received widespread acclaim for his sensitive portrayal of Joe, a married English professor who arranges a date with a teenage boy, in Christopher Shinn’s “Four”, a role he has played in several productions around the U.S.

Isiah Whitlock Jr pursued advanced drama studies as a member of American Conservatory Theater in San Fran. He graduated from Southwest State University (Marshall, Minnesota) in 1975. e Grew up the 5th of 10 children in South Bend, Indiana, where his father was a steel mill worker. Was in a long-term relationship with actress Wilma Mondi.

Interview in Milk

Recently, Milk’s JamRoom served up something a little different to its select patrons. The featured artists of the night? Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. The mother-son duo has been touring across the world, even stopping by one of the last shows of Letterman, in support of their debut album Skeleton Crew.

Much like their music, the pair is relaxed and completely authentic in their interactions. Seeing them sit together really is just like watching a mother and son laugh, banter, and be family, but once they get on stage, they have a sound that can bring you to tears as easily as it can make you get up and boogie. Milk Made’s Jordan Mack got to sit with them minutes before the rocked the Jam Room to talk about their relationship as bandmates and family members, David Beckham and opening for one of B. B. King’s last shows.

Are you guys excited for the show tonight?

Madisen: Yeah, Milk is a cool space. Plus, they just told me David Beckham might be coming. DBecks! That’s just so cool.

Ruth: We’re getting a picture with him. I don’t care what I have to do.

How did the mother-son duo come to be?

Ruth: Well, I’ve been playing music since I was 19 in coffee houses, some clubs. The whole family would come out to hear me play. Then when Madisen was in high school, he started to play and write songs. I noticed that he had a gift, so when I would go to play, I would make Madisen come up to play some of his songs. We got a good reaction from the audience, and we had a good rapport, so it just evolved from that.

Was that nerve-racking at first to be called up on stage like that?

Madisen: Not at all. I’ve always loved being on stage. When I was young, I would act in plays and stuff like that. I love performing. Music was just a later ambition, because it was always in the house. I grew up with it, and Mom always played it, but it felt like her thing. Once I got up on stage though, it clicked. It was really comfortable, especially having my mom literally right next to me. There was a certain freedom that I became addicted to in just being able to write whatever you want. I think if I had been playing from when I was little, my writing would be very different.

How do you think coming to music later shaped your writing?

Madisen: You have a weird sense of discovery when you start playing music. I’ve never been one to focus on other artists, or learn their riffs. There are bits of my mother’s playing style with me, but it’s really just me sitting in a room trying to figure this thing out.

If you could cover any musical artist, who would it be?

Madisen: Tom Waits, for sure. He’s got soul.

Ruth: Out of anyone, probably Adele.

Madisen: Really?

Ruth: Oh yeah, she’s got a depth to her that you know is real. She’s my girl. When anyone, man or woman, can sing and really just caress the vocals.

Madisen: Oh, can I change my answer to Ginuwine? [laughs] That’s my real answer.

What’s it like touring together? Do you ever get on each others nerves or anything?

Ruth: Oh yes! All the time.

Madisen: It’s the nature of family really. It’s really not different than living at home together. I think that’s also the nature of touring with anyone, it’s like having a roommate. My mom and I get on each other’s nerves but we still love each other. It’s kind of a cruel advantage because –

Ruth: We know we’re not going anywhere [laughs]

Madisen: Well that and we know it’s not personal. If I had just met her and we had just starting playing together, I’d be so nervous because let me tell you, my mother knows how to tell it like it is. If I wasn’t her son, I would totally think she disliked me, but there’s that love there as a base.

So you debuted ‘Skeleton Crew’, and you guys have blown up between Letterman and Rolling Stone. How has this increase in fame changed the process, and the dynamic between you two?

Madisen: It makes you want to work harder, but the dynamic really hasn’t changed. It’s still the same feeling of us just playing at home. That hasn’t changed too much, and we don’t want it to change.

What’s it like raising Madisen Ward and vice versa? What’s it like being raised by Ruth Ward?

Ruth: Well I have two other children. I have an older daughter and son, and a beautiful granddaughter. I raised them the same. Everyone is the same. I would joke with them and tell them that ‘fair’ doesn’t live here, when they would say ‘it’s not fair!’ But I don’t know. I mean he’s my son? No one has ever asked me that question [laughs]

Madisen: You don’t know what it was like to raise me? [laughs]

Ruth: I guess I was there, but no one really asks that. He was a good kid. He never gave us any real problems. He’s very normal. My biggest thing was to love unconditionally and allow them to be who they wanted to be, whether it’s a musician or a real estate agent, like my other two children. I just wanted them to be able to function as adults.

Madisen: Growing up having my folks as my folks was an interesting background. They’re pretty eclectic people with great taste, which is something I really appreciate, looking back. It’s really affected my own tastes. They didn’t really argue. Like she said, it’s a pretty normal household. We’re all really close because it’s always just been the five of us. We’ve always depended on each other and had a tight knit group.

If we talked to either of you 10 years ago, and we told you that would be playing together, going on tour together, doing these interviews, what would you have said?

Madisen: If you had told me that 10 years ago, I would have told you my dad’s favorite line, ‘You teasin!’ [laughs] I really wanted to do something in the entertainment industry, not necessarily music. I always wanted to follow my uncle’s footsteps, Vincent Ward. He was on The Wire and I looked up to him my whole life. So if you told me all of this 10 years ago, I’d be thinking ‘oh good, my plan comes together.’ [laughs] But as far as what it became, that’s where the unreal aspect comes in.

Ruth: I’m of the same mindset, ‘you teasin.’ I’m surprised. 10 years ago, I never would have dreamed of this. I was playing coffee houses for years, and my brain never really went further than that. Now that we’re doing this, my mind has really expanded. We even went to Europe! I went to a cooking school in Italy about 10 years ago, and I always really regretted not traveling when I was younger. Here I am now, fulfilling all of these dreams. But the most important thing is that no matter what, I’ve always been content.

Madisen: That’s always been a big theme in our family: contentment. It’s never been about having a lot. It was about using what you had. It comes into the music too. We don’t like big production, it’s just our voices and our guitars. That’s the ‘skeleton crew’. Just basics.

Ruth: My husband would always say, ‘simple pleasures are the best.’

Your husband has a lot of great one liners.

Madisen: That’s all he does. We’re going to make him put out a book of them [laughs]

Have you always been a ‘Mama Bear? Like ‘don’t mess with my cubs or I’ll cut you’ kind of thing?

Ruth: Cut you? That’s intense. You sound like B. B. King with that. When we opened for him, he would always talk about cutting people! ‘Don’t do this or I’ll cut ya!’ That’s an old school thing to say. But to answer the question, when we were first putting the duo together, Madisen suggested Mama Bear, but someone had that. So then my husband said ‘Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear’, and it just stuck. As far as protecting my ‘cubs,’ I’m like a mama lion keeping the pride together, bringing home the bacon. ‘Mama Bear’ is new, but I accept it.

Madisen, would you say you have a ‘hip mom’?

Madisen: A hip mom? I don’t think I’m even that hip. [laughs]

Ruth: I’m not hip, but Madisen is definitely not hip either. [laughs]

Madisen: We’re just us. On stage we’re bandmates, but as soon as we walk off it’s back to mother and son. We’re not doing anything crazy and cool. We’re just doing us and having a great time. Our biggest mission is to make people happy. If people like our music, we can’t help but keep making more.

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear play the 2nd Annual Camp Leavenworth, Friday, September 24, at 8:30 PM. More info at: http://www.madisenwardandthemamabear.com

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear thanks for being with us on WMM.

11:24

10. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – “Started With A Family”
    from: Started With a Family / Starts With Music, LLC / September 6. 2019
    [Produced with Grammy-winner Nathan Chapman at iconic Blackbird Studios in Nashville. 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 performance 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 received critical acclaim. Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear played Crossroads Music Fest, Sat., Sept 7, Crossroads KC, with Shy Boys, Split Lip Rayfield, The Freedom Affair.]

[Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear play the 2nd Annual Camp Leavenworth, Friday, September 24, at 8:30 PM. More info at: http://www.madisenwardandthemamabear.com]

11:28 – Underwriting

11:30 – Interview with Ivory Blue

KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue has been busy in the studio putting together new music. In 2020 Ivory released the singles “Elite Dreamland,” (Feb. 17), “Half a Life” (Sept. 20), and “Family Tables” on December 7. In 2011, Ivory landed in the Kansas City area, and became a part of new family. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in 2015 and had wide radio airplay. Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Since 2015 Ivory Blue has been on the WMM 10 times.

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

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

Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. Recorded and mastered by Larry Gann of Awestruck studios. Micah Burdick on guitar, Craig Kew on bass, and Lester Estelle, drummer for Kelly Clarkson, on drums for Ivory ‘s EP.

11:35

11. Ivory Blue – “Elite Dreamland” (Live)
    from: Ivory Blue’s new full length 10-song album COMPOUND LOVE to be released later this year.

We are talking with KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue has been busy in the studio putting together new music for upcoming releases of a new album COMPOUND LOVE and several EPs. In 2020 Ivory released the singles “Elite Dreamland,” (Feb. 17), “Half a Life” (Sept. 20), and “Family Tables” on December 7.

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

Ivory Blue was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock.

Ivory won local and regional challenges and advanced to the nationals in Los Angeles, where the top five bands played The Viper Room before judges that included: Scott Borchetta President & CEO of Big Machine Label Records; fashion designer John Varvatos; songwriter & producer Desmond Child; engineer Chris Lord-Alge; Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols; and Gavin Rossdale of Bush. Ivory won the entire competition and the opportunity to record “Ready Get Set” for Big Machine Records / John Varvatos Records.

11:45

12. Ivory Blue – “Heavy” (Live)
    from: Ivory Blue’s new full length 10-song album COMPOUND LOVE to be released later this year.

We are talking with KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue has been busy in the studio putting together new music. In 2020 Ivory released the singles “Elite Dreamland,” (Feb. 17), “Half a Life” (Sept. 20), and “Family Tables” on December 7.

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Klaartje Van Lue is Ivory’s manager and she was the one who helped Ivory find their way to KC. Ivory has said that Klaartje saved their life.

Ivory Blue’s new full length 10-song album called COMPOUND LOVE will be released later this year.

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

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

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

11:56

13. Ivory Blue – “Family Tables”
    from: “Elite Dreamland” – Single / Devin Robert Kesler / February 17, 2020
    [KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue is currently in the studio putting together a new full length 10-song album called “Compound Love” for release in 2020. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, Kauffman Stadium. Born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, and given up for adoption at the age of four, it was difficult to find trust in people after living with eight different foster families. Running away at 15, Ivory moved from Indiana to Oklahoma and eventually ended up in Seattle. In 2011 Ivory moved to Kansas City, and has became a part of new family.]

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

Next week on WMM, on August 4, we bring you our 901st show with 9 special guests who all help KKFI 90.1 keep going! These nine guests will tell stories about 90.1 FM that have never been spoken on the radio before. KKFI Guests include: Tom Crane, Judy Ancel, Barry Lee, Dorothy Hawkins, Marion Merritt, Maria Vasquez Boyd, Ebony Johnson, Catina Taylor and Leslie Pories.

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/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1

Show #900