Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
WMM presents: David Luther + Redder Moon + Katlyn Conroy of Cheery
Mark spins more New & MidCoastal releases from: Hot Club KC, IVORY BLUE, Various Blonde, Redder Moon, David Luther, Cheery, Calvin Arsenia, Royel Otis, Adrianne Lenker, and Ken Pomeroy
At 10:30 we welcome back to the show, David Luther a KC-based music artist known for his soulful Americana, indie-folk, and blues-infused rock. Rooted in the rich musical landscape of the Midwest, Luther’s music often explores themes of resilience, the search for connection, and the beauty of everyday life. David Luther recorded his first self-titled EP in 2009 with Nashville producer Neilson Hubbard, featuring backing vocals from Americana artist Garrison Starr. In July 2024, David again joined Neilson Hubbard along with Juan Solórzano, and engineer Dylan Alldredge in their East Nashville studio to record the album, Who You Are, released April 25, 2015. The new album features partner Kelly Dougherty on “Wrecking Bay” and Garrison Starr on “If Love Just Ain’t Enough.” David Luther plays an Album Release Show at recordBar, May 22, at 7:00pm. More info at: http://www.thedavidluther.com
At 11:00 Jeremiah James Gonzales and Sergio Anthony Gonzales share three of their latest singles from Redder Moon‘s upcoming full length vinyl LP, “ If You’re Falling, Dive” to be released this summer. The record will be a limited edition brick red vinyl. These singles were produced and mixed by Jeremiah James Gonzales and mastered by Gordy Goudie of Echo & The Bunnymen, and Simple Minds. Jeremiah told us that he “linked up with Gordy Goudie through a UK management company led by Nick Quirk. Gordy Goudie liked our stuff so he agreed to master it and share it with his people. Pretty exciting stuff! Still not sure what it all entails but there’s talk about doing some UK touring in the fall barring any crazy political shit that might occur from now until then.” More information at: http://www.jarmcharmproductions.com
At 11:30 Mark welcomes back to the show singer musician Katlyn Conroy, who was born in Lawrence, Kansas where she became known for her critically acclaimed work in the bands: Cowboy Indian Bear, La Guerre, and Hospital Ships. Two years ago Katlyn moved 4000 miles away to Liverpool, England, where she released her debut Cheery record, Bliss on Spirit House Records. Bliss was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of Katlyn Conroy who is now back in Kansas for the remainder of 2025, before her permanent return to Liverpool. Cheery is currently recording their second record, Cyclical Sadness. Joining Katlyn is her Cheery band-mate, Chris Catterall, a guitarist and songwriter based in Liverpool, from the band Pocket Apocalypse. Cheery recently played Replay in Lawrence with Bad Alaskan and Mosaic. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Stephonne & Rachel Christia of KC Folk Fest + Paul Jesse + Alex Wong & Jen Kiper
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
from: Iris Silver Mist / 4AD / May 2, 2025 [Jenny Hval was born July 11, 1980, in Oslo, Norway. She is a Norwegian musician, singer, songwriter, lyricist and writer. // Iris Silver Mist is the ninth solo studio album by Jenny. Musically, Iris Silver Mist is as an experimental and art pop recording. Iris Silver Mist is named after a fragrance created by perfumer Maurice Roucel for the French brand Serge Lutens. // During the early months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Norwegian musician Jenny Hval revisited a teenage fascination with perfume. This sensory interest gradually evolved into a new creative framework, as scent became a substitute for the intimacy and immediacy of live music. Central to this shift was the fragrance Iris Silver Mist by Maurice Roucel for the French perfume house Serge Lutens. Hval described the scent as evoking the sensation of being “close to ghosts”, and its themes of transformation and ephemeral presence would later inform the album that took its name. Hval announced their ninth album, Iris Silver Mist. Many of the tracks on Iris Silver Mist were initially introduced during Hval’s 2024 live performance series I Want To Be a Machine. // Jenny Hval has released nine albums under her own name – two under the moniker Rockettothesky. In 2015, Hval released her fifth studio album, Apocalypse, girl, to widespread critical acclaim. The following year, she released Blood Bitch (which was part of WMM’s 117 Best Recordings of 2017), a concept album influenced by vampires, menstruation and 1970s horror films. Blood Bitch has been described as “an investigation of blood,” Blood Bitch is a concept album which draws parallels between a fictional time-travelling vampire, named Orlando, and Hval’s own experiences touring her previous studio album, Apocalypse, girl. The album’s lyrical content is also influenced by 1970s horror and exploitation films and Virginia Woolf.]
Curtis Harding – “There She Goes (Radio edit)” from: ”There She Goes” – Single / Anti / April 29, 2025 [Curtis Harding – “making some of the best modern soul music out right now” (Uproxx) – has returned today with his first new music in four years. Following collaborations in recent years with RÜFÜS DU SOL and Jazmine Sullivan, the catchy new song “There She Goes” is accompanied by a new music video by Italian director Michele Civetta; taking place in an opulent Beverly Hills Garden with a sinister Twilight Zone-esque secret and featuring actor Omar Dorsey (Selma, Queen Sugar) who is a recurring presence in Harding’s music videos, watch it below. // Curtis Harding is an American soul singer, born in Saginaw, Michigan. Raised as a Mennonite, Harding’s family had no home until they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, when he was 14. Harding’s father, a mechanic, and his mother Dorothy, a gospel singer, took Harding and his five siblings around the United States in a van, stopping at churches. While his mother performed, Harding grew up playing music, though he originally wanted to play professional sports. In the early 2000s, Harding was part of the hip-hop group Proseed. He rapped on and co-wrote CeeLo Green’s 2002 album Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections along with several Proseed members. He toured with Green as a backing singer on the Smokin’ Grooves Tour in 2002 alongside Outkast, Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, and The Roots. Harding spent time working with groups in Atlanta before moving to Toronto for a year. A year later, he “came back to record with some friends in my living room.” From these sessions came his debut album, Soul Power, on the indie label Burger Records, released May 6, 2014. He spent two weeks recording the album. Randy Michael composed the music on the single “Keep on Shining”, and Jason Reynolds co-wrote “Heaven’s on the Other Side” with Harding.He formed the band Night Sun with two Black Lips members, guitarist Cole Alexander and drummer Joe Bradley. His second album, Face Your Fear, was recorded at Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Studio in New York City. “Wednesday Morning Atonement” is the opening single. Harding describes his genre as “slop ‘n’ soul”, a combination of gospel, punk, psych rock, and blues. He has said that his influences include Albert King, the Everly Brothers, and Ronnie Dyson.]
Car Seat Headrest – “Gethsemane (Radio edit)” from: The Scholars / Matador / May 2, 2025 [Car Seat Headrest announce The Scholars, a bold new rock opera that isn’t just a new chapter for the premiere standard bearers of young internet rockers but also a spiritual rebirth, and the band’s first studio album in five years. Set at the fictional college campus Parnassus University, the songs on “The Scholars” are populated with students and staff whose travails illuminate a loose narrative of life, death, and rebirth. // The band’s rebirth did not come easily. In May of 2020, Car Seat Headrest (frontman Will Toledo, lead guitarist Ethan Ives, drummer Andrew Katz, and bassist Seth Dalby) released their experimental, beat-heavy album “Making a Door Less Open”, right as the world shut down. This led to a long period of enforced inactivity. When they were finally able to tour in 2022 they were delighted, if surprised, that their audience was now younger than ever, thanks to the surprise viral success of their songs ‘It’s Only Sex’ and ‘Sober to Death’ and a new generation discovering their coming-of-age classics “Teens of Denial” and “Twin Fantasy”. // Having gone through their trials, Car Seat Headrest are now ready for the next chapter in their career. It will astonish both longtime supporters and new fans. While Car Seat Headrest started as Toledo’s solo project, it is now fully a band. “What we’ve been doing more of in recent years is just taking the pulses of each other. We’ve really been leaning into that sort of cocoon that started off with the pandemic years and just turned into this special space that we were creating all on our own,” says Toledo. “I was coming out of it as a solo project and it always just felt like it was in pieces. There’s the album we’re working on, and then there’s a live show that we’re doing, and then there’s everything in between. And it didn’t really feel to me like things got in sync in an inner feeling way until this record, with that internal communal energy. And it’s become that band feeling for me in a much more realized way. That’s been a big journey.” It is a journey that listeners will want to embark on again and again as they absorb and discover the rich depths and clanging resonances of “The Scholars”.]
Una Walkenhorst – “Narcissus” from: “Narcissus” – Single / Una Walkenhorst / April 27, 2025 [Unreleased – DEMO] [Una posted this song/video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/896357992596611. Una Walkenhorst released the EP, “Woman of the Year,” on April 16, 2020. This recording was in the Top Five of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. // Una is a singer/songwriter from Kansas City. Una told KCUR FM that her father was one of the people who made her love music. But having a famous father can be challenging: “I knew that if I started my music career here I would have a lot of opportunities, but not all of them would be because of my music. They would be because I am someone’s daughter,” Walkenhorst says. Loading up her 97 Honda Civic, Una then spent a year traveling across North America promoting her music and connecting with listeners one-on-one. She ended up living in New Orleans. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. In January of 2018 Una Walkenhorst returned home to KC from New Orleans. Over the past several years, Una & Bob had performed together at selected events, including Folk Alliance International. In 2018 the father and daughter duo decided to record an album together, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, with beautiful harmonies.]
Madisen Ward – “Hangin’ On” from: “Hangin’ On” – Single / Madisen Ward / Video released September 23, 2024 [Not released as a single. Madisen shared this with me. “Hangin’ On” is part of a video released Aug 23, 2024 created by Madisen Ward & Bryce Veazey, The video features Will Forte, Mark Normand, Kaylin Hurley, Adam Ward, Brayden Ingram, Kri Chay, Amanda Parra, Baby, Regan Hurley, Keyo Chay, and Madisen Ward as himself. The Video Post-Production was by Major Oak Creative. Music produced, engineered, mixed & mastered by Jeremy Wurst & Gene Abramov at B-24 Studios. Sun logo by Barry Blankenship. Filmed in Independence, MO. / Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of KCMO. 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. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear have garnered international acclaim, and new fans from all over the world. They opened for BB King at The Midland. They signed with Glassnote Records in 2014 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. Madisen Ward is now performing as his first ever solo project, still crafting his own personal brand of Americana music. The same sound which launched the careers of the Family Folk Duo Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. / We first played your music on this radio show in early May of 2013 after our mutual friend Joel Nanos of Element Recording sent me a copy of your independent EP, “We Burned The Cane Field.”where your first recorded Madisen’s original songs.
[Madisen Ward plays the Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Sun. May 18, 2025 at 7:30 opening for Lissie.]
Hovvdy & runo plum – “Shooting Star” from: “Shooting Star” – Single / Arts & Crafts / February 27, 2025 [Hovvdy is an American indie pop duo formed in Austin, Texas by Charlie Martin and Will Taylor. // Hovvdy released their first EP in 2014. The following year, they released a split with the band Loafer. In 2016, the band released their debut full-length album, Taster, through Double Double Whammy. Hovvdy’s second album, titled Cranberry, was released in 2018. In 2019, the duo released a split with musician Hannah Read, known as Lomelda. The two artists covered each other’s songs for the release. The two also went on a summer tour to promote the album. Hovvdy’s third album, Heavy Lifter, was released in 2019. The band’s fourth album, True Love, was released on October 1, 2021. They released their self-titled fifth studio album through Arts & Crafts on April 26, 2024. // runo plum is an indie folk-rock artist born and raised in rural Minnesota. Nestled in the quiet woods, runo finds inspiration in everything — deep reflections from the past, love, health, relationships, art, or even just the mundane things of everyday life. // The majority of runo’s songs are written at home in Minnesota and recorded at fellow artist Philip Brooks’ home studio in southern Germany. The songs capture the same authenticity as when they were written, brought to life with wind chimes, rustling trees, and the distant sound of birds singing. // Music has been a constant companion of runo’s throughout her life , but the art of songwriting began to blossom at the age of 14. Fast forward to 2020, amidst the quietude of the pandemic, runo began immersing herself in the world of music production. She spent the year transforming as an artist and writing music more than ever. That year she wrote two EPs, piano songs, etc and earlier from ‘20, which she only released to Bandcamp and Soundcloud. // At the beginning of 2021, runo began sharing videos of her songs on social media. She gathered a small but dedicated audience, eager to experience the music on streaming platforms. Responding to their requests, yin to yang made its debut on Spotify, marking the beginning of a musical journey. Since then, she has independently released a variety of songs and projects, including a 6-track EP titled jupiter and a joint EP mountain songs with Philip Brooks. // Her latest project, earlier from ‘20, brings her back to where it all began. The newly recorded version of her EP has been reborn for wider streaming accessibility and features yin to yang, a standout track from her collection.]
[Hovvdy play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO Wednesday, May 14, at 7:00pm with Free Range.]
10:29 – Underwriting
Paul Jesse – “Hesitation (Radio Edit)” from: “Hesitation” – Single / Fowl Mouth / May 2, 2025 [Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Hesitation,” the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
10:33 – Interview with Paul Jesse
We welcome back to the show, singer-songwriter Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Hesitation,” the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com
Paul Jesse thanks for being with us on WMM.
Paul Jesse – “Hesitation” – Single released through Fowl Mouth on May 2, 2025,. the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression.
Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”.
Paul Jesse is a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, Kansas, whose debut EP, Stuck This Way came out in 2021 and combines his smooth and passionate vocals with psychedelic R&B, hip-hop, and electronic bedroom-pop production.
Paul Jesse collaborated with Deegan Poores to make the song “Your Sunshine”,”Your Sunshine (Feat. Hannah Davis)” on April 29, 2022. Paul asked Deegan to executive produce his debut album. Hello Paul Jesse, a 16 track album released on October 4, 2024. Several songs from the album were released through 2023 and 2024 as three EPs and each EP chronicled Paul’s growth and development as a person through heartache, self-reflection, and love, with Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 capturing a different stage of Paul’s transition. The EP’s included many singles like “Numb” released on January 20, 2023. As described by Center Cut Records: “’Numb’ begins with some Pink Floyd vocals in an echo chamber, and some soundbites laid over a haunting piano for good measure. Paul’s Philly soul special voice is back again, but this time we’ve got some distorted vocals and instruments with Deegan lurking in the mix.” – Patrick Sprehe. Also “Remedy” featuring Arkko released, March 17, 29023
Deegan Poores released his debut album fn 2022, The “Vanishing” Album, combined indie rock, yacht rock, power pop, and synth pop to create a genre-bending sound with co-production from singer-songwriter-producer-filmmaker Remy Styrk from Kansas City.
Paul Jesse – “Drugs Can’t Save Me (Radio Edit)” from: “Drugs Can’t Save Me” – Single / Fowl Mouth / February 28, 2025 [“Drugs Can’t Save Me” is the first single from Pau; Jesse’s upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
11:45 – More Interview with Paul Jesse
We are talking with singer-songwriter Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Drugs Can’t Save Me” the first single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com
Paul Jesse thanks for being with us on WMM.
Paul Jesse, a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, Kansas, whose debut EP, Stuck This Way came out in 2021 and combines his smooth and passionate vocals with psychedelic R&B, hip-hop, and electronic bedroom-pop production.
11:53
Paul Jesse – “Cycles” from: Cycles (Album) / Fowl Mouth / unreleased track from upcoming album Cycles [Radio premiere of song from Paul Jesse’s new album coming soon“Drugs Can’t Save Me” and “Hesitation” are the first and second singles from Paul Jesse’s upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
Claire Adams – “Passenger Seat” from: Passenger Seat / Claire Adams / May 2, 2025 [New 11-track album Recorded at Rio Verde in Guadalajara, Jalisco with Additional recording at Maniax Studios GDL and Weights + Measures KCMO. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures. Claire Adams on bass, rhythm guitar, vocals; Abraham Villaseñor on lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals; Jean Pierre Chaurand on drums; Christian Jiménez on keyboards; Carmen Aguilar on violin; Allysa Bell Jackson on viola; Mike Stover on pedal steel, Juan Carlos Chaurand on percussion; Stephanie Williams on percussion. // Claire Adams lives in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico but still gets back to Kansas City often to work on musical projects and see family and friends. // Musically curious and multifaceted, Claire Adams has spent more than a decade touring, recording and songwriting to hone her melodic instincts and vision. A bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Adams has lent a discerning ear and versatility to a number of projects. // Picking up guitar as a teenager, Adams was immediately drawn to songwriting. Her penchant for wordplay and melody led her to Nashville to study, write and perform, sparking an interest in traveling, touring and working in collaborative environments. // Upon returning closer to home in 2010, Adams set up shop in Kansas City, Missouri, and Claire founded the eight-piece genre-jumping collective Claire and the Crowded Stage – a project that united her pop sensibilities with non-traditional instrumentation. This project teamed her up with guitarist Katy Guillen and drummer Stephanie Williams, leading them to form the nationally touring blues-rock trio Katy Guillen & the Girls in 2012, with Adams on bass and backing vocals. In recent years Adams has been performing solo, collaborating with the KC based string quartet Rewound, pianist Alyssa Murray, Steve Gardels. // On April 2, 2024 Claiere Adams released the EP Words of Love with Claire Adams on vocals, bass; Daniel Dissmore on trumpet; Fritz Hutchison on drums; Jackie Myers on piano; Trevor Turla on trombone; Abraham Villaseñor on guitar. // Recorded, mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab, KCMO. Additional recording by Odin Parada at Rec4 Studios, GDL. // Musically curious and multifaceted, Claire Adams is dedicated to collaborating, recording and songwriting to hone her melodic instincts and vision. A bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Adams has lent a discerning ear and versatility to a number of projects. Claire founded the eight-piece genre-jumping collective Claire and the Crowded Stage – a project that united her pop sensibilities with non-traditional instrumentation. This project teamed her up with guitarist Katy Guillen and drummer Stephanie Williams, leading them to form the nationally touring blues-rock trio Katy Guillen & the Girls in 2012, with Adams on bass and backing vocals. In recent years Adams has been performing solo, collaborating with the KC based string quartet Rewound, and in a trio featuring pianist Alyssa Murray. // Claire Adams Alyssa Murray and Steve Gardels released the EP Easy Match on November 1, 2023. Easy Match contains 5 songs. // Claire Adams released “It’s All in Fun” – Single on June 30, 2023. Claire Adams told Michelle Bacon at The Bridge, “”I wrote the string arrangement in the summer of 2021 and we went in to record it this past spring,” Adams said. “I’ve had the happiness of working with Alyssa Bell (viola) and Carmen Dieker (violin) for several years now, mostly playing my songs as arranged by others and I wanted to give a try to arranging a song myself.” “I feel like having an understanding of everyone else’s styles and strengths gives me a sense of direction and focus on what can otherwise be a really abstract craft,” she said. On bass, she, Guillen and Williams comprised the acclaimed trio Katy Guillen & The Girls for seven years, while she has consistently been working with Murray in the years to follow. The four of them got to work with Duane Trower, who has recorded and engineered the majority of Adams‘ solo songs. // Claire Adams released “If It Isn’t Right (Alyssa Murray Remix)” on April 15, 2022 Claire Adams wrote to us saying, “Alyssa Murray made a super cool remix of one of the songs off the last album and I wanted to share it with you. The song is ‘If It Isn’t Right’ and also features the Rewound string trio and an arrangement by Peter Lawless. Alyssa really made it her own and gave it a whole new spin, she’s amazing!” Here are the full credits: Vocals: Claire Adams, Alyssa Murray, Fritz Hutchison. Synths and Beats: Alyssa Murray. Cello: Ezgi Karakus. Viola: Alyssa Bell. Violin: Carmen Dieker. String Arrangement: Peter Lawless. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures Soundlab. Cover Art by Cassie Allen. ‘If It Isn’t Right’ written by Claire Adams. This song was originally on Claire’s acclaimed album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU originally released April 24, 2020. // Claire Adams released her album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU April 24, 2020. Lost in the COVID 19 of 2020. The album was properly given a “release show” and put out on CD in 2021. 10 songs all written by Claire Adams. Recorded at The Blue House in Kansas City, MO. Additional tracking at MARZ Studios in Nederland, TX. Mixed & mastered at Weights + Measures Soundlab in KCMO. Written by Claire Adams, with Claire Adams on guitars, bass, and vocals; Alyssa Murray on keyboards & vocals; and Fritz Hutchison on drums & vocals. // Claire Adams released: Words of Love EP on Feb. 5, 2021 – Recorded and Produced by Claire Adams at Casa 34 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures in Kansas City, MO. Cover Photo by Hugo Parasol. ‘So This Is Love’ written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. ‘Pocketful Of Rainbows’ written by Ben Weisman, ‘Till There Was You’ written by Meredith Wilson. “Words of Love” written by Claire Adams. ‘Calico Skies’ written by Paul McCartney. // Claire Adams released the EP Moras under the moniker, Mismo Sismo (same earthquake) on July 21, 2021. Claire Adams wrote and recorded this EP at home during the first months of the COVID-19 quarantine. The three songs are meant to be played all together but also stand alone. Mismo Sismo is a collaboration with photographer Hugo Parasol.// Claire played guitar on True Lions album THE FEMPIRE STRIKES BACK. In 2020 Claire played with the band Ondist for their three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on Aug. 14, and Mise en Place on Nov. 13, 2020 with songs recorded at Weights & Measures with Duane Trower with Sam Platt on drums, Eddie Moore on keyboards, DeAndre Manning on bass, Jamie Anderson on guitar, Claire Adams on vocals, and Jillian Riscoe on vocals. Claire also participated in Katy Guillen and The Girls Reunion shows in summer of 20. More info at: https://claireadams.bandcamp.com%5D
11:00 – Station ID
Sunny War – “One Way Train” from: Armageddon In A Summer Dress / New West / February 21, 2025 [Sunny War, also known as Sydney Ward, found inspiration for her latest album, Armageddon In A Summer Dress, while living in her late father’s 100-year-old house in Chattanooga, TN. She initially thought the house was haunted. Eerie sounds and visions led her to write the song “Ghosts.” However, she later discovered that hallucinations were caused by gas leaks, shifting her understanding of those experiences but not her artistic focus. Armageddon In A Summer Dress explores themes of memory, loss, and the ghosts of past selves. //After the success of her 2022 album, Anarchist Gospel, Sunny spent more time touring with artists like Bonnie Raitt and Mitski. To avoid falling back into past struggles with alcohol, she channeled her energy into music, crafting intricate demos and experimenting with sound. This process involved shifting from acoustic to electric guitar, aiming for a fuller band sound. // Tracks like “One Way Train” and “No One Calls Me Baby” highlight her blend of punk and roots influences, emphasizing the rebellious spirit shared by both genres. A notable collaboration on the album is with Steve Ignorant from Crass, whose participation in “Walking Contradiction” reflects Sunny’s admiration for the band and its critique of modern society.\ // Armageddon in a Summer Dress serves as a reflection on identity and choices, balancing heavy themes with empowerment. Sunny War encourages listeners to live authentically and resist societal pressures. Committed to continual growth, she sees every performance and song as an opportunity for exploration. Through her music, Sunny War captures the complexities of life, loss, and the transformative power of creativity. // Produced by Andrija Tokic. Engineered and Mixed by Andrija Tokic at The Bomb Shelter, Nashville, TN. Mastered by Dave Gardner at DSG Mastering, Los Angeles, CA. // Sunny War on Guitar, Banjo, Lead Vocals; Megan Coleman on Drums, Percussion; Jack Lawrence on Bass; Jo Schornikow: Keyboards, Vibraphone, Xylophone; John James Tourville on Pedal Steel, Guitars, Additional Percussion; Andrija Tokic on Additional Percussion; Kyshona Armstrong on Background Vocals; Maureen Murphy: Background Vocals; Nickie Conley on Background Vocals. Sample on “Ghosts”on Adam Ramirez and Sunny War; Steve Ignorant on Vocals on “Walking Contradiction”; Valerie June on Vocals on “Cry Baby”; Tré Burt: Vocals, Guitar on “Scornful Heart”. John Doe: Vocals on “Gone Again” // Sunny War released Anarchist Gospel on Ebruary 3, 2023 part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. About that release Sunny wrote: “I feel like there are two sides of me,” says the Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso known as Sunny War. “One of them is very self-destructive, and the other is trying to work with that other half to keep things balanced.” That’s the central conflict on her fourth album, the eclectic and innovative Anarchist Gospel, which documents a time when it looked like the self-destructive side might win out. // Extreme emotions can make that battle all the more perilous, yet from such trials Sunny has crafted a set of songs that draw on a range of ideas and styles, as though she’s marshaling all her forces to get her ideas across: ecstatic gospel, dusty country blues, thoughtful folk, rip-roaring rock and roll, even avant garde studio experiments. She melds them together into a powerful statement of survival, revealing a probing songwriter who indulges no comforting platitudes and a highly innovative guitarist who deploys spidery riffs throughout every song. // Because it promises not healing but resilience and perseverance, because it doesn’t take shit for granted, Anarchist Gospel holds up under such intense emotional pressure, acknowledging the pain of living while searching for something that lies just beyond ourselves, some sense of balance between the bad and the good.]
[Sunny War plays The Kansas City Folk Festival at Washington Square Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 8:00pm with Nokosee Fields, Jamogi and the Jammers, Stranded in the City, KC Queertet and more.]
11:03 – Interview with Rachel Christia and Stephonne Singleton
Rachel Christia a Kansas City born tech-girl, afro-futurist, vocalist, actress and landlocked mermaid. She has performed with notable MidCoast bands such as Hearts of Darkness; an eclectic collective influenced by 70s afrobeat, and the Denver based powerhouse Pink Hawks; pulling funky polyrhythms from West Africa and South America. More recently, she enjoys collaborating with her favorite Kansas Music legends or concocting fully improvised audience led musicals with The Maestro’s – Kansas City. She is perfectly aligned as a Kansas City Folk Fest Board member as her primary directive is to build community by lovingly blurring the lines between art and activism.
Rachel Christia, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. 9. Stephonne released the single “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” on April, 2025. Stephonne’s newest single, “Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) will be officially released on May 19 with the video released on May 23, 2025. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com
Stephonne Singleton, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton join us to share all the details about Kansas City Folk Festival to be held in Washington Square Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi and the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber Dalima Kapten, folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts four stages, delicious food trucks, and an extensive craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the 4th annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians & artists. Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by KC Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC. Full lineup: http://www.kcfolkfest.org.
People-Powered KC Folk Fest Returns to Washington Square Park with a Riotous Sound
KC Folk Fest returns for another spirited event in Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 2025 from 11am-8pm. With a superb lineup featuring touring and local roots artists across styles including: Chamber Folk, Old Time, Americana, Bluegrass, Blues, R&B, Singer-songwriters, and Hip Hop, KC Folk Fest boasts 4 stages, delicious food trucks, and craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the fourth annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians and artists.
Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi and the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. For full lineup, visit: http://www.kcfolkfest.org
11:12
Dalima Kapten – “Feel the Beat, Bud” from: “Feel the Beat, Bud’ – Single / Dalima Kapten / September 27, 2024 [Dalima Kapten (she/her) released the single “Scrappy Rose” also on September 27, 2024.// Dalima Kapten (she/her) is currently working on her debut album. She is a second-generation Kenyan-American pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Technology at the University of Central Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Theater Minor, and a specialization in Architectural Acoustics from the University of Kansas. // As a theater performer and artist, Dalima is deeply moved by a passion for storytelling and worked at Music Theater Heritage as the Manager of Artistic Operations. Additionally, she presented her self-published chapbook “Native Anomaly” for Columbia University’s HOME: Symposium.]
[Dalima Kapten plays KC Folk Fest at Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 2025, 11 to 8:00pm with Sunny War, Nokosee Fields, Jamogi & the Jammers, Stranded in the City, KC Queertet and more.]
[Dalima Kapten plays Night Six of Manor Fest 7 on Thursday, May 29 at 5:00 at PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave,, KCMO with Wills Van Doorn, and Teri Quinn] (all ages).]
11:15 – More Interview Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton
We are talking with Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton about KC Folk Fest in Washington Square Park, Sat, May 17, 11 to 8:00pm, with Sunny War, Nokosee Fields duo, Jamogi and the Jammers, Dalima Kapten, Stranded in the City, KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts 4 stages, delicious food trucks, and craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the 4th annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians & artists. Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by KC Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC.
Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton thanks for being with us on WMM
Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by Kansas City Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC.
Supported by grassroots campaigns such as as our “Dandelion Donor” campaign ($100×100 “Seed” Donors), “Fun Raisers” such as FolkyOkie Karaoke and community outreach events like Pickball – a jam-friendly brand of kickball – alongside local sponsors, community partners and arts grants such at Missouri Arts Council’s Folk Arts Grant, KC Folk Fest continues its legacy as an all-ages, admission-free city festival whose mission is “to celebrate the music and arts of our neighborhoods, region and beyond” – all while paying its artists a living wage. As a zero-waste event with recycling and composting available on-site, KCFF encourages visitors to follow the National Parks mottos “Pack it in, pack it out” and “Leave it better than you found it.”
HISTORY OF THE FEST: Originally founded as a public outreach event for Folk Alliance International’s annual industry conference in 2016, FAI transitioned the fest over to local stakeholders in 2019. “Kansas City Folk Festival” incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2021 and produced their first outdoor folk festival on Saturday, May 22, 2022 in Washington Square Park, KCMO.
For questions or interview requests, contact Festival Coordinator Mikal Shapiro at mikal@kcfolkfest.org or (816) 888-0668. KC Folk Fest is May 17, 2025 in Washington Square Park, KCMO. Craft Market opens at 11AM, programming runs from 12PM – 8PM. The fest is all ages and admission free. Donations accepted and are tax deductible.
Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton thanks for being with us on WMM
KC Folk Festival at Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 2025 from 11 to 8:00pm. Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi & the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts four stages, delicious food trucks, and an extensive craft market chock full of local vendors. For lineup: http://www.kcfolkfest.org.
11:25
Stranded in The City – “Tell Me” from: Family Function / Chorizo Springs Records / April 25, 2025 [André Reyes, Jr. on piano, keyboard, synthesizers, organ and vocals; Antonio Reyes on drums and vocals; Timmy Keith on guitar & vocals; Matt Elton on bass & vocals; Densil Malabre on congas, timbales, percussion & vocals. // Stranded in the City is made up of brothers André Reyes, Jr. and Antonio Reyes, Timmy Keith, Matt Elton, and Densil (D.J) Malabre. Together they form one of Kansas City’s powerhouse bands. André and Antonio arose from a musical family tracing across four generations. They met Timmy, a natural rock guitarist, and bassist, Matt, who would later become the core of Stranded in the City. Densil adds his West African style to the mix to solidify the sound. // As a diverse group, Stranded in the City provides a retro flavor in a fresh sound, playing every song with soul and every beat of their hearts. Through the thickness of the groove, they deliver rich vocal harmonies and smoking improvisational skills. Expect a melting pot of genres; R&B, Funk, Country, Tex-Mex, Rock and Pop all in their music. Never the less backed by the right energy. // They perform locally and pack venues in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. In the spring of 2025, they will be premiering their sophomore album. Visit the calendar for more details on live performance dates, album releases, events and more. Sign up for the mailing list for updates, and follow on social media for live streams and more content.]
[Stranded in The City plays KC Folk Fest at Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 11 to 8:00pm with Sunny War, Nokosee Fields, Jamogi & the Jammers, Dalima Kapten, KC Queertet & more.]
11:29 – Underwriting
Alex Wong – “Permission (feat. Milck)” from: “Permission (feat. Milck)” – Single / Alex Wong / November 22, 2024 [Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist, producer and advocate who creates music to empower everyone, especially those on the margins, to take up space. Alex established The Quiet Voice nonprofit around the idea that our voice doesn’t have to be loud to be strong, which has raised more than $80,000 for BIPOC charities. He’s appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, Kerrville Folk Festival, SXSW, 30A, Americanafest, and Musicians Corner, and has produced records for Delta Rae, Vienna Teng, and others. In 2023 he launched The Permission Parties, a multi-sensory experience where each track from his upcoming album Permission is paired with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion.]
[Alex Wong presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO.]
11:35 – Interview with Alex Wong & Jen Kiper
Jen Kiper is a music lover and volunteer who works with data to help raise funding for a local nonprofit. From queer punk shows to local theater festivals, Jen can often be found near the front of the room and marveling at the work artists create.
Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist, producer and advocate who creates music to empower everyone, especially those on the margins, to take up space. Alex established The Quiet Voice nonprofit around the idea that our voice doesn’t have to be loud to be strong, which has raised more than $80,000 for BIPOC charities. He’s appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, Kerrville Folk Festival, SXSW, 30A, Americanafest, and Musicians Corner, and has produced records for Delta Rae, Vienna Teng, and others. In 2023 Alerx launched The Permission Parties, a multi-sensory experience where each track from his upcoming album Permission is paired with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion.
Alex Wong + NAAAP KC presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO. Info at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/alex-wong
Jen Kiper & Alex Wong Thank you both for being with us on WMM.
Wong’s latest album, PERMISSION, is an honest, personal, and at times uncomfortable look at Wong’s journey as a person of color learning how to take up space in America and exploring what Asian-American music can sound like.
Event information: Alex Wong’s PERMISSION is Saturday, 5/17 at 6 PM and is an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity.
What is a Permission Party?
To bring the album to life, Wong has developed a multi-sensory live experience called PERMISSION, which uses food as an on-ramp to his cultural memory.
Attendees will be treated to a first-of-its-kind listening and tasting performance, enjoying 3 songs from Wong’s newest album that are each paired with a Chinese-inspired dish sharing a common emotion. The event will close with a set by Wong including a mix of music from PERMISSION and previous records.
LOCATION: Vivilore Restaurant: 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO 64052
TICKETS: Limited general admission tickets are available – buy early to ensure entry! Tickets will include food + music. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
DIETARY: All dishes are vegetarian and can be vegan and/or gluten free upon request.
DOORS OPEN @ 6 PM, DINNER BEGINS PROMPTLY @ 7 PM
Wong has developed a multi-sensory live experience which uses food as an on-ramp to his cultural memory. Attendees are treated to a listening and tasting performance, enjoying 3 songs from Wong’s newest album paired with a Chinese-inspired dish sharing a common emotion. The National Association of Asian American Professionals (“NAAAP”) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the careers and leadership development of Asian American professionals.
Co-presented by NAAAP KC: The National Association of Asian American Professionals (“NAAAP”) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the careers and leadership development of Asian American professionals. As the largest and fastest-growing Asian American professional organization in the U.S. and Canada, NAAAP fosters leadership, education, accountability, and diversity. The Kansas City chapter connects members through professional development, networking, and community service, empowering leaders to make a meaningful impact in business, education, government, and society. Join our organization for more opportunities to events that inspire growth, collaboration, and community engagement.
Alex Wong & Jen Kiper Thanks for being with us on WMM
Alex Wong presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO.
11:53
Alex Wong – “Second Generation (feat. Vienna Teng & Amulets)” from: Second Generation (feat. Vienna Teng & Amulets) – Single / Alex Wong / Feb. 21, 2025 [Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist, producer and advocate who creates music to empower everyone, especially those on the margins, to take up space. Alex established The Quiet Voice nonprofit around the idea that our voice doesn’t have to be loud to be strong, which has raised more than $80,000 for BIPOC charities. He’s appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, Kerrville Folk Festival, SXSW, 30A, Americanafest, and Musicians Corner, and has produced records for Delta Rae, Vienna Teng, and others. In 2023 he launched The Permission Parties, a multi-sensory experience where each track from his upcoming album Permission is paired with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion.]
[Alex Wong presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Sat, May 17, 6 to 10 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Indep, MO.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week, on Wednesday, May 21 – David Luther joins us to share music form his new album WHO ARE YOU. At 11:00 we will talk with Jeremiah James Gonzales of the band Redder Moon. AND, at 11:30 Katlyn Conroy of the band Cheery joins us to talk about her new music, and life in Liverpool.
Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachio Head, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Stephonne & Rachel Christia of KC Folk Fest + Paul Jesse + Alex Wong & Jen Kiper
Mark spins more New & MidCoastal releases from: Dalima Kapten, Claire Adams, Stranded in The City, Paul Jesse, Madisen Ward, Una Walkenhorst, Alex Wong with Vienna Teng, Jenny Hval, Sunny War, Curtis Harding, Hovvdy & runo plum, and Car Seat Headrest.
At 10:30 we welcome back to the show, singer-songwriter Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Hesitation,” the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com
At 11:00 Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton join us to share all the details about The Kansas City Folk Festival to be held in Washington Square Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi and the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts four stages, delicious food trucks, and an extensive craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the fourth annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians and artists. Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by Kansas City Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC. For full lineup, visit: http://www.kcfolkfest.org.
At 11:30 Alex Wong & Jen Kiper share Alex’s latest album, PERMISSION, an honest look at Wong’s journey as a person of color learning how to take up space in America and exploring what Asian-American music can sound like. Alex Wong + NAAAP KC presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO. Wong has developed a multi-sensory live experience which uses food as an on-ramp to his cultural memory. Attendees are treated to a listening and tasting performance, enjoying 3 songs from Wong’s newest album paired with a Chinese-inspired dish sharing a common emotion. The National Association of Asian American Professionals (“NAAAP”) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the careers and leadership development of Asian American professionals. Info at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/alex-wong
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Shaun Crowley & Music of Manor Fest 7
I’m Mark Manning. Today we spin music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31. Manor Fest is a fundraiser curated and ran by Manor Records. This festival is not just about the music — it’s about building community and directly supporting local artists. Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians at no cost to them.
Manor Fest 7 includes: Making Movies, Calvin Arsenia, Shy Boys, Supermoto, True Lions, Fullbloods, Fritz & Sons, Pale Tongue, Paris Williams, Scabb, Daniel Gum, MC Rue + MIKEY, Eggs On Mars, Kirstie Lynn, Brian Bulger, The Matchsellers, They’re Theirs, Blanky, The Swallowtails, The Creepy Jingles, Jolson & The Fear of Snakes, Stephonne, Malek Azrael & The Vibez, TIDAL. WAV, Rebel Song Academy, Liney Blu, Joel Vs. Joel, Field Daze, 2W33DY, Alber, Teri Quinn, Kadesh Flow, THIMASTR, CS Luxem, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Big Fat Cow, Lauren Lovelle & The Midnight Spliffs, LyMerrick, Jack Summers, Natalie Prauser, Cat Fight, Midwestern, Dalima Kapten, Wills Van Doorn, Saving Miles Lemon, Pure XTC, Jamogi & The Jammers, DJ Dom Chronicles, Shay Lyriq, Lava Dreams, Highway Demon, Frankie Shorez & Mercury Fire, Apricot Glow, Nina Cherry, Eddie Moore, Gracie Caggiano, Mosaic, and DJ Sammy Sheets. For more information you can visit: http://www.manorrecords.com
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Fumbling” from: Fumbling / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / March 21, 2025 [Fumbling by Danielle Ate the Sandwich, is the artist’s 8th full length release of original music. Produced by Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, and Danielle Anderson. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Recorded in Kansas City, KS. Photography by Paul Andrews. Danielle Anderson: vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo. Fritz Hutchison: drums, bass, banjo, guitars, keys. Alison Hawkins: vocals, keys, fiddle. Joy Zimmerman: vocals. Marco Pascolini: pedal steel. Alberto Racanati: trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Aryana Nemati: flute. Laurel Parks: violin. Sascha Groschang: cello. Community Choir on ‘Peace to You Brother’: Annie Kalahurka, Morgan Fender, Forest Kinsey, Mark Orr, Jamie Campbell, Jessica Campbell. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]
[Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays Night One of Manor Fest 7 Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00pm at Manor Records 5540 Troost Ave., KCMO with MC Rue + Mikey, and Eggs on Mars.]
10:04 – Interview with Shaun Crowley
Shaun Crowley is a classically trained guitarist, and has studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Shaun is the Founder & Executive Director of Manor Records, a music label that grew out of Manor Fest, the first festival sized “house show” Shaun and friends produced in their basement featuring 12 bands. We first met Shaun over 15 years ago as part of the band Rev Gusto, originally formed in high school with friends at Saint James Academy.
Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31. Manor Fest is a fundraiser curated and ran by Manor Records. This festival is not just about the music — it’s about building community and directly supporting local artists. Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians at no cost to them.
Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
As reported by Julie Denesha for KCUR.com published April 5, 2024:
Crowley started the nonprofit in 2017, with concerts first in a rented house in Shawnee, then moving to a cafe in Strawberry Hill and later a basement space in the West Bottoms. On Troost, he’s doubled the retail space where he will sell used records. This time, Crowley thinks he has the right business model.
Crowley plans to man the record store Wednesday through Saturday, and on Monday and Tuesday when the store is closed, he’ll teach guitar and bass to students of all ages and skill levels. He already has another musician lined up to teach piano and ukulele.
The storefront will also serve as a concert venue for the artists Manor Records supports. The store will bring back free events from its last space — Songbird Sessions every Thursday, a songwriter open mic and a masterclass educational series.
Crowley started playing in the KC when he was 17 in band Rev Gusto and Momma’s Boy. He said he’s eager to share the lessons he’s learned with young musicians just starting out.
The new space will also serve as home base for preparations for the foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Manor Fest is a multi-day music festival held in Kansas City that goes back to the group’s early days in a Shawnee basement. The foundation’s mission is to provide resources and support to local musicians, and Manor Fest is now a cornerstone of their fundraising efforts.
Manor Records Board Khrystal Johnson – President Danielle Krakenberg – Secretary Tyler Fowler – Board Treasurer Talon Ice – Board Member Droo Long – Board Member
Record Label Operations Team Shaun Crowley – Founder & Executive Director Skylar Rochelle – Record Label Lead Kayla Jarrett – Record Lavel Team Member
Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records.All profits from this fundraiser event to help us with our non-profit mission of releasing local artists’ music on physical platforms through our “Manor Records Fund”.
Manor Records all started in a basement of “The Shawnee Manor,” a DIY venue located in Shawnee, KS. From Glass Animals to Shy Boys, the underground venue hosted numerous local acts, and some national touring acts. Founder Shaun Crowley created the first Manor Fest with 10 bands in one night, then grew to a two night event featuring 20 local bands. After years passed and a community was built, it was time for the boys to move out of the deteriorating house.
In October of 2017, Shaun and company officially launched Manor Records. A DIY record label based on the foundation of their infamous Shawnee Manor. Manor Records is a label that takes no profits from their artists, is hands-on, and self-run, with intentions of good music from good people. They began by hosting showcases featuring local and regional bands in addition to putting out cassette releases.
Alongside the festival, Manor Records has been actively providing booking, tour management, cassette releases, blog premieres/reviews, marketing and promotion services for indie acts all over the Mid-west area.
Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records.All profits from this fundraiser event to help us with our non-profit mission of releasing local artists’ music on physical platforms through our “Manor Records Fund”.
Manor Fest 7, features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31. Manor Fest is a fundraiser curated and ran by Manor Records. This festival is not just about the music — it’s about building community and directly supporting local artists. Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians at no cost to them.
Manor Fest 7 includes: Making Movies, Calvin Arsenia, Shy Boys, Supermoto, True Lions, Fullbloods, Fritz & Sons, Pale Tongue, Paris Williams, Scabb, Daniel Gum, MC Rue + MIKEY, Eggs On Mars, Kirstie Lynn, Brian Bulger, The Matchsellers, They’re Theirs, Blanky, The Swallowtails, The Creepy Jingles, Jolson & The Fear of Snakes, Stephonne, Malek Azrael & The Vibez, TIDAL. WAV, Rebel Song Academy, Liney Blu, Joel Vs. Joel, Field Daze, 2W33DY, Alber, Teri Quinn, Kadesh Flow, THIMASTR, CS Luxem, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Big Fat Cow, Lauren Lovelle & The Midnight Spliffs, LyMerrick, Jack Summers, Natalie Prauser, Cat Fight, Midwestern, Dalima Kapten, Wills Van Doorn, Saving Miles Lemon, Pure XTC, Jamogi & The Jammers, DJ Dom Chronicles, Shay Lyriq, Lava Dreams, Highway Demon, Frankie Shorez & Mercury Fire, Apricot Glow, Nina Cherry, Eddie Moore, Gracie Caggiano, Mosaic, and DJ Sammy Sheets. For more information you can visit: http://www.manorrecords.com
Venue One : Manor Records, 5540 Troost Ave., KCMO (7-10 PM) all ages
Danielle Ate The Sandwich
MC Rue + Mikey
Eggs on Mars
Night Two : Thursday 5/22 – Westside
Venue One : Fetch, 1659 Summit St. KCMO (5-7 PM) all ages
Big Fat Cow
Stephonne
Lauren Lovelle & The Midnight Spliffs
Venue Two : Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO, (7-10 PM) *21+
Brian Bulger
The Swallowtails
Calvin Arsenia
10:11
Stephonne – “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” from: “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” – Single / Glory Blue Music / April, 2025 [Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]
[Stephonne plays Night Two of Manor Fest 7 on Thursday, May 22 at 5:00pm at Fetch, 1659 Summit St. KCMO with Big Fat Cow, and Lauren Lovelle & The Midnight Spliffs. All ages.]
Calvin Arsenia – “Is That What You Like” from: Paradise / Calvin Arsenia / June 23, 2023 [Paradise is Calvin Arsenia’s 14 track album. Available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer where at 24 he released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of VERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com][Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on Jan. 18, 2023, June 21, 2023, and our 1000th Show on June 28, 2923.]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Night Two of Manor Fest 7 on Thursday, May 22 at 7:00pm at Greenwood Social Club, 1759 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO with Brian Bulger, and The Swallowtails]
10:17 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley
Today we spin music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.
Troost / West Side / Strawberry Hill / West Bottoms / East Stadium / Historic Northeast / Longfellow / 18th & Vine Jazz District / Crossroads
Manor Fest 7, features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31.
Manor Fest is a fundraiser curated and ran by Manor Records. This festival is not just about the music — it’s about building community and directly supporting local artists. Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians at no cost to them. More information at; http://www.manorrecords.com
Shaun Crowley is a classically trained guitarist, and has studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Shaun is the co-founder of Manor Records, a music label that grew out of Manor Fest, the first festival sized “house show” Shaun and friends produced in their basement featuring 12 bands. We first met Shaun as part of the band Rev Gusto, originally formed in high school with friends at Saint James Academy.
Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Venue One : Flagship Books, 600 Ohio Ave., KCK (5-7 PM) all ages
CS Luxem
Gracie Caggiano
Joel Vs. Joel
Venue Two : Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th, KCK (7-10 PM) *21+
Kirstie Lynn
Grady Drugg
True Lions
Venue Three : The Easy Inn 322 6th St. KCK (10-12 AM) *21+
Liney Blu
Scabb
Saving Miles Lemon
10:22
CS Luxem – “Symptoms” from: Symptoms / Whatever Forever / February 17, 2018 [Debut length from CS Luxem who works as a solo artist as well as a collaborator. CS Luxem has released several EPs and has performed all over the United States and Europe. The album was recorded over a span of three months above a garage full of Model T’s in northwest Lawrence, KS. The songs were written between 2005-2017 and have been revised throughout these years with different collaborators. Engineer Joel Martin “sculpted” sounds as CS Luxem has always heard them in his head. CS Luxem has been most places. He and his music are light even at their heaviest and heady even at their lightest. And it’s contagious! His distinct vocals and exuberant rhythms are the core of his sound. Whether it be his polished pop jewels or his deep tidal pools of synthesized noise, CS Luxem entrances and invigorates the spirit. Instrumentation ranges from solo vocals with acoustic guitar, to a looping and effects station with electric guitar, to a full rock band with synthesizer, bass and drums. The versatility empowers this performer to vibe as the ambient canvas of an upscale function, as the hope-bearing minstrel at a retirement home, as the dive bar ultra party, and definitely as the scenester’s favorite house show act. Info at http://www.csluxem.bandcamp.com]
[CC Luxem plays Night Three of Manor Fest 7 on Fri, May 23 at 5:00pm at Flagship Books, 600 Ohio Ave., KCK in Strawberry Hill with Gracie Caggiano, and Joel Vs. Joel.]
Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark – “Soft Landing” from: Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark / Lost River Sound / August 9, 2024 [Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark released Cindergarden (A Sides) on May 22, 2022. They released Cindergarden (B Sidesd) on June 21, 2023. Kirstie Lynn is a classically trained soprano with a passion for songwriting, always looking to marry poetry and melody. Though Kirstie’s voice has been compared to that of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, her sound is uniquely her own. Kirstie Lynn is a folk singer-songwriter originally from the fingerlakes region of upstate, NY. She began her professional music studies at the age of 15, and has since received both a Bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University and a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in voice and opera performance. Her vocal training lends her the freedom to paint her nature inspired lyrics with a wide range and a beautiful and effortless sound. Kirstie Lynn is one half of the duo Kirstie Lynn and Galen Clark. // Galen Clark introduces an alternative perspective and approach to music that contains multitudes. Migratory melodies, multi-instrumental fluency, and mysterious texture all outline the stylings of the newly transplanted Cuyahoga Valley songwriter, producer, and musician. // Born into an Air Force family, Clark grew up in many places with family anchors in Vermont and Colorado. At the age of 9 following many failed piano lessons, Clark’s grandparents gifted him a Harmony parlor guitar from a Shelburne flea market, starting a journey that would span almost 2 decades of stylistic development, a plethora of ephemeral bands, a degree in music production and recording technology, and a refined take on songwriting. Sharing songs spanning the stoic mountains of Idaho’s lost river range to the ancient hum of the Shenandoah Valley, Galen draws upon energy strewn between varied time and place, a broader quest for belonging, and rejuvenation beyond the front door. Clark’s previous records, Providence (2018) and The Well (2020) offer a contemplative portrait of moods in natural ambiguity, collective consciousness, and introspection. His most recent collaboration with Kansas City – based artist, Kirstie Lynn is a reckoning that is to be heard live and will transport you elsewhere if not in mind than in spirit.][Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark joined us live on WMM on June 21. // Kirstie Lynn played IN THE ROUND with Calvin Arsenia, Julia Othmer, and Christena Graves at The Bauer, 115 West 18th St., in KCMO’s West Crossroads, Oct. 17, 2025.]
[Kirstie Lynn plays Night Three of Manor Fest 7 on Fri, May 23 at 7:00pm at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th, KCK *21+with Grady Drugg, and True Lions.]
Saving Miles Lemon – “Hidden Inventory ” – Single from: “Hidden Inventory” – Single / Saving Miles Lemon / May 2, 2025 [Performed by: Saving Miles Lemon. Written by: Miguel Silva-Leon. Produced by: Saving Miles Lemon. One of three new singles released in the last few months from Saving Miles Lemon. Saving Miles Lemon released “The Line” on March 28, 2025. // Saving Miles Lemon released “In The Night” on January 16. 2025// Saving Miles Lemom released the 13-track full-length album LOVELY/ on October 6, 2023. Saving Miles Lemon is the psychedelic-pop project of Miguel Silva-Leon. Formed in 2019 with the goal of releasing an album by the end of the year, the project has transformed into a full-blown musical odyssey for Miguel (who likes to go by Mig) to explore new sounds. It’s hard to define what genre Saving Miles Lemon fits into as they like to let the music go where it wants to go. From smooth dance pop, to blown-out stoner rock, Mig likes to keep things interesting and never stay with one sound for too long. // Having grown up learning to play the piano at the age of 7, Miguel found themselves picking up new instruments frequently from the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe to guitar/bass and drums. Just as with their instruments, Mig began practicing their production skills in high school with small bedroom projects and hardcore bands. In a way, nothing has changed, as all of Saving Miles Lemon’s music is recorded and produced entirely by Mig in their bedroom studio to this day. // Their live members include Jacob Frisbee (bass), James Wiltfang (keys), and Zeke Bockleman (drums). // As a live act, the band began performing in 2021 and quickly took over the DIY scene in Kansas City before moving on to the bar/venue scene with sold-out shows at The Rino (KCMO) and The Bottleneck (LFK). They’ve opened for national and international touring bands such as Cub Sport at The Encore at Uptown Theatre (KCMO). // Saving Miles Lemon has released two full-length LPs and a handful of singles.]
[Saving Miles Lemon plays Night Three of Manor Fest 7 on Fri, May 23 at 10:00pm The Easy Inn 322 6th St. KCK*21+ with Liney Blu, and Scabb.]
10:32 – Underwriting
10:34 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley
Today we spin music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.
Troost / West Side / Strawberry Hill / West Bottoms / East Stadium / Historic Northeast / Longfellow / 18th & Vine Jazz District / Crossroads
Manor Fest 7, features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31.
Venue Two : Hickory Union Moto, 10 S. James St, KCMO (5-7 PM) *21+
Daniel Gum
The Creepy Jingles
Jolson & The Fear of Snakes
Venue Three : Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO (7-10 PM) all ages
Rebel Song Academy
Fritz & Sons
Making Movies
Venue Four : The Ship, 1221 Union Ave. KCMO (10 PM – 12 AM) *21+
Tidal.wav
Jamogi & The Jammers
DJ Dom Chronicles
10:38
The Matchsellers – “I Can’t Believe Were Still In Love” from: “I Can’t Believe We’re Still In Love” – Single / The Matchsellers / February 14, 2025 [Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City. Andrew Morris is a Chicago blues guitarist from Warsaw, Indiana. They met in Leipzig, Germany. During their year of living in the former East Germany, the pair began reanalyzing the songs of their homeland, and developed a tight yet gritty bluegrass style. In the summer of 2013 they left their jobs to hit the road and haven’t looked back. // In the band’s most recent iteration, mandolinist Brian McCarty brings an invaluable lifetime of experience in the Bluegrass tradition, while Brandon Day thrills audiences with his intricate bass solos. // On May 3, 2024 he Matchsellers released LIVE AT THE WAREHOUSE. // On October 28, 2022 The Matchsellers released The Wishful Thinker’s Hall of Game // On February 12, 2016 they released their album, SONGS WE MADE UP, one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016.. In late 2014 they released their debut full length recording, “Kosciusko County,” one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Matchsellers have toured 3 European countries and 25 US States, performing 180 shows a year, including last year for the KC Fringe Festival, Bluegrass Bazaar in Flint, Michigan, Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK, and a 1st place win at the Eddie Owen Presents songwriting competition in Atlanta, GA.]
[The Matchsellers plays Night Four of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 24 at 3:00pm at Stockyards, 1600 Genessee St, KCMO with Jack Summers, and Natalie Prauser (*21+ ).]
Jocelyn Nixon – “YOU AIN’T RIGHT! YOU MUST BE WRONG!” from: “YOU AIN’T RIGHT! YOU MUST BE WRONG!”-Single / Supe Brill Records / May 2, 2025 [Jocelyn Olivia Nixon is lead singer of the band The Creepy Jungles. Jocelyn told Nick Spacek of The Pitch, “that the songs she presents to her bandmates in The Jingles’ songs are poppier stuff, typically, while solo songs are more folky, mellow, weird, and lyrical. Solo work also gives her the opportunity to work with others outside the group. As Nixon explains, “It’s basically a tongue-in-cheek song making fun of hard right conservatives and social cliques who think only their way is ‘right.’” She said, “I felt like I needed something where I can be a bit more vulnerable and naked, I suppose,” the musician says. “I think because Jingles do rock n roll pop songs well, I think I’m kinda boxed in as an artist and singer. This is my way of saying I have many sides to myself as an individual and as an artist, and I can forge my own path and defy expectations.” Jocelyn Nixon’s next single, “Real Deal,” is due later this summer . // The Creepy Jingles released a series of 4 new singles in 2024 including “When Things Go Wrong” on February 23, 2024. // The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ]
[The Creepy Jingles play Night Four of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 24 at 5:00pm at Hickory Union Moto, 10 S. James St, KCMO with Daniel Gum, and Jolson & The Fear of Snakes(*21+)]
[The Creepy Jingles play Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14]
[The Creepy Jingles play Replay Lounge on Saturday, June 21.]
Making Movies – “Pendulum Swing – En Vivo” from: Baúl de las Movies: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2024 (En Vivo)/ 3/2 Recordings/ 4/25/25] [Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. // Captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit. / The 5-track collection includes a standout performance of “Nadie Sabe (rock’n’roll),” a powerful anthem that nods to the band’s rock roots while giving fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year. / Marking Making Movies’ first major U.S. festival appearance, the performance at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival was a milestone moment in the band’s journey—and one they’ll never forget. / “I love that we have a record of that wild and special day,” says Enrique Chi of Making Movies. “The mid-set downpour turned into a blessing—though we had to pause the show, when we returned, dancing in the rain was a pure expression of joy. We are grateful that those folks opened up their space and hearts to us, giving us the opportunity to road test some new songs and prepare for the next chapter for Making Movies.” / The Baúl de las Movies series is a nod to the band’s ongoing effort to open up their archives and share treasured recordings from the road. This latest installment captures the spontaneity and soul of a band known for merging Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency. / Making Movies continues to carve a unique space in the music landscape, building bridges across cultures and generations. With this release, they invite listeners into the vibrant world they’ve created—live, unfiltered, and alive with possibility. // Last year Making Movies released Baúl De Las Movies (En Vivo En Folly Theater 2023) /=through 3/2 Recordings on September. 27, 2024, Produced by Ben Yonas, McKenzi Webster, Executive Producer Javier E. Carrizo, Production Assistant Nora Gibbons, Recording & Mixing Engineer Ben Yonas, Recording Engineer Paul Malinowski, Mastering Engineer, Dave Greenberg/Sonopod, Assistant Sound Engineers Josh Gomez, Ricky Menendez. Asdru Sierra on trumpet; Ryan Heinlein, Trevor Turla on trombone. // “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” was also filmed. Directed by William J. Stribling. // Directors of Photography Adam Baron-Bloch, Alex Gallitano. // Camera Operators Cole Blaise, Nora Gibbons, Esai Saenz. // Production Designer Aisa Palomares. // Edited by Raymond Fraser. // Colorist Tam Le // DI Coordinator John Daniels-Riveros. // DI Services Provided by Sodalite Color // Stream “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” – https://ffm.to/follyliveep.OYD. // Latin Grammy nominated band Making Movies released their special EP EN LA SALA containing 8 of the songs recorded LIVE, on January 12, 2024. // Before that they released their single “Medicina”. // Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021. On February 5, the band released the 7-song, La Cuarentena EP which included a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP also includes covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. The EP was available on BandCamp for only three days Feb. 5 through Feb. 7, 2021. // Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds
[Making Movies play Night Four of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 24 at 7:00pm at Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO with Rebel Song Academy, and Fritz & Sons, (all ages).]
Jamogi – “Hot Block (Flew The Coop Live)” from: Kamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live)” – Single / Jam Tunes / April 11, 2025 [Jamogi released the siongle “Do It To Me” on March 28, 2025. // Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California. Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023. Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire.]
[Jamogi and The Jammers play Night Four of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 24 at 10:00pm at The Ship 1221 Union Ave. KCMO in the West Bottoms with Tidal.wav, and DJ Dom Chronicles]
10:52 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley
Today we spin music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31.
Troost / West Side / Strawberry Hill / West Bottoms / East Stadium / Historic Northeast / Longfellow / 18th & Vine Jazz District / Crossroads
Manor Fest is a fundraiser curated and ran by Manor Records. This festival is not just about the music — it’s about building community and directly supporting local artists. Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians at no cost to them. More information at; http://www.manorrecords.com
Venue One : PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave,, KCMO (5-7 PM) all ages
Dalima Kapten
Wills Van Doorn
Teri Quinn
Venue Two : J. Rieger & Co. 2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO (7-10 PM) all ages
Mosiac
THIMASTR
Fullbloods
10:56
They’re Theirs – “Midland Empire” from: “Midland Empire” – Single / Chase The Horseman / February 18, 2025 [As a live band They’re Theirs consists of Chase Horseman on vocals and guitars, Sky Cowdry on bass and Ian Dobyns on drums. // “Midland Empire” was produced by They’re Theirs, engineered by Ian Dobyns, mixed by Ian Dobyns Chase Horseman and Sky Cowdry. Mastered by Justin Perkins/Mystery Room Mastering. Recorded at Element Recording. // Chase The Horseman released the single “Silver Liner” on October 25, 2024. Drums and additional engineering by Ian Dobyns, Additional vocals by Heidi Gluck. Mastered by Anthony Puglisi. Written, produced, performed and mixed by Chase Horseman at Element Recording. // Chase Horseman has composed music for over 40 films and as musician and producer collaborated with Clairaudients, Teri Quinn, Heidi Lynne Gluck, KD Kuro, The Roseline, Nan Turner and more. Chase The Horseman film composer, band leader, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, & producer. // On April 2, 2024 Chase released the 22 track Original Sound Track for Headcount, a feature film from the Burghart Brothers, produced by Continuance Pictures, Method Media, and Shout Factory. Chase created the music for two feature-length episodes of the Blum House Films and Hulu original series, “Into the Dark.” // In February 2020 Chase released “Poor Song,” a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs track by Karen O. Chase played Sequential Circuits Prophet 600, Dave Smith MiniMopho, Korg Minilogue Xd, Moog Grandmother, Roland Alpha Juno 2, Mellotron, Guitar, Drums, Vocals all performed by Chase Horseman. Recorded at Element Recording Studios and Winky World. Mixed by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Joel Nanos. // On May 1, 2020. // Chase released, a quarantine cover of “Midnight, The Stars and You” written by Harry M. Woods, Jimmy Campbell & Reg Connelly Stanley. The most famous version was recorded in 1934 by Ray Noble & his Orchestra with an uncredited Al Bowley on vocals. This was used in the ballroom scene and closing of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror film The Shining based on the novel by Stephen King. All of the profits of the Chase Horseman single were be donated directly to service industry workers in Kansas City and Midwest Music Foundation on a 50/50 basis. // Chase The Horseman released Disinformation Blues EP on July 12, 2019. One of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Chase released the single “U Martyr U” June 19, 2018, and the single “Modern Ruins” on Oct 4, 2018. // More info at: http://www.chasethehorseman.bandcamp.com.]
[They’re Theirs play Night Five of Manor Fest 7 on Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00pm at Farewell, 6523 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Cat Fight, and Midwestern (*21+)]
11:00 – Station ID
Dalima Kapten – “Feel the Beat, Bud” from: “Feel the Beat, Bud’ – Single / Dalima Kapten / September 27, 2024 [Dalilma Kapten (she/her) released the single “Scrappy Rose” also on September 27, 2024.// Dalima Kapten (she/her) is currently working on her debut album. She is a second-generation Kenyan-American pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Technology at the University of Central Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Theater Minor, and a specialization in Architectural Acoustics from the University of Kansas. // As a theater performer and artist, Dalima is deeply moved by a passion for storytelling and worked at Music Theater Heritage as the Manager of Artistic Operations. Additionally, she presented her self-published chapbook “Native Anomaly” for Columbia University’s HOME: Symposium.]
[Dalima Kapten play Night Six of Manor Fest 7 on Thursday, May 29 at 5:00 at PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave,, KCMO with Wills Van Doorn, and Teri Quinn] (all ages).]
[Fullbloods play Night Six of Manor Fest 7 on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 at J. Rieger & Co. 2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO with Mosiac, and THIMASTR (All ages).]
11:06 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley
Today we spin music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31.
Troost / West Side / Strawberry Hill / West Bottoms / East Stadium / Historic Northeast / Longfellow / 18th & Vine Jazz District / Crossroads
WEEKEND TWO – May 28, 29, 30, & 31
Night Seven: Friday May 30 Longfellow + 18th & Vine Jazz District
Venue One: Sister Anne’s 901 E. 31st KCMO(5-7 PM) all ages
Blanky – “Oh Frail Memory” from: “Oh Frail Memory” / Blanky Records / April 8, 2025 [Blanky embodies the languor left of a perfect day gone past. The always evolving musical project has thus far successfully mirrored the tumultuous transition of an agnostic adolescence to a freeing acceptance of life’s unapologetic inhumanity. The result is a dark happiness; simultaneously baffling and enticing. Incubated in a Black Mountain basement and left in the fields ’til full maturity. Blanky has settled in Lawrence, KS by way of Asheville, North Carolina. Southern origins and midwestern sentimentality are bound together in the timeless mindscape provoked by the broad assortment of compositions and styles performed and produced by the band. The ongoing experimentations of Blanky are a testament to their commitment to combining the culture of sharing and adaptation of 60’s folk and the do-it-yourself ethos of contemporary underground music. Blanky’s poignantly devitalized interpretations of rock’n’roll sound both new and familiar. The sense of desolation induced by their work is all so appropriate for an era marked by post-fact disenfranchisement. Recorded in 2019 at El Rancho Morbido in Black Mountain, NC, and Lakehouse Sudios in Asbury Park, NJ. Engineered by Nick Semanchik & Anthony Cunard. Mixed by Anthony Cunard and Kevin Drew. Anthony Cunard on guitar & vocals, Santo Rizzolo on drums, Joseph Makoviecki on bass, Edward Madill on pedal steel.// The band released their 10 song debut album Baby Blue on May 5, 2018. Baby Blue was also recorded by Blanky at The Morbid Ranch in Black Mountain, NC during Sept. and October of 2017. All music and lyrics were written by Micala Smith and Anthony Cunard. With Max Smith on vocals/ Guitar/ Sax/ Organ, and Anthony Cunard on vocals/ Guitar/ Organ/ Drums. Album Artwork was made by Max Smith and Anthony Cunard.]
[Blanky plays Night Seven of Manor Fest 7 on Friday, May 30 at 5:00 at Sister Anne’s 901 E. 31st KCMO Simul Astra, and Pure XTC. (All ages)]
Malek Azrael – “SELF!SH (feat. SISTERBOT)” from: Feels Like EP / Malek Azrael / March 1, 2025\ [On February 28, 2025, Malek Azrael released the single “Room 4U”. // On March 1, 2024 Malek Azrael released his single, “in ur mind.” On October 15, 2021 Malek Azrael released his 10-track album “Waves” which first featured members of his live band “The Vibez”. Since then, they have grown their fanbase in KC and surrounding areas through live concerts land appearances at Boulevardia Festival, Ameri’Kana, and the 18th and Vine Gumbo Fest, and shows at RecordBar, The Truman, Grinders, and Knuckleheads and collaborated with larger acts such as Making Movies, The Greeting Committee, and D Smoke debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and Art As Mentorship (Making Movies non-profit organization). He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms. Malek & The Vibez played Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on June 16, 2024.]
[Malek Azrael play Night Seven of Manor Fest 7 on Friday, May 30 at 7:00 at Ruby Jean’s Juicery 3000 Troost Ave, KCMO with Shay Lyriq, and Supermoto (All ages)]
Eddie Moore – “In The Kitchen” from: What Makes Us / Eddie Moore Music / March 25, 2024 [“In the Kitchen” features: Eddie Moore on piano, Bass, & Rhoades; Jaylen Ward on drums; Ben Tervort on bass, Isaiah Petrie on vibes. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore(Emoremyz BMI). Executive Producer – Eddie Moore, Co-Producer- Dan Israel. Mixed By- Eddie Moore. Mastered By Crayge Lindesay. Recorded at First Run Studios engineered by Dan Israel // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // On March 5, 2024 Eddie Moore released the EP Aperture (Live Piano Works) through Eddie Moore Music. // On April 20, 2023 Eddie Moore released the single “Tsunami” Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, the song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Craige Lindsay. // Eddie Moore released his critically acclaimed album INTUITION on Oct. 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo & Bree Cummings) on Oct. 22, 2021. // We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on Sept. 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to KC to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-KC where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. He was 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]
[The Eddie Moore plays Night Seven of Manor Fest 7 on Friday, May 30 at 10:00pm at Vine Street Brewing, 2010 Vine, KCMO with Nina Cherry, and Kadesh Flow. (*21+)]
11:24 – Underwriting
11:26 – Interview with Shaun Crowley
Today we spin music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
Manor Fest 7, features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31.
Troost / West Side / Strawberry Hill / West Bottoms / East Stadium / Historic Northeast / Longfellow / 18th & Vine Jazz District / Crossroads
WEEKEND TWO – May 28, 29, 30, & 31
Night Eight: Saturday May 31 – Crossroads
Venue One: Made Mobb, 221 Southwest Blvd, KCMO (3-5 PM) all ages
Alber
LyMerrick
Field Daze
Venue Two: Le Lounge, 130 W. 18th St., KCMO (5-7 PM) *21+
Venue Four: Stray Cat Film Center, 1662 Broadway Blvd, KCMO (10 PM – 12 AM) *21+
2w33dy
Pale Tongue
DJ Sammy Sheets
11:32
LyMerrick – “Crash Landed” from: “Ephemeral” – Single / LyMerrick / October 1, 2024 [LyMerrick is a solo artist and lead singer of Supermoto. LyMerrick released “Lost and Sedated” on March 26, 2024; “Runaway” on August 24, 2020; “Look at You (feat. Sleepwvlker) on May 13, 2020; “Early Days” on March 7, 2020; “Reminiscing to the Future” on April 5, 2019; “Lay Me Down” on February 8, 2018; “Moves (feat. Latenitee)” on January 31, 2019; “First Thing (feat. Latenitee)”; “Queen” on December 15, 2018; “Baggage” on December 9, 2018; “Pipe Down” on September 5, 2018; “Not Another Love Somg” on June 27, 2018; and “Not Good Enough” on May 17, 2018. // LyMerrick is also lead singer of Supermoto who released ther self titled deut album, Supermoto /through Manor Records on September 30, 2024. Hailing from Kansas City, this 5-piece group started meeting in the pre covid winter of 2020. April of 2021 they released their first two songs “Moonlight” & “Polarized” which led to a run of energetic & successful live performances – all the while building up many catchy originals drawing on their inspirations of jazz, funk, r&b, city pop and disco. ]
[LyMerrick plays Night Eight of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 31 at 3:00pm at Made Mobb, 221 Southwest Blvd, KCMO with Alber, and Field Daze (*21+).]
Frankie Shorez – “Wanna Be Bad” from: “Wanna Be Bad” – Single / Mercy Fire LLC / January 3, 2024 [Frankie B. Shorez is a 22 year old singer, Songwriter, Model, actress, and clothing designer and Small Business owner from Kansas city MO. From Rags to Riches chasing the dream. // Earlier this year Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire played ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, and Stephonne.]
[Frankie Shorez & Mercury Fire play Night Eight of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 31 at 3:00pm at Le Lounge, 130 W. 18th St., KCMO with Lava Dreams, and Apricot Glow( *21+).]
Paris Williams & The Human – “Alien Luv (feat. Saving Mils Lemon)” (radio edit) from: A Paris Williams Joint / Bitter Sweet Sound / November 19, 2024 [Paris Williams is a 26-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]
[Paris Williams play Night Eight of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 31 at 3:00pm at Tree Room, 1820 Megee St., KCMO with Highway Demon, and Shy Boys (*21+)]
Shy Boys – “In Gloves” from: Talk Loud / Polyvinyl Record Co. / September 25, 2020 [3rd album from the KC band Shy Boys. New music follow up to the Dim The Light / Brick By Brick, singles released February 15, 2019. Shy Boys released their 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House on August 3, 2018. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands including The Abracadabras, and The I’ms with brother Kyle. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records.]
[Shy Boys play Night Eight of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 31 at 3:00pm at Tree Room, 1820 Megee St., KCMO with Highway Demon, and Paris Williams (*21+)]
Shy Boys / The ACBs / Ghosty / The I’ms / Fullbloods / Koney – Discography
The ACB’s / The ACB’s / July 10, 2007 [Debut from KC based 4-piece with Konnor Ervin on lead vocals, Bryan McGuire on bass, Matt Saladino on guitar, Corey Egan on drums & vocals. Written by, and arranged by Konnor Ervin. Produced by Tim Suttle. Recorded & mixed at Underdog Studio in Desoto, KS. Mastered at Euphonic Masters in Memphis, TN.]
The Abracadabras – Be Still, Be Cool / The Abracadabras / January 1, 2008 [5-piece KC band formed in the spring of 2007, with Jocelyn Olivia (John) Nixon on keyboards & vocals, Travis Mckenzie on lead guitar, Bobby (Wayne Hutcherson) Topaz on guitar & vocals, Collin Rausch on bass & vocals, and Kyle Rausch on drums & vocals.]
The ACBs – Stona Rosa / The ACBs / January 1, 2011 [After half of the band left to move to LA, Konnor Ervin and Bryan McGuire got help from: Andrew Connor of Ghosty, and Beau Bruns of Cowboy Indian Bear. All songs written by, and arranged, lead vocals & guitar by Konnor Ervin. Mike Nolte on bass, Bryan McGuire on bass & vocals, Andrew Connor on guitar & vocals, Beau Brus on drums. Kyle Rausch on vocals. Produced by Mike Nolte. Mastered by Roger Seibel Recorded at More Famouser Studios. Mixed at More Famouser Studios. Mastered at SAE Mastering.]
The I’ms – Second MIXES / Independent / 2011 [Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch. Kyle Rausch also plays with The ACB’s. In 2011 on WMM we started playing songs from The I’ms, a duo made of up Collin and Kyle, who posted 6 of their self recorded songs on their facebook page. We included this informal release in our Top Ten of The 111 Best Recordings of 2011. 3 of the songs from The I’ms ended up being rerecorded for Shy Boys.]
Ghosty – GHOSTY / More Famouser Records – High Dive Records / April 17, 2012 [3rd full length release from Lawrence and KC area band. Ghosty is Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte an Bill Belzer who recorded their new album themselves over the last couple of years with help from David Wetzel, Josh Adams, Jake Blanton, Konnor Ervin, Ryan Connor, Kirsten Paludan, and Dan Talmadge. The new release was pressed on vinyl and available on LP and digital download. More info at ghostysounds.com.]
The ACBs – Little Leaves / High Dive Records / March 5, 2013. [Konnor Ervin on lead vocals, & guitar; Bryan McGuire on bass, Andrew Connor on guitar; Kyle Rausch on drums. Their songs have been featured on MTV’s The Inbetweeners, and Daytrotter. The title “Little Leaves” is a nod to Konnor Ervin’s landscaping day job. The lead single, “Ocean” was released as a free download in late 2012, prompting Popmatters to declare the ACBs as one of its “Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013.”]
Shy Boys – Shy Boys / High Dive Records / January 17, 2014 [Debut release. Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and friend and roommate Konnor Ervin, are members of this KC based trio. Collin and Kyle’s father was a High School band director and music teacher. Konnor Ervin is the lead singer and songwriter of The ACBs, where Kyle also plays drums. The 10 song release had two singles premiered by Stereogum. “Keeps Me On My Toes” was a song Collin wrote in 15 minutes while his girlfriend was in the shower. The album was recorded at West End Studio, over two-weekends.]
Shy Boys – “Life is Peachy” – Single Release / High Dive Records / July 15, 2014 [Stereogum has premiered the band’s new song, “Life Is Peachy”, the A-side to their new 45 rpm, 7″ single coming from High Dive Records. Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and roommate Konnor Ervin, are members of the Kansas City based band, Shy Boys. ]
Fullbloods – Mild West / High Dive Records / February 26, 2016 [Second full length release from Fullbloods: Ross Brown; Jared Tomasino; David Seume; and Bill Pollock. Recorded at Westend Studios in Kansas City, Kansas by Mike Nolte. Mixed by Fullbloods. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. (Starfucker, Of Montreal).]
Shy Boys – Bell House / Polyvinyl Record Co. / August 3, 2018 [Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. The group formed shortly after the trio became roommates in 2012. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com
Shy Boys – Dim The Light / Brick By Brick – Singles / Polyvinyl Record Co. / Feb. 15, 2019 [Single release follow up to band’s 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com. In June 2014 the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that the band had signed to Polyvinyl Record Co.]
Fullbloods – Soft and Virtual Touch / High Dive Records / April 3, 2020 [3rd full-length. All songs written, performed, recorded, mixed by Ross Brown in KCMO. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Artwork by Nika Winn. Kyle Rausch played drums on 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, & 9, sang on 9. Bill Pollock Played drums on 3 & 5. David Seume played bass on 5. Jerad Tomasino played synth on 9 & 10, sang on 9. Jenni Kornfeld played cello on 4. Leslie Butsch played sax on 10. More info at: http://www.fullbloods.com.]
Shy Boys – Talk Loud / Polyvinyl Record Co. / September 25, 2020 [3rd album from the KC band Shy Boys. New music follow up to the Dim The Light / Brick By Brick, singles released February 15, 2019. Shy Boys released their 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House on August 3, 2018. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands including The Abracadabras, and The I’ms with brother Kyle. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records.]
Koney – Koney / High Dive Records / October 9, 2020
[from Lucas Wetzel’s Pitch Feature: “To bring the songs to life, Konnor enlisted brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch, his roommates in their ramshackle West Plaza house/practice space and his bandmates in chamber pop group Shy Boys. Ross Brown (of Fullbloods) played synthesizer and helped run sound, and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Little contributed on guitar. Fritz Hutchison and Andrew Connor also contributed on several tracks. Recording engineer Mike Nolte flew in from Portland to run the controls at Westend Recordings, and the group set up camp in the studio over a long snowy weekend in 2015.” ]
11:45 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley
Today we spin music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.
Troost / West Side / Strawberry Hill / West Bottoms / East Stadium / Historic Northeast / Longfellow / 18th & Vine Jazz District / Crossroads
Manor Fest 7, features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31.
Manor Fest is a fundraiser curated and ran by Manor Records. This festival is not just about the music — it’s about building community and directly supporting local artists. Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians at no cost to them. More information at; http://www.manorrecords.com
Shaun Crowley is a classically trained guitarist, and has studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Shaun is the co-founder of Manor Records, a music label that grew out of Manor Fest, the first festival sized “house show” Shaun and friends produced in their basement featuring 12 bands. We first met Shaun as part of the band Rev Gusto, originally formed in high school with friends at Saint James Academy.
Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Venue Four: Stray Cat Film Center, 1662 Broadway Blvd, KCMO (10 PM – 12 AM) *21+
2w33dy
Pale Tongue
DJ Sammy Sheets
11:54
23. 2W33DY – “Why You So Mean” from: Why You So Mean / 2W33DY / February 7, 2025 [Lead Guitar: Diyana; Drums and Pedal Steel: Bradford; Bass: Kennedy; Guitar and Vox: Kenia. // Recorded with Caufield Schnug. The band writes, “We recorded these tracks in Lawrence, KS with Caufield Shnug and his cozy studio. From there I took a lot of deliberating and experimenting with mixing and mastering. We ran each track through Brad’s tried and true marantz 8-Track and from there mixing and mastering was a team effort.” They go on to say, “We are excited to bring you more new music as we continue on our journey as the “most dangerous band in KC”.]
[2W33DY play Night Eight of Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 31 at 10:00pm at Stray Cat Film Center, 1662 Broadway Blvd, KCMO with Pale Tongue, and DJ Sammy Sheets. (*21+)]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
NEXT WEEK, Wednesday, May 14 – Paul Jesse returns with new music. PLUS, at 11:00am, Stephonne and Rachel Christia of KC Folk Fest join us to talk about this year’a festival on Saturday, May 7 in Washington Square Park. AND at 11:30 Jen Kiper and Alex Wong share details about Alex Wong + NAAAP KC present PERMISSION Saturday, May 17, 6:00 to 10:00pm, at Vivilore, 10815 East Winner Road Independence, MO. A first-of-its-kind listening and tasting performance pairing music with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion.
Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachio Head, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Shaun Crowley & Music of Manor Fest 7
Mark spins music from 21 artists & bands playing Manor Fest 7 including: Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Stephonne, Calvin Arsenia, CS Luxem, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Saving Miles Lemon, The Matchsellers, Jocelyn Nixon of The Creepy Jingles, Making Movies, Jamogi & The Jammers, They’re Theirs, Dalima Kapten, Fullbloods, Blanky, Malek Azrael with Sisterbot, Eddie Moore, LyMerrick, Frankie Shores & Mercy Fire, Paris Williams, Shy Boys, and 2W33DY.
At 10:00 AM Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 7, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 8 nights, in 8 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 21, 22, 23, & 24 and May 28, 29, 30, & 31. Manor Fest is a fundraiser curated and ran by Manor Records. This festival is not just about the music — it’s about building community and directly supporting local artists. Money raised from the festival supports the non profit mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms and other resources for musicians at no cost to them.
Manor Fest 7 includes: Making Movies, Calvin Arsenia, Shy Boys, Supermoto, True Lions, Fullbloods, Fritz & Sons, Pale Tongue, Paris Williams, Scabb, Daniel Gum, MC Rue + MIKEY, Eggs On Mars, Kirstie Lynn, Brian Bulger, The Matchsellers, They’re Theirs, Blanky, The Swallowtails, The Creepy Jingles, Jolson & The Fear of Snakes, Stephonne, Malek Azrael & The Vibez, TIDAL. WAV, Rebel Song Academy, Liney Blu, Joel Vs. Joel, Field Daze, 2W33DY, Alber, Teri Quinn, Kadesh Flow, THIMASTR, CS Luxem, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Big Fat Cow, Lauren Lovelle & The Midnight Spliffs, LyMerrick, Jack Summers, Natalie Prauser, Cat Fight, Midwestern, Dalima Kapten, Wills Van Doorn, Saving Miles Lemon, Pure XTC, Jamogi & The Jammers, DJ Dom Chronicles, Shay Lyriq, Lava Dreams, Highway Demon, Frankie Shorez & Mercury Fire, Apricot Glow, Nina Cherry, Eddie Moore, Gracie Caggiano, Mosaic, and DJ Sammy Sheets. For more information you can visit: http://www.manorrecords.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
WMM presents Enrique Chi of Making Movies + ALBER + Julia Othmer & James T. Lundie of The Forcefields + SHE SAID
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Making Movies – “No Tengo Razon” from: Baúl de las Movies: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2024 (En Vivo) / 3/2 Recordings / April 25, 2025] [Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. // Captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit. / The 5-track collection includes a standout performance of “Nadie Sabe (rock’n’roll),” a powerful anthem that nods to the band’s rock roots while giving fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year. / Marking Making Movies’ first major U.S. festival appearance, the performance at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival was a milestone moment in the band’s journey—and one they’ll never forget. / “I love that we have a record of that wild and special day,” says Enrique Chi of Making Movies. “The mid-set downpour turned into a blessing—though we had to pause the show, when we returned, dancing in the rain was a pure expression of joy. We are grateful that those folks opened up their space and hearts to us, giving us the opportunity to road test some new songs and prepare for the next chapter for Making Movies.” / The Baúl de las Movies series is a nod to the band’s ongoing effort to open up their archives and share treasured recordings from the road. This latest installment captures the spontaneity and soul of a band known for merging Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency. / Making Movies continues to carve a unique space in the music landscape, building bridges across cultures and generations. With this release, they invite listeners into the vibrant world they’ve created—live, unfiltered, and alive with possibility. // Last year Making Movies released Baúl De Las Movies (En Vivo En Folly Theater 2023) /=through 3/2 Recordings on September. 27, 2024, Produced by Ben Yonas, McKenzi Webster, Executive Producer Javier E. Carrizo, Production Assistant Nora Gibbons, Recording & Mixing Engineer Ben Yonas, Recording Engineer Paul Malinowski, Mastering Engineer, Dave Greenberg/Sonopod, Assistant Sound Engineers Josh Gomez, Ricky Menendez. Asdru Sierra on trumpet; Ryan Heinlein, Trevor Turla on trombone. // “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” was also filmed. Directed by William J. Stribling. // Directors of Photography Adam Baron-Bloch, Alex Gallitano. // Camera Operators Cole Blaise, Nora Gibbons, Esai Saenz. // Production Designer Aisa Palomares. // Edited by Raymond Fraser. // Colorist Tam Le // DI Coordinator John Daniels-Riveros. // DI Services Provided by Sodalite Color // Stream “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” – https://ffm.to/follyliveep.OYD. // Latin Grammy nominated band Making Movies released their special EP EN LA SALA containing 8 of the songs recorded LIVE, on January 12, 2024. // Before that they released their single “Medicina”. // Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021. On February 5, the band released the 7-song, La Cuarentena EP which included a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP also includes covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. The EP was available on BandCamp for only three days Feb. 5 through Feb. 7, 2021. // Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá) in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV.” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” Making Movies released their album I Am Another You, May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Info at: https://makingmovies.world
Making Movies – “Tormenta” from: Baúl de las Movies: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2024 (En Vivo) / 3/2 Recordings / April 25, 2025] [Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. // Captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit. / The 5-track collection includes a standout performance of “Nadie Sabe (rock’n’roll),” a powerful anthem that nods to the band’s rock roots while giving fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year. / Marking Making Movies’ first major U.S. festival appearance, the performance at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival was a milestone moment in the band’s journey—and one they’ll never forget. / “I love that we have a record of that wild and special day,” says Enrique Chi of Making Movies. “The mid-set downpour turned into a blessing—though we had to pause the show, when we returned, dancing in the rain was a pure expression of joy. We are grateful that those folks opened up their space and hearts to us, giving us the opportunity to road test some new songs and prepare for the next chapter for Making Movies.” / The Baúl de las Movies series is a nod to the band’s ongoing effort to open up their archives and share treasured recordings from the road. This latest installment captures the spontaneity and soul of a band known for merging Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency.]
[Making Movies play The Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:00pm with Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla & DJ Ness. ]
[Making Movies play ArtsConnect 909 N Kansas Ave, Topeka KS., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 8:00pm.]
10:10 – Interview with Enrique Chi
Enrique Chi is a songwriter, musician, filmmaker, activist, founder and lead singer of the Latin Grammy nominated, international known band, Making Movies who merge Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency. Making Movies have just released their new live EP, Baúl de las Movies: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2024 (En Vivo) on April 25. The recording was captured during their 2024 set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado. The 5-track collection gives fans an early taste of their anticipated full-length album due later this year. Described by NPR as “Perhaps one of the most unique groups around today, Making Movies is sensual, smoky, and seductive,” the band’s accomplishments include collaborations with legendary artists such as Rubén Blades, performances at major international festivals, and tours with notable acts such as Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Las Cafeteras, and Flor De Toloache. Making Movies play The Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:00pm with Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla & DJ Ness who come together for a special night of music and community, celebrating the release of “A Little Family Drama”—a Making Movies film set to debut on Tubi for digital streaming on May 1st. AND, Making Movies play ArtsConnect 909 N Kansas Ave, Topeka KS., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world
Enrique Chi thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Making Movies have just released a new live EP titled Baúl de las Movies: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2024 (En Vivo) on April 25. Captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit.
The 5-track collection includes a standout performance of “Nadie Sabe (rock’n’roll),” a powerful anthem that nods to the band’s rock roots while giving fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year.
Marking Making Movies’ first major U.S. festival appearance, the performance at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival was a milestone moment in the band’s journey.
“I love that we have a record of that wild and special day,” says Enrique Chi of Making Movies. “The mid-set downpour turned into a blessing—though we had to pause the show, when we returned, dancing in the rain was a pure expression of joy. We are grateful that those folks opened up their space and hearts to us, giving us the opportunity to road test some new songs and prepare for the next chapter for Making Movies.”
The Baúl de las Movies series is a nod to the band’s ongoing effort to open up their archives and share treasured recordings from the road. This latest installment captures the spontaneity and soul of a band known for merging Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency.
Making Movies continues to carve a unique space in the music landscape, building bridges across cultures and generations. With this release, they invite listeners into the vibrant world they’ve created—live, unfiltered, and alive with possibility.
This new Live EP is part of a series of LIVE recordings from Making Movies including last year’s, Baúl De Las Movies (En Vivo En Folly Theater 2023) released Sept. 27, 2024 About that live release Enrique Chi wrote: “The walls of The Folly are special, it is one of the best sounding stages we’ve ever played on so it seemed like a no brainer to record our 2023 concert there. The concert featured an incredible horn section led by Asdru Sierra from Ozomatli, alongside Trevor Turla and Ryan Heinlein. Mireya Ramos was also able to join us and help us make the night truly magical. That place has history for the city and the Chaurand family so we are excited to share this moment with you.”
Making Movies play The Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:00pm with Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla & DJ Ness.
Making Movies, Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla, and DJ Ne$$ come together for a special night of music and community, celebrating the release of A Little Family Drama — a film set to debut on Tubi for digital streaming on May 1st. Scored by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) and Enrique Chi (Making Movies), the film features guest appearances from Mireya Ramos and an extended musical family. To mark the occasion, we’re throwing a concert that not only celebrates the film’s release but also the premiere of La Marea, a single featured in the movie.
Warehouse on Broadway is Kansas City’s newest 650 capacity music venue featuring Super Awesome Events & Food, 7 days a week. Located in the Westport neighborhood one of Kansas City’s premiere bar districts. The restaurant is open weeknights, 5p-1a. Entrance to the venue is located on the north side of the building, and is ADA accessible. Address: Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway, Kansas City, MO
Making Movies play ArtsConnect 909 N Kansas Ave, Topeka KS., Sat, May 3, at 8:00pm.
Latin Grammy-nominated band Making Movies performing for the first time in Topeka at 8:00 pm on May 3, 2025 at ArtsConnect 909 N Kansas Ave, Topeka KS 66608 in the heart of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District.
Making Movies is an internationally acclaimed band based in KC. Their sound is rooted in the rich traditions of Panamá – a crisol de razas – offering listeners an experience that transcends genre as it embodies the extraordinary and the familiar simultaneously.
ArtsConnect is hosting this performance as an opportunity to raise funds for programs that benefit artists in Topeka and to shine a light on the role that music can play in preserving, honoring and uplifting all of our stories.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Doors open at 7:30p. We have done our best to make this unique experience affordable. If you are able to make an additional contribution to support the work of ArtsConnect, it would be greatly appreciated.
ABOUT THE BAND – Founded by Enrique Chi, a songwriter, musician, filmmaker, and activist, the Latin Grammy-nominated band Making Movies serves as the primary platform for Chi’s creative mission.
Described by NPR as “Perhaps one of the most unique groups around today, Making Movies is sensual, smoky, and seductive,” the band’s accomplishments include collaborations with legendary artists such as Rubén Blades, performances at major international festivals, and tours with notable acts such as Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Hurray For the Riff Raff, Las Cafeteras, and Flor De Toloache.
Chi is also producing AMERI’KANA TV, a National Endowment for the Arts-funded documentary series that explores the history of American music, continuing their mission to inspire and educate. Their next studio album is set to be released in 2025. – The band is committed to representing their mixed identity of Black and Latino culture and has been a vocal influence in the national health conversation around music as medicine. For more and other community impact projects, see the group’s nonprofit Art As Mentorship
The Kansas City based 4-piece band was nominated for a 2019 Latin Grammy for their collaboration with Ruben Blades from their album, ameri’kana.
Enrique & Making Movies created the music education non-profit, Art As Mentorship and MAKEWAVES campaign to create The LAB, a recording studio to give young artists access to resources they wouldn’t have otherwise. Art as Mentorship founder, Enrique explains “as we’ve grown we now support a small staff of working artists who are helping us impact so many more young people. Giving youth access to a world class music lab will expand and deepen our impact in ways I couldn’t have imagined a few years back!”
Art as Mentorship, is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, created by Making Movies that has achieved their mission to empower young people, through music, to write their own success story by unveiling programs like: Rebel Song Academy LIVE!: (RSA Live) A weekly virtual program spearheaded by Making Movies frontman and Art as Mentorship founder, Enrique Chi. The band brought in professional mentors, including: Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, Andy Vargas of Santana, GRAMMY winners Black Pumas and local heros, Kevin Morby to work directly with young artists of all backgrounds.
Enrique Chi thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Making Movies play The Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:00pm with Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla & DJ Ness.
Making Movies play ArtsConnect 909 N Kansas Ave, Topeka KS., Sat., May 3, 2025 at 8:00pm.
10:27
Making Movies – “Delilah” from: Baúl de las Movies: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2024 (En Vivo) / 3/2 Recordings / April 25, 2025] [Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. // Captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit. / The 5-track collection includes a standout performance of “Nadie Sabe (rock’n’roll),” a powerful anthem that nods to the band’s rock roots while giving fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year. / Marking Making Movies’ first major U.S. festival appearance, the performance at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival was a milestone moment in the band’s journey—and one they’ll never forget. / “I love that we have a record of that wild and special day,” says Enrique Chi of Making Movies. “The mid-set downpour turned into a blessing—though we had to pause the show, when we returned, dancing in the rain was a pure expression of joy. We are grateful that those folks opened up their space and hearts to us, giving us the opportunity to road test some new songs and prepare for the next chapter for Making Movies.” / The Baúl de las Movies series is a nod to the band’s ongoing effort to open up their archives and share treasured recordings from the road. This latest installment captures the spontaneity and soul of a band known for merging Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency.]
[Making Movies play The Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:00pm with Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla & DJ Ness. ]
[Making Movies play ArtsConnect 909 N Kansas Ave, Topeka KS., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 8:00pm.]
10:33 – Underwriting
ALBER – “Caldo” from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]
[ALBER plays The Electric Park Takeover on Thursday May 1, at 7:00 playing solo at J. Rieger & Co. 2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO presented by Manor Records with Manor Rolling Record Store.]
[ALBER plays with Sass.a.brass band at The Kansas City Museum on Saturday, May 3 for their annual Derby Day Fundraiser.]
[ALBER plays Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm where ALBER premieres, IN ABSENTIA CONCERT—A GEOMETRICA POP Y RUCAS PROGRAM. In collaboration with the UMKC Music Conservatory’s Sight x Sounds Series. Info at: http://www.charlottestreet.org]
[ALBER conducts a sound installation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO, on Thursday, May 15. More info at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org]
[ALBER is curating a modern Jazz event at In The Lowest Ferns 1105 Hickory Street, KCMO West Bottoms On Thursday, May 22, 2025 More info at: http://www.inthelowestferns.com]
10:38 – Interview with Albert Racanati
Albert Racanati who records as ALBER, a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. He learned to play his first notes on the trumpet at age 11. At 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums & trumpet in multiple bands. In 2011 his studies took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto moved to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was released in 2021. In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. He also became a Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Resident. In 2024 Albert released his third full length album Lento and toured the East Coast and Southern Italy.
ALBER plays The Electric Park Takeover on Thursday May 1, at 7:00 playing solo at J. Rieger & Co. 2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO presented by Manor Records with Manor Rolling Record Store.
ALBER plays with Sass.a.brass band at The Kansas City Museum on Saturday, May 3 for their annual Derby Day Fundraiser.
Alber plays Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 7:00 pm where ALBER premieres, IN ABSENTIA CONCERT—A GEOMETRICA POP Y RUCAS PROGRAM. In collaboration with the UMKC Music Conservatory’s Sight x Sounds Series, the In Absentia Concert is a subtitled night of performance based on an original composition from Charlotte Street Studio Resident, Alberto Racanati. In dialogue with the exhibition Geometrica, Pop y Rucas, curated by Yashi Davalos, Racanati activates the three phases of works to create non-linear migratory patterns in the gallery activated by the musicians in pantomime with their luggage. Conservatory performers include Kyoungseon Lim (flute), Maddy Smith (mezzo voice), Wan Loo Soo (viola), Carlos Pacheco (bassoon). More info at http://www.charlottestreet.org
ALBER conducts a sound installation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO, on Thursday, May 15. More info at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org
ALBER is curating a modern Jazz event at In The Lowest Ferns 1105 Hickory Street, KCMO West Bottoms On Thursday, May 22, 2025 More info at: http://www.inthelowestferns.com
Albert Racanati thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Alber is originally from Bari, Italy in Southern Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea
In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois.
In 2016 Alberto continued on to KC to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-KC, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics.
DISCOGRAPHY INTO THE WOODS – 2022 JOURNEY – 2021 ALBER – 2020
This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri.
His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists.
In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the KC region.
ALBER presented his multimedia installation “Born at Sea” on May 23, 2024 at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO. “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, Bari Italy.
In April 2024 Alber released his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.
Recently in a show at The Ship, Alber unveiled his new band made up of Alyssa Murray on keyboards, Adam Schlosman on guitar, Fritz Hutchison on percussion, Jaylen Ward on drums, Aryana Nemati on sax
10:45
ALBER – “Poolside (feat, Alex Mallett” from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]
[ALBER plays The Electric Park Takeover on Thursday May 1, at 7:00 playing solo at J. Rieger & Co. 2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO presented by Manor Records with Manor Rolling Record Store.]
[ALBER plays with Sass.a.brass band at The Kansas City Museum on Saturday, May 3 for their annual Derby Day Fundraiser.]
[ALBER plays Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm where ALBER premieres, IN ABSENTIA CONCERT—A GEOMETRICA POP Y RUCAS PROGRAM. In collaboration with the UMKC Music Conservatory’s Sight x Sounds Series. Info at: http://www.charlottestreet.org]
[ALBER conducts a sound installation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO, on Thursday, May 15. More info at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org]
[ALBER is curating a modern Jazz event at In The Lowest Ferns 1105 Hickory Street, KCMO West Bottoms On Thursday, May 22, 2025 More info at: http://www.inthelowestferns.com]
10:48 – Interview with Albert Racanati
Albert Racanati who records as ALBER is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. In 2016 Alberto moved to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was released in 2021. In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. He also became a Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Resident. Currently, Alber released his third full length album Lento in April of 2024.
Albert Racanati thanks for being with us again on WMM.
In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. He also became a Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Resident.
Alber plays Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 7:00 pm where ALBER premieres, IN ABSENTIA CONCERT—A GEOMETRICA POP Y RUCAS PROGRAM. In collaboration with the UMKC Music Conservatory’s Sight x Sounds Series, the In Absentia Concert is a subtitled night of performance based on an original composition from Charlotte Street Studio Resident, Alberto Racanati. In dialogue with the exhibition Geometrica, Pop y Rucas, curated by Yashi Davalos, Racanati activates the three phases of works to create non-linear migratory patterns in the gallery activated by the musicians in pantomime with their luggage. Conservatory performers include Kyoungseon Lim (flute), Maddy Smith (mezzo voice), Wan Loo Soo (viola), Carlos Pacheco (bassoon). More info at http://www.charlottestreet.org
ALBER writes: “I don’t always get to use my formal training to reflect my own experiences, so I just started writing. A few months later, my score In Absentia for mezzo-soprano, flute, bassoon, and viola, was completed.”
“The piece will be performed at the @charlottestreetfoundation Art Gallery by @umkccons students on May 10th, 7pm. Free. The performance will feature theatrics and will be site-specific to the gallery where the art from the exhibit will be shown. I will be there to give a talk as well.”
“My multi-talented friend @agrekulture made a visual score for the piece as well, which will be published on the Timbre Arts Writing Incubator.”
I love where music is taking me. I love the people I get to do it with. I hope to see you there!
Albert Racanati thanks for being with us again on WMM.
ALBER plays The Electric Park Takeover on Thursday May 1, at 7:00 playing solo at J. Rieger & Co. 2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO presented by Manor Records with Manor Rolling Record Store.
ALBER plays with Sass.a.brass band at The Kansas City Museum on Saturday, May 3 for their annual Derby Day Fundraiser.
ALBER plays Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm where ALBER premieres, IN ABSENTIA CONCERT—A GEOMETRICA POP Y RUCAS PROGRAM. In collaboration with the UMKC Music Conservatory’s Sight x Sounds Series. Info at: http://www.charlottestreet.org
ALBER conducts a sound installation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO, on Thursday, May 15. More info at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org
ALBER is curating a modern Jazz event at In The Lowest Ferns 1105 Hickory Street, KCMO West Bottoms On Thursday, May 22, 2025 Info at: http://www.inthelowestferns.com
ALBER – “Ritmo” from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]
[ALBER plays The Electric Park Takeover on Thursday May 1, at 7:00 playing solo at J. Rieger & Co. 2700 Guinotte Ave, KCMO presented by Manor Records with Manor Rolling Record Store.]
[ALBER plays with Sass.a.brass band at The Kansas City Museum on Saturday, May 3 for their annual Derby Day Fundraiser.]
[ALBER plays Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm where ALBER premieres, IN ABSENTIA CONCERT—A GEOMETRICA POP Y RUCAS PROGRAM. In collaboration with the UMKC Music Conservatory’s Sight x Sounds Series. Info at: http://www.charlottestreet.org]
[ALBER conducts a sound installation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO, on Thursday, May 15. More info at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org]
[ALBER is curating a modern Jazz event at In The Lowest Ferns 1105 Hickory Street, KCMO West Bottoms On Thursday, May 22, 2025 More info at: http://www.inthelowestferns.com]
11:00 – Station ID
The Forcefields – “Slip Away” from: “Slip Away” – Single / Frickin’ Awesome Records / April 4, 2024 [THE FORCEFIELDS are a new cosmosonic collaboration between Julia Othmer and James T Lundie AKA Aayama & Max Forcefield. Written by Julia Othmer and James T Lundie. Performed by the Forcefields featuring Julia Othmer. A distillation of Julia Othmer’s single “Purple and Gray” @JuliaOthmer. Recorded at Frickin Awesome Records in Los Angeles, CA. Produced, Mixed and Mastered by James T Lundie. The Forcefields first Premiered their music with the presentation TRANSMISSION for Charlotte Street Foundation’s series, In(SITE), last year.]
[The Forcefields play Greenwood Social Hall 1750 Belleview Ave, Second Floor, KCMO on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:00pm. More info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]
11:03 – Interview with Julia Othmer & James Lundie
Julia Othmer & James T Lundie join us to share new music from their project The Forcefields. Julia Othmer grew up in Kansas City and studied at Columbia University in New York City. She played many local KC clubs including Jardine’s and Bar Natasha. Julia moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st album, OASIS MOTEL. When Julia started planning to record her second album she traveled all the way to England to work with producer James Lundie. On a dark night in North London, singer-songwriter Julia Othmer landed on the front steps of producer-composer James T Lundie. She had been introduced to his music production and fell so deeply in love with his sonic architecture, she transported herself across the proverbial pond from LA to the UK, and refused to leave until he listened to her songs. This began a deeply creative and inspired partnership both in music and in life. Together they have released (under Julia’s name) studio recordings, live recordings, short films to accompany their work, a multi-media performance experience, and multiple social and environmental justice initiatives. James T. Lundie married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. The album “Sound,” was released on April 12, 2019. Leading up to the 2020 presidential election Julia & James released Seeds (Vol. 1) in 2020, and SEEDS (V0l. 2) in 2022. In the midst of these releases Julia and James relocated to Kansas City. Last year in April of 2024 Julia and James unveiled their newest creation, THE FORCEFIELDS featuring, reimagined vintage synthesizers, video projections, one of a kind instruments.
The Forcefields will be debuting lots of new music at their upcoming shows at Greenwood Social Hall 1750 Belleview Ave, Second Floor, KCMO on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:00pm. More info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com
Julia Othmer & James Lundie, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Julia Othmer grew up in Kansas City. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School and studied at Columbia University in New York City. The child of European refugees, she draws from a broad and richly cultured palette of experience to create her intensely human yet otherworldly songs. Her piano-driven performances are a mesmerizing and superconscious fusion of raw power, vocal artistry and joy.
Julia Othmer’s piano-driven performances are a mesmerizing and superconscious fusion of raw power, vocal artistry and joy. Julia moved to LA in 2006 to record her 1st album, OASIS MOTEL. Julia Othmer released “Sound,” on April 12, 2019, produced with James Lundie. Julia Othmer & James T. Lunde released Seeds (Vol. 1) on November 13, 2020. “Seeds” was Julia Othmer’s 3rd full length album and contained 10 live songs selected from her 30-day Songs of September Project, where Julia performed a different live cover of her favorite songs and broadcast the performance throughout the streaming social media platforms to inspire people to register and vote on November 3. From those songs Julia’s fans democratically selected their favorite tracks to be released together on “Seeds.” In March 20, 2022 Julia Othmer released SEEDS VOLUME 2, her 4th album, and second of live recordings from her 30-day “Songs of September Project”, where Julia covered songs of protest & hope, to inspire people to vote in 2020.
In 2021 Julia and James relocated to KC, and they recently unveiled their newest creation, a new expanding sonic & visual aesthetic called THE FORCEFIELDS. Their sound is evolving into what is described as Annie Lennox hosting a full moon party with The Beach Boys and Portishead gathered round the fire. Their studio recordings feature James’ unique sonic tools, reimagined vintage synthesizers, audio editing and distilling the essence of two of Julia’s previous songs, BRIDGE is a rhythmic, multi-layered and richly textured exploration of letting go and positive self realization.
Julia writes: Our first two singles: “Slip Away” and “Frickin Awesome Part Two” were kind of an EP called Bridge. Those songs were a Sonic Bridge between the work we had done under my name and what is now being created through the FORCEFIELDS.
Julia writes: We are releasing songs as singles (these both are planned to be released this summer) until we have built a body of work that would live out in the world as an album. That album will be a comprehensive listening experience – more like a soundtrack of time. Now we are in newly charting territory
11:11
The Forcefields – “Lion Tamer” from: “Lion Tamer” – Single / Frickin’ Awesome Records / T.B.A 2025 [A cosmosonic collaboration between Julia Othmer and James T Lundie AKA Aayama & Max Forcefield. The Forcefields first debut their music with the presentation TRANSMISSION for Charlotte Street Foundation’s series, In(SITE), highlighting local, regional, and national acts at pivotal points in their practices. In a multidisciplinary collaboration with artists Simon Huntley, Sarah Hearn, and Mikal Shapiro, Transmission is an exploration of cosmic vibrations and soundscapes in a stunning one-night-only production.]
[The Forcefields play Greenwood Social Hall 1750 Belleview Ave, Second Floor, KCMO on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:00pm. More info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]
The Forcefields – “River” from: “River” – Single / Frickin’ Awesome Records / T.B.A 2025 [THE FORCEFIELDS are a new cosmosonic collaboration between Julia Othmer and James T Lundie AKA Aayama & Max Forcefield. The Forcefields first debut their music with the presentation TRANSMISSION for Charlotte Street Foundation’s series, In(SITE), highlighting local, regional, and national acts at pivotal points in their practices. In a multidisciplinary collaboration with artists Simon Huntley, Sarah Hearn, and Mikal Shapiro, Transmission is an exploration of cosmic vibrations and soundscapes in a stunning one-night-only production.]
[The Forcefields play Greenwood Social Hall 1750 Belleview Ave, Second Floor, KCMO on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:00pm. More info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]
11:29 – Underwriting
She Said – “Wish You Well” from: “These Are The Days”- Single / She Said / May 6, 2025 [Jennie Ferguson on vocals & guitar, Scott Mize on guitar, Doug Hitchcock on drums, and Matt Kesler, on bass. Matt Kesler and Scott Mize used to be in a band called Sylvan Grove. Lyrics by Jennie Ferguson, music by Jennie Ferguson and She Said. Produced by She Said. Recorded and Engineered by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound in Shawnee, Kansas. Mixing by Paul Malinowski and She Said. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Jennie Ferguson and Scott Mize used to play in a band called Shotgun Solution. This was after the time of Jennie’s all-girl psych/pop band PMS. Doug Hitchcock has played with Matt Kesler in the Midtown Jazz Quartet. Doug has played with Freedie Johston, and the band Near Death Experience. Matt Kesler also plays in the famous bands The Pedajets and The Doo Dads.]
[She Said play a special “What!” 12″ LP vinyl record release show at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 6:00pm.]
11:34 – Interview w/ Jennie Ferguson, Scott Mize, Matt Kesler of She Said
She Said is a Kansas City super group – made up of veteran musicians Jennie Ferguson (PMS, Shotgun Solution), Scott Mize (Sylvan Grove, Pedaljets), Matt Kesler (Pedaljets, St. George & The Dragons), and Doug Hitchcock (Freedie Johnston, Hari Kari Trio of Doom), She Said delivers original Midwest rock with decades of experience and loads of soul.
She Said, will play a special “What!” 12″ LP vinyl record release show at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 6:00pm. More information at: http://www.shesaid3.bandcamp.com
Jennie Ferguson, Scott Mize, and Matt Kesler, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
A time warp of styles and substance, this supergroup of veteran musicians takes what it wants from the Rock-n-Roll canon and spits out a riotous sound. With nods to The Pretenders, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Nancy Sinatra and a cosmic microdose of The B-52s, She Said confidently walks their talk into a new era of Midwestern power pop.
“They want to make the world a better place and their music is the perfect medicine for the times we are living through.” -Mark Manning – MidDay Music Medley 90.1FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio
She Said – Clad in classic western filigree and vintage Telecasters, She Said delivers the kind of punchy midcoast Rock and Roll that satisfies both the meat-and-potato music lover and the Americana cool kid. Each band member brings a unique flavor to the table with collective musical experiences steeped in punk, funk, jazz, country, and folk alongside off-beat sonic ventures. Less of a fusion and more of a collection of tastes, their range of influences lends itself to an infectious mixtape full of their own original tunes.
For the past 7 years, She Said bandmates have aligned creative paths to discover their own stylistic territory, as evident in their upcoming full-length album “She Said What!” Eschewing midwest nice for emotional grit, Ferguson does not pull punches with her driving guitar and honest lyrical delivery layered on a platter of Kesler’s vocal harmonies and pop punk basslines. Mize expertly lands the rock, blues and country licks while Hitchcock shakes up the backbone with classic beats that could land themselves in any decade.
11:42
She Said – “No Lines” from: “These Are The Days”- Single / She Said / May 6, 2025 [Jennie Ferguson on vocals & guitar, Scott Mize on guitar, Doug Hitchcock on drums, and Matt Kesler, on bass. Matt Kesler and Scott Mize used to be in a band called Sylvan Grove. Lyrics by Jennie Ferguson, music by Jennie Ferguson and She Said. Produced by She Said. Recorded and Engineered by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound in Shawnee, Kansas. Mixing by Paul Malinowski and She Said. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Jennie Ferguson and Scott Mize used to play in a band called Shotgun Solution. This was after the time of Jennie’s all-girl psych/pop band PMS. Doug Hitchcock has played with Matt Kesler in the Midtown Jazz Quartet. Doug has played with Freedie Johston, and the band Near Death Experience. Matt Kesler also plays in the famous bands The Pedajets and The Doo Dads.]
[She Said play a special “What!” 12″ LP vinyl record release show at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 6:00pm.]
11:45 – Interview w/ Jennie Ferguson, Scott Mize, Matt Kesler of She Said
She Said is a Kansas City super group – made up of veteran musicians Jennie Ferguson (PMS, Shotgun Solution), Scott Mize (Sylvan Grove, Pedaljets), Matt Kesler (Pedaljets, St. George & The Dragons), and Doug Hitchcock (Freedie Johnston, Hari Kari Trio of Doom), She Said delivers original Midwest rock with decades of experience and loads of soul.
She Said, will play a special “What!” 12″ LP vinyl record release show at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 6:00pm. More information at: http://www.shesaid3.bandcamp.com
Jennie Ferguson, Scott Mize, Matt Kesler, and Doug Hitchcock thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
She Said has loads of chemistry and it’s no wonder – mapping their longtime musical friendships and forays would take a series of Venn diagrams: From front woman Jennie Ferguson’s psych-pop girl band background with PMS and her days with guitarist Scott Mize in Shotgun Solution, to Mize’s jangly guitar project Sylvan Grove with bassist Matt Kesler into their legendary alt-punk band The Pedaljets. Drummer Doug Hitchcock plays with Kesler in the MidTown Jazz Quartet. He also has a rich musical history of his own. Hitchcock has played with Near Death Experience, They Might Be Giants labelmate Freedie Johnston, The Drummer’s Collective NYC, and the Hari Karaoke Trio of Doom known for filling the Knitting Factory in New York City with their dubbed out echoplex experiments.
As a Kansas City supergroup, She Said masterfully holds their own in a midsize club or opening up for a national touring act. Their loyal fanbase brings the party wherever they play and with their new album in hand, they are ready to showcase how a band can wield both spirit and craft, in rooms across the Show-Me State and beyond. There’s nothing more entertaining than watching seasoned pros get their rock off. Yeah, that’s what she said.
“How else would you have it / You’ve been given everything / So you wouldn’t be / Unraveling .” From the song “Unraveling” She Said What! (2025)
Jennie Ferguson, Scott Mize, and Matt Kesler, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
11:55
She Said – “Time” from: “These Are The Days”- Single / She Said / May 6, 2025 [Jennie Ferguson on vocals & guitar, Scott Mize on guitar, Doug Hitchcock on drums, and Matt Kesler, on bass. Matt Kesler and Scott Mize used to be in a band called Sylvan Grove. Lyrics by Jennie Ferguson, music by Jennie Ferguson and She Said. Produced by She Said. Recorded and Engineered by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound in Shawnee, Kansas. Mixing by Paul Malinowski and She Said. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Jennie Ferguson and Scott Mize used to play in a band called Shotgun Solution. This was after the time of Jennie’s all-girl psych/pop band PMS. Doug Hitchcock has played with Matt Kesler in the Midtown Jazz Quartet. Doug has played with Freedie Johston, and the band Near Death Experience. Matt Kesler also plays in the famous bands The Pedajets and The Doo Dads.]
[She Said play a special “What!” 12″ LP vinyl record release show at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 6:00pm.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
NEXT WEEK, on May 7, Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to survey the artists and the music of Manor Fest 7 happening in 8 nights, over 2 weekends: May 21 – 24, and May 28 – 31 with 20 venues and over 60 Artists including: CALVIN ARSENIA , SHY BOYS, SUPERMOTO, TRUE LIONS, FULLBLOODS, FRITZ & SONS, PALE TONGUE, PARIS WILLIAMS, SCABB, DANIEL GUM, MC RUE + MIKEY, EGGS ON MARS, KIRSTIE LYNN BRIAN BULGER, THE MATCHSELLERS, THEY’RE THEIRS, BLANKY, THE SWALLOWTAILS, THE CREEPY JINGLES, JOLSON & THE FEAR OF SNAKES, STEPHONNE, MALEK AZRAEL & THE VIBE, TIDAL. WAV, REBEL SONG ACADEMY, LINEY BLU, JOEL VS. JOEL, FIELD DAZE, 2W33DY, ALBER, TERI QUINN, KADESH FLOW, THIMASTR, CS LUXEM, DANIELLE ATE THE SANDWICH, BIG FAT COW, LAUREN LOVELLE & THE MIDNIGHT SPLIFFS, LYMERRICK, JACK SUMMERS, NATALIE PRAUSER, CAT FIGHT, MIDWESTERN, DALIMA KAPTEN, WILLS VAN DOORN, SAVING MILES LEMON, PURE XTC, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, DJ DOM CHRONICLES, SHAY LYRIQ, LAVA DREAMS, HIGHWAY DEMON, FRANKIE SHOREZ & MERCURY FIRE, APRICOT GLOW, NINA CHERRY, EDDIE MOORE, GRACIE CAGGIANO, MOSIAC, and DJ SAMMY SHEETS.
Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachio Head, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
WMM presents Enrique Chi of Making Movies + ALBER + Julia Othmer & James T. Lundie of The Forcefields + SHE SAID
At 10:10 Enrique Chi of Making Movies joins us to talk about the band’s new live EP, Baúl de las Movies: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2024 (En Vivo) released on April 25. The recording was captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit. The 5-track collection gives fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year. Making Movies play The Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 8:00pm with Mireya Ramos, Trevor Turla & DJ Ness. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world
At 10:30am we talk with Albert Racanati who records as ALBER, a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. He learned to play his first notes on the trumpet at age 11. In 2016 Alberto moved to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-KC, where he became enamored with the local music scene. ALBER premieres, IN ABSENTIA CONCERT—A GEOMETRICA POP Y RUCAS PROGRAM on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm and Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St, KCMO in collaboration with the UMKC Music Conservatory’s Sight x Sounds Series. More info at http://www.charlottestreet.org. // On Thursday, May 15 ALBER will be doing a sound installation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, KCMO. More info at: http://www.nelson-atkins.org. // On Thursday, May 22, 2025 ALBER is curating a modern Jazz event at In The Lowest Ferns 1105 Hickory Street, KCMO West Bottoms. More info at: http://www.inthelowestferns.com
At 11:00 Mark talks with Julia Othmer & James T Lundie about The Forcefields. Julia Othmer grew up in Kansas City and studied at Columbia University in New York City. She released her 2nd album “Sound,” on April 12, 2019, produced with James Lundie. She had been introduced to his music production and fell so deeply in love with his sonic architecture, she transported to the UK, and refused to leave until he listened to her songs. James married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. Julia & James released Seeds (Vol. 1) in 2020, and SEEDS (V0l. 2) in 2022. In the midst of these releases Julia and James relocated to Kansas City and recently unveiled their newest creation, THE FORCEFIELDS featuring, reimagined vintage synthesizers, video projections, one of a kind instruments. The Forcefields are debuting lots of new music at Greenwood Social Hall 1750 Belleview Ave, Second Floor, KCMO on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:00pm. More info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com
At 11:30 members of the Kansas City super group – She Said join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios. Made up of veteran musicians Jennie Ferguson (PMS, Shotgun Solution), Scott Mize (Sylvan Grove, Pedaljets), Matt Kesler (Pedaljets, St. George & The Dragons), and Doug Hitchcock (Freedie Johnston, Hari Kari Trio of Doom), She Said delivers original Midwest rock with decades of experience and loads of soul. She Said, will play a special “What!” 12″ LP vinyl record release show at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, May 10, at 6:00pm. More information at: http://www.shesaid3.bandcamp.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
JW Francis – “Orbit” from: Sunshine / Gomino – Born Loser Records / October 11, 2024 [SUNSHINE is the third album from New York’s next lo-fi legend JW Francis, and, in an appropriately maverick move, will be released just after its creator finished canoeing over 2,000 miles of the Mississippi River. // The follow-up to JW’s critically acclaimed sophomore album WANKERKID, SUNSHINE will be released on October 11 by Born Loser Records. // Shortly after the release, JW is now set to leave the river and tour the new album across the United States, Canada as well as Europe. // Wistful, upbeat and bursting with charisma, new single MISSISSIPPI is quintessential JW and sets the tone perfectly for an album that tells the story of a wandering anti-hero; as JW elaborates. // “SUNSHINE is my Appalachian trail album. It’s the collection of songs I wrote after walking 1500 miles in 123 days, and all that unraveled as a result. The biggest change in my life, after living outside for 4 months, is that I haven’t lived anywhere since. I’ve been nomadic for three years now and this album is the result of that.” // “Future indie classics that reek of modern New York City Charm” –– DIY Magazine // “Captures honest-to-god truths in a new light’ –– The Line of Best Fit // “A nostalgia-tinged hit, filled with jangly guitars and contagious melodies” –– Wonderland. // “Get ready for a good time from New York’s undeniable king of guitar pop” –– Indie Shuffle]
[JW Francis plays the Lemonade Social, Friday, May 2, at 7:00pm at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, KCMO West Bottoms with Husbands, and Kat King. In 2020, Lemonade Social was formed as a two-day event at Lemonade Park by long-time indie record label The Record Machine and is now celebrating 5 years.]
Keo & Them – “Eyesore” from: “Eyesore” – Single / Midtopia / March 14, 2025 [The new single marks a sonic departure from previous Keo & Them releases, something bandleader Keo notes is by design and a welcome change from previous material from the group. // Keo & Them released their single “Fire”on March 15, 2024. // Keo & Them released their 7-track album, THIS TIME AROUND on October 28, 2023. // When Neo-soul meets funk, meets R&B, meets pop, meets hip hop & even rock sometimes. Keo & Them released the single “Fool Me Once” on October 6, 2023 on Midtopia. Leo & Them released the three song single “Don’t Say” with “Be Still” and “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” on June 2, 2023 on Midtopia. And earlier “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” was release by itself on March 2, 2023. For Wichita-based, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Keo, making music is as much about the one creates and the songs one writes as it is about making deeper connections with the other people partaking in an artistic journey. From the unique flavors, perspectives, and performances they each contribute, Keo finds the “Them” that brings her project Keo & Them full circle. // First formed and conceptualized by Keo in 2018, the collective consists of Keo and a revolving door of musicians and collaborators, each of whose contributions would leave an indelible mark on the project’s ever-adapting sound that merges the worlds of 70’s pop and R&B with the moody glow of contemporary neo-soul and beyond. For Keo, the project’s sole constant member, the fluid line-up allowed her to become immersed and acquainted with a Wichita music scene she was completely new to and overwhelmed by. Through meeting, jamming, and performing with the Kansas town’s tight-knit and eclectic music scene in which Keo found something akin to a family. More info at: https://linktr.ee/keoandthem [Keo & Them played Outer Reaches Fest, on Sat, Oct. 14 at recordBar, On the Les BonsBons Electrique stage w/ Sweeping Promises, Static Phantoms, Alyssa Murray.]
[Keo & Them play the Lemonade Social, Saturday, May 3, at 6:00pm at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, KCMO West Bottoms with Brother Moses, Hotel Leo, and They’re Theirs. In 2020, Lemonade Social was formed as a two-day event at Lemonade Park by long-time indie record label The Record Machine and is now celebrating 5 years.]
Juliette Frost – “Carbon Copy (Radio Edit)” from: “Carbon Copy (Radio Edit)” – Single / Juliette Frost / March 22, 2024 [Juliette writes: “This is a track accompanied by a it’s official music video available on my YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FfYe3KGiV4 – I may eventually end up finishing the longer version of the song…but this feels pretty complete for now.” // Juliette Frost released the EP personal logs on March 3, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. personal logs was a small collection of personal notes and feelings collaged into 3 tracks which have been sliced and diced like curry ingredients. // Juliette Frost released the single “Carbin Copy (radio edit). On March 22, 2024. // Juliette Frost released the single “Wizard Trance” with Not Nymph Yet, on December 20, 2023, // Juliette Frost released the single “UeyuAau,” on December 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Night Owl,” on April 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Fruits of Our Tree,” on December 11, 2022. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Sylvrface,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Parallel,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the17 track album, “Lepidoptera” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Streetwalker,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost recorded a 6-song EP HUSH on May 5, 2021, that was created in a 5-day recording session, in December 2020 in Los Angeles, with musician, bassist, & producer Dominique Sanders. The songs, written by Juliette, feature her vocals layered in harmonies, beats and soundscapes. // Juliette Frost also released the single “burd,” on February 8, 2021. // On April 18, 2020 Juliette released Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, her 19-track, debut, recorded in her bedroom, when she was 16, sampling sounds from her own cats meowing and purring, among others. When Juliette was making the music for, Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, she really wasn’t thinking of putting out an album. She was just creating music, and before she knew it she had all of these songs. // Juliette has had the opportunity to see the recording process from two very different perspectives: in a recording studio in LA, and in her own private bedroom, working by herself. Juliette says that she prefers the alone time, in her bedroom process, because she can translate her ideas into reality, much faster. Juliette says she realized her musical passion, and that she had the abilities to create music and songs when she was in middle school. // Juliette Frost went to Shawnee Mission North High School. Juliette is not only a songwriter and producer of music but she is also a visual artist who created amazing collage art, and is also a painter and fine artist. // Juliette grew up surrounded by music in her home, Juliette is the daughter of opera and jazz vocalist Emily Frost and nationally known Hip Hop Beatboxer Adrian “A-Train” Frost] [Juliette Frost played minibar, on October 23, 2024, with Belgium-based Ultra Sunn and Religion of Heartbreak.]
[Juliette Frost plays SK8BAR, 209 Westport Road, KCMO on Saturday, April 12, at 8:00pm opening for Bellhead, with Cables & Lace.]
Redder Moon – “Drown The Fire” from: If You’re Falling, Dive / Redder Moon / April 25, 2025 [Produced by: Jeremiah James Gonzales. Engineered and Mixed by: Jeremiah James Gonzales, Brody Lowe, Ross Brown. All instruments and Songwriting: Jeremiah James Gonzales with content contributions by: Jason Scott, Brody Lowe, Eric B Lopez, Lauren Chavez. // Redder Moon is a Kansas City based band led by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brodie Lowe using analog synths, dark dance beats, dreamy guitars, we create Mono No Aware music.. The band began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto. Brody Lowe moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. The band released their EP, LAND OF THE BLIND on June 13, followed by an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, on November 5, 2021. ]
[Redder Moon plays The Warehouse, 3951 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Friday, April 25, at 7:00pm opening for Vision Video with Urban Heat.]
Keelon Vann – “The Herd of Stranded Sheep” from: “The Herd of Stranded Sheep” – Single / Keelon Vann / April 18, 2025 [Keelon Vann released Tales of the Gypsy on January 1, 2024 which was part of WMM’s 120 Best tecordings of 2024. // Keelon Vann is a 25 year old singer-songwriter and guitarist. Keelon Vann plays an eclectic fusion of Rock & Roll, Pop, R&B, and Funk. He looks to break barriers by paying tribute to the classics and finding inspiration in modern productions alike. The Kansas born artist doesn’t believe in genre. “It’s pretty hard to put you in a box,” said Steve Kraske of KCUR 89.3 Radio. It is, however, to Vann’s dismay, that such fusion of music may result in quite an unorthodox niche. Nonetheless, music is art, and according to Vann, art is not meant to be superficial within genre. Art exists spiritually to inspire and to heal. Keelon studied at William Jewell College. He went to Wyandotte High School, Blue Valley Southwest High School, and Piper High School in Kansas. // Keelon Vann and his trio play The Ship, 1217 Union Ave on February 15, 2024, at 8:00pm. Vann is joined by drummer Thomas Pribyl and bass guitarist Tommy OHalloran.] [Keelon Vann plays recordBar at 1520 Grand Blvd. on February 23.] [Keelon Vann played Chartreuse Saloon, 1625 Oak Street, KCMO on February 23.] [Keelon Vann played Society on March 14.] [Keelon Vann played The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, on March 28, at with Lady Revel, and IVORY BLUE]
Nature Boys – “Common Visions” from: “Common Visions” Single / Dead Broke Rekerdss / April 11, 2025 [Nature Boys released their album IV /on September 24, 2021. Nature Boys started playing together in Kansas City, Missouri September of 2009. They wrote this about their band: “We had our first show in November or December at the Troost House, and then our second show at Dave’s Stagecoach Inn. We left for our first tour in January of 2010. The band includes: Danny Fischer on guitar & vocals, Suzanne Hogan on bass & vocals. evan malone on drums. Kansas City, Missouri punk rock & rollers that have been kickin’ up dust all across the country since 2009! Their fourth album and first on Dead Broke after self-releasing a slew of their previous efforts. Imagine if Dead Moon was a buch of punk rockers from the south, then you might be getting close to what Nature Boys scrappy & energetic punk rock is all about. Limited to 300 copies. (200 Black, 100 Clear Pink) Comes w/download code..] [Nature Boys playrdd a Special Halloween Benefit for Confluence & KC Tenants on Saturday, October 30, at 8:00 PM, at Blip Roasters 1301 Woodswether Rd, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Pink Phase, DJ Dan Cool, Killus.]
[Nature Boys play Farewell 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO, TONIGHT, April 23 with Drastic Plastic, and Snooper.]
mehro – “You’re So Pretty (Radio edit)” from You’re So Pretty (Radio Edit) – Single / Heroine Records / February 15, 2025 [mehro’s songs sound like instant classics. Cut from the same cloth as Elliot Smith, Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright, mehro brings a sincerity and maturity to music that is missing from the current scene. From composition to lyrical imagery, mehro captures the essence of a soul much older and wiser than we would imagine to be his. mehro was born on November 10, 1999. He is an American pop singer, songwriter and guitarist from Los Angeles, USA. // As a teenager, mehro started learning to sing in a choir, and it was only when he was eighteen that he began to play the guitar and write his own songs. mehro cites Elliot Smith, Frank Ocean and Phoebe Bridgers as his main inspirations. Moreover, in an October 2020 interview, mehro revealed that he had other dreams he wanted to accomplish, which is to become a filmmaker and actor – he notably starred in a short film entitled Scarecrow.]
[mehro plays The Truman 601 East Truman Road, KCMO, TONIGHT, April 23 at 7:00pm, opening for The Walters with Half a Life.]
10:29 – Underwriting
The Southwest Ramblers – “Lad O’Beirne’s” from: The Southwest Ramblers / The Southwet Ramblers / Aprl 18, 2024 [The Southwest Ramblers are a high-energy trio who bring fresh life to Irish traditional music. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., they fuse deep tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their live album captures this energy, and after a successful, critically acclaimed tour a few years back, they’re heading stateside again for a new round of gigs in April and May. For the record: Hughie Kennedy on Button accordion; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard and Piano accordion, Grace Broadhead – Fiddle & Vocals. For the tour: Dain Forsythe – Bodhrán and Vocals; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard, Vocals (introductions). Grace Broadhead on Iddle, Vocals (singing)]
[The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree. ]
10:33 – Interview with Grace Broadhead and Jason Turk of The Southwest Ramblers
With roots in Ireland and the U.S., this high-energy The Southwest Ramblers bring fresh life to Irish traditional music fusing tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their critically acclaimed stateside tour brings them to Kansas City to play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree.
Grace Broadhead is a Nashville-based fiddler from Sandia Park, New Mexico, who’s racked up an impressive list of awards, including the “Fiddler of London Diaspora Award”. She’s performed with Sharon Shannon, Gaelic Storm, and others, blending raw tradition with her own unique sound.
Grace Broadhead thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Jason Turk is a Cork-born musician pushing the boundaries of Irish traditional music. His work with the Seaboard—an instrument rarely seen in trad—has been so groundbreaking that it’s now part of the school music syllabus in Ireland. He blends Irish melodies with electronic textures, creating a sound that’s as innovative as it is rooted. His performance of Pressed for Time was used as a global ad using Irish Traditional Music to sell music tech.
Jason Turk thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree.
Jason Turk from Cork, Ireland and Grace Broadhead from Nashville (Sandia Park, New Mexico)
Live Album & Tour: The Southwest Ramblers’ live album is a snapshot of their raw, in-the-moment energy, and their U.S. tour showcases this in full force. They’ll be playing across the country in April and May, starting in Nashville, Tennessee, and stopping in:
St. Louis, Missouri Kansas City, Kansas
Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs, Colorado
Taos, New Mexico
Salt Lake City, Utah
Austin and Dallas, Texas
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jason Turk is a Cork-born musician pushing the boundaries of Irish traditional music. His work with the Seaboard—an instrument rarely seen in trad—has been so groundbreaking that it’s now part of the school music syllabus in Ireland. He blends Irish melodies with electronic textures, creating a sound that’s as innovative as it is rooted. Watch his performance of Pressed for Time which was used as a global ad using Irish Traditional Music to sell music tech.
Grace Broadhead is a fiddler from Sandia Park, NM. She is a member of two local bands in Albuquerque, the Duke City Ceili Band and Jug O’ Punch. In 2018 and 2019, Grace competed in the Midwest Fleadh. In 2019, her Newly Composed Tune “Chain Reaction” came in 1st place, affording her the opportunity to compete at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2019. She has also competed in the Comórtas Ceoil in 2020 and 2021 and was awarded a gold medal in the 15-18 fiddle competition both years. In 2021 she also received a gold medal in fiddle slow airs and a silver medal in the lilting competition. In April, 2022, Grace was awarded the inaugural “Fiddler of London Diaspora Award”.
Grace has had the opportunity to play with several well-known musicians and groups, including the Sharon Shannon Band, The Old Blind Dogs, and Gaelic Storm. She also opened the show for Randal Bays when he came to Albuquerque in February 2019. In 2019, Grace played on two of Fergal Scahill’s Tune a Day videos. She also joined in on two of Colin Farrell’s Tune a Day videos in 2020. Grace and bouzouki player Ben Williamson released their debut album Tipping the Scales in 2021.
The Southwest Ramblers are a high-energy duo who bring fresh life to Irish traditional music. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., they fuse deep tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying.
Hughie Kennedy: A button accordionist from Cork City, Hughie has been steeped in traditional music all his life. He’s toured the U.S. with The Young Irelanders and played at festivals and céilís across Ireland, Germany, and Switzerland. You might have heard him on Céilí House or Fleadh TV, and he’s a respected teacher in the Irish trad community. Check out one of his popular “Tune a day” videos
Grace Broadhead: Grace is a Nashville-based fiddler from Sandia Park, New Mexico, who’s racked up an impressive list of awards, including the “Fiddler of London Diaspora Award”. She’s performed with Sharon Shannon, Gaelic Storm, and others, blending raw tradition with her own unique sound. You can watch her winning performance at the Fiddler of London competition here Fiddler Of London
Jason Turk: Jason is a Cork-born musician pushing the boundaries of Irish traditional music. His work with the Seaboard—an instrument rarely seen in trad—has been so groundbreaking that it’s now part of the school music syllabus in Ireland. He blends Irish melodies with electronic textures, creating a sound that’s as innovative as it is rooted. Watch his performance of Pressed for Time which was used as a global ad using Irish Traditional Music to sell music tech.
Grace Broadhead and Jason Turkthanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree.
10:51
The Southwest Ramblers – “Darling Girl” from: The Southwest Ramblers / The Southwet Ramblers / Aprl 18, 2024 [The Southwest Ramblers are a high-energy trio who bring fresh life to Irish traditional music. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., they fuse deep tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their live album captures this energy, and after a successful, critically acclaimed tour a few years back, they’re heading stateside again for a new round of gigs in April and May. For the record: Hughie Kennedy on Button accordion; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard and Piano accordion, Grace Broadhead – Fiddle & Vocals. For the tour: Dain Forsythe – Bodhrán and Vocals; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard, Vocals (introductions). Grace Broadhead on Iddle, Vocals (singing)]
[The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree. ]
Megan Lutrell – “Take Me Back” from: “Take Me Back” – Single / Records DK / July 30, 2024 [Singer-songwriter Megan Luttrell, “one of the biggest breakout stars of the past year,” (Unmistakably Lawrence, 2019), is known for powerhouse vocals and compelling original music. In 2020, Megan won first place in Best of Lawrence’s Best Solo Musician category. In 2019, she started the Women’s Songwriter Showcase, a monthly event lauded by local media. Sadly, with the closure of Kaw Valley Public House, the showcase is on hiatus. Megan was recognized for her work to support women in music when she won second place in the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards for the artist doing the most good for the local music scene. She served as the Program Director for Lumberyard Live on High live music series at the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City, Kansas and on the executive board of Americana Music Academy in Lawrence, KS. // Megan has always loved music and has been singing since before she can remember. She began playing the guitar around the age of 14 and immediately threw herself into songwriting. WFHB Radio (Bloomington, IN), describes her sound as, “a big country, Americana, blues-style voice. Her songs are beautifully powerful.” Megan released her debut album “Broken Bottles” in June 2016, and her singles, “Miss You” and “Folk Singer” in April 2019, which won 4th place in the 2019 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards. She released singles “Burn” and “Just Out of Reach” in 2020, and “Hold On (Not Too Long)” in 2021. Her newest single, “Take Me Back,” was released in August 2024. Check out an interview with the Pitch KC about the song.“ “She’s got sass, beauty, presence, and a voice that rings true like a tuning fork to the heart — better catch her while she’s still local!”— Melvin Litton, host of the Gothic Cowboy Review]
[Megan Lutrell plays Songs in Solidarity: A Fundraiser to Benefit Immigrants’ Rights on Sunday, April 27, at 7:00pm at Lucia 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence KC with 45 Grados Flamenco, David Luther & Kelly Dougherty, and Shapiro Brothers.]
11:00 – Station ID – SYLKYSAN as Guest Producer
WMM presents:SYLKYSAN as Guest Producer for our second hour. SYLKYSAN has been training as a new KKFI Programmer with Wednesday MidDay Medley. SYLKYSAN is the name her Aunt gave her back in the 1980s, explaining that silk comes in a variety of textures. SYLKYSAN says that you will hear a smorgasbord of music from her that will move your mind, body and soul. Go ahead and snap your fingers, tap your feet, bob your head, because we are going to have a House Party! SYLKYSAN will spin tracks from: Luther Vandross, The Gap Band, Lakeside, Tina Marie, Midnight Star, The Emotions, Atlantic Starr, Average White Band, and Earth Wind & Fire.
Luther Vandross – “Bad Boys/Having a Party” from: Forever, For Always, For Love / Sony Music Records / September 21, 1982 [Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. Over his career, he achieved eleven consecutive RIAA-certified platinum albums and sold over 40 million records worldwide. Known as the “Velvet Voice”, Vandross was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 200 greatest singers of all time (2023) and was named one of the greatest R&B artists by Billboard. NPR also included him among its 50 Great Voices. He won eight Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year in 2004 for “Dance with My Father”. He has been inducted into both the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. // Vandross began his music career in the late 1960s performing at the Apollo Theater in New York City as part of a local musical ensemble. The group later appeared on the television show Sesame Street in the early 1970s. He eventually established himself as a sought-after backing vocalist, contributing to albums by Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Todd Rundgren, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Judy Collins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Ben E. King, Stevie Wonder, and Donna Summer. In 1980, he served as the lead vocalist for the post-disco group Change on their Gold-certified album The Glow of Love, released on Warner/RFC Records. // After Vandross left the group, he was signed to Epic Records as a solo artist and released his debut solo album, Never Too Much, in 1981. The following year, he was credited as the primary producer on Aretha Franklin’s album Jump to it, which topped the Billboard R&B Albums chart. His hit songs include “Never Too Much”, “Here and Now”, “Any Love”, “Power of Love/Love Power”, “I Can Make It Better”, and “For You to Love”. He also recorded several covers of songs originally performed by other artists, including “Since I Lost My Baby”, “Superstar”, “I (Who Have Nothing)”, and “Always and Forever”. // Vandross collaborated on several notable duets, including “The Closer I Get to You” with Beyoncé, “Endless Love” with Mariah Carey, and “The Best Things in Life Are Free” with Janet Jackson of which the latter two were hit songs in his career. The tribute album So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross was released shortly after his death. In 2024, Kendrick Lamar and SZA released the chart-topping single “Luther”, paying homage to Vandross and sampling his rendition of “If This World Were Mine”, a duet with Cheryl Lynn. That same year, he was the subject of the documentary Luther: Never Too Much, which chronicles his life, career, and legacy.]
11:05 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN
WELCOME EVERYBODY TO MY HOUSE PARTY.
MY NAME IS SYLKYSAN AND MARK, ALONG WITH 90.1 KKFI KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO, IS LETTING ME INTRODUCE MYSELF TO THE COMMUNITY OF KKFI.
SYLKYSAN IS THE NAME MY AUNT GAVE ME IN THE 80’S AND SHE DESCRIBED TO ME, THAT SILK COMES IN A VARITY OF TEXTURES AND THAT’S THE MUSIC YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME. YOU WILL GET A SMORGASBORD OF MUSIC THAT WILL MOVE YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL. SO GO AHEAD AND SNAP YOUR FINGERS, TAP YOUR FEET, BOB YOUR HEAD BECAUSE WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A HOUSE PARTY.
I STARTED THIS PARTY WITH THE LATE GREAT LUTHER VANDROSS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2005.
LUTHER STARTED IN THE LATE 60’S AND WAS ALSO ON SESAME STREET IN THE EARLY 70’S AND OF COURSE BECAME A SUPERSTAR.
“BAD BOYS” WAS RELEASED IN 1982.
CONTINUING THIS PARTY YOU WILL HEAR THE GAP BAND, LAKESIDE AND TINA MARIE.
11:07
The Gap Band – “Humpin'” from: The Gap Band III / Mercury Records / December 8, 1980 [The Gap Band was an American R&B and funk band that rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s. The band consisted of three brothers: Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, along with other members; it was named after streets (Greenwood, Archer, and Pine) in the historic Greenwood neighborhood in the brothers’ hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. // The band formed in Tulsa in 1967, based around the three Wilson brothers, but often included other musicians as well. The name “Greenwood, Archer, and Pine Band” originally started as a joke, reflecting the band’s origins, and was shortened to GAP Band later. The band received its first big break by being the back up band for fellow Oklahoman Leon Russell’s Stop All That Jazz album released in 1974. // Early on, the group took on a funk sound typical of the early 1970s. This style failed to catch on, and their first two LP’s, 1974’s Magicians Holiday which was recorded at Leon Russell’s historic The Church Studio and 1977’s The Gap Band (not to be confused with their 1979 album), failed to chart or produce any charting singles. Afterwards, they were introduced to Los Angeles producer Lonnie Simmons, who signed them to his production company, Total Experience Productions (named after his successful Crenshaw Boulevard nightclub), and managed to secure a record deal with Mercury Records. // On their first album with Simmons, The Gap Band, they found chart success with songs such as “I’m in Love” and “Shake”; the latter became a Top 10 R&B hit in 1979. // Later that year, the group released “I Don’t Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops!)” on their album The Gap Band II. Although it did not hit the Billboard Hot 100, it soared to number 4 in the US Billboard R&B chart, and the album went gold. The song, and the band’s musical output as a whole, became more P-Funk-esque, with expanded use of the synthesizers and spoken monologues within songs (see audio sample). The song “Steppin’ (Out)” also reached the top 10 R&B. // The band reached a whole new level of fame in 1980 with the release of the number 1 R&B and number 16 Billboard 200 hit, The Gap Band III. That album had soul ballads such as the number 5 R&B song “Yearning for Your Love”, and funk songs such as the R&B chart-topper “Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” and “Humpin'”. They repeated this formula on the number 1 R&B album Gap Band IV in 1982 (the first album released on Simmons’ newly launched Total Experience Records), which resulted in three hit singles: “Early in the Morning” (number 1 R&B, number 13 Dance, number 24 Hot 100), “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” (number 2 R&B, number 31 Hot 100, number 39 Dance), and “Outstanding” (number 1 R&B, number 24 Dance). It was during this time that former Brides of Funkenstein singer Dawn Silva joined them on tour. // Their 1983 album, Gap Band V: Jammin’, went gold, but was not quite as successful as the previous works, peaking at number 2 R&B and number 28 on the Billboard 200. The single “Party Train” peaked at number 3 R&B, and the song “Jam the Motha'” peaked at number 16 R&B, but neither made it onto the Hot 100. The album’s closer “Someday” (a loose cover of Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free”) featured Stevie Wonder as a guest vocalist. // Their next work, Gap Band VI brought them back to number 1 R&B in 1985, but the album sold fewer copies and did not go gold. “Beep a Freak” hit number 2 R&B, “I Found My Baby” peaked at number 8 on the R&B charts, and “Disrespect” peaked at number 18. That year, lead singer Charlie Wilson and singer Shirley Murdock provided backing vocals on Zapp & Roger’s number 8 R&B “Computer Love”. // While their 1986 cover of “Going in Circles” went to number 2 on the R&B charts, and the album it was released on, Gap Band VII, hit number 6 R&B, the album almost became their first in years to miss the Billboard 200, peaking at number 159. // While they were beginning to struggle stateside, the group found their greatest success in the UK when their 1986 single “Big Fun” from Gap Band 8 reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart. 1988’s Straight from the Heart was their last studio album with Total Experience. // The Gap Band caught a small break in 1988 with the Keenen Ivory Wayans film, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. They contributed the non-charting “You’re So Cute” and the number 14 R&B title track to the film (The first was not on the soundtrack, but was used in the film). Their first song on their new label, Capitol Records, 1989’s “All of My Love” (from their album Round Trip), is, to date, their last number 1 R&B hit. The album also produced the number 8 R&B “Addicted to Your Love” and the number 18 R&B “”We Can Make it Alright.” They left Capitol Records the next year and went on a five-year hiatus from producing new material. // During the 1990s, the band released three non-charting studio albums and two live albums.]
Lakeside – “Fantastic Voyage” from: Fantastic Voyage / Unidisc Music / January 1, 1980 [Lakeside is an American funk band, best known for their 1980 number one R&B hit “Fantastic Voyage”. // In 1969, guitarist Stephen Shockley from Dayton, Ohio formed a group named the Young Underground after he had departed a group known as the Monterreys. Vocalist Mark Woods, who was a member of another local band called the Nomads, joined up with Shockley’s band. In 1971, the Nomads and the Young Underground took on a new, singular identity: with the addition of Thomas Shelby and Mark Wood’s sister Shirley Wood, they became Ohio Lakeside Express. // In 1971, the group became acquainted with Eddie Thomas of Curtom, a record label owned and operated by Mr. Thomas and his partner Curtis Mayfield. Eddie Thomas left Curtom to form his own label, “Lakeside”, which he named after the south-side of Chicago. Lakeside (the record label) signed Ohio Lakeside Express. Eddie Thomas had a number of producers expressing interest in producing an album for Lakeside, but nothing materialized at this stage in their career. That would soon change, as Shirley chose not to pursue her singing career, so they added Ricky Abernathy as a new singer. // At Mavericks Flats, another of the big-time venues of the day, by now they added another vocalist (Otis Stokes) to replace Ricky Abernathy, and a new percussionist (Fred Lewis). The group was seen by Dick Griffey, a promoter handling successful artists like Stevie Wonder. Impressed by the group, he offered his friendship and advice, and began informally managing Lakeside in early 1975. It was also in 1974 that Lakeside met Frank Wilson and signed a deal with Motown. Motown was promoting and prioritizing other groups, and shelved what they had produced for Lakeside. // When Frank Wilson left Motown in 1976 for ABC Dunhill, he formed his own production company named Spec-O-Lite Productions and signed Lakeside after convincing them to drop the “Ohio” and “Express”. // In 1977, Lakeside’s success began to accelerate. That year, the group released their eponymous debut album, which featured the single “If I Didn’t Have You”. About this time, the group debuted on Soul Train, performing a Beloyd Taylor and Peter Cor composition “Shine On”, which helped pave the way for future success. As Lakeside added barefoot drummer Fred Alexander, Jr., the band was approached by Whitfield Records, Motown, and Solar Records. Lakeside chose Solar Records, owned by Dick Griffey, with stablemates The Whispers, Shalamar, Midnight Star, Klymaxx, and Carrie Lucas. // Dick Griffey, the producer who had befriended and managed Lakeside since 1975, started Solar Records in 1978. At that same time, Norman Whitfield had been courting the group to sign with his Whitfield Records, but Griffey offered the group a chance to write and co-produce their own music, which Whitfield was not willing to do. // Parting amicably with Frank Wilson, Lakeside became a part of the Solar family. The band released the album Shot of Love in 1978. Their first Solar album featured songs all written by members of the band and co-produced with Solar staff producer Leon Sylvers III. With this album, the band began to find major success on the R&B charts when the single “It’s All the Way Live” reached number 4. // The band, at this point consisting of bassist Marvin Craig, drummer Fred Alexander, percussionist Fred Lewis, guitarist Steve Shockley, keyboardist Norman Beavers, guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist Otis Stokes, lead vocalist/keyboardist Mark Wood, occasional lead vocalists Tiemeyer McCain and Thomas Shelby found their niche with a sound that stemmed from years of playing together. The band dressed in a range of costumes on their album covers, including pirates, 1920s police officers, cowboys, Arabian knights, and even Robin Hood. // Despite the success of Shot of Love and “It’s All the Way Live”, the album Rough Riders did not fare as well. However, the following album, 1980’s Fantastic Voyage, exceeded all expectations. Its single “Fantastic Voyage” reached number one on the R&B chart. The tune remains the band’s biggest hit, also hitting the pop charts (their only single to do so), where it peaked at number 55. Fantastic Voyage was certified Gold and remains the group’s greatest achievement, and it eventually went Platinum. They followed up this hit with a remake of the Beatles’ song “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, which made the R&B top 10 again. // Subsequent to Fantastic Voyage, Lakeside released six more successful albums. More hits on the R&B charts, such as “Raid” (1983) and “Outrageous” (1984), kept the group going until their change in the late 1980s. “Bullseye” (1987) became the group’s last major hit as new jack swing began taking over the airwaves. // Tyrone Griffin, one of the later members of Lakeside, has a son in the music industry, Tyrone Griffin, Jr., known to the public as singer Ty Dolla Sign.]
11:19 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN
THE SECOND SONG WAS FROM THE GAP BAND, “HUMPIN”, RELEASED IN 1980.
THE BAND’S MAIN PLAYERS WERE 3 BROTHERS LAST NAME WILSON AND CHARLIE
WILSON, THE YOUNGEST IS STILL MAKING MUSIC AND TOURING GIVING WONDERFUL SHOWS.
THE NEXT SONG IS BY THE GROUP LAKESIDE, “FANTASTIC VOYAGE”, RELEASED IN 1980.
GUITARIST STEPHEN SHOCKLEY FROM DAYTON, OHIO WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE BAND.
MOVING ON, WE ARE GOING TO LISTEN TO MS. TINA MARIE, “SQUARE BIZ”.
11:18
Teena Marie Songs
Teena Marie – “Square Biz” from: 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Teena Marie / Motown Records / January 1, 2001 [Originally released as a single in 1981 from Gordy Records. // “Square Biz” is a 1981 song by American R&B singer, Teena Marie. Bass player and frequent collaborator Allen McGrier is credited as the co-writer along with Marie. The song was released as a single from the album It Must Be Magic, and became one of Marie’s signature songs. The song includes a rap break, an unusual feature at the time. // Mary Christine Brockert (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010), known professionally as Teena Marie, was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. She was known by her childhood nickname Tina before taking the stage name Teena Marie and later acquired the nickname Lady T, given to her by her collaborator and friend Rick James. // She was known for her distinctive and soulful soprano vocals, which caused many listeners to believe she was black. Her success in R&B and soul music, and loyalty to these genres earned her the title Ivory Queen of Soul. She played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and congas. Teena Marie was a 4 time Grammy Award nominee. // Mary Christine Brockert was born on March 5, 1956, in Santa Monica, California, the daughter of construction worker Thomas Leslie Brockert and home renovator Mary Anne. She spent her early childhood in Mission Hills, California. She said that her ethnic heritage was Belgian, Portuguese, Italian, Irish, and Native American. In 2005, while visiting Louisiana, she discovered that her paternal ancestors once lived in New Orleans. She took to singing naturally, performing Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song” by age 2. // When she was eight years old, her parents began sending Tina on auditions which, among other things, netted her an acting role on The Beverly Hillbillies, credited as Tina Marie Brockert. She later taught herself the guitar, bass, and congas. She formed a semi-professional R&B band with her younger brother Anthony and their cousin. // In the early 1970s, after the family moved to Venice, California, Brockert spent her adolescent years in the historically black Venice enclave of Oakwood, nicknamed “Venice Harlem”. There, she acquired a strong spiritual influence from neighborhood matriarch Berthalynn Jackson, a black woman who became her godmother. // While attending Venice High School, Brockert joined the Summer Dance Production and was the female lead in the school’s production of The Music Man. She also fronted a local Venice rock band “Truvair” in 1974–1975; the band’s members were her high school classmates. Following graduation, Brockert juggled auditioning for various record companies with studying English literature at Santa Monica College. // In 1976, Brockert (as the lead singer of a band she had assembled, which included long-time friend Mickey Boyce) gained an introduction to Motown Records staff producer Hal Davis (best known for his work with Brenda Holloway and the Jackson 5). It led to an audition for a film about orphans that was being developed by Motown. The project was shelved, but label boss Berry Gordy, impressed with her singing but having no need for a musical group, decided to sign her as a solo act. Tina recorded unreleased material with a number of different producers over the next few years, before being spotted by labelmate Rick James, who was immediately impressed with her sound. Some of Tina’s earlier, unreleased material has been made available on the compilation album First Class Love: Rare Tee. At the time, James, already established as a successful recording artist, was on tap to produce for Diana Ross but changed his mind and decided to work with Brockert, instead. The result was her debut album release, Wild and Peaceful. The album was, at one point, due to be credited to “Teena Tryson”, but ultimately was put out under “Teena Marie”, the name by which she was known throughout her remaining career. It scored Teena Marie her first top-ten R&B hit “I’m a Sucker for Your Love” (#8 R&B Singles Chart), a duet with James. Neither the album nor its packaging had her picture on it, and many radio programmers assumed she was black during the earliest months of her career. This myth was disproved when she performed her debut hit with James on Soul Train in 1979, becoming the show’s first white female guest. (She appeared on the show eight more times, more than any other white act.) // Her album Lady T (1980), featured her portrait on the cover, and it is noted for having production from Richard Rudolph (the widower of R&B singer Minnie Riperton). Teena Marie had asked Berry Gordy to contact Rudolph and secure his input, as Rick James was unavailable, and she felt unprepared to be sole producer of her own material. Rudolph had intended for “Now That I Have You”, a song he penned, for his wife Minnie Riperton, but offered it to Teena Marie for Lady T. Rudolph also co-composed the single “Behind the Groove”, which reached number 21 on the R&B singles chart and No. 6 on the U.K. singles chart in 1980. The song also was included on the soundtrack of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on the Fever 105 radio station. // Also in 1980, Teena Marie released the LP Irons in the Fire, for which she handled most of the writing and production herself, an achievement considered rare at the time for a female artist. The single “I Need Your Lovin'” (#37 Pop, No. 9 R&B Singles) brought Teena Marie her first top 40 hit; it also peaked at No. 28 in the UK chart. // The same year, Teena Marie appeared on James’ album Street Songs, with the duet “Fire and Desire”. In an interview, Teena Marie said she had a fever at the time yet managed to record her vocals in one take. After the session, she was driven to a hospital. The two performed the single at the 2004 BET Awards, which was their last TV appearance with one another, as James died later that year. // Teena Marie continued her success with Motown in 1981, with the release of It Must Be Magic (#2 R&B Albums Chart), her first gold record, which included her then biggest hit on R&B, “Square Biz” (#3 R&B Singles). Other notable tracks include “Portuguese Love” (featuring a brief, uncredited cameo by James, No. 54 R&B Singles), the title track “It Must be Magic” (#30 R&B Singles). // In 1982, Teena Marie got into a heated legal battle with Motown Records over her contract and disagreements about releasing her new material. The lawsuit resulted in “The Brockert Initiative”, which made it illegal for a record company to keep an artist under contract without releasing new material for that artist. In such instances, artists are able to sign and release with another label instead of being held back by an unsupportive one. Teena Marie commented on the law in a Los Angeles Times article, saying “It wasn’t something I set out to do. I just wanted to get away from Motown and have a good life. But it helped a lot of people, like Luther Vandross and the Mary Jane Girls, and a lot of different artists, to be able to get out of their contracts. She left Motown as the label’s most successful white solo act. // Contacted by Epic Records in the fall of 1982, after expressing dismay over her Motown contract, Teena Marie signed a worldwide deal with the Columbia Records subsidiary that also allowed her to establish her own publishing company, Midnight Magnet. Epic released the concept album Robbery, which featured the hit “Fix It” (#21 R&B), as well as “Shadow Boxing” and “Casanova Brown”. The latter was one of many tracks Teena Marie wrote over the years about her real-life romance with one-time mentor Rick James. // In 1984, Teena Marie released her biggest-selling album Starchild. It yielded “Lovergirl”, her biggest hit, which peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1985 and at No. 9 on the R&B chart. “Lovergirl” was included in the 2002 Jennifer Lopez movie Maid in Manhattan. The label also released the moderate R&B hit “Out on a Limb”, which peaked at No. 56 on the R&B chart but didn’t break the Hot 100. “14k” was featured on the soundtrack of the film The Goonies (1985) but this song was not a hit. // In 1986, Teena Marie released a rock music-influenced concept album titled Emerald City. She also recorded the rock-influenced track “Lead Me On”, co-produced by Giorgio Moroder, for the soundtrack of the box-office hit film Top Gun (1986). // In 1988, she returned to R&B and funk, releasing the critically acclaimed album Naked to the World. That album contained the hit “Ooo La La La”, which reached # 1 on the Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. // Teena Marie released Ivory in the fall of 1990; it scored no pop hits, but it did experience two R&B hits: “Here’s Looking at You” (#11 R&B) and “If I Were a Bell” (#8 R&B). // Teena Marie gave birth to a daughter, Alia Rose, on December 25, 1991, whom she had with a man named Peter Butcher. Alia Rose would grow up following in her mother’s footsteps, often dueting with Marie during live shows and being featured on some of Marie’s songs on her last four albums (La Doña to Beautiful). Alia went under the name Rose LeBeau in the late 2000s. From 2015 and onward, she has since released songs under her original name. // Teena Marie was godmother to American actress and comedian Maya Rudolph, daughter of singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton, as well as Marvin Gaye’s daughter Nona Gaye. She also cared for Rick James’s son Rick, Jr. and family friend Jeremiah O’Neal. Lenny Kravitz posted a video in which he said that Teena Marie had taken him into her home and helped him when he was struggling early in his career. // In 2004, while Teena Marie was sleeping in a hotel room, a large picture frame fell and struck her on the head. The blow caused a serious concussion that resulted in momentary seizures for the rest of her life. // On the afternoon of December 26, 2010, Teena Marie was found dead by her daughter, Alia Rose, in her Pasadena home.
Midnight Star
Midnight Star – “Feel So Good” from: No Parking On The Dance Floor / Unidisc / June 6, 1983 [Midnight Star is an American musical group that had a string of hit records in the 1980s. // The group was formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University by trumpeter Reggie Calloway, vocalist Belinda Lipscomb, guitarist/drummer/vocalist Melvin Gentry, bassist Kenneth Gant, multi-instrumentalist Bill Simmons, keyboard player/vocalist Bo Watson and guitarist/keyboardist Jeff Cooper, as a self-contained group. They later added non-KSU student trombonist Vincent Calloway (Reginald’s younger brother). A 1978 New York City showcase inspired SOLAR Records chief Dick Griffey to sign the group. They released their debut album The Beginning (1980) with some studio musicians. In 1981 their second album, released on Solar Records, Standing Together, reached position #54 on the U.S. R&B chart. In 1982 they released the album Victory. Using elected band leader Reggie Calloway’s production skills, Midnight Star hit the U.S. R&B chart with early singles “Hot Spot” and “I’ve Been Watching You”. Drummer Bobby Lovelace joined the group in late 1982, freeing Gentry to sing and play guitar exclusively. // Midnight Star’s fourth album, No Parking on the Dance Floor, was released in 1983, and proved to be their breakout. Featuring a mix of R&B and funk with vocoder vocals, the album hit No. 2 on the Billboard magazine Top Black Albums chart and No. 27 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape and it went double platinum in the U.S. Its first single, “Freak-A-Zoid”, went to No. 2 on the U.S. Black Singles chart. The Washington Post’s J. D. Considine argues that this song served to “establish [the] group’s stylistic identity” and that it “put Midnight Star on the pop music map because it so perfectly combined the group’s technopop tendencies with its R&B roots”[5] Other singles from the album included “Wet My Whistle”, and the title track. The album’s three singles all charted on Billboard’s Hot 100, Black Singles and dance charts. and the album tracks “Slow Jam” (co-written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds) and “Electricity” received significant airplay. // Planetary Invasion had the same “basic sound…from the chattering electronic pulse to Vincent Calloway’s chatty vocoder” as the band’s previous release[5] and also went platinum.”Operator”, the first single, made the pop top 20 and the number one spot on the R&B chart; it remains the band’s only Billboard top 40 hit to date. // In 1985, Kool & the Gang, Midnight Star, Shalamar and Klymaxx performed at the Marriott Convention Center in Oklahoma City. The band continued to concerts in San Antonio and Little Rock. // In 1986 the band released the Headlines, which was their third album to sell at least gold. It was to be their last with the Calloway brothers. Due to irreconcilable differences with the other members, Reggie was out of the group, and Vincent left shortly thereafter. They achieved their biggest success in the UK with “Midas Touch”, which made #8, and “Headlines”, a #16 hit earlier the same year.Without the Calloways who formed the group Calloway and release an album that spawned the 1990 hit single “I Wanna Be Rich”, Midnight Star recorded two more albums, the self-titled Midnight Star and Work It Out. These two albums proved not as successful as their previous three releases, but the singles “Don’t Rock the Boat” and “Snake in the Grass” did reach the top ten on the R&B singles chart. The group went on a long hiatus, though they never officially broke up. // The group reunited in 2000 with many of the original members (including all of the singers) and released the album 15th Avenue two years later. Since then, the group has toured sporadically, most recently with a lineup that includes Belinda Lipscomb, Kenneth Gant, Melvin Gentry, Bo Watson, and Bobby Lovelace, with Bill Simmons sometimes joining as well.
11:29 – Underwriting
11:31 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN
BEFORE THE BREAK WE HEARD TINA MARIE, WHO DIED DECEMBER 26, 2010 AND “SQUARE BIZ” WAS RELEASED AS A SINGLE IN 1981 FROM HER ALBUM “IT MUST BE MAGIC” RELEASED IN 1980, AND SHE WAS RAPPING HER TAIL OFF, AND WAS ONE OF THE FIRST FEMALE RAPPERS. AND WE HEARD MIDNIGHT STAR AND “FEEL SO RIGHT.”
AND NOW IT’S TIME TO START TWO STEPPING WITH “LOVE IS RIGHT ON” BY THE EMOTIONS AND “TOUCH A FOUR LEAF CLOVER” BY ATLANTIC STAR.
11:32
The Emotions – “Love Is Right On” from: Sunbeam / Sony Music / Spril 1, 1978 [Sunbeam is the fifth studio album by the girl group the Emotions issued in April 1978 on Columbia Records. The album rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart. Sunbeam has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. // The Emotions are an American soul/R&B vocal group from Chicago. The group started out in gospel music but transitioned into R&B and disco music. The Emotions were named by VH1 as one of the 18 most influential girl groups of all time. // The group was originally a gospel outfit known as the Hutchinson Sunbeams who toured the gospel circuit with their father Joe Hutchinson. The Sunbeams sang on Jerry Van Dyke’s “Children’s Gospel” television show and also occasionally performed in the concert with Mahalia Jackson. They eventually became an R&B/Soul act with a popular following in their hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Soon being renamed as The Emotions, and now managed by Pervis Staples (formerly with the Staple Singers, another father/children gospel group), they signed with the Memphis-based Volt imprint of Stax Records in the late 1960s. Under the production of Isaac Hayes and David Porter the group issued their 1969 debut album entitled So I Can Love You on Stax. // “So I Can Love You” reached No. 43 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. The album’s “title track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and No. 39 on the Hot 100. The single, “The Best Part of a Love Affair”, peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. // In 1970, “Heart Association” was released as single and reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. They releaseed their second album, Untouched, in 1972 on Stax Records. “Show Me How” was released as a single from the album and reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. // In 1972, the group released three more singles, each reaching the Billboard Soul Singles chart: “My Honey and Me” peaked at No. 18, “I Could Never Be Happy” reached No. 23, and “From Toys to Boys” climbed to No. 37. // The Emotions then started to work on their third studio album entitled Songs of Innocence and Experience. This LP was due to be issued in 1973, but was eventually shelved. The girl group went on to appear in the 1973 feature film Wattstax, performing the song “Peace Be Still.” The tune went on to be added to the movie’s soundtrack. Wattstax was also nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Documentary. With Stax becoming defunct in 1975, the group then left the record label altogether. // The group then joined up with Columbia Records where an association with Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire brought them their greatest level of success. With White and Charles Stepney on production, The Emotions issued in 1976 their third studio album Flowers on Columbia Records. Flowers rose to No. 5 upon the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 45 on the Billboard 200. The album was also certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. The LP’s title track got to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. Another single called “I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love” rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and No. 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. // Following Charles Stepney’s death in 1976, White took over producing the Emotions. During June 1977 the group issued their follow up album entitled Rejoice. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rejoice has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA. // With the LP came the single “Don’t Ask My Neighbors” which got to the top ten on the Billboard R&B singles charts. Another song called “Best of My Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals, as well as an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single. “Best of My Love” has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA. A compilation album entitled Sunshine was, in November 1977, released by Stax. Sunshine got to No. 39 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. Dave Marsh of Rolling Stone found the album “is harder edged, more classically soulful than (Rejoice).” John Shearlaw of Record Mirror exclaimed “Old Emotions, new Emotions-they’re just as good.” Covers of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Carla Thomas’ “Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)” appeared on the album.Whilst the album cut “Shouting Out Love” peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. // During April 1978, the Emotions issued Sunbeam, their third studio album on Columbia. The album rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.[19][10] John Storm Roberts of High Fidelity stated “”Sunbeam” sparkles with good tracks.” Glenn Clark of The Morning Call wrote “The best thing I can say about this LP is that I like it. The Emotions’ brand of snappy and upbeat soul is good for my soul. Maurice White, guru of Earth, Wind & Fire, produced this album, and I think he has blended well the talent he has brought together.” At this time, Wanda began dating Brothers Johnson keyboardist Wayne Vaughn, and the two composed “Come into My World” together. They were married in 1980 or ’81, and continued to write songs as a team. // Sunbeam has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.] An album cut called Smile reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart/ // During 1979, Earth, Wind & Fire collaborated with The Emotions on the single “Boogie Wonderland”. The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 4 on the UK Pop Singles and No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Songs charts.”Boogie Wonderland” has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA and Platinum in the UK by the BPI. “Boogie Wonderland” was also Grammy nominated in the categories of Best R&B Instrumental Performance and Best Disco Recording. // Within October of that year the Emotions issued their follow up studio album again produced by White entitled Come into Our World upon Columbia, which rose to no. 35 upon the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. Jon Wall of Melody Maker wrote “throughout Come into Our World The Emotions’ superb vocal control, range and harmonic sense are displayed to maximum effect”. Wall also added “Come into Our World is one of the most appealing albums I’ve heard since Off the Wall. I can’t get the album off the turntable and I don’t want to”. Bill Rhedon of The Baltimore Sun noted that the album has “excellent material” with “simply steady, unvarying Coming at You, Soul.” A song called “What’s the Name of Your Love?” also got to no. 30 upon the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. As well Maurice White went on to be Grammy nominated in the category of Producer of the Year Non-Classical. // Wanda and Jeanette went on to appear on Jennifer Holliday’s Grammy nominated 1983 LP Feel My Soul. Pamela and Wanda also featured on Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1983 album Electric Universe. // The Emotions’ eighth studio album entitled Sincerely was issued in 1984 on Red Label Records.The album rose to No. 3 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart and No. 33 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. Dave Hillson of Blues & Soul said The Emotions “caught the mood of eighties Soul perfectly”. Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News declared “this album is top shelf”. As a single, “You’re the One” reached No. 19 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart, No. 34 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 11 on the UK Physical Singles chart. Another single called “You’re the Best” rose to No. 33 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. During 1985 the group also issued their subsequent studio LP entitled If I Only Knew on Motown Records. The album got to No. 11 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart. // The Emotions went on to feature on Tyler Collins 1989 album Girls Nite Out. A song off the LP that the girl group sang on called “Watcha Gonna Do?” rose to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs chart. // Jeanette and Wanda then appeared upon EWF’s 1990 album Heritage. The Emotions also guested upon Nancy Wilson’s 1990 album A Lady with a Song and jazz group Urban Knights’s 1995 LP Urban Knights I. They then featured on LL Cool J’s 1995 LP Mr. Smith which has been certified Double Platinum in the US by the RIAA. The Emotions also appeared on George Duke’s 1995 album Illusions and the Gospel Gangstaz’s 1996 album Do or Die. During 1998 they featured on an episode of Motown Live with fellow girl group Divine and made a guest appearance on Smokey Robinson’s 1999 Grammy nominated album Intimate. // During 2000, Pamela eventually rejoined the group. A year later they were bestowed with the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. The Emotions went on to guest upon Earth, Wind & Fire’s 2003 album The Promise, which was produced by Maurice White. A song from the album featuring The Emotions called “All in the Way” rose to No. 13 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart. As well the group appeared on a 2004 PBS soul music special hosted by Patti LaBelle where they performed “Best Of My Love”. Within September of that year, Songs of Innocence and Experience were finally released by Stax. // The Emotions went on to collaborate with rapper Snoop Dogg on a track called “Life” upon his 2006 album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. The album has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. The Emotions also appeared as a guest artist upon Terrace Martin’s 2016 Grammy nominated album Velvet Portraits. // On Sept. 18, 2020, Pamela Hutchinson died at 61.]
Atlantic Starr – “Touch A Four Leaf Clover” from: The Best of Atlantic Star / A&M Records / January 1, 1986 [Atlantic Starr is an American R&B band based in White Plains, New York. They are best known for the hits “Always”, “Secret Lovers”, “Circles”, “Silver Shadow”, and “Masterpiece”. // Atlantic Starr began in Greenburgh, New York with trumpeter Duke Jones (who left the band prior to their first recordings), drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer, percussionist and flautist Joseph Phillips, Sheldon Tucker (guitar; parted ways with the band before the first recordings), and three brothers: David Lewis (vocals and guitar), Wayne Lewis (keyboards and vocals), and Jonathan Lewis (keyboards and trombone). The band’s membership eventually stabilized around Carroll, Archer, Phillips, the three Lewis brothers, lead singer Sharon Bryant (who was later replaced by Barbara Weathers), trumpeter William Sudderth III, and saxophonist Damon Rentie (who was later replaced by Koran Daniels). // In 1977, the band came to Westwood, California, and performed on the nightclub scene under the name “Newban,” which they agreed to change at the request of A&M Records executive Herb Alpert when they were signed. Having already agreed to keep the Starr part of an early idea for a new band name, the members decided to add the word Atlantic, because of their East Coast roots. The nine-member band were now A&M employees. // Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Atlantic Starr scored several hits on the R&B charts. However, significant crossover success (onto the pop charts) did not come until halfway into the 1980s, with the release of their album As the Band Turns (their last on A&M Records), and the single “Secret Lovers”. By this time, the band had pared itself down to a quintet, consisting of the three Lewis brothers, Phillips, and Weathers. In 1987 (after signing to Warner Bros. Records), the band solidified their pop success by scoring a No. 1 pop (and R&B) hit with “Always”, a love ballad off their album All in the Name of Love. Following this success, Weathers left for a solo career, and she was replaced by Porscha Martin for the band’s next album, 1989’s We’re Movin’ Up. Although this album was not quite as successful as its predecessors, it did produce another No. 1 R&B hit with “My First Love.” // The band continued to score hits on both the R&B and Pop charts into the early 1990s. 1991 saw the introduction of yet another new female lead singer, when Martin was replaced by Miss Black America 1986, Rachel Oliver, for the album, Love Crazy. This album featured the band’s biggest hit of the 1990s, with “Masterpiece” reaching No. 3 on both the pop and R&B charts in early 1992. The group toured to Japan in 1992 with yet another female vocalist at the helm, Crystal Blake, a studio vocalist for Stevie Wonder who had also sung the female lead parts on the minor hit title track for Eddie Murphy’s How Could It Be album and Young MC’s “Bust a Move.” // Following the release of Love Crazy, Atlantic Starr’s relationship with Warner Bros. Records dissolved, and in 1994, the band recorded one album for Arista: Time. That album was a commercial disappointment and the single “I’ll Remember You” only made it to the fifties on Billboard’s R&B and pop singles charts. Time (which was David Lewis’ last album with the band) found a fifth female singer, Aisha Tanner, replacing Oliver. And when 1999’s Legacy was distributed by the small, independent Street Solid label, Atlantic Starr unveiled yet another lineup—one that consisted of two Lewis Brothers (Wayne and Jonathan) as well as Oliver (who had returned and replaced Tanner) and a new male singer named DeWayne Woods. Although Legacy received little attention, Atlantic Starr still continues to perform today and released their 14th album, Metamorphosis in 2017, featuring L’john Epps and Melessa Pierce. // After leaving Atlantic Starr, original drummer and founding bandmember Porter Carroll Jr. released a self-titled solo album (Porter Carroll II) in 1986. This album featured contributions from several prominent musicians, including Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, and former Starr bandmate Sharon Bryant. He has continued to do session work since that time, and is currently playing percussion in Daryl Hall’s live band. // Following her exit from Atlantic Starr, singer Bryant embarked on a solo career and released an album in 1989, scoring several big hits on the R&B charts, as well as a minor Pop hit from the project. // Original saxophonist Damon Rentie went on to a solo career of his own, releasing his first solo album, Designated Hitter in 1985. His second and third solo albums followed in each successive year (1986 and 1987, respectively). He had also previously done session work with DeBarge. // Original trumpeter William Sudderth continues to follow an active schedule in the music business, performing in many diverse settings and having become one of the most sought-after horn players in the industry.]
11:41 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN
WE JUST LISTENED TO TINA MARIE, WHO DIED DECEMBER 26, 2010 AND “SQUARE BIZ” WAS RELEASED AS A SINGLE IN 1981 FROM HER ALBUM “IT MUST BE MAGIC” RELEASED IN 1980, AND SHE WAS RAPPING HER TAIL OFF, AND WAS ONE OF THE FIRST FEMALE RAPPERS.
“FEEL SO GOOD” BY MIDNIGHT STAR, WAS RELEASED 1983. A GROUP FORMED IN 1976 OUT OF KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY BY TRUMPETER REGGIE CALLOWAY, THE ONLY FEMALE SINGER WAS BELINDA LIPSCOMB ALONG WITH SIX OTHER MEMBERS.
THE EMOTIONS AN ALL SISTER BAND STARTED OUT IN GOSPEL AND EARLY ON, CAME UNDER THE WINGS OF ISAAC HAYES ON STAX RECORDS
AND LATER MAURICE WHITE FROM EARTH WIND AND FIRE
“YOUR LOVE IS RIGHT ON” WAS RELEASED IN 1978.
“TOUCH A FOUR LEAF CLOVER” BY ATLANTIC STAR WAS RELEASED IN 1983.
THE BAND BEGAN IN GREENBURGH, NEW YORK AND LATER ADDED THREE BROTHERS LAST NAMES LEWIS. THE FEMALE VOICE ON THIS SONG IS SHARON BRYANT. SHE LEFT THE GROUP TO GO SOLO IN 1984.
ARE WE STILL BOBING OUR HEADS, SNAPPING OUR FINGERS OR TAPPING OUR FEET? I KNOW I AM.
NEXT I HAVE “IF I EVER LOSE THIS HEAVEN” BY THE AVERGE WHITE BAND,
11:43
Average White Band – “Of I Ever Lose This Heaven (Single Edit)” from: Cut The Cake /Atlantic Recording Corp / June 24, 1975 [The Average White Band (also known as AWB) were a Scottish funk and R&B band that had a series of soul and disco hits between 1974 and 1980. They were best known for their million-selling instrumental track “Pick Up the Pieces”, and their albums AWB and Cut the Cake. The band name was initially proposed by Bonnie Bramlett. They have influenced others, such as the Brand New Heavies, and been sampled by various musicians, including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, TLC, the Beatnuts, Too Short, Ice Cube, Eric B. & Rakim, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Christina Milian, and Arrested Development, making them the 15th most sampled act in history. // AWB was formed in early 1972 in London by Alan Gorrie, and Malcolm “Molly” Duncan, with Owen “Onnie” McIntyre,[6] Michael Rosen (trumpet), Roger Ball, and Robbie McIntosh joining them in the original line-up. Hamish Stuart[8] quickly replaced Rosen. Duncan and Ball, affectionately known as the Dundee Horns, studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (now part of the University of Dundee, but which at the time was part of the Dundee Institute of Art and Technology, now known as Abertay University), and were previously members of Mogul Thrash. Gorrie and McIntyre had been members of Forever More. McIntyre & McIntosh were used as session musicians on Chuck Berry’s recording of “My Ding-a-Ling”. // According to Duncan, members of the band had played together before in Scotland, but had moved to London separately and met up by chance at a Traffic concert. They decided to jam together; a friend heard them and remarked: “This is too much for the average white man,” which became adapted as the name of the band. // The band’s breakthrough was a support slot at Eric Clapton’s comeback concert in 1973. MCA Records released their debut album, Show Your Hand (1973), which sold poorly. Bruce McCaskill, who was Clapton’s tour manager, liked the band’s music and agreed to manage them. He borrowed money to take them to the US and to promote them. McCaskill had many contacts from his days with Clapton and managed to get Atlantic Records to sign them. The band relocated to Los Angeles and released the follow-up, AWB, better known as The White Album. It reached No. 1 and was the first of many with producer Arif Mardin. // McIntosh died of a heroin overdose at a Los Angeles party on Sept. 23, 1974.Gorrie also overdosed, but Cher kept him conscious until medical help arrived. The NME reported in January 1975 that AWB played a benefit show for McIntosh’s widow at the Marquee Club in London. McIntosh was replaced by Steve Ferrone, previously of Bloodstone, who had replaced McIntosh before in Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. // In 1975, the single “Pick Up the Pieces”, taken from the No. 1 AWB album, reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song knocked Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” out of No. 1 and sold over one million copies. It was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in March 1975. It also prompted The J.B.’s, James Brown’s backup band, to record and release a song in reply, “Pick Up the Pieces, One by One”, under the name AABB (Above Average Black Band). It was both a tribute to AWB’s knowledge of funk and a tongue-in-cheek play on the Scottish band’s name. // AWB followed up with the LPs Cut the Cake (1975) and Soul Searching (1976), both big sellers and yielding further Top 40 singles. Cut the Cake was dedicated by the surviving band members to McIntosh’s memory. A double live album Person To Person was issued in late 1976. Their next LP, Benny & Us, was a collaboration with Ben E. King. // After several more albums, “Warmer Communications” (1978), “Feel No Fret” (1979) and after a switch to the U.S. Arista label, “Shine” (1980) and “Cupid’s In Fashion” (1982), AWB’s audience and sales dwindled. The group initially disbanded by 1983. Their 1980 disco hit “Let’s Go Round Again” (UK No. 12), was covered in the late 1990s by Louise. // Ferrone went on to work with Duran Duran and later with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers from 1994 until Petty’s death in 2017. Hamish Stuart joined Paul McCartney’s touring group. In 1985 Gorrie released a solo album, Sleepless Nights. // The classic lineup of Gorrie, McIntyre, Ball, Stuart, Duncan and Ferrone reunited for one last time at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary in 1988. Gorrie, McIntyre, and Ball then continued in 1989 to record Aftershock. Alex Ligertwood (ex-Santana, Jeff Beck Group and another veteran of Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express) also appeared on this album, replacing lead singer Hamish Stuart, along with Eliot Lewis who co-wrote with Gorrie and joined the band. Ligertwood left after the album’s recording and drummer Tiger McNeil joined for the reunited band’s live shows. McNeil was with the group until 1994. He was then succeeded by Peter Abbott (ex-Blood, Sweat & Tears), who in turn was replaced by Fred “Catfish” Alias in September 1998. Drummer Adam Deitch did a two-year stint with AWB from 1999 to 2001. // Average White Band has continued recording (1997’s Soul Tattoo, 1999’s Face to Face) and touring since. Ball worked on Soul Tattoo with the group but was replaced by Fred Vigdor (aka Freddy V.) in 1996. // Brian Dunne took over the drum chair in 2001 and when Eliot Lewis left the band in September 2002 to pursue other musical opportunities (including a stint with Hall and Oates), he was replaced by Klyde Jones. // Their line-up as of 2002 became Alan Gorrie (bass guitar, guitar, lead and backing vocals), Klyde Jones (keyboards, bass guitar, guitar, lead and backing vocals), Onnie McIntyre (guitar, vocals), Freddy V (sax, keyboards, vocals), and Brian Dunne (drums). // Dunne was replaced by Rocky Bryant as drummer as of the 2006 tour. After Jones left in 2011 to join Hall and Oates, Monte Croft (keyboards, bass, guitar) and former Earth, Wind & Fire member Morris Pleasure (keyboards, bass, guitar) came in to do brief stints before Rob Aries arrived in 2013. // Brent Carter (ex-Tower of Power) has been singing with AWB since 2011. // In July 2015, Malcolm ‘Molly’ Duncan, Steve Ferrone and Hamish Stuart reunited to form The 360 Band. This is in essence one half of the classic AWB. They released an album titled Three Sixty in 2017 and performed live together along with supporting musicians. As of 2019, Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre are the only two original members left in the Average White Band. // Original tenor sax player Molly Duncan died on 8 October 2019, shortly after it had been announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. // In June 2023, AWB announced their final tour, Let’s Go Round Again One Last Time. “That it’s finally coming to an end is going to mean a highly emotional tour next year, but one which will mean we bow out at the top level,” Gorrie said. “Please join us in a final celebration of that journey, and to a last hurrah of epic proportions with your presence and your aye-ready appreciation!”]
11:50 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN
WE STILL BE STEPPING AND THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE KANSAS CITY TWO STEP.
WE HEARD “IF I EVER LOSE THIS HEAVEN” BY AWB RELEASED IN 1975. A GROUP OUT OF SCOTLAND THAT EXPLODED ONTO THE AMERICAN SCENE IN THE LATE 70’S WITH FUNK R&B SOUND.
WE ALL KNOW ABOUT EARTH WIND AND FIRE. “IMAGINATION” WAS RELEASED 1976. I WILL SAY THEY CREATED VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING SONGS AND LOVE SONGS.
THIS IS JUST A SMALL TASTE OF WONDERFUL MUSIC I WILL BRING.
IN THE FUTURE YOU WILL HEAR JAZZ, CLASSIC ROCK, REGGAE, A LITTLE BLUES, GOSPEL AND OF COURSE SOUL R&B. SO PLEASE KEEP LISTENING TO KKFI FOR DAY AND TIME SO WE CAN CONTINUE THIS HOUSE PARTY.
I WANT TO THANK MARK MANNING, WEDNESDAY MIDDAY MEDLEY AND 90.1 KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE MYSELF,
HELLO EVERYONE MY NAME IS SYLKYSAN FOR SYLKYSAN SENSATIONS PEACE BYE FOR NOW
WE WILL CLOSE WITH “IMAGINATION” BY EARTH WIND AND FIRE
11:52
Earth Wind & Fire – “Imagination” from: Spirit / Columbia Records / September 1, 1976 [Earth, Wind & Fire (abbreviated as EW&F or EWF) is an American band formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1969. Their music spans multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, Latin and Afro-pop. They are among the best-selling bands of all time, with sales of over 90 million records worldwide. // The band was formed by Maurice White, originating out of the Salty Peppers; its history includes a hiatus from mid-1984 to mid-1987. Prominent members have included Verdine White, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Roland Bautista, Robert Brookins, Sonny Emory, Freddie Ravel, Ronnie Laws, Sheldon Reynolds and Andrew Woolfolk. The band is known for its kalimba sound, dynamic horn section, energetic and elaborate stage shows, and the contrast between Bailey’s falsetto and Maurice’s tenor vocals. // The band has won six Grammy Awards out of 17 nominations, and four American Music Awards out of 12 nominations. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, and Hollywood’s Rockwalk, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band has also received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Legend Award, a NARAS Signature Governor’s Award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2012 Congressional Horizon Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. Rolling Stone has called them “innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing” and declared that the band “changed the sound of black pop”. VH1 has described EWF as “one of the greatest bands”.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
NEXT WEEK, on April 30 – Special Guests include: Enrique Chi of Making Movies, ALBER, The Forcefields, and the band, She Said!
Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachio Head, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Redder Moon, Keelon Vann, Juliette Frost, Keo & Them, Nature Boys, Megan Luttrell, JW Frances, mehro, and Southwest Ramblers
At 10:30am we talk with Grace Broadhead and Jason Turk of The Southwest Ramblers. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., this high-energy band brings fresh life to Irish traditional music fusing tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their critically acclaimed stateside tour brings them to Kansas City to play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree. More info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1303151564409?aff=oddtdtcreator
At 11:00 Mark welcomes SYLKYSAN as Guest Producer for our second hour. SYLKYSAN has been training as a new KKFI Programmer with Wednesday MidDay Medley. SYLKYSAN is the name her Aunt gave her back in the 1980s, explaining that silk comes in a variety of textures. SYLKYSAN says that you will hear a smorgasbord of music from her that will move your mind, body and soul. Go ahead and snap your fingers, tap your feet, bob your head, because we are going to have a House Party! SYLKYSAN will spin tracks from: Luther Vandross, The Gap Band, Lakeside, Tina Marie, Midnight Star, The Emotions, Atlantic Starr, Average White Band, Earth Wind & Fire, and The Dramatics.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
WMM presents New & MidCoast Releases + Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, & J. Ashley Miller of THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes at The Strand Theater
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Deep Sea Diver – “Billboard Heart (Radio Edit)” from: Billboard Heart / Sub Pop Records / February 28, 2025 [Seattle’s Deep Sea Diver released Billboard Heart, their fourth album, and wide-screened Sub Pop debut. The new long-player includes the “Billboard Heart”, along with highlights “What Do I Know,” “Emergency,” “Let Me Go,” her collaboration with Grammy-winner Madison Cunningham, and the guttural single “Shovel.” // Billboard Heart immediately puts Deep Sea Diver in the company of St. Vincent, TV on the Radio, and Flock of Dimes, bands that have found newly ornate and magnetic ways to make indie rock by discarding notions of how it must sound or what it must say. Dobson punches through her past here. As she howls during Billboard Heart’s rapturous title track, she is “welcoming the future by letting go of it.” // It is a coup, a triumph over self-doubt in which what first felt like failure became an opportunity to find new freedom, belief, and strength. You can hear it in each of these eleven songs, the beating heart that makes everything here feel like a new anthem for finding your own way forward. // Billboard Heart was written and performed by primary songwriter and guitar player Jessica Dobson, and her partner, drummer and band co-writer Peter Mansen, and synth player Elliot Jackson. Additional contributions include former The Shins’ bandmate Yuuki Matthews, Caroline Rose, and Greg Leisz. Billboard Heart was produced by Jessica Dobson and Andy D. Park, with additional production from Adam Schatz, mixed by Park, and mastered by Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone. // You can watch the single-take official video for “Shovel,” directed by Tyler Kalberg and Deep Sea Diver. Dobson says of the track and visual, “‘Shovel’ is one of the most angular and dualistic songs I’ve written, and I wanted to do a one-shot video that captured the grit, rawness, and intensity of the song. Simply put, it is me digging and dancing with a shovel in the middle of the night, desperately looking for beauty in dark places. Influenced by Lynch, the Cohen brothers, Nick Cave, and the sweet dance moves of Kate Bush.” // “Frontwoman Jessica Dobson’s powerful voice and gnarled guitar solos grant the Seattle band’s propulsive, riff-laden indie rock a new level of yearning intensity.” – Pitchfork // “Billboard Heart could propel Deep Sea Diver to the greatest of heights: mild indie stardom. Or at least it should, because this record is very good. But even if they aren’t headlining Pearl Jam-sized arenas this time next year, the sounds of Billboard Heart could fill one.” – PASTE // “There is plenty to unpack with plenty of anthemic moments but also moments of calm that help the epic tracks to soar even more. Dobson’s vocals and guitar work are both captivating throughout in a record that rarely has a dull moment and is full of spirit and spark from start to finish.” – CLASH]
Stereolab – “Aerial Troubles” from: Instant Holograms On Metal Film, / Duophonic UHF / Warp. Records / May 23, 2025 [Stereolab are an Anglo-French avant-pop band formed in London in 1990. Led by the songwriting team of Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier, the group’s sound features influences from krautrock and 1960s French pop music, often incorporating a repetitive motorik beat with the use of vintage electronic keyboards and female vocals sung in English and French. Their lyrics have political and philosophical themes influenced by the Surrealist and Situationist art movements. While performing, they play in a more feedback-driven and guitar-oriented style. Since the mid-1990s, the band have drawn from funk, jazz and Brazilian music. // Stereolab were formed by Gane (guitar and keyboards) and Sadier (vocals, keyboards and guitar) after the break-up of McCarthy. The two were romantically involved for fourteen years and are the group’s only consistent members. Other longtime members included 1992 addition Mary Hansen (backing vocals, keyboards and guitar), who died in 2002, and 1993 addition Andy Ramsay (drums). The High Llamas’ leader Sean O’Hagan (guitar and keyboards) was a member from 1993 to 1994 and continued appearing on later records for occasional guest appearances. // Throughout their career, Stereolab have achieved moderate commercial success. The band were released from their recording contract with Elektra Records, and their self-owned label Duophonic signed a distribution deal with Too Pure and later Warp Records. After a ten-year hiatus, the band reunited for live performances in 2019. // Stereolab announces their first new record in 15 years. It includes 13 new studio recordings as well as guest contributions from Cooper Crain, Rob Frye, Ben LaMar Gay, Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf, Marie Merlet and Molly Read. Alongside the announcement, the group shares a first glimpse into their forthcoming project with first single “Aerial Troubles.” // Instant Holograms On Metal Film will be available on double vinyl LP in standard and colour variants, as well as compact disc and digital formats. The album will arrive two days ahead of the launch of their world tour in Brussels on May 25th. They will then take their discography across Europe with dates in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris, among others. They’ll be kicking off the North American leg of the tour this coming October with shows across the United States before heading back to perform a string of shows across the UK. ]
RxGhost – “Anytime But Now” from: “Anytime But Now” – “Undersaid”- Singles / Celery Wolf / March 14, 2025 [RxGhost is: Josh Thomas on vocals & guitar, Justin Brooks on drums, James Capps on guitar, Chris Smead on bass, and Jeremiah James Gonzales. Scaffolding was produced by RxGhost, recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and Recording engineer by Josh Thomas. Music by RxGhost and Lyrics by Josh Thomas. RxGhost released their album Scaffolding on April 11, 2024, part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. More info at: rxghost.bandcamp.com]
Gigi Perez – “Sailor Song” from: At the Beach, in Every Life / Outahere / April 25, 2025 [Gigi Perez has announced her debut full-length album. The record is called At the Beach, In Every Life and is due out April 25. It includes Perez’s breakout single, “Sailor Song.” // “This is the album I needed to listen to when I was twenty years old following the passing of my older sister, Celene,” Perez says. “It’s taken years to process, and seeing how it’s colored everything in my life, it feels like a flag down in the sand at a checkpoint rather than a destination. And there was water everywhere for miles, and a girl met me there every time. I have been loved through my grief.” // Perez will launch a U.S. headlining tour April 23 in New York City. Her 2025 schedule also includes dates opening for Hozier and Mumford & Sons.Gianna Brielle Perez was born February 4, 2000, known professionally as Gigi Perez or simply Gigi, is an American singer-songwriter. Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, she went viral on TikTok for her songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” and spent a period signed to Interscope Records, on which she released the 2023 EP How to Catch a Falling Knife. After leaving the label, she released “Sailor Song”, which peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Sailor Song” topped the charts in Ireland, Latvia, and the United Kingdom, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in various countries, including New Zealand and Norway. She has also supported Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour, Noah Cyrus on her The Hardest Part Tour, girl in red on her Doing It Again Tour and D4vd on his The Root of It All Tour. // Gianna Brielle Perez was born on February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey, and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida.: 0:49 She spent a year at a comprehensive before moving to a Christian school.: 8:39 Perez is a lesbian and has credited “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko with helping her accept her sexuality. She began writing songs aged fifteen and began releasing music in 2018 while in high school as part of the band Wendy Lane. Perez attended Berklee College of Music but left due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. She had an older sister, Celene, who died in July 2020, shortly after which Perez’s partner broke up with her.: 29:34 To cope with her grief, she began uploading videos to TikTok to kill time. She went viral in early 2021 after releasing “Celene” and then “Sometimes (Backwood)”, both of which went viral on TikTok, prompting Interscope Records to sign her. // Perez released a further single, “The Man”, in June 2022, a track about expectations faced by men She supported Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour later that month at their Florida stadium show. She has stated in interviews to have received the offer to do so on her 22nd birthday and in February 2022. She then released “When She Smiles”, a song about a toxic relationship inspired by Ariana Grande, Imogen Heap, and “When Jamie Smiles” from the Ryan Reynolds film Just Friends, and “Glue”, a track written in late 2020 about clinging to a relationship after bereavement. In October 2022, she supported Noah Cyrus on her The Hardest Part Tour and released “Figurines”. In February 2023, she supported D4vd on his The Root of It All Tour. In March, by which time she was based in Brooklyn, she released “Sally” and announced an EP, How to Catch a Falling Knife, which comprised eight songs composed three years earlier. The EP took its title from the stock market term “never try to catch a falling knife”, as she felt it represented what she had put into the project, and was released in April 2023 alongside a music video for focus track “Kill for You”. // In March 2024, after being released from Interscope Records, she released “Normalcy”, a queer love song she had first promoted in December 2022 on TikTok; she followed this a month later with “Please Be Rude”. // In July 2024, she released the single “Sailor Song”, an acoustic queer ballad about a woman who looked like Anne Hathaway. The track went viral on TikTok, and peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Some conservative Christian communities complained about the line “I don’t believe in God, but I believe that you’re my saviour”, prompting Perez to remind her followers that her songwriting was “not a democracy”. She signed to Island Records in September 2024.]
Danny Cox – “What a Time To Be Free” from: Feel So Good / Casablanca Records / 1974 [Recorded at Bell Sound Studios, New York, January-March, 1974. In 2021 Danny Cox digitally released YOUNG AND HOT (LIVE AT COWTOWN BALLROOM) EP on July 27, 2021. Danny Cox was born in 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a folk singer and songwriter best known for his 1974 LP album Feel So Good. Danny Cox moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1967. As a youth, he sang in a church choir together with Rudolph Iseley, and in the 1960s he started his professional career performing on a Hootennany Folk Tour. Cox has recorded albums for ABC Dunhill, Casablanca, MGM and others. He also partnered a company called Good Karma Productions, run by the KC based Vanguard Coffee House owner Stan Plesser, who managed the acts of Brewer & Shipley, and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.]
Danny Cox Discography: Live at 7 Cities (1963) Sunny (1968) Birth Announcement (1969) Live at the Family Dog (1970) Danny Cox (ABC Dunhill Records) (1971) Feel So Good (Casablanca Records) (1974) Troost Avenue Blues (3-track EP) (2006) Bring Our Loved Ones Back (one track) (2007) Sack of Trout (Single) (2015) Vandalism in Eb Minor (Coin Heaven) (Single) (2015) Kansas City – Where I Belong (Recorded at Pilgrim Chapel) (2012) Time Is What I Need (Single) (2020) Young and Hot (Live at Cowtown Ballroom) (5-track EP) (July
Valerie June – ”Inside Me” from: Owls, Omens, and Oracles / Concord Records / April 11, 2025 [Rooted in the belief that what we focus on is what we manifest, June dreams a song path forward with Owls, Omens, and Oracles that leaves no one behind. Halfway through a decade of immense and rapid global change, June asserts a multidimensional Blackness steeped in laughter, truth, magic, delight, and interdependence. This album is a radical statement to break skepticism, surveillance, and doom scrolling – let yourself celebrate your aliveness. Connect, weep, change, open. Throughout the M. Ward-produced Owls, Omens, and Oracles, Juneʼs distinctive Tennessee twang grips the listener. Visceral twists and a fierceness of raw emotion thread textures and tones through the needle of a multi-genre American quilt, striking against notions that voices should always sound polished and pretty. Gracefulness and gentleness harmonize with dissonance, edginess, and precarity in the sharpest parts of her voice. // Juneʼs singular sound is a North Star as steady and undeniable as any true love story, telling us to “trust the path.” She is inviting us out of the small boxes that keep us apart from each other, her music creating a space where we are already together, already one. The horizon changes as we get closer to it, but our artist is sure-footed in the face of uncertainty and change. She wants everyone who listens to this music to want to be alive, to love, co-creating a future together. Recently Valerie June returned to CBS Saturday Morning where she performed several songs off Owls, Omens, and Oracles. Accompanied by her band, she played lead single “Joy, Joy!,” the unreleased “All I Really Wanna Do,” and debuted “Endless Tree,” a song that was released on Tuesday as a single with an accompanying video. Juneʼs spirited performance gives a taste of what to expect on the upcoming Owls, Omens, and Oracles Tour, which kicks off next week and runs through late June. // Valerie June Hockett was born January 10, 1982, known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Her sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. She is signed to Concord Music Group worldwide. // Born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 10, 1982, June is the oldest of five children. As a child growing up in Humboldt, June was exposed to gospel music at her local church and R&B and soul music via her father, Emerson Hockett. As a teenager, her first job was with her father, owner of Hockett Construction in West Tennessee, and a part-time promoter for gospel singers and Prince, K-Ci & JoJo, and Bobby Womack. She helped by hanging posters in town. Her father died in late 2016. // June relocated to Memphis in 2000 and began recording and performing at the age of 19, initially with her then-husband Michael Joyner, in the duo Bella Sun. After her marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist, combining blues, gospel and Appalachian folk in a style that she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”, and learning guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became associated with the Memphis-based Broken String Collective. // In 2009 she was a featured artist on MTV’s online series $5 Cover (following the lives of Memphis musicians attempting to make ends meet), and in 2010 she recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show. // In 2011 she was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at the Emissaries of Memphis Music event. She raised funds to record an album with producer Craig Street via Kickstarter.com, raising $15,000 in 60 days. Later that year she relocated from Memphis to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Shortly after, record producer Kevin Augunas introduced June to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, which led to the recording of June’s album Pushin’ Against a Stone in July 2011, which was co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas. // In 2012, June performed with producer John Forté on a collaboration called Water Suites (on the hip-hop-blues song “Give Me Water”), and with Meshell Ndegeocello on the song “Be My Husband”. She contributed The Wandering’s 2012 album Go on Now, You Can’t Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. In 2012 she performed in the UK for the first time, playing at Bestival and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland. // She has received substantial radio play in Europe on BBC Radio 6, including a feature on Cerys on 6 with Cerys Matthews. Mary Anne Hobbs of XFM has said of June: “This woman has already touched my heart, she really, really has.” // In February 2013, June was invited to support Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour. In March 2013, June performed two nights at South By Southwest. The first performance was on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet. On March 16, June performed again, this time as part of The Revival Tour. Rolling Stone June’s second album, The Order of Time one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, citing “her handsomely idiosyncratic brand of Americana, steeped deep in electric blues and old-time folk, gilded in country twang and gospel yearning….a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June’s pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center”. In a 2017 interview, Bob Dylan was asked what artists he listened to and respected; June was among the artists he mentioned in reply. More info at: http://www.valeriejune.com]
Aretha Franklin – “Something He Can Feel” from “Music from the Warner Bros. Picture Sparkle / Curtom – Atlantic Records / May 5, 1976 [“Something He Can Feel” was composed by Curtis Mayfield for the 1976 film Sparkle. The song, a love ballad in a Chicago-/Philly-soul style, became a #1 hit on the Billboard’s R&B singles chart in the U.S. twice with two separate recordings: a 1976 version by Aretha Franklin from the film’s soundtrack, and a 1992 cover by En Vogue . // In the original 1976 version of the film Sparkle, the song is performed by “Sister & the Sisters”, with Lonette McKee on lead vocal, and Irene Cara & Dwan Smith on backing vocals. The version of “Something He Can Feel” present on the film’s soundtrack album replaces the vocal tracks with those of Aretha Franklin and the Kitty Haywood Singers, with the instrumental tracks remaining the same. //Sparkle revolves around the lives of the members of Sister & the Sisters, a 1960s Motown-esque girl group, and “Something He Can Feel” is present in the film as part of their repertoire. Franklin’s recording of the song was issued as the first single from the album, and became a number-one hit on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, peaking at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Franklin’s only pop Top 40 hit during the second half of the 1970s. // Sparkle would be remade in 2012, as would “Something He Can Feel”, this time performed by Carmen Ejogo on lead vocal with Jordin Sparks and Tika Sumpter on backing vocals. In an allusion to Aretha Franklin’s version of the song and soundtrack, Sister & Her Sisters perform “Something He Can Feel” as part of a live TV performance headlined by Franklin. // Franklin’s version of the song was featured in the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, being performed by contestants Jujubee and Tatianna in a “lipsync for your life”. // Aretha Louise Franklin was born March 25, 1942 and died August 16, 2018. She was a singer, songwriter and pianist. Honored as the “Queen of Soul”, she was twice named by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest singer of all time. // As a child, Franklin was noticed for her gospel singing at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father C. L. Franklin was a minister. At the age of 18, she was signed ato Columbia Records. While her career did not immediately flourish, Franklin found acclaim and commercial success once she signed with Atlantic Records in 1966. She recorded albums such as I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967), Lady Soul (1968), Spirit in the Dark (1970), Young, Gifted and Black (1972), Amazing Grace (1972), and Sparkle (1976), before experiencing problems with the record company. Franklin left Atlantic in 1979 and signed with Arista Records. Her success continued with the albums Jump to It (1982), Who’s Zoomin’ Who? (1985), Aretha (1986) and A Rose Is Still a Rose (1998). // Franklin is one of the best-selling music artists, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide. She charted 112 singles on the US Billboard charts, including 73 Hot 100 entries, 17 top-ten pop singles, 96 R&B entries and 20 number-one R&B singles. Her best-known hits include “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” (1967), “Respect” (1967), “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (1967), “Chain of Fools” (1967), “Ain’t No Way” (1968), “Think” (1968), “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968), “Call Me” (1970), “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” (1970), “Spanish Harlem” (1971), “Rock Steady” (1971), “Day Dreaming” (1972), “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” (1973), “Something He Can Feel” (1976), “Jump to It” (1982), “Freeway of Love” (1985), “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” (1985), “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” (a duet with George Michael, 1987) and “A Rose Is Still a Rose” (1998). She also made a featured appearance in the 1980 musical-comedy film The Blues Brothers. // Franklin received numerous honors through her career. She won 18 Grammy Awards out of 44 nominations, including the first eight awards given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1968–1975), as well as a Grammy Living Legend Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her other inductions include the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012, and posthumously the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020.In 2019, the Pulitzer Prize jury awarded her a posthumous special citation “for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades.]
10:29 – Underwriting
Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark – “Soft Landing” from: Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark / Lost River Sound / August 9, 2024 [Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark released Cindergarden (A Sides) on May 22, 2022. They released Cindergarden (B Sides) on June 21, 2023. Kirstie Lynn is a classically trained soprano with a passion for songwriting, always looking to marry poetry and melody. Though Kirstie’s voice has been compared to that of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, her sound is uniquely her own. Kirstie Lynn is a folk singer-songwriter originally from the fingerlakes region of upstate, NY. She began her professional music studies at the age of 15, and has since received both a Bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University and a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in voice and opera performance. Her vocal training lends her the freedom to paint her nature inspired lyrics with a wide range and a beautiful and effortless sound. Kirstie Lynn is one half of the duo Kirstie Lynn and Galen Clark. // Galen Clark introduces an alternative perspective and approach to music that contains multitudes. Migratory melodies, multi-instrumental fluency, and mysterious texture all outline the stylings of the newly transplanted Cuyahoga Valley songwriter, producer, and musician. // Born into an Air Force family, Clark grew up in many places with family anchors in Vermont and Colorado. At the age of 9 following many failed piano lessons, Clark’s grandparents gifted him a Harmony parlor guitar from a Shelburne flea market, starting a journey that would span almost 2 decades of stylistic development, a plethora of ephemeral bands, a degree in music production and recording technology, and a refined take on songwriting. .. Sharing songs spanning the stoic mountains of Idaho’s lost river range to the ancient hum of the Shenandoah Valley, Galen draws upon energy strewn between varied time and place, a broader quest for belonging, and rejuvenation beyond the front door. Clark’s previous records, Providence (2018) and The Well (2020) offer a contemplative portrait of moods in natural ambiguity, collective consciousness, and introspection. His most recent collaboration with Kansas City – based artist, Kirstie Lynn is a reckoning that is to be heard live and will transport you elsewhere if not in mind than in spirit.][Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark joined us live on WMM on June 21. // Kirstie Lynn played IN THE ROUND with Calvin Arsenia, Julia Othmer, and Christena Graves at The Bauer, 115 West 18th Street, in KCMO’s West Crossroads, Oct. 17.]
[Kristie Lynn with Hunger Peebles and Naytalir Prauser play Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester Street KCMO, TONIGHT, Wednesday, April 16, at 7:00pm.]
Old Sound – “Relics of a Small Town” from: Liquid Folk Vol. 01 / Old Sound / April 25, 2025 [Liquid Folk Vol. 01 contains the first two singles to be released by the band, throughout the next few months leading up to their next full-length reklease.“Relics of a Small Town” & “Signs of Life” – Singles Greg Herrenbruck on bass & vocals; Grady Keller on mandolin, acoustic guitar & vocals; Chad Brothers on acoustic guitar & vocals. // On October 6, 2020 Old Sound released their album DELUGE. Recorded at Temple Sounds in Kansas City. The new album was produced by Old Sound, Brendan Moreland and Phil Wade. The album was engineered and mixed by Brendan Moreland and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Sound Lab. // “Deluge” dives deep into the band’s 20-year chemistry, showcasing the band’s acoustic soundscapes and strong three-part harmony. The wide range of songwriting contains lyrics concerning life, love, self-expression, capitalism, climate change, police brutality, the demise of our country, death, and much more. Grady Keller plays guitar and mandolin, Greg Herrenbruck plays bass and Chad Brothers plays lead guitar. All sing. The three members have been creating music together in some fashion for more than 20 years. Greg Herrenbruck & Chad Brothers grew up together as friends in Winfield, Kansas. Winfield is the home of the Walnut Valley Festival. As young college students at Kansas State University they met Grady Keller. The trio has shared many years of picking, camping and performing at the Walnut Valley Festival. Old Sound, is a synthesis of the ideas, techniques, songs and stories we’ve found in those campground. // In 2014 they released their debut recording RAIN FOLLOWS THE PLOW, Recorded and produced by Phil Wade at his studio, Alluvial Fan.More info at: http://www.oldsoundmusic.com]
Champ – “Do It Again Do It Again” from: Sampler EP / Champ / March 27, 2025 [Debut EP, Sampler, from Kansas City, Missouri power pop trio Champ. // Champ began as a recording project of prolific singer-songwriter and DIY punk rocker Bennett Weaver in 2019. That year, Weaver released a four-song demo via Bandcamp, singing and playing every instrument himself. // Now, roughly five years later, Weaver has recruited his longtime friends and collaborators Jack Marsh (bass/backing vocals) and Iggy Audley (drums) to make Champ a full-fledged band (Weaver maintains vocal and guitar duties). // Weaver and Marsh spent 2024 and the early months of 2025 crafting the three songs featured on Sampler. What they came up with were some of their most mature arrangements and some of their catchiest hooks yet, without sacrificing an ounce of the raw emotion that inspired them. // Album art by Lucy Isadora. // Recorded by Lance Rutledge. // Mastered by Justin Mantooth.]
[Champ plays Howdy, 6523 Stadium Dr., KCMO Sun, April 27 w/ Skinman, Refuse To Thrive, Failure Drill]
[Champ plays Howdy, 6523 Stadium Dr, KCMO on Fri, May 23 w/ Gripe, Total Sham, J*ckoffs]
[Champ plays Hitt Records, 10 Hitt St., Columbia, MO on Fri, June 6 w/ Highway Demon]
Wet Leg – “catch these fists (Radio Edi)” from: moisturizer / Domino Recording Co / July 17, 2025 [Wet Leg – the Isle of Wight five piece founded by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers – have announced their eagerly anticipated second album moisturizer will be released on July 17.. Alongside the album announcement, the band also share the first taste of moisturizer with its frenetic, alluringly combative lead single “catch these fists.” Kicking things off with an untamable, electrified groove and from its opening seconds, “catch these fists” is dance-punk par excellence – bass notes ricocheting off a wall of howling synth, thunderous beat catching strays from Teasdale’s cruel deadpan. The video, directed by the band and shot on the island, nods to Ti West, Cameron Crowe and their own “Wet Dream” video and is a suitably off-kilter introduction to moisturizer valley. // Teasdale previously felt allergic to writing love songs, moisturizer is defined by its sheer exuberance and Teasdale ended up finding the process empowering. That new sense of ownership extends to moisturizers album art, an instant-classic freak-fest in which Chambers and Teasdale bare long, ghoulish claws; Teasdale, sporting long, kitschy socks and sans eyebrows, grins fiendishly into the camera. It reflects the album, moisturizer is the band turning the dial up and delivering a record that is unapologetically bolder, stronger and raunchier. // Wet Leg is a British indie rock band from the Isle of Wight, founded in 2019 by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers. The band came to prominence in 2021 when their debut single, “Chaise Longue”, became a viral hit. Their self-titled debut album was released on April 8 2022. // Teasdale and Chambers first met at Isle of Wight College. After ten years of friendship, they became a musical duo in 2019 under the name Wet Leg, signed with Domino Recording Company. They chose the name by playing a game picking different emoji combinations and getting to Wet Leg, it stuck. Their debut single, “Chaise Longue”, was released on June 15, 2021, and gained media notice for earning millions of streams and video views. Their second single, “Wet Dream”, was released on 28 September 2021. Variety noted, “It’s rare that a new group releases two songs and they’re both great”. They appeared on Later… with Jools Holland on BBC2, on 30 October 2021. On 29 November 2021, they announced their debut self-titled album, released on 8 April 2022 via Domino. The same day, Wet Leg released the double-single “Too Late Now” / “Oh No”. // In an interview with Diffus, the band stated that their name came from a regional epithet from the Isle of Wight to describe non-islanders on the island. Those who had crossed the Solent to enter the isle were said to have a wet leg from getting off the boat. // Teasdale had performed for many years on the Isle of Wight as a local musician and pianist, and prior to forming Wet Leg, was known as RHAIN and was linked to the music scene in Bristol. In 2013 Teasdale performed as RHAIN her song “Humdrum Drivel”. In 2014 she was photographed Lucy Dacus’ new album, her fourth solo record, Forever Is A Feeling via Geffen Records. The album’s release comes replete with a special performance video for new single “Bullseye” – featuring acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Hozier – and filmed for legendary Irish television show Other Voices at the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin last week. Dacus first met Hozier, one of her favorite artists, when he joined boygenius onstage at their show in Boston in September 2023. She later invited him to duet with her on “Bullseye”, a song about a breakup in which she felt both partners’ respective voices should be portrayed. // Shortly after boygenius’ multiple GRAMMY wins in January 2024, Lucy recorded Forever Is A Feeling in Los Angeles with an array of collaborators that includes Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Blake Mills, Bartees Strange, Madison Cunningham, Collin Pastore, Jake Finch and Melina Duterte. // The album’s debut single, “Ankles”, was debuted with a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January and recently hit the top ten at AAA Radio in the U.S – marking Dacus’ first top ten radio hit as a solo artist. Dacus will embark on the Forever Is A Feeling Tour beginning in Philadelphia on April 16th. Support comes from special guest Katie Gavin (of MUNA) and jasmine.4.t. The tour, her largest to date, includes Radio City Music Hall in New York, two nights at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles and two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, before heading to the UK and Europe in June. All dates below.
Lucy Dacus – “Ankles” from: Forever is a Feeling/ Dirty Hit Records / February 21, 2025 [Lucy Elizabeth Dacus was born May 2, 1995. She is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Dacus first gained fame following the release of her debut album, No Burden (2016), which led to a deal with Matador Records. Historian, her second album, was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. Home Video, her third studio album, was released in 2021. Forever is a Feeling, her fourth album, was released in 2025. // In addition to her solo work, Dacus is also a member of the indie supergroup Boygenius, with Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers. The band has released one studio album and two EPs to critical acclaim and widespread touring. The band won 3 Grammy Awards in 2024, including Best Alternative Music Album. They also became the first all-female band to win Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance. // In October 2023, Rolling Stone named Dacus the 213th-greatest guitarist of all time, noting: “[her] guitar is as essential an instrument as her voice”. // Lucy Elizabeth Dacus was adopted as an infant and grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia, a suburb of Richmond. She is of Uzbek and Irish descent.[8] Her adoptive mother is a professional pianist and music teacher, and her adoptive father is a graphic designer. Dacus had an early interest in music, and bought her first guitar, an Ibanez, from Craigslist when she was in middle school. After graduating from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in 2013, she began studying film at Virginia Commonwealth University, but left to avoid student debt and the “feeling of being misunderstood” in her university program. Prior to becoming a full-time musician, she was employed by Richmond Camera as an editor for children’s school photos. During this time, she wrote approximately 30 songs, nine of which would make up the tracklist of No Burden.]
[Lucy Dacus brings her a Forever is a Feeling Tour to The Midland Theatre 1228 Main St. KCMO on Wednesday May 7.at 7:15pm with Katie Gavin & jasmine.4.t]
Jackie Myers – “What About The Butterfly” from: “What About The Butterfly” – Single / Jackie Myers / March 20, 2025 [Second single from upcoming album What About The Butterfly to be released May 18, 2025. // In his online sitte The Plastic Sax Bill Brownlee writes: “Witnessing the transformation of Jackie Myers from a peripheral figure on Kansas City’s jazz scene to one of the region’s most compelling artists has been extraordinarily gratifying. Quietly upping her game in incremental steps, Myers’ resolute work in recent years is reaping dividends. // On any given night, Myers applies her talents in a variety of contexts in Kansas City cafés, restaurants and barrooms. The variety of sounds- pop, rock, blues and, yes, jazz- coalesce on What About the Butterfly. The new album marks the culmination of a remarkable metamorphosis. // Not only is What About the Butterfly superior to Myers’ previous recordings, the album makes most jazz-rooted efforts seem unimaginative and simplistic. Her ambitions extend well beyond conventional Kansas City jazz. // Support from elite collaborators including Bobby Watson helps the album compare favorably to the arty pop of Laura Nyro, the contemporary soul of Cory Henry and the fastidiousness of Jacob Collier. Rarely has Kansas City been the setting for a more pleasing musical glow-up. ” – Read more at http://www.plasticsax.com // Jackie Myers is a jazz pianist, composer, and singer. She is a transplant from Austin Texas, where she performed in the indie touring circuit for almost a decade. She has been playing in Kansas City since December of 2017 with shows that feature a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. Since then she has held residencies at several notable jazz venues in Kansas City, including but not limited to, Corvino Supper Club, Chaz on the Plaza, and Green Lady Lounge. She also held the position of Music Director and piano player for the nationally syndicated radio show – 12th Street Jump – taped live in Kansas City until 2020, when the show ended. // During the pandemic, Jackie was able to continue performing through live streaming from her home and she produced a series of 9 concerts called “Kansas City Drive-ins” that featured artists including Bobby Watson, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Eddie Moore, and Beau Bledsoe. The series was well attended and brought jazz back to its audience in a time when the venues could not host. Myers boasts a catalog of 7 albums and is currently working on her 8th. At her live shows, audiences are treated to Myers’ innovative and fluid keyboard work, punctuated by her bluesy vocals. At other times, Myers’ shows feature a purely instrumental dose. Performing as part of a duo, trio, quartet, or quintet, Myers is typically joined by some of the best musicians offered by a locale, typically combining a crisp rhythm section with top artists on horns or guitar. In 2018, Myers added Hammond organ to her repertoire, adding to the diversity of her performances. She currently plays the Hammond B3 for one of Kansas City’s most decorated Blues Artists – Nick Schnebelen. // As for Myers’ vocals, Louisiana musical writer Dominick Cross said about an earlier recording: “My initial reaction to the recording was that in some ways its Michelle Shocked meets Amy Winehouse. And several listens later, I’d say the same thing with more emphasis on Winehouse.” Bill Brownlee, jazz critic for The Plastic Sax and several other Kansas City publications said, “Her vocals on Ain’t No Sunshine and Stars Fall on Alabama demonstrated that Myers … brings a singular talent to the scene.” Myers debuted her first straight ahead jazz album in 2018 – The Instrumental One, which was recorded live at the prestigious Green Lady Lounge in Kansas City. Made up of eight tracks, including six original compositions, Jackie’s keyboard stylings groove what one critic called “jazz from a solid R&B point of view.” Critics compared The Instrumental One to works by Ahmad Jamal and Les McCann. Kansas City’s Roger Atkinson wrote: “I still like that soul-jazz genre . . . plus, Jackie Myers has a new fan: me.” Myers has also done some impressive work in musical production. In 2017, she produced the musical production Silent Films Out Loud: A Tribute to Buster Keaton. This event featured a nine-piece ensemble playing newly-written compositions to four Buster Keaton silent film classics, including a score by Myers to Buster Keaton’s 1922 Cops. This event, sponsored in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department, filled Austin’s premier theater – The Stateside at the Paramount. Lastly, she has recently plied her craft with local production startup – FMK Music as a producer and composer for the group. Jackie holds a certificate in music from Berklee School of Music, a BA in music from Grinnell College, and a Master of Arts in Music with a jazz concentration from UMKC. ]
[Jackie Myers plays a What About The Butterfly Album Release show at The Blue Room, Friday, April 18, 2025 at 7:30pm]
11:00 – Station ID
Marmoppes – “Butterfly” from:“Butterfly” – single / Big Nip Records / March 17, 2024 [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes More info at: Marmoppes- https://www.instagram.com/marmoppes/ ]
Marmoppes discography: “Nos” – March 23, 2025 (Big Nip Records) “Gyatt Time” – Sept. 20, 2024 “Yr Chemical” – April 28, 2024 ‘Butterfly” – March 17, 2024 “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” – September 5, 2023
[Marmoppes play THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.]
11:03 – Interview with Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, & J. Ashley Miller
Lucid Illusions Kansas City’s innovative art collective is presenting THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, this Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.
The Strand Theatre is the oldest operating theater in Kansas City and is one of the last remaining XXX theaters in the Midwest. This one night only spectacular features a live on stage improvised musical score by Marmoppes, inspired by a custom-cut smut mixtape filled with the wildest, most hilarious clips from the pre-digital age when all adult movies were shot on film.
Jaclyn Danger joins us to share details about this special event. Jaclyn Danger studied at The Kansas City Art Institute and is a co-founder of Lucid Illusions an innovative art collective led by queer artists Allison Lloyd, Jaclyn Danger, and Kimmon Smutz. Specializing in immersive, site-specific experiences, the collective transforms unconventional venues into dynamic spaces for multimedia art. Their work blends music, performance art, drag, burlesque, and more, creating interactive events that defy traditional boundaries.
Also joining us in the conversation are one half of the band, Marmoppes: J. Ashley Miller and Simon Huntley. Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. And after the interview we’ll share their latest single, “Nos.’
Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, & J. Ashley Miller thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, is this Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.
11:24
Marmoppes
Marmoppes – “Nos” from: “Nos” – single / Big Nip Records / March 23, 2025 [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes More info at: Marmoppes- https://www.instagram.com/marmoppes/ ]
Marmoppes discography: “Nos” – March 23, 2025 (Big Nip Records) “Gyatt Time” – Sept. 20, 2024 “Yr Chemical” – April 28, 2024 ‘Butterfly” – March 17, 2024 “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” – September 5, 2023
[Marmoppes play THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.]
11:28 – Underwriting
Nan & The One Nite Stands – “Sick” from: “Sick” – Single / Nan Turner / March 7, 2025 [Nan + the One Nite Stands. Song by Nan Turner. Music backing track by Chase Horseman. Additional Vox by Tracy Flowers. Recorded + mixed + produced by Chase Horseman at Element Studios, Kansas City, KS. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Additional studio support by Frida the Dog // On February 19, 2021 Nan Turner released High – Caliber with all songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // “Yeah” is track 1, on this 5-song EP // The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler on bass on 1, 3, and 4; Pat Tomek on drums on 1, 3, and 4; Mark Ospovat on bass on 2 and 5; Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers on backing vocals on 2, 4, and 5; Chase Horseman on keyboards, guitar, and co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration. // Nan Turner released the single “Desert Nights” released May 22, 2020, written by Nan Turner, and recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // On July 12, 2019, Nan Turner released her solo EP, Champs and Losers, Version 2. Recorded, Mixed, and Co-Produced at Winky World in Kansas City, by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns plays drums and Chase Horseman plays bass. // Nan Turner is also one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock. Her music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com Nan Turner was our guest on WMM on March 31, 2021.]
Tune-Yards – “Heartbreak” from: Better Dreamiing / 4AD Records / May 16, 2025 [Tune-Yards is the Oakland, California–based music project of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner. Garbus’s music draws from an eclectic variety of sources and uses elements such as loop pedals, ukulele, vocals, and lo-fi percussion. Tune-Yards’ 2011 album Whokill was ranked the number one album of that year in The Village Voice’s annual Pazz and Jop critics’ poll. // The album Nikki Nack was released in 2014, with its first single, “Water Fountain”, being picked up by Google Pixel in 2016 for an advertising campaign. The album I Can Feel You Creep into My Private Life was released in January 2018. At the same time, Tune-Yards provided an atmospheric score for the sci-fi film Sorry to Bother You. // Born in 1979, Garbus was raised in New York City and in New Canaan, Connecticut. She attended Smith College. She was a puppeteer for the Sandglass Theater in Vermont and lived in Montreal where she played ukulele in the band Sister Suvi with guitarist Patrick Gregoire and drummer Nico Dann. Merrill’s sister Ruth Garbus is also a musician who has played solo and in the band Happy Birthday. After releasing her first Tune-Yards album in 2008, she moved to Oakland, where her partner in Tune-Yards, Nate Brenner, also lives. // The first Tune-Yards album, Bird-Brains (stylized as BiRd-BrAiNs) was originally self-released by Garbus on recycled cassette tape. It was recorded using only a handheld voice recorder. A limited edition vinyl was released in June 2009, via the Portland-based imprint Marriage Records. In July 2009, it was announced that Tune-Yards had signed to 4AD, and a limited edition pressing of Bird-Brains was released on August 17, 2009. A full worldwide release followed on November 16, 2009 (and November 17 in North America). The autumn 2009 pressing was remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright, and includes two new bonus tracks: “Want Me To” and “Real Live Flesh.” // A second album, Whokill (stylized as w h o k i l l), was released on April 19, 2011. A single from it, “Bizness”, came out in February 2011. It was produced by Garbus and engineered by Eli Crews at New, Improved Studios in Oakland. Applying the live approach to Garbus’ studio work for the first time, Garbus works with bass player Nate Brenner, who co-wrote some of the album’s songs. Comparing the act to Sonic Youth, Frontier Psychiatrist said, “if Bird-Brains was Garbus’ Evol, a record bursting with musical ideas that attempted to subvert the notion of song, who kill is Garbus’ Sister, a record that embraces the traditional pop song as a vehicle to convey those ideas.” The album as well as singles “Bizness” and “Gangsta” received mention on many top 2011 album and song lists, including Time, Rolling Stone, Spin, and the New York Times. In early 2012, the Village Voice’s annual “Pazz and Jop” poll of critics named Whokill the No. 1 album of 2011. The song “Fiya” is featured on a 2010 commercial for the Blackberry Torch, while the song “Gangsta” has been used in the television shows Orange Is the New Black, Letterkenny, Weeds and The Good Wife and the song “Bizness” was used in Season 3 of Transparent. // Garbus started recording material for her third LP during the latter half of 2013, with a working title of Sink-o. A May 6, 2014 release date was later announced with the title Nikki Nack. The album spawned three singles, including “Water Fountain”, which was featured in the soundtrack for EA Sports video game FIFA 15 as well as in a 2016 commercial for the Google Pixel. // A fourth album was released on January 19, 2018, called I Can Feel You Creep into My Private Life. The album showed more of an electronic influence. The single “Look at Your Hands” was released earlier, in October 2017, followed by “Heart Attack” in January.// The Tune-Yards scored the satiric science fiction film Sorry to Bother You (2018). The film was shown at Sundance in January, then began a theatrical run in July. Its soundtrack songs are performed by the Coup, fronted by the film’s director, Boots Riley. Riley said he started working with Tune-Yards in “early 2015” to create the film’s score, with demo tracks already available before the script was complete, and before the start of principal photography. Riley said he was attracted to Garbus’s voice, and to the band’s “unorthodox use of percussion and vocal layering.” Garbus also composed the theme music for The New Yorker Radio Hour. // In 2021, Tune-Yards appeared as the opening performance for Google I/O with Artificial Intelligence powered vocal accompaniment.]
Daniel Gum – “Met You Too Soon” from:The Great Conjunction / Manor Records / February 7, 2025 [All songs written/performed by Daniel Gum (BMI), production/engineering: Mike Crawford & Daniel Gum, mixing: Daniel Gum, bass: Joel Stratton, drums/percussion: Micah Ritchie. With Joel Stratton (piano on 1, baritone guitar on 2), Wills Van Doorn (slide guitar on 3), Brandon Bray (lead guitar on 6), Cole Crawford (piano on 10), Devon Teran (pedal steel on 2), Evan Herd (writing for drums on 7), Rachel Cionitti (bgvs on 1-6, 8), mastering: Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering, artwork/lettering: Daniel Gum] // Here’s what Daniel had to say about this track: “This song was written reflecting on a past relationship—thinking things probably could have worked out if we met 5 years later than we did. Or maybe they wouldn’t have.. but I’ll never know. This song is a part of a series of singles leading up to my second album. I hope you enjoy the chord progressions and slide guitar especially”. // Daniel Gum is a singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, KS who has been active since 2017. Daniel Gum released the single “Julia” on December 9, 2022. Daniel Gum released the single “Wolverine (ft. Rachel Cion)” on September 19, 2921. Daniel Gu, released the electronic pop EP, I’M NOT DEAD in 2017 and an acoustic EP, MOON in 2018. In addition to working on his own solo project, Daniel has been working with other local groups—playing bass and engineering for his band Pillow (a post-punk/shoegaze group) and playing drums behind singer-songwriter Chloe Jacobson, also doing some recording for her. Channeling the likes of Elliott Smith & Andy Shauf, he co-produced his new record THIRTEEN with Mike Crawford, playing almost everything you hear on the album and mixing it himself. Signing to Manor Records in the spring of 2020, he officially released THIRTEEN on cassette & CD on October 30, 2020. All songs written, performed, and.mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Daniel Gum is a 24 year old singer-songwriter . Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EPI’M NOT DEAD on October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming. The first single from Daniel Gum’s album, Thirteen “Ruin Your Life” was released on September 4, The second single, “In The Worst Ways” was released September 28, 2020. ] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. Daniel Gum joined us on WMM on November 11, 2020]
[Daniel Gum plays Farewell KCMO 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 19, ay 8:00pm with, Faith Maddox and Sloe Poke]
Faith Maddox – “Sunspot” from: Impressions EP / Faith Maddox / February 26, 2024 [// Faith Maddox released the songle “Frances” om March 11, 2023 through French Exit Records – Performed and mixed by Faith Maddox. Mastered by Deegan Poores. Faith Maddox released the single “Bloody Maple” on February 18, 2022 on French Exit Records. Faith Maddox released the 9-song album SUBTLE HAUNTINGS on February 25, 2022, Faith Maddox on vocals/guitar/bass and Jared Crowley on drums. The album was recorded by Faith Maddox, it was mixed & mastered by Joel Martin. Faith Maddox is a 21-year-old artist currently living in Lawrence, Kansas. A self-taught guitarist and writer, Maddox’s work explores themes of gender, mortality, and nature, often weaving literary references between fingerpicked melodies. Her music is not easily boxed in, taking influence from math rock, jazz, folk, and slowcore. She is an avid fan of Fleabag, Joan Didion, and anything green. Faith Maddox released the 9-song album SUBTLE HAUNTINGS on February 25, 2022, Faith Maddox on vocals/guitar/bass and Jared Crowley on drums. The album was recorded by Faith Maddox, it was mixed & mastered by Joel Martin. Info: http://www.faithmaddox.bandcamp.com]
[Faith Maddox plays Farewell KCMO 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 19, ay 8:00pm with Daniel Gum, and Sloe Poke]
TheBabeGabe X The Human – “FUTURISTIC LOVERS” from: HONEYPOP / Seven Rings Media / March 5, 2025 [Production by The Human // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.” // With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, Glass Animals, & more. That confidence shines through on braggadocios tracks like Only See Me, Pulse, and Pep Rally where she raps, “hoe shut the fuck up when I’m talking, got a pretty face but this mouth repulsive.” Pulling inspiration from future peers like Doja Cat & Tyler, The Creator, Gabe is quick to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. There’s no shortage of variety with sticky hooks, soulful ballads, Janelle Monáe -esque pop hits, somber reflective cuts, and boomy west-coast kickbacks. // No song boasts this genre-bending ability better than the double track RIOT GRRL//DRAMA QUEEN. Starting with an inspirational pop-punk banger that could make any Olivia Rodrigo fan nod in approval, it soon turns to the emotional DRAMA QUEEN, seeing Gabe grapple with difficult changes and struggle to find the best way forward. Listening to Gabe can often feel like hanging with your bestie in that you’re getting both the yap sessions about the everyday as well as the venting about life’s drama and all its uncertainties. // These confessions, boasts, hooks, croons, screams, beats, and sounds all come together to create an extraordinary portrait of a young artist figuring it out. It’s an unfiltered showcase that sees Gabe pull back the curtain and step forward so you can meet her where she’s at. So when you listen, you’re seeing her for who she really is. And for many, that’s someone you can see yourself in. That’s TheBabeGabe. // TheBabeGabe was one-third of the Kansas City based BLACKSTARKIDZ Gen-Z upstarts BLACKSTARKIDS have released their sixth studio album Saturn Dayz on September 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track seventh studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on October 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. Our friend and music writer Bill Brownlee talked with us about how the band created a double album, but the record company decided to release as two separate albums. The music from both albums relate to each other. Before the release of Saturn Dayz the band released their single and video “SOULMATEZ!” on August 30, 2024. “SOULMATEZ!,” is a magnetic, blissed-out bop that brings together pop, indie, and alt-rap, reminiscent of Dev Hynes-era Solange mixed with De La Soul. // The follow up to BLACKSTARKIDS’ acclaimed 2022 album CYBERKISS* which featured standout singles “CYBERKISS 2 U* ft. beabadoobee” and “SEX APPEAL,” SATURN DAYZ is an otherworldly, genre-crossing testament to their unrelenting artistry and is their most impressive work to date. PRESS HERE to pre-save SATURN DAYZ. // Putting out music at a prolific rate and making waves for their formidable songwriting and producing talents, as well as their endless energy and truly limitless sound, BLACKSTARKIDS have received critical acclaim from New York Times, MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, SPIN, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more. Blending garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie, such as on their beloved album Puppies Forever which features anthemic singles “ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS,” “JUNO,” and “FIGHT CLUB,” BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom and have previously toured with the likes of The 1975, COIN, Glass Animals, beabadoobee, Christian Leave, GroupLove. // Incorporating each member’s wide-ranging influences into their blissful DIY sound, such as Toro Y Moi, NERD*, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest, BLACKSTARKIDS first captivated the internet with their “black coming of age trilogy” of projects Let’s Play Sports, Surf, and Whatever, Man that feature critically acclaimed singles including “BRITNEY BITCH” and “FRANKIE MUNIZ.” // Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of KC in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On 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 KC scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]
Saving Miles Lemon – “In The Night” – Single from: “In The Night” – Single / Saving Miles Lemon / January 16, 2025 [Performed by: Saving Miles Lemon. Written by: Miguel Silva-Leon. Produced by: Saving Miles Lemon. One of three new singles released in the last few months from Saving Miles Lemon. // Saving Miles Lemom released the 13-track full-length album LOVELY/ on October 6, 2023. Saving Miles Lemon is the psychedelic-pop project of Miguel Silva-Leon. Formed in 2019 with the goal of releasing an album by the end of the year, the project has transformed into a full-blown musical odyssey for Miguel (who likes to go by Mig) to explore new sounds. It’s hard to define what genre Saving Miles Lemon fits into as they like to let the music go where it wants to go. From smooth dance pop, to blown-out stoner rock, Mig likes to keep things interesting and never stay with one sound for too long. // Having grown up learning to play the piano at the age of 7, Miguel found themselves picking up new instruments frequently from the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe to guitar/bass and drums. Just as with their instruments, Mig began practicing their production skills in high school with small bedroom projects and hardcore bands. In a way, nothing has changed, as all of Saving Miles Lemon’s music is recorded and produced entirely by Mig in their bedroom studio to this day. // Their live members include Jacob Frisbee (bass), James Wiltfang (keys), and Zeke Bockleman (drums). // As a live act, the band began performing in 2021 and quickly took over the DIY scene in Kansas City before moving on to the bar/venue scene with sold-out shows at The Rino (KCMO) and The Bottleneck (LFK). They’ve opened for national and international touring bands such as Cub Sport at The Encore at Uptown Theatre (KCMO). // Saving Miles Lemon has released two full-length LPs and a handful of singles. A third album is set to release in 2023.] [Saving Miles Lemon played Outer Reaches Fest, Fri, Oct. 13 at recordBar, 1w/ Bombino, The Philistines, & Teri Quinn.]
Various Blonde – “RAW” – Single from: “RAW” – Single / Various Blonde / September 1, 2023 [One of three new singles released in the last few months from Various Bonde. “Couldn’t Love Me” was released March 7, 2025, and “Silent Partner” was released April 11, 2025// Various Blonde released the 10 track album Love Is How We Will Survive on September 1, 2023. That album contained 4 singles released over two years 20022 to 2023. Various Blonde is a Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On September 24, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Love is How We Survive.” On August 19, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Obtuse”. On June 9, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Too Many Secrets.” On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 2 through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. “More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]
The Freedom Affair – “Don’t You Wanna Love Me” from: The Freedom Affair / Sunflower Soul Records / May 9, 2025 [Shon Ruffin on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on bass & Acoustic Guitar, Chris Hazelton on Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals; Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet & flugelhorn; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, tambourine. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN. Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell. Tape Operator: Wesley Graham. Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair. Mixed by: Vince Chiarito. Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering. Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales. Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan // The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness. // A fateful February 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to Kansas City with new musical conviction. By November, the band had returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio. // The ever-powerful female trio fronting the band–Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves, and Shon Ruffin–has been the hallmark of The Freedom Affair’s sound and identity, and their collective vocal prowess is on full display ranging from tough to tender, touching on heartache and hope. The experience at Royal studios convinced the band that there isn’t a better room to record horns. The “one take” horns of Pete Carroll on trumpet and Brett Jackson on saxophone prove their years together as a unit have paid off with their precision and lines written to meet the vibe perfectly. With rhythm section personnel remaining the same from their debut album Freedom is Love, a shift in instrumentation moves Chris Hazelton from bass to his primary instrument of the Hammond B3 organ along with various keyboards. Branden Moser swaps in the bass, which also happens to be his primary instrument, from his former rhythm guitar. Cole Bales continues to dig into timeless riffs on lead guitar, and Dave Brick maintains the backbone with the heavy boom-bap on drums. This album has cemented The Freedom Affair’s sound: enduring melodies with rich arrangements, backed by a gritty pulse. // Royal was the perfect site for this album, and the band took full advantage of the studio’s history by incorporating studio tools and relics throughout the process. With only four days to fully track the ten-song album, the band insisted on using the same Ampex 1” tape recorder that produced all the Hi Record hits from 1974 and prior to preserve authenticity. It was the first time the machine had been used for an album since 1974. The limitations and quirks of using vintage, analog gear made way for magic moments that shape the album’s charm. The record calls fresh attention to classic Southern Soul with all the coziness and warmth you’d expect from listening to Al Green or Ann Peebles, captured in the very same room. Mixed by Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) and mastered by JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), this album is a truly an all-killer, no-filler lesson in soul music.]
[The Freedom Affair play The Madrid, 3810 Main Street, KCMO Friday, May 2, 2025.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
This Friday, April 18 at Noon, Mark will be hosting MidCoast LIVE with musician ALBER who will play a 60-minute concert LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios.
NEXT WEEK, on April 23 – We’ll be playing more New & MidCoastal Releases! And we’ll interview the Southwest Ramblers who’ll be rambling into town to play Hammers at 3901 Main April 23. And in our 2nd hour we welcome Guest Producer Silky Sand Sensations!
Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachio Head, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley 