September 5 – Kelly Barth + Bill Sundahl & The 8th Annual Crossroads Music Fest!

Posted on September 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, September 5, 2012

Kelly Barth + Bill Sundahl
& The 8th Annual Crossroads Music Fest!

Mark plays New & Local Releases from: The xx, She’s A Keeper, The Hillary Watts Riot, The Good Foot, Dead Voices, The Atlantic, Kasey Rausch, Appropriate Grammar, John Velghe and The Prodigal Sons, The Hearts of Darkness, Thom Hoskins, David Burchfield, Dim Peepers, El Ten Eleven, Deerhoof, Matthew Dear, Tame Impala, Johnny Cash, and more.

At 10:30 Mark talks with Lawrence, Kansas based writer, Kelly Barth about her funny and heartbreaking new memoir, “My Almost Certainly Real Imaginary Jesus,” from Arktoi Books, an imprint of Red Hen Press. Kelly was a fiction fellow in the University of Montana’s creative writing program and has received fellowships from the Missouri Arts Council and the Kansas Arts Commission. Her work has been published most recently by Coal City Review and Muse & Stone. My Almost Certainly Real Imaginary Jesus is her first book.

At 11:00, Bill Sundahl talks with us about the 8th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 8, featuring 20 Bands on 4 stages:

Crossroads KC at Grinders, 18th & Locust, with: Hearts of Darkness, Makuza, and My Brothers & Sisters (7:00-1:00).

Czar, 1531 Grand, with: Cherokee Rock Rifle, The Atlantic, John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons, and Mikal Shapiro, Kasey Rausch, & Shane Ogren (7:00-3:00).

The Brick, 1727 McGee, with: Starhaven Rounders, Dead Voices, Victor & Penny, and Rural Grit All-Stars (7:00-3:00).

Midwestern Musical Co, 19th & Locust, with: Appropriate Grammar, Dim Peepers, The Hillary Watts Riot, and Thom Hoskins (7:00-1:00).

In addition, there will be a Friday night “Pre-Party,” Friday, September 7, at Crossroads KC at Grinders, featuring: The Good Foot, The Grisly Hand, and a reunion of The Supernauts.

CMFKC is partnering with Midwest Musicians Foundation to raise funds for the musicians health care fund. MMF is organizing volunteers to staff the festival and share info on MMF’s mission. For info: MidwestMusicFound.org. The Festival also presents: LEGAL BOOTCAMP FOR MUSICIANS, curated by Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts, Saturday, September 8, 12:00pm – 5:00pm, at Czar. For Festival info: CMRKC.com, facebook.com/cmfkc, twitter.com/cmfkc

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

Show #437

WMM Playlist from: August 29, 2012

Posted on August 30, 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, August 29, 2012

Guest DJ – Mark Titus Returns! + Clover Noir Live!

1. Don Richard & Cast of The Rocky Horror Show – “Time Warp”
from: Live At The Unicorn / Mark Titus Field Recordings / June, 1990

In our first hour, Mark Titus returned to Wednesday MidDay Medley for part two of his Guest DJ Special! Last May, Mark joined us to share music from the Pembroke Hill Glee Club from 1968, music from DMZ, the Boston based punk band, and music from the KC Chorale in Kirkwood Hall. Mark Titus joined us to share stories for his journeys, and musical performances from the past 25 years.

Mark Titus has been involved in the video industry for more than 20 years. What started as videotaping family events led to the creation of Titus Video in 1985. Gradually Mark has expanded his focus to include performance art archiving, training videos, coach and highlight DVDs for high school, college, and professional sports. For more information you can visit: marktitus.com.

2. Karen Errington – “Gorgeous”
from: Live at Bar Natasha / Mark Titus Field Recordings / May 3, 2008

Sandra K. Davies and Karen Errington

3. Stephanie Roberts with Vi Tran & The Cast of BOOM! – “Like A Prayer”
from: Live At The Polsky Theatre – Charlotte Street Generative Performing Fellowship Awards / Mark Titus Field Recordings / Oct. 2010

10:30 – Underwriting

10:31

4. Gamelan Genta Kasturi with Dwight Frizzell – “Angels and Demons at Play”
from: Live At La Esquina “Angels & Demons at Play” / Mark Titus Field Recordings / Feb. 25, 2011

5. Erin Bates Preston & Band – Music from “Titus Andronicus”
from: Live At The Living Room Theatre / Mark Titus Field Recordings / June 2012

6. Iris DeMent & Greg Brown – “Honky Tonkin’”
from: Live At The Folly Theatre – Benefit for Inner City Services / Mark Titus Field Recordings / 11-11-11

7. Karen Errington – “Two and Four” & “Hit Me With a Hot Note and Watch Me Bounce”
from: Live at Bar Natasha / Mark Titus Field Recordings / May 3, 2008

11:00

8. The Clementines – “Bayou”
from: The Clementines / Independent / August, 2012
[Single from upcoming full-length release]
[We first met The Clementines as a duo Tim Jenkins & Nicole Springer when they played LIVE on our April 25 show. Since then they’ve added Stephanie Williams on Drums, and Travis Earndshaw on Bass. Nicole Springer grew up in Oak Grove, MO, and graduated H.S. in 2004. She studied Music-Vocal/Choral at Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO, and studied Special Education with Music at Metropolitan MO CC, in KCMO. Nicole told The Pitch (Jan. 10, 2012 article): “I grew up singing in gospel choirs,” she says. “And I still love gospel music, though I’m not religious or anything. I did musicals throughout high school, and I went to school for a year at Missouri State for music education. But I’ve never been in a committed band before this one.” Nicole told David Hudnall of The Pitch: that her vision for the Clementines was initially inspired by the Irish folk duo the Swell Season. “I had just seen them in concert before I put up that ad,” Springer says. “They’re just so passionate, and I wanted to do something that had that much soul in it. It’s the same reason I like Aretha or the Gossip.” Tim Jenkins grew up in KC. Studied at UMKC. He has been playing music for over 10 years. He is a fan of “geek rock, like ’70s prog stuff.” “I usually bring in a song,” Springer says, “and Tim will tweak it and add solos and sometimes a riff — he helps complete it.” More info at: reverbnation.com/theclementinesnicoleandtim]

[The Clementines play The Riot Room at 4048 Broadway, KCMO, TONIGHT, with One Headlight High, The Strive, Le Grand, and Calling Home.]

9. Making Movies – “Twenty Years”
from: Aguardiente [EP] / The Record Machine / June 2012
[The Record Machine pressed a limited number of 7-inch vinyl, 4 song EP. The digital release was June 5. More info at: makingmoviesband.com. Today is the birthday of Juan Carlos ]

[Making Movies play in concert at The Royals Local Music Showcase by Ink Magazine Today at 6:00pm at Kauffman Stadium before The Royals take on the Detroit Tigers. Game starts at 7:10pm.]

10. TEEN – “Come Back”
from: In Limbo / Carpark Records / August 28, 2012
[from Aaron Johnson’s review on joonbug.com: Former keyboardist for Brooklyn based Here We Go Magic, Teeny Lieberson teams up with two of her sisters and two of her favorite gal pals to create TEEN. An array of floaty textures and chanty vocal harmonies combine with a set of elctronic inspired tribal percussion, to create a synth driven psychadelic soudscape written with pop sensability. Their debut LP ‘In Limbo’ (set for release Aug 28 on Carpark Records) was mixed/produced by Sonic Boom (Spacemen 3), and recorded in Teeny’s childhood friend/former bandmate Maia Ibar’s family barn in rural Connecticut.]

11:15

11. Clover Noir – “Scent”
from: Single Use Muse / Independent / September 2012
[from their upcoming full length release.]

11:19 – Interview with Clover Noir

The KC acoustic indie rock trio, Clover Noir are the second band we’ve presented this year that was formed with the help of Craigslist. Ben who writes the bands songs decided to post an ad for collaborating musicians on Craiglist where he met Shylette who brought her improvisational violin playing to compliment Ben’s tunes. With Ben’s encouragement, Shylette brought in a Natasha and the trio was formed. Clover Noir join us to play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Fresh from their KC Fringe Theatre performances the band is currently getting ready to release their debut full length recording. Clover Noir includes: Ben Rekittke on guitar and lead vocal; Shylette Carson on violin and backup vocals; and Natasha Derakhshanian on violin and backup vocals.

11:24

12. Clover Noir – “Push” (LIVE)
also available on: Single Use Muse / Independent / September 2012
[from their upcoming full length release.]

11:27

Ben had a whole different musical life before Clover Noir, he was signed with Island Records, working with a band.

Clover Noir recently participated in The KC Fringe Festival doing seven shows, in a rotating schedule, in the same venue, all in 10 days.

11:32

13. Clover Noir – “Sly The Nimble Mind” (LIVE)
also available on: Single Use Muse / Independent / September 2012
[from their upcoming full length release.]

11:36

Natasha is also are involved with the Kansas City Kansas Community Orchestra a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization where this year, she was elected President of their Board of Directors. Natasha discussed the orchestra and the new scholarship/mentoring program she has created that will give instruments to students who actively participate in the orchestra. More information at: kckorchestra.org

Clover Noir plays Czar Bar, September 12 at 7:00 PM

Clover Noir also plays The News Room, September 22, at 9:00 PM

Clover Noir is making plans for their debut recording CD Release show. For more information at: reverbnation.com/clovernoir

11:42 – Underwriting

11:43

14. Prince Rama (Rage Peace)– “So Destroyed”
from: Top Ten Hits Of The End of The World / Paw Tracks / November 6, 2012
[5th release from the Brooklyn-based group as they channel the ghosts of ten different pop bands that died during the apocalypse. Produced by Tim Koh in Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti’s studio, mixed by Scott Colburn (Animal Collective, Sun City Girls, Arcade Fire), etc. That’s the album cover above, with Prince Rama all dressed up like Motel Memory, one of the highly popular bands we lost during the apocalypse.]

15. Nick Bartlett – “Cursed”
from: from Nick’s demo recordings / Independent / 2012
[Grand Island, Nebraska, singer/songwriter, first started playing guitar at 13. He is a self-taught musician who was influenced by bands like Skid Row, Ratt, Guns N’ Roses, and guitarist Steve Vai. Working like a lone wolf in Nebraska, Nick doesn’t play in a band, and in the recording process he creates all of the sounds by himself.]

11:51

(L-R) Singer/Songwriter – Elaine McMilian, Writer – Mel Neet, and Writer – Tom Ryan at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, in June of 2012.

On Monday, August 27, we lost a good friend, and writer, Tom Ryan, who reached out to so many of us through his kind and thoughtful words, and keen observations. Tom was one of those special people who took the time to connect with so many and offer collaboration and guidance. A veteran of the US Military, Tom lived all over the United States and all over the world, including: Australia, Japan, Nigeria, Ireland.

In Kansas City Tom was the creator o Words For Art, where he wrote about artists and art. Tom also wrote two other blogs, he was working on a play, he was a poet, essayist, he wrote screenplays, columns, and stories. Tom was full of ideas and through the last three years, he identified with so many with his amazing brain and sensitive demeanor.

We closed the show with a new song that musician Jason Beers was saving for his new banjo CD. Jason wrote that it was, “Kind of a dream to have Tom Ryan and Betse Ellis record with me.”

We also played a track from Elaine McMilian’s 2011 release, “The Messenger” which includes a song she co-wrote with Tom Ryan called “Lullaby (For Girls).”

Tom always took the time to connect, and we feel his absence, and we will give extra love and attention to our dear friend Elaine McMilian, who we hold in our hearts at this difficult time. Love and peace to you all.

11:55

16. Jason Beers with Tom Ryan and Betse Ellis – “Heuristics”
from: Jason Beer’s Recordings / Independent / 2012

17. Elaine McMilian – “Lullaby (For Girls)”
from: The Messenger / Independent / July 22, 2011

11:59:30

18. 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

Show #436

Aug. 29 – Mark Titus Returns! + Clover Noir LIVE!

Posted on August 26, 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, August 29, 2012

Guest DJ – Mark Titus Returns! + Clover Noir Live!

Mark plays New & Local Releases from: The Clementines, Making Movies, Nick Bartlett, TEEN, Tame Impala, and Prince Rama.

In our first hour, at 10:00, we welcome Mark Titus back to Wednesday MidDay Medley! Mark returns for part two of his Guest DJ Special! Last May, Mark joined us to share music from the Pembroke Hill Glee Club from 1968, where he was a student from 1955 to 1967, music from DMZ, the Boston based punk band that Mark was associated with with for 3 years in the mid 1970s, and music from the KC Chorale in Kirkwood Hall. This time Mark will share more of his amazing field recordings from some of Kansas City’s treasured performers.

At 11:15 Mark welcomes the Kansas City based acoustic indie rock trio, Clover Noir who will play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Fresh from their KC Fringe Theatre performances the band is currently creating and recording new songs. Clover Noir includes: Ben Rekittke on guitar and lead vocal; Shylette Carson on violin and backup vocals; and Natasha Derakhshanian on violin and backup vocals. More information at: reverbnation.com/clovernoir

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

Show #436

WMM Playlist from August 22, 2012

Posted on August 25, 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, August 22, 2012

MBIRD + The Hearts Of Darkness
+ Victor & Penny + Tina And Her Pony

1. The Hearts of Darkness – “Chippin’ Away”
from: Shelf Life / Shipshape Records / August 25, 2012
[The 15-piece ensemble welcomed 6 additional musicians to record “Shelf Life” their 2nd full-length release, 2 years in the making. Recorded live at the Cooler Studio in Kansas City, Kansas, with Chad Meise, and mastered by Collin Jordan at the Boiler Room in Chicago, using both vintage analog and modern digital technologies. The album will be released on CD and as a limited edition collectible vinyl LP at local music stores, and also available on iTunes. Contributing musicians to “Shelf Life” include: Bob Asher – Trumpet, Sean Branagan – drums and percussion, Rachel Christia – Vocals , Andrew Ford – Trombone, Brandy Gordon – Vocals, Richard Gumbel – Rhythm and Lead Guitar, 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, Hermon Mehari – Trumpet, Shawn Hansen – Alto Saxophon, Phil Keegan – Bass Guita, Chris Meck – Rhythm Guita, Josh Mobley – Keyboards, Guitar, Alex Smith – Tenor Saxophone, Mark Vick – Rhythm Guitar.]

[The Hearts of Darkness “Shelf Life” album release is Saturday, August 25, at Knuckleheads Saloon, 2700 Rochester, KCMO w/ an early set at 8:30 and a late set at 10:30 w/ special guests, The Good Foot.]

2. Tiny Horse – “Ride”
from: Single Track Release / Independent / August 2012
[One horse. Very small.]
[Chris Meck & Abigail Henderson are Tiny Horse, an electric/acoustic duo based in Midtown KC. They were a big part of our July 11, “Story in A Song” LIVE at the recordbar where Abigail Henderson sang “Close to You” and Chris Meck sang the Velvert Underground song, “That’s The Story of My Life” as well as Bowie’s “TVC15.”]

10:15

3. Regina Spektor – “How”
from: What We Saw From The Cheap Seats / Sire / May 25 , 2012
[6th studio album from Russian–American alternative singer-songwriter Regina Spektor. Recorded in Los Angeles during the summer of 2011, the album is a collection of new material along with the very first studio recordings of several of Spektor’s older live songs. One of our first phone interviews ever on WMM. ]

[Regina Spektor comes to Kansas City to play The Music Hall on Wednesday, November 7, at 7:30 PM]

4. John Vanderslice – “Tremble And Tear”
from: Romanian Names / Dead Oceans / May 18, 2009
[Born May 22, 1967, John Vanderslice grew up in Florida and Georgia, before his family moved to Maryland when he was 11. After playing in several bands as a teenager, he spent five years as a member of the experimental pop band MK Ultra, with whom he released three albums in the 1990s. During this period, he also founded a recording studio, Tiny Telephone, in the Mission District of San Francisco. Established in 1997, the studio was initially used as a rehearsal space before being developed as a full-time, all-analog recording studio. Bands who have recorded in the studio include Death Cab for Cutie, Okkervil River, Deerhoof, The Magnetic Fields, and Spoon.]

[John Vanderslice plays the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd. on November 10 with Crooked Fingers.]

10:25 – Underwriting

10:25

5. M Bird – “This Bridge (Boat Song)”
from: Over The Bones / M Bird Music / 2010

[MBird will be playing the Uptown Arts Bar, at 3611 Broadway, on Friday, August 31, at 9:30 PM.]

10:30 – Interview with Megan Birdsall & Michael Smith

MBIRD is: Michael Smith on guitar and Ben Leifer on bass and Megan Birdsall on voice. We’ve been following the careers of Megan Birdsall and Michael Smith through Michael’s work as an actor and producer in Kansas City, working for The Coterie, The Unicorn Theatre, and many other local professional theatre companies. We’ve followed Megan’s career through her earlier recordings: “Track 13” of 2005, and “Little Jazz Bird” of 2007, and through Megan’s painful jaw surgery, to her beautiful collaborative original songs created with Michael. Just as Megan’s star was rising as a Kansas City Jazz Singer, in 2010 Megan released an album of Alternative Country tunes.

Megan and Michael are back in Kansas City full time, after time away in Nashville and on tour.

Megan Birdsall & Michael Smith join us today to talk about their show at The Uptown Arts Bar, at 3611 Broadway, on Friday, August 31, at 9:30 PM. It’s their first show since returning from Nashville.

The Uptown Arts Bar, is at 3611 Broadway Street, in Kansas City.

MBIRD will be running a “Nashville style” Songwriter Showcase at the Uptown Arts Bar, at 3611 Broadway, on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays of every month this Fall.

Megan and Michael talked about the “Nashville style” of showcases that are everywhere in Nashville.

They will get the chance to feature stripped down sets from local bands, emcees, poets and writers, as well as lots of folks traveling through the area.

MBird’s Artist Showcase is Thursday, September 13, 7:30pm, Features Heather Thornton, with MBird, Storm, Alyssa Murray, The La De Dahs, Kate Cosentino, and Brian Ruskin.

10:36

6. M Bird – “Over My Head”
from: Over The Bones / M Bird Music / 2010

10:40

Megan, talked about her incredibly talented and creative family. Her dad Jim Birdsall is one of the great actors of our city, and his broadcast voice, has been heard by millions. Her sister is now part of a music group, Lah De Dahs, performing around Kansas City. Her brother plays guitar and is in a band. Her mother plays guitar. Megan talked about how her parents encouraged her artistic endeavors. She talked about how the family gets together and plays music together singing Nanci Griffith songs.

Megan and Michael talked about MBIRD’s work on their new recordings.

MBIRD plays in concert at The Uptown Arts Bar, at 3611 Broadway, on Friday, August 31, at 9:30 PM. There will be a set of Jazz and then a set of original songs. MBIRD’s music is available on i Tunes. For more information you can visit: mbirdmusic.com

10:45

7. Thee Water MoccaSins – “On A Wire”
from: From The Rivers of Missouri and The Banks of Fear / Independent / 2012
[Thee Water MoccaSins is comprised of KC musicians Billy Smith on Guitar and Vocals; Steve Tulipana on Vocals, Guitar and Bass; John Bersuch on Drums and Percussion; and Wade Williamson on Guitar, Keyboards, and Bass. All musicians are currently involved with, or have been involved with: Roman Numerals, Season to Risk, Olympic Size, Dirt Nap, Stella Link, Bacon Shoe, Minds Under Cover and Starhaven Rounders. Billy Smith, now living in NYC.]

[Thee Water Moccasins play The Riot Room, in Kansas City, MO, Thursday, August 23, at 8:00 PM with Be/Non, and Olivetti Letter]

8. The Hearts of Darkness – “Shelf Life”
from: Shelf Life / Shipshape Records / August 25, 2012

11:00 – Interview with Bob Asher & Peter Leibert of The Hearts of Darkness

They describe their sound as “a hybrid from the roots of ’70s Afrobeat & 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 was #1 on our list of “The 100 Best Recordings of 2010.”

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.”

The 15-piece ensemble, Hearts of Darkness is on the verge of releasing their 2nd full-length album this Saturday, August 25, at Knuckleheads Saloon, 2700 Rochester, KCMO, with shows at 8:30 and 10:30 with special guests, The Good Foot.

Joining is from the Hearts of Darkness was Bob Asher who plays trumpet and Peter Leibert, who plays bass guitar.

“Shelf Life” was 2 years in the making, Recorded live at the Cooler Studio in Kansas City, Kansas, with Chad Meise, and mastered by Collin Jordan at the Boiler Room in Chicago, using both vintage analog and modern digital technologies.

The album will be released on CD, as a limited edition collectible vinyl LP, and iTunes.

In 2011, the band opened for Huey Lewis and the News, for Snoop Dogg, played w/ Willie Nelson & Neil Young at Farm Aid and performed at the Kanrocksas Music Festival, and won “Best Jazz Ensemble” by the Pitch Music Awards.

This year the band released a new single, played the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, shared the stage with Seun Kuti & the legendary Egypt 80, played the Wakaursa Festival, Kauffman Stadium, Davey’s Uptown in a benefit for 90.1 FM KKFI, the recordBar, KC Crossroads Knuckleheads, The Mayor’s event on The Bridge this week.

This year the band won “Best Live Act” by The Pitch Music Awards.

Bob Asher talked about what is it like coordinating a 15 member tribe, about how everyone was friends and it was relatively easy for the group to organize.

Bob and Peter told the story of how The Hearts of Darkness came to life.

Bob Asher – Trumpet,
Sean Branagan – drums and percussion,
Rachel Christia – Vocals ,
Andrew Ford – Trombone,
Brandy Gordon – Vocals,
Richard Gumbel – Rhythm and Lead Guitar,
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,
Hermon Mehari – Trumpet,

Additional Musicians for the recording of “Shelf life”:

Shawn Hansen – Alto Saxophon,
Phil Keegan – Bass Guitar,
Chris Meck – Rhythm Guita,
Josh Mobley – Keyboards, Guitar,
Alex Smith – Tenor Saxophone,
Mark Vick – Rhythm Guitar.

The sonic poetry of Les Izmore with the band skyrockets from Jazz to Hip Hop connecting genre through time and space with sound.

ALSO: The Sonic Spectrum Tribute Series Presents: Underground Spiritual Games – A Tribute to Fela Kuti’s Afrika 77 featuring members of Hearts of Darkness and The People’s Liberation Big Band of Kansas City. This Sunday, August 26, at 8:00 PM.

TICKET GIVEAWAY:
We gave away 3 pairs of tickets for The Hearts of Darkness “Shelf Life” album release is Saturday, August 25, at Knuckleheads Saloon, 2700 Rochester, KCMO w/ an early set at 8:30 and a late set at 10:30 w/ special guests, The Good Foot.

9. The Hearts of Darkness – “Round and Around”
from: Shelf Life / Shipshape Records / August 25, 2012

10. Victor & Penny – “Some of These Days”
from: Antique Pop / V & P Productions / December 9, 2011
[Victor & Penny performed LIVE on our WMM last September. Chicago / KC based duo is Jeff Freling of the Chicago Blue Man Group; and Erin McGrane of the cabaret group Alacartoona. Antique Pop which contains 8 vintage songs plus 2 original songs written by Jeff Freling and a song written by Barclay Martin.]

11. Tina And Her Pony – “Far Away”
from: Tina And Her Pony / Independent / March 9, 2012
[Tina And Her Pony. are: Tina Collins and Quetzal Jordan.]

[Victor & Penny and Tina And Her Pony will be in concert, Saturday, Aug 25, at 7:00 PM, The Kansas City Arts Academy, Grassroots Concert Series, 7933 Main Street, KCMO.]

11:30 – Interview with Victor & Penny + Tina And Her Pony + Miles Bonny

Erin McGrane of Alacartoona and Jeff Freling of the Blue Man Group make up the Chicago and KC based duo, Victor & Penny, who late last year released their full length album of what they like to call “Antique Pop.” Victor and Penny were with us by phone, from Indianapolis where they have a show tonight. They’ll be back in Kansas City for their 100th show, this Saturday night, Aug 25, at 7:00 PM, The Kansas City Academy, Grassroots Concert Series, 7933 Main Street, KCMO.

Also joining us in the conversation, on the phone from Minneapolis, was Tina Collins and Quetzal Jordan, who perform as Tina And Her Pony, a critically acclaimed, alt. Americana band, currently on a national tour. They are with us on the phone from Minneapolis where they have a show tonight.

In the 90.1 FM studios we were joined by Miles Bonny, musician, producer, DJ, teacher. Miles serves as Cultural Ambassador for Kansas City Academy, a private progressive 6th grade through 12 grade school, located at 7933 Main Street, in Kansas City, Missouri. Miles has a background in non-profit communication and original music composition.

Tina Collins talked about their song “Far Away” where they were joined by Chris Grady on trumpet. Chris Grady plays in Tom Waits band.

Tina Collins and Quetzal Jordan are out on the road on a national tour and have been on the road for 3 1/2 months and have 9 months to go on their tour.

Tina & Her Pony’s songs (from their website) echo bluegrass and old-time melodies that have been sung by generations of women before them, while creating their own waves with their radical queer lyrics and intricate melodies. You write that you are,”Queerin’ up the hetero-normative lyrics, that are the country scene.”

Erin McGrane talked about meeting Tina & Her Pony at the Uke Fest in Colorado, and hearing them and wanting to bring them to Kansas City.

Victor and Penny with Tina And Her Pony perform, in concert, this Saturday, Aug 25, at The Kansas City Arts Academy, Grassroots Concert Series, 7933 Main Street, KCMO.

Miles Bonny, told us about The Kansas City Academy, how he become involved in the school?

Victor & Penny are not only performing Saturday night at the Kansas City Academy, but are also playing the Light Up The Lawn at the Nerman Museum at Johnson County Community College with The Latenight Callers, this Friday Night, August 24.

Tina Collins, talked about how the band is now based in Taos, New Mexico, but was formed while the two lived in Asheville, North Carolina. She talked about how the band was influenced by the forests of Appalachia.

Miles Bonny talked about how the show on Saturday will be held in the KC Academy’s Black Box Theatre, and how this is part of a series of shows to benefit the music programs at the academy.

Victor and Penny with Tina And Her Pony perform, in concert, this Saturday, Aug 25, at The Kansas City Arts Academy, Grassroots Concert Series, 7933 Main Street, KCMO. Each duo will play one set and afterwards there will be a Q&A and an encore performance. This is ALL AGES. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales benefit KC Academy’s Music Program. Info: victorandpenny.com or TinaAndHerPony.com or KCacademy.org/Music

11:48

12. Tina And Her Pony – “Ana Bai”
from: Tina And Her Pony / Independent / March 9, 2012
[Tina And Her Pony are Tina Collins and Quetzal Jordan.]

13. The Latenight Callers – “Wrecking Ball”
from: Easy Virtues / TLNC / 2012
[TLNC were originally formed in Lawrence by baritone guitarist, Krysztof Nemeth, and vocalist Julie Berndsen, with the addition of Guitarist Ellen O’Hayer, Bassist Gavin Mac, and Nick Combs on keyboards TLNC have become a KC Band known for their enchanting live performances. ]

[The Latenight Callers play the “Light Up The Lawn Concert” at the Nerman Museum of Art at Johnson County Community College with Victor & Penny, this Friday Night, August 24.]

[TLNC also play the Paris of The Plains Festival at the Uptown Theatre Sunday, August 26]

11:59:30

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:
WednesdayMidDayMedley.org
facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM and
kkfi.org

Show #435

Aug 22 – Hearts Of Darkness + MBird + Victor & Penny + Tina And Her Pony

Posted on August 21, 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, August 22, 2012

The Hearts Of Darkness + MBird
+ Victor & Penny + Tina And Her Pony

Mark plays New and Local Releases from: The Water MoccaSins, Victor & Penny, The Hearts of Darkness, The Late Night Callers, MBird, Regina Spector, Tina And Her Pony, and John Vanderslice.

At 10:30 Mark talks with Megan Birdsall and Michael Smith of MBird, who are returning back to Kansas City from Nashville and are ready to release a new album. MBird will be playing the Uptown Arts Bar, at 3611 Broadway, on Friday, August 31, starting at 9:30 PM.

At 11:00 Mark talks with Bob Asher and Peter Leibert of The Hearts Of Darkness about the band’s new release “Shelf Life.” Named “Best Live Act” by The Pitch Music Awards, The Hearts of Darkness “Shelf Life” album release is Saturday, August 25, at Knuckleheads Saloon, 2700 Rochester, KCMO w/ an early set at 8:30 and a late set at 10:30 w/ special guests, The Good Foot.

And, at 11:30 Mark talks with Erin McGrane and Jeff Freling of Victor & Penny. Joining us in the conversation will be Tina Collins and Quetzal Jordan of Taos, New Mexico, who perform as Tina And Her Pony. Both of these amazing duos will be in concert, Saturday, Aug 25, at 7:00 PM, The Kansas City Arts Academy, Grassroots Concert Series, 7933 Main Street, KCMO. Each duo will play one set and afterwards there will be a Q&A and an encore performance. This is ALL AGES. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales benefits the KC Academy’s Music Program. More info: victorandpenny.com.

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

Show #435

WMM Playlist from: August 15, 2012

Posted on August 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, August 15, 2012

Marideth Sisco of Blackberry Winter Band + The Quivers
+ The New Single Release from Dream Wolf!

1. Thee Oh Sees – “Flood’s New Light”
from: Putrifiers II / In The Red Records / September 11, 2012
[14th album from San Francisco based band that began as a way for John Dwyer to release his instrumental, experimental home recordings, and over the course of several albums it evolved into a full band.]

2. Cat Power – “Cherokee”
from: Sun / Matador / September 4, 2012
[Forthcoming 9th studio album by Chan Marshall, also known by her stage name, Cat Power. Her first album of all-original material since 2006’s The Greatest. The album will be issued in a variety of formats, including a limited edition deluxe LP containing a 7″ vinyl of bonus tracks.]

3. Hidden Pictures – “Let’s Get On With It Already”
from: Rainbow Records / Golden Sound Records / July, 2012
[Richard Gintowt – vocals/guitar, Michelle Sanders – vocals /glockenspiel, Cameron Hawk – drums, Erik Voeks – bass, Nate Holt – piano/keys.]

[Hidden Pictures play The Sandbox at Vinyl Renaissance on West 39th Street near Wyoming in KCMO, on Friday, August 17. ]

10:15

4. The Hearts of Darkness – “Got To Hustle”
from: Shelf Life / Shipshape Records / August 25, 2012
[Hearts of Darkness is a multivalent big band whose original material absorbs influences from 70s afrobeat to modern hip-hop, 60s and 70s soul and funk, as well as reaching back to 1920s big band jazz. Winner of the 2012 Pitch Music Award for Best Live Act. The 15 piece ensemble welcomed 6 additional musicians to record “Shelf Life” their 2nd full-length release, 2 years in the making. Recorded live at the Cooler Studio in Kansas City, Kansas, with Chad Meise, and mastered by Collin Jordan at the Boiler Room in Chicago, using both vintage analog and modern digital technologies. The album will be released on CD and as a limited edition collectible vinyl LP at local music stores, and also available on iTunes. Contributing musicians to “Shelf Life” include: Bob Asher – Trumpet, Sean Branagan – drums and percussion, Rachel Christia – Vocals , Andrew Ford – Trombone, Brandy Gordon – Vocals, Richard Gumbel – Rhythm and Lead Guitar, 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, Hermon Mehari – Trumpet, Shawn Hansen – Alto Saxophon, Phil Keegan – Bass Guita, Chris Meck – Rhythm Guita, Josh Mobley – Keyboards, Guitar, Alex Smith – Tenor Saxophone, Mark Vick – Rhythm Guitar. Bobby Asher of Hearts of darkeness will be with us next week on WMM.]

5. Antony & The Johnsons – “Cut The World”
from: Cut The World / Secretly Canadian / August 7, 2012
[A collection of live symphonic performances of songs from the band’s 4 full length albums. Recorded in Copenhagen, with The Danish National Chamber Orchestra. “Cut The World” is featured for the first time. One of Antony’s new songs for “The Life and Death of Marina Abramovi?” directed by Robert Wilson and staring Antony, Marina Abramovi? and Willem Dafoe. Formed by Antony in 1998. Antony’s first record, “Antony and the Johnsons” was released in 2000. “I Am A Bird Now” was released in 2005. The album featured guest appearances by Lou Reed, Rufus Wainwright, Boy George and Devendra Banhart and received the Mercury Award for the best UK album of 2005. “The Crying Light” was released in January 2009 and peaked at number 1 on the European Billboard charts. “Swanlights” was released in October of 2010. The album featured a duet with Björk called Flétta.]

10:27 – Underwriting

10:28

7. Blackberry Winter Band (w/Marideth Sisco) – “June Carter”
from: In These Ozark Hills / Light In The Attic Records / June 20, 2011

11:15 – Interview with Marideth Sisco

West Plains, Missouri native, Marideth Sisco is a journalist, teacher, author, musician, and creator of Elder Mountain Press, publishing stories of Ozarks culture. You can hear her essays “These Ozarks Hills” on public radio, ksmu.org. Discovered by producers of the Academy Award Nominated film, “Winter’s Bone” who asked her to be a part of the film and to serve as music consultant. “Winter’s Bone,” ended up winning best picture and best screenplay at Sundance Film Festival, it was honored at the Berlin Film Festival.

After the film festivals, the band that created the music for the film, completed a 27-city, “Amazing Geriatric Hillbilly U.S. World Tour” to promote the Winter’s Bone soundtrack, and then almost as quickly released their own critically acclaimed full length recording,”In These Ozark Hills,” from Light in The Attic Records.

Marideth Sisco and The Blackberry Winter Band return to KC to perform this Saturday, August 18, at 8:00 PM, at The Historic Folly Theatre, in benefit for the Bright Futures Fund.

“June Carter,” is from Blackberry Winter’s “In These Ozark Hills.” June Carter Cash was such a force of talent and spirit. Marideth talked about seeing June Carter and her sisters perform, when she was a young girl.

Even if Marideth had never met the producers of “Winter’s Bone,” I would still be impressed by her work as a writer, publisher, radio contributor, musician, storyteller. The film and the soundtrack received so much critical acclaim that they given her another platform to share these Ozark Stories. Marideth talked about being in a band and traveling around the world performing her songs.

The Blackberry Winter Band debut solo release: “In These Ozark Hills” contains several traditional songs one would expect from this band, along with several beautiful original songs, but the recording also includes several re-interpretations of songs by Tom Waits, Natalie Merchant, and a fantastic version of Buffy St. Marie’s “Cod’ine.” The reinterpretations seem like original songs when Marideth sings them, especially, “Who Will Watch The Home Place?”

The Blackberry Winter Band includes: Marideth Sisco and Linda Stoffel – Vocals, Dennis Crider – Guitar, Van Colbert – Banjo, Tedi May – Upright Bass, Bo Brown – Mandolin & Dobro. Tell us how The Blackberry Winter Band was originally formed?

The harmonies, banjo, fiddle, bass, dobro, mandolin, & guitar all are anchored by Marideth’s honest, clear vocals. One could say, “clear as gin,” as she sings in the opening track,”In These Hills.”

When she was 19, singing allowed Marideth enough money to pay her way through a year at Missouri State University, (then known as Southwest Missouri State College) majoring in music, but she was told that she “would never make it in performance, composition or orchestration, because she was a woman and would never make a living at any of those jobs.

Marideth left college and went West, landing in San Francisco, then Santa Cruz, then Los Angeles, playing plenty of music but always trying to maintain a day job, with limited success. Marideth came to Missouri to help her Aunt Juanita and Uncle Leonard move home, and somehow just never went back. She returned to school instead attending Southwest Mo. State University, and got a BFA in photography and minor in writing, and took a job as a journalist, finishing a 20-year career in that field in 2005. After heart surgery, she retired.

“Winter’s Bone” gave new found recognition to her voice and allowed Marideth to continue her passion of music.

Missouri is a big state, that many consider and smaller version of the entire country, with border coasts on the east and west, a north that is very different than it’s south. West Plains, Missouri, the county seat of Howell County, sits in the middle of Missouri’s southern border with Arkansas. West Plains is the birth place of Porter Waggoner and Dick Van Dyke, and the home of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Marideth talked about what she loved best about the Ozarks, the smells, the feeling of the air.

Marideth Sisco and The Blackberry Winter Band return to KC to perform this Saturday, August 18, at 8:00 PM, at The Historic Folly Theatre, in benefit for the Bright Futures Fund.

(Thank you to former KKFI Programmer Suzanne Myra Colbert for her help with this interview. Suzi is the sister-in-law to Blackberry Winter banjoist Van Colbert.)

10:45

8. Blackberry Winter Band (w/Marideth Sisco) – “These Ozark Hills”
from: In These Ozark Hills / Light In The Attic Records / June 20, 2011
10:48

8. Leonard Cohen – “Crazy To Love You”
from: Old Ideas / Columbia-Sony / January 31, 2012
[Born in Montreal in 1934, this is the 12th studio album from the famed Canadian singer-songwriter. It is Cohen’s highest-charting release in the United States, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200, 44 years after the release of his first album. The album topped the charts in nine countries, including Finland, where Cohen became, at the age of 77, the oldest chart-topper, during the album’s debut week.]

9. Spirit is the Spirit – “Oh, Speckled Bird”
from: Mother Mountain / Independent / February 26, 2011
[Folk-psychedelic-rock from Lawrence, Kansas. Austen Malone, Noah Compo, Wayne Zimmerman, Josh Landau, Brook Partain, Danny Bowersox. “a Lawrence band with a cosmic hippie vibe plus horns (trumpet, trombone), lots of percussion and supernal vocal harmonies”- Tim Finn]

[Spirit is The Spirit plays recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd., Thursday, Aug. 16 w/ Secret Cities & Howth]

11:00

10. 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.]

[Sharon Van Etten plays The Riot Room, Monday, August 20, with Hospital Ships, and Ruddy Swain]

11. Dent May – “Fun”
from: Do Things / Paw Tracks / June 12, 1972
[Based in Oxford, Mississippi. Signed to Animal Collective’s Paw Tracks label while the group was in Oxford recording Merriweather Post Pavilion. Dent May played every part on “Do Things” and recorded it at his home, the Cats Purring Dude Ranch. An NYU film school drop-out, this is his follow up to the critically acclaimed, Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele.]

12. The Quivers – “Hip On Ya”
from: (Single) / Independent / Mar. 5, 2012
[One of 4 single releases from Terra Peal- Vocals & Bass, Todd Grantham- Keys & Vocals, Abe Haddad- Guitar & Vocals, Bernie Dugan- Drums.]

13. The Quivers – “I Sleep Here”
from: I Gots To Have It! / Independent / August, 2012

[The Quivers & The Cave Girls play the KC Wednesday Night Jamboree at Aftershock, 5240 Merriam Dr, Shawnee, Kansas, starting at 7:00 PM.]

11:15 – Interview with Terra Skaggs Peal and Bernie Dugan

Terra Skaggs Peal and Bernie Dugan of The Quivers joined us LIVE in the studios to discuss their brand new release: “I Gots To Have It!”

The Quivers and The Cave Girls play the KC Wednesday Night Jamboree at Aftershock, 5240 Merriam Dr, Shawnee, Kansas, starting at 7:00 PM.

The Band is: Terra Peal- Vocals & Bass, Todd Grantham- Keys & Vocals, Abe Haddad- Guitar & Vocals, Bernie Dugan- Drums.

This band has a lot of different sounds, all based in Rock and Roll.

14. The Quivers – “I Gots To Have It!”
from: I Gots To Have It! / Independent / August, 2012

Terra started playing bass 12 years ago. Originally the band had different bass players, Terra was going to just sing and play tambourine, but it just worked out best for Terra to play bass and sing lead. She now finds it natural to play and sing together.

Bernie plays with The Brannock Device, and recently recorded a new CD with Cher UK.

The Quivers & The Cave Girls play the KC Wednesday Night Jamboree at Aftershock, 5240 Merriam Dr, Shawnee, Kansas, starting at 7:00 PM.

Bernie, talked about the songwriting of Terra and Todd. Two lead singers and songwriters with different influences.

The Quivers & The Cave Girls play the KC Wednesday Night Jamboree at Aftershock, 5240 Merriam Drive, Shawnee, Kansas, starting at 7:00 PM.

11:30 – Underwriting

11:31

15. Slowdance – “Boyfriend”
from: 7″ Single / White Iris Records / 2012
[Slowdance was formed in 2009 with friends: Thomas Quigley playing bass guitar, Luke Fox playing keyboards, Kyle McKeveny on guitar, and Quay Quinn-Settel as lead singer, the band was rounded out in 2010 with the addition of friend and drummer Sam Koppelman.]

16. In Back of a Black Car – “Lips”
from: Single release / Silver Tongue Records / 2012
[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.]

[In Back of A Black Car play recordBar, Friday, Aug. 17, w/London Transit, Vehicles and Dream Wolf.]

17. Folkicide – “Black Metal”
from: The Genocide is Mean EP / Independent / 2012
[Follow up to “Devotional Hymns From the Church of the Darwinian Snuff Film.” Folkicide is the outlet for Kansas City songwriter Burnie Booth’s vision of constructive pessimism that he hopes in time will be recognized as a new acoustical genre fully devoted to the documentation of the delightful futility of existence. Folkicide continues their pessimistic exploration into the decaying frame of Western Civilization.]

11:42 – World Broadcast Premiere!!!

18. Dream Wolf – “Astro Wolf”
from: 1st single from our upcoming as-of-yet-unnamed album / Independent /November, 2012
[Christian Tady – Electric Guitar, Tess Jehle – Drums, Megan Zander – Vocals, Katelyn Boone – Keyboards, Brent Jamison – Bass. Dream Wolf plays the recordBar, Saturday night, February 18. Dream Wolf’s sister band The B’Dinas will be LIVE on our show next week.]

[Dream Wolf plays recordBar, Friday, Aug. 17, with London Transit, Vehicles and In Back of A Black Car.]

11:45

19. The Blackbird Review – “Daniel Johnston’s Piano”
from: The Whaler & Other Stories / Independent / November 13, 2010
[Indie Americana from husband and wife Jacob & Danielle Prestidge’s with Jeff Larison. The band has shared the stage with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Over the Rhine, and Vedera.]

[The Blackbird Revue plays The Brick, Sat, Aug. 18 with David Burchfield, and John McKenna Band.]

20. David Burchfield – “The Beginning”
from: The Beginning / Independent / 2011
[Produced, engineered, mixed and master by Mike Crawford at the Impossible Box in Kansas City, with David Burchfield on vocals & guitar; Leslie Hammer on banjo, fiddle and viola; Seth Jenkins on upright bass, Jeff Larison on pedal steel and dobro; Andy Michael on piano and accordion; and Devon Russell on vocals, choir.]

[David Burchfield plays The Brick, Sat, Aug. 18 with, The Blackbird Revue and John McKenna Band.]

21. 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

Show #434

Aug. 15 – Marideth Sisco of Blackberry Winter Band + The Quivers

Posted on August 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, August 15, 2012

Marideth Sisco of Blackberry Winter Band + The Quivers
+ The New Single Release from Dream Wolf!

Mark plays New and Local Releases from: The Quivers, Dream Wolf, Hearts of Darkness, In Back of A Black Car, Folkicide, Spirit is The Spirit, The Blackbird Revue, David Burchfield, Hidden Pictures, Blackberry Winter Band, Thee Oh Sees, Cat Power, Antony and The Johnsons, Leonard Cohen, Sharon Van Etten, Slowdance, and Dent May.

At 10:30 Mark talks with Marideth Sisco, journalist, teacher, author, musician, and creator of Elder Mountain Press. She was discovered by producers of the film, “Winter’s Bone,” who asked her to be a part of the film and to serve as music consultant. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards. The band that created the music for the film, Blackberry Winter Band, will be performing at The Folly Theater, Saturday, August 18, at 8:00 PM, as a benefit for the Bright Futures Fund.

The Quivers new release: “I Gots To Have It!”

At 11:15 Mark talks LIVE with Terra Skaggs Peal and Bernie Dugan of The Quivers who join us to discuss their brand new release: “I Gots To Have It!” The Quivers and The Cave Girls play the KC Wednesday Night Jamboree at Aftershock, 5240 Merriam Dr, Shawnee, Kansas, starting at 7:00 PM.

And, during our second hour, we’ll be premiering the new single from: Dream Wolf, who’ll be in concert Friday, August 17, at the recordBar, with London Transit, In Back of a Black Car, and Vehicles.

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

Show #434

WMM Playlist from August 8, 2012

Posted on August 10, 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, August 8, 2012

Sinple + Crystal Boson + Ponyboy

David Zey (of Ponyboy.), Crystal Boson, Megan, and Charles S. McVey (of Ponyboy.) in the Green Room in the 90.1 FM Studios after our August 8, 2012 Wednesday MidDay Medley.

1. The Sea and Cake – “Harps”
from: Runner / Thrill Jockey / September , 2012
[10th album from Chicago indie band formed in the early 1990s from members of The Coctails, Shrimp Boat, and Tortoise. Sam Prekop (vocals, guitar), Archer Prewitt (guitar, piano, vocals), John McEntire (percussion, drums, some synthesizer), Eric Claridge (bass, synthesizer).]

2. The Smiths – “Bigmouth Strikes Again”
from: The Sound of The Smiths / Warner-Rhino / Nov. 7, 2008
[Orig. from “The Queen is Dead” – June 16, 1986]
[Former Smiths front-man Steven Patrick Morrissey has announced a new 33-date U.S. tour that kicks off Oct. 5 in Boston and wraps Dec. 8 in Atlantic City, N.J. The tour will include both his greatest hits and new, unreleased songs. Iggy and the Stooges are set to open the Nov. 24 show at L.A.’s Staples Center. Morrissy is not playing KC. The closest city is Lincoln, Nebraska at The Rococo Theatre on Nov. 1.]

3. The ACB’s – “Boy Like Me”
from: Stona Rosa / Independent / Dec. 1, 2010
[Produced by Mike Nolte at More Famouser Records. The follow up to their critically acclaimed, 2006 debut recording The ACB’s.]
[Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Pop Act.]

10:15

4. Ghosty – “This Wolf”
from: GHOSTY / More Famouser Records / April 17, 2012
[Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte and 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. More info at ghostysounds.com.]
[GHOSTY is nominated for a Pitch Music Award for best Pop band.]

8. Power and Light – “Earthly Schemes”
from: EP / Independent / January 14, 2012
[A new collaboration between Nathan Readey (production) and Andrew Connor (songs, vocals).]
[Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Electronic Band.]

6. Fourth of July – “I Don’t Want To Lose You”
from: Before Our Hearts Explode! / Rangelife Records / Aug 31, 2010
[Lawrence based band formed in 2002, by Brendan Hangauer (vocals, guitar) Patrick Hangauer (bass) Kelly Hangauer (keys, trumpet, vocals) Brian Costello (drums, vocals) Brendan Costello (guitar) Steve Swyers (guitar on Album) w/ additional vocals: Adrianne Verhoeven & Katlyn Conroy.]
[Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Pop Band.]

7. Grizzly Bear – “Yet Again”
from: Shields / Warp Records / September 18, 2012
[Shields is the 4th studio album by Brooklyn-based indie rock band, composed of Edward Droste (vocals, guitar, omnichord, keyboard), Daniel Rossen (vocals, guitar, banjo, keyboards), Chris Taylor (bass, backing vocals, various instruments, producer) and Christopher Bear (drums, backing vocals, glockenspiel). ]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:30 – Interview / Performance with Sinple

Experimental, electronic, musical artist, Jesse Bartmess , performs under the moniker, Sinple. He joined us to play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Later that night Sinple played the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd. with Portland bands: Au, and Tu Fawning. Doors open at 9:00 PM.

Jesse talked about how he started making experimental, electronic music at the age of 21.

8. Sinple – Live performance in 90.1 FM Studios

You can hear all of sinple’s music at single.bandcamp.com

People think of electronic music as a product of the studio, but Sinple is performing live in area clubs, and he described one of his recent experiences on stage as Bliss.

10:40

9. Sinple – Live performance in 90.1 FM Studios

10:44

Jesse Bartmess graduated from Shawnee Mission North. He is a big fan of music and big supporter of the local scene going to see 2 or 3 shows each week

10:45

10. Sinple – “Genesis”
from: Single track release / Independent / July 20, 2012

10:54

11. Rumblejetts – “Truck Stop Waitress”
from: Motor Honey / Spinjet Records / 2012
[Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Junstin Penney at Money World Music.] [Rumblejetts are nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Country/Rockabilly Band]

[Rumblejetts play Granada in Lawrence, Sat. August 11, w/ Brutally Frank & The Spectrumatics.]

12. Wanda Jackson – “Funnel of Love” with The Cramps
from: Rock N Rolla (Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack) / Universal / Sept. 1, 2008

[Wanda Jackson plays Knuckleheads, Friday, August 10.]

11:00

13. Quixotic Fusion – “Stella”
from: Hand of Time [EP] / Quixotic Fusion / June 6, 2011

[Quixotic plays Crossroads behind Grinders, this Sat, Aug. 11, w/ Emancipator, and The Floozies.]

14. The I’ms – “Strange”
from: Second MIXES / Independent / 2011
[Tracks originally available from their Facebook Page – Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin. Konner & Kyle also play with The ACB’s. ]
[The I’ms are nominated for Pitch Music Awards for Best Emerging Act.]

15. War – “Southern Part of Texas”
from: The Best of War – The Hits / Far Our Productions / July 10, 2010
[Originally from their 6th album, “Deliver the Word,” released in 1973 on United Artists Records.]

11:10 – Interview with Crystal Boson

Poet, Writer, Teacher, Scholar, Crystal Boson, is a PhD student in American Studies at the University of Kansas. Crystal holds both a B.A and M.A in English Literature, from the University of Missouri and Texas A&M University. Crystal’s new poetry collection: “The Queer Texas Prayerbook,” will be released this fall by Seven Kitchens Press, Her previous work has been published in Callaloo, Pank, the Black Bottom, and in an anthology of Queer Midwestern Writers. She also has a chapbook, “The Icarus Series’ , with Seven Kitchens Press. Crystal currently lives in Lawrence Kansas, with her Macbook, a basil plant named Lazarus and her cat, Delphina Jenkins Boson-Lease III.

Crystal Boson and Mark met while they were both participating in an event this past June at The Writer’s Place.

Crytal is currently working on her PhD at the University of Kansas, but prior to this she received her Masters Degree from Texas A&M. Texas A&M is located in College Station, Texas. Crystal described how living in College Station, Texas, was source material for your upcoming book of poetry, “The Queer Texas Prayerbook.”

11:14
[Crystal read two poems from her book]

11:16

Texas A&M has a LGBT Student group, but Crystal explained the homophobia, and racism she encountered in College Station.

You teaches undergraduate students at the University of Kansas. Crystal talked about some of the challenges she has faced in this position.

11:19
[Crystal read 2 more poems from her new book “The Queer Texas Prayerbook”]

Crystal and Mark talked about how being identified as Lesbian, Queer, African American, a Woman, these identities have historically been used to hold a person back, to deny them equality, even offer that person violence and hate.

11:23
[Crystal read more poems from her new book, “The Queer Texas Prayerbook”]

Crystal’s new poetry collection: “The Queer Texas Prayerbook,” is being released this month by Seven Kitchens Press.

11:25 – Underwriting

11:26

16. Hipshot Killer – “I’ll Tell You”
from: Hipshot Killer / Locket Love Records / April 29, 2011
[Debut release from KC based 3-piece power punk band formed in the fall of 2008 by, Mike Alexander (Revolvers, Architects), on Guitar & Vocals, Chris Wagner (100 Years War, Jackie Carrol) on Bass & Vocals, Brad Wicklander (Dark Circles, Anvil Chorus), on Drums. They have recorded a 4 song EP that will be released as a 10inch this year.] [Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Garage/Punk Band]

[Hipshot Killer play the recordBar this Friday, August 10 with The Architects, and Radkey.]

17. Icky Blossoms – “Stark Weather”
from: Icky Blossoms / Saddle Creek Records / July 17, 2012
[Played Granada in Lawrence Mon. w/ Washed Out] [Debut album from Omaha based 3-piece band, In this song, they play with a name: Starkweather, as in Charles Raymond Starkweather, born in Lincoln, Nebraska, the third of seven children, an American teenaged spree killer who murdered eleven people in Nebraska and Wyoming during a two-month road trip with his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate. The couple was captured on January 29, 1958. Starkweather received the death penalty, and Fugate received a life sentence on November 21, 1958. Starkweather was executed in the electric chair at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, Nebraska, at 12:01 a.m. on June 25, 1959. Fugate was paroled in June 1976 after serving 18 years at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York, Nebraska. She settled in Lansing, Michigan, where she changed her name and worked as a janitor at a Lansing hospital. Fugate married in 2007.]

18. Ponyboy. – “Luka”
from: Pussy Killer / Impure Records / July 24, 2012

11:35 – Interview with Charles S. McVey and David Zey

Charles S. McVey and David Zey make up the Lawrence based, grunge band, Ponyboy. Their new release is described as, “a forty-minute slugfest concerning the strange case of ‘Canadian Cannibal’ Luka Magnotta and the impact sensationalized violent crime has on our culture.” Ponyboy. plays the RecordBar Thursday, August 9, with Skinjob. Doors open at 9:00.

Charles S. McVey and David Zey’s song “Luka” is about Luka Rocco Magnotta (born Eric Clinton Kirk Newman; July 24, 1982), a Canadian pornographic actor and model accused of killing and dismembering Lin Jun, a Chinese international student, then mailing his severed limbs to the offices of Canadian political parties and to elementary schools in another province. After a video allegedly depicting the murder was posted online, Magnotta fled the country, becoming the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and prompting an international manhunt. He was apprehended on June 4, 2012, in an Internet café in Berlin while reading news stories about himself. He was previously sought by animal rights groups for allegedly making videos of himself torturing kittens and posting them online. Thus the name of their new release, “Pussy Killer.”

This was big news in May and June, and it came at the same time as the Miami Face-Eating Attack. Since then we’ve had the tragic shootings in Aurora Colorado at the Batman movie premiere, the shootings in Wisconsin at the Mosque, and Jerad Loughner pleaded guilty this week to the shootings in Arizona, that targeted Rep. Gabby Giffords.

[Mark’s footnote to the conversation: “Female Trouble” (1974) co-composed, filmed, co-edited, written, produced, and directed by John Waters, is the ultimate satire on how our culture almost celebrates, and makes famous, the super criminal, the mass murderer.

By choosing this material, Ponyboy. definitely lives up to their objective of “creating in-your-face music that deals with the darker side of life.”

Charles S. McVey wrote: “It is my attempt at creating a dialogue about the sensationalism of violence and a man’s desire for fame at any cost. The focus is not Luka Rocco Magnotta but on the madness surrounding a horrible crime.”

Charles S. McVey on bass and vocals and David Zey on drums.

Charles S. McVey talked about how his music is made by outsiders for outsiders. And sometimes he has felt outside of an outsider group.

There is a long history in Rock, and especially in Punk music, to confront the listener with darker themes, in an effort to deal with bigger problems. There is a growing Punk community in KC with a large number of Punk bands. We talked about how Ponyboy us searching for their own audience, and the reception to the new music in Lawrence.

This is their third EP as a Ponyboy. Recently the band composed music for the soundtrack to a film starring transgender, female to male, adult film star Buck Angel.

For information and to hear all of the Ponyboy recordings you can visit: ponyboymusicltd.bandcamp.com

19. Ponyboy. – “Buck Angel Opus 2”
from: Buck Angel (Original Soundtrack) / Impure Records / 2011

11:59

21. 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

Show #433

August 8 – Sinple + Crystal Boson + Ponyboy

Posted on August 7, 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, August 8, 2012

Sinple + Crystal Boson + Ponyboy

Mark plays New Releases and area bands nominated for Pitch Music Awards, (Sunday, August 12, at The Uptown Theatre). We’ll hear tracks from: The Sea and Cake, Grizzly Bear, Ghosty, Power and Light, Hipshot Killer, Fourth of July, The ACB’s, The Roseline, Rumblejetts, The I’ms, Quixotic Fusion, Sinple, Ponyboy. and Icky Blossoms. We’ll also play music from The Smiths, Wanda Jackson & The Cramps, and War.

At 10:30 Experimental electronic musical artist, Sinple, (also known as Jesse Bartmess) will play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. We’ll talk about Sinple opening for the Portland bands: Au, and Tu Fawning, Wednesday Night, August 8, at the recordbar, 1020 Westport Rd. Doors open a t 9:00 PM.

At 11:10 Mark talks with writer, Crystal Boson, a PhD student in American Studies at the University of Kansas. Crystal holds both a B.A and M.A in English Literature, from the University of Missouri and Texas A&M University. Crystal’s new poetry collection: “The Queer Texas Prayerbook,” will be released this fall by Seven Kitchens Press, Her precious work has been published in Callaloo, Pank, the Black Bottom, and in an anthology of Queer Midwestern Writers. Crystal currently resides in Lawrence, KS.

At 11:30 Mark talks with Charles S. McVey about “Pussy Killer” the new musical release from his band, Ponyboy. “Pussy Killer” is described as, “a forty-minute slugfest concerning the strange case of ‘Canadian Cannibal’ Luka Magnotta and the impact sensationalized violent crime has on our culture.” Ponyboy. is a two piece, grunge band from Lawrence, Kansas, with Charles S. McVey on bass and vocals and David Zey on drums. The duo focus their energy into creating in-your-face music that deals with the darker side of life.

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

Show #433

WMM Playlist from: August 1, 2012

Posted on August 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, August 1, 2012

Eleni Mandell + Sterling Witt + Pitch Music Awards

1. Tame Impala – “Apocalypse Dreams”
from: Lonerism / Modular Records / October 9, 2012
[A special track from the upcoming second release from the trio from Perth, Australia.]

2. Eleni Mandell – “Lets Drive Away”
from: Afternoon / Zedtone Records / 2004
[From Eleni’s 5th album. This song was also included in the compilation, Weeds: Music from The Series, Volume 3.]

[Eleni Mandell plays Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, Sat, Aug 4, w/ Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain.]

3. Au – “Get Alive”
from: Both Lights / Hometapes / April 3, 2012
[5th album release from Portland, Oregon based experimental pop group established by multi-instrumentalist Luke Wyland in 2005 while completing a degree at the Massachusetts College of Art. Now a working live band, AU features an ever-changing roster.]

[Au will be in concert at the recordbar next Wednesday Night, Aug. 8, w/ fellow Portland band Tu Fawning and KC’s very own Sinple opening. Sinple will also perform LIVE next week on WMM.]

10:15

4. Radkey – “Little Man”
from: Irrationally Yours – EP / Radkey/ March 29, 2011 [Radkey is a band made up of three teenage brothers Darrion, Isaiah, and Solomon. Their influences include The Who and Nirvana.]

[Radkey will be returning to play at the Afro-Punk Festival in Brooklyn, NY August 25-26, with Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Spank Rock, Das Racist, Toshi Reagon and many others.]

[Radkey is nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Emerging Act and they’ll play at The Pitch Music Showcase, Saturday, at The Riot Room.]

5. Root and Stem – “Ruby”
from: Ruby / Polydor / May 1 2012
[KC based band made up of James Embry – Guitar/Vocals, Baird Williams – Guitar/Vocals, Cody Barrett – Bass, and Joel Shipley – Drums. Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Americana/Bluegrass Band.]

[Root and Stem will play The Pitch Music Showcase, Saturday, August 4, at The Union {inside).]

6. Katy & Go Go – “Funny Place”
from: When I Get Away / Independent / 2012
[Katy & Go-Go is vocalist and guitarist Katy Guillen (of The B’Dinas) and drummer extraordinaire Go-Go Ray (of Mike Dillon’s Go-Go Jungle, Samantha Fish, John Velghe). They hit the KC stages in January of 2011, securing a steady monthly gig at The Brick’s Rhythm, Roots, & Soul Saturday Matinee. Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Blues Band. Band leader, Katy Guillen has told us that Go-Go is on the road for an indefinite amount of time. Before he left to tour the country and Europe he replaced himself with an awesome drummer: Kelsey Cook, and Tim Braun of Good Foot has joined the band on bass, making this a three-piece.]

[The band plays Pitch Music Showcase, in the Backyard of The Beaumont in Westport, Sat, Aug. 4.]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:30 – Interview with Sterling Witt

7. Sterling Witt – “Perfect Girl”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

Born and raised in the rural countryside of Cass County Acclaimed singer-songwriter and artist, Sterling Witt went to school in Harrisonville. At 15, he picked up the bass guitar, and taught myself how to play a right-handed instrument upside-down, left handed. His progression into music has led to over 8 album releases, multiple tours, the formation of a band. Sterling Witt returns to the Wednesday MidDay Medley to share new songs from his up and coming album: “Sterling Loves U.”

8. Sterling Witt – “Built By Design”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

Sterling’s new record company is: Grand River Records.

Ashley Miller co-produced Sterling’s new record.

Day 1 Sterling Witt & drummer Allan Winkler recorded 11 new songs for the up and coming album “Sterling Loves You! at the Infoaming Vertex in Gladstone Missouri.

Day 2 they returned to the studio with Michelle Gormlie. Michelle a featured vocalist on 2 songs “You’re the One & “Every Single Second”. Allan Winkler recorded some exotic percussion including a instrument called a Bell Tree from Bali Indonesia on “Hollow Moon”. Sterling Witt recorded all the bass lines and secondary vocals tracks. The album is virtually finished in 2 days.

Day 3 Sterling & Ashley started mixing the new album “Sterling Loves U!”

Day 4 Allan Winkler joined Sterling & Ashely for the final the second mixing session.

Day 5 Sterling & Ashely mastered 13 tracks for the new album. Five days in the studio and “Sterling Loves U” is finished.

9. Sterling Witt – “Every Single Second”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

The Pledge Music Campaign for the new album launches this Friday, August 3, at 8:00 PM, at the Westport Coffee House Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania, KCMO, w/ the debut performances of The Strange Solution, & John Nichols

Tour:

8.16.12. NASHVILLE TN – NATIONAL UNDERGROUND – 105 BROADWAY #101

8.19.12.9PM ATLANTA GA – SMITHS OLDE BAR – 1578 PIEDMONT AVE

8.22.12. WIMINGTON NC – JUGGLING GYPSY – 1612 CASTLE ST.

8.25.12. RALEIGH NC – THE POUR HOUSE – 224 S. BLOUNT ST.

8.27.12.7PM NORFOLK VA – BORJO COFFEEHOUSE – 4416 MONARCH WAY

8.29.12.9PM MANAYUNK PA – GRAPE ROOM – 105 GRAPE STREET

8.31.12. 8:30PM CHICAGO IL – REGGIES MUSIC JOINT – 2105 SOUTH STATE ST.

9.2.12.9PM MINNEAPOLIS MN – FINE LINE MUSIC CAFE – 318 FIRST AVE NORTH

10. Sterling Witt – “You Are My Sunshine”
from: Sterling Loves U / Grand River Records / November 2012

Sterling Witt’s Pledge Music Campaign for his new album “Sterling Loves U” launches with a special concert, this Friday, August 3, at 8:00 PM, at the Westport Coffee House Theatre, 4010 Pennsylvania, KCMO, with the debut performances of The Strange Solution, and John Nichols. More info at pledgemusic.com/projects/sterlinglovesu

10:54

11. The People’s Liberation Big Band – “…in the rompus 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]

[Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Jazz Ensemble.]

[People’s Liberation Big Band play Jeff Harshbarger’s Alt. Jazz Series at recordBar, Sun, Aug 5, 8PM.]

10:58

12. Cate Le Bon – “What is Worse”
from: Cyrk II / The Control Group / August 20, 2012
[Based in Cardiff, Wales, she sings in both English and Welsh. Singled out by critics for her dark lyrical content, and “haunting voice.” She released one of our favorite records of 2012 so far Cate Le Bon has announced the new release of a five-song follow-up to the 10-track CYRK. According to her label, CYRK II serves as an “older sister” to the original release, “bearing songs of a more starkly confessional nature.”]

13. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Grafitti – “Only in My Dreams”
from: Mature Themes / 4AD / August 20, 2012
[2nd album by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti. The lead single and closing track from the album is a cover of the Donnie and Joe Emerson song “Baby” that we played a few weeks ago when Marion Merritt was with us on the show. Ariel Pink was born Ariel Marcus Rosenberg, June 24, 1978. He is an LA based recording artist. He He started writing songs around age 10 and has recorded over 500 songs on hundreds of cassette tapes since 1996. Pink produced & played almost all of his own music. His home recording technique gave his music a lo-fi sound, to the point and listeners may mistake the era of his music. In 2008, Pink formed Haunted Graffiti.]

14. Purity Ring – “Obedear”
from: Shrines / 4AD / July 20, 2012
[First single from debut album from Canadian indie electronic band based out of Montreal who formed in 2010. The band consists of two members: Megan James (vocals) and Corin Roddick (instrumentals).]

11:12 – Underwriting

11:13

15. Jessica Lea Mayfield – “Our Hearts Are Wrong”
from: Tell Me / Polymer – Nonesuch / February 7, 2011
[At age 15, Mayfield recorded her first EP “White Lies” in her brother’s bedroom, printing only 100 copies. One of those copies fell into the hands of Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. After an introduction, Mayfield and Auerbach hit the studio, laying the foundation of her debut album With Blasphemy So Heartfelt. This is her second album, she is now 22.]

[Jessica Lea Mayfield will be in concert TONIGHT, Wed, Aug 1, at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd.]

We Gave Away Two Pairs of tickets to see Jessica Lee Mayfield at the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd.

16. Hidden Pictures – “Boyfriend A.D.D.”
from: Rainbow Records / Golden Sound Records / July, 2012
[Richard Gintowt – vocals/guitar, Michelle Sanders – vocals /glockenspiel, Cameron Hawk – drums, Erik Voeks – bass, Nate Holt – piano/keys.] [Richard Gintowt was with us on WMM on July 25. ]

17. Mikal Shapiro – “The Reception”
from: For Good / Independent / 2010
[Singer Songwriter, Artist, Curator, Journalist, Sarah Lawrence Graduate Mikal Shapiro has spent the last few years studying in Chicago. Her 2010 recording featured Shane Ogren on keys, and synth and Mikal on voice, and steel string guitar. Mikal Shapiro opens for Eleni Mandell, this Saturday, August 4, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, with Ruddy Swain. More info about Mikal Shapiro is available at: mikalshapiro.com]

18. Eleni Mandell – “I’m Lucky”
from: I Can See The Future / Yep Roc / July 10, 2012

11:27 – Underwriting

11:28 – Interview with Eleni Mandell

Los Angeles, California native, Eleni Mandell, will be in concert in Kansas City this Saturday, August 4, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, with Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain. Eleni Mandell has just released her eighth album: “I Can See The Future,” on Yep Roc Records. The songs chronicle Eleni’s decision to become a single mother and start a family, She was 8 1/2 months pregnant when in the studio recording the new recording.

The songs on “I Can See the Future” chronicle Eleni’s decision to become a single mother and start a family without waiting for Mr. Right, including her search for the right sperm donor. Eleni he chose an “astrophysicist who likes classic rock.” She was 8 1/2 pregnant when she was in the studio recording the album. The record follows Mandell’s decision to break up with her partner, who appeared less than ready for children.

Mark and Eleni talked about the power of a pregnant woman, and Eleni’s twin children.

Paste magazine described Eleni’s music as “a triple-layer torch-song/New Wave/power-pop confection.” The new album lives up to this praise. The album seems timeless, beautiful, lush. Songs that seem to be instant pop standards. Can you tell us about your process of writing these songs for the new release?

Newly signed to Yep Roc Records. – Zedtone

Eleni worked with producer Joe Chiccarelli who had produced records for The Shins, The Strokes, and White Stripes, and you were able to put together a “dream team” musicians.

(variety of instrumental flavors that frame her dreamy, understated pop-noir vocals. )

Nathaniel Walcott of Bright Eyes contributed string and horn arrangements that can be heard on the track “Magic Summertime”

Mandell’s colleagues from vocal trio the Living Sisters Inara George and Becky Stark contribute backing vocals throughout the entie recording.

Pedal steel guitar of Greg Leisz helps paint the Southwestern imagery of “Desert Song.”

Steve Berlin of Los Lobos on Saxophone on “Who You Gonna Dance With.”

Benji Hughes plays Lee Hazlewood to Eleni’s Nancy Sinatra on “Never Have To Fall In Love Again.”

Joey Waronker plays drums throughout, including the brushed snares of “So Easy.”

“Mandell was weaned on artists like Tom Waits and X, and her dark and sexy songs have been compared to those of everyone from Chan Marshall to Patsy Cline. She has a sometimes smoky, sometimes wistful delivery, and, more often than not, her songs take on love from some new perspective.” – The New Yorker

Tom Hardy in Consequence of Sound compared Eleni’s voice to Karen Carpenter.

“a mix of emotional heart and musical command marks a move into the major leagues of American singer/songwriters.” -The Los Angeles Times

ELENI MANDELL TOUR DATES

TU 7/10 – LOS ANGELES, CA @ HOTEL CAFÉ CD RELEASE SHOW

TU 7/17 – PHILADELPHIA, PA @ WORLD CAFÉ LIVE

WE 7/18 – ANNAPOLIS, MD @ METROPOLITAN KITCHEN & LOUNGE

TH 7/19 – ARLINGTON, VA @ IOTA CAFE

FR 7/20 – NYC, NY @ JOE’S PUB

SA 7/21 – CAMBRIDGE, MA @ CLUB PASSIM

TU 7/24 – ASHEVILLE, NC @ GREY EAGLE

WE 7/25 – CHAPEL HILL, NC @ LOCAL 506

TH 7/26 – ATLANTA, GA @ THE EARL

FR 7/27 – NASHVILLE, TN @ THE BASEMENT

SA 7/28 – BLOOMNGTON, IN @ THE BISHOP

SU 7/29 – CHICAGO, IL @ ACE BAR

WE 8/1 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry

FR 8/3 – Iowa City, IA @ The Mill

SA 8/4 – KANSAS CITY, MO

SU 8/19 – SEATTLE, WA @ TRACTOR TAVERN *

TH 8/23 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ CAFÉ DU NORD *

FR 8/24 – SANTA BARBARA, CA @ MUDDY WATERS *

SA 8/25 – LOS ANGELES, CA @ BOOTLEG THEATER

TH 10/11 – CARRBORO, NC @ CAT’S CRADLE “YEP ROC 15TH ANNIVERSARY”

WE 10/17 – Quebec, Canada @ OCTAVE-CREMAZIE

TH 10/18 – Montreal, Canada @ L’Astral

Eleni Mandell, will be in concert in Kansas City this Saturday, August 4, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, with Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain. You can learn more about her new album: “I Can See The Future,” on Yep Roc Records at: elenimandell.com.

11:47

19. Eleni Mandell – “The Future”
from: I Can See The Future / Yep Roc / July 10, 2012

[Eleni Mandell plays Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, Sat, Aug 4, w/ Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain]

20. She’s A Keeper – “Headless King”
from: Live From Midwestern (Musical Co.) / Independent / March 12, 2012
[All songs written by She’s A Keeper, 2012, Recorded live at the Midwestern Musical Co. in Kansas City, MO. (midwesternmusic.com) Engineered by Dave Guame, Matt Kesler, & Cody Wyoming. Mixed and mastered by Steve Phillips. Band photo by Emmett Merrill. Design by Eric Lindquist.] [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.]

[She’s A Keeper play a special CD Release show Saturday, August 4, at Czar.]

21. Yellow Ostrich – “Hold On”
from: The Mistress / Barsuk Records / August 16, 2011
[“a bedroom project,” from Alex Schaaf, the individual behind the NYC based Yellow Ostrich, who now tour as a three piece band. ]

[Yellow Ostrich plays The Riot Room in Westport on Tuesday, August 7.]

11:59

22. 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

Show #432