April 4 – Music from The Middle

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Music of the Middle of The Map Fest + Mike McCoy
+ Mike Alexander & Center of The City Fest + BCR & Local Releases!

Middle of the Map Fest

Mr. Gnome

Mark plays music from artists appearing in the Middle of the Map Fest, April 5-7, featuring over 100 Bands, in 8 Venues, on 10 Stages, in 3 Days. We’ll hear tracks from: Spirit is The Spirit, Fourth of July, Thom Hoskins, Cher UK, The Golden Motors, Saintseneca, Nerves Junior, Friends, Keep Shelly in Athens, Christopher Paul Stelling, and Mr. Gnome. More info at: middleofthemapfest.com

Center of the City Fest

We’ll also hear musical releases from: LAZY, Red Kate, Iron Guts Kelly, Smash the State, and Hipshot Killer, five area punk bands playing the Center of The City Fest.

Hipshot Killer at the recordBar (Photo by Mike Alexander)

At 10:30 Mark talks with Mike Alexander of Hipshot Killer and Matt Warriner of Smash the State about the Center of the City Fest, a special event that features 16 of the Kansas City area’s best punk bands, April 6 – April 7, at 7:00 to 1:30 AM, at The News Room, at 3740 Broadway St. KCMO.

Mike McCoy

At 11:15 Mark welcomes Mike McCoy who is back in Kansas City for a special reunion show with his band Cher UK, as part of The Middle of The Map Fest, that also features the reunions of: Molly McGuire, The Esoteric, and Season To Risk, Thursday, April 5, at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd.

Mark also features the music of Betse Ellis, who will be in concert Saturday Night at The Brick, and Black Crack Review, BCR, celebrating their 30th Anniversary as a band, with a special show at Californos in Westport, Thursday, April 5, at 9:00 PM.

Black Crack Review

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #415

WMM Playlist from March 28, 2012

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Bobby Asher of Hearts of Darkness + Elsa Rae
+ Guest Host Philip Hooser & The New Century Follies

1. Seun Kuti – “African Soldier”
from: From Africa with Fury: Rise / Knitting Factory Records / June 21, 2011
[Nigerian musician, and the youngest son of legendary afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. After Fela’s death of AIDS in 1997 Seun, then only 14 years old, became the lead singer of Egypt 80. While in school Seun had to choose between a career in music and one in American Football for which he has an outstanding talent. About three-fourths of the current Egypt 80 line-up consists of musicians that not only played with Fela Kuti, but often were arrested and harassed alongside the founder of the Afrobeat movement. Live sets consist of both new material and originals from Seun’s father. During his lifetime Fela Kuti never performed songs he had recorded, so for many fans this is their first chance to hear many Kuti classics.]

[Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, will be in concert this Friday night, March 30, at The Granada in Lawrence, Kansas. The Hearts of Darkness will open the show.]

Making Movies last full length recording, “In Deo Speramus” was part of our 100 Best Recordings of 2010. The band re-mastered and re-released the album in 2011 to much critical acclaim. Self identified as an afro-cuban indie latin alternative rock band, Making Movies have been currently recording their new album with Steve Berlin of the Grammy Award winning Los Lobos serving as producer. According to their Facebook page, they have spent the last three days of tracking the new album and are headed home to KC, for their shows Saturday night at the recordBar with the Hearts of Darkness. There are two sets, an early All Ages set starting at 9:00 with Hearts of Darkness opening for Making Movies and a late 21+ show starting at 9:00 with Making Movies opening for Hearts of Darkness more information at therecordbar.com.

2. Making Movies – “Sirena”
from: Single / Appeal Latino / Feb 2011
[More info at makingmoviesband.com]

3. The Hearts of Darkness – “Numeration”
from: Numeration / Bad Way (Split Single) 7″ Vinyl / Shipshape Records / Feb. 18, 2012
[The Hearts of Darkness will play this year’s Wakaursa Festival. The 15 piece ensemble includes: Les Izmore – Vox, Percussion; Brandy Gordon – Vox; Erica Townsend – Vox; Rachel Christia – Vox; Brad Williams – Drum Kit, Percussion; Sean Branagan – Kit, Percussion; Miko Spears – Congas; Pete Leibert – Bass Guitar; Richard Gumbel – Rhythm Guitar; Jolan Smith – Tenor Sax; Shawn Hansen – Alto Sax, Sam Hughes – Baritone Sax; Andrew Ford – Slide Trombone; Ken Walker – Valve Trombone; Bob Asher – Trumpet. The band blends American funk & soul, hip-hop & KC jazz big-band traditions into an afrobeat-based foundation to create a huge sound. Bobby Asher tells us that the band expects to release the 2nd full length vinyl later in the Spring.]

10:17 – Interview with Bob Asher of The Hearts of Darkness

Hearts of Darkness is an 15-piece afrobeat, hip-hop, funk, soul collective formed in 2007 in KCMO. They describe their sound as “a hybrid from the roots of ’70s afro beat & building off of the traditions of KC big-band jazz as well as American funk & rock w/ hip-hop on top.” The band produces an incredible live show that brings out diverse audiences who want to dance. Their debut album, “Hearts of Darkness,” released on July 10, 2010 on Shipshape Music was #1 on our list of the 100 Best Recordings of 2010. In 2011, the band opened for Huey Lewis and Snoop Dogg, played w/ Willie Nelson & Neil Young at Farm Aid and performed at the Kanrocksas Music Festival. They won “Best Jazz Ensemble” in 2011 by the Pitch Music Awards. This year they are back with a new single, and are getting ready to release a new full length album, and after just returning from the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, the band will share the stage w/ Seun Kuti & the legendary Egypt 80, this March 30, at The Granada in Lawrence, Kansas. On Saturday, March 31, the band is part of the Super Duper Double Feature concerts with Making Movies at the recordBar. Here to fill us in on all the details is Bobby Asher, one of the driving forces behind The Hearts of Darkness.

Bob Asher talked about The Hearts of Darkness participating in this year’s MidCoast Takeover at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas and what it was like traveling to Texas with the 15 member tribe.

Bob also talked about the band’s big weekend of shows: This Friday, the band shares the stage with Seun Kuti & the legendary Egypt 80, at The Granada in Lawrence, Kansas.

Hearts of Darkness & Making Movies

This Saturday: Super Duper Double Feature:
1. (all ages dinner show) Hearts of Darkness at 6:15 PM and Making Movies at 7:30 PM.

2. (21+) Show w/ Making Movies, at 9:30 PM & Hearts of Darkness at 11:15 PM.

The Hearts of Darkness expect to release the 2nd full length vinyl later in the year.

The Hearts of Darkness will play Bill Sundahl’s 2nd annual Spring Dance, May 5, at the KC Crossroads with The Grisly Hand and The Good Foot. last year’s dance was attended by over 1000 people.

The Hearts of Darkness will play this year’s Wakaursa Festival.

The current line up for The Hearts of Darkness:

Bob Asher – Trumpet
Sean Branagan – drums and percussion
Rachel Christia – Vocals
Andrew Ford – Trombone
Brandy Gordon – Vocals
Richard Gumbel – Rhythm and Lead Guitar
Shawn Hansen – Alto Saxophone
Sam Hughes – Baritone Saxophone
Les Izmore – Vocals
Pete Leibert – Bass Guitar
Jolan Smith – Tenor Saxophone and Vocals
Miko Spears – Congas
Erica Townsend – Vocals
Ken Walker – Valve Trombone
Brad Williams – drums and percussion

Discography

Currently working on the second album, to be released in early 2012

Numeration / Bad Way – Split single released Feb. 2012 w/ KC soul band The Good Foot

Debut album, “Hearts of Darkness” released on July 10, 2010 on Shipshape Music.

Single release, “Danse Fambeaux” from”I Heard it on 18th St. II” released Feb 2010. 10:34

The Hearts of Darkness share the stage with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, this Friday, March 30, at The Granada in Lawrence. On Saturday The Hearts of Darkness participate in the Super Duper Double Feature with Making Movies at the recordBar, Saturday, March 31, with shows at 6:00 and 9:00 PM. More information at heartsofdarkness.net

Music writer Bill Brownlee, a contributing reviewer to The Kansas City Star wrote on his blog “Plastic Sax”: “Far from a musty academic exercise, the Hearts of Darkness convey the spirit, if not the sound, of Kansas City’s heyday. The Hearts of Darkness deserve recognition from the jazz audience because their visceral big band power is the soundtrack to the same exuberant scenes that undoubtedly accompanied the bands of Benny Moten, Harlan Leonard and Count Basie.”

10:35 – Underwriting

10:37 – Interview with Elsa Rae

Elsa Rae

20 year old Elsa Rae has lived in KC for only eight months, but has already participated in the Human Rights Campaign’s Battle of the Bands, in January, and she recently played shows in Austin during the SXSW Music Festival. Elsa Rae grew up in Souix Falls, South Dakota, where she recorded her debut recording “Elsa Rae Plays Tiny Instruments” just days before moving to Kansas City. Elsa plays her original songs with Vincent her Ukulele, Mozart the Toy Piano, and Sebastian F. Schwartz the Kazoo. Elsa Rae joins us today to talk about her new recordings, her performances at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, and she will perform a few of her songs live in our 90.1 FM Studios.

Elsa Rae has been playing the Ukulele for 3 years now.

After she graduated from High School she moved to Minnesota to go to college. Before moving to KC she spent some time in Fairfax, Virginia.

10:44

4. Elsa Rae– “Don’t Move To Minnesota” (LIVE)
also available on: Plays Tiny Instruments / Independent / August 16, 2011
[Recorded at Cathouse Studios in August, 2011. All songs recorded and mixed by Mike Dresch. All songs written and performed by Elsa Rae. ]

Elsa Rae has been re-recording her songs with William Saunders at Saunders Street Records.

Elsa traveled to Austin for the SXSW Music Festival.

10:50

5. Elsa Rae– “For You I’ll Pretend to Be A Woman” (LIVE)
also available on: Plays Tiny Instruments / Independent / August 16, 2011
[Recorded at Cathouse Studios in August, 2011. All songs recorded and mixed by Mike Dresch. All songs written and performed by Elsa Rae. ]

Elsa will eventually release her newly recorded album with Saunders Street Records.

Elsa wants to eventually work with a band.

You can learn more at: elsarae.bandcamp.com and reverbnation.com/elsarae

11:00 – Guest Host & Producer Philip blue owl Hooser

6. Hugh Jackman – “Everything Old Is New Again”
from: The Boy From Oz Original Cast Recording / Decca / 2003

Philip explained that he intended to be like a stripper for our listening audience. Peeling away layers so we can see all that can legally be seen… over the radio. Philip is involved in a project called “The New Century Follies,” which will premiere April 6th in this still-new Century… at the Folly Theatre. When Philip first moved to Kansas City, there was a large-scale effort to restore and reopen the Folly. The Folly become a kind of symbol of Kansas City for him, in a way, his mental folly.

BUT WHAT IS this word “Folly”? It can mean the state or quality of being foolish, of lacking understanding or sense. It can be a costly undertaking, or a whimsical building. In the world of the theatre, it is also a theatrical revue. For those of us in Kansas City, of course, it is all those things in a different order– a theatrical building that proved a costly undertaking to restore in order to bring some very foolish goings-on to the stage.

But it wasn’t always that way. I mean, of course, it wasn’t always known as The Folly. It used to be something … more Standard. Maestro, a little traveling music, if you please….

7. Scott Joplin – “The Entertainer”
from: The Entertainer / Shout Factory Records / Jan. 10, 2003

The Folly Theatre

Philip talked about the Architect, of the Folly Theatre, Louis Curtiss, who was described as “the Frank Lloyd Wright of Kansas City” who was born in Canada, studied architecture at the University of Toronto and in Paris before coming to Kansas City. There are still about 30 buildings he designed in the area, including the Boley Building, at the corner of 12th and Grand — “one of the first glass curtain-wall structures in the world.”

Philip welcomed special guests: Felicia Hardison Londre of UMKC, Gale Tallis the Executive Director of the Folly, and Steve Irwin the Folly’s Development Director.

Felicia Hardison Londre is the Curators’ Professor of Theatre at the UMKC and Honorary Co-Founder of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Dr. Londré has taught at UMKC since 1978, with visiting professorships at Hosei University, Tokyo; Marquette University, Milwaukee; and lecture tours to universities in Hungary and France, including the Sorbonne. She often lectures on the Shakespeare authorship question and on Kansas City theatre history, and can be seen this summer at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Among Felicia Londré’s fourteen books are Words at Play: Creative Writing and Dramaturgy, as well as books on playwrights: Tennessee Williams and Tom Stoppard. Her most important book is “The Enchanted Years of the Stage: Kansas City at the Crossroads of American Theater,” 1870-1929 (University of Missouri Press, 2007, 83 illustrations), which every Kansas Citian needs to read. It was awarded the Theatre Library Association’s George Freedley Memorial Award at Lincoln Center in New York and Jackson County Historical Society’s Education Award.

The Folly wasn’t always known as the Folly.

Throughout the years (1900-1932) The Folly was known as: The Standard, The Century, The Lyric, The Century again, and Shubert’s Missouri.

The Folly offered, “Refined Musical Extravaganza, Musical Novelties, and Polite Farce,” and also… boxing. But no smoking, originally.

Colonel Edward Butler of St. Louis, MO built The Folly at a cost of $250,000 for his son to present shows on the Empire vaudeville circuit.

A 1901 fire at the nearby Coates Opera House caused opera and comic opera performances to be moved to the Standard, featuring such performers as Sarah Bernhardt, Richard Mansfield and Maude Adams.

The theater’s name changed to the “Century” in 1902. The Century featured acts from the Empire burlesque circuit, including Al Jolson, Fannie Brice and Eddie Foy. In addition to theater acts, the Century featured prizefighting and wrestling, with appearances by Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey.

Felicia discussed Kansas City’s place in US entertainment during this period.

Philip and guests talked about vaudeville, where each performance was made up of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill. Types of acts included popular and classical musicians, dancers, comedians, trained animals, magicians, female and male impersonators, acrobats, illustrated songs, jugglers, one-act plays or scenes from plays, athletes, lecturing celebrities, minstrels, and movies.

Philip and guests talked about vaudeville fading, legit theatre and light opera, and the Depression.

The Shubert brothers bought the Century in 1923 and renamed it “Shubert’s Missouri” after extensive renovations by Shubert architect Herbert J. Krapp. The Shuberts booked dramatic productions including Shakespeare and O’Neill plays.

The Marx Brothers performed “I’ll Say She Is” for three weeks in 1923-24, the long run convinced the Shuberts to continue operating the theater. “I’ll Say She Is” led to the Marx Brothers’ rise out of vaudeville into stardom in the Broadway theatre and later in motion pictures, and came at a time when they had gotten themselves effectively banned from the major vaudeville circuits.

After 1928 business fell off and the theater was used for touring shows on an intermittent basis until it closed in 1932.

11:18

8. Fanny Brice – “Second Hand Rose”
from: The Original Funny Girl – Sings The Songs That Made Her Famous / Charly / 2010

9. Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra – “Moten’s Stomp”
from: Roaring 20s Review Volume 1/ Van Up Records / 2009

11:18 – Underwriting

10. Andrews Sisters – “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”
from: The Andrews Sisters Collection / TMS / 2009

11:21 – Part two of Philip’s interview with Felicia Londre, Gale Tallis, and Steve Irwin

Philip and guests talked about how The Folly was reborn as the Folly!

Philip and guests talked about the theatrical definition of “burlesque” and its relationship to burlesque dance. Felicia discussed how burlesque was originally a parody or comically exaggerated imitation of something, especially in a literary or dramatic work. Burlesque overlaps in meaning with caricature, parody and travesty, and, in its theatrical sense, with extravaganza, as presented during the Victorian era.

While burlesque went out of fashion in England towards the end of the 19th century, to be replaced by Edwardian musical comedy, the American style of burlesque flourished, but with increasing focus on female nudity. Exotic “cooch” dances were brought in, ostensibly Syrian in origin. The entertainments were given in clubs and cabarets, as well as music halls and theatres. By the early 20th century, there were two national circuits of burlesque shows competing with the vaudeville circuit, as well as resident companies in NYC, such as Minsky’s at Winter Garden.

Philip and guests talked about how burlesque was a sensation and brought to America from Britain in the late 1860s by Lydia Thompson and her British Blondes, a troupe who spoofed traditional theatrical productions and featured ladies performing men’s roles, in costumes considered revealing for the time period.

American burlesque soon assimilated music hall, minstrel shows, striptease, comedy and cabaret style to evolve from the follies of the twenties and thirties to the girlie shows of the 40s and 50s, which eventually gave way to the modern strip club. The striptease element of burlesque became subject to extensive local legislation, leading to a theatrical form that titillated without falling foul of censors.

By the late 1930s, a social crackdown on burlesque shows began their gradual decline. The shows had slowly changed from ensemble ribald variety performances, to simple performances focusing mostly on the striptease.

In New York, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia clamped down on burlesque, effectively putting it out of business by the early 1940s. Burlesque lingered on elsewhere in the U.S., increasingly neglected, and by the 1970s, with nudity commonplace in theatres, American burlesque reached “its final shabby demise.”

Philip and guests talked about how audiences generally preferred their local talent, including: the World’s Tallest Exotic, Miss Perpetual Motion, Marie Antoinette, Russian Girl Cossack

Other theaters converted to movies, but the Folly specialized.

Gale talked about the Ghosts that haunt the Folly. After the theatre was restored to it’s original state, employees and visitors alike report strange happenings in and around the theater. Many have seen a mysterious male figure in a bowler hat, who is believed to be the ghost of Joe Donegan. Others have also seen a woman in a long, flowing gown rushing toward the stage.

Philip and guests talked about the decline of downtown and once again, the Folly was forced to close.

Following the Folly’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, a “Strip the Folly” fundraiser was held featuring Sally Rand, who had performed at the Folly. After seven years a full renovation was completed in 1981, including the construction of an annex on the site of the former Edward Hotel.

A new lobby, restrooms and second-floor Shareholders’ Room were added. The auditorium’s original color scheme was restored. Plans are now under way, and approval has been granted by the Kansas City Landmarks Commission, to install a marquee sign that closely mimics the original Folly signage.

The Folly Theater is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is “to preserve Kansas City’s oldest historic theater as a premier performance venue by presenting, producing and hosting a wide range of quality events for the community”. The Folly produces a Jazz Series, a Kids Series, and Cyprus Avenue Live! performances by artists ranging from blues to rock and country. It hosts the Harriman-Jewell Series of classical performers, the Friends of Chamber Music series, and the Heartland Men’s Chorus.

11:37

11. Grand Marquis – “After You’ve Gone”
from: Hold On To Me / Grand Marquis Music / 2010
[The 5th CD from Bryan Redmond – saxophones, vocals / Chad Boydston – trumpet / Ryan Wurtz – guitar / Ben Ruth – upright bass, sousaphone / Lisa McKenzie – drums, washboard, marimba. More info at grandmarquis.net or extravirginkc.com]

11:37 – Underwriting

12. The People’s Liberation Big Band – “…in the rumpus room…”
from: The People’s Liberation Big Band / Tzigane / November 7, 2010
[Recipient of the 2010 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Award, Brad Cox is founder of The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City.]

11:38 – Interview with Annie Cherry, Damian Blake, Daisy Bucket

Damian Blake and Annie Cherry

At the age of six, Annie Cherry mortified her mother in a high-end department store by belting, at the top of her lungs, Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” That’s surely the kind of chutzpah that got Annie Cherry into the Kansas City Middle School of the Arts and high school at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts. She is an actress, vocalist, burlesque and belly dancer, vaudeville performer, and pin-up vixen. Annie can most often be seen performing with the Kansas City Society of Burlesque.

Damian Blake, is a man of a thousand faces… or at least a good dozen. At the tender age of three, his fate was set when he saw the Charlie Chaplin movie “The Gold Rush” and became obsessed with clowning and silent film, and most importantly, Chaplin himself. Using the skills he honed as a sideshow/variety performer, Damian has appeared on stage, in print, on film, as a variety entertain, a character actor, and celebrity impersonator. He also appears regularly and quite successfully at the Fishtank Performance Space with Arty Vulgaris.

Spencer Brown aka Daisy Bucket

Daisy Buckët aka Spencer Brown took to the spotlight in The Girly Show at Bar Natasha in 2006. Since then, she has been a force to be reckoned wit, with awards including the Pitch’s “Best Cabaret Show 2007”, “Best Vocalist 2008” Zoey Award), she was crowned Queen of Kansas City Gay Pride 2008, and ran a year-long drag variety show at Sidekicks Saloon known as Daisy’s Twilight Madness. When she’s not supporting local charities like the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City, and Passages LGBT Youth Center, she is touring the country disguised as Trampolina in the Kinsey Sicks, America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet. Spencer brown also wrote and starred in the “The Rose: A Rock Tragedy” produced at La Esquina here in Kansas City.

Philip and guests talked about how like the Folly, Burlesque has re-invented itself. The “New Burlesque” movement, is the revival and updating of the traditional burlesque performance. Though based on the traditional Burlesque art, the new form encompasses a wider range of performance styles; anything from classic striptease to modern dance to theatrical mini-dramas to comedic mayhem. As with the earlier burlesque, neo-burlesque is more focused on the “tease” in “striptease” than the “strip”. Audiences for neo-burlesque shows tend to be mixed gender, age, race, and class.

Modern burlesque has taken many on forms, but it has the common trait of honoring one or more of burlesque’s previous incarnations. The acts tend to put emphasis on style and are sexy rather than sexual. A typical burlesque act may include striptease, expensive or garish costumes, bawdy humor, cabaret and more. Unlike strippers who dance in strip clubs to make a living, burlesque performers often perform for fun and spend more money on costumes, rehearsal, and props than they are compensated.

The New Century Follies

The New Century Follies begins April 6th and continues every month. Bandleader Brad Cox provides the soundtrack with The People’s Liberation Big Band, with a FULL BAR, and the rotating lineup includes performers such as Annie Cherry, Damian Blake, Alex Espy, Jason Divad, Violet Vendetta, Opal Malone, Phillip Hoosier, Voler Aerial Acrobats, Sweet Louise, Daisy Bucket, Ruby von Blush, Vlad Fortuna, and many, many more!

Expect jugglers, hoopers, aerial acrobats, burlesque gals and guys, big musical numbers, authentic vaudeville style skits, comics, special out-of-town guests, magic, and other bits of business!

No advance tickets, no fuss, just come as you are, pay a modest cover charge, and enjoy with your friends. Celebrate the New Century!

The New Century Follies at the Folly Theater, Friday, April 6, 2012, at 9:30pm.

11:57

13. Hugh Jackman – “Everything Old Is New Again”
from: The Boy From Oz Original Cast Recording / Decca / 2003

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

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
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kkfi.org Thanks for listening!

Show #414

March 28 – WMM presents: Bobby Asher, Elsa Rae, and The New Century Follies!

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Bobby Asher of Hearts of Darkness + Elsa Rae
+ Guest Host Philip Hooser & The New Century Follies

Mark plays music from Seun Kuti, The Hearts of Darkness, Making Movies, and others.

Hearts of Darkness & Making Movies

At 10:15 Mark talks with Bobby Asher from Hearts of Darkness about playing SXSW; the band’s show with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Friday, March 30, at The Granada in Lawrence; and their show with Making Movies at the recordBar, Saturday, March 31, (all ages dinner show) at 6:00, Hearts of Darkness playing at 6:15 PM and Making Movies at 7:30 PM. The late show (21+) opens at 9:00 PM with Making Movies, at 9:30 PM and Hearts of Darkness at 11:15 PM. More info at: therecordbar.com.

Elsa Rae

At 10:35 Mark welcomes Kansas City based singer and songwriter Elsa Rae. Elsa Rae plays her original songs with Vincent her Ukulele, Mozart the Toy Piano, and Sebastian F. Schwartz the Kazoo. You can learn more about her music at: elsarae.bandcamp.com and reverbnation.com/elsarae

At 11:00, Philip blue owl Hooser is our guest host & producer for a special show that will dance us through the history of a 112-year-old KC landmark, The Folly Theatre. Philip will share music and stories of the Folly from its early vaudeville days through its rebirth as a burlesque house to entertain soldiers during WWII; from its near-destruction in the 1970s to The New Century Follies — bringing vaudeville back to the Folly. Philip talks with Dr. Felicia Hardison Londré (Curators’ Professor of Theatre) at UMKC. Philip also welcomes special guests: Annie Cherry, Damian Blake, and Daisy Bucket, who’ll all be appearing in The New Century Follies at the Folly Theater, on Friday, April 6, 2012, at 9:30pm.

The Folly Theatre

The Folly Theater opened in 1900 as “The Century,” starting out as a vaudeville house featuring variety arts, comics, and singers. Burlesque was also presented, in big production numbers with special themes and moving tableaus on stage. Now 112 years later KC’s most creative performers are teaming up with The Folly Theatre to bring vaudeville, variety, and dancing girls back to the stage. The New Century Follies DEBUT SHOW at the Folly Theater, on Friday, April 6, 2012, at 9:30pm, will feature: Annie Cherry, Damian Blake, Opal Malone, Sweet Louise, Voler Aerial Acrobatics, Jason Divad, Phil Hoosier, Daisy Bucket, Violet Vendetta, Veronica Voodoo, Vlad Fortuna (St. Louis), Ruby von Blush, Jessalyn Kincaid, Shelby Floyd and with ALL LIVE MUSIC by The People’s Liberation Big Band led by Brad Cox.

The New Century Follies

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #414

WMM Playlist from March 21, 2012

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

New & Local Releases + Middle of The Map Fest
+ John Velghe LIVE!

1. Mates of State – “Palomino”
from: Mountaintops / Barsuk / Sept. 13, 2011
[Single release: December 1, 2011. 7th full-length album from indie pop husband-and-wife duo of Kori Gardner (vocals, organ, synthesizer, piano, electric piano, and occasional guitar) and Jason Hammel (vocals, drums, percussion, and occasional synthesizer) who met in Lawrence, Kansas, and formed the band in 1997.]

[Mates of State play The Middle of The Map Fest. Friday April 6, 9:45pm – 10:45pm @ The Beaumont Club 4050 Pennsylvania Ave KCMO]

2. Jonquil – “It’s My Part”
from: Point of Go / Dovecote / Feb 21, 2012
[Hugo Manuel, Sam Hudson Scott, Robin McDiarmid and Dominic Hand, four men in their early twenties living in Oxford, England. All tracks produced by Manuel who also records solo under the name Chad Valley. Part of Oxford’s Blessing Force collective, Jonquil, alongside Pet Moon, Trophy Wife, Fixers, Rhosyn, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Chad Valley, represent the musically creative output of today’s Oxford.]

[Jonquil plays the Middle of The Map Fest. on Saturday April 7 at the recordBar.]

10:14

3. Capybara – “Neighbor Crimes”
from: Dave Drusky / The Record Machine / February 7, 2012
[Lifelong friends Mark Harrison, Jared Horne, Darin Seal, and Joel Wrolstad formed Capybara in January, of 2009, since then they signed up with The Record Machine, released their debut recording “Try Brother” to critical acclaim, went on a 44 city tour, made a fan out of film maker Spike Jonze, recorded the soundtrack for the Independent film “One Two Many Mornings,” They backed up Daniel Johnston at last year’s Middle of The Map Festival, and now have just released their new record: “Dave Drusky.”]

[Capybara plays The Middle of The Map Fest. Fri. April 6, 7:45pm – 8:45pm @ The Beaumont Club 4050 Pennsylvania Ave KCMO]

4. Sam Billen – “Heartbeat of the City”
from: Tokyo Sessions / The Record Machine / 2009
[From Lawrence, Kansas, In 2009, Sam Billen released Headphones & Cellphones with The Record Machine. It was his first his first solo record in 5 years since leaving Northern Records who also released his decade-long band, The Billions, who disbanded in 2008. After the break up of the Billions, Sam took some time to focus on making his own music and starting a family. Sam works full time at the University of Kansas, and rstarted a new business, BillenSounds, LLC.]

[Sam Billen & The Billions play The Middle of The Map Fest. Saturday April 7, at 3:45pm – 5:00pm @ The Record Bar 1020 Westport Road, KCMO.]

5. White Denim – “Drug”
from: D / Downtown Records / May 24, 2011
[4th full-length studio album by four-piece rock band from Austin, Texas that includes: James Petralli – vocals, guitar; Joshua Block – drums; Steven Terebecki – vocals, bass; Austin Jenkins – guitar.]

[White Denim plays The Middle of The Map Fest. Sat. Apr. 7, 12:00 – 1:00am @ Riot Room 4048 Broadway KCMO.]

6. Mission of Burma – “Academy Fight Song”
from: Signals, Calls and Marches / Matador / (August 1981) Remastered by by Matador in 2008
[American post-punk band formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1979. The band was formed by Roger Miller (guitar), Clint Conley (bass), Peter Prescott (drums) and Martin Swope (tape manipulator/sound engineer). Miller, Conley and Prescott share singing and songwriting duties. In early years the band’s recordings were all released on the small Boston-based record label Ace of Hearts. Despite initial success, Mission of Burma disbanded in 1983 due to Miller’s development of tinnitus caused by the volume of the band’s live performances. The band released only one album in its original lineup, Vs.. Mission of Burma reformed in 2002, with Bob Weston replacing Swope, and has since recorded three more albums, ONoffON, The Obliterati, and The Sound The Speed The Light.]

[Mission of Burma plays The Middle of The Map Fest. Friday April 6, 11:30pm – 1:00am @ The Record Bar 1020 Westport Road, KCMO.]

Middle of The Map Fest

10:30 – Interview with Chris Haghirian and Nathan Reusch

Chris Haghirian is a 12 year veteran of The KC Star and helped launch INK in 2008. For the past 3 years Chris has heroically served a one of the primary organizers of MidCoast Takeover SXSW, recognized nationally by USA Today. For the past two years Chris has helped organize and cultivate The Middle of The Map Festival. Chris is also a regular contributor to The Mailbox, a weekly radio podcast produced & hosted by Michael Byars, available at midwestmusicfound.org.

Nathan Ruesch is co-founder and manager of The Record Machine, an Independent KC based record label, founded in 2003, Nathan Ruesch also djays at The Union, on a semi regular basis with Dan Eaton, who is one of the 30 plus artists & bands in The Record Machine family. With Chris, Nathan is the co-mastermind, of The Middle of The Map Festival.

Chris talked about the SXSW Music festival in Austin and The MidCoast Takeover

Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest, April 5-7, 100+ Bands. 8 Venues. 10 Stages. 3 Days.

Mission of Burma – legendary punk band

Friends – from Brooklyn,

Jonquil – 4 piece band from Oxford England fronted by Hugo Manuel aka Chad Valley

Chad Valley – Electronica (a.ka. Hugo Manuel) from Oxford England.

Baby Teardrops – from KC and NYC,

Saintseneca – folk band from Columbus, Ohio.

Neon Indian, – Indie electronica from Denton, TX and Mexican-born Alan Palomo

Phantasmagoria – electro-rock/pop duo from Detroit Michigan

Mr. Gnome – gritty, space-psychedelia duo from Cleveland, Ohio.

Nerves Junior – 4 piece indie rock band from Louisville, Kentucky

Keep Shelly In Athens – an electronic / downtempo duo from Athens, Greece.

A Lull – Indie Rock from Chicago

fun. – indie pop band from New York, New York

Beacon – Electronica from Brooklyn, NYC

Acid Mothers Temple, –

Venues: Record Bar, Riot Room, Beaumont Club, Union, Gusto Lounge, Firefly Lounge, McCoy’s, Westport Coffeehouse

Featuring over 70 KC area bands:
Capybara, Cowboy Indian Bear, Soft Reeds, Ad Astra Arkestra, Motorboater, Max Justus, Sam Billen, The ACB’s, Ghosty, The Life and Times, Molly McGuire, The Esoteric, Season To Risk, Cher UK, Olympic Size, Thee Water MoccaSins, Everyday/Everynight, Fullbloods, Empty Spaces, The Caves, Oriole Post, Maps For Travelers, Spirit Is The Spirit, Grisly Hand, Beautiful Bodies, The Latenight Callers, Miles Bonny, Les Izmore, Diverse Trio, Sara Swenson & The Pearl Snaps, Sons of Great Dane, Quiet Corral, American Catastrophe, Dollar Fox, Minden, Cherokee Rock Rifle, She’s A Keeper, Casket Lottery, We Are Voices, Blackbird Review, Deep Thinkers, Greg Enemy, Stik Figa, Making Movies, The Appleseed Cast, Thom Hoskins, Old Canes, Minus Story, Hospital Ships, La Guerre, Believers, Jaeniki, Steddy P, Louiz Rip, Gee Watts, the Phantom, Molly Picture Club, Deadringers, Team Bear Club, Apples for Archers, Mask and Glove, The Conquerors, Diverse Trio, The Slowdown, In The Grove, Waiting For Signal, Dan Jones, Fourth of July, Brent Tactic, The Devil, and Reflector.

Also featuring:
Fucked Up, Murder by Death, El Ten Eleven, White Denim, Deastro, Coalesce, Hooray for Earth, Owen, Elite Gymnastics, Gold Motel, Broncho, Akkilles, Beau Jennings and The Tigers, the Loom, Christopher Paul Stelling, Sleepy Kitty, Farout, Altos, JBoamb, Dallas, schwervon, Telegraph Canyon, Murder By Death, Shaun DuVall, Mansions, The Phantom Family Halo, DJ Maxx, and Unicycle Loves You.

Special curated shows from The Record Machine and Golden Sounds Records.

To get all the details you can visit: middleofthemapfest.com

Middle of the Map Fest, Ink Magazine and The Record Machine are hosting The Forum at OfficePort, StagePort & Screenland on Thurs & Fri, Apr 5th & 6th, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

SPEAKERS include:

BILL ZAHNER, President and CEO of Zahner, is recognized as expert on the use of metals in artwork and architecture. The American Institute of Architects bestowed upon him an honorary AIA membership in 2007 for his dedication to the profession of Architecture, his knowledge of metal building envelopes, and his contributions to advancing the quality of the built environment.

BOB BERKEBILE is a founding principal of BNIM and has contributed over four decades to the architectural profession. Bob and his firm are setting new standards for regenerative design & resource efficiency at the building & community scales. Thru their involvement, energy, materials & human resources efficiency strategies are being implemented on a broad range of projects across the country.

PORTER ARNEILL, KC Municipal Art Commission. Porter Arneill holds a Master’s degree in fine art from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. He has served as the Director of Education and Adjunct Curator at Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum and as the Director of Public Art and Education for the Regional Arts Commission, both in St. Louis. He has been the Director/Public Art Administrator for the Kansas City, Missouri Municipal Art Commission since 2002.

PETER WITTE, Dean of the Conservatory of Music and Dance and Professor of Conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (appointed in August, 2008.) During this time, the Conservatory has partnered w/ the Kansas City Symphony, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Friends of Chamber Music, the KC Ballet, the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Council, the Crossroads Arts District, the Arts Council of Kansas City, and the American Jazz Museum. Mr. Witte serves on the Mayor’s Task Force for the Arts in Kansas City.

JULIÁN ZUGAZAGOITIA, Director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and took his post September 1, 2010. Since arriving at the Museum, he has shown a high interest in reaching out to the community and in making the Nelson-Atkins more open and accessible to all visitors. Born in Mexico and educated at the Sorbonne Paris IV in France, Zugazagoitia speaks six languages and has worked at institutions in the Americas and Europe. Before moving to Kansas City.

PANELISTS
In the spirit of David Bohm’s “on Dialogue”, panelists will facilitate hour long dialogues exploring the challenges facing the future of art, culture, and technology.

For more info: middleofthemapfest.com

Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest, April 5-7, featuring over 80 Bands, in 8 Venues, on 10 Stages, in 3 Days. More info at: middleofthemapfest.com

10:45

7. Ghosty – “You Saved Me”
from: GHOSTY / More Famouser Records / April 17, 2012
[Ghosty is Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte an Bill Belzer who recorded their new album themselves over the last couple of years with help from David Wetzel, Josh Adams, Jake Blanton, Konnor Ervin, Ryan Connor, Kirsten Paludan, and Dan Talmadge. The new release will be pressed on vinyl and available on LP and digital download. More info at ghostysounds.com.]

[Ghosty and Hospital Ships will be performing at College Night at the Kemper Museum, Saturday, March 31, From 7 to 10, with screenings of video works by students from the Kansas City Art Institute and University of Missouri-Kansas City. GHOSTY plays The Middle of The Map Fest. Friday April 6, 8:30pm – 9:30pm @ Gusto Lounge 504 Westport Rd, KCMO.]

8. Power and Light – “Joy in My Sorrow”
from: EP / Independent / January 14, 2012
[A new collaboration between Nathan Readey (production) and Andrew Connor (songs, vocals). Their music is described as pop, chill, downtempo, electropop, french pop. Mixing new Ghosty songs before Ghosty releases their new songs.]

9. Andrew Bird – “Give It Away”
from: Break It Yourself / Mom + Pop / March 6, 2012
[6th solo studio album from 38 year old musician, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist and follow up to his critically acclaimed 2009 release “Noble Beast.” Andrew Bird will be in Concert in Kansas City on Friday, March 23 at The Uptown Theatre.]

11:00

10. Ruthie Foster – “Welcome Home”
from: Let It Burn / Blue Corn Music / Jan 31, 2012
[Ruthie Foster will be in concert in Kansas City with Paul Thorn, Wednesday, March 28, at 8:00 pm, at Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester KCMO]

11. Sara Swenson – “All Things Big and Small”
from: All Things Big and Small / Independent / 2010
[KC based singer songwriter Sara Swenson, is a full time high school teacher at Platte County High School in Platte City, in her 9th year of teaching. This is the follow-up to her 2009 critically acclaimed selt titled debut. She also released a new EP in late 2011. Sara Swenson & the Pearl Snaps will be in concert w/ David Burchfield at the R Bar March 24. Sara Swenson aand the Pearl Snapsl play the Middle of The Map Fest. Friday April 6, 10:00pm – 11:00pm @ McCoys 4057 Pennsylvania Ave, KCMO]

12. Diverse – “Sojourner”
from: Diverse / Origin Records / July 21, 2009
[Mentored by the great Bobby Watson at University of Missouri-KC, trumpeter Hermon Mehari, saxophonist William Sanders, pianist John Brewer, bassist Ben Leifer, and drummer Ryan Lee were the winners of the 2008 Origin Records / Gene Harris Jazz Festival Competition, and were awarded a deal to record this album of original music.]

Hermon Mehari, Ben Leifer, and Ryan Lee make up: Diverse Trio and will play The Middle of The Map Fest. Sat. Apr. 7, 12:15 – 1:00am @ Riot Room Patio 4048 Broadway St.

ALSO: Hermon Mehari & The KC High School All Star Jazz Ensemble Present the Music of Duke Ellington & Count Basie at the RecordBar this Saturday, March 24, at 7:00 PM.

At 10:00 PM Hermon Mehari & Diverse.

at 11:30 John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons play at 11:30 PM at the RecordBar, 1020 Westport Road.

13. John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons– “Assume The Ground”
from: Don’t Let Me Stay / Lakeshore Records / March 13, 2012
[John Velghe – vox, guitars, keyboards. The Prodigal Sons: Mike Alexander – guitar, mandolin, backing vocals; Chris Wagner – bass, backing vocals; GoGo Ray – drum set; Hermon Mehari – trumpet; Sam Hughes – saxophone; Mike Walker – trombone. With: Kirsten Paludan – vocals; James Mitchell – cello; Whitney Williamson – violin; Catherine Root – violin. John Velghe will be our guest on Mar. 21, to talk about the new record and play a few songs LIVE. John will be concert at The recordBar, Feb 10, w/ 7-piece, “The Prodigal Sons.” “Don’t Let Me Stay” will have a special release concert, Mar. 24, at The Record Bar that’ll include an 11 piece ensemble, including string players and a horn section.]

John Velghe

11:16 – Interview with John Velghe

KC based musician John Velghe has just returned from the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, where his band The Prodigal Sons, were featured in Alejandro Escovedo’s annual SXSW Party, held at The Continental Club, on Sunday Night, March 19, and where John performed on the same stage as Lenny Kaye of The Patti Smith Band, Garland Jeffreys, Tommy Stinson of The Replacements, and Peter Buck and Mike Mills of R.E.M. For over 20 years now John Velghe has been creating music and touring in bands including: The Daybirds, Saint Jude, famous fm, and Mendoza Lie. As a composer John Velghe has scored feature-length documentaries and short films. In 2010 John released his first solo EP and last week his new, full length album, “Don’t Let Me Stay,” was released on vinyl from Lakeshore Records. John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons will be concert this Saturday, March 24, at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd, in a special recording release show that will include an 11-piece ensemble, including string players and a horn section.

Alejandro Escovedo joined John Velghe on stage to sing Iggy Pop’s “I Wanna Be your Dog.”

John Velghe’s new recording, “Don’t Let Me Stay,” features a track called “Austin (you sorta stole my heart),” that you wrote on the street in Austin, at last year’s festival.

“Don’t Let Me Stay” features John Velghe on lead vocals, guitars, & keyboards, with, The Prodigal Sons: Mike Alexander on guitar, mandolin, backing vocals; Chris Wagner on bass, backing vocals; GoGo Ray on drum set; Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Sam Hughes on saxophone; Mike Walker on trombone. With: Kirsten Paludan on vocals; James Mitchell on cello; Whitney Williamson on violin; Catherine Root on violin.

The Prodigal Sons:

Mike Alexander, on guitar, also of punk band Hipshot Killer, country band Starhaven Rounders, and Irish rock band, Blarney Stoned.

Chris Wagner on bass, also of punk band Hipshot Killer, and the Revolvers, played with John in their band The Mendoza Lie.

“Go-Go Ray” Pollard on the drum kit, a nationally recognized drummer.

Mike Walker, on Trombone who played in tow of my favorite bands: Doris Henson and Olympic Size (with Wade Williamson and Kirsten Paludan, both of whom play in Mike Alexander’s Starhaven Rounders) as well as The Maytags, a “neo-dub explosion” led by Zach Phillips of the Architects and The Gadjits.

Sam Hughes, on Saxophone who plays with Hearts of Darkness, and the Gamelan and was a founding member of the band Sky Burial.

Hermon Mehari on trumpet, who also is know as a founding member of Diverse Trio. Who also collaborates with many area hip hop artists including Lez Izmore of H o D.

This Saturday Night, March 24, Hermon Mehari & The KC High School All Star Jazz Ensemble Present the Music of Duke Ellington & Count Basie at the RecordBar at 7:00 PM. At 10:00 PM Hermon Mehari & Diverse Jazz open for John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons who go on at 11:30 PM at the RecordBar.

11:24

14. John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons – “The Occupier” (Live)
Also available on: Don’t Let Me Stay / Lakeshore Records / March 13, 2012

John Velghe has also produced and recorded projects for Krystle Warren, The Depth and The Whisper, and hip hop artist Blydell. John created Guttersnipe Recording 10 years ago.

We mentioned Alejandro Escovedo, some of your other influences include Brian Wilson, The Replacements, John Lennon, The Stooges, Hayden, The Daybirds, Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Jay Bennett, Jeff Tweedy, Will Johnson, Quincy Jones, Jim Keltner, Richard Buckner, Townes Vansandt, Big Star, Bob Wills, Superchunk, Husker Dü, Matt Wilson, REM, Guadal Canal Diary, Thin White Rope, The Loud Families.

In your 20 years of working in the music scene what are your thoughts of the Kansas City Music Scene?

Lakeshore Records is based in Beverly Hills, California.

From John’s biographical information:
John Velghe writes songs leaning towards personal narratives and accounts of people he’s met over 20 years of playing in bands and touring. From a friend’s ex-wife in Austin to a four-year-old waitress in Lucas, Kansas to a transvestite railroad worker he met on the banks of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota; Velghe populates his songs with real characters who’ve informed personal allegories about escape, transformation and fear.

11:35

15. John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons – “Heaven’s Waitress” (LIVE)
Also available on: Don’t Let Me Stay / Lakeshore Records / March 13, 2012

John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons will be concert on Saturday, Mar. 24, at The Record Bar, 1020 Westport Road, in a special recording release show that will include an 11-piece ensemble, including string players and a horn section. More info at: johnvelghe.com

11:45

16. Hidden Pictures – “Just A Little Bit More”
from: Synchronized Sleeping / Hidden Pictures / April 1, 2011
[Richard Gintowt and Michelle Sanders first met at the recordBar and performed together in OK Jones before starting Hidden Pictures. This is their debut full length. Several songs had been previously released in two separate EPs in 2010. Hidden Pictures will be in concert at The recordBar, 1010 Westport Road, on Friday, March 23 at 10:00 PM followed by Rusty Scott & The Enormous at 11:00 PM and Wildlife City at Midnight.]

17. The Cars – “Just What I Needed”
from: The Cars / Elektra / May 1978
[Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson formed The Cars in Boston, Mass, and were signed to Elektra Records in 1977. The Cars were at the forefront in merging 1970s guitar-oriented rock with the new synth-oriented pop. The band broke up in 1988. Bassist Benjamin Orr died in 2000 from pancreatic cancer. The surviving original members reunited in 2010 to record a new album, titled Move Like This, which was released May 10, 2011, and toured to support the album. Sonic Spectrum presents a tribute to The Cars featuring members of Minden, White Girl, Be/Non, Deco Auto, Lazy, The Sexy Accident and more. March 25 at 7:00 PM at the recordBar. A portion of the proceeds will go to the midwest music foundation.]

11:52

Gregory Russell Clark

I met Greg Clark though my friend April Fletcher. Greg & April were young students together at UMKC, just starting out in the world. Gregory Russell Clark had went to Bishop Hogan High School and eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the UMKC Conservatory of Music in 1991.

Greg worked professionally in NYC as a singer, arranger, producer, coach, and contractor. His vocals can be heard on the NBC Television show “Smash” where he worked with composer Marc Shaiman. Greg sang with so many of the most successful artists in the business, including: The Roots, Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, the list goes on forever. Greg sang all over the world, in venues including Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Carnegie Hall. Greg’s voice can be heard in numerous television on a radio commercials, singing back up for superstar vocalists and producers in the studio, and touring with many many artists and bands. Oleta Adams gave Greg his first big break in the music business.

Greg’s voice was rich with a beautiful range. He could sing as deep as Barry White and seamlessly climb to his beautiful falsetto.

In the early hours of Tuesday, March 20, Gregory Russell Clark, passed away, in his NYC apartment, leaving friends & musical comrades in shock. We just cannot believe he is gone.

Greg’s voice was so very big, and so was his heart, and his soul, and his loyalty to friends, and his sense of justice, and his unforgettable laugh. I once asked Greg to be a part of a performance art piece I performed in the early 1990’s, about North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms. Greg played the part of Mr. Rogers, and even though he was a little nervous, he played the part with honesty, and with his beautiful heart and voice shining through.

Steffani Bennett, gave me permission to play a song that Greg recorded as a demo. The song is called “This Love Won’t Wait.”

Gregory Russell Clark was a man who followed his dreams and lived them, we’ll miss his voice & heart, Gregory Russell Clark, we love you.

18. Gregory Russell Clark – “This Love Wont Wait”
written by Steffani Bennett & Nunzio Signore (recorded as a demo)

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

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

Sources for Notes: Artist’s websites noted above and wikipedia.org

Show #413

March 21 – John Velghe LIVE!

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

New & Local Releases + Middle of The Map Fest
+ John Velghe LIVE!

Mark plays more Local & New Releases from: Mates of State, Jonquil, Capybara, Sam Billen, White Denim, Mission of Burma, Ghosty, Power and Light, Andrew Bird, Ruthie Foster, Sara Swenson, Diverse, John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons, Gemini Revolution, Hidden Pictures, and The Cars.

At 10:30 AM Mark talks with Chris Haghirian of the KC Star and INK, and Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine. Chris and Nathan join us to discuss Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest, April 5-7, featuring over 80 Bands, in 8 Venues, on 10 Stages, in 3 Days. The line-up features: Friends, Chad Valley, Baby Teardrops, Saintseneca, Neon Indian, Phantasmagoria, Jonquil, Mr. Gnome, Nerves Junior, Keep Shelly In Athens, A Lull, fun., Beacon, Mission of Burma, Fucked Up, Murder by Death, El Ten Eleven, White Denim, Deastro, Coalesce, Hooray for Earth, Acid Mothers Temple, Casket Lottery, The Life and Times, Owen, Elite Gymnastics, Gold Motel, Capybara, Cowboy Indian Bear, Soft Reeds, Molly McGuire, Reflector, Minus Story, The Esoteric, Season To Risk, Hospital Ships, Broncho, Ad Astra Arkestra, Thee Water MoccaSins, Deadringers, La Guerre, Motorboater, Everyday/Everynight, Maps For Travelers, Spirit Is The Spirit, Max Justus, Sam Billen, Believers, Akkilles, Beau Jennings, Christopher Paul Stelling, Sleepy Kitty and Unicycle Loves You. More info at: middleofthemapfest.com

At 11:15 Mark welcomes Kansas City based musician and songwriter John Velghe who will play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. John will also discuss his new recording: “Don’t Let Me Stay” from Lakeshore Records. The new record features John Velghe on lead vocals, guitars, and keyboards, with his band, The Prodigal Sons: Mike Alexander on guitar, mandolin, backing vocals; Chris Wagner on bass, backing vocals; GoGo Ray on drum set; Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Sam Hughes on saxophone; Mike Walker on trombone. With: Kirsten Paludan on vocals; James Mitchell on cello; Whitney Williamson on violin; and Catherine Root on violin. John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons will be concert on Saturday, Mar. 24, at The Record Bar, 1020 Westport Road, in a special recording release show that will include an 11 piece ensemble, including string players and a horn section. More info at: johnvelghe.com

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #413

WMM Playlist from March 14, 2012

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Marion Merritt’s Musical Discoveries

1. Robert Glasper & Erykah Badu – “Afro Blue”
from: Black Radio / Blue Note / 2012

2. Robert Glasper – “A Love Supreme”
from: Black Radio / Blue Note / 2012

3. Alabama Shakes – “Hold On”
From: Boys & Girls / ATO / 2012

4. Lee Fields & The Expressions – “You’re The Kind Of Girl”
from: Faithful Man / Truth & Soul / 2012

5. Julia Holter – “Marienbad”
from: Ekstasis / RVNG / 2012

6. Julia Holter – “In The Same Room”
from: Ekstasis / RVNG / 2012

7. Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves Of Destiny – “Dodecahedron”
from: “Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose” / Mute / 2012

8. Terry Callier – “It’s About Time”
from: The New Folk Sound of Terry Callier / BGP / 1968

9. Terry Callier – “Cotton Eyed Joe”
from: The New Folk Sound of Terry Callier / BGP / 1968

10. Alex Chilton – “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
from: Free Again: The “1970” Sessions / Dark Peak / 2012

11. Alex Chilton – “Medley: Sugar, Sugar / I Got The Feelin'”
from: Free Again: The “1970” Sessions / Dark Peak / 2012

12. Karen Dalton – “Katie Cruel”
from: 1966 / Delmore Recording Society / 2012

13. Karen Dalton – “Green Rocky Road”
from: 1966 / Delmore Recording Society / 2012

14. Wendy Rene – “After Laughter (Comes Tears)”
from: Stax-Volt: The Complete singles 1959-1968 / Light in The Attic / 2012

15. Wendy Rene – “Give You What I Got”
from: Stax-Volt: The Complete singles 1959-1968 / Light in The Attic / 2012

16. Calvin Keys – “B.E.”
from: Shan-Neeq / Tompkins Square / 2012 (orig. 1971 – Black Jazz Records)

17. Philippe Laurent – “Distorsion”
from: The Minimal Wave Tapes, Vol. Two / Minimal Wave / 2012

18. Mouse on Mars – “Gearknot Cherry”
from: Parastrophics / Monkey Town / 2012

19. Antonio Carlos Jobim – “Anos Dourados (Chico e Tom)”
from: Fotografia / Plnet Rhythm / 2005

20. Antonio Carlos Jobim – “Chege De Saudade”
from: Fotografia / Plnet Rhythm / 2005

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

11:59:30

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

Show #412

March 14 – Marion Merritt’s Musical Discoveries!

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Marion Merritt’s Musical Discoveries!

Mark welcomes SPECIAL GUEST: Marion Merritt who joins us to share information from her musically-encyclopedic-brain. On this week’s show, Marion will play tracks from: Tom Jobim, Terry Callier, Wendy Rene, Alex Chilton, Julia Holter, Alabama Shakes, Robert Glasper Experiment and others.

Marion Merritt is the co-creator of the blog: a2-m3.com giving readers a wealth of information about: Music, Film, Art, Books, Television, and Technology. The site features links, downloads, and articles to keep us current with all the latest musical and film releases and arts news.

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #412

WMM Playlist from March 7, 2012

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

New & Local Releases + “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”
+ “Bucket of Blood”

1. Molly Picture Club – “Static”
from: Molly Picture Club / Independent / March 3, 2012
[KC based band featuring: Aniko Adany- vocals, synths, keys, omnichord, Matthew Hayden- drums, drum sequencing, and Michael Tipton- vocals, guitar, bass. Molly Picture Club’s CD Release Party, was last Saturday, at the recordBar Molly Picture Club will also be participating in 90.1 FM’s annual Band Auction. They’ll be on Wednesday MidDay Medley on April 18. Listeners get ready to bid!]

2. run little rabbit – “Sowing on the Mountain”
from: MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012 / Midwest Music Foundation / February, 2012
[KCK string band consisting of rachel pollock (oriole post), michaela meckel (oriole post), & leslie hammer (david burchfield & the great stop) who started playing old-time songs in 2010 for friends around the living room, and decided to take their show on the road. The trio plays The Writers Place w/ author Philip Stephens this Fri, Mar 9, at 8:00pm, later that night, they’ll play the recordBar w/ Whitehorse at 9pm. After SXSW they’ll play Davey’s Uptown, Mar. 24, at 9:00 PM w/ Tinhorn Molly, & Cletus Got Shot. run little rabbit is one of 26 area bands chosen to be part of MidCoast Takeover 2012 in Austin TX, Mar 16-17. A 31 song download of all local & national bands playing the 2012 MidCoast Takeover is available at: midcoasttakeover.com.]

3. Antennas Up – “Don’t Wait Up”
From: Antennas Up / Plastic Artifice / March 27, 2009
[Formed in Kansas City in 2008. The band performed at South By Southwest 2010, and has performed at over 30 Universities and toured w/ Girl Talk, Electric Six, Flogging Molly, Matt & Kim, Ha Ha Tonka, and Company Of Thieves. Kyle Akers – Lead Vocals/Bass; Bo McCall – Guitar/Vocals; The Ryantist – Drums/Vocals; Jonny Universe – Guitar/Keys/Vocals; Wayne ‘Bobby Topaz’ Hutcherson – Guitar/Vocals. The band has a New album coming April 24, 2012. The band is playingtonight in Brooklyn NY. Antennas Up are part of 26 area bands chosen to be part of MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012 in Austin Texas, March 16-17. ]

10:15

4. Vi Tran – “All The Time In The World”
from: goodbye, summer / Independent / 2010
[Vi Tran is a KC based Singer-Songwriter and Professional Actor. He played live on our show back on Wednesday February 24, 2010. “Goodbye Summer” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Giuliano Mingucci. Produced by Vi Tran and Giuliano Mingucci. Harmony vocals from Katie Gilchrist, percussion by Giuliano Mingucci, upright bass by William Brent Wright, and on Guitars Vi Tran and Sean Hogge. For more information visit: vitranmusic.com Vi Tran is part of 26 area bands chosen to be part of MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012 in Austin Texas, March 16-17. The MidCoast Takeover is a project of The Midwest Music Foundation, a not-for-profit organiation working for healthcare of all working musicians.]

5. We Are Voices – “This Isn’t Surface. This Isn’t Good”
from: What Makes Us So Alive? / Independent / May 12, 2009
[KC based 4-piece band features: Lucas Larson – Voice/Guitars/Piano; Eric Baldwin – Bass/Voice/Piano; Joshua Greenlee – Drums/Percussion; Carson Land – Guitars/Voice/Synth/Aux. We Are Voices is one of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW. We Are Voices are working to release a new album this year. Their single and video are available at wearevoices.com.]

6. Maps For Travelers – “Sell Me Out”
from: Regress Progress [EP]/ Independent / October 12, 2010
[Formed in the Spring of 2010, this Kansas City 4-piece includes: Zach Brotherton, RL Brooks, Kevin Medina, Derek White . In addition to their 5 song EP the band has also released 3 singles: “Static”, “Not Far Enough” and “So Kind” in late Jan 2011 with producer Michael Stout. The band also released a video for “Static” that Fuse Tv picked up for their On Demand Programming. Maps For Travelers is currently in pre -production on a full length record set for a winter 2012 release. Map For Travelers is one of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW in Austin TX, Mar 16-17.]

10:30 – Interview with Scott Cordes, Jan Chapman, Bill Christie and Alan Tilson

The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Company‘s production of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” begins public performances tonight, March 7, and runs through March 25. Adapted for the stage by Dale Wasserman from Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel. The play was first produced on Broadway in 1963. In 1975 Ken Kesey’s novel was adapted into an Academy Award winning film directed by Milos Forman. The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre’s production of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” features: Jan Chapman as Nurse Ratched, Scott Cordes as McMurphy, and is directed By Bill Christie. The MET is located at 3604 Main Street, in Kansas City, MO. For more info: metkc.org or 816-569-3226.

Scott Cordes, Bill Christie, Jan Chapman and Alan Tilson, from The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Scott Cordes plays McMurphy, one of those special roles of the theatre and film, originally played by Kirk Douglas in 1963, Jack Nicholson in the 1975 film version that was based on the novel (and not the play), and Gary Sinese of the Steppenwolf Theatre’s production, that ran on Broadway, and won a Tony for Best Play Revival. Scott has been able to play many many roles, but this character seems to bring him back to those roles he has become famous for playing, from the very beginning of his professional career. Scott told us how it feels bringing McMurphy to life on stage.

Jan Chapman, is a core company member of The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. Jan is playing Nurse Ratched, one of the most interesting characters of the theatre and film. This role seems like a tightrope walk for the actress.

Alan Tilson, is a core company member of The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. He is playing Dale Harding, President of the Patients Council. Alan told us about his role, and the rehearsal process for this production.

Bill Christie has been working in KC Theatre for over 25 years and an Actor, Stage Manager, Production Manager and Director. He spends most of his time at The American Heartland Theatre. After seeing “39 Steps” last year at The American Heartland, MET founder Karen Paisley asked Bill to come direct for the MET. Bill suggested they produce this show.

Scott Cordes talked about the large cast including: Tim Ahlenius, Ari Bavel, Donette Coleman, Kyle Dyck, Dan Hillaker, Donovan Kidd, Kristin Leathers, Matt Leonard, Tyler Miller, Priest Hughes, Chris Roady, Kenzie West, Samn Wright. (Scott Cordes, Jan Chapman and Alan Tilson).

Kenneth Elton “Ken” Kesey was born in Sept. 17, 1935 – and passed on November 10, 2001. He was best known for his 1962 novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” But for many of us it was Tom Wolfe’s “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test” published in 1968 that told the story of Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters driving across the country in a psychedelic painted school bus dubbed “Further”. Kesey considered himself a link between the Beat Generation of the 1950s and the hippies of the 1960s. “I was too young to be a beatnik, and too old to be a hippie.” While based in Kesey’s counter culture P.O.V. “Cuckoo’s Nest” seems to have a universal appeal in regard to how our society deals with the extraordinary, non-conformist. Jan Chapman talked about how this play remains relevant in 2012, 50 years after it was first published.

The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Company along with The Living Room Theatre, are two of the newest theatre companies to emerge in the last few years. There seems to be a growth of many new theatre companies in Kansas City. Bill Christie talked about what these new companies mean for actors and theatre craftspeople, and also for audiences.

Jan and Scott and Alan have worked together in previous show at The MET and at other theatre, they talked bout what it means to be a core member of the MET Company.

The MET seems to be focused on bringing to life classic theatre. The company is not afraid of large casts and challenging musicals. Alan Tilson discussed what the MET brings to the theatre scene.

We didn’t have time to talk with Scott about his “Directing” credits which are as impressive as his “Acting” credits.

The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre’s production of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” runs March 7 through March 25.

For more info: metkc.org or 816-569-3226.

10:44 – Underwriting

10:45

7. White Girl – “A Cautionary Tale”
from: White Girl / Independent / August 8, 2011
[Kansas City based Indie, Electronic, New wave trio. White Girl is the brain-child of Martin Bush, joined by Marc Pepperman of the Republic Tigers), Nick Organ who has played with Beautiful Bodies, and Various Blonde, and Matt Epstein. One of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW.]

8. The Dead Girls – “She Laughed a Little”
from: 7” Single on Vinyl and Download / Independent / 2011
[Lawrence KS based 4-piece band. The Dead Girls (formerly Dead Girls Ruin Everything) was formed from the ashes of Ultimate Fakebook and Podstar. Guitarists/singers JoJo Longbottom and Cameron Hawk, of Podstar, combine their dual-guitar and vocal harmonies with drummer Eric Melin and bassist Nick Colby, of Ultimate Fakebook. The Dead Girls play the recordBar Monday, March 12. One of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW.]

9. The Cave Girls – “Happy Home”
from: The Cave Girls / Cave Out Records / February 4, 2012
[Robin Campbell, Sara Teasley, and Stephanie Williams are The Cave Girls. Their debut Release was Produced by Pat Tomek at Largely Studios in Kansas City. The Cave Girls will have a CD Release show this Saturday night, February 4, at 9:30 at The Brick with special guests The I’ms and Thee Devotion.]

10. The Clementines – “Below”
from: The Beginning / Independent / 2011
[Tim Jenkins & Nicole Springer are The Clementines, who will play the recordBar March 16 with We Live In Public. The Clementines will also be our guest on WMM on April 25.]

11:00

11. Tommy Donoho – “No Accord”
from: The Weekender / Independent / March 3, 2012
[Tommy Donoho and Justin Penney are two of the members of Dollar Fox. They recently played as an acoustic duo in Fayetteville, Arkansas and, as Tommy wrote to us, “for kicks,” they decided to record a stripped down, acoustic version of the two newest Dollar Fox songs: “No accord” and “I Don’t Remember Names.” You can learn more about the new recordings at dollarfox.bandcamp.com. Dollar Fox has been busy writing and are headed into the studio in early spring to record their next release. Dollar Fos plays the recordBar this Saturday, March 10. Dollar Fox, The Latenight Callers and Hillary Watts Riot will headline the SXSW Trafficway Festival, Friday, March 16, at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Road. Dollar Fox will also be participating in 90.1 FM’s Annual Band Auction. They’ll with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on April 18, listeners get ready to bid on this amazing band!]

12. The Grisly Hand – “Cherry Mash Waltz”
from: Safe House [EP] / Independent / November 2, 2010
[The Grisly Hand new EP Western Avenue was released February 1, 2012. The band is working on another EP, and they’ll be releasing a full-length around this time next year. The Grisly Hand open for Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express at Davey’s Uptown on Tuesday, March 20.]

13. Two Headed Cow – “Tilt A-Whirl”
from: Safe As Milk / Affiliated Records / 2008
[Bj McArthur, Tod Davis, and Matt MyersTwo Headed Cow band members: Tod Davis and Bj McArthur moved to Kansas City from Pensacola Florida. Once in KC they changed their band’s name to: Two Headed Cow, for a more regional appeal. Two Headed Cow will be participating in 90.1 FM’s Annual Band Auction. They’ll with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on April 18, listeners get ready to bid on this amazing band! You could get a two-hour gig by Two Headed Cow. Their Band website: myspace.com/twoheadedcowmusic]

11:15 – Interview with Cody Wyoming, Mitch Brian, Bryan Moses, & Forrest Attaway.

Kansas City based musician, actor, director Cody Wyoming has made a name for himself as a central force behind live musical reinterpretations of musical masterpieces like: Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and The Rolling Stones “Exile on Main Street” Cody has also become part of the theatre scene working in David Wayne Reed’s “Mother Trucker 2″ and The Oil Boiler” produced at The Living Room Theatre. Cody has reassembled many of his friends from “The Oil Boiler” along with playwright Mitch Brian to create The Living Room Theatre‘s newest production, “Bucket of Blood” a new play directed by Cody Wyoming, and adapted by Mitch Brian from the Roger Corman 1959 film.

“Bucket of Blood” opens March 22 and runs through April 1, at The Living Room, 1818 McGee, in Kansas City, MO. For more info: thelivingroomkc.com

Cody Wyoming, Mitch Brian, Bryan Moses, & Forrest Attaway joined us to talk about “Bucket of Blood.”

Cody talked about his love of the film and how he shared the movie with his girlfriend, actress Kimberely Queen, who urged him to produce a theatrical event based on the film.

Mitch Brian has written screenplays and teleplays for major Hollywood studios, television networks and independent producers. He co-created and wrote episodes for Batman: The Animated Series and co-wrote the NBC miniseries The ’70s. He has written screenplays for directors Chris Columbus, Oliver Stone and Robert Schwentke. He teaches screenwriting and film studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

The Coterie Theatre’s “Maul of the Dead” was Mitch Brian’s first play. Followed by “Sorority House of the Dead.” Cody had worked with Mitch and asked him to get involved in creating a script from the Roger Corman film.

Mitch talked about the challenges in bringing “Bucket of Blood” to life on stage.

The play features Matt Weiss, Kimberely Queen, Forrest Attaway, Damian Blake, Meredith Wolfe, Kelly Main, Brian Stubler, Emma Taylor, Matt Anderson, Coleman Crenshaw, and Bryan Moses.

Providing the music for the show: Johnny Hamil, Jeff Freling, Kent Burnham, Christian Hankel, and Katie Gilchrist.

Bryan Moses has worked at The Living Room Theatre as an Actor, Director, playwright and producer.

Bryan gave us the big news that The Kansas City Rep would be re-mounting The Living Room Theatre’s production of “Carousel” for their 2012-2013 Season on the Helen F. Spencer stage.

“Bucket of Blood” opens March 22 and runs through April 1, at The Living Room, 1818 McGee, in Kansas City, MO. More info at thelivingroomtheatre.com

11:37 – Underwriting

14. Ghosty – “Earthly Scheme”
from: Ghosty / More Famouser Records / April 17, 2012
[To be released on Vinyl+Digital and Digital formats. Ghosty’s current lineup is: Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte, and Bill Belzer. They recorded their new release over the last couple of years with help from David Wetzel, Josh Adams, Jake Blanton, Konnor Ervin, Ryan Connor, Kirsten Paludan, and Dan Talmadge. More info at: ghostysounds.com ]

15. Minden – “Gold Standard”
from: Gold Standard [EP] / Overland Shark Records / November 28, 2011
[Minden is a pop group from KC consisting of: Casey Burge (vocals, guitar), Dan Talmadge (keyboard, vocals), James Taylor (guitar), Evan “Ethan” Houston (bass), Ryan Johnson (drums). They have released a 7″ single, a split 7″ with Soft Reeds, and a new digital EP Mixed and mastered by Joel Nanos at Element Studio, and released on Overland Shark Records. You can see their Video for “Gold Standard” at: mindenband.com. Minden plays the recordBar Saturday Night, March 10.]

11:43

16. Mary Fortune – “Where I Came From”
from: Mary Fortune / Independent / May 6 2011
[Jori Sackin- guitar, vocals, Laura Frank- vocals, singing saw, accordion; Billy Belzer- percussion; Andrew Connor- bass guitar, vocals; Liz Connor- violin. Mary Fortune plays The Brick this Friday night, March 9.]

17. Anais Mitchell – “Coming Down”
from: Young Man in America / Wilderland Records / February 28, 2012
[The critically acclaimed 5th full-length studio album by US singer-songwriter and follow up to her 2010 release Hadestown.]

18. Cate Le Bon – “Puts Me To Work”
from: Cyrk / The Control Group / January 17, 2012
[2nd full-length studio album by Cate Le Bon who resides in Cardiff Wales’s French quarter and who only writes in the dark.]

11:59:30

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

Sources for Notes: Artist’s websites noted above and wikipedia.org

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

Show #411

March 7 – Local & New Releases + “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” + “Bucket of Blood”

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

New & Local Releases + “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”
+ “Bucket of Blood”

Mark plays more Local & New Releases from 16 area bands, including 7 bands that will be representing KC at the SXSW Music festival in Austin, Texas, for The MidCoast Takeover 2012. We’ll hear music from: Ghosty, The Grisly Hand, Molly Picture Club, Tommy Donoho of Dollar Fox, Mary Fortune, Vi Tran, run little rabbit, Maps for Travelers, Antennas Up, We Are Voices, White Girl, Dead Girls, The Cave Girls, Minden, The Clementines, Two Headed Cow, plus we’ll also hear new music from: Anais Mitchell and Cate Le Bon.

At 10:30 Mark talks with company members of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Company‘s production of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” Dale Wasserman’s stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel that was first produced on Broadway in 1963, and later made into an Academy Award winning film directed by Milos Forman. The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre’s production of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” runs March 7 through March 25, and features: Jan Chapman as Nurse Ratched, Scott Cordes as McMurphy and is directed By Bill Christie. The MET is located at 3604 Main Street, in Kansas City, MO. For more info: metkc.org or 816-569-3226

At 11:15 Mark Welcomes musician, actor, director Cody Wyoming with members of the creative team behind The Living Room Theatre‘s upcoming production of “Bucket of Blood” a new play directed by Cody Wyoming, and adapted by Mitch Brian from the Roger Corman 1959 film. The play features Kimberely Queen, Forrest Attaway, Damian Blake, Meredith Wolfe, Kelly Main, Brian Stubler, Emma Taylor, Matt Anderson, Coleman Crenshaw, and Bryan Moses. Providing the music will be Johnny Hamil, Jeff Freling, Kent Burnham, Christian Hankel, and Katie Gilchrist. “Bucket of Blood” opens March 22 and runs through April 1, at The Living Room, 1818 McGee, in Kansas City, MO. For more info: thelivingroomkc. To donate to the Kickstarter campaign to produce this play visit: kickstarter.com/projects/571375442/a-bucket-of-blood?ref=live

Tune in on 90.1 FM KKFI
or streaming live at kkfi.org

Show #411

WMM Playlist from February 29, 2012

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

New & Local Releases + Beautiful Bodies
+ Sneaky Creeps

1. Field Music – “Start The Day Right”
From: Plumb / Memphis Industries / Feb. 13, 2012
[4th full-length studio album from Sunderland, England band, recorded in their newly-built studio. The band’s core consists of brothers David & Peter Brewis, who played drums for fellow Sunderland band The Futureheads. Plumb was released on plum-colored vinyl. David Brewis told DIY magazine, “I love the fact that the English language has so many homophones. I think it’s one of those unique things about the language which really informs the English sense of humor. It tickles me that we can colour all of the album text and the vinyl plum.” The album’s cover art is a collage assembled by Peter Brewis and based on the painting “Standard Station” by American pop artist Ed Ruscha, a print of which hung in Peter’s bathroom.]

The next 7 tracks represent area band participating in MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012. The next 14 tracks are all from area bands!

2. The Future Kings – “First Impressions”
from: We Are / Nation of Love Records / February 2, 2011 [Indie rock from Olathe, KS. The Future Kings include: lead vocalist and keyboardist – Jules Starr; and her drummer brother – Brett Pippin; bassist/multi-instrumentalist Matt Epstein; and guitarist Trey Durkin. The Future Kings are part of 26 area bands chosen to be part of MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012 in Austin Texas, March 16-17. The MidCoast Takeover is a project of The Midwest Music Foundation, a not-for-profit organization working for healthcare of all working musicians. MidcoastTakeover.com gives you all the information you need plus a 30 song download representing all of the local and national bands appearing on stage at the 2012 MidCoast Takeover.]

3. Appropriate Grammar – “Six Foot Dreams”
from: Single release / Independent / 2010 [Appropriate Grammar includes: Nick McKenna – Guitar/Vocals, Alex Dunsford – Lead Guitar, Claire Adams – Bass/Vocals, and Steve Gardels – Drums. Their new release, “Lies and Stories” is coming this Spring. The Future Kings are part of 26 area bands chosen to be part of MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012 in Austin Texas, March 16-17. ]

10:14

4. She’s A Keeper – “Guidance”
from: She’s A Keeper / Independent / 2011
[5-piece band from Kansas City, includes: Fritz Hutchison – vocals, banjo, percussion; Zac Jurden – vocals, guitar; Colin Nelson – vocals, guitar; Elliott Phillips – bass, mandolin; Kate Sopcich – cello, keyboard. She’s A Keeper has just recently recorded their first music video in promotion of a live EP recorded at Midwestern Musical Co. in KC. The band is currently working on a second full-length album that will be available in the summer of 2012. She’s A Keeper are part of 26 area bands chosen to be part of MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012 in Austin Texas, March 16-17. More info at: midcoasttakeover.com]

5. Quiet Corral – “One, Two, Three, Oh”
from: Quiet Corral / Independent / December 21, 2010
[6-piece band from Lawrence, Kansas, includes: lead singer Jesse Braswell Roberts, with Jim Barnes, Garrett Childers, Isaac Flynn, Matt Green, and Zach Mehla. The band mixes folk and pop elements with four-part harmonies, and electric guitars mixed with acoustic instruments. Quiet Corral is in concert tonight, Feb 29th @ Chaser’s in Scottsdale, AZ. They’ll be back in KC to be in concert with: The Blackbird Review, and Sara Swenson & the Pearl Snaps, at Czar, this Friday March 2, in a special benefit for The MidCoast Takeover SXSW 2012. Quiet Corral is one of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW.]

6. The Atlantic – “How To Start A War”
from: How To Start A War [EP] / Independent / June 1, 2010
[indie four piece from Kansas City includes: Patrick Robinson (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Brandon Gardner (Lead Guitar/vocals), Eric Augustus Fain (Bass), and M. Blaire Geenens (Drums). One of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW.]

7. Beautiful Bodies – “She’s A Blast”
from: Single / Shipshape Records / 2012
[Indie/rock band from Kansas City that mixes elements of punk, dance, new wave, and rock. Fronted by the magnetic – and at times, mischievous – Alicia Solombrino on VOCALS; Thomas Becker on GUITAR & BACKUP VOX; Luis Arana on BASS; Aaron Crawford on DRUMS. The band has received comparisons to Blondie, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Runaways and Metric. One of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW. More info at thebeautifulbodies.com]

10:30

8. The Blackbird Review – “Mother’s Radio”
from: The Whaler & Other Stories / Independent / November 13, 2010
[KC based 6-piece band includes: the husband & wife team of: Danielle Prestidge & Jacob Prestidge, with: Jeff Larison, Brain Griffith, Ryan Riggs & Jake Myszka. They’ve shared the stage w/ Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Over the Rhine, & Vedera. One of 26 bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW in Austin. The Blackbird Review will be in concert w/: Sara Swenson & the Pearl Snaps, and Quiet Corral, at Czar, Fri Mar 2, in a benefit for MidCoast Takeover. More info at: midcoasttakeover.com]

9. Sara Swenson – “Lights Brighter”
from: All Things Big and Small / Independent / 2010
[KC based singer songwriter Sara Swenson, is a full time high school teacher at Platte County High School in Platte City, in her 9th year of teaching. This is the follow-up to her 2009 critically acclaimed selt titled debut. She also released a new EP in late 2011. Sara Swenson & the Pearl Snaps will be in concert w/ Quiet Corral, & The Blackbird Revue, at Czar, Fri Mar 2, in a benefit for MidCoast Takeover. More info at midcoasttakeover.com. Sara Swenson also plays the recordBar, Mon, Mar. 5 at 10:00 PM with Katie Herzig.]

10. David Burchfield – “Arkansas”
from: The Beginning / Independent / 2011
[Produced, engineered, mixed & master by Mike Crawford at the Impossible Box in KC, w/ David Burchfield on vocals & guitar; Leslie Hammer on banjo, fiddle & viola; Seth Jenkins on upright bass, Jeff Larison on pedal steel & dobro; Andy Michael on piano & accordian; and Devon Russell on vocals, choir. David Burchfield will be in concert this Fri, Mar 2 7:00 pm, First Friday at the Beggar’s Table, 2009 Baltimore Ave., KCMO. & Sat, Mar 24 8:30 pm w/ Sara Swenson, at R Bar 1617 Genessee, KCMO in the West Bottoms.]

10:45 – Interview with Alicia Solombrino of Beautiful Bodies

Beautiful Bodies have been compared to Blondie, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the Runaways. Fronted by the playful and charismatic Alicia Solombrino on Lead Vocals; with Thomas Becker on Guitar & Back-up Vocals; Luis Arana on Bass; Aaron Crawford on Drums, Beautiful Bodies have been playing live since 2005 and have shared the stage with Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, My Chemical Romance, Cake.

Beautiful Bodies play Beaumont Club, March 12, at 7:00 PM in an all ages show, with Company of Thieves.

The band takes its name from one of Solombrino’s favorite books, the Beautiful Bodies by Laura Cunningham.

Alicia Solombrino was born and raised here in Kansas City and she explained the moment when she knew that she wanted to be a musician. It was when she was in kindergarten. “I saw Madonna on the (1990) MTV (Video Music) Awards performing Vogue,” she said.

Along with being Lead singer, Alicia is also known as a videographer, director, photographer, promotions manager, and web designer, she has been able to put her talents to use in many different ways and with many different venues. Alicia has created videos with many bands including The Republic Tigers and Alacartoona.

Guitarist Thomas Becker, is a Harvard Law graduate. (in Miami, representing victims of a Bolivian massacre in a civil lawsuit against the country’s former president.)

Beautiful Bodies have been playing and touring since 2005, sharing the stage with bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, My Chemical Romance, Cake. Har Mar Superstar, Shny Toy Guns, and others.

Beautiful Bodies released the single “You’re A Risk” Oct. 12, 2010?

Over the past few years the band has been writing new songs and now have the opportunity to record these songs with multi-platinum selling producer John Feldmann who has worked with The Used, Panic at the Disco, Good Charlotte, Neon Trees and Hilary Duff. How did you all meet up with John Feldman?

The band will be traveling to Los Angeles and recording for about a month. And have started a Kickstarter grant to help complete the recording of their new record. This past Saturday, February 25, Beautiful Bodies were in concert for their Album Kickstarter Party at the Riot Room, with Mute the Idol, Bears & Company, Last Nights Vice. Tell us about your Kickstarter. You can learn more at thebeautifulbodies.com.

Beautiful Bodies are one of 26 area bands chosen to represent KC at the MidCoast Takeover at SXSW. This is their third year participating in the MidCoast takeover in Austin.

11:00

11. Molly Picture Club – “Idears (You Don’t Dance Enough)”
from: Molly Picture Club / Independent / March 3, 2012
[KC based band featuring: Aniko Adany- vocals, synths, keys, omnichord, Matthew Hayden- drums, drum sequencing, and Michael Tipton- vocals, guitar, bass. Mike Tipton recently passed on to us brand new tracks from M.P.C.’s new recordings to be released March 3, at 10:00 PM, at the recordBar. The album was mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab here in KC. Molly Picture Club will be in concert for a special CD Release Party, Saturday, March 3, at 10:00 PM at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Road. Molly Picture Club will also be participating in 90-.1 FM KKFI’s annual Band Auction. They’ll be on Wednesday MidDay Medley on March 14, listeners get your bidding ready!]

12. In Back of a Black Car – “Spare Me Love”
from: Single / Silver Tongue Records / August 2011
[Made up of former members of: Lovers in Transit, Five Star Crush, and Monta At Odds. This KC based, 4-piece includes: Matt Pluff on Drums, Backing Vocals and iPod; Zachary Bozich on Keyboards, Backing Vocals, and Hand Claps; Mychael Scott Reed on Bass, Programming, Keyboards, Theremin, and Backing Vocals; and Joel Hines on Lead Vocals, Guitar, and Bass.]

11:09

13. Sneaky Creeps – “It Must Be Chemical”
from: World Cup / Independent / Nov. 2010 [Max Crutcher, Andy Davis, Andy Erdrich all met while going to KCAI. Andy Erdrich, who is also a co-founder of BREAD!]

11:13 – Interview with Max Crutcher & Andrew Erdrich

Sneaky Creeps were originally formed by Artists: Max Crutcher, Andy Davis, Andy Erdrich who all met while going to KCAI. Andy Davis moved away, making the Sneaky Creeps a duo of Max Crutcher on Drums and Yell/Talk, and Andrew Erdrich on Guitar and Yell/Talk.

Max Crutcher moved to KC from Tulsa, Oklamoma.

Andrew Erdrich you and Sean Starowitz, both recent graduates of The Kansas City Art Institute, founded: BREAD! KC, an art project conceived in 2010 that creates funding for local artists by hosting a dinner, where for a $10 donation, diners are served a bowl of fresh soup, fresh baked bread, and a ballot. Three different creative projects are presented, and diners vote for one to receive the money collected from the evening. In under a year, BREAD! KC has awarded many thousands in micro-grants to area writers, gardeners, bands and artists.

Andrew Erdrich, besides playing with Sneaky Creeps, organizing and conducting Bread KC events each month, also works as the pressman at Vahalla Studios.

Andrew Erdrich is part of the Urban Culture Project.

Max Crutcher has a blog: yourniverse.blogspot.com

“The Thin Man Wigs Out” was Recorded by Ashley at Infoaming Vortex

11:24

14. Sneaky Creeps – “Flat”
from: The Thin Man Wigs Out / Independent / Jan. 8, 2012
[The 2nd EP from band formed by, Max Crutcher, Andy Davis, Andy Erdrich who all met while going to KCAI. Andy Davis moved away, making the Sneaky Creeps a duo of Max Crutcher on Drums and Yell/Talk, and Andrew Erdrich on Guitar and Yell/Talk. Recorded by Ashley at Infoaming Vortex All material written by Sneaky Creeps, Andy Erdrich, who is also a co-founder of BREAD! Was happy to report that we were the very first to download their new, release, “The Thin Man Wigs Out,” through bandcamp.]

11:26

Max Crutcher and Andrew Erdrich have both been involved in may local art projects and shows at: Spray Booth Gallery, 130 W 18th Wyandotte St. (Volker Bicycles) SprayBoothGallery.com, and City Arts Projects, 2015 Campbell St.

Spray Booth Gallery is largely curated by Andrew Lyles, a classmate of theirs from KCAI.

To check out Max Cruthcher & Andrew Erdrich’s new EP, “The Thin Man Wigs Out” visit: sneakycreeps.bandcamp.com.

For more info about Bread KC! – breadkc.wordpress.com

11:38

We are gave away 2 CDs of: Soft Reeds, “Soft Reeds Are Bastards,” from The Record Machine.

15. Soft Reeds – “Thick of Thin Things”
from: Soft Reeds Are Bastards / The Record Machine / 2010
[newest project from former Golden Republic frontman Ben Grimes. For more info: therecordmachine.net ]

16. Unicycle Loves You – “Wow Wave Cinema”
from: Failure / Mecca Lecca/Highwheel / 2012
[One of the bands coming in to play The Middle of The Map Festival in April. 3rd full length from Chicago based indie rock trio featuring: Jim Carroll on vocals/guitar/keys; Nicole Vitale on vocals/bass; and J.T. Baker/John Rungger on drums.]

11:45

17. Sharon van Etten – “Serpents”
from: Tramp / Jagjaguar Records / February 6, 2012
[3rd studio album, produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, and recorded in his studio over the period of several months. Sharon van Etten was born & raised in New Jersey. She moved to Tennessee to attend Middle Tennessee State University, where she discovered a variety of influential music. After moving back to New Jersey, Van Etten was encouraged by Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio to pursue a career in music.]

18. Frankie Rose – “Interstellar”
from: Interstellar / Slumberland Records / February 7, 2012
[2nd full-length album from Brooklyn vocalist, songwriter and musician She was formerly an original member of acclaimed garage rock acts Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, and the Vivian Girls.]

17. Fun. – “All The Pretty Girls”
from: Aim and Ignite / Nettwerk Records / Sept. 28, 2010 [One of the bands coming to play The Middle of The Map Festival in April. This is from the debut full length. You may’ve heard this song on Glee.]

11:59:30

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

Sources for Notes: Artist’s websites noted above and wikipedia.org

Show #410

Wednesday MidDay Medley

Wednesdays, 10 – Noon, on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

Category Archives: Pasy Playlists

April 4 – Music from The Middle

WMM Playlist from March 28, 2012

March 28 – WMM presents: Bobby Asher, Elsa Rae, and The New Century Follies!

WMM Playlist from March 21, 2012

March 21 – John Velghe LIVE!

WMM Playlist from March 14, 2012

March 14 – Marion Merritt’s Musical Discoveries!

WMM Playlist from March 7, 2012

March 7 – Local & New Releases + “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” + “Bucket of Blood”

WMM Playlist from February 29, 2012