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

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Bill Sundahl & The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest + Grand Marquis

Mark spins tracks from 15 of the 30+ bands playing the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest including: The Freedom Affair, The Salvation Choir, Flare Tha Rebel, Shy Boys, Jamogi, Keo & Them, Flight Attendant, The Canterberries, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, The Swallowtails, Grand Marquis, Danny McGaw, Zee Underscore, Supermassive Black Holes, and Trevor Turla.

At 10:00 Bill Sundahl joins us to share details about the 20th Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 24 in the West Bottoms & Sunday, August, 25 at the Folly Theater, including 30+ Bands, DJs, and Drum Lines, on 7 stages. Saturday’s stages in the Historic West Bottoms include: Lemonade Park, Voltaire, Stockyards Brewing, The Campground, The Livestock Exchange, and a special VIP stage at the Ox Cafe & Bakery. CMF also presents the Strawberry Swing Makers and Vendors, and a free Day Party at Lemonade Park (from Noon to 3:00pm) featuring: Talking Backwards, Art as Mentorship: Rebel Song Academy, and Agga Dagga. This is a fundraiser for 90.1 FM KKFI. From 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. Purchase tickets at: WWW.CMFKC.COM

At 11:00 Mark & Bill welcome Bryan Redmond, Ryan Wurtz, and Natalie Bates of the acclaimed Kansas City band Grand Marquis who play The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO, on Sunday, August 24, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. This year, the Crossroads Music Fest are thrilled to add a second day at the iconic Folly Theater honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis. The band will celebrate their eras from over the last two and a half decades. Past members will join the band along with performances from the current bands they are making art with today. Joining the Grand Marquis on stage are: Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Sammy Nicolier, Victor & Penny, Damien Gunn Band, and Trevor Turla. If you want reserved seating for CMF Day Two at the Folly Theater please visit: http://www.follytheater.org

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

Show #1057

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

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

WMM Shines a Light on the 20th Annual KC Fringe Festival with Audrey Crabtree + Mitzi McKee plays LIVE!

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

2. Common & Pete Rock – “Dreamin’ (Radio Clean Edit)”
   from: The Auditorium, Vol. 1 / Loma Vista Recordings – Concord / July 12, 2024
   [Common and Pete Rock have announced their first full-length collaboration The Auditorium, Vol. 1. Created by the perfect pairing of one of hip hop’s most evocative emcees (Common), with one of its most heralded producers (Pete Rock), The Auditorium, Vol. 1 will undoubtedly make its mark on Hip Hop history. The album is the past, present, and future happening all at once and in any decade, guaranteed to be an absolute banger. // In addition to the album announcement, Common and Pete Rock released the second single from the project “Dreamin’.” // On working with Pete Rock on the record, Common says “Pete Rock is one of The Greatest Creators Hip Hop and Music has ever seen. It has been a dream of mine to work with him on an album. And once we got together and I I was around him and all his records and his MPC I felt the spirit of what I always loved in hip hop in soul music and why I wanted to be a part of the artform. His beats, his production, his scratches, took me to a place where I could just MC freely. It felt I like I was home.” // Late last month, Common and Pete released “Wise Up” the first single off of their new project.]

3. Mavis Staples – “Worthy”
   from: “Worthy” – Single / Anti / June 18, 2024
   [A legendary performer who will turn 85 on July 10, Mavis Staples continues to be a tour-de-force in music and a voice for the voiceless in today’s divided society. Well known for her work in the gospel and Americana space, Staples is also an R&B icon who famously worked with the one and only Prince in his 80’s heyday. Reminiscent of those records, today she is sharing the new song “Worthy.”// Written and produced by Mark Ronson protégé MNDR, the song came to fruition via an all-women team, while Ms. Staples makes it all her own. “It’s a pick-me-up song – it’s a celebration, and you can’t help but move,” she says. “Certain songs just cover you, and this song is just so sassy and fire. It’s got me fired up.” As a black woman who lent her voice to the civil rights movement, the song vibrates through Mavis’s unique perspective as both a call to action and an infectious, dance-worthy tune. // “Working with the legendary Mavis Staples seems like a dream,” MNDR gushed. “Listening to her soulful voice, spending time in her grace, and watching her artistry in the studio as the trailblazing icon of music and culture was an experience too profound to put into words and one that I will never forget. As I listened to her breathe life into our song ‘Worthy’ – a song of celebration through good times and hard times, a song to celebrate ourselves and others – I realized that there is no other artist who could give this song more spirit and soul than Mavis Staples, a legend, an icon. It was one of the most profound moments of my life, and I am forever grateful.” // The artwork for “Worthy” features the painting The Darker the Berry, The Sweeter the Juice (2015, acrylic on canvas) by distinguished American artist Henry Taylor. Much like Staples, Taylor’s pieces are driven and defined by empathy, engaging the dynamic subtleties of his eclectically sourced subjects and their environments, historical and personal, each work a holistic visual narrative. // Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a GRAMMY Award-winner; a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. // At a time when most artists begin to wind down, Staples ramped things up, releasing a trio of critically acclaimed albums in her 70’s with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy that prompted Pitchfork to rave that “her voice has only gained texture and power over the years” and People to proclaim that she “provides the comfort of a higher power.” “I sing because I want to leave people feeling better than I found them,” Staples says. “I want them to walk away with a positive message in their hearts, feeling stronger than they felt before. I’m singing to myself for those same reasons, too.” // On July 9, Staples and award-winning children’s poet Carol Boston Weatherford will release the new children’s book ‘Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples’, a vibrant and poetic new picture book that introduces young readers to Staples’ life story, who began singing at age 8 and ever since has used her voice as a rallying cry to the country at numerous civil rights protests and continues to sing and share her message of love, faith and justice in front of large audiences today. // Staples recently celebrated her upcoming birthday early in stellar fashion at Los Angeles’s YouTube Theater this past April, gracing the stage alongside a star-studded lineup including Hozier, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Black Pumas, and more. Currently on tour in Europe, Staples will return to the US and perform at Willie Nelson’s 4th of July picnic on the nation’s birthday. The next day she begins a run of dates with Norah Jones, who she affectionally calls “my baby sister.” All upcoming dates are listed below. // Mavis Staples (born July 10, 1939) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist. She rose to fame as a member of her family’s band The Staple Singers, of which she is the last surviving member. During her time in the group, she recorded the hit singles “I’ll Take You There” and “Let’s Do It Again”. In 1969, Staples released her self-titled debut solo album. // Staples continued to release solo albums throughout the following decades and collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Prince, Arcade Fire, Nona Hendryx, Ry Cooder, and David Byrne. Her eighth studio album You Are Not Alone (2010), earned critical acclaim, and became her first album as a soloist to reach number one on a Billboard chart, peaking atop the Top Gospel Albums chart. It also earned Staples her first Grammy Award win. Following this, she released the albums One True Vine (2013), Livin’ on a High Note (2016), If All I Was Was Black (2017), and We Get By (2019); she is also featured on the single “Nina Cried Power” by Hozier. // Staples is the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and has won three Grammy Awards, including one for Album of the Year as a featured artist on We Are by Jon Batiste.[6] Named one of the ‘100 Greatest Singers of all Time’ by Rolling Stone in 2008; Staples was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018, as a member of The Staple Singers. Additionally, she was made a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2016. The following year, she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a soloist. In 2019, she received the inaugural Rock Hall Honors Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a soloist. // Staples was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 10, 1939. She began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches and appearing on a weekly radio show, the Staples scored a hit in 1956 with “Uncloudy Day” for the Vee-Jay label. When Mavis graduated from what is now Paul Robeson High School in 1957, The Staple Singers took their music on the road. Led by family patriarch Roebuck “Pops” Staples on guitar and including the voices of Mavis and her siblings Cleotha, Yvonne, and Pervis, the Staples were called “God’s Greatest Hitmakers”. // With Mavis’ voice and Pops’ songs, singing, and guitar playing, the Staples evolved from enormously popular gospel singers (with recordings on United and Riverside as well as Vee-Jay) to become the most spectacular and influential spirituality-based group in America. By the mid-1960s The Staple Singers, inspired by Pops’ close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr., became the spiritual and musical voices of the civil rights movement. They covered contemporary pop hits with positive messages, including Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” and a version of Stephen Stills’ “For What It’s Worth”. // During a December 20, 2008, appearance on National Public Radio’s news show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, when Staples was asked about her past personal relationship with Dylan, she admitted that they “were good friends, yes indeed” and that he had asked her father for her hand in marriage. // The Staples sang “message” songs like “Long Walk to D.C.” and “When Will We Be Paid?,” bringing their moving and articulate music to a huge number of young people. The group signed to Stax Records in 1968, joining their gospel harmonies and deep faith with musical accompaniment from members of Booker T. and the MGs. The Staple Singers hit the Top 40 eight times between 1971 and 1975, including two No. 1 singles, “I’ll Take You There”, produced by Al Bell and recorded and mixed by Terry Manning, “Let’s Do It Again,” and a No. 2 single “Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas?” // Mavis made her first solo foray while at Epic Records with The Staple Singers, releasing a lone single “Crying in the Chapel” to little fanfare in the late 1960s. The single was finally re-released on the 1994 Sony Music collection Lost Soul. Her first solo album would not come until a 1969 self-titled release for the Stax label. After another Stax release, Only for the Lonely, in 1970, she released a soundtrack album, A Piece of the Action, on Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom label. A 1984 album (also self-titled) preceded two albums under the direction of rock star Prince; 1989’s Time Waits for No One, followed by 1993’s The Voice, which People magazine named one of the Top Ten Albums of 1993. Her 1996 release, Spirituals & Gospels: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, was recorded with keyboardist Lucky Peterson. The recording honors Mahalia Jackson, a close family friend and a significant influence on Mavis Staples’s life. // Staples singing during the 2006 NEA National Heritage Fellows concert. // Staples made a major national return with the release of the album Have a Little Faith on Chicago’s Alligator Records, produced by Jim Tullio, in 2004. The album featured spiritual music, some of it semi-acoustic. // In 2004, Staples contributed to a Verve release by legendary jazz-rock guitarist, John Scofield. The album, entitled That’s What I Say, was a tribute to the great Ray Charles and led to a live tour featuring Staples, John Scofield, pianist Gary Versace, drummer Steve Hass, and bassist Rueben Rodriguez. A new album for Anti- Records entitled We’ll Never Turn Back was released on April 24, 2007. The Ry Cooder-produced concept album focuses on gospel songs of the civil rights movement and also included two new original songs by Cooder. // Her voice has been sampled by some of the biggest selling artists, including Salt ‘N’ Pepa, Ice Cube, Ludacris, and Hozier. Staples has recorded with a wide variety of musicians, from her friend, Bob Dylan (with whom she was nominated for a 2004 Grammy Award in the “Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals” category for their duet on “Gonna Change My Way of Thinking”, from the album Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan) to The Band, Ray Charles, Prince, Nona Hendryx, George Jones, Natalie Merchant, Ann Peebles, and Delbert McClinton. She has provided vocals on current albums by Los Lobos and Dr. John, and she appears on tribute albums to such artists as Johnny Paycheck, Stephen Foster and Bob Dylan. // In 2003, Staples performed in Memphis at the Orpheum Theater alongside a cadre of her fellow former Stax Records stars during “Soul Comes Home,” a concert held in conjunction with the grand opening of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music at the original site of Stax Records, and appears on the CD & DVD that were recorded and filmed during the event. In 2004, she returned as guest artist for the Stax Music Academy’s SNAP! Summer Music Camp and performed again at the Orpheum with 225 of the academy’s students. In June 2007, she again returned to the venue to perform at the Stax 50th Anniversary Concert to Benefit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, produced by Concord Records, who now owns and has revived the Stax Records label. // In 2009, Staples, along with Patty Griffin and The Tri-City Singers, released a version of the song “Waiting For My Child To Come Home” on the compilation album Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration. // On October 30, 2010, Staples performed at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear alongside singer Jeff Tweedy. In 2011 she was joined on-stage at the Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival by Arcade Fire singer Win Butler. The two performed a version of “The Weight” by The Band. // Staples also performed at the 33rd Kennedy Center Honors, singing in a tribute to honoree Paul McCartney. // Staples headlined on June 10, 2012, at Chicago’s Annual Blues Festival in Grant Park. // On June 27, 2015, Staples performed on the Park Stage of Glastonbury Somerset UK. On October 31, 2015, Staples performed with Joan Osborne in Washington, D.C. at The George Washington // University’s Lisner Auditorium as part of their Solid Soul Tour. // In February 2016, Staples’s album Livin’ on a High Note was released. Produced by M. Ward, the album features songs written specifically for Staples by Nick Cave, Justin Vernon, tUnE-yArds, Neko Case, Aloe Blacc, and others. Discussing the album Staples said: “I’ve been singing my freedom songs and I wanted to stretch out and sing some songs that were new. I told the writers I was looking for some joyful songs. I want to leave something to lift people up; I’m so busy making people cry, not from sadness, but I’m always telling a part of history that brought us down and I’m trying to bring us back up. These songwriters gave me a challenge. They gave me that feeling of, ‘Hey, I can hang! I can still do this!’ There’s a variety, and it makes me feel refreshed and brand new. Just like Benjamin Booker wrote on the opening track, ‘I got friends and I got love around me, I got people, the people who love me.’ I’m living on a high note, I’m above the clouds. I’m just so grateful. I must be the happiest old girl in the world. Yes, indeed.” // In January 2017, Staples was featured as a guest vocalist on “I Give You Power”, a single from Arcade Fire benefiting the American Civil Liberties Union. In February 2017, Staples appeared on NPR’s Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me! in the “Not My Job” segment, answering questions about the rock band The Shaggs. In April 2017, “Let Me Out”, a single from the fifth studio album by Gorillaz, Humanz, was released, featuring Staples and rapper Pusha T. // Staples’s sixteenth album If All I Was Was Black was released on November 17, 2017. The record was again produced by Jeff Tweedy and contains all original songs cowritten by Mavis and Tweedy. Following the release, Staples toured with Bob Dylan. She also appeared on the 2017/18 Hootenanny. In 2018, she sang on Hozier’s single “Nina Cried Power”. // In May 2019, Staples celebrated her 80th birthday with a concert at the Apollo Theater, 63 years after first appearing at the theater as a teenager with her family band, the Staple Singers, in 1956. The show, which featured special guest artists, including David Byrne & Norah Jones, is one of a series of collaborative concerts she staged in May to commemorate her 80th birthday. She performed at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival. // In 2022, Staples released Carry Me Home, a collaboration with Levon Helm, recorded at Helm’s Midnight Ramble in 2011.]

4. Audrey Nuna – “Starving (feat. Teezo Touchdown)”
   from: “Starving (feat. Teezo Touchdown)” – Single / Arista Records / February 23, 2024
   [Audrey Chu (born April 2, 1999), known by stage name Audrey Nuna, is an American R&B singer and rapper. She is best known for her singles “Damn Right” and “Comic Sans” (featuring Jack Harlow). She was born and raised in New Jersey, and studied in the Clive Davis Music Institute of NYU for her freshman year, but has since taken a break to focus on music.[4] Her songs are known to combine multiple genres such as pop, R&B, rap and trap. She is signed with Arista Records, under Sony Music Entertainment. // Raised in suburban Manalapan, New Jersey, Audrey Nuna – known first professionally as Audrey – started making music in her teens covering artists from Childish Gambino to Drake and uploading the videos to combat the boredom of her hometown. Her first experience singing for a big crowd was performing ‘America the Beautiful’ at the US Open Tennis when she was ten. Producer– and future manager – Anwar Sawyer contacted her after seeing her Instagram covers while she attended the Clive Davis Institute in Brooklyn. In 2018 she began releasing independent tracks. After producing three striking ballads, the confident sound of “Honeypot” showcased her musical versatility as a multi-genre artist. In 2019, after releasing two more singles, Sony Arista Records – coincidentally the record company that was founded by her university—signed her to the label. She made her label debut with her single “Time”, then “Paper”, and her assertive collaboration with Jack Harlow in “Comic Sans”. She changed her stage name to Audrey Nuna. After the name change, in 2020, she released more singles alongside “damn Right” and its DJ Snake-assisted sequel. She issued a ten-track project of previous singles and new tracks in 2021 named ‘A Liquid Breakfast’.]

5. Ivory Blue – “Bad Dreams”
   from: “Bad Dreams” – Single / IVORY BLUE / June 7, 2024
   [IVORY BLUE released the single “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Flashback” on March 15, 2023 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Howl” on February 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on November 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, and vocalist. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on October 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. More info at: https://ivorybluemusic.com%5D

6. David Bowie – “Star (Take 5 alternative version)”
   from: Rock “N” Roll Star / Parlophone / June 14, 2024
   [ROCK ‘N’ ROLL STAR!, is a 5CD and 1 Blu-Ray Audio set chronicling David Bowie’s journey through the creation of the Ziggy Stardust character and the recording of the iconic …Ziggy Stardust… album. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL STAR! contains 29 unreleased tracks, covers early songwriting demos, recordings from Bowie’s band, The Arnold Corns, rehearsals at Bowie’s then-home, Haddon Hall, BBC sessions, singles, live performances, plus outtakes and alternative versions from the original album recording sessions, which have been newly mixed by original album co-producer, Ken Scott. // Last night, the KEF Music Gallery London, 32-48 Great Portland St, London, hosted the world premiere of tracks from ROCK ‘N’ ROLL STAR!, the Dolby Atmos mix of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, along with a Q&A with Ziggy co-producer Ken Scott. // Also unveiled was a previously unreleased treasure trove of footage from the Ziggy Stardust tour shot in the UK during 1972 and 1973 by late Bowie collaborator, photographer Mick Rock, featuring the album version of “Ziggy Stardust” as its soundtrack. // The Dolby Atmos spatial audio mix of David Bowie’s The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars will be released on Blu-Ray Audio and Streaming on September 6. // The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars is the breakthrough album that catapulted David Bowie into the international spotlight. Over the past 50 years, it has remained a touchstone record, growing in stature with each passing year. It is now ingrained in popular culture, its undeniable influence spanning musicians from Arcade Fire to Lady Gaga, to Harry Styles’s androgynous fashion sense to Noel Fielding’s shirts on The Great British Bake-Off to Ziggy make-up challenges on Tik-Tok. David Bowie laid to rest the Ziggy Stardust persona in July 1973 at his infamous last show with the Spiders From Mars at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, but Ziggy’s impact reverberates to this day.]

7. Carla Thomas – “Pick Up The Pieces (Live at Wattstax)”
   from: Stax Songs From Episodes 3 & 4 of HBO Original Documentary Series STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. / Stax / May 21, 2024
   [The HBO Original four-part documentary series STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A., winner of the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival TV Premiere Audience Award and newly nominated for the Gotham TV Awards, is produced & directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot. The series, a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, and Warner Music Entertainment. All four episodes are available to stream on-demand via MAX now.. // Carla Venita Thomas (born December 21, 1942)[1] is an American singer, who is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. She is best known for her 1960s recordings for Atlantic and Stax including the hits “Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)” (1960), “B-A-B-Y” (1966) and “Tramp” (1967), a duet with Otis Redding. She is the daughter of Rufus Thomas. / Thomas was born and raised in the Foote Homes Projects in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Along with her siblings, Marvell and Vaneese, she was one of three musical children of Rufus and Lorene Thomas. Despite growing up in the projects, the Thomas family lived near the Palace Theater on Beale Street, as Rufus was the theater’s Master of Ceremonies (MC) for their amateur shows. This access not only gave Thomas her first taste of the music world but it also provided a springboard for her transformation into the Queen of the Memphis Sound. // In Memphis, the African-American-centered WDIA radio station sponsored a rotating musical group of high school students called the Teen Town Singers; notable alumni include Anita Louis and Isaac Hayes. Although the requirements to join the Teen Town Singers stated that the person should be of high school age, Thomas became a member in 1952 at the age of 10. She was able to sneak into their ranks thanks to the fact that her father Rufus was an on-air personality for the radio station. This opportunity with the Teen Town Singers did not come without its drawbacks though. // As a 10-year-old student, Thomas was responsible for not only attending classes and completing her schoolwork, but she also had to attend rehearsals on Wednesdays and Fridays after school and then perform at the station on Saturday. Despite the grueling schedule, she enjoyed the experience: “It was a lot of fun, it really was.” She remained with the Teen Town Singers until the end of her senior year. // Thomas is best known for the work she completed for both Atlantic Records and most notably, Stax Records in the 1960s. Her first record, “‘Cause I Love You” (1960), was a duet with her father, with brother Marvell on keyboards, that was released by Satellite Records, which eventually became Stax Records. Recorded when Thomas was still attending Hamilton High School in Memphis, the record drew enough local attention to catch the interest of Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records. // He signed a deal with the owners of Satellite Records, Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, to distribute “Cause I Love You” and thus paved the way for Thomas’ most famous single, “Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)”, reaching number 10 on the pop chart and number 5 on the R&B chart. While she continued to have success on the R&B charts throughout the 1960s, her only other solo top 40 pop hit was “B-A-B-Y”, reaching number 14 in 1966. Her duet, “Tramp”, with Otis Redding reached number 26 on the pop chart the following year.and her album of duets with Otis Redding, King & Queen, was a number 18 hit in the UK Albums Chart. // Although this single would eventually chart within the Top 10 on the pop chart and within the top 5 on the R&B chart, it had an inauspicious beginning. Initially recorded at the Thomas family home, Rufus shopped the song to Vee-Jay Records in Chicago. Vee-Jay never followed through or actively pursued securing the distribution rights. Because of his belief in the song’s potential, Rufus returned to Memphis and in the summer of 1960, Thomas would cut the teen love song that she wrote when she was only 15 years old. The song was released by Rufus and Carla in October 1960, to not much fanfare. By February 1961, thanks to a distribution deal between Satellite and Atlantic Records, the song was being distributed nationally through Atlantic just as Thomas was in the midst of her first year at Tennessee A&I University in Nashville. The success of the single also propelled Thomas into the spotlight, as she performed on American Bandstand.[4] According to Thomas, “The record was young-sounding, romantic and it expressed what a lot of people wanted to say at that age, but still, I was surprised at how well it did”. Not only did this song provide a launching pad for Thomas’ first album, but it also gave Stax Records national exposure and label recognition. // After her last Stax recording in 1971, Love Means…, and an appearance in Wattstax in 1972, Thomas slipped into relative obscurity when compared to her 1960s musical heyday. She featured in a number of modern-day projects, including a 1994 compilation of her greatest hits, a 2002 live recording of a Memphis performance and the 2007 release Live at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington, D.C., a long lost live recording of Thomas in 1967. She would also occasionally tour during the 1980s and became heavily involved in the “Artists in the Schools” program that provided Memphis schoolchildren with access to successful artists. These workshops were organized to talk to teenagers about music, performing arts and drug abuse. In 1991, she appeared with her father at the Porretta Terme Soul Festival. In 1993, Thomas was awarded the prestigious Pioneer Award, along with such musical heavyweights as James Brown and Solomon Burke, from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in honor of her career achievements. She was also featured in the 2003 documentary Only the Strong Survive, that was shown at the Cannes Film Festival and showcased important Stax recording artists. In 2021, Thomas featured on Valerie June’s single “Call Me a Fool”, which received a GRAMMY nomination for Best American Roots Song. // Carla’s biggest influence was her father, Rufus. Besides accompanying him during his ‘MC’ days at the Palace Theater, Rufus also encouraged and believed in his daughter’s ability. According to Carla, “My dad probably discovered I could sing before I did”. He was also instrumental in setting the stage for her Teen Town Singers gig and for actively pursuing and promoting her breakthrough single, “Gee Whiz”. // Musically, Thomas was inspired by Jackie Wilson and Brenda Lee.]

8. Booker T & Ther M.G.’s – “Soul Limbo”
   from: Stax Songs From Episodes 3 & 4 of HBO Original Documentary Series STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. / Stax / May 21, 2024
   [The HBO Original four-part documentary series STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A., winner of the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival TV Premiere Audience Award and newly nominated for the Gotham TV Awards, is produced & directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot. The series, a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, and Warner Music Entertainment. All four episodes are available to stream on-demand via MAX now..// Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr. was born November 12, 1944. He is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and arranger, best known as the frontman of the band Booker T. & the M.G.’s. He has also worked in the studios with many well-known artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, earning him a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement. // Booker T. Jones was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He was named after his father, Booker T. Jones Sr., who was named in honor of Booker T. Washington, the educator. Booker T. Jones, Sr. was a science teacher at Memphis High School, providing the family with a relatively stable, lower middle-class lifestyle. // Booker T. Jones was musically a child prodigy, playing the oboe, saxophone, trombone, double bass, and piano at school and organ at church. Jones attended Booker T. Washington High School, the alma mater of Rufus Thomas, and contributed with future stars like Isaac Hayes’s writing partner David Porter, saxophonist Andrew Love of the Memphis Horns, soul singer/songwriter William Bell, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s singer/songwriter Maurice White. // Jones’s entry into professional music came at the age of 16, when he played baritone saxophone on Satellite (soon to be Stax) Records’ first hit, “Cause I Love You”, by Carla and Rufus Thomas. Willie Mitchell hired Jones for his band, in which Jones started on sax and later moved to bass. It was here that he met Al Jackson Jr., whom he brought to Stax. Simultaneously, Jones formed a combo with Maurice White and David Porter, in which he played guitar. // While hanging around the Satellite Record Shop run by Estelle Axton, co-owner of Satellite Records with her brother Jim Stewart, Jones met record clerk Steve Cropper, who would become one of the MGs when the group formed in 1962. Besides Jones on organ and Cropper on guitar, Booker T. and the MGs featured Lewie Steinberg on bass guitar and Al Jackson Jr. on drums (Donald “Duck” Dunn eventually replacing Steinberg on bass). While still in high school, Jones co-wrote the group’s classic instrumental “Green Onions”, which was a massive hit in 1962. // Bob Altshuler wrote the sleeve notes on the first Booker T. & the M.G.’s album Green Onions released by Stax Records in 1962: [His] musical talents became apparent at a very early age. By the time he entered high school, Booker was already a semi-professional, and quickly recognized as the most talented musician in his school. He was appointed director of the school band for four years, and in addition, organized the school dance orchestra which played for proms throughout the Mid-South. In the classroom, he concentrated on the studies of music theory and harmony. … Booker’s multiple activities earned him a coveted honour, that of being listed in the students’ “Who’s Who of American High Schools.” Booker’s first instrument was the string bass, but he soon switched to the organ. Booker came to the attention of record executive Jim Stewart in Memphis, and while still in high school he worked as a staff musician for Stax Records, appearing as sideman on many recording dates for that label. It became obvious that one day Booker would be ready to record under his own name and several months later Booker’s first recording session was set. // Over the next few years, Jones divided his time between studying classical music composition, composing and transposition at Indiana University, playing with the MGs on the weekends back in Memphis, serving as a session musician with other Stax acts, and writing songs that became widely regarded as classics. He wrote, with Eddie Floyd, “I’ve Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)”, Otis Redding’s “I Love You More Than Words Can Say”, and, with William Bell, bluesman Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign” (later popularized by the British rock group Cream). // In 1970, Jones moved to California and stopped playing sessions for Stax after becoming frustrated with Stax’s treatment of the MGs as employees rather than musicians. Even though Jones was given the title of Vice President at Stax before leaving, as he put it, “There were titles given (to us) but we didn’t actually make the decisions.” While still under contract to Stax, he appeared on Stephen Stills’s eponymous album (1970). The 1971 album Melting Pot would be the last Booker T. & the M.G.’s album issued on Stax. // Jones was married to Priscilla Coolidge in 1969, sister of singer Rita Coolidge. He produced Priscilla’s first album Gypsy Queen in 1970; then the pair collaborated as a duo on three albums: 1971’s Booker T. & Priscilla, 1972’s Home Grown, and 1973’s Chronicles, and Jones produced Priscilla’s final solo album, Flying, in 1979, right as their marriage ended that year. // Making the charts as a solo artist in 1981 with “I Want You”, he produced Bill Withers’s 1971 debut album Just as I Am (on which Jones played guitar as well as keyboards), Rita Coolidge’s album Love Me Again (1978) and Willie Nelson’s album Stardust (1978). Jones has also added his keyboard playing to artists ranging from the R&B/pop/blues of Ray Charles to the folk rock/country rock of Neil Young. // On June 18, 1985, Jones married Nanine Warhurst. They have three children together, and an additional five stepchildren from their prior relationships. One of their daughters, Olivia Jones, is also a performer, and starred in Candy Girls. // On March 1, 1995, Booker T. & the MGs won their first Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the song “Cruisin'”. Jones still plays with the MGs and his own small combo called the Booker T. Jones Band. His current touring group includes Vernon “Ice” Black (guitar), Darian Gray (drums), and Melvin Brannon (bass). // Jones was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and was honored with a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement on February 11, 2007. // In 2007, Jones was also inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. // In 2009 he released a new solo album, Potato Hole, recorded with the Drive-By Truckers,[9] and featuring Neil Young. He performed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival with Drive-By Truckers on June 6, 2009, with a set including most tracks from Potato Hole as well as some Truckers tracks. On January 31, 2010, Potato Hole won the Best Instrumental Album award at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. He is featured on the Rancid album Let the Dominoes Fall (2009), playing a Hammond B-3 on the track “Up to No Good”. Jones also played his B-3 on the track “If It Wasn’t For Bad” from the Elton John and Leon Russell 2010 collaboration album titled The Union. The track was nominated at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. // Jones received an honorary doctorate degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music at its 2012 undergraduate commencement. Jones originally attended Indiana University in the 1960s, even staying after his smash-hit Stax Records recordings. // Jones was featured on organ for singer Kelly Hogan on Hogan’s 2013 release on Anti-Records, I Like to Keep Myself in Pain. // In June 2013, Jones released his 10th album, Sound The Alarm, on Stax Records after originally leaving the label more than 40 years previously in 1971. The album features guest artists Anthony Hamilton, Raphael Saadiq, Jay James, Mayer Hawthorne, Estelle, Vintage Trouble, Gary Clark Jr., Luke James, and Booker’s son Ted Jones. That summer, he performed at the TD Kitchener Blues Festival in Ontario. .. On September 1, 2017, Jones performed live at the Royal Albert Hall BBC Proms with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra in a tribute concert honoring the 50th anniversary of Stax Records alongside Steve Cropper, Sam Moore, William Bell and British artists Beverley Knight, Ruby Turner, James Morrison and Tom Jones. // On October 29, 2019, his memoir Time Is Tight: My Life, Note by Note was released. The memoir was mentioned on Fresh Air on October 25, 2019.]

10:30 – Underwriting

10:32 – Interview with Audrey Crabtree

Audrey Crabtree is the Executive Director of the KC Fringe Festival. She grew up in Kansas City and went to Raytown South Senior High and Truman State University. She is an award-winning producer, actor and director. She is the Artistic Director and cofounder with Lynn Berg of Ten Directions, a theatre and film creative team. Audrey founded and ran the international NY Clown Theatre Festival for 10 years. She worked as a performance coach for Circus Harmony in St. Louis. She worked for 5 years as a clown at Clowns Without Borders in Blue Lake California. Audrey is Co-Founder & Director of NY Clown Theatre Festival. She also worked for the Big Apple Circus. Audrey Crabtree is a longtime Fringe participant herself, as performer, producer and patron in New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco and St. Louis. Her work has also been featured in the Dublin and Perth Fringe Festivals. Audrey Crabtree told Libby Hanson of KC Studio Magazine, “I’m inspired every time I see a show. I love to watch artists in their career and their growth,” said Crabtree “I love to go to museums, listen to music. I’m inspired every single day by nature. I’m really excited to meet everyone and dig in and get to meet all the artists who are coming to our festival.”

Audrey Crabtree joins us to share details about the 20th annual KC Fringe Festival, July 12-28, 2024, that will showcase 53 productions, 7 films, Workshops, and 2 galleries featuring multiple visual artists, by creators from Kansas City, and across the country, and around the world.

KC Fringe Festival presents a special preview on First Friday, July 5, at 7:00pm at The Bird Comedy Theatre, 103 West 19th St., KCMO.

KC Fringe Festival presents a special free, sneak peek of family-friendly performances, Thursday, July 11 at 6:00pm at The Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch – Truman Forum Auditorium, 4801 Main St, KCMO. Tickets, buttons and Free Programs will be available. More info at http://www.kcfringe.org

Audrey Crabtree thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The stage is set, the curtains ready to rise, as the KC Fringe Festival returns for its milestone 20th season from July 12th to 28th, 2024. Embracing the spirit of creativity and diversity, the KC Fringe Festival stands as the largest celebration of arts and culture in the vibrant Kansas City metropolitan area.

Since its inception in July 2004, the KC Fringe Festival has been a beacon for artists and audiences alike, offering a platform for innovation, experimentation, and expression. This year, the festival promises a two-week explosion of performance, film, visual arts exhibitions, and events, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent from both local and international artists.

Festival Highlights:

36 Visual Artists: Explore a diverse range of visual artistry from 36 talented artists, spanning mediums and styles.

53 Productions: Immerse yourself in 53 captivating productions, ranging from cutting-edge theater to exhilarating dance performances.

489 Artists: Witness the collective brilliance of 364 artists, coming together to ignite the stage with their passion and creativity.

7 Films: Be captivated by 8 thought-provoking films that push the boundaries of storytelling and visual narrative.

6 Special Events/After Parties: Extend the celebration beyond the stage with 6 special events and after-parties, promising unforgettable moments of camaraderie and fun.
With 2 Visual Arts Venues, 1 Film Venue, and 9 Performance Venues, the festival offers a multitude of spaces for artists to showcase their talents and for audiences to immerse themselves in the arts.

“Join us in celebrating two decades of uncurated independent performance, visual art, and film right here in Kansas City with KC Fringe,” says Audrey Crabtree/KC Fringe Executive Director. “We’ve cultivated not just a platform, but a vibrant community where local, regional, and international artists converge. Here, every artistic voice is valued and celebrated. It’s a journey I’m truly proud to be a part of.”

For more information about the KC Fringe Festival 2024, including the lineup of events and how to participate, visit us at kcfringe.org.

About KC Fringe Festival:
KC Fringe Festival is the largest celebration of arts and culture in the KC metropolitan area. Established in July 2004, the festival is a mostly volunteer-run organization dedicated to supporting artists, cultivating creators, and attracting adventurous audiences. With its non-juried & non-censored approach, the KC Fringe Festival provides a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with diverse audiences. 

KC Fringe offers three free events:

The Bird Comedy Theatre – Friday, July 5

KC Fringe presents a special preview on First Friday, July 5, at 7:00pm at The Bird Comedy Theatre, 103 West 19th St., KCMO. Description: Come in from the heat and and enjoy the AC, buy yourself an icy cocktail, or a frosty beer and relax and enjoy comedy from KC Fringe previews hosted by Brandon Durkes of The Bird Comedy Theater!

Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch – Thursday, Juiy 11

KC Fringe presents a special free, sneak peek of family-friendly performances, Thursday, July 11 at 6:00pm at The Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch – Truman Forum Auditorium, 4801 Main St, KCMO. Tickets, buttons and Free Programs will be available. Doors at 5:30 and performance at 6:00 pm.

Description: We are nearing the start of the 20th annual KC FR!NGE Festival – a two-week performing and visual arts extravaganza spread across multiple Kansas City venues – and some of its hottest acts will deliver a special preview, one-night only! At this sneak peek you will see a range of family-friendly performances showcasing dance, live music, musicals, comedy, dance, and fun surprises!

There will also be a visual arts display in the LOBBY with a brief reception with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at 5:30 pm and the performance starting at 6:00 pm. Doors to the AUDITORIUM will open at 10 minutes prior to the performance.

The Arts Asylum 824 E. Meyer Blvd. Thursday July 18
KC Fringe presents Flash Preview Night – Doors 7:30 Audiences get to see 54 shows in 1 and 1/2 hours. Flash Preview present each of the KC Fringe’s 54 productions in one minute, to entice audiences to see their shows during the festival. Audiences are invited to come into the Air Conditioning, grab a cool beverage and chill out as the performers tease them with snip-its. Then they can mix and mingle with performing and visual artists, staff and volunteers, while getting your tickets, festival buttons, show passes.

Kick off the live performances for the KC Fringe artists will tease you with a flash one-minute previews of their shows to kick off the 2024 Festival. Teasers start at 8:00.
10:54

Audrey Crabtree thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

20th annual KC Fringe Festival, July 12-28, 2024, that will showcase 53 productions, 7 films, Workshops, and 2 galleries featuring multiple visual artists, by creators from Kansas City, and across the country, and around the world.

KC Fringe Festival presents a special preview on First Friday, July 5, at 7:00pm at The Bird Comedy Theatre, 103 West 19th St., KCMO.

KC Fringe Festival presents a special free, sneak peek of family-friendly performances, Thursday, July 11 at 6:00pm at The Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch – Truman Forum Auditorium, 4801 Main St, KCMO. Tickets, buttons and Free Programs will be available. More info at http://www.kcfringe.org

10:56

9. X – “Big Black X”
   from: Smoke & Fiction / Fat Possum Records / Expected August 2, 2024
   [X is an American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles. The original members are vocalist Exene Cervenka, vocalist-bassist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer D. J. Bonebrake. The band released seven studio albums from 1980 to 1993. After a period of inactivity during the mid-to-late 1990s, X reunited in the early 2000s and continues to tour as of 2024. // X achieved limited mainstream success but influenced various genres of music, including punk rock, Americana, and folk rock. In 1991, Music critic Robert Hilburn identified them as one of the most influential bands of their era. In 2003, X’s first two studio albums, Los Angeles and Wild Gift, were ranked by Rolling Stone as being among the 500 greatest albums of all time. Los Angeles was ranked 91st on Pitchfork’s Top 100 Albums of the 1980s.

“John Doe, Exene Cervenka, DJ Bonebrake and that wild, crazy rockabilly guitar weirdo, Billy Zoom, are four of the most important people in the history of American music, and I do not say that with hyperbole. I genuinely mean that.” – Brian Oake (KCMP)

“flashes back to the freewheeling, rockabilly-infused punk rock of their early records. Exene Cervenka’s voice sounds as intense and titanic as ever.” – Stereogum

“pays tribute to the last 40+ years and sounds like classic X.” – Brooklyn Vegan

“Few bands before or since have captured the sound & feel of LA quite as well as X.” – Louder Sound

“the band name “X” in some way “marks the spot” at the nexus where punk, folk, and rock came together.” – American Songwriter

“Exene’s iconic harmonies with singer/bassist John Doe kick in during the chorus, as Billy Zoom holds down slick rockabilly riffs alongside the steady rhythms of drummer DJ Bonebrake.” – Consequence of Sound]

[X plays Uptown Theatre, 3700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, Saturday, Juy 6, at 7:00pm with Jesse Ahern]

11:00 – Station ID

10. Low Pressure System – “Is This What it Is (Radio Edit)”
    from: “Is This What it Is (Radio Edit)” – Single / Low Pressure System / March 17, 2023
    [Dylan Guthrie on guitar & vocals, Nathan Showalter on keyboards & vocals, Kurt Wheeler on saxophone, and Alex Hartmann on drums. A “Pandemic Baby” supergroup from KC. Rooted in retro pop, funk, roots–this group is SOUL at heart. Their simmering stew of sonic delight is represented by a soulful mélange of influences – retro pop, soul, roots, funk, southern rock, hip-hop, Americana, and blues. With a sound as timeless as it is hip and relevant, their audience members span generations. The band combines current and previous members of Kansas City heavy hitters Not a Planet, Dylan Guthrie & the Good Time Guys, Pink Royal, Black Light Animals, and The MGDs. Their debut single “Is What it Is” – was tracked by KC’s own Groove King Records (Freedom Affair, Black Light Animals).]

[Low Pressure System plays The Ship, 1228 Union, WEST BOTTOMS. Friday, July 5, at 6:00pm.]

11. Leah Sproul – “Devil Woman”
    from: “Devil Woman” – Single / Leah Sproul / June 28, 2024
    [This is first single off Leah Sproul’s upcoming solo album, WILD HEART QUEEN. // Coming from a family of European opera stars, suburban church organists, flower child Reggae guitarists, and breezy Western campfire pickers, Leah was bound to have an eclectic sound and set of influences. She has a voracious interest in music of all genres, having earned a doctorate in music composition from UMKC conservatory. But her mother tongue, the voice where she’s at her most vulnerable and honest, is that of the achy-breaky, belting balladeer. It’s found in country, folk, and those genres that give equal weight to words and music. It’s in the storytelling where some of the deepest human connections are forged. // Leah Sproul is also part of the KC 4-piece band Cowtown Country Club. More info at: http://www.leahsproul.com]

[Leah Sproul plays an album release party at The Ship, 1228 Union ave, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS on Tuesday, July 30, at 7:00pm, with Cowtown Country Club]

12. My Oh My – “I Just Don’t Understand”
    from: “I Just Don’t Understand” – Single / My Oh My / June 28, 2024
    [My Oh My is a three-woman, five-man band from Kansas City, Missouri, that plays a big, bear-hugging blend of Americana, classic rock and folk. The band’s second release, the 2015 EP Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way, delivers six weighty tracks of full-throated choruses, jagged guitar, rowdy keys and tent-revival-sized anthems about life as it’s lived. // A.M. Merker on guitar & lead vocals; Stephen Berry on guitar; Grant Buell on
    keyboards; Sarah Wittman on vocals, Melissa Geffert on vocals; Justin Rogers on bass; Jacob Horpinjuk on drums. // Equally at home in a saloon or an outdoor festival, Kansas City’s My Oh My draws from the broad history of American song to deliver a big, bearhugging musical experience. // Crafted around the powerful songwriting and soulful vocals of A.M. Merker, My Oh My covers the entire range of emotion: from joyful, two-steppin’ dance tunes to heart-wrenching ballads and rollicking rock burners. Singers Sarah Wittman and Melissa Geffert add depth and shine to Merker’s grit. Grant Buell keeps it all cohesive with his deft keyboard skills, even while Stephen Berry’s rowdy guitar work threatens to tear everything in the place down. Jacob Horpinjuk (drums) and Justin Rogers (bass) keep everything nailed down from the backline. // With well over a decade of shows and releases, My Oh My has proven its unique approach to Americana not only has staying power but also continues to surprise, elate, and enrapture audiences.]

[My Oh My plays The Ship at 1228 Union KCMO WEST BOTTOMS Saturday, July 6, at 7:00pm.]

11:11 – Interview with Mitzi McKee

Mitzi McKee grew up in Phoenix, Arizona in a musical theatre household, and performed in nearly 40 stage productions in Phoenix and played in punk & hardcore bands for over 10 years. Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also works the front-of-house. Mitzi has been doing a standing residency on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call them-selves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, and Caleb Robertson on drums.

Mitzi McKee will play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios.

Mitzi McKee plays Chartreuse Saloon, 1625 Oak, KCMO, Sat, July 6, 10:00pm (Final residency show). More info at: http://www.chartreusesaloon.com

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play The Pairing, 1615 Oak St, KCMO, August 2, 7:00pm-9:00pm.

Mitzi McKee plays with Mikal Shapiro at The Pairing, 1615 Oak St, KCMO, Sept. 6, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Mitzi McKee, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

11:27

13. Mitzi McKee – “Threads and Branches” (LIVE)
    original song from Mitzi McKee

11:31 – Underwriting

1:33 – More Interview with Mitzi McKee

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

Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair.

Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also works the front-of-house. Mitzi holds a standing residency on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums.

Mitzi McKee thank you for being with us today on WMM.

Mitzi McKee plays Chartreuse Saloon, 1625 Oak, KCMO, Sat, July 6, 10:00pm (Final residency show).

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play The Pairing, 1615 Oak St, KCMO, August 2, 7:00pm-9:00pm.

Mitzi McKee plays with Mikal Shapiro at The Pairing, 1615 Oak St, KCMO, Sept. 6, 7:00pm-9:00pm

11:41

14. Mitzi McKee – “The Duality Rag” (LIVE)
    original song from Mitzi McKee

THE DUALITY RAG
Music & Words by Mitzi McKee

Watching the trees sway in the breeze
Waving “good afternoon”
Canine companion wanders the garden
Winter will be here soon
Hearing the birds all speaking their words
They know that the time is nigh
The rainstorm’s passed, there’s sunlight at last
From a cloud-kissed bright blue sky

Quiet my mind from things I find
Inside it that turn me out
Echoes of pain they burn in my brain
And strengthen my self-doubt
Trying to breathe but instead I seethe
At how I can’t seem to get it straight
But I just can’t stay the rest of my life this way
And I’ve run out of time to wait

Runnin’ blind on a treadmill in reverse
And every lazy excuse just makes it worse

How do I marry together
The world I love with the one I don’t
Will they be able to work with each other?
Maybe they will, maybe they won’t
Some days I wish I could run away with all my animals, kids, and wife
Go buy a farm in the country and gift ourselves with a quiet life

Isn’t it quaint how the media paints
A perfect picture of modern life?
But under the guise of being truthful and wise
Is an oppression of daily strife
Why would it be that they don’t want us to see
The real depiction of who we are?
Justify war with your god at the core
As we fund it all from afar

We’re running blind on a treadmill in reverse
And your misinformation makes it worse

How do we bridge the gap
Of the world we want and the world we’ve got?
Will they be able to live with each other
Maybe they will, possibly not

We’ve only got each other
Yet we are the ones who helped let this be
We kill our land, our natives, our people
In the name of “staying free”

And the ones who sorely need to most
Just can’t seem to see…
Or is that just me?

11:45 – More Interview with Mitzi McKee

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

Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair.

Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also works the front-of-house. Mitzi holds a standing residency on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums.

Mitzi McKee thank you for being with us today on WMM.

Mitzi McKee thank you for being with us today on WMM.

Mitzi McKee plays Chartreuse Saloon, 1625 Oak, KCMO, Sat, July 6, 10:00pm (Final residency show).

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play The Pairing, 1615 Oak St, KCMO, August 2, 7:00pm-9:00pm.

Mitzi McKee plays with Mikal Shapiro at The Pairing, 1615 Oak St, KCMO, Sept. 6, 7:00pm-9:00pm

11:48

15. Static Phantoms (Now called: Re:Vis:Er) – “Bathed in a Blue Light”
    from: BATHED IN A BLUE LIGHT [EP] / The Record Machine / November 11, 2022
    [Debut 6-track EP from Static Phantoms: Dedric Moore on synths, drum programming, backing vocals, & production; and Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, bass, synths, lead vocals. The Pandemic offered Dedric Moore and Krysztof Nemeth the opportunity to pass the time and get creative in the studio exploring the music and themes of New Wave music of the 1980s. Those who follow the bands: Monta at Odds, The Republic Tigers, Emmaline Twist know about the passion Dedric and Krystoff bring their synths and guitars. As Static Phantoms, the duo is influenced by the 1080s trailblazing bands: The Glove, Tones on Tail, Tears For Fears, and Soft Cell. WMM premiered “Bathed in Bluer Light” on February 2, 2022. The first single from the EP, BATHED IN A BLUE LIGHT. Their 2nd single “Ghostwalk was released March 18, 2022.]

[Re:Vis:Er play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, Saturday, July 6 with New Obsessions, Redder Moon, and Remains To Be Seen]

16. Clarke Wyatt – “Just Checking In (Radio Edit)”
    from: CLARKES IN SPACE / Clarke Wyatt / March 19, 2024
    [CLARKESINSPACE is an ongoing project by Clarke Wyatt: multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, recording and video engineer. Clarke is a lifelong creator of original music. He has written string quartets, original compositions and songs, studio project parts and production, and video creations. And that’s just the start. His latest project in the works is called “Guitar Party”, where he plays drum kit with electric guitarists (sometimes switching places if the guitarist is also a drummer). It’s the beginning of a video series, first created for youtube, with options for multiple media.

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

Next week on Wednesday, June 10, Luke Harbor aka Music by Skippy joins us to share music from his new album. Plus The Lone Stranger – Zach Phillips plays LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. AND Danielle Anderson aka Danielle Ate The Sandwich joins us to talk about her KC Fringe show, The Greatest Garage Sale Ever. AND we’ll talk with The Baseball Project.

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, KKFI Accounting & Administration – Shaina Littler

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

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

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
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http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
https://www.soundcloud.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley
http://www.bandcamp.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley
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Show #1053

Wednesday MidDay Medley
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
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Wednesday, June 26, 2024

WMM welcomes Zee Underscore + Miss Boating + The Talking Trees

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

2. Kaia Kater – “The Witch (Feat. Aoife O’Donovan)”
   from: Strange Medicine / Kaia Kater – Free Dirt Records / May 17, 2024
   [Kaia Kater’s new album, Strange Medicine, opens with a haunting vision. Accompanied by Aoife O’Donovan, Kater sings of the women burned at the stake as witches in 17th century Salem, Massachusetts and their wish to strike back: “I dreamt I moved through you and / Burned my name into your chest”. It’s an opening salvo from an album that celebrates the power of women and oppressed people throughout history as they rise up and turn the poison of centuries of oppression into a strange kind of medicine. Kater’s songs are dialogues with these historical figures and meditations on her own modern life as well. In the years since her 2018 album, Grenades, on Smithsonian Folkways, Kater has taken time to reinvent herself and hone her skills, first attending film school to learn composition, then diving deeper into her songwriting to come up with her most personal album yet. Feeling the pressure as a talented young songwriter, banjo player, and bandleader with three successful albums and an NPR Tiny Desk Concert under her belt, Kater struggled initially with the expectations of her adopted genre, Americana. “I was factoring everybody else’s perception into my songwriting,” she says. “Would I write more honestly if I knew that no one would ever hear this?” With that in mind, Kater retreated to her apartment in Montréal. Sitting at home with her banjo, the songs unfolded in personal intimacy, revealing windows into the perspective of women and revolutionaries through history. Co-producing with Joe Grass (Elisapie, The Barr Brothers), Kater invited close friends and colleagues O’Donovan and Allison Russell to sing on the album, along with longtime hero and American legend Taj Mahal. With lush arrangements and unexpected musical ideas drawn from genres as surprising as minimalist composition, jazz drumming, and film scores, Strange Medicine is the bold next step in Kater’s career. It’s an album made beyond the white gaze of Americana, unbeholden to a music industry that so often tokenizes and silences marginalized voices, a Black Feminist perspective on a genre that refuses to cede power to Black women. // Kaia Kate writes: “I specifically wanted to write about the way men historically have branded women as temptresses, harlots, sirens and shrews, and then sought to reflect this visually – the letter A for adulteress, the burning of flesh to symbolize evil. The first woman labeled a witch in Salem was a Black woman by the name of Tituba. Usually these women died nameless and scorned. In my narrative, the woman who is branded a witch and burned at the stake survives her pilgrim’s punishment, and now seeks her revenge on those who sought to destroy her.” // “One of Americana’s most thoughtful and inventive artists returns after six years with a meditation on those who’ve survived and thrived against marginalization and oppression.” – Ann Powers, NPR Music]

3. Foxlin – “Moonlight”
   from: Camper / Foxlin / February 6, 2024
   [Along this 5-song EP, Foxlin also released the 5-track EP, Jekyll&Hyde&Seek on April 19, 2024, and the single. “Losing My Mind on June 7, 2024. // Foxlin is therapy for an artist in KCMO with incurable cancer unable to find a meaning to life. // Foxlin is the solo project of Ryan Johnson based in KCMO. Diagnosed with incurable cancer and Borderline Personality Disorder along with a lifetime of suicidal ideation, he perseveres through his music & lyrics spreading his tale in search of meaning.

[Foxlin, with a full band, are playing The Rino, 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City on Friday, June 28, at 7:00pm with Mr. Golden Sun, and Starling. Foxling will be recording a live EP! Foxling also arranged to have three different therapists at The Rino to give music fans an opportunity to talk with the therapists and see if you9 might be compatible with a therapist.]

[Foxlin, with a full band, play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, Saturday, June 20, 2024 at 7:00pm with Talking Backwards, The Mesmerists, and Rachel Is Kozi]

4. Charlotte Bumgarner – “Never Say”
   from: “Never Say” – Single / Manor Records / June 14, 2024
   [Written by Charlotte Bumgarner. Produced by Kendal Osborne and Charlotte Bumgarner. Acoustic guitar by Charlotte Bumgarner, drums by Ramsey Thornton, violin by Olivia McGraw, piano by Max Helmrich, cello and bass by Matt Magerkurth, electric guitar by Kendall Osborne. Cover art by Emma Davenport. // Charlotte Bumgarner released the single, “Red With Love” on March 28, 2021. Charlotte Bumgarner released the single “Haunted House” on January 22, 2021 / Charlotte Bumgarner released the single, “Honey Touch” on December 11, 2020. All were written & performed by Charlotte Bumgarner, with harmony, synth, production, mixing & mastering by Drew Richardson.. // Charlotte is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Tulsa. She has been playing the local Tulsa scene for about 2-3 years as a solo artist and for about a year with her band Graveyard Party. Charlotte’s sound can be described as a mix of many influences, but is mostly a emo singer/songwriter & folky fusion. Charlotte is also a big activist for female equality & rights and tries to integrate that into my songwriting and my footprint in the scene in general.// In 2018 Charlotte began self-recording and releasing her own music with the single “where are you” and night blooming flowers EP. From then on Charlotte continued playing throughout the local Tulsa scene as well as branching out and touring regionally as much as possible. KOSU Radio called Charlotte a “passionate about young women being taken seriously and making the music scene a safer place for everyone.” More info at http://www.manorrecords.com]

5. Draper Family Band & Brandon Draper – “Fall On Your Sword”
   from: Draper Family Band / Looking Up Productions / May 3, 2024
   [The Draper Family Band comprises decades of familial experience in music as well as a wealth of professional experience that has served them well as a live band and has now resulted in a debut self-titled album. At the center of the band are Hammond B3 and keyboardist Paul Draper (an inductee of the KS Music Hall of Fame) and his son, Brandon Draper, who is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, educator, and songwriter. Both are known for working across genres and cultural traditions, which brings an even wider scope of possibilities to the work they play and record together. // Their debut self-titled album has both the energy and excitement of original compositions and the satisfaction of completing unfinished business, since a number of songs had been building up over a period of years without a clear outlet for release until now. Inventive, and often combining instruments that don’t commonly mesh, the album draws on jazz, blues, and rock traditions, as well as many others. I spoke with Brandon Draper about his multi-faceted life and work, and the ways in which this album has come together at the right time for the band. // Since moving to Kansas City in 2006, Drum Set artist, world percussionist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Brandon Draper, has made a name for his himself for his fierce and amazing drum and musical performances and collaborations with Alaturka, Flamenco Mio, Quixotic Performance Ensemble, Brandon Draper Group, Paul Draper Band, Free Band Radio, and his acoustic project Organic Proof. As a freelance musician, Brandon has performed with DJ Logic, Particle, Donna Summer, Mose Allison, Mike Moreno, and Bobby Watson. Brandon recently performed in the critically acclaimed world premiere of the new hiphop musical “Venice” in Los Angeles, and premiered his original work “Bass Darabukas” with Quixotic and the Kansas City Symphony in Spring of 2011. Brandon Draper is part of the music faculty at the University of Kansas, he is percussion director at Shawnee Mission West High School, and serves as music director at Kansas City Academy. He holds a Bachelors degree in percussion performance from Bethany College, and a Masters of Music with distinction from the University of New Mexico. // Paul Draper spent his life as a sideman on countless recordings and tours beginning in 1964 playing Farfisa keyboard with the show/review band the Shampells. Know as “The Wildman” Paul has been stealing the spotlight for years with his Hammond Organ skills and stage presence. Paul has recorded with Jimmie Bratcher and Grammy Award winning producer Jim Gaines. Paul Draper makes his recording debut as a leader of the band, with his new, critically acclaimed, full length recording titled: Paul Draper Band, that was 5 years in the making and was produced by his son Brandon Draper. The two have been sharing the stage since Brandon was 9 years old. This recording features an array of styles of funk, blues, R&B, soul, country, & jazz. // On Dec. 1, 2012 Paul Draper Band released their self titled album.]

[Brandon Draper – Drummer/Producer/Educator & Patrick Alexander – Charlotte Street Programming Manager/Curator, have curated a lineup of drummers to showcase the rich tapestry of KC & celebrate the versatility of the drum kit as an instrument. GIVE THE DRUMMER SOME, is Fri, June 28, at 7:00pm at Charlotte Street Foundation Stern Theatre, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO as part of Charlotte Street’s in(SITE) series, and features 25 of KC’s most talented drummers, representing styles from Free Jazz to Bop, Latin to Afro-Beat, Fusion to Rock. Drummers include: Arnold Young, Doug Auwarter, Lisa McKenzie, John Kizilarmut, Tyree Johnson, Ryan Lee, Evan Verplough, Alaudin Ottinger, Doug Hitchcock, Duck McClane, and more, with a ribute to Leon Brady! Info at: http://www.charlottestreet.org]

6. St. George & The Dragons – “Leave It All Up To You”
   from: “Leace It All Up To You” – Single / St. George & The Dragons / June 21, 2024
   [A band’s lifespan is on the average two years. But after two years, St. George & The Dragons is just getting started. After four years of writing, rehearsing, and recording, St. George & The Dragons are releasing their debut album – King Of Kansas City, a ten-song album of pure rock and roll influenced by late 70s rock like the Stones and Tom Petty. // The album’s theme comes from a time when Rock ‘n’ Roll ruled the airwaves. It’s about letting go and raising your hand high into the air with your middle finger out to the world as you move on to the next big thing in your life. // Their first single “Leave It All Up To You” will be available on all streaming services June 21! The full-length album will be out August 30 with the vinyl release in September on Grand Central Bell Records. // Lead singer David George (Moaning Lisa, John Fogerty band) has been working with drummer/engineer Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers) since 2018 when they recorded three solo EPs for George. They found it easy to work together and had similar tastes which led them to produced and engineer an album for Kansas City artist David Luther. In the studio with Luther, they enlisted the help of Matt Kesler (The Pedaljets, She Said, The Doo Dads) on bass with Tomek on drums and George on guitars and keys. // George, Tomek, and Kesler hit it off and started working on material of their own, eventually bringing in guitarist Mike Greene (The Front/Bakers Pink) and vocalist/guitarist Skeet Hanks (Beatin’ Path) to round out the sound. Greene was the lead guitarist in the Front, a band known for their searing guitar and power rock sound. Hanks, from New Orleans fronted the band Beatin’ Path, tearing up the Bayou country with their progressive rock sound and soaring melodies. // Influenced by the works of The Stones, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Beatles, and many other classic rock bands from the 70s and the 80s, St. George & The Dragons came together during the Global Pandemic, giving them time to develop their sound. George, Greene, Hanks, Kesler, and Tomek have all had their share of greatness, from the collective albums they’ve released on major and indie labels to sharing the stage with legends like Paul McCartney, The Replacements, Soul Asylum, Doobie Brothers, The Black Crowes, Derek Trucks Band, Lumineers, Aerosmith, Smithereens, Mother Love Bone, and a list that could fill up a book! // St. George & The Dragons will be following up their release with shows around the Kansas City area later this summer and fall. More information at: http://www.stgeorgeandthedragonsband.com]

[St. George & The Dragons play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, Friday, June 28, 2024 at 8:00pm with Daykisser.]

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

[The Freedom Affair play The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS on Friday, June 28, Doors at 7:00, show at 8:00pm with DJ Elgin Smith.]

8. Makaya McCraven – “Dream Another”
   from: In These Times / International Anthem / September 23, 2022
   [Makaya McCraven was born October 19, 1983. He is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. // McCraven was born in Paris, France, to jazz drummer Stephen McCraven and Hungarian singer Ágnes Zsigmondi (of the band Kolinda), and from the age of three was raised in and around Amherst and Northampton, Massachusetts. At the age of five he played in his father’s drum ensemble, the CMSS Bashers, along with some of his father’s students. In middle school, he and friends formed a band to accompany his mother’s folk singing. In high school, McCraven formed the jazz-hip hop Cold Duck Complex. He studied music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, becoming part of the university’s jazz orchestra and receiving various DownBeat student awards, but did not graduate. // In 2007 McCraven moved to Chicago, where he performed in the bands of Bobby Broom, Corey Wilkes, Willie Pickens, and with the Occidental Brothers, Marquis Hill, and Jeff Parker. He also worked as a studio musician for Apollo Sunshine and Kris Delmhorst. In 2012 he released his debut album, Split Decision, through Chicago Sessions, leading a trio. In the following years he appeared weekly with other musicians, from which he developed concepts for his 2015 album, In the Moment. He also performed with Kamasi Washington. In 2016 he toured mostly in Europe. After several mix tapes, in 2018 he released the double album Universal Beings, on which he was joined by musicians from New York City, London, and Los Angeles; the album was nominated for the Jazz Journalists Association Awards in 2019. In DownBeat’s 2020 Critics Poll, he was the winner in the “Rising Star” categories of best producer and best drummer of the year. In September, 2022, McCraven released In These Times, a full-length album that had been in development since 2015, through International Anthem. // McCraven is married to Nitasha Tamar Sharma, a professor of African-American and Asian-American Studies at Northwestern University as of 2018.]

[Free State Fest Presents: Makala McCraven at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St/ Lawrence KS. TONIGHT, June 26, at 7:00pm, Doors at 6:30pm]

5. Eddie Moore – “Out of The Woods”
   from: Aperture (Live Piano Works) / Eddie Moore Music / March 5, 2024
   [All songs written by Eddie Moore. Recorded by Eddie Moore and Jaylen Ward. Mixed by Eddie Moore. Mastered by Crayge Lindesay. Album art by Jeremy Ian Thomas. This project presents snapshots into the life of Eddie Moore. The fun times riding bikes, getting lost in the woods, and spending time with loved ones. As a special solo sharing, it only felt right to capture the velvet soothing energy live on stage at Corvino’s, where experimentation and vulnerability are encouraged. // Special thanks to the Corvinos and the staff for letting me sneak in during the “off hours” and post up for a few hours in a blizzard. // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // On April 20, 2023 Eddie Moore released the single “Tuunami” Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, this song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // Eddie Moore released his critically acclaimed album INTUITION on October 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. // Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]

[Eddie Moore plays The Hey Hey Club at Reiger & Co. at 2700 Guinotte Ave. KCMO on Thursday, June 27, at 7:00pm to 10:00pm.]

10:29 – Underwriting

10. Zee Underscore – “Easily”
    from: The Zee Underscore Experience – EP / Underscore Form / June 15, 2024
    [Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. Last year Zee Underscore released one of our favorite singles, “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D

[Zee Underscore will play MidCoast Live at 12:00 Noon, July 5, 2024 on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio]

10:36 – Interview with Zee Underscore

Joining us live in our 90.1 FM Studios is Zee Underscore.

Zee just recently released her debut EP, THE ZEE UNDERSCORE EXPERIENCE. Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. Last year Zee Underscore released one of our favorite singles, “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes

Zee Underscore, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

On Wednesday MidDay Medley we first encountered Zee Underscore when she played the 19th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, last August 26, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO (Indoor Stage).

Zee Underscore is one of 5 children in her family.

Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds.

Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City.

Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Through this work shoe emcees and produces outdoor stage shows at First Friday’s in the West Crossroads.

Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer.

Last year Zee Underscore released one of our favorite singles, “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”.

Zee Underscore, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes

10:53

11. Zee Underscore – “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”
    from: “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)” – Single / Underscore Form / July 12, 2023
    [[Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. Last year Zee Underscore released one of our favorite singles, “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D

[Zee Underscore will play MidCoast Live at 12:00 Noon, July 5, 2024 on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio]

12. Keo & Them – “Fire”
    from: “Fire” – Single / Midtopia / March 15, 2024
    [Keo & Them released their 7-tracxk 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.]

11:00 – Station ID

13. Miss Boating – “You’ll Sparkle”
    rom: Jewel In The Trash / High Dive Records / June 29, 2024
    [Miss Boating who’ve recently signed with High Dive Records to release their debut album, JEWEL IN THE TRASH. Miss Boating is a KC based, five-piece with multi-instrumentalist & lead singer Charlie Colborne, drummer Bill Belzer, Aaron Jones on trombone, Tom Gillespie on Saxophone, and Bryan McGuire on bass. (Phil Dickey played bass on the album.) Charlie and Bill met in the late 1980s. In the beginning they were called The Sympathetic Fringe, and then The Sleazebeats. In recent years Charlie & Bill added Aaron, Tim and Bryan. Described by one local radio host as “the perfect house band for a John Waters After Party.” One of their songs is about a friend’s mom’s dynamic relationship with prescription medication. Another is a tribute to the late Evan Jolly, their former bassist. All of the songs are written by Charlie Colborne through his blue/gay eyes. These songs have a fine patina of ditch weed, filthy humor, cigarette smoke, gay drama, Bee Gee’s inflected new wave, queer music hall schmaltz, odd stiff naive sambas, and box wine. More info at: http://www.highdivekc.com // From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne and Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend and bassist Evan Vhargon died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill and Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us… the jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. // On January 1, 2020 Miss Boating released The Vhargon Sidestep with: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. Ross Brown served as engineering, did all of the mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep and Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering.]

[Miss Boating play an Album Release Show, Saturday, June 29 at 6:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Avenue, KCMO, with Fullbloods.]

11:03 – Interview with Charlie Colborne & Bill Belzer

Charlie Colborne is Senior Editor & Editorial Manager for Greeting Cards at Andrews McMeel Publishing. Prior to this position Charlie worked as an Attorney for many years at Legal Aid. Charlie Colborne is from KC, and literally lives 3 blocks from where he was born. As he writes, “…basically, he’s gone nowhere.’ Charlie came from a musical family, his mother Kathleen passed down to him her love of playing the piano. Charlie has been playing in bands since the late 1980s including The Larvae, The Post-Executives, Crackpot Idealists, Borax Babies, Faun, The Sympathetic Fringe, The Escapegoats, The Sleazebeats and Miss Boating. Charlie also has collaborated with theatre performances.

Charlie Colborne, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Bill Belzer was born on the day Nixon was elected to his only full term (November 5, 1968 ) at the now demolished St. Mary’s Hospital, in a room over-looking the Liberty Memorial. He played bass guitar and drums in high school, first at Catholic Savior of the World High School Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas and then Rockhurst High School, in Kansas City, Missouri, from which he graduated in 1987. While at Rockhurst High School he joined the band Mongol Beach Party as drummer. The band’s breakup coincided with Bill leaving to join Uncle Tupelo as drummer for a stint on their European-American Tour with Michelle Shocked, The Band and Taj Mahal in the early 1990s. Like Charlie he has stuck close to home. His beloved boyfriend Aaron plays trombone in Miss Boating and they are both very much looking forward to having band practice again. Bill has been a part of the bands: Mongol Beach Party, Grumpy, Uncle Tupelo, The Grant Hart Band, The Sleazebeats, The Patio Set, The Terrible Twos, Ghosty, Lazy, The New Amsterdams, and Miss Boating.

Bill Belzer Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Congratulations on being signed to High Dive Records

Charlie and Bill met in the late 1980s.

In the beginning they were called The Sympathetic Fringe, and then The Sleazebeats. In recent years Charlie & Bill added Aaron, Tim and Bryan.

Charlie Colborne on keyboards and guitar,
Bill Belzer, on drums
Aaron Jones on trombone,
Tim Gillespie on Saxophone,
Bryan McGuire (The ACBs) on bass.
(Phil Dickey played bass on the album.)

Described by one local radio host as “the perfect house band for a John Waters After Party.

Many of the tunes on their self titled debut LP may have been written before your parents were born. One song is about a friend’s mom’s dynamic relationship with prescription medication.

Another describes what tetracycline does to your teeth. Another is a tribute to the late Evan Jolly, their former bassist, but it could be about anyone you still love but miss every day.

All songs written by Charlie Colborne through his blue/gay eyes. Many genres, many moods. Bee Gee’s inflected new wave, queer music hall schmaltz, odd stiff naive sambas. Many genres. This queen contains multitudes.

These songs have a fine patina of ditch weed, filthy humor, cigarette smoke, gay drama and box wine. They are classics to some, but probably new to you. They’re sailing your way in a little boat they call a Miss Boating album, ready to disembark and run around the cruise port of your life for a little while.

11:13

14. Miss Boating – “Crew Cut Baby”
    from: Jewel In The Trash / High Dive Records / June 29, 2024
    [Miss Boating who’ve recently signed with High Dive Records to release their debut album, JEWEL IN THE TRASH. Miss Boating is a KC based, five-piece with multi-instrumentalist & lead singer Charlie Colborne, drummer Bill Belzer, Aaron Jones on trombone, Tom Gillespie on Saxophone, and Bryan McGuire on bass. (Phil Dickey played bass on the album.) Charlie and Bill met in the late 1980s. In the beginning they were called The Sympathetic Fringe, and then The Sleazebeats. In recent years Charlie & Bill added Aaron, Tim and Bryan. Described by one local radio host as “the perfect house band for a John Waters After Party.” One of their songs is about a friend’s mom’s dynamic relationship with prescription medication. Another is a tribute to the late Evan Jolly, their former bassist. All of the songs are written by Charlie Colborne through his blue/gay eyes. These songs have a fine patina of ditch weed, filthy humor, cigarette smoke, gay drama, Bee Gee’s inflected new wave, queer music hall schmaltz, odd stiff naive sambas, and box wine. More info at: http://www.highdivekc.com // From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne and Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend and bassist Evan Jolly died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill and Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us… the jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. // On January 1, 2020 Miss Boating released The Vhargon Sidestep with: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. Ross Brown served as engineering, did all of the mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep and Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering.]

[Miss Boating play an Album Release Show, Saturday, June 29 at 6:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Avenue, KCMO, with Fullbloods.]

11:15 – More Interview with Charlie Colborne & Bill Belzer

We are talking with multi-instrumentalist & lead singer Charlie Colborne, drummer Bill Belzer, about their band Miss Boating.

Miss Boating was recently signed to High Dive Records

Miss Boating play an Album Release Show, Saturday, June 29 at 6:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Avenue, KCMO, with Fullbloods. (Ross Brown)

Miss Boating:
Charlie Colborne on vocals, keyboards and guitar,
Bill Belzer on drums
Aaron Jones on trombone
Tim Gillespie on Saxophone
Bryan McGuire (The ACBs) on bass.
(Phil Dickey played bass on the album.

How the band took on the name “Miss Boating,” is inspired by, Charlie’s mom, Kathleen Rita Colborne, who in January 1956, was crowned “Miss Boating” at the Kansas City Sports Show. A photo of Miss Boating went up at the bar in the Twin Oaks apartment complex where she lived. The photo caught the eye of John H. (Jack) Colborne, from Wausau, Wisconsin. They met, and after a brief courtship they married in August 1956.

Miss Boating rose from the ashes of your former band The Sleazebeats, who played live in various incarnations for 20 years, always with Bill and Charlie. Releasing a full length album with Jeff Harshbarger on bass on January 1, 2012

Charles Colborne and Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend and bassist Evan Jolly died.

The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill and Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us… the jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

With Phil Dickey jamming with the band, the jamming turned into something more and the band got going again. Charlie and Bill were thankful and humbled.”

Phil Dickey is part of the bands: Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

On January 1, 2020 Miss Boating released The Vhargon Sidestep with: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. Ross Brown served as engineering, did all of the mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep and Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering.

Charlie has been in a bunch of bands, most of which seldom ventured out of the basement.

Here’s the list:
The Larvae,
The Post-Executives,
Crackpot Idealists,
Borax Babies,
Faun,
Sympathetic Fringe,
The Sleazebeats,
The Escapegoats,
Miss Boating

Charlie Colborne & Bill Belzer thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Miss Boating play an Album Release Show, Saturday, June 29 at 6:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Avenue, KCMO, with Fullbloods. More info at: http://www.highdiverecords.com

11:26

15. Miss Boating – “Not My Life”
    from: Jewel In The Trash / High Dive Records / June 29, 2024
    [Miss Boating who’ve recently signed with High Dive Records to release their debut album, JEWEL IN THE TRASH. Miss Boating is a KC based, five-piece with multi-instrumentalist & lead singer Charlie Coleborne, drummer Bill Belzer, Aaron Jones on trombone, Tom Gillespie on Saxophone, and Bryan McGuire on bass. (Phil Dickey played bass on the album.) Charlie and Bill met in the late 1980s. In the beginning they were called The Sympathetic Fringe, and then The Sleazebeats. In recent years Charlie & Bill added Aaron, Tim and Bryan. Described by one local radio host as “the perfect house band for a John Waters After Party.” One of their songs is about a friend’s mom’s dynamic relationship with prescription medication. Another is a tribute to the late Evan Jolly, their former bassist. All of the songs are written by Charlie Colborne through his blue/gay eyes. These songs have a fine patina of ditch weed, filthy humor, cigarette smoke, gay drama, Bee Gee’s inflected new wave, queer music hall schmaltz, odd stiff naive sambas, and box wine. More info at: http://www.highdivekc.com // From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne and Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend and bassist Evan Vhargon died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill and Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us… the jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. // On January 1, 2020 Miss Boating released The Vhargon Sidestep with: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. Ross Brown served as engineering, did all of the mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep and Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering.]

[Miss Boating play an Album Release Show, Saturday, June 29 at 6:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Avenue, KCMO, with Fullbloods.]

11:28 – Underwriting

16. The Talking Trees – “Eons”
    from: ALIENS – EP / The Talking Trees / March 1, 2024
    [The Talking Trees is an American post-rock Trio based in Kansas City comprised of multi-instrumentalists Dirk Liebert on bass, guitar, & vocals; Tommy Capps on keyboard, guitar, and vocals; Graham Stone on drums & percussion. More information: http://www.thetalkingtreesmusic.com]

[The Talking Trees play The Brick, 1727 McGee St., KCMO on First Friday, Aug 2, at 9:00pm.]

[The Talking Trees play Velo Garage & Tap House, 1403 Swift St., North KC on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.]

11:35 – Interview with Tommy Capps, Dirk Liebert, and Graham Stone

Joining us LIVE I our 90.1 FM Studio is Tommy Capps, Dirk Liebert, and Graham Stone of the Kansas City based band The Talking Trees.

The Talking Trees are a post-rock trio based in Kansas City. They released their 4-song EP, ALIENS on March 1, 2024. That was preceded by the 5-song EP, ARE YOU OK? released October 1, 2022, and the 5-song EP, ONCE I WAS BORN on April 22, 2022, multiple single released in 2020 through 2022, and their debut EP, THE TALKING TREES on August 19, 2019. The band is currently in the studio working on the newest album FOREVER MAN. More info at: https://thetalkingtreesmusic.com

Tommy Capps, Dirk Liebert, and Graham Stone Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Talking Trees is an indie rock trio co-founded by Tommy Lee Capps and Dirk Liebert in early 2019.

Tommy Capps on vocal, guitars and keyboards
Dirk Liebert on vocals, guitar, and bass
Graham Stone on drums

Tommy Lee had released a couple of albums of atmospheric instrumental music under my name Tommy Lee Capps as well as playing jazz/classical piano a couple of nights a week, but was seeking a more “song-based” project.

Dirk Liebert was playing in the Lawrence based band Sycamore and had begun writing and recording his own songs. Both he and Tommy Lee are multi-instrumentalists / songwriters and started collaborating and bouncing around some songs off of each other.

Early on, Dirk brought in Graham Stone to play drums and we immediately had great chemistry as a band. In a six-month span, we had a full setlist of original material and booked our first show by the end of 2019.

The Talking Trees only played two shows before everything shut down. With the setback of the pandemic, it gave the band the opportunity to record and fine tune the songs.

They released a series of singles and EPs, splitting recording time at our home setups and Element Recording Studios with engineer/producer Joel Nanos through 2020-2022.

The last couple of years the band has been trying to gig and play those songs as much as possible. This last fall Dirk built a recording studio that has become The Talking Trees HQ. This has made the writing process so much faster and productive.

The Talking Trees have 2-3 albums worth of music they are recording. They recorded the Aliens EP, which will be part of our full length record Forever Man, which is looking to be a January 2025 release.

The track Livin’ On Mars is a song the band has been playing and reworking since 2020. It is one they knew could be “bigger” than what they had been doing and kept pushing it back to make sure it was fully actualized. It is their most ambitious track yet and sets the tone for the futuristic sci-fi theme of their upcoming album Forever Man.

11:42

17. The Talking Trees – “Livin’ On Mars”
    from: from upcoming: Forever Man (2025) / The Talking Trees / unreleased
    [The Talking Trees is an American post-rock Trio based in Kansas City comprised of multi-instrumentalists Dirk Liebert on bass, guitar, & vocals; Tommy Capps on keyboard, guitar, and vocals; Graham Stone on drums & percussion. More information: http://www.thetalkingtreesmusic.com]
    [The Talking Trees play The Brick, 1727 McGee St., KCMO on First Friday, Aug 2, at 9:00pm.]

[The Talking Trees play Velo Garage & Tap House, 1403 Swift St., North KC on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.]

11:45 – More Interview with Tommy Capps, Dirk Liebert, and Graham Stone

Joining us LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studio is Tommy Capps, Dirk Liebert, and Graham Stone of the Kansas City based band The Talking Trees.

Tommy Capps, Dirk Liebert, and Graham Stone Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Talking Trees is a post-rock trio based in Kansas City. They released their 4-song EP, ALIENS on March 1, 2024. That was preceded by the 5-song EP, ARE YOU OK? released October 1, 2022, and the 5-song EP, ONCE I WAS BORN on April 22, 2022, multiple single released in 2020 through 2022, and their debut EP, THE TALKING TREES on August 19, 2019. The band is currently in the studio working on the newest album.

They released a series of singles and EPs, splitting recording time at our home setups and Element Recording Studios with engineer/producer Joel Nanos through 2020-2022.

The last couple of years the band has been trying to gig and play those songs as much as possible. This last fall Dirk built a recording studio that has become The Talking Trees HQ. This has made the writing process so much faster and productive.

The Talking Trees have 2-3 albums worth of music they are recording. They recorded the Aliens EP, which will be part of our full length record Forever Man, which is looking to be a January 2025 release.

The track Livin’ On Mars is a song we’ve been playing and reworking since 2020. It is one we knew could be “bigger” than what we had been doing and kept pushing it back to make sure it was fully actualized. It is our most ambitious track yet and sets the tone for the futuristic sci-fi theme of our upcoming album Forever Man.

Tommy Capps, Dirk Liebert, and Graham Stone Thanks for being with us on WMM

The Talking Trees play The Brick, 1727 McGee St., KCMO First Friday, Aug 2, at 9:00pm. The Talking Trees play Velo Garage & Tap House, 1403 Swift St., North KC on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. More info at: https://thetalkingtreesmusic.com%5D

18. The Talking Trees – “Aliens”
    from: ALIENS – EP / The Talking Trees / March 1, 2024
    [The Talking Trees is an American post-rock Trio based in Kansas City comprised of multi-instrumentalists Dirk Liebert on bass, guitar, & vocals; Tommy Capps on keyboard, guitar, and vocals; Graham Stone on drums & percussion. More information: http://www.thetalkingtreesmusic.com]

[The Talking Trees play The Brick, 1727 McGee St., KCMO on First Friday, Aug 2, at 9:00pm.]

[The Talking Trees play Velo Garage & Tap House, 1403 Swift St., North KC on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.]

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

Next week on Wednesday, July 3 Audrey Crabtree joins us to talk about the 20th Anniversary of The Kansas City Fringe Festival which starts July 12 and runs through July 28. And Tillie Swedlund Hall returns to the show to share new music form her band Mellowphobia

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, KKFI Accounting & Administration – Shaina Littler

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

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

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
https://www.soundcloud.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley
http://www.bandcamp.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley
http://www.instagram.markthomasmanning

Show #1052