Mark spins New & MidCoastal Releases from: Madisen Ward, Melissa Carper, Just Angel, Warren Burns, 90 Minute Cassette, Religion of Heartbreak, Katy Guillen & The Girls, Duff Thompson, Steph Green, Art d’Ecco, Alejandro Escovedo, Orville Peck with Beck, and Jessica Pratt.
At 10:30 Hillary Watts & Chuck Whittington join us to talk about their new band, 90 Minute Cassette. Crafting jams that you can dub on a mixtape right alongside your favorite classic synth pop hits, 90 Minute Cassette is a fresh and nostalgic surprise. The duo from KCMO, is made up of Chuck Whittington (namelessnumberheadman, Madisen Ward, Summer Breeze) on guitar/vocals and Hillary Watts (The Hillary Watts Riot) on synths/vocals, creates a vibe that fuses analog sunsets and digital sunrises. 90 Minute Cassette play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Friday, Sept. 6, at 7:00 pm with Palm Ghosts, and House of Transgressor. Info at: https://linkin.bio/90minutecassette
At 11:00 Mark talks with Duff Thompson, songwriter, musician, and producer whose music is a swampy blend of folk, pop, and garage rock. Thompson’s latest work is a dark, alienated, and swaggering duology of albums titled Shadow People and Shadow People II. Created over two weeks of intensive recording during a Montreal heatwave in 2021, the Shadow People series comprise 19 total tracks split across two albums. Thompson rented out the studio space at Sud-Ouest Recording Service and produced and engineered the recordings himself, bringing along with him a 16-track reel-to-reel and songwriter/musicians Steph Green (drums, lap steel, pump organ, vocals) and Kyle Taylor (drums, piano, vocals) as his backing band and assistant engineers. Duff Thompson plays Grand Avenue Temple 205 East 9th Street, KCMO on Friday, September 6 with Steph Green and Warren Burns.
Also joining us at 11:00 is Josh Mobley who was born and raised in Kansas City. Josh formed his first band, the Gosh Monsters, at Shawnee Mission East. Attending the Coctails record release party at Anne Winter’s Recycled Sounds led him to their show the next night at the Human Observation Lab, a venue where he first saw Mongol Beach Party, Sin City Disciples, Blue Museum, the Catherines, and Roach Factory. Wandering around deserted downtown outside the Lab was where Josh first encountered The Ship. Josh left KC in 1992 to attend Boston University where I formed a band with friends called the Umpteens. Returning to KC in 1997, Josh got a job working at YJ’s Snack Bar for artist David Ford. Josh played in the band After Party, and help form the Dirty Force Brass Band to play for Mardi Gras celebrations. This band morphed into Hearts of Darkness. Around 2002 Josh came across the architectural remains of the Ship which had been torn down in 1997. In 2004 Josh and friends began to put the Ship back together as a clubhouse for friends. The first party there in 2008, was the debut of Hearts of Darkness. The Ship opened to the public in 2014. Josh is currently working to convert the Grand Avenue Temple into a music venue.
At 11:30 Just Angel will perform LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios with T.A. Rell on keyboards. Just Angel is a musician, songwriter, dancer, and creative artist. Just Angel, has been seen on stages of The Music Theater Heritage: Ruby Room performance of “Piece of My Heart” in 2023, The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City “After Midnight” in 2022, and playing Osceola Mays in “Texas in Paris” in 2021. Her band, The Wades, can be found playing eclectic takes on pop music, and Just Angel‘s originals, from Part 1 & 2. Her new single “Dumb”, was released August 9, 2024. Just Angel is currently performing in BEAUTIFUL, The Carole King Musical, at The Barn Players Community Theatre, at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., OPKS., Sept. 6-15, (8 Performances). Info at: https://thebarnplayers.ludus.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Lava Dreams + Lonnie Fisher + Nick Carswell & Fally Afani & the 11th Annual Mix Master Music Conference
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Ivory Blue – “Breathing Underwater” from: “Breathing Underwater” – Single / IVORY BLUE / August 9, 2024 [IVORY BLUE released the single “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024 IVORY BLUE released the single “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Flashback” on March 15, 2023 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, & vocalist. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The KC Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around KC and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on Aug. 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on Sept. 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]
The Rainmakers (Bob Walkenhorst, Jeff Porter, Rich Ruth, Pat Tomek), The Nace Brothers, Kelley Hunt, Danny Cox & Family, Sunny Snoderly, Joseph Snoderly-Cox, Sunae Fisher, Kadesh Flow, Betse & Clarke – “Waiting on a Wave” from: “Waiting on a Wave” – Single / Robert Walkenhorst / August 15, 2023 [Motivated by the importance of the upcoming election veteran KC rockers The Rainmakers’ principal Bob Walkenhorst wrote a song titled \“Waiting On A Wave” and enlisted the help of other KC artists on the studio sessions and video. Among those he reached out to was The Rainmakers (Bob Walkenhorst, Pat Tomek, Rich Ruth, Jeff Porter), The Nace Brothers (David and Jimmy Nace), Kelley Hunt, Danny Cox and family, Sunny Snoderly, Joseph Snoderly-Cox, Sunae Fisher, Kadesh Flow and Betse & Clarke/ Last year Bob Walkenhorst released My Version Of The Story on BAT Records on November 1, 2023 For this record Bob played all instruments and sang all vocal parts and recorded this himself in his home studio. This new release follows Bob Walkenhorst’s last album A Thousand Words a 12 song album released June 1, 2021 on Bob’s 68th Birthday. Bob’s solo releases are beautiful and demonstrate the range of Bob Walkenhorst’s gifts as a master songwriter and poet. The album is also evidence of the wide open vocal range of a rock and roller who can call upon his expressive voice, giving listeners lyrics with a growl and also rising to sing the high parts of the harmony, not in a falsetto, but actually singing like a angel in a duet with Una Walkenhorst his equally talented singer songwriter daughter. With Una, Bob recorded the critically acclaimed FOR TOMORROW with that was released October 12, 2018, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, in clear beautiful harmonies, with that extra special shared musical DNA, that can be heard in the harmonies of The Carter Family, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, or Shy Boys. FOR TOMORROW was #2 on WMM’s 118 Best recordings of 2018. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. With The Rainmakers Bob has released over 12 albums. Bob’s solo record continues the spirit of FOR TOMORROW. // From http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com : Bob Walkenhorst has spent most of his life as a musician, as lead singer and songwriter for the critically acclaimed rock band, The Rainmakers. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Bob and the band have released 9 albums over their 30+ year career, and continue to tour and record. // Bob’s songs gained attention for their lyrical content – thoughtful, humorous, witty, with insightful social commentary. This interest in the power of words eventually led to the publication of a book of Bob’s song lyrics – Scribbling On the Walls of the Mansion – published in 2019. And now Whirlybird Day – published in 2020. // Bob grew up in the small town of Norborne, Missouri, and also spent years in Maryville and Branson. These years of small town life served as the inspiration for the stories in Whirlybird Day. // Bob lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with his wife, Michele Sewell, two daughters and two granddaughters nearby. // Bob Walkenhorst is a Kansas City-based singer, songwriter, musician, and painter. After growing up in his hometown of Norborne, Missouri, he became a founding member of the popular Midwestern U.S. roots rock band The Rainmakers. In the Kansas City area, he currently gives weekly performances and participates in art gallery shows. For some shows, he is joined by his daughter Una. // As the singer/songwriter of his band, The Rainmakers, from 1986 to 1996, Walkenhorst’s discography included five full-length studio albums, one live concert recording, and one “best-of” album. After the dissolution of the band, he released his first solo album, The Beginner, in 2003. In 2009, Walkenhorst and fellow Kansas City musician Jeff Porter released an album entitled No Abandon, under the moniker Walkenhorst and Porter. The Rainmakers reformed in 2011 and have since released three more albums. // Throughout his career as a musician, Walkenhorst has maintained a reputation for producing clever and provocative lyrics, which have garnered him wide critical acclaim. In discussing the self-titled debut of The Rainmakers, Billboard called them “a band with a rarity: a genuinely witty songwriter.” A 1987 review in the Washington Post cited the cleverness while also noting irreverent humor. On a very different note, a review from later that year in the Chicago Tribune observed, “Walkenhorst’s lyrics are preoccupied with morality, although he avoids a moralizing tone.” Over three decades later, in 2018, the Richmond (Missouri) News said, “His unique vocals and viewpoints have garnered him a dedicated following, through more than 30 years in the music scene.” // Perhaps the best-known fan of The Rainmakers and Walkenhorst was Stephen King, who included lyrics from the songs “Downstream” and “Drinkin’ on the Job” in The Tommyknockers. In Gerald’s Game, King excerpted “One More Summer”—citing Walkenhorst by name—and adopted Walkenhorst’s character “The Lakeview Man” in service of the story. // More info at: http://www.bobwalkenhorst.com] [Bob Walkenhorst joined us in WMM on June 2, 2021]
Dragon Inn 3 – “Clock Machine” from: “Clock Machine” – Single / American Laundromat Records / August 23, 2024 [Clock Machine: Performed by Dragon Inn 3: Drums by Nick Wilkerson. Mixed by Scoops Dardaris. Produced by Philip Dickey. Side B: “All I Know.” Performed by Dragon Inn 3. Produced and mixed by Philip Dickey. Mastered by Sean Glonek at SRG studios. Design and Layout by Emily Only Design Co. // Last year Dragon Inn 3 released Trade Secrets on American Laundromat Records on April 18, 2023, their long-anticipated sophomore release from Dragon Inn 3. Features 10 brand new songs plus a fantastic cover of Yazoo’s “Only You.” // Dragon Inn 3 is: Grace Bentley on vocals; Philip Dickey on synths, drums, guitar, bass & vocals; Sharon Hamm on synths & vocals; David Hill on vocals & synths. Recorded from 2018 to 2022 at Davey’s house and Sharon’s house. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Philip Dickey. Additional recording and mixing help from Ross Brown, David Hill, and Chase Horseman. Mastered by Sean Glonek at SRG studios. Additional musicians: Bill Belzer percussion “I Can’t Stop”, John Cardwell guitar “Finally Going Down”, Ben Collins guitar “I Can’t Stop”, Tim Gillespie saxophone “I Can’t Stop” “Out Of Control” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Anita Kitungano vocals “See It Your Way”, John O’Hallaron guitar “Teleport”, Bora Wilondja vocals “See It Your Way” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Mauwa Wilondja vocals “Trade Secrets Theme”, Pelo Wilondja percussion “I Could Never”. Additional writers: Emma Bentley Ruzicka “Not Enough”, Bora Wilondja “See It Your Way”, JR Top “See It Your Way”, and Vincent Clark “Only You”. Cover photo: Dominik Podlipniak. Design: Dustin Williams. // Kansas City based band formed in 2012 with Grace Bentley, Sharon Bowie, Philip K. Dickey, E.P. Marcus. Dragon Inn 3’s debut LP DOUBLE LINE on August 17, 2018 through American Laundromat records. DOUBLE LINE was part of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. The band spent six years whittling away on the songs. Combining sugary pop hooks, hypnotic beats, and huge MOOG synths, Dragon Inn 3’s playful take on 80s pop could double as the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie (if John Hughes directed Blade Runner). The cinematic origins of Dragon Inn 3 can be traced back to 2012, when Philip Dickey (leader of the indie-pop group, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin) wrote a theme song for the award-winning short film Ghoul School. “If you watch the trailer you can tell it’s the same premise and look as Stranger Things–we just accidentally made it three years before them,” Dickey says. “I had so much fun making the soundtrack with the director (E.P. Marcus) that we decided to start a band.” Dickey recruited his sister, Sharon Bowie, an occupational therapist, and his wife, children’s librarian Grace Bentley, to help with songwriting and vocal duties. The group self-released the Ghoul School Soundtrack EP in late 2012, receiving high praise from Consequence of Sound, Philadelphia’s WXPN, and The Riverfront Times, before climbing to #1 on Bandcamp’s cassette charts. Then it was back to the studio (i.e. the bedrooms, kitchens, garages, and hotel rooms that doubled as makeshift recording studios). In between full-time jobs, parenthood, graduate school classes, and cross country moves, the members of Dragon Inn 3 put Double Line to tape. “I’m a stay-at-home dad now, so I would work on song arrangements and rough mixes when our toddler was taking his naps,” explains Dickey. “Grace would come home from work and record all her parts after his bedtime. We recorded all the breathy vocals in the living room and all the yelly parts in the garage so we wouldn’t wake him up.” The result is a highly addictive album that creates “a soundtrack for the more introspective moments on and off the dance floor,” according to critic David Greenwald. With members spread out over the country (KC, LA, and Springfield, MO), the group signed to American Laundromat Records in early 2018. A demo of “Bad Boy” (co-written with Free Energy’s Paul Sprangers) landed in a commercial for Ryan Adams’ Beats 1 Radio show before the song was even completed. More Info at: http://www.dragoninn3.com] [Philip Dicky joined us LIVE on WMM on May 3, 2023.]
MeShell Ndegeocello – “Trouble (Radio Edit)” from: No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin / Blue Note – Verve / August 2, 2024 [14th album from acclaimed GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello. A tribute album to African-American thinkers and writers, including namesake James Baldwin and Audre Lorde. The album was released on Baldwin’s Centennial: August 2, 2024. (from http://www.bluenote.com): The visionary work is at once a musical experience, a church service, a celebration, a testimonial, and a call to action. With No More Water, Ndegeocello embarks on a prophetic musical odyssey that transcends boundaries and genres, delving headfirst into race, sexuality, religion, and other recurring themes explored in Baldwin’s canon. Following 2023’s The Omnichord Real Book, her acclaimed Blue Note debut which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album, the multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer renders an immersive and palpable document that is as sagacious, unabashed, and introspective as Baldwin was in life. // Co-produced by Ndegeocello and guitarist Chris Bruce, No More Water features some of the bassist’s frequent collaborators including Bruce, vocalist Justin Hicks, saxophonist (and Omnichord producer) Josh Johnson, keyboardist Jebin Bruni, and drummer Abe Rounds. Also appearing on various songs are vocalist Kenita-Miller Hicks, keyboardists Jake Sherman and Julius Rodriguez, and Executive Director of the NYCPS Arts Office and trumpeter Paul Thompson. The album also showcases powerful spoken word by venerated poet Staceyann Chin and Pulitzer Prize-winning author and critic Hilton Als. // Nearly a decade in the making, the album’s origins began in 2016 during a performance at The Harlem Stage Gatehouse as part of their annual showcase honoring Baldwin. Ndegeocello had delved into Baldwin’s work the year before, including the seminal nonfiction work The Fire Next Time, which she considers “life-changing” and carries with her as a “spiritual text.” Ndegeocello says, “It was just a revelation to me, and it softened my heart in so many ways.” // “Inspired by Baldwin’s most well-known essay, Ndegeocello’s piece—often staged as a church service—employs music, sermon, text, images, and movement, all of which enter into conversation with Baldwin’s monumental and delicate essay about how black bodies were perceived not only by white Americans but by blacks themselves,” writes Als in the album’s liner notes. “The music you hear in No More Water, is Jimmy talking to Meshell and his words meeting the language of her sounds and then coming out again through a multitude of voices, a multitude of sounds and thoughts that bring Jimmy back and give him—finally—his whole and true self, that which he offered up, time and again, if only we knew then how to listen.” // Thematically, the album moves like a procession in a Black church—baptism, testimony, worship/praise, and ultimately, resurrection. For the album’s opening track and lead single, “Travel,” we are brought inside the mind of a man with suicidal thoughts, a recurring motif in much of Baldwin’s oeuvre. Setting a dystopian mood, Rodriguez’s organ and Chin’s echoing incantations help usher in Justin Hicks’ ominous vocals: “I’ll stay away with all the work to be done/I’ll be bleeding while you bake in the sun.” // “Raise The Roof” features Chin sans accompaniment as the intensity of her words captures the stark and harrowing reality of the pervasive racism we cannot seem to escape: “It must be in the fucking water being force-fed to the police, the prosecutor and the politicians who care nothing for Black bodies falling like leaves in late August…in Ferguson…in Cleveland…in Staten Island, only minutes away from where my own child sits, watching The Muppets take over Manhattan.” // No More Water marks a significant moment of self-discovery for Ndegeocello. She adds that Baldwin entered her life at precisely the right time. “It came when I was ready to look in the mirror. I’ve had to play Plantation Lullabies at a few shows. Looking back, I had an interesting perspective, but the dialogue was limited. It was more like a cathartic experience for a young person of color, whereas now I’m going, ‘How can I get us all to love each other? How can I get us all to see this for what it is?’”// Last year Meshell Ndegeocello released her Blue Note Records debut with The Omnichord Real Book, on June 16, 2023. // At The 2024 Grammy Awards, Meshell Ndegeocello won the first-ever GRAMMY for Best Alternative Jazz Album for The Omnichord Real Book. In her acceptance speech, the two-time GRAMMY winner and 12-time nominee thanked Don Was, the president of Blue Note Records, as well as other colleagues and loved ones — including her two sons. “I hope I haven’t forgotten anybody,” Ndegeocello graciously said at the end, and invoked an elder of the music: “Oliver Lake, this is for you.” // It was a visionary, expansive, and deeply jazz-influenced album that marks the start of a new chapter in her career. Following her 2018 album Ventriloquism, Meshell returns with an album of new original material that taps into a broad spectrum of her musical roots. The Omnichord Real Book was produced by Josh Johnson and features a wide range of guest artists including Jason Moran, Ambrose Akinmusire, Joel Ross, Jeff Parker, Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez, Mark Guiliana, Cory Henry, Joan As Police Woman, Thandiswa, and others. // Meshell Ndegeocello was born Michelle Lynn Johnson on August 29, 1968 in West Berlin, Germany, to US Army Sergeant Major and saxophonist father Jacques Johnson and health care worker mother Helen. She was raised in Washington, D.C. where she attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Oxon Hill High School. She is a singer-songwriter, rapper, and bassist. She has gone by the name Meshell Suhaila Bashir-Shakur which is used as a writing credit on some of her later work. Her music incorporates a wide variety of influences, including funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, reggae and rock. She has received significant critical acclaim throughout her career, being nominated for eleven Grammy Awards, and winning one. She also has been credited for helping to “spark the neo-soul movement”. // Ndegeocello adopted her surname, which she says means “free like a bird” in Swahili. Early pressings of Plantation Lullabies were affixed with stickers to help pronounce her name. The spelling has changed in the hands of record labels a few times during her career; the correct spelling of her stage name as of 2001 is Meshell Ndegeocello.]
[BLK + BRWN Bookstore at 104 1/2 West 39th St., KCMO, present A Century of Baldwin Party – celebrating James Baldwin’s 100th birthday with a party to reflect on his timeless wisdom, on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM. More info at: http://www.blkbrwn.com]
Moses Sumney – “Vintage” from: Sophcore – EP / TUMTUM Records / August 2, 2024 [A collaboration with Portland producer Graham Jonson, who goes by quickly, quickly, yields Sophcore’s prettiest and liveliest moments. “Gold Coast” begins as a sensual, puttering thing indebted to Bjork’s Vespertine. Sumney’s chalky falsetto complements and works against the plucked guitars, distorted multi-tracked vocals, and synths; his impressionistic lyrics (“Talk in tongues, testify/Sunrise skin, color of clay”) say no thanks to coherence, bless them. A symphony of gurgles and music-box melodies cushions “I’m Better (I’m Bad),” in which Sumney recreates with louche delight a dialogue between himself and a feminized object of desire. Over Sophcore’s recombinant grooves, Sumney radiates a sense of fun. Confidence in his vocal talents doesn’t congeal into self-regard. Turns out he’s right: Trills and melisma suit arrangements that swell and contract like protoplasmic organisms. // Moses Sumney released grae on May 15, 2020 on Jagjaguar Records. Sumney made his US television debut with a performance of “Cut Me” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on February 11, 2020. Græ (stylized in all lowercase) is a double album composed of Part 1 and Part 2. The first part was released digitally on February 21, 2020. The second part and the full album was released on May 15, 2020. Græ features a diverse arrangement of musical and technical contributions from Daniel Lopatin, Thundercat, James Blake, Taiye Selasi, John Congleton, Rob Moose, Ezra Miller, Michael Chabon, Adult Jazz, Matthew Otto, Ian Chang, FKJ, Nubya Garcia, Shahzad Ismaily, Jill Scott, Tom Gallo, Shabaka Hutchings, Tunde Jegede, Brandee Younger, Jamie Stewart, and Mac DeMarco. The album was preceded by the singles “Virile”, “Polly”, “Me in 20 Years”, “Cut Me”, and “Bless Me”.Second album and follow up to his debut studio full length album Aromanticism released September 22, 2017 from American singer-songwriter Moses Frimpong Sumney, born May 19, 1990 in San Bernardino, California to Ghanaian parents. He moved with his family back to Ghana at the age of 10. Sumney described his childhood as “Americanized” by this age and had difficulty adjusting to the culture of Ghana. He did not learn to play any instruments until he was older, writing a cappella music for years instead. Sumney did not perform his musical compositions publicly until he was 20. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles. He is based in Los Angeles, California. His self recorded debut EP, Mid-City Island, was released in 2014 and self recorded onto a 4-track recorder given to him by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek. The EP was described by Pitchfork as “primarily composed of first-takes and improvisation; the music is stirring but purposefully incomplete”. Sumney has performed as an opening act for Solange, Sufjan Stevens, and Erykah Badu. Sumney released another 5-song EP in 2016, titled Lamentations which featured a guest appearance from Thundercat.]
Amble Haunt – “Rot To Use” from: Feather Led / Amble Haunt / August 9, 2024 [Feather Led is the first full length studio album from midwest rock band Amble Haunt. // Produced under the guidance of producer/songwriter Nathan Hussey (All Get Out / ATX Heat) – Feather Led is a distinct milestone that embodies Amble Haunt’s unwavering love for the craft of writing and recording music. // The album represents a multi-year collaborative effort between vocalist Bryce Veazey and drummer Brandon Woodall. As the core members of Amble Haunt, Veazey and Woodall have been creating music together for over 20 years through various projects and bands. // Feather Led‘s lyrical content is diverse as it explores the corners of life and self-fulfillment. This album contains much more than love songs or aimless emotions, it is a journal of perseverance. A support to those who know there is more to life than death and taxes. // Amble Haunt released the 5-track debut EP EMPTY LOT on April 1, 2021. it was part of WMM’s Best Recordings of 2022. This Kansas City, Missouri based 4-piece band formed by Bryce Veazey, Brandon Woodall, Ara Woodall, and Jake Briscoe. The band writes: “Music has a way of haunting…Amble Haunt is the way those haunts are sung out into life.” A song about knowing your predispositions in life, and deciding to move forward regardless of the weight you carry. The band surfeited that “Jump Cross the Pool” is a song about knowing your predispositions in life, and deciding to move forward regardless of the weight you carry. More info at: http://www.amblehaunt.bandcamp.com.]
Quiet Takes – “Meri Said (The Spruce Street Version)” from: Regrets Only / Sarah Magill / August 23, 2024 [ Songwriter Sarah Magill makes music for feelers as Quiet Takes. Ashe has been “nomading” and deciding to stay in Eau Claire, WI! She recently sent us a stripped down take on “Meri Said,” which she is calling the Spruce Street Version, to capture that end-of-summer wistfulness. Inspired by the version she played during a Radio Milwaukee Studio Session, she sat down in the living room of Regrets Only producer Zach Hanson (Bon Iver, S. Carey, Gordi), to capture a similarly live, raw version. The accompanying video (premiering on Week in Pop August 22, 2024) transports that living room setting to a serene forest trail, thanks to the help of video creators Erik and Sarah Elstran. (A special treat for me because I’m a huge fan of Sarah’s project The Nunnery; if you haven’t heard her yet, look her up. A true Wisconsin gem.) // Quiet Takes originally released “Meri Said” on February 15, 2024. A writer and wanderer, Magill is currently establishing a nomadic creative practice and will be releasing her first full-length solo album (recorded in Eau Claire, Wisconsin) in early 2024. Written by Sarah Michelle Magill. Produced, engineered & mixed by Zach Hanson. Mastered by Huntley Miller. Recorded at The Hive in Eau Claire, WI. Environmental sound recorded by Sarah Michelle Magill in various locations, except 2, recorded by Redditor @roffels. // On November 5, 2021 Quiet Takes released the EP, Weekly, Weakly with music written by Sarah Magill, produced by David Bennett, with vocals & keyboards by Sarah Magill. Guitars, bass and percussion by David Bennett. Drums by Jared Bond. Engineered and mixed by David Bennett at Aorist Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Zach. Weekly, Weakly the third collaboration between Magill and producer/multi-instrumentalist David Bennett. “Ghosty…” was inspired by pandemic-era panic attacks and social unease. This song was one way I tried to process the new, very anxious voice inhabiting my brain, which I nicknamed Ghosty. Sarah writes, “I made the WEEKLY, WEAKLY EP exactly as titled: During weekly Friday sessions at Aorist Studios with my producer, David Bennett, while feeling extremely weak. I was living alone during the pandemic and (like many of us) coping with isolation, depression and anxiety. Making this EP was my lifeboat. Both the process of making music — refining lyrics, experimenting with new textures, collaborating on harmonies — and the commitment to the weekly process kept me relatively grounded and connected. This project tethered me to human-ness when I was afraid I was going to float off into some kind of feral, disconnected netherworld of pandemic loneliness. I’ll forever be grateful to David and his wife, Kayla, for creating a safe space to continue working at Aorist during such a dangerous time.” WEEKLY, WEAKLY followed the release of Sarah Magill’s EP, SAN FIDEL under her moniker, Quiet Takes. Released March 5, 2021. Written by Sarah Magill. Produced by David Bennett and Sarah Magill. Vocals and keys by Sarah Magill on vocals & keyboards, David Bennett on guitars and bass, Ian Thompson on additional keyboards & synthesizers, Kyle Rausch on drums, and Bryan Koehler on percussion. Engineered and mixed by David Bennett at Aorist Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Zach Hanson. Cover image by Shawn Brackbill. Sarah Magill released her single “Wanted (The Dirty Windshield Version)” on May 1, 2020. . Sarah Magill released AHEM, a 4-song EP, on December 11, 2020. The songs were originally released under her old project name MYRY, in November 2018. Quiet Takes (formerly MYRY) is an on-going collaborative music project by Sarah Magill a writer & musician based in KC. She performs with a rotating cast of friends—although these stay-at-home days, she is playing solo. In KC, she is known for hosting house shows and co-founding Rubix, a performance art collective. MYRY’s first EP, AHEM, was released in 2018. Sarah released four of MYRY’s songs from that 2018 EP release as Quiet Takes singles in 2020. Sarah Magill was a guest on WMM on May 13, 2020. We interviewed Sarah Magill on WMM on March 10, 2021 and Nov. 2, 2021. Info at: https://quiettakes.com%5D
10:29 – Underwriting
Lonnie Fisher – “Woke Up This Morning” from: FLOATING PALACE / Lonnie Fisher / August 9. 2024 [Recorded with Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. Lonnie Fisher studied music at Kansas State University, graduating in 1992. By 1999 he was touring with his band, Sturgeon Mill. After the band broke up Lonnie embarked on a solo career while also pursuing a career as a chef. After the loss of his girlfriend to cancer in 2005 Lonnie began to struggle with alcoholism. In 2008 Lonnie suffered a major stroke followed by a second stroke two years later. His life as a chef and musician stopped as Lonnie struggled to relearn everything and rehabilitate. Against all odds, Lonnie returned to the studio and stage in 2018. He couldn’t return to the kitchen due to the inability to move fast enough, but started his own business as a personal chef. Lonnie Fisher released the EP SEEDS on July 27, 2023. Lonnie Fisher released the 8 track album BEAUTIFUL STAR on February 9, 2023. Lonnie Fisher released his 8-song, solo album FAMOUS GIRL on January 19, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. FAMOUS GIRL was engineered by Ed Rose and Duane Trower with contributions from: Chris Nunez. Tim Jenkins, Tim Manning, and Julia Reynolds. On October 22, 2021 with his band Lonnie Fisher And The Funeral released HAUNTED with Lonnie Fisher on lead vocals, 5 String Guitar & Keyboards; Tim Jenkins on guitars; Chris Nunez on drums, Tim Manning on bass, & Julia Reynolds on vocals & keyboards.More information at: http://www.lonniefisher.bandcamp.com.]
10:36 – Interview with Lonnie Fisher
Lonnie Fisher studied music at Kansas State University, graduating in 1992. By 1999 he was touring with his band, Sturgeon Mill. After the band broke up Lonnie embarked on a solo career while also pursuing a career as a chef. After the loss of his girlfriend to cancer in 2005 Lonnie began to struggle with alcoholism. In 2008 Lonnie suffered a major stroke followed by a second stroke two years later. His life as a chef and musician stopped as Lonnie struggled to relearn everything and rehabilitate. Against all odds, Lonnie returned to the studio and stage in 2018. He couldn’t return to the kitchen due to the inability to move fast enough, but started his own business as a personal chef. Lonnie Fisher and The Funeral released the album, HAUNTED on Oct. 22, 2021; his solo album FAMOUS GIRL on Jan. 19, 2022; his solo album, BEAUTIFUL STAR on February 9, 2023; and his EP, SEEDS on July 28, 2023. Lonnie joins us today to share music from his new record, FLOATING PALACE, recorded with Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. Info at: http://www.lonniefisher.bandcamp.com.
Lonnie Fisher Thank you for being with us on WMM.
Lonnie Fisher studied music at Kansas State University, graduating in 1992.
By 1999 he was touring with his band, Sturgeon Mill. After the band broke up Lonnie embarked on a solo career while also pursuing a career as a chef.
Lonnie: “Going on tour with my group Sturgeon Mill from Lawrence, Kansas, in 1999 was one of the greatest times of my life, and we were supporting an international hit song called Kill Yourself or I Will.”
“Then the band broke up, and I started my solo career working with famous engineer Ed Rose and produced the Famous Girl album, which is a fan favorite and continuously in my live sets. During this time, I also was developing my culinary skills, which would lead to being able to make enough money to support my music.”
“Tough times hit in 2005 when I lost my girlfriend to brain cancer, and I started to struggle ith alcoholism.”
“I continued till 2008 and then suffered a major stroke followed by another one two years later. Both of my careers stopped while I tried to rehabilitate and relearn everything.”
“It looked like my life was destroyed, but I worked very hard and, against all odds, returned to the studio and stage in 2018. I couldn’t return to the kitchen due to cognitive decline and inability to move fast enough, but I have been able to start my own business as a chef.”
“Now 7 years sober from alcohol, I had my best year in 2023, abd now into 2024, receiving numerous airplay in KC on 90.9 The Bridge and KKFI 90.1, playing multiple tracks from my albums Beautiful Star and Seeds.”
“It’s been a miraculous comeback, and I played almost 50 shows in 2023 in KC, Lawrence, and several other Midwest towns. “
Lonnie: “I’m so grateful to be back, and I have so many people to thank for their kindness and support. Most importantly, my wife Tara, who was with me through all the dark moments, deserves real credit for my being alive.”
Sheri at The Brick in KCMO, Steve Tulipana at Record Bar KCMO, Duane Trower Weights and Measures Soundlab KCMO, Lawrence venues The Replay Lounge, Bottleneck, Gaslight Gardens, Northside Social, all of these people and places gave me a second chance to resurrect my career. I love them very much.
“2024 looks to be my biggest year yet, and I have Julia Reynolds helping me in the studio and live performances on keys and vocals and Autumn Hayes on bass and vocals after looking back at it all. Life is truly a gift. Work hard. Play harder. Take care of your body and mental health. When everything is working together in harmony, there’s nothing you can’t do.”
“After college at Kansas State University as a music major, I started as a singer in a rock band and worked restaurant jobs. Little did I know at the time that one day I would become a professional recording artist, singer/songwriter, and a personal chef today. It’s been a journey of many extreme highs and lows.”
Lonnie Fisher’s new recording “Floating Palace” was recorded with Duane Trower at Weights and Measures.
Songs written and produced by Lonnie Fisher; Guitars, Keys, Vocals: Lonnie Fisher; Bass, Vocals: Autumn Hayes; Keys, Vocals: Julia Wildstar; Recorded, mixed and mastered at Weights and Measures soundlab by Duane Trower. Media and Management: Tara Fisher Artwork and Design: Lyd Low
Lonnie Fisher works as a Personal Chef creates weekly meals for busy professionals and seniors who need help. I record artists and write songs about life’s struggles and our world.
Lonnie Fisher – “Floating Palace” from: FLOATING PALACE / Lonnie Fisher / August 9. 2024 [Recorded with Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. Lonnie Fisher studied music at Kansas State University, graduating in 1992. By 1999 he was touring with his band, Sturgeon Mill. After the band broke up Lonnie embarked on a solo career while also pursuing a career as a chef. After the loss of his girlfriend to cancer in 2005 Lonnie began to struggle with alcoholism. In 2008 Lonnie suffered a major stroke followed by a second stroke two years later. His life as a chef and musician stopped as Lonnie struggled to relearn everything and rehabilitate. Against all odds, Lonnie returned to the studio and stage in 2018. He couldn’t return to the kitchen due to the inability to move fast enough, but started his own business as a personal chef. Lonnie Fisher released the EP SEEDS on July 27, 2023. Lonnie Fisher released the 8 track album BEAUTIFUL STAR on February 9, 2023. Lonnie Fisher released his 8-song, solo album FAMOUS GIRL on January 19, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. FAMOUS GIRL was engineered by Ed Rose and Duane Trower with contributions from: Chris Nunez. Tim Jenkins, Tim Manning, and Julia Reynolds. On October 22, 2021 with his band Lonnie Fisher And The Funeral released HAUNTED with Lonnie Fisher on lead vocals, 5 String Guitar & Keyboards; Tim Jenkins on guitars; Chris Nunez on drums, Tim Manning on bass, & Julia Reynolds on vocals & keyboards.More information at: http://www.lonniefisher.bandcamp.com.]
VCMN – “Lips of an Angel” from: “Lips of the Angel” – Single / Vicman / April 12, 2024 [VCMN released the single “Fab” on July 26, 2024. VCMN release the singvle, “Boounce (Remix) [feat. Amira Wang & The Epitome] on August 11, 2023. VCMN released their debut album entitled “The VCMN Project” on Friday, May 13, 2022. VCMN is an American singer-songwriter duo who’s artistry is shaped by way of edgy, alternative R&B, Pop, and Rock. Victoria and Emmanuel “Manny” Cable—aka the “Vic” and “Man” of VCMN. Victoria grew up in the Bethel International Center of Worship church in Kansas City, Kansas, where her father, Cleveland Drone, was a pastor. From the ages of 10-19, she toured across the country singing gospel music. Manny came to performance via a different path: ballet and modern dance. They’ve been working it out with the rhythms and the rhymes for years now. VCMN Project was first birthed into existence when they were still dating; the album was finished after they were married. It all began on their living room sofa. The VCMN Project is just as much a party as it is a beautifully written love story. The 10-track “The VCMN Project” encompasses a song from every top 40 music genre. R&B, Rap, Pop, Alternative Rock, Ballad, Country, Hip Hop, and Dance Pop. VCMN played Lawrence Gay Pride, presented by I Heart Local Music. Fri. June 24, 2022 at Lucia, 1016 Mass with Cuee & Friends. INFOt: http://www.vcmnofficial.com]
[VCMN play Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St.,, Lawrence, KS on Friday, Sept. 6, at 10:00pm with YAER (Wichita), and Jesus Christ Taxi Driver, as part of MixMaster 2024]
11:00 – Station ID
12. Dalima Kapten – “All I See Is Green (A Poem)” from: All I See Is Green (A Poem) / Dalima Kapten / November 17, 2023 [Dalima Kapten (she/her) is currently working on her debut album. She is a second-generation Kenyan-American pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Technology at the University of Central Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Theater Minor, and a specialization in Architectural Acoustics from the University of Kansas. // As a theater performer and artist, Dalima is deeply moved by a passion for storytelling and worked at Music Theater Heritage as the Manager of Artistic Operations. Additionally, she presented her self-published chapbook “Native Anomaly” for Columbia University’s HOME: Symposium.]
[Dalima Kapten plays the 8th Street Taproom, 801 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8:00pm with 2W33DY, NMH, as part of MixMaster 2024]
11:34 – Interview with Nick Carswell & Fally Afani
Originally from Limerick, Ireland. Nick Carswell has been performing professionally for 25 years, in his native Ireland and across the US Midwest, where he has lived since 2011. His main creative output is as songwriter and frontman for the alt-rock 5 piece, Carswell & Hope. Nick has wide experience with arts & cultural non-profits, community organizing, public art and professional development. Nick is a Creative Industries Specialist for the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, a Senior Artist Leadership Fellow for the Mid-America Arts Alliance’s Artist INC program, and a board member for the Heartland Song Network, Director of the Lawrence Music Alliance, and program manager for the Audio-Reader Network.
Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.
Fally Afani is an award-winning journalist with a career spanning nearly three decades in media. She has worked extensively in radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and more. // Fally’s work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, and television stations across Kansas. She has received several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards as well as an Edward R. Murrow award for her online work in journalism. Fally is also the recipient of the Rocket Grant Award, which helped develop live music events for her community. In 2015, a video she made detailing one second of her life every day gained national attention after it was featured on BuzzFeed and The Huffington Post. // Currently, she resides in Lawrence, Kansas, where she focuses on live events and photographs for various media entities.
Fally Afani thanks for being with us on WMM.
Nick and Fally join us joins us to share details about the 11th Annual Mixmaster 2024 Conference, Saturday, September 7, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at The Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS. MXM2024 offering panels, workshops and networking opportunities connecting music professionals with bookers, promoters, and venue. Panelists will share valuable insights and experiences through a series of discussions and workshops on topics ranging from music production and artist development to marketing strategies. MXM2024 sees expanded offerings with a series of live showcases around Lawrence venues on Friday September 6 at: Replay and Bottleneck; and Saturday, September 7 at: Lucia, 8th Street Tap Room, and Replay. More info at: http://www.lawrencemusicalliance.com
The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 11th annual MixMaster Music Conference, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.
Empowering musicians through collaborative programs and conversations, MXM2024 offers panels, workshops and networking opportunities accessible to all through this independently-organized conference event.
MXM2024 sees expanded offerings with a series of live showcases around Lawrence venues on Friday Sept 6th + Sat Sept 7th. In partnership with Midwest Music Foundation, the event also offers a health clinic for musicians with free health consultations, custom earplug fitting and health insurance information
Media Contact: Nick Carswell: (785) 424-5236 Fally Afani: (785) 979-5021 Lawrence Music Alliance http://www.lawrencemusicalliance.com lawrencemusicalliance@gmail.com
MixMaster Music Conference unveils speakers and schedule
6:00pm – 1:00am – Friday Music Showcases Live music showcases at Replay Patio (6pm), The Bottleneck (8pm) and Replay Inside (10pm). Featuring Bad Alaskan, Beth Watts Nelson, Sky Smeed, Draper Family Band, Swallowtails & Christena Graves Band
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Music Conference Panels, workshops, networking events at Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, Meeting Rooms and Sound + Vision Studio
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Health Clinic Free Musicians’ Health Care Clinic presented by Midwest Music Foundation. MMF is providing free custom earplugs to the first 15 qualified musicians/music industry personnel to apply.
6:00pm – 1:00am – Saturday Music Showcases Live music showcases at Lucia (6pm), Tap Room (8pm) and Replay (10pm). Featuring Kelley Hunt, Von Hansen, Christopher Burnett Duo, Brasileiro, NMH, 2W33DY, Dalima Kapten
Lawrence, Kansas – Mixmaster Music Conference is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated lineup. This all-encompassing FREE music conference will take place on Saturday, September 7, at the Lawrence Public Library from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., bringing together music enthusiasts and industry professionals for a day of knowledge sharing and networking.
This is the only music conference of its kind in the region. MixMaster is presented by the Lawrence Music Alliance and supported by a Community Arts Grant from the City of Lawrence, Kansas, and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.
Attendees can anticipate a rich and diverse selection of speakers, including locally renowned artists, producers, and industry experts. Panelists will share their valuable insights and experiences through a series of discussions and workshops on topics ranging from music production and artist development to marketing strategies.
The conference schedule is now available at http://www.mixmaster2024.com/program, and promises a blend of keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Julia Othmer – Songstress / Song Interpreter / Artist Activist juliaothmer.com
Eddie Moore – Pianist / Composer / Educator / Curator WeThePeople, Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle
Fally Afani – Editor, I Heart Local Music
Randy Chertkow – Author, Making Money with Music / Center for Creative Entrepreneurship
11:44
13. Little Miss Dynamite– “Ordinary Blue” from: Grow Up / Rural Grit Records / May 3, 2024 [Little Miss Dynamite is a four piece string band with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals. Engineered and Mixed by Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio.More info at: http://www.bethwattsnelson.com]
[Beth Watts Nelson plays the Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS on Friday, Sept. 6, at 8:00pm with Draper Family Band, Christena Graves as part of MixMaster 2024]
11:47 – More Interview with Nick Carswell & Fally Afani
We are talking with Nick Carswell and Fally Afani about the 11th Annual Mixmaster 2024Conference, Saturday, September 7, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at The Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS, MXM2024 offering panels, workshops and networking opportunities connecting music professionals with bookers, promoters, and venue. Panelists will share valuable insights and experiences through a series of discussions and workshops on topics ranging from music production and artist development to marketing strategies. MXM2024 sees expanded offerings with a series of live showcases around Lawrence venues on Friday September 6 at: Replay and Bottleneck; and Saturday, September 7 at: Lucia, 8th Street Tap Room, and Replay. More info at: http://www.lawrencemusicalliance.com
The conference is open to all individuals passionate about the music industry, regardless of their level of experience or expertise. Attendance is FREE; however, interested individuals are encouraged to register in advance at MixMaster2023.com to secure their spot.
MUSIC WORKSHOPS CONFERENCE: SATURDAY SEPT 7TH LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
10:00am Main Auditorium – Careers in Music Opening Session:What Works: Careers & Defining Success in Music Focusing on tried and tested strategies for independent artists, MXM2024’s opening session outlines What Works principles with M-AAA Artist Inc Facilitators Nick Carswell, Eddie Moore and Julia Othmer.
11:20am – 12:00pm Main Auditorium – Touring 101
12:00pm – 1:00pm Main Auditorium – Lunch & Networking
1:00pm – 1:50pm Main Auditorium – What Does “Ready” Look Like
2:00pm – 2:50pm Main Auditorium – Radio & Music Journalism
2:00pm Meeting Room C – Revenue Streams 45 Revenue Streams in 45 Minutes Randy Chertkow, author of The DIY Music Manual and Making Money With Music, offers a quickfire breakdown of the ways to make money as an independent musician and how to maximize your income as an artist.
3:00pm Main Auditorium -Music Discovery – Demo Dip One of our most fun and popular sessions, Demo Dip offers a chance to showcase your music, get real-time feedback from our panel of experts, and hear some great new music. Submissions are open now!
4:00pm – 5:00pm Main Auditorium – Networking
About MixMaster: The MixMaster Music Conference is an annual event dedicated to empowering individuals in the music industry. By bringing together musicians, industry professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, MixMaster provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and career development. The conference is a program of the Lawrence Music Alliance and supported by the City of Lawrence, Kansas, Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. For more information, please visit MixMaster2023.com.
About the Lawrence Music Alliance: Our vision at the Lawrence Music Alliance is the vibrant and thriving music scene in Lawrence, Kansas, where musicians of all genres can flourish and engage with the community. Through our collaborative efforts with the city, we aim to promote and support the live music industry and ensure that Lawrence is recognized as a premier destination for music lovers everywhere.
Nick Carswell and Fally Afani thanks for being with us on WMM.
The Mixmaster 2023 Conference, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at The Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS, connecting music professionals with bookers, promoters, venues. This is the first in-person edition of the program since the pandemic, and the only music conference of its kind in the region. Conference schedule is available at http://www.mixmaster2024.com/program.
11:26
Alien Hellbop – “After The Quake” from: After The Quake / Alien Hellbop / October 25, 2021 [Two piece rock with a twist. Performed by Spencer Goertz-Giffen and Braden Young of Hello Biplane.Recorded in 2019 at PULP Arts Recording Studios in Gainesville, FL. Spencer Goertz-Giffen on guitar & vocals; Braden Young on drums, vocals & bass; Winston Goertz-Giffen on synthesizers, and Nate Mahan on synth thing. Recorded and mixed by Winston Goertz-Giffen. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. All songs written by Spencer and Braden. // Alien Hellbop is a maximalist rock duo from Lawrence, KS combining guitar, drums, sample pad bass and vocal harmonies to create a sonic duo larger than the sum of its parts. Attendees of shows past have been hypnotized and dumbfounded by how the sound is pulled off. Originally formed in Chico, CA members Spencer Goertz-Giffen and Braden Young set out to create a full band sound with only two members. After a flurry of positive feedback from shows played in northern California, Alien Hellbop managed to drive cross country with their two small children to Gainesville, FL and record a five song EP at PULP studios with the help of engineer and producer Winston Goertz-Giffen. Alien Hellbop is now based out of Lawrence, KS. Spencer and Braden have been involved in many other bands over the years including: Hospital Ships, The Kinetiks, The Willnots, Accursed Wound, The Magentlemen, Saything, and Old and Gray. The duo also fronts another group called Hello Biplane, a six-piece dream-folk-pop band with focus on songwriting and male/female harmonies.More info at: http://www.alienhellbop.bandcamp.com]
[Alien Hellbop play Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS. on Saturday, September 7, at 10:00 PM with The Instant, and Kadesh Flow, as part of MixMaster 2024.]
11:30 – Underwriting
Lava Dreams – “Driver” from: “Driver” – Single / Lava Dreams / May 24th, 2024 [Lava Dreams releases their first new music of the year – a single titled “DRIVER.” The alternative pop anthem – produced by Spencer Hoad and written by Lava Dreams – brandishes hard-hitting drums, funky bass lines, and powerful vocals.. On May 24th, Lava Dreams is gave a show at miniBar to celebrate the release – complete with performances from them and their band, as well as: Moon 17, Malek Azrael & the Vibes, and Danny Santell. Well-loved Kansas City emcee Flare tha Rebel hosted the event,. More Info at: LavaDreamsMusic.com]
11:35 – Interview with Lava Dreams
You just heard the voice of Lava Dreams (she/they) a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 90.9 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called “YOUR WARRIOR.” She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release. Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. More info at: http://www.lavadreamsmusic.com
Lava Dreams thanks for being with us on WMM
Lava Dreams (she/they) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. Lava Dreams was on WMM on April 22, 2020
Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene.
Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called YOUR WARRIOR. She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release.
Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music.
Solo artist Lava Dreams is the electronic music project of Julia Hamilton who writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Hailing from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric.
Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018.
Lava Dreams is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila University.
11:43
Lava Dreams – “Your Warrior” from: “Your Warrior” – Single / Lava Dreams / August 9, 2024 [Lava Dreams (she/they) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. / Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. / Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called YOUR WARRIOR. She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release. / Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music.. More Info at: LavaDreamsMusic.com]
11:45 – More Interview with Lava Dreams
You just heard the voice of Lava Dreams (she/they) a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember.
Lava Dreams released her single “Good Energy” produced by Duncan Burnett on April 22, 2020. Deezer, Google Play, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or at LavaDreamsMusic.com
Hailing from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child.
Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars.
After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018.
“Good Energy + Focus” (April 22, 2020) was produced by Duncan Burnett.
She writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music.
Last year in 2019 Lava Dreams released the 12 song full length album, Meditation.
Prior to “Meditation” Lava Dreams released the sing “Sweet Sweet”
Lava Dreams (Julia Hamilton) is also a filmmaker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Film from Avila University.
Lava Dreams Influences are: Sade, Billie Holiday, Solange, Frank Ocean, Daniel Ceasar, The Internet, Washed Out, The Cranberries, Tame Impala, Heart, Prince, Steve Lacy, Janelle Monae, Tracy Chapman, Fleetwood Mac, Mereba, and Nao.
Lava Dreams conveys optimism and vulnerability with lyrics that drive home personal truths. Lava’s second album will be released Summer 2020.
Lava Dreams – “Thrill Ride” from: “Thrill Ride” – Single / Lava Dreams / July 1, 2022 [Lava Dreams (she/they) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. / Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. / Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called YOUR WARRIOR. She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release. / Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. More Info at: LavaDreamsMusic.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, September 4 we’ll talk with Hillary Watts & Chuck Whittington about their band 90 Minute Cassette, AND we talk with Josh Mobley and Duff Thompson about their show in Josh’s new space: The Grand Avenue Temple, AND Just Angel returns to sing LIVE in ur 90.1 Studios.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, KKFI Accounting & Administration – Shaina Littler
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Lava Dreams + Lonnie Fisher + Nick Carswell & 11th Annual Mix Master Music Conference
Mark spins New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Rainmakers with: The Nace Brothers, Betse & Clarke, Kelley Hunt, Kadesh Flow & Danny Cox & Family. We’ll also play: Dalima Kapten, Lava Dreams, IVORY BLUE, Dragon Inn 3, Amble Haunt, VCMN, Quiet Takes, Lonnie Fisher, Little Miss Dynamite, Alien Hellbop, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Moses Sumney.
At 10:30 Lonnie Fisher joins us to share music from his new release FLOATING PALACE, released August 9, 2024 and recorded with Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. Lonnie Fisher studied music at Kansas State University, graduating in 1992. By 1999 he was touring with his band, Sturgeon Mill. After the band broke up Lonnie embarked on a solo career while also pursuing a career as a chef. After the loss of his girlfriend to cancer in 2005 Lonnie began to struggle with alcoholism. In 2008 Lonnie suffered a major stroke followed by a second stroke two years later. His life as a chef and musician stopped as Lonnie struggled to relearn everything and rehabilitate. Against all odds, Lonnie returned to the studio and stage in 2018. He couldn’t return to the kitchen due to the inability to move fast enough, but started his own business as a personal chef. Lonnie Fisher and The Funeral released the album, HAUNTED on October 22, 2021; his solo album FAMOUS GIRL on January 19, 2022; his solo album, BEAUTIFUL STAR on February 9, 2023; and his EP, SEEDS on July 28, 2023. Info at: http://www.lonniefisher.bandcamp.com.
At 11:00 Mark talks with Nick Carswell about the 11th Annual Mixmaster 2024 Conference, Saturday, September 7, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at The Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS. MXM2024 offering panels, workshops and networking opportunities connecting music professionals with bookers, promoters, and venue. Panelists will share valuable insights and experiences through a series of discussions and workshops on topics ranging from music production and artist development to marketing strategies. MXM2024 sees expanded offerings with a series of live showcases around Lawrence venues on Friday September 6 at: Replay and Bottleneck; and Saturday, September 7 at: Lucia, 8th Street Tap Room, and Replay. More info at: http://www.lawrencemusicalliance.com
At 11:00 Mark welcomes Lava Dreams (she/they) a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 90.9 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called “YOUR WARRIOR.” She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release. Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. More info at: http://www.lavadreamsmusic.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Bill Sundahl & The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest + Grand Marquis
“It’s Showtime Folks” from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980 [WMM’s theme song]
Shy Boys – “In Gloves” from: Talk Loud / Polyvinyl Record Co. / September 25, 2020 [3rd album from Shy Boys. Shy Boys are brothers Collin Rausch & Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Collin & Kyle come from a family of musicians. Their cousin is Kasey Rausch, their father Kent Rausch is a jazz musician and was the music teacher and band director at their High School. Their mother was a choir director. Their father was from a family of 7 brothers (Greg, Terry, Brad), many who are musicians and recording artists, including their Grandfather Dean Rausch. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were band mates in The ACBs. Collin had been playing for years in the KC area including The Abracadabras, and The I’ms with Kyle. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. In June 2014, the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. Musician Kyle Little and Ross Brown (of Fullbloods) joined Shy Boys to make the band a 5-piece. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that Shy Boys had signed to Polyvinyl Recording Co. an independent record label based in Champaign, Illinois and home to the band STRFKR, Xiu Xiu, The Get Up Kids, of Montreal, and others. Shy Boys released their Polyvinyl debut album, the autobiographical, Bell House, on August. 3, 2018. They immediately went out on an extended national tour. On February 15, 2019, Shy Boys released their singles, “Dim The Light” and “Brick By Brick” signaling new sounds from the band. Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch and Ross Brown joined us live on WMM on November 11, 2020.]
[Shy Boys play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 10:00pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., West Bottoms, w/ Windler, Salvation Choir, Flare Tha Rebel, Freedom Affair.]
Shy Boys / The ACBs / Ghosty / The I’ms / Fullbloods / Koney – Discography
The ACB’s / The ACB’s / July 10, 2007 [Debut from KC based 4-piece with Konnor Ervin on lead vocals, Bryan McGuire on bass, Matt Saladino on guitar, Corey Egan on drums & vocals. Written by, and arranged by Konnor Ervin. Produced by Tim Suttle. Recorded & mixed at Underdog Studio in Desoto, KS. Mastered at Euphonic Masters in Memphis, TN.]
The Abracadabras – Be Still, Be Cool / The Abracadabras / January 1, 2008 [5-piece KC band formed in the spring of 2007, with Jocelyn Olivia (John) Nixon on keyboards & vocals, Travis Mckenzie on lead guitar, Bobby (Wayne Hutcherson) Topaz on guitar & vocals, Collin Rausch on bass & vocals, and Kyle Rausch on drums & vocals.]
The ACBs – Stona Rosa / The ACBs / January 1, 2011 [After half of the band left to move to LA, Konnor Ervin and Bryan McGuire got help from: Andrew Connor of Ghosty, and Beau Bruns of Cowboy Indian Bear. All songs written by, and arranged, lead vocals & guitar by Konnor Ervin. Mike Nolte on bass, Bryan McGuire on bass & vocals, Andrew Connor on guitar & vocals, Beau Brus on drums. Kyle Rausch on vocals. Produced by Mike Nolte. Mastered by Roger Seibel Recorded at More Famouser Studios. Mixed at More Famouser Studios. Mastered at SAE Mastering.]
The I’ms – Second MIXES / Independent / 2011 [Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch. Kyle Rausch also plays with The ACB’s. In 2011 on WMM we started playing songs from The I’ms, a duo made of up Collin and Kyle, who posted 6 of their self recorded songs on their facebook page. We included this informal release in our Top Ten of The 111 Best Recordings of 2011. 3 of the songs from The I’ms ended up being rerecorded for Shy Boys.]
Ghosty – GHOSTY / More Famouser Records – High Dive Records / April 17, 2012 [3rd full length release from Lawrence and KC area band. Ghosty is Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte an Bill Belzer who recorded their new album themselves over the last couple of years with help from David Wetzel, Josh Adams, Jake Blanton, Konnor Ervin, Ryan Connor, Kirsten Paludan, and Dan Talmadge. The new release was pressed on vinyl and available on LP and digital download. More info at ghostysounds.com.]
The ACBs – Little Leaves / High Dive Records / March 5, 2013. [Konnor Ervin on lead vocals, & guitar; Bryan McGuire on bass, Andrew Connor on guitar; Kyle Rausch on drums. Their songs have been featured on MTV’s The Inbetweeners, and Daytrotter. The title “Little Leaves” is a nod to Konnor Ervin’s landscaping day job. The lead single, “Ocean” was released as a free download in late 2012, prompting Popmatters to declare the ACBs as one of its “Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013.”]
Shy Boys – Shy Boys / High Dive Records / January 17, 2014 [Debut release. Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and friend and roommate Konnor Ervin, are members of this KC based trio. Collin and Kyle’s father was a High School band director and music teacher. Konnor Ervin is the lead singer and songwriter of The ACBs, where Kyle also plays drums. The 10 song release had two singles premiered by Stereogum. “Keeps Me On My Toes” was a song Collin wrote in 15 minutes while his girlfriend was in the shower. The album was recorded at West End Studio, over two-weekends.]
Shy Boys – “Life is Peachy” – Single Release / High Dive Records / July 15, 2014 [Stereogum has premiered the band’s new song, “Life Is Peachy”, the A-side to their new 45 rpm, 7″ single coming from High Dive Records. Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and roommate Konnor Ervin, are members of the Kansas City based band, Shy Boys. ]
Fullbloods – Mild West / High Dive Records / February 26, 2016 [Second full length release from Fullbloods: Ross Brown; Jared Tomasino; David Seume; and Bill Pollock. Recorded at Westend Studios in Kansas City, Kansas by Mike Nolte. Mixed by Fullbloods. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. (Starfucker, Of Montreal).]
Shy Boys – Bell House / Polyvinyl Record Co. / August 3, 2018 [Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. The group formed shortly after the trio became roommates in 2012. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com
Shy Boys – Dim The Light / Brick By Brick – Singles / Polyvinyl Record Co. / Feb. 15, 2019 [Single release follow up to band’s 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com. In June 2014 the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that the band had signed to Polyvinyl Record Co.]
Fullbloods – Soft and Virtual Touch / High Dive Records / April 3, 2020 [3rd full-length. All songs written, performed, recorded, mixed by Ross Brown in KCMO. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Artwork by Nika Winn. Kyle Rausch played drums on 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, & 9, sang on 9. Bill Pollock Played drums on 3 & 5. David Seume played bass on 5. Jerad Tomasino played synth on 9 & 10, sang on 9. Jenni Kornfeld played cello on 4. Leslie Butsch played sax on 10. More info at: http://www.fullbloods.com.]
Shy Boys – Talk Loud / Polyvinyl Record Co. / September 25, 2020 [3rd album from the KC band Shy Boys. New music follow up to the Dim The Light / Brick By Brick, singles released February 15, 2019. Shy Boys released their 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House on August 3, 2018. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands including The Abracadabras, and The I’ms with brother Kyle. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records.]
Koney – Koney / High Dive Records / October 9, 2020
[from Lucas Wetzel’s Pitch Feature: “To bring the songs to life, Konnor enlisted brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch, his roommates in their ramshackle West Plaza house/practice space and his bandmates in chamber pop group Shy Boys. Ross Brown (of Fullbloods) played synthesizer and helped run sound, and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Little contributed on guitar. Fritz Hutchison and Andrew Connor also contributed on several tracks. Recording engineer Mike Nolte flew in from Portland to run the controls at Westend Recordings, and the group set up camp in the studio over a long snowy weekend in 2015.” ]
Thanks for tuning into Wednesday MidDay Medley, on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today we’ll feature music from 15 of the 30+ bands playing the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest including: The Freedom Affair, The Salvation Choir, Flare Tha Rebel, Jamogi, Keo & Them, Flight Attendant, The Canterberries, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, The Swallowtails, Grand Marquis, Danny McGaw, Zee Underscore, Supermassive Black Holes, and Trevor Turla. We started with Shy Boys.
At 10:00 Bill Sundahl joins us to share details about the 20th Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 24 in the West Bottoms & Sunday, August, 25 at the Folly Theater, including 30+ Bands, DJs, and Drum Lines, on 7 stages. Saturday’s stages in the Historic West Bottoms include: Lemonade Park, Voltaire, Stockyards Brewing, The Campground, The Livestock Exchange, and a special VIP stage at the Ox Cafe & Bakery. CMF also presents the Strawberry Swing Makers and Vendors, and a Free Day Party at Lemonade Park (from Noon to 3:00pm) featuring: Talking Backwards, Art as Mentorship: Rebel Song Academy, and Agga Dagga. This is a fundraiser for 90.1 FM KKFI. From 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. Purchase tickets at: WWW.CMFKC.COM
At 11:00 we’ll welcome Bryan Redmond and Ryan Wurtz, of the acclaimed KC band Grand Marquis who play The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO, on Sunday, August 24, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. This year, the Crossroads Music Fest was thrilled to add a second day at the iconic Folly Theater honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis. The band will celebrate their eras from over the last two and a half decades. Past members will join the band along with performances from the current bands they are making art with today. Joining the Grand Marquis on stage are: Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Victor & Penny, Damien Gunn Band, and Trevor Turla. If you want reserved seating for CMF Day Two at the Folly Theater please visit: http://www.follytheater.org
10:06 – Interview with Bill Sundahl
And with us for the entire show is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 20 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF.
Bill Sundahl founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005. After a varied set of careers that led to the Fundraising Leadership Series at the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2016, Bill’s passion for connecting people with ways to grow our community took root. Bill Sundahl spent eight years at KKFI 90.1 FM, starting as an events and volunteer coordinator, then as 90.1 FM KKFI’s Development Director. For last 11 years Bill has played bass and provided vocals for the Kansas City super group, Starhaven Rounders. Bill and his wife Wende are the proud parents of two daughters who all love to find fun places to camp near the water. Bill served as vice president of corporate partnerships at The Beacon a non-profit online news outlet covering Kansas City. Bill is the founder Owner / CEO / and Principal Consultant at Z&W Unlimited, offering fundraising, operations, strategy and planning advice to non profit media groups across the country. More info at http://www.zwunlimited.com
Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
We started the show with Shy Boys who play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 24, at 10:00 PM on the Lemonade Park – Community Lending of America – Main Stage one of 6 STAGES in the Historic West Bottoms with over 30 Bands. More info at http://www.cmfkc.com
CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO
Presented by Community Lending of America, Inc. The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest is this Saturday, August 24. 30+ Bands, DJs, and Drum Lines, CMF also presents the Strawberry Swing Makers and Vendors, and a Free Day Party at Lemonade Park (from Noon to 3:00pm) featuring: Talking Backwards, Art as Mentorship: Rebel Song Academy, and Agga Dagga. The ticketed festival begins at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gates of Lemonade Park or for advance tickets: http://www.cmfkc.com
Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:
Lemonade Park – Community Lending of America – Main Stage, 1628 Wyoming St. The Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. Stockyards Brewing – Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. Voltaire – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage, 1617 Genessee St. Ox Cafe & Bakery – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
Featuring: The Freedom Affair • Shy Boys • The Salvation Choir • Back Alley Brass Band • Starhaven Rounders • Flare Tha Rebel • Aztlán • Danny McGaw • Flight Attendant • Keo & Them • Sheppa + Ernest Melton • Danielle Ate the Sandwich • Jamogi • Rachel Maxann • Howard Mahan & Friends • Zee Underscore • The Swallowtails • Men of Men • Les Izmore & The GOATS • Western Cuts • Supermassive Black Holes • Beth Watts Nelson • DJ Nana G • The Canterberries • Jelly Rose • Windler • Rural Grit All Stars • Agga Dagga • Girth Broke • Talking Backwards • Art As Mentorship presents the Rebel Song Academy+ Also featuring Drumlines & Drill Teams: KC Marching Falcons • KC Marching Cobras & Performing Arts Team • Pythons Drill Team
Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St. – Community Lending of America – Main Stage
12:00 to 3:00pm – Free Day Party
12:00 Noon – Talking Backwards 1:00pm – Arts As Mentorship – The Rebel Song Academy 2:00pm – Agga Bagga
4:30pm – Windler 5:45pm – Salvation Choir 6:30pm – Pythons Drill Team 7:00pm – Flare Tha Rebel 8:30pm – The Freedom Affair 10:00pm – Shy Boys
10:11 – CMF Music From – Lemonade Park Community Lending of America, Main Stage, 1628 Wyoming
The Freedom Affair – “Love is Love” from: “Love is Love” – Single / Sunflower Soul Records / June 26, 2024 [The follow up single to “If You Don’t Want Me” released on May 15, 2024. The Freedom Affair is a 9 piece soul juggernaut from Kansas City, MO. The band formed in 2017 with a vision to write original soul music inspired by the traditions of the genre’s past with a universal message looking toward the future. Their new single “If You Don’t Want Me” features: Shon Ruffin on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on guitar, Chris Hazelton on bass, Dave Brick on drums, Pete Carroll on trumpet, Brett Jackson on tenor Sax, Pat Conway on congas, and Nick Howell on tambourine. Written, Recorded & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Mastered by JJ Golden // With their debut album FREEDOM IS LOVE, The Freedom Affair has received critical acclaim and have established themselves as a force in the soul music scene across the states and abroad. Keep your eyes and ears open for their songs and album art featured in the series Bel-Air, an Apple commercial, a Netflix series, etc… This band is just getting started. // The Freedom Affair’s live shows have proven to be soul-stirring, transformative events moving audiences both physically and emotionally to joy. // The Freedom Affair released their debut album Freedom Is Love on September 25, 2020. from The album explores themes of love, heartache, empower-ment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording techno-logies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. For the debut record The Freedom Affair was: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns, and the combined vocals of Misha Roberts, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders to put this band over the top. Politically charged soul music for the dancefloor!”]
[The Freedom Affair play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 8:30pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., w/ Windler, Salvation Choir, Flare Tha Rebel, and Shy Boys.]
The Salvation Choir – “This is a Photograph (The Salvation Choir Version)” from: “This is a Photograph (The Salvation Choir Version)” / Dead Oceans / May 12, 2023 [From http://www.deadoceans.com (05/12/2023): Kevin Morby and The Salvation Choir are proud to present “This Is A Photograph (The Salvation Choir Version),” a new reimagining of the title track from Morby’s acclaimed 2022 album. The Salvation Choir is a Congolese rumba choir from Congo and Tanzania based in Kevin’s hometown of Kansas City. “This Is A Photograph (The Salvation Choir Version)” is a stirring iteration of Morby’s original, and is presented alongside a new website on which others can access stems, instrumentals, tutorials and templates so they can make their own family history epics. Kevin Morby elaborates: “At some point last year, a few of you reached out with the request of getting the music to my song ‘This Is A Photograph’ so you could make your own version and tell your own family’s history. I found this incredibly interesting and had never gotten such requests about any of my other songs before. I have decided to heed the call of those few who reached out and I have made a website. // In celebration of this website, and to lead with an example, I reached out to one of my favorite bands, Kansas City’s own The Salvation Choir, to see if they would want to make their own version of ‘This Is A Photograph’ and was over the moon when they agreed. They created their own version in which they reinterpreted the music in their Congolese Rumba style and reworked the lyrics to their own story and sang in both English and Swahili to provide the listener with a window into their past.” // Pelo King Wilondja, The Salvation Choir’s 15-year-old drummer, states: “We met Kevin at one of our practices. I didn’t know who he was at first but then our friend played us his music and I started really liking his songs. Now he’s in my top ten. He invited us to his concert and I was actually sweating because it was so good. Kevin asked us if we wanted to remake his song to be about our family’s history and play it in our style. It was my first time recording drums in a real studio. We loved his idea because photographs are really important to our family and we’re always playing music together. There are over 20 members in the choir and everyone has their own story. The song starts out in Africa and it ends in Kansas City where we all live now. It’s about our family’s history and how we got here.” // VISIT THISISAPHOTOGRAPH.COM // In May 2023, More Photographs (A Continuum), Morby’s companion piece to 2022’s This Is A Photograph. Here, Morby returns to his landmark album’s bottomless themes with new wisdom, new imagination, and the winking, looping callbacks that tie his full body of work together in uniquely special ways. “With every collection of songs,” says Morby, “I feel I have to cast them out of me before moving onto the next project, and here I knew that what I had begun with This Is A Photograph was not finished. Releasing this collection is me tying a bow on that time and place in my creative life.” With a luxurious nine tracks – three re-imaginings and six brand new songs – More Photographs (A Continuum) is prequel, sequel and primer to an already rich and generous record from one of our most luminous modern songwriters. // The Salvation Choir is a Congolese Rumba band from Congo and Tanzania based in Kansas City, Missouri. The are over 20 members in the choir and the choir masters are Jeune Premier Silambien and Pastor John Wilondja. “Tafakarini” was recorded live in our front yard in Kansas City, Missouri in April 2022. It was recorded and mixed by Danny Bowersox and Tyler Bachert. “Utukuzwe” is a lo-fi demo of our song that was featured on Dust To Digital. Recorded on a cassette tape and cell phone by Pastor John Wilondja in 2021. // The Salvation Choir are planning to record in the studio in 2023. More info at: www:thesalvationchoir.com]
[The Salvation Choir play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 5:45pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., w/ Windler, The Freedom Affair, Flare Tha Rebel, and Shy Boys.]
Flare Tha Rebel – “Rosé All Day” from: Summer You, Summer Me. / Shafer / October 21, 2022 [“Rosé All Day” was the lead single from Flare Tha Rebel’s new EP. Playful, yet meaningful, the song is about an empowered woman of which a man is pursuing. Lines within the song such as “and if she’s a tease she can do that ya’ll / she don’t owe you nothing man, please back off”, attempt to change the at times degrading scenarios of this power dynamic. The narrative is done in the backdrop of fun and lighthearted warm weather days, cool summernights, and, of course, plenty of rosé. Continuing with Flare’s Art to Empower initiative, “Rosé All Day” aims to raise funds and awareness for a nonprofit, which this time is the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Abuse (MOCSA). Career and love brought hip-hop MC Flare Tha Rebel back to his hometown of Kansas City, MO, which created a second wind of new music. Noted by The Pitch, “As a member of hip-hop collective Anti-Crew, Flare Tha Rebel made quite an impact on the Kansas City hip-hop scene. After making the leap from KC to Chicago in the late ‘00s, he’s now back…” Known for a highly energetic live performance, Flare has shared the stage with artists such as Chance the Rapper, RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Mac Lethal, Nappy Roots, and CES Cru. Although hip-hop at the core, Flare Tha Rebel’s versatility remains as he balances music with socially progressive themes that are still enjoyable enough to raise a glass to at a party. There’s also a duality to Flare’s approach. Many of his songs are connected to his Art to Empower initiative, raising awareness and funds for a variety of social justice causes and nonprofits. Flare Tha Rebel & Bob Pullian were guests on WMM, Aug. 11, 2021. Flare The Rebel released the EP, The Revolution Will Not Be Hashtagged on July 9, 2021. The recording was #9 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. Summer You, Summer Me was in the top 10 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022.]
[FlareThaRebel play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 7:00pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming St., w/ Windler, The Freedom Affair, The Salvation Choir, and Shy Boys.]
10:25 – More Interview with Bill Sundahl
Welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley. Joining us for the entire show is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 20 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF.
Bill Sundahl Sundahl founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005. For over eight years at Bill worked here at KKFI 90.1 FM serving as our Development Director.
Bill is the founder Owner / CEO / and Principal Consultant at Z&W Unlimited, offering fundraising, operations, strategy and planning advice to non profit media groups across the country. More info at http://www.zwunlimited.com
Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO
Presented by Community Lending of America, Inc. The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest is this Saturday, August 24 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. This long running festival showcases Diverse Music on 6 Stages, with 30+ Bands, in The Historic West Bottoms. More info or for advance tickets: http://www.cmfkc.com
20th Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest – Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:
Lemonade Park – Community Lending of America – Main Stage, 1628 Wyoming St. The Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. Stockyards Brewing – Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. Voltaire – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage, 1617 Genessee St. Ox Cafe & Bakery – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
3:00pm – Western Cuts 4:15pm – Jamogi 5:30pm – Rachel Maxann 6:30pm – KC Marching Falcons 6:45pm – Keo & Them 7:45pm – KC Marching Cobras 8:00pm – Back Alley Brass Band 9:15pm – Flight Attendant
11:30 – Underwriting
10:33 – CMF Music from: Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St
Jamogi – “Hot Block” from: “Hot Block” – Single / Jam Tunes / May 30, 2024 [Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on December 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022.]
[Jamogi plays the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, Aug. 24, at 4:15 PM on the Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. w/ Western Cuts, Rachel Maxann, Keo & Them, Back Alley Brass Band, and Flight Attendant, KC March Falcons and KC Marching Cobras.]
Keo & Them – “Fire” from: “Fire” – Single / Midtopia / March 15, 2024 [Keo & Them released their 7-track album, THIS TIME AROUND on October 28, 2023. // When Neo-soul meets funk, meets R&B, meets pop, meets hip hop & even rock sometimes. Keo & Them released the single “Fool Me Once” on October 6, 2023 on Midtopia. Leo & Them released the three song single “Don’t Say” with “Be Still” and “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” on June 2, 2023 on Midtopia. And earlier “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” was release by itself on March 2, 2023. For Wichita-based, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Keo, making music is as much about the one creates and the songs one writes as it is about making deeper connections with the other people partaking in an artistic journey. From the unique flavors, perspectives, and performances they each contribute, Keo finds the “Them” that brings her project Keo & Them full circle. // First formed and conceptualized by Keo in 2018, the collective consists of Keo and a revolving door of musicians and collaborators, each of whose contributions would leave an indelible mark on the project’s ever-adapting sound that merges the worlds of 70’s pop and R&B with the moody glow of contemporary neo-soul and beyond. For Keo, the project’s sole constant member, the fluid line-up allowed her to become immersed and acquainted with a Wichita music scene she was completely new to and overwhelmed by. Through meeting, jamming, and performing with the Kansas town’s tight-knit and eclectic music scene in which Keo found something akin to a family. More info at: https://linktr.ee/keoandthem [Keo & Them played Outer Reaches Fest, on Sat, Oct. 14 at recordBar, On the Les BonsBons Electrique stage w/ Sweeping Promises, Static Phantoms, Alyssa Murray.]
[Keo & Them plays the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Aug. 24, at 6:45 PM on the Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. w/ Western Cuts, Rachel Maxann, Jamogi, Back Alley Brass Band, Flight Attendant, KC March Falcons and KC Marching Cobras.]
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Flight Attendant – “Dreamland” from: “Dreamland” – Single / Flight Attendant / August 9, 2024 [“Dreamland” has been our set opener for the last few tours, so it only felt right to make it our album opener! Our first single from forthcoming album, “Under the Powerlines.” Full album drops on October 11th.This new single follows the band’s earlier single: “Therapy Couch” released June 23, 2023. “Flight Attendant delivers an experience,” – Rolling Stone Magazine. Flight Attendant belongs to that breed of rock bands made in Nashville, USA; where their sound is nothing less than a sonic unicorn. Blending sounds of grunge with power-pop hooks, viola and light synth textures, they have begun to create a hypnotic sound and energy all of their own. Glide Magazine says that Lead Singer Karalyne, “Commands your attention like Freddie Mercury working the crowd in an arena.” Flight Attendant band has been compared to Haim and Fleetwood Mac, or as TurnuptheVolume puts it, “Think Warpaint having a dance with Best Coast,” – This “Nashville based eclectic-indie band….is ready for take off”, Velvet Thunder]
[Flight Attendant play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Aug. 24, at 9:15 PM on the Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. w/ Western Cuts, Rachel Maxann, Jamogi, Back Alley Brass Band, Keo & Them, KC March Falcons and KC Marching Cobras.]
10:45 – More interview with Bill Sundahl
Welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley. Joining us for the entire show is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 20 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF.
Bill Sundahl founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005. For over eight years at Bill worked here at KKFI 90.1 FM as our Development Director. For 10 years Bill has played bass and provided vocals for the Kansas City super group, Starhaven Rounders.
Bill is the founder Owner / CEO / and Principal Consultant at Z&W Unlimited, offering fundraising, operations, strateguy and planning advice to non profit media groups across the country. More info at http://www.zwunlimited.com
Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO
Presented by Community Lending of America, Inc. The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest is this Saturday, August 24 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. This long running festival showcases Diverse Music on 6 Stages, with 30+ Bands, in The Historic West Bottoms. More info or for advance tickets: http://www.cmfkc.com
20th Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest – Saturday, August 24th, 2023
Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:
Lemonade Park – Community Lending of America – Main Stage, 1628 Wyoming St. The Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. Stockyards Brewing – Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. Voltaire – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage, 1617 Genessee St. Ox Cafe & Bakery – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
Noon – 3:00 PM – CMF Free Day Party – Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St. – Community Lending of America – Main Stage. FREE thanks to: Community Lending of America
12:00 Noon – Talking Backwards 1:00pm – Arts As Mentorship – The Rebel Song Academy 2:00pm – Agga Bagga
Stockyards Brewing – Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
3:00pm – Howard Mahan & Friends 4:00pm – The Canterberries 5:00pm – Danielle Ate The Sandwich 6:00pm – The Swallowtails 7:00pm – Beth Watts Nelson 8:00pm – Rural Grit All Stars 9:00pm – Les Izmore & The Goats
10:51 – CMF Music from Stockyards Brewing – Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
The Canterberries – “Small Steps” from: “Small Steps” – Single / The Canterberries / March 1, 2024 [According to their Instagram page, singers Abby Parra, Emma Vogt, and Hannah Dahlor are just “3 pals singing in our living room.” KCUR Radio writes: “Together they create a choral effect, like competing voices in your head teaming up to encourage you to have a little grace with yourself.” Small Steps describes the mental struggle against a racing mind and too many things on the to-do list.]
[The Canterberries play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 24, at 4:00pm, on the Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. with: Howard Mahan & Friends, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, The Swallowtails, Beth Watts Nelson, Rural Grit All Stars, and Les Ismore & The Goats.]
Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Me-Oh-My!” from: 2024 (The 24 Hour Album) / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / January 14, 2024 [The 5 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on January 13th-14th, 2024, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 9th annual 24 Hour Album. Patrons of Danielle Ate the Sandwich tuned in from all across the world to suggest ideas and offer support with Danielle during live streams held throughout the 24 hours. Life is short! Stay up all night and make stuff! // Thank you to my patrons for supplying your voices and ideas to this album! // Danielle Anderson performs as Danielle Ate the Sandwich. Danielle is a singer/songwriter, recording artist, and comedic performer based in KCMO. Danielle grew a fanbase with her DIY videos on Youtube and by touring the US extensively from 2009-2018. Danielle has released 7 albums of original music, over 200 YouTube videos, and conducts an annual 24 Hour Album project, writing and producing new songs with the help of her patrons in only 24 hours. She is recording her 8th album in Kansas City, KS, with Fritz Hutchison and Al Hawkins of True Lions. The album received an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC. Her most recent project, ‘The Greatest Garage Sale Ever,’ is a one woman comedy cabaret, using humor, music, and songs to challenge the labels we give each other, and our ability to change. The show won Best of Venue and multiple Awards at the 20th Annual KC Fringe Festival. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]
[Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 5:00pm, on the Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. with: Howard Mahan & Friends, The Canterberries, The Swallowtails, Beth Watts Nelson, Rural Grit All Stars, and Les Ismore & The Goats.]
[Danielle Ate the Sandwich with Joy Zimmerman, and Erin McGrane plays: Midwest Daughters, an evening of songs, poems and stories about and inspired by growing up in the Midwest on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 7:00pm at Greenwood Social Hall, 1759 Belleview Ave., KCMO.]
[Danielle Ate The Sandwich presents: LIFE AS A SONGWRITER is a four week songwriting course led by singer/songwriter, performing artist and teacher, Danielle Ate the Sandwich. Our class will meet virtually on Zoom every Wednesday in September 2024. (9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25), from 7pm-8:30pm. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]
The Swallowtails – “Good Days” from: LUCKY PENNY EP / The Swallowtails / February 20, 2024 [The independent acoustic band, experimenting in the rock/pop genres while performing on what are traditionally folk/classical instruments, enter a new era having produced the entirety of this project themselves, with the songwriting matter touching on life’s big changes, challenges, and the realizations that time will heal. // “Since becoming a duo, it was time for us to reinvent our sound again. The songwriting on this EP is split between Rachel and myself, and this is Rachel’s debut release as a writer and singer. We spent all of January 2024 finishing the arrangements, recording and mixing the mini-record. It was a much needed release of energy for both of us, and we are definitely looking forward to adding these songs into our live sets and performing new material.”– Miki P, songwriter, singer and musician in The Swallowtails. // Est. in 2018, The Swallowtails are a Kansas City based musical duo comprised of musicians Miki P on guitar/vocals and Rachel Lovelace on bassoon/vocals. Their vision is to write honest, heartfelt songs that feel like you’re coming home to an old friend. As recording and performance artists, they have been showcased throughout Kansas City, performing at the Folly Theatre, Boulevardia Music Festival, The Kansas City Public Library as part of the 2023 Art in the Loop: Celebrate project, and most recently at Green Guitar Folk House opening for The Wildwoods. Their songwriting was awarded Best Song by a KC Band in 2023 by the Pitch Magazine for their tune “Take it Slow.” // Live video’s will be released on The Swallowtails YouTube page in support of the EP, the live session was filmed at West Bottoms Whiskey Co. // Swallowtails will be featuring the new EP at the Folk Alliance International Conference February 21st-25th. Both Miki & Rachel have earned scholarships to attend the conference. // Swallowtails embark on their 4th year entering NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest featuring a song off the EP, called “I’m on Fire” posted to NPR’s official contest site. // The Swallowtails have recently been approved as part of KCAIC Touring Artists Roster, through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. // On May 22, 2023 The Swallowtails released their 7-track EP THE WORLD STILL SPINS from Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead vocals. Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Miki P was born in Kansas City, KS. Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. Miki P performed “She Loves You” at her 7th grade talent show. In 9th grade she joined a teen-band called American Slim as drummer & vocalist, and she wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. Miki P has played Middle of the Map Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art before officially ending in 2018. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. At 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, DOME OF SWALLOWS, that was released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, In 2021 Miki P released the 6-song EP, DON’T LOSE HOPE, created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home space. Sitting & working from Miki’s computer, she composed and recorded 80% of the EP, working through the music like a journal entry, creating each song from her internal hurricane of emotions. All songs written, recorded, played, & mixed by Miki P. Recorded & Mixed with Emma Klien & Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos. Miki P released her single “Your Love” on June 24, 2022. Miki P’s released the single “Peter Parker!” on March 18, 2022. // More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com]
[The Swallowtails play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 6:00pm, on the Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. with: Howard Mahan & Friends, The Canterberries, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Beth Watts Nelson, Rural Grit All Stars, and Les Ismore & The Goats.]
11:00 – Station ID
Grand Marquis – “Brighter Days” from: Brigher Days / King Forward Revords / April 28, 2018 [KC based American Roots, Blues, & Prohibition Jazz band, formed in 1998 have now released 8 albums, including a 7” 45 rpm vinyl recorded at legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. For this recording: Ben Ruth on upright bass, sousaphone, backing vocals; Chad Boydston on trumpet, backing vocals; Ryan Wurtz on electric and acoustic guitars; Trevor Turla on trombone, backing vocals; Fritz Hutchison on drums, backing vocals; Bryan Redmond on lead vocals, soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones.]
[Grand Marquis play The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO, on Sunday, August 24, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. As part of The Crossroads Music Fest Day 2 – honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis with Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Victor & Penny, Damien Gunn Band, and Trevor Turla. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]
11:04 – Interview with Bryan Redmond and Ryan Wurtz
Grand Marquis were founded in 1998, over the last 25 years they have logged well over thousands of performances from Seattle to South Beach Miami playing their very own mix of American Roots, Blues, & Prohibition Jazz. They have now released 8 albums including a 7” 45 rpm vinyl recorded at legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. Grand Marquis write powerful original songs and mix classic standards into their sets. The band includes: Bryan Redmond on lead vocals & saxophones, Chad Boydston on trumpet, Dan Purscell on trombone, Ryan Wurtz on guitar, Ben Ruth on upright bass & sousaphone, and Natalie Bates on drums.
Grand Marquis play The Folly Theatre, 300 W 12th St. KCMO, on Sunday, August 24, 3:00pm to 6:00pm as part of The Crossroads Music Fest honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis. The band will celebrate their eras from over the last two and a half decades. Past members will join the band along with performances from the current bands they are making art with today. Joining the Grand Marquis on stage are: Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Victor & Penny, Damien Gunn Band, and Trevor Turla. If you want reserved seating for CMF Day Two at the Folly Theater please visit: http://www.follytheater.org
Bryan Redmond and Ryan Wurtz, thanks for being with us on WMM.
The band is: Bryan Redmond on lead vocals, soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones Chad Boydston on trumpet, backing vocals Dan Purscell on trombone, backing vocals Ryan Wurtz on electric and acoustic guitars Ben Ruth on upright bass, sousaphone, backing vocals; Natalie Bates on drums, backing vocals
” Big, bold, and brassy with what has to be the most distinctive sound in blues.” Peter Merrett PBS 106.9 Melbourne, Australia
“This hard-working crew that tore it up 20 years ago during the swing revival hasn’t stagnated in the time since; this set finds them as a first class party band that knows how to rock, and do a bunch of other things well. Anytime you’re ready to check your preconceptions at the door and let your hair down, this set will get your motor revving in high gear.” Chris Spector, Midwest Record
“This band plays as if the joint was literally on fire.” Billtown Blues Association
“Completely infectious…it begs to be played loud, it begs to be danced to!” Boston Blues Review
“…moving the genre forward into the next century.” Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes
“Few bands have more fun or produce more joy in an audience while onstage.” Jason Harper, The Pitch
“Mumbling secrets to a flummoxed doorman, slipping dead presidents into his hand, then past the dark door, all speakeasy-like. Through the walls, the crack and thud of drums, the crisp punch of an upright bass slapping time, horns thriving on the riff, guitar wailing testimonials that would coax Trouble to check his bags at the door. The Grand Marquis are guardians of a musical portal, weaving catchy originals with classy covers. Music meteorologists, if you will, concocting their own brand of weathered styles. It’s old-school jump blues, rockabilly and fiery jazz balled up into one big hit of red hot Rhythm ‘n’ Roll. Once injected, don’t be alarmed; you might see through blurry eyes and nicotine haze the ghosts of America’s musical past, conjuring delusions of 30’s KC, 50’s Memphis, Village hangouts, or the jazz jungle of Harlem. Yet these are merely roots from which their music grows; twisting and blending, melding until you catch a glimpse of things to come. Awaken from the intoxicating fog while their songs linger on your ear, echoing the chant of the Blue Devil, and you’re sure of one thing: you gotta go back for more.” – Lawrence.com
Accolades: 2013 International Blues Challenge Finalists: “Best Self-Produced CD” 2011 International Blues Challenge Finalists (The Blues Foundation) 2011 Best Blues Band – The Pitch (Kansas City, MO) 2010 Topeka Blues Society International Blues Challenge Champions 2007 Best Jazz Band – The Pitch (Kansas City, MO) 2006 Best Jazz Band – The Pitch (Kansas City, MO) 2006 Best Local Band – The X Entertainment Magazine (Kansas City metro area)
Discography: “We Had Our Day” – Single – June 18, 2021 “Rollin’ – Single – May 21, 2021 “Price of Love” – Single – April 16, 2021 “Shine” – Single – March 24, 2021 “Take A Deep Breath” – Single – March 24, 2021 “Time Will Tell” – Single – February 19, 2021 Brighter Days – Album – April 28, 2018 Blues and Trouble – Album – June 25, 2013 The Sun Session – Album – January 10, 2012 Hold On To Me – Album – August 24, 2010 One More Day – Album – January 2, 2008 Grand Marquis – Album – July 13, 2004 Le Chant Du Diable Bleu – Album – November 2, 2003 Burlesk – Album – 2000
The band has grown and evolved over the years.
We first started playing Grand Marquis on the WMM with One More Day from 2007.
The Grand Marquis band started in 1998 with a Guitar/Singer, Drummer, and Bass player. Soon a Saxophonist was added to this mostly rockabilly blues group. In October of 2001 Trumpeter Chad Boydston moved to Kansas City and joined the group in February of 2002. At that time, most of their performances were in restaurants and bars.
By 2003 the front man/singer (Slim Hanson) left the band at the end of the year and the remaining musicians decided to continue performing. At that point, Saxophonist, Bryan Redmond decided to replace Hanson as leader and vocalist. Guitarist Sam Nicolier who was heavily influenced by Django Reinhardt’s guitar style and Chad Boydston with a strong Jazz background completed the group- Bryan Redmond (Sax and Vocals), Chad Boydston (Trumpet), Ben Ruth (Bass), Lisa Mckenzie (Drums), and Sam Nicolier (Guitar). Their musical style gradually developed into a more cafe’ jazz and blues style as they began writing our own material.
In 2004 they were hired to go on a nationwide tour playing in major clubs around the country. They performed with three female dancers and traveled on a tour bus with a large equipment truck following behind. That tour lasted for two months with five shows a week. When they eventually returned to Kansas City, they were sounding tighter than ever.
For several years this same group averaged 100 performances a year. When their original guitarist decided to move to California, he was replaced by their current guitarist, Ryan Wurtz. After this change, they began writing more of their own music. This became difficult for their drummer at the time and they had to make the difficult choice to replace Lisa Mckenzie with Fritz Hutchinson. Hutchinson was a multi-instrumentalist and brought a new energy to the band. This was also the time the very talented Trevor Turla (Trombone) joined the band.
That group created an album titled “Brighter Days”, consisting of mostly original songs. Hutchinson left the band about 2 years ago and was replaced by Natalie Bates who has been responsible for giving their song ideas direction. They have recently recorded a new album with her which will be released later this year.
Bryan Redmond and Ryan Wurtz, thanks for being with us on WMM.
11:24
Grand Marquis – “We Had Our Day” from: “We Had Our Day” – Single / King Forward ReCords / January 18, 2021 [KC based American Roots, Blues, & Prohibition Jazz band, formed in 1998 have released 7 albums, including a 7” 45 rpm vinyl recorded at legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, TN.]
[Grand Marquis play The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO, on Sunday, August 24, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. As part of The Crossroads Music Fest honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis with Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Victor & Penny, Damien Gunn Band, and Trevor Turla. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]
11:28 – Underwriting
11:30 – More Interview with Bill Sundahl
Welcome back to WMM. Joining us is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 20 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF.
Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO
Presented by Community Lending of America, Inc. The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest is this Saturday, August 24 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. This long-running festival showcases Diverse Music on 6 Stages, with 30+ Bands, in The Historic West Bottoms. More info or for advance tickets: http://www.cmfkc.com
20th Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest – Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:
Lemonade Park – Community Lending of America – Main Stage, 1628 Wyoming St. The Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. Stockyards Brewing – Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. Voltaire – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage, 1617 Genessee St. Ox Cafe & Bakery – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
CMF is a Fundraiser for KKFI 90.1FM – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO
Since its inception in 2005, CMFKC has featured over 1000 bands and attracted thousands of people to Kansas City’s Crossroads and West Bottoms. Designed to showcase the best in Kansas City’s music, arts and dance Community, CMF provides opportunities for community members of all ages to support its local artists and celebrate Kansas City’s cultural diversity
The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St.
3:30pm – Jelly Rose 4:45pm – Danny McGaw 6:00pm – Zee Underscore 7:15pm – Starhaven Rounders 8:30pm – Aztlán 9:45pm – Supermassive Black Holes
Voltaire – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage, 1617 Genessee St.
5:00pm – Sheppa + Ernst Melton 6:45pm – DJ Nana G 8:30pm – Girth Broke 11:00pm – Men of Men
Ox Cafe & Bakery – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Venue, 1600 Genessee St.
7:00pm – Danielle Ate The Sandwich & Special Guests 9:15pm – The Swallowtails + Ernest Melton
11:36 – CMF Music from The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St.
Danny McGaw – “Start Over” from: “Start Over” – Single / Danny McGaw / July 25, 2024 [Manchester, England born Danny McGaw was a footballer, then a street musician, then a bar musician, and then a husband and father living in Lawrence, Kansas, where he released one of our favorite recordings of 2012 called, “Eccles Road.” After that he formed the band, Welles The Traveler with Jason Jones, Dan Hines, Chad Brothers, and Mike West, who produced the group’s debut recording. Eventually Danny and family relocated to California. He has made over 10 records in 25 years and records his songs in his home studio.]
[Danny McGaw plays the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 4:45pm, on the The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. with: Jelly Rose, Zee Underscore, Starhaven Rounders, Aztlán, and Supermassive Black Holes.]
Zee Underscore – “Easily” from: The Zee Underscore Experience – EP / Underscore Form / June 15, 2024 [Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. Last year Zee Underscore released one of our favorite singles, “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D
[Zee Underscore plays the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 6:00pm, on the The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. with: Jelly Rose, Danny McGaw, Starhaven Rounders, Aztlán, Supermassive Black Holes.]
Supermassive Black Holes – “Weatherby Lake” from: Stop Safely Now / Supermassive Black Holes / October 27, 2023 [The album was recorded, engineered, mixed & mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. Supermassive Black Holes are: Alexis Barclay on bass guitar & vocals; John Johnson on electric & acoustic guitar, synthesizer, kazoo & vocals; Matt Davis on drums, piano & vocals; and Chad Brothers on electric & acoustic guitar & vocals. Song written by Chad Brothers. Supermassive Black Holes were formed in 2010 during the legendary Monday jam nights at Crosstown Station. Supermassive Black Holes are a genre-bending psychedelic rock band from Kansas City known for their mesmerizing live performances. Fresh off the release of their new album “Stop Safely Now”, these musical stalwarts are eager to share their latest songs and sounds with lovers of psychedelic and progressive rock music. Their unique chemistry, honed over 13 years of collaboration, pushes the boundaries of sonic expression, creating a listening experience that captivates audiences. They’ve been described as a stoner rock lounge act or punk rock jam band. Their musical style is rich with electric guitar, rock-steady bass and powerful drums, and draws comparisons to bands like My Morning Jacket, Ween, Guided by Voices, and The Stone Roses.]
[Supermassive Black Holes play the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, August 24, at 9:45pm, on the The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. with: Jelly Rose, Danny McGaw, Starhaven Rounders, Zee Underscore, and Aztlán.]
11:49 – More Interview with Bill Sundahl
Welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley. Joining us for the entire show is our guest co-host Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 19 years now sharing information about the music and venues and collaborations associated with CMF.
Bill Sundahl Sundahl founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005. For over eight years at Bill worked here at KKFI 90.1 FM serving as our Development Director.
For last 11 years Bill has played bass and provided vocals for the Kansas City Super Group, The Starhaven Rounders.
Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
CMF IS A FUNDRAISER FOR 90.1FM KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO
Presented by Community Lending of America, Inc. The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest is this Saturday, August 24 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM. This long-running festival showcases Diverse Music on 6 Stages, with 30+ Bands, in The Historic West Bottoms. More info or for advance tickets: http://www.cmfkc.com
Six Stages in the Historic West Bottoms:
Lemonade Park – Community Lending of America – Main Stage, 1628 Wyoming St. The Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage, 1600 Genessee St. Stockyards Brewing – Stockyards Brewing Stage, 1600 Genessee St. The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage, 1531 Genessee St. Voltaire – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage, 1617 Genessee St. Ox Cafe & Bakery – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Stage, 1600 Genessee St.
Featuring: The Freedom Affair • Shy Boys • The Salvation Choir • Back Alley Brass Band • Starhaven Rounders • Flare Tha Rebel • Aztlán • Danny McGaw • Flight Attendant • Keo & Them • Sheppa + Ernest Melton • Danielle Ate the Sandwich • Jamogi • Rachel Maxann • Howard Mahan & Friends • Zee Underscore • The Swallowtails • Men of Men • Les Izmore & The GOATS • Western Cuts • Supermassive Black Holes • Beth Watts Nelson • DJ Nana G • The Canterberries • Jelly Rose • Windler • Rural Grit All Stars • Agga Dagga • Girth Broke • Talking Backwards • Art As Mentorship presents the Rebel Song Academy+ Also featuring Drumlines & Drill Teams: KC Marching Falcons • KC Marching Cobras & Performing Arts Team • Pythons Drill Team
CMF DAY TWO – Sunday, August 25, The Folly Theater
This year, the Crossroads Music Fest are thrilled to add a second day at the iconic Folly Theater honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis. The band will celebrate their eras from over the last two and a half decades.
Past members will join the band along with performances from the current bands they are making art with today. Joining the Grand Marquis on stage are: Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Sammy Nicolier, Victor & Penny, Damien Gunn Band, and Trevor Turla.
GA Saturday – $30.00+$3.85 Fee Sales end on Aug 23, 2024
General admission wristband to 5 stages on Saturday. 3pm-Midnight. Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing, Livestock Exchange Lot, The Campground, Voltaire VIP Saturday – $75.00+$6.88 Fee Sales end on Aug 23, 2024
VIP wristband to 6 stages on Saturday. In addition to GA Venues it includes the VIP Venue at Ox Cafe includes unique artist performances, complimentary Cupini’s food
GA Sunday – $20.00+$3.18 Fee Sales end on Aug 24, 2024
Day Two – General admission Folly Theater on Sunday 3pm-6pm. Grand Marquis 25th Anniversary Celebration. ***The Sunday GA ticket will be the best available…
GA Two Day (Sat. & Sun) – $45.00+$4.87 Fee Sales end on Aug 23, 2024
General admission wristband to 5 stages on Saturday and Folly Theater on Sunday. Sat. Noon-Midnight. 30+ Bands on 5 Stages Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewi…
VIP Two Day (Sat. & Sun.) – $90.00+$7.88 Fee Sales end on Aug 23, 2024
VIP wristband to 6 stages on Saturday(Noon-Midnight) and GA ticket for Sunday (3-6pm) at Folly Theater. In addition to GA Venues it includes the VIP Venue at Ox Cafe includes unique artist performances, complimentary Cupini’s Catering and complimentary beverages from 6pm to 11pm. Sat. GA venues are Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing, Livestock Exchange Lot, The Campground, Voltaire. Sun. venue is Folly Theater. The Sunday GA ticket will be the best available seating for you or your group If you want reserved seating at Folly Theater then you need to buy tickets directly at follytheater.org for Sunday show. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Join KKFI in celebrating two decades of the Crossroads Music Festival (CMF) as it returns to the Historic West Bottoms on August 24! This milestone event promises to be a vibrant showcase of local culture and community spirit, with an array of venues, including Lemonade Park, Voltaire, Stockyards Brewing, The Campground, and The Livestock Exchange, as well as a special VIP stage at the Ox Cafe and Bakery. This year, we are thrilled to announce the addition of a second day at the iconic Folly Theater, honoring the 25th anniversary of the beloved Grand Marquis.
Sponsors: Community Lending of America + 90.1 FM KKFI + Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund + Missouri Arts Council + Stockyards Brewing Co. + From The earth Dispensaries + illicit + Eest Bottoms Whiskey + The Strawberry Swing + Kissick Construction + Midwest Music Foundation + Historic West Bottoms + North Kansas City Beverage Co. + The Kansas City Beacon + 90.9 KTBG – The Bridge + KC.org and Cupini’s
20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest presented by Community Lending of America Benefiting 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Saturday, August 24 – West Bottoms – Stockyards District
Free Day Party – Lemonade Park Community Lending of America – Main Stage
12:00 Noon – Talking Backwards 1:00pm – Arts As Mentorship – The Rebel Song Academy 2:00pm – Agga Bagga
Saturday, August 24 – West Bottoms – Stockyards District
Lemonade Park – Community Lending of America – Main Stage 4:30pm – Windler 5:45pm – Salvation Choir 6:30pm – Pythons Drill Team 7:00pm – Flare Tha Rebel 8:30pm – The Freedom Affair 10:00pm – Shy Boys
Livestock Exchange – From The Earth / Illicit Stage 3:00pm – Western Cuts 4:15pm – Jamogi 5:30pm – Rachel Maxann 6:30pm – KC Marching Falcons 6:45pm – Keo and Them 7:45pm – KC Marching Cobras 8:00pm – Back Alley Brass Band 9:15pm – Flight Attendant
Stockyards – Stockyards Brewing Stage 3:00pm – Howard Mahan & Friends 4:00pm – The Canterberries 5:00pm – Danielle Ate The Sandwich 6:00pm – The Swallowtails 7:00pm – Beth Watts Nelson 8:00pm – Rural Grit All Stars 9:00pm – Les Izmore & The Goats
The Campground – KKFI 90.1 FM Stage 3:30pm – Jelly Rose 4:45pm – Danny McGaw 6:00pm – Zee Underscore 7:15pm – Starhaven Rounders 8:30pm – Aztlán 9:45pm – Supermassive Black Holes
Voltaire – Neighborhood Tourism & Development Fund Stage 5:00pm – Sheppa + Ernst Melton 6:45pm – DJ Nana G 8:30pm – Girth Broke 11:00pm – Men of Men
Ox Cafe & Bakery – West Bottoms Whiskey VIP Venue 7:00pm – Danielle Ate The Sandwich & Special Guests 9:15pm – The Swallowtails + Ernest Melton
Sunday, August 25, 2024 – Folly Theater – Downtown KC
Grand Marquis 25th Anniversary Celebration! with Special Guests: Slim Hanson & The Poor Choices Sammy Nicolier Victor & Penny Damien Gunn Band Trevor Turla
The Freedom Affair • Shy Boys • The Salvation Choir • Back Alley Brass Band • Starhaven Rounders • Flare Tha Rebel • Aztlán • Danny McGaw • Flight Attendant • Keo and Them • Sheppa + Ernest Melton • Danielle Ate the Sandwich • Jamogi • Rachel Maxann • Howard Mahan & Friends • Zee Underscore • The Swallowtails • Men of Men • Les Izmore & The GOATS • Western Cuts • Supermassive Black Holes • Beth Watts Nelson • DJ Nana G • The Canterberries • Jelly Rose • Windler • Rural Grit All Stars • Agga Dagga • Girth Broke • Talking Backwards • Art As Mentorship presents the Rebel Song Academy
Featured Drumlines & Drill Teams: KC Marching Falcons • KC Marching Cobras & Performing Arts Team • Pythons Drill Team
Join KKFI in celebrating two decades of the Crossroads Music Festival (CMF) as it returns to the Historic West Bottoms on August 24! This milestone event promises to be a vibrant showcase of local culture and community spirit, with an array of venues, including Lemonade Park, Voltaire, Stockyards Brewing, The Campground, and The Livestock Exchange, as well as a special VIP stage at the Ox Cafe and Bakery. This year, we are thrilled to announce the addition of a second day at the iconic Folly Theater, honoring the 25th anniversary of the beloved Grand Marquis.
The gates to Lemonade Park open at noon with a free day party presented by Community Lending of America featuring music and Strawberry Swing artisans.
The ticketed festival begins at 3:00pm Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gates of Lemonade Park. (Quick tip: prices go up at the gate.)
We encourage you to join us in this celebration of local talent and community as we uplift underrepresented voices and create unforgettable memories together. Let’s come together to make this festival a true reflection of Kansas City’s rich musical landscape!
Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
11:54
Trevor Turla – “Nuggets” from: “Nuggets” – Single / Trevor Turla / November 24, 2023 [Trevor Turla released the single “Walk With Love”” on August 26, 2022, recorded with Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. Trevor Turla released his debut EP AND WE CONTINUE on April 21, 2022.. Trevor Turla composed all of the music on this EP that included Trevor Turla on trombone, Daniel Dissmore on trumpet, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Fritz Hutchison on guitar & banjo, Miki P on guitar & vocals, John O’Keefe on bass, Nik Douglas on drums, Carmen Dieker on fiddle, Jake Keegan on dobro, and Chris Hazelton on organ. “Let Go” was the second single released on February 17, 2022. We first played Trevor Turla on WMM on July 29, 2020. His track “Busted” was released on a compilation titled KANSAS CITY SYZYGY that featured over 25 Kansas City-based musicians who came together to create a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in the Spring of 2020. // Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Trevor Turla is now lives in Kansas City. Trevor defines himself as a musician. He started playing his first instrument, the bagpipes, at the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped the pursuit of music since. He received his Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies for trombone from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Trevor now creates music full time by playing, recording, and holding clinics around the United States. Trevor plays & sings in numerous bands, including Jake Wells, Grand Marquis, Miki P, Fritz Hutchison, & LA Jones. He was also the founder, lead singer & trombonist for the band Sulu Moon. Info at http://www.trevorturla.com.]
[Trevor Turla plays The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. Sunday, Aug 24, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. As part of The Crossroads Music Fest honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis with Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Sammy Nicolier, Victor & Penny, and Damien Gunn Band. Info at: http://www.follytheater.org]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Next week onWednesday, August 28 we welcome KC musician singer songwriter Lonnie Fisher, recording artist performer Lava Dreams, and musician Nick Carswell share details about the 11th Annual Mixmaster Music Conference presented by the Lawrence Music Alliance September 6 and 7.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, KKFI Accounting & Administration – Shaina Littler
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Bill Sundahl & The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest + Grand Marquis
Mark spins tracks from 15 of the 30+ bands playing the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest including: The Freedom Affair, The Salvation Choir, Flare Tha Rebel, Shy Boys, Jamogi, Keo & Them, Flight Attendant, The Canterberries, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, The Swallowtails, Grand Marquis, Danny McGaw, Zee Underscore, Supermassive Black Holes, and Trevor Turla.
At 10:00 Bill Sundahl joins us to share details about the 20th Annual KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 24 in the West Bottoms & Sunday, August, 25 at the Folly Theater, including 30+ Bands, DJs, and Drum Lines, on 7 stages. Saturday’s stages in the Historic West Bottoms include: Lemonade Park, Voltaire, Stockyards Brewing, The Campground, The Livestock Exchange, and a special VIP stage at the Ox Cafe & Bakery. CMF also presents the Strawberry Swing Makers and Vendors, and a free Day Party at Lemonade Park (from Noon to 3:00pm) featuring: Talking Backwards, Art as Mentorship: Rebel Song Academy, and Agga Dagga. This is a fundraiser for 90.1 FM KKFI. From 3:00pm to Midnight all CMF Festival Stages will require a wristband. Purchase tickets at: WWW.CMFKC.COM
At 11:00 Mark & Bill welcome Bryan Redmond, Ryan Wurtz, and Natalie Bates of the acclaimed Kansas City band Grand Marquis who play The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO, on Sunday, August 24, 3:00pm to 6:00pm. This year, the Crossroads Music Fest are thrilled to add a second day at the iconic Folly Theater honoring the 25th anniversary of Grand Marquis. The band will celebrate their eras from over the last two and a half decades. Past members will join the band along with performances from the current bands they are making art with today. Joining the Grand Marquis on stage are: Slim Hanson & the Poor Choices, Sammy Nicolier, Victor & Penny, Damien Gunn Band, and Trevor Turla. If you want reserved seating for CMF Day Two at the Folly Theater please visit: http://www.follytheater.org
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Scott Easterday: 35 Years + Big Fat Cow + Just Angel + Owen/Cox Dance Group’s Creative Intersection
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Kat King – “Living Room” from: Domestic Bliss / Manor Records / April 5, 2024 [Kat writes: “Living Room formed out of a guitar melody that Derek sent me in a voice recording. It was in the early stages of living with a partner for the first time where you have to figure out how to navigate your independence while cohabitating because you realize the joy in having someone to leave early with or to just stay home with. There was an evening when she was out of town and I was sitting in our living room having a crisis because I was feeling the heaviness of the injustices in the world and I didn’t want to leave the house but I also didn’t want to be home alone. These were feelings I’d navigated before as a single person but it was hitting in such a different way. As someone who had always operated from a state of FOMO, it felt so out of character to choose staying home instead of going to find something to do. It’s silly but in that moment it felt like I wasn’t the same person that I was before living together, so naturally I grabbed my guitar to try and work through that feeling. I knew I wanted to revisit that guitar recording Derek sent me because of its nostalgic sound and I ended up writing the entire song that evening. When I showed the band we restructured the song, jumping right into the chorus instead of the classic verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure it was initially. John also wrote this beautiful melodic bass line that acts as a counter melody throughout which I think gives it such an interesting instrumental story arc. Living Room is the acceptance of enjoying simple home pleasures while recognizing home as a sanctuary from the outside world.” // Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. On October 6, 2023 Kat King released the single. “Bight-Eyed.” // On June 16, 2024 Kat King released the single “Baby Talk.” // On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced a 13-song album and 3 EP’s, the 1st one released at 14.] [Kat King joined us NEXT on WMM on March 13.]
[Kat King plays The Brick, 1727 Ncgee St. KCMO on Saturday, July 27 at 7:00pm with ThiMastr, and Teri Quinn & The Coyotes]
Leah Sproul – “Devil Woman” from: “Devil Woman” – Single / Leah Sproul / June 28, 2024 [This is first single off Leah Sproul’s upcoming solo album, WILD HEART QUEEN. // Coming from a family of European opera stars, suburban church organists, flower child Reggae guitarists, and breezy Western campfire pickers, Leah was bound to have an eclectic sound and set of influences. She has a voracious interest in music of all genres, having earned a doctorate in music composition from UMKC conservatory. But her mother tongue, the voice where she’s at her most vulnerable and honest, is that of the achy-breaky, belting balladeer. It’s found in country, folk, and those genres that give equal weight to words and music. It’s in the storytelling where some of the deepest human connections are forged. // Leah Sproul is also part of the KC 4-piece band Cowtown Country Club. More info at: http://www.leahsproul.com]
[Leah Sproul plays an album release party at The Ship, 1228 Union ave, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS on Tuesday, July 30, at 7:00pm, with Cowtown Country Club – POSTPONED]
10:11 – Interview with Cameron Thomas
Cameron Thomas began his dance training in his hometown of Rochester, NY. In 2013, he began performing regularly with the Rochester City Ballet. In 2015, Cameron received a full scholarship to attend the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre. He then joined Kansas City Ballet II for the 2016-2017 season and was promoted to the company the following season. Now in his eighth season with Kansas City Ballet, Cameron has performed soloist and principal roles in Jiri Kylian’s Petit Mort, Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, Mark Morris’ Sandpaper Ballet, William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, Michael Pink’s Dracula, Lila York’s Celts, Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, and Devon Carney’s Cinderella, Giselle, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. In October of 2023, Cameron performed in the North American premiere of Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll and Hyde as Mr. Hyde. As a choreographer, Cameron has created work for Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Ballet II, Youth American Grand Prix, and Creative Intersections.
In addition to being a dancer, Cameron is a ballet pianist and has accompanied for the Kansas City Ballet School, Oklahoma City Ballet School, Williams Henry Contemporary Dance, and the Worldwide Ballet Zoom classes.
Cameron joins us to share details about Owen/Cox Dance Group’s 5th Annual Creative Intersections, August 9 & 10, 2024, at 7:00pm, at the Hyde Park Butterfly Garden and Labyrinth, 3700 Gillham Rd. KCMO.
Cameron Thomas, thank you for being with us on WMM.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cameron co-founded Creative Intersections, an outdoor performance project, with James Kirby Rogers to bring live dance back in a time when theaters were shut down. Creative Intersections partnered with Owen Cox Dance Group to present outdoor programs directed by Cameron every summer, 2020-2024.
This annual outdoor performance is directed by Cameron Thomas, and features new works by Julia Gundzik, Elaine Kimble, Kristopher Estes-Brown, Olivia Emert, Christopher Ruud, and Jennifer Owen.
Dancers include Isaac Allen, Allison Barreto, Alexis Borth, Amelia Meisner, Naomi Tanioka, Georgia Fuller, Sarah McGuyer, Elliott Rogers, Cameron Thomas, Max Nelson and Gillian Yoder.
About the Owen/Cox Dance Group – Owen/Cox Dance Group’s mission is to create new music and dance collaborations, to present high-quality con-temporary dance performances with live music, and to engage as wide an audience as possible through afforda-ble live performance, education and outreach programs. owencoxdance.org
Cameron Thomas, thank you for being with us on WMM.
Cameron joins us to share details about Owen/Cox Dance Group’s 5th Annual Creative Intersections, August 9 & 10, 2024, at 7:00pm, at the Hyde Park Butterfly Garden and Labyrinth, 3700 Gillham Rd. KCMO. More information at: http://www.owencoxdance.org
10:25
The Sluts photo by Photo by John Clayton
The Sluts – “Starting Again” from: “Starting Again” – Single / Ther Sluts / Julu 19, 2024 [Lawrence, KS garage rockers, The Sluts, have just released their new single, “Starting Again” .“Starting Again” is a dark, personal exploration into physical addiction. It dives into the realization that your biggest weakness is showing itself again but you kind of like it. This ominous track turns a corner for The Sluts sonically as it is the first song to feature bass guitar as well as other complex production elements. This long awaited release is the first offering from The Sluts since 2020’s Enjoy The Show. // Produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording and Mastering Studios in Kansas City, KS, “Starting Again” will be ready for radio and available on all streaming platforms July 20, 2024. // The Sluts are a two-pieice garage rock band based out of Lawrence, KS. Formed in 2011, the duo have been raising eyebrows with their cheeky name and driving crowds wild for over a decade. Their hard hitting, high energy live shows made them a staple of the rock scene in the Kansas City area. The band has opened for acts such as The Offspring, Broncho, Fidlar, Bass Drum of Death, Radkey, The Toadies, and Local H.]
10:28 – Underwriting
Big Fat Cow – “Patty” from: Behold The Soil! / Big Fat Cow / August 1, 2024 [Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow are heading out across the stomping grounds in support of Behold the Soil! with 13 shows in 14 days (8/22-9/4) in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com]
10:34 – Interview with Noah Cassity & Kole Waters of Big Fat Cow
The KC based band, Big Fat Cow is set to release their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow are heading out across the stomping grounds in support of Behold the Soil! with 13 shows in 14 days (8/22-9/4) in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com
Joining us live on the show is Noah Cassity who is the lead vocalist & plays guitar, and Kole Waters who plays guitar & provides vocals and recording and mastering.
Noah Cassity and Kole Waters thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz since 2022.
Big Fat Cow’s first endeavor was a folk album (Glutton for Punishment) written and recorded by Noah Cassity and mastered and digitized by Kole Waters. Wanting to perform the songs live, Noah recruited the help of Kole on lead guitar alongside childhood friend Alex May to play the bass. Kole was able to bring in Matt Chipman to play drums and finish out the band.
Noah Cassity – lead vocals & guitar Kole Waters – guitar & vocals Alex May – bass guitar & vocals Matt Chipman – drums
Meeting for the first time in KA studios, the newly formed quartet ripped into Noah’s folk songs, turning them into the rock, indie, americana and country inspired pieces that you know today. Each member of the band took and ran with the folk songs that Noah recorded and made it their own, pulling in inspirations from each of their unique musical backgrounds.
Big Fat Cow has made themselves a household name in the Kansas City music scene, leaving an impression on everyone who comes out to see them play. With songs you can dance to and songs that will make you cry in the basement of a DIY show, Big Fat Cow is sure to leave their mark.
“A band this good shouldn’t get saddled with a name this bad … you’re just going to have to tell your friends that you’re going to see Big Fat Cow, and wince while you do it. – Too Much Rock
10:42
Big Fat Cow – “Arbor Day” from: Behold The Soil! / Big Fat Cow / August 1, 2024 [Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow are heading out across the stomping grounds in support of Behold the Soil! with 13 shows in 14 days (8/22-9/4) in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com]
10:49 – More Interview with Noah Cassity & Kole Waters of Big Fat Cow
The KC based band, Big Fat Cow is set to release their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow are heading out across the stomping grounds in support of Behold the Soil! with 13 shows in 14 days (8/22-9/4) in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com
Joining us live on the show is Noah Cassity who is the lead vocalist & plays guitar, and Kole Waters who plays guitar & provides vocals and recording and mastering.
Noah Cassity and Kole Waters thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz since 2022.
Noah Cassity – lead vocals & guitar Kole Waters – guitar & vocals Alex May – bass guitar & vocals Matt Chipman – drums
Recent Shows: April 19 – Replay Lounge in Lawrence Kansas May 4 – KC Bier Co June 1 – Location TBA June 9 – Turnsol Books and Coffee KC August 3 – BLVD Tavern KC
Big Fat Cow’s (KCMO) debut EP Behold the Soil! is releasing on August 1, 2024
Big Fat Cow believes you’ll enjoy the cattle’s broadly appealing, yet super unique brand of post-country, a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling.
The band’s story is a good one even if it’s still early days. Their sound resonates! They’re skyrocketing up the mindshare of Kansas City’s scene and are heading out across the stomping grounds in support of Behold the Soil! with 13 shows in 14 days (8/22-9/4) in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Noah Cassity and Kole Waters thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Big Fat Cow – “Cat Call” from: Behold The Soil! / Big Fat Cow / August 1, 2024 [Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow are heading out across the stomping grounds in support of Behold the Soil! with 13 shows in 14 days (8/22-9/4) in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com]
11:00 – Station ID
Expassionates – “Among Friends” from: Verse, Chorus, Bridge / Scott Easterday / 1998 [Scott Easterday on vocals, guitar, keyboard; Bryan R. Hicks on acoustic bass; Ryan Bennett on drums, Marco Pascolini on Electric 7 acoustic guitar; Nate Hofer on pedal steel guitar; Richard Alwyn on harmonica; Mark Southerland on tenor saxophone; Jazzbo (Bill Hargrave) on trumpet. Produced by Scott Easterday. Engineered by Chad Meise. Recorded at El Torreon, aka The Cowtown Mallroon, 31st and Gillam, KCMO, July 1998, 102 degrees. Mixed at Nove Coast. Mastered by Lynn Allred at barry Music (KCMO) on Halloween Day.]
[Scott Easterday: 35 Years, celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, at 7:00pm, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years. There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. More information at: http://www.therecordbar.com]
11:03 – Interview with Scott Easterday, Elaine McMilian, and Kyle Dahlquist
Scott Easterday is a musician, singer, and composer. He has been playing for 35 as a musician in the Kansas City scene, playing bass in the Mongol Beach Party, playing guitar singing and songwriting for his mid 1990s band Easterday, performing for several years as a member of Howard Iceberg and The Titanics, and as the founder and lead singer for the Expassionates. Scott has written reviews and interviews about local performing artists for KC Metropolis, and has volunteered and served as a Board Member and treasurer of Midwest Music Foundation. Worked as a Cataloging Assistant specializing in Western Languages at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art–Spencer Art Reference Library.
Writer and musician Elaine McMilian graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1991 with a Creative Writing degree. Elaine McMilian has performed in and around KC for over 30 years as a solo artist and in the bands: Swingin’ 6, Easterday, Bonnys’ McGill, Toy Box, Sugar Plums, and The Brannock Device, singing American ballads, folk, alternative, rock and punk. She has collaborated and recorded with many of Kansas City’s very best song writers and musicians including: Erin McGrane, Jason Beers, Marco Pascolini, Scott Easterday, Christian Hankel and Howard Iceberg. This year Elaine released her first book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals. Read more of Elaine’s writing at elainemcmilian.substack.com.
Kyle Dahlquist is a keyboardist, guitarist, he also plays accordion, and trombone and sings. He was a member of Mongol Beach Party bandmate with Scott. He learned to play accordian when he joined Alacartoona. He plays with The Band That Fell to Earth KC – the David Bowie Tribute band, and Men of Men a super group that thrills audiences with every concert they play, Kyle has also played with Amy Farrand and The Like, and many other bands.
Scott, Elaine and Kyle are here to share details about Scott Easterday: 35 Years, celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, at 7:00pm, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years.
Scott Easterday, Elaine McMilian and Kyle dahlquist Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Scott Easterday: 35 Years. August 4, recordBar Scott Easterday is celebrating 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar at 7 PM
There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. More information at: http://www.therecordbar.com
This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years. There will be 3 acts for the evening that will include songs from the bands Expassionates, the easterday band, The Roosevelts and one from Mongol Beach Party.
The first band will perform some songs from Scott’s first CD album from 1998, Expassionates:Verse, Chorus, Bridge.
The band has Matt Richey on drums who recently performed at the Grizly Hand Farewell Jubilee and also drums for Mikal Shapiro’s The Musical.
Bryan Hicks on bass who can be seen at The Quality Hill Playhouse and in jazz clubs all over town.
Nate Hofer on pedal steel, also an award winning photographer, will start the show with experimental-ambient music like that on his 2024 EP, Decommissioned.
Kayle Dahlquist on keyboard, guitar, accordion, trombone and vocals, is one man from Men of Men and was a Mongol Beach Party bandmate with Scott.
Richard Alwyn is on harmonica, guitar and vocals and will also be featured later in the next act.
The original recording of Verse, Chorus, Bridge was done at the El Torreon Ballroom (also known as the Cowtown Ballroom) and at the studio of recording engineer Chad Miese in 1998.
Scott began his professional music career playing bass with The Mongol Beach Party in 1989 and this group will resurrect one of Scott’s songs from that period.
II The second act of the evening is the easterday band featuring Elaine McMilian on vocals, Jon Niccum on bass and Mark Acuff on drums.
They will perform songs from their CD easterday: 1993-1995, indicating the years they were active, recorded at Red House Studios by Ed Rose and released in 2004. They have had a couple reunions since then and are taking advantage of this occasion to have another.
Mark plays drums in Promise Breakers. Jon was the creator of The Worst Gig [worstgig.com] and Elaine just published her first book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals.
This group will also be joined by Richard Alwyn for a couple songs from the time predating the easterday band when he and Scott had a band together called The Roosevelts. One of those songs, Cyclone, was on Scott’s first ever demo cassette from 1992 recorded at Westend Recording Studios by Bart Biechele. Cyclone was on the easterday band’s debut cassette Sucker from 1991 and enjoyed some local chart time on Lawerence’s The Lazer, 105.9 FM.
Richard Alwyn’s band in the 90s was Big Red Fish. Scott joined the band and they later reformed The Roosevelts together. Richard moved to Raleigh, NC where he founded The Love Hangover, an annual music showcase of love songs held on the day after Valentine’s Day in 5 cities. Scott was the Kansas City Chapter host of The Love Hangover from 1989 until 2022 when he handed it over to Steve Tulipana at the recordBar. Richard eventually moved to Brooklyn, NY, set up The Love Hangover there, and has been there for 20 years. During that time he has written and performed with the bands King Canutes, The Winter Drinks and Gramercy Arms.
11:13
the easterday band – “Smothered” from: Easterday 1993-1995 / Scott Easterday / 2004 [the easterday band featuring Scott Easterday on lead vocals and guitar, Elaine McMilian on vocals, Jon Niccum on bass and Mark Acuff on drums. The band was active from 1993-1995. The album was recorded at Red House Studios by Ed Rose and released in 2004. They have had a couple reunions since then and are taking advantage of this occasion to have another. Mark plays drums in Promise Breakers. Jon was the creator of The Worst Gig [worstgig.com] and Elaine just published her first book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals. ] [Scott Easterday: 35 Years, celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, at 7:00pm, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years. There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. More information at: http://www.therecordbar.com]
11:16 – More Interview with Scott Easterday, Elaine McMilian, and Kyle Dahlquist
Scott, Elaine and Kyle are here to share details about Scott Easterday: 35 Years, celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, at 7:00pm, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years.
Scott Easterday, Elaine McMilian and Kyle dahlquist Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Scott Easterday: 35 Years. August 4, recordBar Scott Easterday is celebrating 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar at 7 PM
There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. More information at: http://www.therecordbar.com
III THe final act of the night are Exapassionates. Scott and guitarist Marco Pascolini played duo shows after the recording Verse, Chorus, Bridge until they added the happy bass player Richard Burgess and drummer Sam Platt in 2006. The Happy Bass Player is a book of lessons on happiness written by Richard. Sam holds court on weekends in various ensembles at the Green Lady Lounge, the Orion Room and Black Dolphin.
They will be performing songs from the second Expassionates CD album Landscapes, released in 2008, recorded by Sam Platt and Chad Miese. They will also throw in a new song.
The performance will begin at 7 PM (doors at 6) and is $15, Sunday, August 4 at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, advance tickets available at therecordbar.com.
1989-1990 Mongol Beach Party 1990-1991 The Roosevelts !991-1993 easterday CD easterday 1991-1993 1998 Expassionates recording project CD Verse, Chorus Bridge 2006-present Expassionates CD Landscapes
Scott Easterday: 35 Years on Sunday, August 4, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO
Scott Easterday is celebrating 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar at 7 PM, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years. There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. Doors at 6, Music at 7
Scott Easterday, Elaine McMilian and Kyle dahlquist Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Scott Easterday: 35 Years, celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, at 7:00pm, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years. There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. More information at: http://www.therecordbar.com
11:25
Expassionates – “Movin’ On” from: Landscapes / Scott Easterday / September 9, 2008 [Scott Easterday vocal and guitar, Marco Pascolini guitar, Richard Burgess bass, Sam Platt drums. // Recorded at Oddio Hut, Kansas City, MO. // Audio Sam Platt, Chad Meise, Jason Hall, Matt Hartnett. // Mixed at Theta Rhythm, Mastered by Matt Hartnett // All songs words and music by Scott Easterday, Gone to Kansas is based on a song by Thomas P Westendorf (1881).]
[Scott Easterday: 35 Years, celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, at 7:00pm, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years. There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. More information at: http://www.therecordbar.com]
11:28 – Underwriting
Just Angel – “Intent” from: Just Angel: Pt. 2 {EP] / Just Angel / December [Just Angel is a Kansas City based, singer, musician, songwriter, dancer. and creative artist. She recently contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: /distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justangel/just-angel–pt-1: Just Angel: Pt. 2 is a followup to Just Angle Pt.1 – EP released on December 24, 2020 More info at: https://linktr.ee/JustAngel_TigerLilyStar%5D
[Just Angel and The Wades play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO, on Friday, August 9 at 7:00pm. More information at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]
11:34 – Interview with Just Angel
You just heard the voice of Singer, musician, songwriter, dancer, and creative artist, Just Angel. Her powerful voice has been called, “Passionate … Soulful… and Inspiring.” Her music finds its home in Rock, Jazz, and Alternative, and she has found a way to incorporate those genres within her love with Soul and R&B. Just Angel has performed with My Brothers & Sisters. Just Angel and her band, The Wades can be found rocking stages with her original songs from her recordings and eclectic takes on popular music. She released her debut EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 1 on December 24, 2020. She released her follow up EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 2 on December 25, 2021. She also contributed vocals to the amazing Sisterbot record.
Just Angel and The Wades play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO, on Friday, August 9 at 7:00pm. More information at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com
Just Angel, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Also with us is Arick “T.A. RELL” Ridgell who is a songwriter/producer/artist based out of Kansas City, MO. The 33 year old musician has been writing and producing music since the age of 18. While he picked up the itch to make music later than most, his heavy arsenal of musical influences are what have elevated his quality of work. T.A.’s influences range from the late great Ray Charles, gospel Icon John P. Kee, Brandy, to the current groundbreakers like PJ Morton and Jon Bellion. T.A. tries not to trap himself in the box on genres but tries to use his love for all music to unlock the hearts and souls of listeners around the world. Join him on the journey of putting real music and lyrics in the atmosphere..
Just Angel produced the 4 song EP, JUST ANGEL PT.1 in 3 days in 2020,
She then produced a second 4-song EP, JUST ANGEL PT. 2 in 24 hours in 2021.
Just Angel has a birthday on December 24
Producer & Musician T.A. Rell helped birth into fruition the Just Angel EP releases with the 5 month hiatus between recordings
Just Angel was a member of the band: My Brothers & Sisters with Jamie Searle
Just Angel collaborated with Sisterbot aka Adee Dancey on the track “Approval.”
With Adee Dancy Just Angel has a band called Neo Emo Soul.
11:47
Just Angel – “I.B.H.D.” (LIVE) Originally from: Just Angel: Pt. 1 {EP] / T.A.P. OUT Music / December 24, 2020 [Just Angel is a Kansas City based, singer, musician, songwriter, dancer. and creative artist. She recently contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: /distrokid.com/hyperfollow/justangel/just-angel–pt-1: Just Angel: Pt. 2 is a followup to Just Angle Pt.1 – EP released on December 24, 2020 More info at: https://linktr.ee/JustAngel_TigerLilyStar%5D
[Just Angel and The Wades play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO, on Friday, August 9 at 7:00pm. More information at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]
11:52 – More Interview with Just Angel and T.A. Rell
We are talking with Just Angel who with her band, The Wades can be found rocking stages with her original songs from her recordings and eclectic takes on popular music. She released her debut EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 1 on December 24, 2020. She released her follow up EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 2 on December 25, 2021.
Joining us is Just Angel’s collaborator and friend T.A. Rell.
Just Angel and The Wades play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO, on Friday, August 9 at 7:00pm. More information at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com
Just Angel and T.A. Rell Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
11:53
Sisterbot – “Approval (feat. Just Angel)” from: Truth House / Sisterbot / July 10, 2021 [Sisterbot is a performing artist dedicated to breaking genre boundaries, creating cosmic musical and theatrical experiences. The 9-piece Sisterbot Band is a “punk pop chamber orchestra” complete with electric guitar, drums, piano, strings and horn. “Truth House (2021) is a concept album written over the span of three years, encapsulating a chapter of my life that I spent in a house alone, dealing with the aftermath of trauma and rebirth.”- Sisterbot (Adee Dancy). Written by Sisterbot. Produced by Jametatone and Sisterbot. Engineered, Mixed, Mastered by Jametatone, except “Approval” which was Produced, Engineered, & Mixed by Andrew Bonci Jr. at Magnolia Tree Studios, with AJ Bonci on guitar, Just Angel and Sisterbot on vocals. Cover Art by Mazzy Mann. Adee Rocket Dancy released the single “Hello Moon (feat. The Swallowtails)” on April 26, 2021. (This song is alon on the Sisterbot album.) Produced by Jametatone & Adee Rocket Dancy. Adee Rocket Dancy on piano & vocals & cello; Rachel Lovelace on bassoon; Mikala Petillo on guitar & background vocals, Mixing and Mastering by Jametatone, (J. Asley Miller). Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “This is a song about my life-long love for the moon, featuring The Swallowtails (Rachel Lovelace and Miki P). Adee chose the date April 26, 2021, as their release date, to honor the full moon called “The Pink Moon.” More info at: Sisterbot.bandcamp.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, KKFI Accounting & Administration – Shaina Littler
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Scott Easterday: 35 Years + Big Fat Cow + Just Angel + Owen/Cox Dance Group’s Creative Intersection
Mark spins tracks from Kat King, The Sluts, Leah Sproul, Big Fat Cow, Expassionates, the easterday band, Just Angel and Sisterbot
At 10:10 Mark talks with Cameron Thomas director of Owen/Cox Dance Group’s 5th Annual Creative Intersections, August 9 & 10, 2024, at 7:00pm, at the Hyde Park Butterfly Garden and Labyrinth, 3700 Gillham Rd. KCMO. This free annual outdoor performance is directed by Cameron Thomas, and features new works by Julia Gundzik, Elaine Kimble, Kristopher Estes-Brown, Olivia Emert, Christopher Ruud, and Jennifer Owen. Dancers include Isaac Allen, Allison Barreto, Alexis Borth, Amelia Meisner, Naomi Tanioka, Georgia Fuller, Sarah McGuyer, Elliott Rogers, Cameron Thomas, Max Nelson and Gillian Yoder. More information at: http://www.owencoxdance.org
At 10:30 members of the band Big Fat Cow join us to share music from their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! to be released August 1, 2024. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassidy on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow are heading out across the stomping grounds in support of Behold the Soil! with 13 shows in 14 days (8/22-9/4) in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com
At 11:00 Mark talks with Scott Easterday, Elaine McMilian, and Kyle Dahlquist who join us to share details about, Scott Easterday: 35 Years, celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, at 7:00pm, tickets are $15. This retrospective concert will feature 11 other musicians that have performed with Scott over the years. There will be 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featuring Mark Accuff, Richard Alwyn, Richard Burgess, Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum, Marco Pascolini, Sam Platt and Matt Richey. More information at: http://www.therecordbar.com
At 11:30 Just Angel will perform LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios with T.A. Rell on keyboards. Just Angel is a musician, songwriter, dancer, and creative artist. Her powerful voice has been called, “Passionate … Soulful… and Inspiring.” Just Angel has performed with My Brothers & Sisters. Just Angel released her debut EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 1 on December 24, 2020, and her EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 2 on December 25, 2021. She also contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. Just Angel and The Wades play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO, on Friday, August 9 at 7:00pm. More information at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com
The Sluts photo by Photo by John Clayton
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Favorite Releases of 2024…so far (Part 1 of 3) + SOUND MANDALA + Epitome + Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Leyla McCalla – “Scaled To Survive” from: Sun Without The Heat / Anti – Records / April 12, 2024 [Leyla McCalla on vocals, cello, banjo, guitars; Shawn Myers on percussion, drums; Nahum Zdybel on guitars; Pete Olynciw on electric bass, piano; Maryam Qudus on synthesizers, organs, backing vocals; Louis Michot on fiddle on “Tower”. Recorded and Produced by Maryam Qudus at Dockside Studios, June 20-29, 2023. Assisted by Justin Tocket. Mixed by Maryam Qudus at Best House. Mastered by Heba Kadry, NYC. All songs written by Leyla McCalla (Makala Music (BMI)) except “Love We Had” music by Ali Mohammed Birra, arrangement and lyrics by Leyla McCalla (Makala Music (BMI)) // On May 6, 2022 Leyla McCalla released Breaking the Thermometer on Anti- Records. // Leyla Sarah McCalla was born October 3, 1985. She is a classical and folk musician. She has been a cellist with the Grammy-winning string band Carolina Chocolate Drops but left that group to focus on her solo career. Both of McCalla’s parents were born in Haiti. Her father Jocelyn McCalla was the Executive Director of the New York-based National Coalition for Haitian Rights from 1988 to 2006 and is credited as translator on Vari-Colored Songs. Her mother Régine Dupuy arrived in the United States at age 5, is the daughter of Ben Dupuy who ran Haiti Progrès, a New York based Haitian socialist newspaper. McCalla’s mother went on to found Dwa Fanm, an anti-domestic violence human rights organization. McCalla was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey. She lived in Accra, Ghana for two years as a teen. After a year at Smith College, she transferred to New York University to study cello performance and chamber music. She then moved to New Orleans where she played music on the streets. We first played Leyla McCalla in 2016 the same year we saw her live at Folk Alliance International and the same year she released her critically acclaimed album Vari-Colored Songs on Music Maker Recordings on February 4, 2014. The album is a tribute to Langston Hughes which includes adaptations of his poems, Haitian folk songs sung in Haitian Creole and original compositions. McCalla says the first song she wrote for the album was Heart of Gold because it provided “a window into Hughes’ thinking”.McCalla chose to dedicate this work to Hughes because she says “reading his work made me want to be an artist.” McCalla started working on the album 5 years prior to its release. Commentators have noted the influence of Louisiana musical traditions such as old Cajun fiddle melodies and trad-jazz banjo on the album. Members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops appear on the album. Along with her solo work Leyla McCalla was part of Songs of Our Native Daughters is the debut Americana/folk album by four North American singer-songwriters collaborating as Our Native Daughters. The group includes Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell. The album was released on the Smithsonian Folkways label in early 2019. Songs of Our Native Daughters addresses American historical issues that have influenced the identity of black women, including slavery, racism, and sexism. The album features 13 songs, 11 of them written by the group’s members. It also includes a cover of a 1970s Bob Marley classic and a song that draws its lyrics from two poems.]
Valerie June —“Big Dream” from: My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall / Oh Boy Records / April 12, 2024 [“Growing up, we all have dreams and wishes. Alice Randall’s lyrics capture the magic of our personal dreams. In the simplest way, she invites listeners to remember the power of collective dreaming. If God can be a woman in a patriarchal society, then there are no limits to what can be achieved. Balance is restored through the sacred art of dreaming, and each dream big or small helps to shape our world. I am a dreamer. Everyone on this record is a dreamer. Together we are breaking boundaries just as so many who’ve come before have done for us.” – Valerie June // On March 12, 2021 Valerie June released her 5th full length album The Moon And Stars on June Tunes – Concord records, co-produced by Jack Splash and Valerie June. // Valerie June Hockett was born January 10, 1982), known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Her sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. She is signed to Concord Music Group worldwide. // Born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 10, 1982, June is the oldest of five children. As a child growing up in Humboldt, June was exposed to gospel music at her local church and R&B and soul music via her father, Emerson Hockett. As a teenager, her first job was with her father, owner of Hockett Construction in West Tennessee, and a part-time promoter for gospel singers and Prince, K-Ci & JoJo, and Bobby Womack. She helped by hanging posters in town. Her father died in late 2016. // June relocated to Memphis in 2000 and began recording and performing at the age of 19, initially with her then-husband Michael Joyner, in the duo Bella Sun. After her marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist, combining blues, gospel and Appalachian folk in a style that she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”, and learning guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became associated with the Memphis-based Broken String Collective. // In 2009 she was a featured artist on MTV’s online series $5 Cover (following the lives of Memphis musicians attempting to make ends meet), and in 2010 she recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show. // In 2011 she was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at the Emissaries of Memphis Music event. She raised funds to record an album with producer Craig Street via Kickstarter.com, raising $15,000 in 60 days. Later that year she relocated from Memphis to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Shortly after, record producer Kevin Augunas introduced June to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, which led to the recording of June’s album Pushin’ Against a Stone in July 2011, which was co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas. // In 2012, June performed with producer John Forté on a collaboration called Water Suites (on the hip-hop-blues song “Give Me Water”), and with Meshell Ndegeocello on the song “Be My Husband”. She contributed The Wandering’s 2012 album Go on Now, You Can’t Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. In 2012 she performed in the UK for the first time, playing at Bestival and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland. // She has received substantial radio play in Europe on BBC Radio 6, including a feature on Cerys on 6 with Cerys Matthews. Mary Anne Hobbs of XFM has said of June: “This woman has already touched my heart, she really, really has.” // In February 2013, June was invited to support Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour. In March 2013, June performed two nights at South By Southwest. The first performance was on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet. On March 16, June performed again, this time as part of The Revival Tour. Rolling Stone June’s second album, The Order of Time one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, citing “her handsomely idiosyncratic brand of Americana, steeped deep in electric blues and old-time folk, gilded in country twang and gospel yearning….a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June’s pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center”. More info at: http://www.valeriejune.com]
10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1 – [8 minutes]
Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today we feature WMM’s Favorite Releases of 2024…So Far (Part 1 of 3) from The Freedom Affair, ALBER, Little Miss Dynamite, Zee Underscore, Monta At Odds, Daniel Gum, RxGhost, The Creepy Jingles, St. George & The Dragons, Eddie Moore, Miss Boating, Epitome, and musicbyskippy. We started the show with Leyla McCalla and Valerie June.
We take break to encourage YOU to support 90.1 FM KKFI. To help me, is my friend…
Betse Ellis. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been playing the Violin for over 40 years, with over 20 years playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, and records and performs with the band Little Miss Dynamite, and The Starhaven Rounders and with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke.
Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, sharing sonic discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic-brain. Marion Merritt has an empathic ability to know what music you’re seeking. She grew up in Los Angeles and St. Louis and went to college in Columbia, MO. She studied art & musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films. She saw Talking Heads on their 1st tour at One Block West in 1978. Marion also writes about new releases as a contributor The Pitch. With partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business at 1614 Westport Rd. in KC. More info at: http://www.recordswithmerritt.com.
Marion Merritt, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
10:14
Monta – “Forget About You” from: “Forget About You” – Single / The Record Machine / April 12, 2024 [From their bandcamp page: “Nouveau post-punk troubadours Monta at Odds have minimized to a tight, feisty trio for their latest single, “Forget About You.” With Mikal on vocals, Krysztof wielding the baritone guitar, and founding member Dedric polymathing on all other sonics, Monta unleash a determined and danceable mixture of eras past and present to match this raw but crisp sound. “Forget About You” is a dark-natured opus about resisting attraction, especially when the bound proves hazardous. Mikal pleads in desperation against the “bite” while a relentless, driving rhythm and entwined guitar and bass riffs explore the inevitable consequences. The tune answers its own call as it produces a mesmeric swirl one gets lost in — forgetting life’s dangers, even if just for the song’s moment, is entirely possible.” // Monta released their EP Crystal Momentum on March 24, 2023. The band released the single “Looking Back” on February 27, 2023, and “Everybody’s Baby” on January 27, 2023. Monta’s latest, the Crystal Momentum EP, hones the Kansas City band’s mastery of electrified dreamworld post-punk, presenting four spacious songs to accompany out-of-body explorations. Monta’s core players — Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth and Lucas Behrens on guitars, Dedric Moore on electronics, Matthew Heinrich on drums, and Teri Quinn with additional vocals — accompany their visions with a groovy flow that rings with subtle tensions, introspective instrumentation, and chorus-fed uplifts. // Found within are “Everybody’s Baby,” an otherworldly adoration of unnamed strangers set to transfixing melodies and a snake-like groove; the buoyant “Looking Back,” which shines a danceable, sonic brightness through a haze of ecstatic reminiscence; the inspired “Perimeter Dancer,” an ode to those who fight for the cause, accompanied by a punky disco beat and a chorus that launches the song upward to a mirror-ball-lit sky. And then there’s “Luna Lost In Your Gaze,” a righteous desert sleepwalk of a tune that recalls the spaghetti western tones of Monta’s past while remaining on the current trajectory. // With the Crystal Momentum EP, Monta grabs the moment, further defining the distinctive mix of synth-pop and dark psychedelia that’s become the band’s trademark. Take a leap and fall into their world. // Monta means “to climb higher.” Through lineup changes and scenes ebbing and flowing, this band continues that climb. Founded by brothers Dedric and Delaney Moore, Monta (originally Monta At Odds) has grown into its own community with a rotating cast of musicians and characters. More Information at: kosmiccity.com / therecordmachine.co] [Monta played 20 Years of The Record Machine featuring The Noice FM, Black Light Animals Soultru and Pala Zolo, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd] [Dedric Moore joined us on WMM on October 4, 2023]
ALBER – “Caldo” from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]
[Alber & Isaiah Petrie play The Ship, 1217 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms. Thurs, July 18, 8:00pm.]
RxGhost – “Over and Over The Same Things” from: Scaffolding / Celery Wolf / April 11, 2024 [RxGhost is: Josh Thomas on vocals & guitar, Justin Brooks on drums, James Capps on guitar, Chris Smead on bass, and Jeremiah James Gonzales. Scaffolding was produced by RxGhost, recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Music by RxGhost and Lyrics by Josh Thomas. More info at: rxghost.bandcamp.com]
[RxGhost play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO Saturday, July 20 ay 8:00pm w/ The Sluts, and LYXE.]
10:26 – Pledge Break #2
Our WMM Summer Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
Today on WMM we are celebrating our Favorite New & MidCoastal musical releases with two incredible Guest Hosts who help keep Community Radio alive and on the air. 90.1 FM KKFI’s non-profit organization and governing body is the MidCoast Radio Project. MidCoastal is where we are, on the coasts of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers with a music community that spans the Kansas City Metro region and west to Lawrence and Topeka and south to Olathe and east to Columbia and North to St Joseph. Not necessarily the reach of our 100,000 watt signal but definitely the reach of our community.
WMM and KKFI are committed to featuring artists under-represented in other media, and that includes the music community that lives within Kansas City and Lawrence and the area radiance of our 100 watt signal. The story of Kansas City’s Arts and Music Community is our primary objective on WMM, where for almost 20 years we have shined a light on this music and the artists who create it, and that story also include the music labels who help get this music out into the community and beyond Kansas City. That story also includes the recording studios where this music is engineered and mastered.
Wednesday MidDay Medley 90.1 FM was the first radio show and first radio station to ever play many if these amazing musical artists. WMM was the first to play the recordings of: Calvin Arsenia, and Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, and Krystle Warren, and The Black Creatures and KD Kuro, The Shy Boys, Zava, The Salvation Choir. We were the first to interview these artists live on the radio and bring their music to a wider audience.
10:34 – Underwriting
Little Miss Dynamite– “Ordinary Blue” from: Grow Up / Rural Grit Records / May 3, 2024 [Little Miss Dynamite is a four piece string band with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals. Engineered and Mixed by Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio.More info at: http://www.bethwattsnelson.com]
The Freedom Affair – “If You Don’t Want Me” from: “If You Don’t Want Me” – Single / Sunflower Soul Records / May 15, 2024 [The Freedom Affair is a 9 piece soul juggernaut from Kansas City, MO. The band formed in 2017 with a vision to write original soul music inspired by the traditions of the genre’s past with a universal message looking toward the future. Their new single “If You Don’t Want Me” features: Shon Ruffin on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on guitar, Chris Hazelton on bass, Dave Brick on drums, Pete Carroll on trumpet, Brett Jackson on tenor Sax, Pat Conway on congas, and Nick Howell on tambourine. Written, Recorded & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Mastered by JJ Golden // With their debut album FREEDOM IS LOVE, The Freedom Affair has received critical acclaim and have established themselves as a force in the soul music scene across the states and abroad. Keep your eyes and ears open for their songs and album art featured in the series Bel-Air, an Apple commercial, a Netflix series, etc… This band is just getting started. // The Freedom Affair’s live shows have proven to be soul-stirring, transformative events moving audiences both physically and emotionally to joy. // The Freedom Affair released their debut album Freedom Is Love on September 25, 2020. from The album explores themes of love, heartache, empower-ment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording techno-logies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. For the debut record The Freedom Affair was: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns, and the combined vocals of Misha Roberts, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders to put this band over the top. Politically charged soul music for the dancefloor!”]
[The Freedom Affair play The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest Saturday, August 24 in the Hitoric West Bottoms with Shy Boys, Back Alley Brass Band, The Salvation Choir, Flare Tha Rebel, Danny McGaw, KC marching falcons, AND Sunday, August 25 at The Folly Theatre with The Grand Marquis, Slim Hansen & The Poor Choices, Victor & Penny, Trevor Turla, Sammy Nicolier, Damien Gunn Band]
Zee Underscore – “What More Do You Want” from: The Zee Underscore Experience – EP / Underscore Form / June 15, 2024 [Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. Last year Zee Underscore released one of our favorite singles, “In The Way (feat. Amadi Luv)”. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D
Daniel Gum – “Don’t I Know” from: Sophia – Don’t I Know – Single / Manor Records / January 24, 2024 [Daniel Gum is a singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, KS who has been active since 2017. Daniel Gum released the single “Julia” on December 9, 2022. Daniel Gum released the single “Wolverine (ft. Rachel Cion)” on September 19, 2921. Daniel Gu, released the electronic pop EP, I’M NOT DEAD in 2017 and an acoustic EP, MOON in 2018. In addition to working on his own solo project, Daniel has been working with other local groups—playing bass and engineering for his band Pillow (a post-punk/shoegaze group) and playing drums behind singer-songwriter Chloe Jacobson, also doing some recording for her. Channeling the likes of Elliott Smith & Andy Shauf, he co-produced his new record THIRTEEN with Mike Crawford, playing almost everything you hear on the album and mixing it himself. Signing to Manor Records in the spring of 2020, he officially released THIRTEEN on cassette & CD on October 30, 2020. All songs written, performed, and.mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Daniel Gum is a 24 year old singer-songwriter . Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EPI’M NOT DEAD on October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming. The first single from Daniel Gum’s album, Thirteen “Ruin Your Life” was released on September 4, The second single, “In The Worst Ways” was released September 28, 2020. ] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. Daniel Gum joined us on WMM on November 11, 2020.]
10:46 – Pledge Break #3
Our WMM Summer Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis
On May 15, 2024 – Wednesday MidDay Medley celebrated 20 Years on the radio! , with LIVE performances in our 90.1 FM Studios from: Calvin Arsenia, IVORY BLUE, Stephonne, Julia Othmer, Kasey Rausch and guests Marion Merritt, Maria Vasques Boyd, Nico Gray, and Necia Gamby..
As of this week we have done 1055 weeks equaled 2210 hours of radio, 16,000 hours of preparation, over 3000 Interviews, 2500 guests, and over 20,000 songs, from thousands of musical artists. We have made it our mission to mix musical genres, playing with themes, diversity, equality, free speech, connecting artists and venues and listeners and communities. Wednesday MidDay Medley has proudly endeavored to help tell the story of our growing Kansas City area music scene, “The Midcoast Sound,” as we like to call it. We have dedicated a majority of our programming to New & MidCoastal Releases.
WMM has presented new formats in radio, with our “A Story In A Song” series, and our special shows featuring: Apocalypse Meow, Crossroads Music Fest, Folk Alliance, Manor Fest, International, The Outer Reaches Festival, Boulevardia. KC Fringe Festival, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bach Aria Soloists, KC Pride, and our annual tribute shows to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., David Bowie, Iris Dement, Pioneers of Punk, LGBTQIA Themes, Black Lives Matter and inteviews with Tommy Ramone, Iris Dement, Laurie Anderson, Lily Tomlin. Plus, our annual 4-week special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of the Year.
To say this radio show has been inspired by the KC music community, is an understatement. The KC music community is fueled by a collaborative and generous heart that is beating in so many of the artists we’ve met while doing this show. We are inspired by the Fearless Women who created radio on 90.1 FM long before us: our friend April Fletcher who plays bass professionally in Los Angeles, and hosted Mix Well Before Serving on 90.1 in 1988 on KKFI’s first year of broadcast, and last year returned after 35 years to host and produce WMM. And our friend Anne Winter, who left us in 2009, and reminded us how we’re all connected. At Anne’s funeral we realized that we are connected to hundreds of other people who Anne had touched with her gentle, wise, guidance and had nudged into taking a job, going out on a stage, organizing an event, doing a radio show. We were all connected, she had loved us all and supported us, and some of us made a pact to do just a little bit of what Anne did, if we all did a little we could continue her work to help build our community, that is how we keep Anne alive in our heart. And through collaboration, and shining a light, like Abigail Hope Henderson, who we lost in 2013, but not before she ignited a movement to create the Midwest Music Foundation supporting heath care needs and mental health care for the music community. I’m inspired by the diverse , intelligent, motivated, listeners, looking for place on the dial, where they can connect to the stories & music & voice of our community.
Today we celebrate the pure idea of community radio, free form radio, radio that tells the story of the people who live here, the artists, the writers, the teachers, the performers. We celebrate 1035 weeks of WMM, the show that has brought us together, at this time, on this frequency, in these community airwaves. Thanks for listening.
KKFI’s Mission Statement: KKFI is the Kansas City area’s independent, noncommercial community radio station. We seek to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.
KKFI’s Philosophy Statement: KKFI is committed to diversity in programming and discourse and seeks to create a climate of mutual respect and collaboration among volunteers and staff.
10:55
The Creepy Jingles – “Repeat After Me” from: “Repeat After Me” – Single / High Dive Records / April 19, 2024 [This is the second of several new singles being released by The Creepy Jingles this year. The band released “When Things Go Wrong” on February 23, 2024. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. // Song (lyrics/melody/chords) written by Jocelyn Olivia Nixon. Guitar solo by Wills van Doorn. Recorded and Mixed by Paul Malinowski. Mastered by Zack Hames. Vocals & Piano: Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Guitars: Wills Van Doorn, Bass: Andrew Woody, and Drums: Nick Robertson. // The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ] The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.]
St. George & The Dragons – “Leave It All Up To You” from: “Leave It All Up To You” – Single / St. George & The Dragons / June 21, 2024 [A band’s lifespan is on the average two years. But after two years, St. George & The Dragons is just getting started. After four years of writing, rehearsing, and recording, St. George & The Dragons are releasing their debut album – King Of Kansas City, a ten-song album of pure rock and roll influenced by late 70s rock like the Stones and Tom Petty. // The album’s theme comes from a time when Rock ‘n’ Roll ruled the airwaves. It’s about letting go and raising your hand high into the air with your middle finger out to the world as you move on to the next big thing in your life. // Their first single “Leave It All Up To You” will be available on all streaming services June 21! The full-length album will be out August 30 with the vinyl release in September on Grand Central Bell Records. // Lead singer David George (Moaning Lisa, John Fogerty band) has been working with drummer/engineer Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers) since 2018 when they recorded three solo EPs for George. They found it easy to work together and had similar tastes which led them to produced and engineer an album for Kansas City artist David Luther. In the studio with Luther, they enlisted the help of Matt Kesler (The Pedaljets, She Said, The Doo Dads) on bass with Tomek on drums and George on guitars and keys. // George, Tomek, and Kesler hit it off and started working on material of their own, eventually bringing in guitarist Mike Greene (The Front/Bakers Pink) and vocalist/guitarist Skeet Hanks (Beatin’ Path) to round out the sound. Greene was the lead guitarist in the Front, a band known for their searing guitar and power rock sound. Hanks, from New Orleans fronted the band Beatin’ Path, tearing up the Bayou country with their progressive rock sound and soaring melodies. // Influenced by the works of The Stones, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Beatles, and many other classic rock bands from the 70s and the 80s, St. George & The Dragons came together during the Global Pandemic, giving them time to develop their sound. George, Greene, Hanks, Kesler, and Tomek have all had their share of greatness, from the collective albums they’ve released on major and indie labels to sharing the stage with legends like Paul McCartney, The Replacements, Soul Asylum, Doobie Brothers, The Black Crowes, Derek Trucks Band, Lumineers, Aerosmith, Smithereens, Mother Love Bone, and a list that could fill up a book! // St. George & The Dragons will be following up their release with shows around the Kansas City area later this summer and fall. More information at: http://www.stgeorgeandthedragonsband.com]
[St. George & The Dragons play the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art “Lawn Party” Kansas City, MO Sunday, July 21.]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Interview with Tom Mardikes
Tom Mardikes, Professor of Sound Design at UMKC’s Conservatory. Tom has worked on over 250 professional productions as Sound Designer for KC Repertory Theatre, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and many others nationally. Mardikes has been head of graduate sound design training since 1986 and chair of UMKC Theatre since 2001. He co-founded Kansas City Actors Theatre in 2004, an artist-led, artist-driven professional theatre company performing in Kansas City’s Union Station. Tom shares details about SOUND MANDALA an immersive audio system that distributes sound to dozens of independent loudspeakers and moves sounds through space in ways never heard before. Sound Mandala premieres at The 20 annual KC Fringe Festival, in the Olsen Performing Arts Center at UMKC, 4949 Cherry St, KCMO., with 36 continual performances Friday, July 19 at 6:00pm, through Saturday, July 29 at 10:30pm. More info at http://www.soundmandala.org or http://www.kcfringe.org
Tom Mardikes, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Mr. Tom Mardikes is a Professor of Sound Design at UMKC’s Conservatory. He has worked on over 250 professional productions nationwide as Sound Designer for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (formerly Missouri Rep), the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the Dallas Theatre Center, Syracuse Stage, Coconut Grove, the Roundabout, Buffalo Studio Arena, the Alley Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and Shakespeare Santa Cruz.
He has directed several stage productions including Taking Sides (2008) for Kansas City Actors Theatre, Nadya (2008), Burnt by the Sun (2013) and Playboy of the Western World (2014) for UMKC Theatre.
Mardikes has been head of graduate sound design training since 1986 and chair of UMKC Theatre since 2001. He has long been active in the United States Institute for Theater Technology, first as a Sound Vice Commissioner for Education and then as Sound Commissioner from 1998-2000.
He was one of five professional sound designers who helped facilitate the organization of sound designers into the United Scenic Artists Local 829 that has led to the official recognition of sound design by LORT and professional theatres nationwide. He was one of two featured sound designers in the USA Exhibit for the 2003 Prague Quadrennial and served as co-Curator of Sound for the American Exhibit for PQ2007.
He co-founded Kansas City Actors Theatre in 2004, an artist-led, artist-driven professional theatre company performing in Kansas City’s Union Station. In 2011, he led a group of eight member schools to create the National Design Portfolio Review where graduating M.F.A. designers are introduced to the New York theatre profession.
The Sound Mandala is an immersive audio system that distributes sound to dozens of independent loudspeakers and moves sounds through space in ways never heard before. The show will consist of music mixed from the original multi-track sound recordings that are mixed across the many loudspeakers and featuring sounds programmed to move about the space.
Program content will feature pop, rock, jazz and Celtic tracks, and featuring several short scenes with voiced actors and sound effect collages.
The Sound Mandala is a new way of listening to recorded sounds, in a room full of loudspeakers arranged in a matrix allowing for a wide variety of sound distribution and motion. In the auditory domain, the Sound Mandala imitates the visual trick of film motion by placing dozens of loudspeakers into a space organized into a matrix of lines and rows, then dividing, or spreading a sound along these lines and rows to create a sinuous ‘motion’ of sound. This summer the Sound Mandala will present a show on the KC Fringe Festival featuring an 80-loudspeaker channel system in a black box theatre seating 40 people. We refer to the Sound Mandala as a ‘Mecca-concept’—-you must go there to have the experience. As this invention becomes commercialized and we experiment with visual images, this Mecca-concept will be a decided advantage to a film presenter—an advantage movie theatres do not enjoy today. The Sound Mandala experience cannot be duplicated in the home or in a car.
Cast/Crew: Tom Mardikes Jon Robertson Thomas Newby Gianna Agostino Daisy Melton Paul Vedros Sam Toskin
11:10
musicbyskippy – “Gotta Catch My Breath Take 81” Originally released as a single / Almost Peanut Butter / July 15, 2023 [Musicians: musicbyskippy. Composer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Arranger: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Studio: Get Wild Studios. Production Dates: May 2023 to June 2023. Producer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Mixing Engineer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Mastering Engineer: Luke “Skippy” // Publisher/Label: LSH Productions, LLC.]
Part of: Sound Mandala / UMKC Sound Design Department [The Sound Mandala is an immersive audio system that distributes sound to dozens of independent loudspeakers and moves sounds through space in ways never heard before. The show will consist of music mixed from the original multi-track sound recordings that are mixed across the many loudspeakers and featuring sounds programmed to move about the space. // Program content will feature pop, rock, jazz and Celtic tracks, and featuring several short scenes with voiced actors and sound effect collages. // The Sound Mandala is a new way of listening to recorded sounds, in a room full of loudspeakers arranged in a matrix allowing for a wide variety of sound distribution and motion. In the auditory domain, the Sound Mandala imitates the visual trick of film motion by placing dozens of loudspeakers into a space organized into a matrix of lines and rows, then dividing, or spreading a sound along these lines and rows to create a sinuous ‘motion’ of sound. This summer the Sound Mandala will present a show on the KC Fringe Festival featuring an 80-loudspeaker channel system in a black box theatre seating 40 people. We refer to the Sound Mandala as a ‘Mecca-concept’—-you must go there to have the experience. As this invention becomes commercialized and we experiment with visual images, this Mecca-concept will be a decided advantage to a film presenter—an advantage movie theatres do not enjoy today. The Sound Mandala experience cannot be duplicated in the home or in a car. // Cast/Crew: Tom Mardikes. Jon Robertson, Thomas Newby, Gianna Agostino, Daisy Melton, Paul Vedros, and Sam Toskin.]
Tom Mardikes, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Sound Mandala premieres at The 20 annual KC Fringe Festival, in the Olsen Performing Arts Center at UMKC, 4949 Cherry St, KCMO., with 36 continual performances Friday, July 19 at 6:00pm, through Saturday, July 29 at 10:30pm. More info at http://www.soundmandala.org or http://www.kcfringe.org
11:13 – Pledge Break #4
This is WMM’s Summer Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis.
90.1 offers 100 different radio programs. 85 of these programs are locally, produced, hosted, engineered and written by over 100 different people, who create content, and personally handcraft each show, each week. There are 64 local music shows and 21 locally produced News, Public Affairs, Arts & Talk shows.
There are 140 hours each week of locally produced handcrafted programs.
You will not find this kind of representative diversity anywhere else on your radio dial. Or from any singular source on your computer. It is very special. It needs to be nourished and kept alive in a world of corporate, nationally owned, commercial or religious broadcasting.
Not only do we bring the most diverse and unfiltered news and information, but our musical playlists are deep, and comprehensive. In one week you can hear over 2000 different songs played, in Blues, Jazz, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Classical, World, Americana, Southern Soul, Fusion, Soul, Rock, New Wave, Electronic, Native, Local, Old Timey, Rockabilly, Women’s, Children’s, Gospel, and Experimental.
With all of this, you hear the voices from the hundreds of KKFI volunteers, and thousands of guests from the community, who share their stories, broadcast live from our non-commercial, midtown studios, at 39th & Main, in the center of our metro, across two states, a collective of communities, and thousands of listeners. What is this worth to you?
11:20 – Underwriting
Epitome – “Way Up (Radio Edit) feat. Ayron Alexander)” from: “Way Up” – Single / Syke Brand Music / July 12, 2024 [Kansas City based rapper Glenn Robinson who is known as Epitome. Epitome released his newest 10 track album, BOUJIE TYPE BEAT on February 19, 2024. Since then has released the new single, “Way Up (feat. Ayron Alexander)” on July 12, 2024. A protest of sorts, “WAY UP” is also a celebration of life and all its struggles. The raucous anthem delves into E’s mantra of “once you reach the bottom, the only way is UP!” Featuring the silky, smooth sounds of Ayron Alexander, the layered vocals transform this gritty griot into an alternative pop confection. Since 2016, Epitome has released 3 albums, 4 EPs. and nearly 20 singles, collaborating with artists including: The Royal Chief, Domineko, Regina Del Carmen, Amira Wang, VCMN, Scotty Wu, Lex Lingo and others.]
11:24 – Interview with Glenn Robinson aka Epitome and Ayron Alexander
Kansas City based rapper Glenn Robinson who is known as Epitome. Epitome released his newest 10 track album, BOUJIE TYPE BEAT on February 19, 2024. Since then has released the new single, “Way Up (feat. Ayron Alexander)” on July 12, 2024. A protest of sorts, “WAY UP” is also a celebration of life and all its struggles. The raucous anthem delves into E’s mantra of “once you reach the bottom, the only way is UP!” Featuring the silky, smooth sounds of Ayron Alexander, the layered vocals transform this gritty griot into an alternative pop confection. Since 2016, Epitome has released 3 albums, 4 EPs. and nearly 20 singles, collaborating with artists including: The Royal Chief, Domineko, Regina Del Carmen, Amira Wang, VCMN, Scotty Wu, Lex Lingo and others. More info at: soundcloud.com/theepitomekc thanks for being with us on WMM.
Glenn Robinson who is known as Epitome thanks for being with us on WMM.
Glenn Robinson writes: Kansas City was never the easiest place to be different.we get in the habits of doing what it takes to survive regardless of the consequences. Raised in parade park we weren’t in the best area and still grew to become some who can inspire others thru creative means.
Boujie Type Beat was the discovery of a new sound that helped propel Epitome to be comfy with himself and make his truest sound. From the trap with love was stylistically the most diverse album just because of the production style pushed him to a new threshold.
For Epitome his album, NNTT was when he felt like he discovered what he sounds like. His biggest record “big bawdy” is on there.
Epitome has been played on Hot 103 jamz
Epitome has had over 10,000 streams and for his album NNTT on Spotify it’s over 10,000 as well.
As for the inspiration for “Way Up” – “Way up” was inspired by a phrase you can’t get any lower than this, only way is up. Then parade park that he has been living on his whole life. They are currently being displaced from their units and the balloons represent them rising to the top.
As for the inspiration for his latest album? Glenn wanted to show a more personal side of his music. Wanted people to appreciate the women in his life as well. They are the reason he can push through, so this project is dedicated to them. They helped him reach expose a side of himself that has never been seen in his music.
Album release 9/6/2024
Glenn Robinson who is known as Epitome thanks for being with us on WMM.
Epitome plays Nimble Cafe, The Mecca, on July 25\, and Titties & Tequila ay Lemonade Park on August 31.
Epitomes new album will be released on September 6, 2024.
11:38
Epitome – “What We Are (Radio Edit)” from: “What We Are” – Single / Syke Brand Music / July, 2024 [Kansas City based rapper Glenn Robinson who is known as Epitome. Epitome released his newest 10 track album, BOUJIE TYPE BEAT on February 19, 2024. Since then has released the new single, “Way Up (feat. Ayron Alexander)” on July 12, 2024. A protest of sorts, “WAY UP” is also a celebration of life and all its struggles. The raucous anthem delves into E’s mantra of “once you reach the bottom, the only way is UP!” Featuring the silky, smooth sounds of Ayron Alexander, the layered vocals transform this gritty griot into an alternative pop confection. Since 2016, Epitome has released 3 albums, 4 EPs. and nearly 20 singles, collaborating with artists including: The Royal Chief, Domineko, Regina Del Carmen, Amira Wang, VCMN, Scotty Wu, Lex Lingo and others.]
11:40 – Pledge Break #5
This is WMM’s Summer Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.
Wednesday MidDay Medley offers loads and loads of information about what is going on in the community. Not only does this show interview 150 guest each year, not only do we play nearly 900 different songs with more than half of those being locally produced, but we also shine a light on area not-for-profit theatre companies, art museums & galleries, area festivals, service organizations, area record labels and record stores, the area music scene, arts scene, theatre scene, literary arts scene, political action scene.
KC Repertory Theatre, Outer Reaches Fest, Owen/Cox Dance Group, No Divide KC, The Folly Theatre, The Kinsey Sicks, recordBar, Lawrence Arts Center, Manor Records, The Rino, KC Blues Society, Records With Merritt, Kansas City Star, Lawrence Music Alliance, MixMaster Music Conference, Midwest Music Foundation, KC Gift, Briarfest, Warwick Theatre, The Record Machine, Synergy Systems, Lemonade Park, Crossroads Music Festival, The Ship, The Black Box Theatre, Amplify Lawrence, Quindaro Ruins, Music Writing of Dave Marsh, Innovation Festival, Queer Narratives Fest, Art in the Loop, The documentary film: NO PLACE LIKE HOME: THE STRUGGLE AGAINST HATE IN KANSAS, KC Fringe Festival, Make Music Day, Boulevardia, Arts in The Park, UMKC Conservatory of Music, The Emerald, The Crossroads Hotel, High Dive Records, Greenwood Social Hall, KC Folk Fest, Manor Fest, One Voice Radio, KC Farm School at Gibbs Road, Center Cut Records, KKFI Band Auction, Charlotte Street Foundation, Women’s History Month!, KC Punk Shindig!, Sweet Honey in The Rock, University of Missouri at Columbia, Lawrence Public Library, I Heart Local Music, Black History Month, Mr. Furious Records, Bach Aria Soloists, Folk Alliance International, Martin Luther King Jr., Tribute to David Bowie, Tribute to Iris DeMent
11:47
Miss Boating – “Crew Cut Baby” from: Jewel In The Trash / High Dive Records / June 29, 2024 [Miss Boating who’ve recently signed with High Dive Records to release their debut album, JEWEL IN THE TRASH. Miss Boating is a KC based, five-piece with multi-instrumentalist & lead singer Charlie Coleborne, drummer Bill Belzer, Aaron Jones on trombone, Tom Gillespie on Saxophone, and Bryan McGuire on bass. (Phil Dickey played bass on the album.) Charlie and Bill met in the late 1980s. In the beginning they were called The Sympathetic Fringe, and then The Sleazebeats. In recent years Charlie & Bill added Aaron, Tim and Bryan. Described by one local radio host as “the perfect house band for a John Waters After Party.” One of their songs is about a friend’s mom’s dynamic relationship with prescription medication. Another is a tribute to the late Evan Jolly, their former bassist. All of the songs are written by Charlie Colborne through his blue/gay eyes. These songs have a fine patina of ditch weed, filthy humor, cigarette smoke, gay drama, Bee Gee’s inflected new wave, queer music hall schmaltz, odd stiff naive sambas, and box wine. More info at: http://www.highdivekc.com // From the ashes of their former band The Sleazebeats, Charles Colborne and Bill Belzer faced a difficult 2019 when combined with the death of Charlie’s own beloved mother, their friend and bassist Evan Vhargon died. The band wrote that they “were lost when Evan passed.” Through the tough times Bill and Charlie kept playing and wrote that they “were blown away when Phil Dickey wanted to jam with us… the jamming turned into something more and we were going again. We couldn’t be more thankful and humbled.” Phil is part of the bands Dragon Inn 3, and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. // On January 1, 2020 Miss Boating released The Vhargon Sidestep with: Charlie Colborne on keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer: drums, vocals; Phil Dickey on bass; Aaron Jones on trombone; Tim Gillespie on saxophone. Ross Brown served as engineering, did all of the mixing for The Vhargon Sidestep and Mike Nolte handled all of the mastering.]
11:49 – Pledge Break #6
This is WMM’s Summer Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.
KKFI offers 24-7 programming, and YOU (the listener), basically get all of this amazing programming for “free.” I, for one, love that I can turn on my radio, or computer device, and tune into the 90.1 FM’s 100,000 watt, crystal-clear signal, and hear the music, information, news, entertainment, events, and stories, that I really cannot find anywhere else. 90.1 is my comfort, my special companion, my interesting friend, introducing me to all kinds of new & local music, as well as the news & information without the intrusion of commercials. It is radio brought to YOU by real people, who create these shows out of love, and are guided by KKFI’s noble mission that “seeks to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.”
Please help keep this part of our public airwaves alive for our community to enjoy, free from commercials, free from religious sermonizing, free from extremely conservative and slanted right wing “talk radio,” and free from corporately “owned and cloned” robotic affiliates that play the same 15 songs everyday at the same time. YOU deserve better. YOU deserve radio that really reflects our great city, and tells the story of our great music scene, and performing arts scene, and labor rights, and women’s issues, and LBGT information, and programming specifically produced for Latinos and African Americans, working people, Jazz lovers. Support the free-form spirit that is 90.1 FM KKFI!
For WMM, Tom Mardikes, Epitome, Marion Merritt, and Betse Ellis, and to everyone who donated… I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:56
Eddie Moore – “Freewheel” from: Aperture (Live Piano Works) / Eddie Moore Music / March 5, 2024 [All songs written by Eddie Moore. Recorded by Eddie Moore and Jaylen Ward. Mixed by Eddie Moore. Mastered by Crayge Lindesay. Album art by Jeremy Ian Thomas. This project presents snapshots into the life of Eddie Moore. The fun times riding bikes, getting lost in the woods, and spending time with loved ones. As a special solo sharing, it only felt right to capture the velvet soothing energy live on stage at Corvino’s, where experimentation and vulnerability are encouraged. // Special thanks to the Corvinos and the staff for letting me sneak in during the “off hours” and post up for a few hours in a blizzard. // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // On April 20, 2023 Eddie Moore released the single “Tuunami” Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, this song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // Eddie Moore released his critically acclaimed album INTUITION on October 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. // Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on July 24 we continue with part 2 of WMM’s Favorite Releases of 2024…So Far. Plus Scott Easterday joins us to share details about: Scott Easterday: 35 Years – celebrating 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, Sunday, August 4, at 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO with Ezpassioantes and The Easterday Band.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, KKFI Accounting & Administration – Shaina Littler
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Favorite Releases of 2024 + SOUND MANDALA + Epitome + Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis
Mark plays WMM’s Favorite Releases of 2024…So Far (Part 1 of 3) from The Freedom Affair, ALBER, Little Miss Dynamite, Zee Underscore, Monta At Odds, Daniel Gum, RxGhost, The Creepy Jingles, St. George & The Dragons, The Forcefields, Eddie Moore, Miss Boating, Epitome, musicbyskippy, and Leyla McCalla and Valerie June.
At 11:00 we’ll talk with Tom Mardikes, Professor of Sound Design at UMKC’s Conservatory. Tom has worked on over 250 professional productions as Sound Designer for KC Repertory Theatre, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, and many others nationally. Mardikes has been head of graduate sound design training since 1986 and chair of UMKC Theatre since 2001. He co-founded Kansas City Actors Theatre in 2004, an artist-led, artist-driven professional theatre company performing in Kansas City’s Union Station. Tom shares details about SOUND MANDALA an immersive audio system that distributes sound to dozens of independent loudspeakers and moves sounds through space in ways never heard before. Sound Mandala premieres at The 20 annual KC Fringe Festival, in the Olsen Performing Arts Center at UMKC, 4949 Cherry St, KCMO., with 36 continual performances Friday, July 19 at 6:00pm, through Saturday, July 21 at 10:30pm. More info at http://www.soundmandala.org or http://www.kcfringe.org
At 11:30 Mark welcomes Kansas City based rapper Glenn Robinson who is known as Epitome. Epitome released his newest 10 track album, BOUJIE TYPE BEAT on February 19, 2024. Since then has released the new single, “Way Up (feat. Ayron Alexander)” on July 12, 2024. A protest of sorts, “WAY UP” is also a celebration of life and all its struggles. The raucous anthem delves into E’s mantra of “once you reach the bottom, the only way is UP!” Featuring the silky, smooth sounds of Ayron Alexander, the layered vocals transform this gritty griot into an alternative pop confection. Since 2016, Epitome has released 3 albums, 4 EPs. and nearly 20 singles, collaborating with artists including: The Royal Chief, Domineko, Regina Del Carmen, Amira Wang, VCMN, Scotty Wu, Lex Lingo and others. More info at: soundcloud.com/theepitomekc
AND, Marion Merritt of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business in KCMO, and Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, of Betse & Clarke, Starhaven Rounders, and Little Miss Dynamite join us as special Guest Co-Hosts to encourage listeners to call 888-931-0901, or visit http://www.kkfi.org to support 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio during our Summer Fund Drive Show.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
The Baseball Project + Danielle Ate the Sandwich + MusicbySkippy + Lone Stranger
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
We start by reporting the sad news that Genetter Bradley, a Kansas City gospel icon and friend to so many, has passed. She was one of the finest gospel singers in the nation, a lead singer for the Kansas City Melody-Aires at The Apollo and on their classic 1967 album, Softly The Night Is Falling. She founded the Kansas City Gospel Music Seminar in 1982, and formed her own group, The Genetter Bradley Singers, which recorded the hit single “Right Direction,” for Spire Records. She was a gospel ambassador for Kansas City and featured in the critically acclaimed film documentary, “I’m So Glad: Kansas City And The Roots of Black Gospel Music — The Untold Story,” narrated by Isaac S. Cates.
We’ve feature this documentary on two of our WMM shows this year and there will be a special showing of the documentary “I’m So Glad,” at the Dunbar Theater, 1007 N Cleveland Ave, Wichita, Kansas, on Saturday, July 27, at 7:30 PM.
Genetter Bradley and the Melody-Aires – “I’m So Glad” from: Softly The Night is Falling / 1967 [Sister Genetter Bradley’s life activities include but are not limited to: She toured with such groups as the Staple Singers, The Caravans and many more. Sang and helped “The Kansas City Melody-Aires land their first recording contract with Simco Records and then Peacock Records. She performed at the Famed Apollo Theatre in New Your City in 1966. In 1974 she was introduced to Recom Records by Shirley Caesar and recorded her first Album titled “Moving in the Right Direction” with her own group “Genetter Bradley and the Bradley Singers”. Lead singer with the “Wings of Grace” in 1982.]
[For more than 10 years, Electric Prairie Productions, with Paul Wenske as writer and director, his wife Nancy Meis as producer, and their son Chris Wenske as videographer and lead editor, have gone to historically Black churches to film amazing gospel music for their new documentary film, “I’m So Glad.” The film that explores the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music narrated by internationally recognized gospel music conductor Isaac S. Cates.]
Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “The Terrible Dinner Guest” from: The Terrible Dinner Guest / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / September 9, 2016 [Danielle Anderson on vocals, ukulele, guitar, keyboards, & Rhodes; Skye Zentz on vocals, glockenspiel, & keyboards; Ian Randall Thornton on upright bass & vocals; Jacki Paolella on electric bass; John DiGiorgio on drums; Zach Jones on electric guitar; Mothy on trumpet. Fawn Street Tabernacle Choir featured in Bad Habit: Chris Nickel, Kai B. White, Joseph Brockman, Jeff Flora, Ian Randall Thornton, Charles “Chuck” Abadam // The Terrible Dinner Guest is Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 6th full length album, recorded in Norfolk, VA at TAPTAP Recordings and Clay Garden Studios. All Songs Written by: Danielle Anderson, Danielle Ate the Sandwich/BMI. Produced by: Skye Zentz, Jacki Paolella, Danielle Anderson. Arranged by: Danielle Anderson, Skye Zentz, Jacki Paolella. Engineered by: Jacki Paolella. Mixed by: Jacki Paolella. Mastered by: Adam Boose of Cauliflower Audio. Music. Contractor: Skye Zentz. Recorded in Norfolk, VA at TAPTAP Recordings and Clay Garden Studios. Art Direction: Ryan Anthony Martin. Photography by: Cooper James.]
[Danielle Anderson’s one woman comedy cabaret, ‘The Greatest Garage Sale Ever,’ will premiere at the KC Fringe Festival, with five performances Saturday, July 20 through Saturday, July 27 at The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 West 19th, KCMO. More info at: http://www.kcfringe.org and http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]
10:10 – Interview with Danielle Anderson
Danielle Anderson performs as Danielle Ate the Sandwich. Danielle is a singer/songwriter, recording artist, and comedic performer based in KCMO. Danielle grew a fanbase with her DIY videos on Youtube and by touring the US extensively from 2009-2018. Danielle has released 7 albums of original music, over 200 YouTube videos, and conducts an annual 24 Hour Album project, writing and producing new songs with the help of her patrons in only 24 hours. She is recording her 8th album in Kansas City, KS, with Fritz Hutchison and Al Hawkins of True Lions. The album received an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC. Her most recent project, ‘The Greatest Garage Sale Ever,’ is a one woman comedy cabaret, using humor, music, and songs to challenge the labels we give each other, and our ability to change. The show will premiere at the KC Fringe Festival, with five performances taking place Saturday, July 20 through Saturday, July 27 The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 West 19th, KCMO. More info at: http://www.kcfringe.org and http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com
Danielle Anderson, thank you for being with us on WMM.
We just heard the song “The Terrible Dinner Guest” from your beautiful 2016 album of the same name. You recorded the album on Norfolk Virginia, you are originally from Colorado? And from 2009 through 2018 you were on the road, touring and performing all over the country.
I remember I first met you through Erin McGrane and Jeff Freling aka Victor & Penny who met you out there on the road.
Since then Danielle ended up making her base Kansas City and quickly became involved in Folk Alliance, The Heartland Song Network, Arts and Support organizations, and improv.
She is recording her 8th album in Kansas City, KS, with Fritz Hutchison and Al Hawkins of True Lions. The album received an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC. Her most recent project, THE GREATEST GARAGE SALE EVER is a one woman comedy cabaret featuring original characters and songs by Danielle Anderson of the folk music sensation Danielle Ate the Sandwich. This KC Fringe debut features bizarre yet endearing characters celebrating the power of nostalgia to remind us who we are, what we love, and what we’ve lost. Audience members are invited to examine the not-so-pleasant parts of being human through silliness and song, as we challenge our ability to change.
The show will premiere at the KC Fringe Festival, with five performances taking place Saturday, July 20 thru Sat., July 27 The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 West 19th, KCMO.
Saturday, July 20th at 9:00pm (1 of 5) Sunday, July 21st at 7:30pm (2 of 5) Tuesday, July 23rd at 9:00pm (3 of 5) Thursday, July 25th at 6:00pm (4 of 5) Saturday, July 27th at 1:30pm (5 of 5)
On February 23, 2024, Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “Turtle by Jer” – Written by Jerry “Jer” Slougherman and Danielle Anderson. Performed by Jer. Mixed by David Bashford
On January 14, 2024 Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 6-track release, “2024 (The 24 Hour Album)”.
We most recently, on the radio show, featured your recording “Over Again (24 Hour Album)” released February 26, 2023. The 6 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on February 25th-26th, 2023, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 8th annual 24 Hour Album. This project challenges the artist to write, record, produce, and release a new album in just twenty four hours, live streaming the process to her fans. Patrons of Danielle Ate the Sandwich tuned in from all across the world to suggest ideas and offer support with Danielle during live streams held throughout the 24 hours. Life is short! Stay up all night and make stuff!
On February 20, 2022 Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-track release, “Continued Curfew (24 Hour Album 2022)”.
Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-song album, 24 HOUR ALBUM (2021), on April 25, 2021. The 7 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on April 24th-25th, 2021, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 6th annual 24 Hour Album.
On May 28, 2021 Danielle Ate the Sandwich released, It’s Not a Burden (Original Songs from the Documentary Film) on Youngest Daughter Records. It’s Not A Burden is a powerful and brilliant film about the joys and pain of raising elderly parents. The songs are produced by Joanna Katcher.
Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “A Weight, A Wall” on June 1, 2021.
Danielle Anderson, thank you for being with us on WMM.
Danielle Anderson’s one woman comedy cabaret, ‘The Greatest Garage Sale Ever,’ will premiere at the KC Fringe Festival, with five performances Saturday, July 20 through Saturday, July 27 at The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 West 19th, KCMO. More info at: http://www.kcfringe.org and http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com
10:29
Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Long Haul (True Love)” from: The Terrible Dinner Guest / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / September 9, 2016 [Danielle Anderson on vocals, ukulele, guitar, keyboards, & Rhodes; Skye Zentz on vocals, glockenspiel, & keyboards; Ian Randall Thornton on upright bass & vocals; Jacki Paolella on electric bass; John DiGiorgio on drums; Zach Jones on electric guitar; Mothy on trumpet. Fawn Street Tabernacle Choir featured in Bad Habit: Chris Nickel, Kai B. White, Joseph Brockman, Jeff Flora, Ian Randall Thornton, Charles “Chuck” Abadam // The Terrible Dinner Guest is Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 6th full length album, recorded in Norfolk, VA at TAPTAP Recordings and Clay Garden Studios. All Songs Written by: Danielle Anderson, Danielle Ate the Sandwich/BMI. Produced by: Skye Zentz, Jacki Paolella, Danielle Anderson. Arranged by: Danielle Anderson, Skye Zentz, Jacki Paolella. Engineered by: Jacki Paolella. Mixed by: Jacki Paolella. Mastered by: Adam Boose of Cauliflower Audio. Music. Contractor: Skye Zentz. Recorded in Norfolk, VA at TAPTAP Recordings and Clay Garden Studios. Art Direction: Ryan Anthony Martin. Photography by: Cooper James.]
[Danielle Anderson’s one woman comedy cabaret, ‘The Greatest Garage Sale Ever,’ will premiere at the KC Fringe Festival, with five performances Saturday, July 20 through Saturday, July 27 at The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 West 19th, KCMO. More info at: http://www.kcfringe.org and http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]
10:33 – Underwriting
10:35 – Interview with Luke Harbur
Luke “Skippy” Harbur, a Kansas City based performer, producer, and beatboxing specialist. Luke “Skippy” Harbur is a vivacious artist known for his cross-pollinated brand of alternative music mixing hip hop, Broadway, EDM, and singer-songwriter influences. His project musicbyskippy connects multigenerational audiences through different show experiences, living among music, theater, and poetry to combat isolation and celebrate identity. Attend live comedy or musicals, and you get the idea. Since 2022 he’s released over 50 songs and sold almost 1,000 tickets to 8 original shows. He also hosts lectures about his arts business failures and successes, sharing artist income strategies to fight gatekeeping culture and foster community building.
musicbyskippy presents a WE PRESS PLAY RELEASE 2, Album Release & Dance Party, Friday, July 12, 8:00pm at Westport Bowery, 817 Westport Rd., KCMO. More info at: http://www.musicbyskippy.com
Luke “Skippy” Harbur will co-host with Audrey Crabtree the KC Fringe Festival Flash Preview, Thursday, July 18, at 7:30pm at The Arts Asylum, at 824 East Meyer Blvd, KCMO – Kick off the live Festival as Fringe artists from 53 shows tease you with one minute scenes from their productions.
Luke M. Harbur Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
“We Press Play Release 2” is the third album from musicbyskippy, Luke “Skippy” Harbur’s music project. Returning to electronic dance music roots featured in “we press play” (2022), this music focuses on dance beats, encouraging movement to run wild in listeners and audiences alike.
Live show experiences are immersive, with musicbyskippy wearing a custom-made helmet, performing artists popping up in the crowd, and some unreleased songs that can only be heard in-person. Album and show influences include KAYTRANADA, Stromae, & Glass Animals.
Album: We Press Play Release 2 / Released May 11, 2024 Musicians: musicbyskippy / Composer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur Arranger: Luke “Skippy” Harbur Genre: Dance/Electronic Studio: Get Wild Studios / Production Dates: January 2021 to May 2022 Producer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur / Mixing Engineer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur Mastering Engineer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur Label/Publisher: Almost Peanut Butter / Publisher/Label: LSH Productions, LLC
10:44 – musicbyskippy LIVE
musicbyskippy – “Gotta Catch My Breath Take 81” (LIVE) Originally released as a single / Almost Peanut Butter / July 15, 2023 [Musicians: musicbyskippy. Composer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Arranger: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Studio: Get Wild Studios. Production Dates: May 2023 to June 2023. Producer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Mixing Engineer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Mastering Engineer: Luke “Skippy” // Publisher/Label: LSH Productions, LLC. More info at http://www.musicbyskippy.com]
10:46 – More interview with Luke Skippy Harbur
Luke “Skippy” Harbur, a Kansas City based performer, producer, and beatboxing specialist. Luke “Skippy” Harbur is a vivacious artist known for his cross-pollinated brand of alternative music mixing hip hop, Broadway, EDM, and singer-songwriter influences. His project musicbyskippy connects multigenerational audiences through different show experiences, living among music, theater, and poetry to combat isolation and celebrate identity. Attend live comedy or musicals, and you get the idea. Since 2022 he’s released over 50 songs and sold almost 1,000 tickets to 8 original shows. He also hosts lectures about his arts business failures and successes, sharing artist income strategies to fight gatekeeping culture and foster community building.
musicbyskippy presents a WE PRESS PLAY RELEASE 2, Album Release & Dance Party, Friday, July 12, 8:00pm at Westport Bowery, 817 Westport Rd., KCMO. More info at: http://www.musicbyskippy.com
Luke “Skippy” Harbur will co-host with Audrey Crabtree the KC Fringe Festival Flash Preview, Thursday, July 18, at 7:30pm at The Arts Asylum, at 824 East Meyer Blvd, KCVMO – Kick off the live Festival as Fringe artists from 53 shows tease you with one minute scenes from their productions.
Luke M. Harbur Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
“We Press Play Release 2” is the third album from musicbyskippy, Luke “Skippy” Harbur’s music project. Returning to electronic dance music roots featured in “we press play” (2022), this music focuses on dance beats, encouraging movement to run wild in listeners and audiences alike.
Live show experiences are immersive, with musicbyskippy wearing a custom-made helmet, performing artists popping up in the crowd, and some unreleased songs that can only be heard in-person. Album and show influences include KAYTRANADA, Stromae, & Glass Animals. Released May 11, 2024
musicbyskippy is the solo musical project by Luke Harbur. Known for being a vocal per-cussionist, his discography spans multiple genres of pop, hip hop, EDM, and singer / song-writer. Harbur’s passion for musicbyskippy originates with his receiving a life-saving liver transplant at the age of 11 months, giving him a second chance to live life to the fullest. Through his experimental, authentic approach, he hopes his audiences will gravitate to music and a live experience that they will love. More info at: http://www.musicbyskippy.com
In 2023 musicbyskippy released THESE SONGS ARE EMOTION. In 2022 musicbyskippy released the 12-track debut album, MY DYING WISH on Feb. 18, the single “Get Wild” on June 3, the 12-track instrumental/electronic album WE PRESS PLAY, on June 17, and the 5-track EP, YOU CAN SING on Nov. 20, plus an original play and multiple projects and performances.
musicby-skippy is Luke Harbur’s entertainment project.
The Overland Park, Kansas native mixes beatboxing, singing, beat production, rapping, & keyboard playing to entertain all-age audiences.
After graduating from Ithaca College in 2018, he moved near home to Kansas City, Missouri, becoming a featured performer for musicians, festivals, corporate & non-profit events, and performance groups.
His music passion roots in receiving a life-saving liver transplant at the age of 11 months old. His debut album, my dying wish, was released on all music streaming and purchasing platforms. More info at http://www.musicbyskippy.com
Musicbyskippy – Discography
musicbyskippy – These Songs Are Emotions / LSH Productions / April 22, 2023 musicbyskippy – MY DYING WISH / 12-track debut Album / Feb. 18, 2022 musicbyskippy – “Get Wild” / Single / June 3, 2022 musicbyskippy – WE PRESS PLAY / 12-track instrumental album / June 17, 2022 musicbyskippy – YOU CAN SING / 5-track EP / Nov. 20, 2022 musicbyskippy – THESE SONGS ARE EMOTIONS / 5-track EP / April 22, 2023
Luke was born and raised in Overland Park Kansas and went to Olathe East High School but let Olathe East to go to school in Winston Salem, North Carolina, at a Performing Arts School where you studied Acting and Theatre.
Luke then went to Ithica College to study Journalism and eventually got a job as a Production Assistant at the Kansas City Star,
Luke performs regularly with Quixotic and also is a frequent performer at Missy B’s
Luke M. Harbur mixes beatboxing, singing, beat production, rapping, and keyboard playing to entertain all-age audiences in clubs, theaters, festivals.
Luke M. Harbur works in Music Videography, Social Media Management, and graphic Design.
musicbyskippy is Luke “Skippy” Harbur’s entertainment project. The Overland Park, Kansas native mixes beatboxing, singing, beat production, rapping, & keyboard playing to entertain all-age audiences. After graduating from Ithaca College in 2018, he moved near home to Kansas City, Missouri, becoming a featured performer for musicians, festivals, corporate & non-profit events, and performance groups.
His music passion roots in receiving a life-saving liver transplant at the age of 11 months old. His debut album, my dying wish, is now on all music streaming and purchasing platforms. He hopes you learn something new and experience songs you love.
Luke “Skippy” Harbur’s CV/Resume
Organizations & artists featuring musicbyskippy
Boulevardia (2022) | Kansas City, Missouri Missie B’s (2021 & 2022) | Kansas City, Missouri Cafe Cà Phê (2021) | Kansas City, Missouri & North Kansas City, Missouri No Divide KC (2021) | Kansas City, Missouri Jukeboxx Media, gig for T-Mobile (2021) | Kansas City, Missouri Paradise Garden Club (2021) | Kansas City, Missouri Fishtank Theatre (2021) | Kansas City, Missouri Jesse Powers (2021) | Kansas City, Missouri Calvin Arsenia (2019, 2020, & 2021) | Kansas City, Missouri Quixotic (2019, 2020, & 2021, 2022) | Kansas City, Missouri Ithaca College Choral Program (2018) | Ithaca, New York University of North Carolina School of the Arts (2018) | Winston-Salem, North Carolina NATS Mid-Atlantic Region (2018) | Lynchburg, Virginia The Heartland Men’s Chorus (2017) | Kansas City, Missouri Ithacappella (2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018) | Ithaca, New York
musicbyskippy is the entertainment project of Overland Park, Kansas native Luke “Skippy” Harbur. He’s developed skills in beatboxing, singing, beat production, rapping, & keyboard playing in hopes to express his core vision: everyone has an inner artist and should be able to express their full, authentic self.
His parent’s and grandparent’s own journeys in music fostered his artistic upbringing. His involvement in music programs since age 5 eventually lead him to move to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and finish high school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ High School Drama Program. Although he was offered Acting scholarships to SUNY Purchase and Webster University, he attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York on academic scholarship and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Outside collegiate academics he served as a vocal percussionist, ensemble member, and soloist for Ithacappella, Ithaca College’s all-male a cappella group. Once a year the group traveled across America’s northeastern coast for a winter singing tour, creating collabor-ations with the PS 22 Chorus in Staten Island, New York and singing the national anthem for NHL’s New York Rangers and NBA’s New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Since moving to Kansas City, Missouri in 2019, he’s started finding his audience: Quixotic, Missie B’s, and Cafe Cà Phê have become some of his core, consistent collaborators, and in 2021 he started releasing his first batch of public music projects. His first was SKIPPY Sessions Volume 1, a collection of 8 short music compositions combining his beatboxing skills with other artistic disciplines practiced by other Kansas City-based artists. The second music project was “Rant,” his debut single from his debut album, my dying wish, which released on all music streaming and purchasing platforms on February 18th, 2022.
Each opportunity to perform and collaborate with others is rooted in a deeper story. In 1996, at 5 months old, he was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease. 6 months later he received a life-saving liver transplant from an 8-year-old boy named Aaron Drake, who passed away while on a camping trip at The Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. But through this tragedy came hope, giving Luke “Skippy” Harbur a second chance to inspire others. From his music, he hopes you learn something new and experience songs you love.
10:56
Luke M. Harbur Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
musicbyskippy presents a WE PRESS PLAY RELEASE 2, Album Release & Dance Party, Friday, July 12, 8:00pm at Westport Bowery, 817 Westport Rd., KCMO. More info at: http://www.musicbyskippy.com
Luke “Skippy” Harbur will co-host with Audrey Crabtree the KC Fringe Festival Flash Preview, Thursday, July 18, at 7:30pm at The Arts Asylum, at 824 East Meyer Blvd, KCMO – Kick off the live Festival as Fringe artists from 53 shows tease you with one minute scenes from their productions.
10:57
musicbyskippy – “Looking Back” from: We Press Play Release 2 / LSH Productions / May 11, 2024 [“We Press Play Release 2” is the third album from musicbyskippy, Luke “Skippy” Harbur’s music project. Returning to electronic dance music roots featured in “we press play” (2022), this music focuses on dance beats, encouraging movement to run wild in listeners and audiences alike. Live show experiences are immersive, with musicbyskippy wearing a custom-made helmet, performing artists popping up in the crowd, and some unreleased songs that can only be heard in-person. Album and show influences include KAYTRANADA, Stromae, & Glass Animals. // Musicians: musicbyskippy. Composer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Arranger: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Genre: Dance/Electronic. Studio: Get Wild Studios. Production Dates: January 2021 to May 2022. Producer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Mixing Engineer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Mastering Engineer: Luke “Skippy” Harbur. Label/Publisher: Almost Peanut Butter. Publisher/Label: LSH Productions, LLC. More info at http://www.musicbyskippy.com]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Interview with Lone Stranger (Zachary S. Phillips)
Lone Stranger is the musical project of Zachary S. Phillips known for his longtime work in the bands, Gadjits and Architects where he played bass guitar and toured all over the country with his brothers Brandon, and Adam. For the Lone Stranger Zach works on mixing, mastering, and manufacturing his own solo music, playing almost all of the instruments himself, mixing genres of Ska, Reggae and hip hop.
Zachary Phillips thanks for being with us on WMM.
Lone Stranger has been writing many new songs.
11:05 – Lone Stranger LIVE
Lone Stranger – “DR V. W. Bikales ” (LIVE) Lone Stranger (Zachary Phillips) on Vocals and Adam Phillips on percussion
11:09 – More Interview with Lone Stranger
The Lone Stranger is the new musical project of Zachary S. Phillips.
With Lone Stranger Zach plays almost all the music, and wrote, arranged, engineered, produced and performed every note. The music contains Ska, Reggae and a bit of Hip Hop.
In 2022 Zachary played live on WMM on October 26, 2022.
Zachary Phillips thanks for being with us on WMM.
11:13 – Lone Stranger LIVE
The Lone Stranger – “9 Years Ahead of my Time” (LIVE) Lone Stranger (Zachary Phillips) on Vocals and Adam Phillips on percussion
11:18 – More Interview with Lone Stranger
Lone Stranger is the new musical project of Zachary S. Phillips. Zach played 99% of all the music, and wrote, arranged, engineered, produced and performed every note. The music contains Ska, Reggae and a bit of Hip Hop.
Zachary Phillips thanks for being with us on WMM.
11:22 – Lone Stranger LIVE
Lone Stranger – “Its Nice to Meet ya” (LIVE) Lone Stranger (Zachary Phillips) on Vocals and Adam Phillips on percussion
11:25 – More Interview with Lone Stranger
History: The Gadjits were a ska and rock and roll band from Kansas City, Missouri. Their sound was influenced by The Clash, The Who, AC/DC, Elvis Costello, The Stooges, and The Rolling Stones.
Brandon, Zach, and Adam Phillips come from an artistic family, their father was a jazz musician and their mother an art teacher. The brothers started by playing AC/DC covers, but moved on to original songs and a broader range of influences. The group was formed in 1991 when 14-year-old Brandon led his younger brothers Zach and Adam into a seedy bar in Kansas City to play their first gig to the small crowd of locals.
The band released the debut album, Da Gravy on Yo’ Grits, on their own JoCo Ska label. They went on to perform support slots for the Skatalites, Rancid (band) and Let’s Go Bowling. Heidi Blobaum joined on keyboards, replaced a year later by Hillary Allen.
At Ease was released in 1998 on Epitaph Records attracting attention from Tim Armstrong of Rancid (band). The Gadjits appeared on the Vans Warped Tour later that summer.
Wish We Never Met was released in 1999 on Hellcat Records.
Today Is My Day was released in 2002 on Thick Records. Featuring Brandon Phillips (vocals, guitar); Zach Phillips (vocals, bass); Mike Alexander (guitar); Hilary Allen (Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Adam Phillips (drums).
In June 2004 The Gadjits ceased to exist and a new band, The Architects, was formed. Gadjits Discography
Full-length albums
Da Gravy On Yo Grits (JoCo Ska, 1997)
At Ease (Hellcat Records, 1999)
Wish We Never Met (Hellcat Records, 2001)
Today Is My Day (Thick Records, 2002)
Our Time To…” (RCA Records, 2003) (left unreleased after RCA dropped the band)
Singles, EPs and split releases Yes I Are (VMS Records, 2001) Someday Driver (Thick Records, 2001)
Compilation appearances ‘Gangster Girl’ & ‘Sassy’ on ‘Skank For Brains – Saturday Matinee’ comp (Beach Records) ‘Beautiful Girl’ on the ‘Give ‘Em The Boot’ compilation (Hellcat Records, 1997) ‘Bad Gadjit’ on the ‘Give ‘Em The Boot Vol. II’ compilation (Hellcat Records, 1999) ‘One Stones Throw (From A Riot)’ on ‘Give ‘Em The Boot Vol. III’ (Hellcat Records, 2002)
The Architects are an American rock band from Kansas City, Missouri. The band was formed by previous members of the punk and ska band The Gadjits, brothers Brandon, Adam, and Zach Phillips, and Mike Alexander.
In June 2004 the Gadjits ceased to exist as a band and a new band, Architects, was formed. The brothers added Gadjits guitarist Mike Alexander, and this lineup recorded the band’s debut album, Keys to the Building, released on the Anodyne label in 2004. Revenge followed in 2006, described by Allmusic as ” a solid rock offering with enough soul and punk urgency to keep things interesting from start to finish”, and Vice in 2008. Keenan Nichols had replaced Alexander in Oct. 2007. They signed to Frank Iero’s Skeleton Crew.
In 2013 they started releasing the Border Wars graphic novel/EP series, on which they worked with illustrator Mallory Dorn.
Musical style and influences: The Tucson Weekly described the band’s music as “a dynamic, explosive combination of traditional punk, maximum R&B, Midwestern alternative rock, blues-based metal and pop melodies”. They were described as “dirty rock & roll tinged with Southern heart and gritty, passionate attitude” by Allmusic. Their influences include AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, and Meat Loaf.
Band Members Brandon Phillips – lead vocals/rhythm guitar (2004–present) Adam Phillips – drums (2004–present) Zach Phillips – bass guitar/backing vocals (2004–present) Mike Alexander – guitar (2004–2007) Keenan Nichols – lead guitar/backing vocals (2007-2014)[11] Adrianne Verhoven – keyboards (2004,2009-2010)
The Architects Discography
Albums Keys to the Building (October 2004), Anodyne Revenge (March 2006), Anodyne Vice (May 2008), Anodyne The Hard Way (June 2009), Skeleton Crew Live in Los Angeles (October 2012), Skeleton Crew Border Wars Episodes I & II (2017), Gran Cala Vera/Wolffang Funk
EPs Border Wars Ep 1 (April 25, 2014) Border Wars Ep 2 (September 9, 2013
Compilation appearances “Promises” included on First Blood (2007), OxBlood
“There was a certain style of songwriting and performance that I had always wanted to do but had never taken the plunge.” Says Brandon Phillips, central figure in Kansas City, Missouri’s brand new pop-soul group, Brandon Phillips and The Condition. In response to that unscratched artistic itch, Phillips began writing and recording in 2015 with the help of his brothers Zach Phillips (The Architects, The Gadjits) and Adam Phillips (The Gadjits, The Architects, Radar State) and enlisting the help of various KC area musicians to flesh out a sound that was equal parts Get Happy-era Elvis Costello and early Motown.
In 2016, the first, official lineup of BP+C came together and started rehearsing for their first batch of shows. The pedigree of the lineup then, now and always – including members of bands like The Architects, Rachel Mallin and The Wild Type, The Roseline, The Gadjits, Hi Lux and Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear.
Brandon Phillips also created electronic project Memsa Deathsquad and Other Americans
Lone Stranger is the new musical project of Zachary S. Phillips known for his longtime work in the bands, Gadjits and Architects
Zachary Phillips thanks for being with us on WMM.
11:28 – Underwriting
The Baseball Project – “Erasable Man” from: Grand Salami Time / Omnivore / June 30, 2023 [Grand Salami Time! is the fourth full-length studio album by American rock supergroup the Baseball Project, released by Omnivore Recordings on June 30, 2023. The album was produced by Mitch Easter, who began working with R.E.M. at the beginning of their careers; the Baseball Project features two of their former members. It also marks their first album under Omnivore, as they had previously been signed to Yep Roc. // At the urging of drummer Linda Pitmon, the band recorded this album with Mitch Easter, who had previously produced R.E.M.’s first single and co-produced that band’s debut EP, debut full-length, and sophomore full-length. The sessions lasted 10 days and the songs were recorded live-to-tape in Easter’s studio The album was preceded by singles “The Voice of Baseball” and “Journeyman”. The band also announced a brief tour of the United States supporting Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. The album is titled after a line that Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus would say when a grand slam was hit. // In American Songwriter, Lee Zimmerman rated this album 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “a joyful and jubilant example of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s power pop”.Steven Wine of the Associated Press praised the clever lyrics and writes that “topics are paired with garage rock that gives [guitarist Peter] Buck a chance to serve up some delightful guitar squall”. BrooklynVegan’s Bill Pearis recommends the album to baseball fans and non-fans alike, noting that the former will get more enjoyment out of the music. Writing it for Glide Magazine, Jim Hynes calls this album “so much fun” and tells listeners that it’s “pure joy putting the album on and following the lyrics in the jacket”. In The Mercury News, Jim Harrington the band has “passion [that] leads to an abundance of ideas for song topics” and after multiple albums, they are “still going strong, finding plenty of musical inspiration in a seemingly endless supply of decades-old stories and modern-day tales about the game”. Mario Naves of The New York Sun favorably compares this to the band’s last album, 3rd and calls it “unstoppable”. Frank Valish of Under the Radar rated this work a 7 out of 10, writing that the live in-studio recording method “lends a certain energy to the proceedings” and characterizes the album as “a bunch of musical heroes having fun together and celebrating music, each other, and America’s favorite pastime to boot”. // Additional personnel: Steve Berlin on baritone saxophone on “Erasable Man” // Mitch Easter – guitar on “Journeyman”, recording, mixing, production // and Stephen McCarthy – lap steel guitar.]
[The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, TONIGHT, July 10, 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.therecordbar.com]
11:34 – Interview with Scott McCaughey of The Baseball Project
Nine years after their last album, the supergroup The Baseball Project released their 4th album GRAND SALAMI TIME on June 30, 2023, on their new label Omnivore Records. Joining us in our 90.1 FM Studios is veteran Rock God – Scott McCaughey who is also the leader of the Seattle and Portland-based bands The Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5. He was also an auxiliary member of the American rock band R.E.M. from 1994 until the band’s break-up in 2011, contributing to the studio albums New Adventures in Hi-Fi, Up, Reveal, Around the Sun, Accelerate and Collapse into Now.
The Baseball Project was formed in 2007, the performers came together from discussions between McCaughey and Steve Wynn at R.E.M.’s March 21, 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They invited Peter Buck to play bass guitar and Linda Pitmon (of filthy Friends) on drums and recorded their first album later that year.
To add to the story, between The Baseball Projects 3rd album and there latest release, Grand Salami Time, McCaughey suffered a stroke on November 16, 2017, that nearly killed him and wiped his musical catalog from his memory — decades of albums and songs written and recorded with the Minus 5, Young Fresh Fellows, R.E.M., Baseball Project, and many more, all disappeared. But instead of wallowing in misery, McCaughey channeled his omni-positive spirit and began to write down whatever incoherent thoughts crossed his mind. He turned those stream-of-consciousness notebook pages into his 13th full-length Minus 5 release, Stroke Manor. McCaughey recovered substantially from his stroke in 2018, and began playing a series of well received shows at venues in Portland. And Since then has release several records, and as you just heard on the song we just played: “Eraseable Man” he sounds as great s ever.
The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Wednesday, July 10, at 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.therecordbar.com
Scott McCaughey thanks for being with us on WMM on 90.1 FM – KKFI Kansas City Community Radio
The Baseball Project is: Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Scott McCaughey, Steve Wynn. Linda Pitmon.
Buck and McCaughey have previously played together in Robyn Hitchcock and The Venus 3, The Minus 5, R.E.M., and Tuatara.
Wynn is the former leader of The Dream Syndicate.
Pitmon also plays with Buck and McCaughey in Filthy Friends (with Kurt Bloch and Corin Tucker) and their project with Luke Haines (of the Auteurs).
On June 30, 2023 the band released their fourth album, Grand Salami Time, recorded with early R.E.M. collaborator Mitch Easter at his Fidelitorium Recordings studio in Kernersville, N.C., and released on Omnivore Recordings.
The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Wednesday, July 10, at 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.therecordbar.com
Peter Buck – guitar, production Scott McCaughey – guitar, keyboards, lead vocals, backing vocals, production Mike Mills – bass guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on “Stuff”, production Linda Pitmon – drums, percussion, backing vocals, production Steve Wynn – guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals, production
At the urging of drummer Linda Pitmon, the band recorded this album with Mitch Easter, who had previously produced R.E.M.’s first single and co-produced that band’s debut EP, debut full-length, and sophomore full-length. The sessions lasted 10 days and the songs were recorded live-to-tape in Easter’s studio The album was preceded by singles “The Voice of Baseball” and “Journeyman”.
Their first album under Omnivore, as they had previously been signed to Yep Roc.
Additional personnel: Steve Berlin on baritone saxophone on “Erasable Man” // Mitch Easter – guitar on “Journeyman”, recording, mixing, production // and Stephen McCarthy – lap steel guitar.]
Grand Salami Time! is the fourth full-length studio album – Track listing
“Grand Salami Time” (Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey) – 3:22 “The Yips” (Steve Wynn)[16] – 3:31 “Screwball” (McCaughey) – 3:44 “Uncle Charlie” (Buck and Wynn)[16] – 3:26 “Journeyman” (Buck and Wynn) – 4:07 “Erasable Man” (McCaughey) – 4:06 “New Oh in Town” (McCaughey) – 2:55 “Disco Demolition” (Wynn) – 3:28 “Stuff” (Mike Mills) – 5:21 “The All or Nothings” (Buck and McCaughey) – 2:57 “That’s Living” (Wynn) – 3:28 “64 and 64” (McCaughey) – 4:39 “Having Fun” (Wynn) – 3:30 “Fantasy Baseball Widow” (Wynn) – 2:20 “The Voice of Baseball” (Buck and McCaughey) – 3:02
4th release featuring Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5/Young Fresh Fellows), Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate), Peter Buck & Mike Mills (R.E.M.) Linda Pitmon (Filthy Friends).
In 2008 they busted out of the box and easily reached first with their Frozen Ropes And Dying Quails. The Baseball Project was on base and immediately posed a threat to go further.
In 2011, they moved on to second with some wildness aptly called High And Inside. They were halfway home.
Three years later in 2014, the quintet of Big Stars moved on down the line to the aptly titled 3rd, an epic double dip delight of craftsmanship and savvy.
And there they stayed. For 9 long year but The Baseball Project finally came home, scoring big and touching ’em all with their fourth album Grand Salami Time. The scoreboard is lighting up and the fireworks are illuminating the sky.
Speaking of reaching home, this album is a homecoming of sorts, as the band recorded and produced the album with none other than the legendary Mitch Easter. BBP members Peter Buck and Mike Mills’ made their first albums with Mitch back in the early ’80s with a swingin’ little combo called R.E.M.
Scott McCaughey and Steve Wynn kept busy themselves, busting out new tunes with the Minus 5/Young Fresh Fellows (Scott) and The Dream Syndicate (Steve), while stockpiling a passel of penned poetics about the national pastime, many co-written with Peter. Mike adds a new classic of his own about doctored baseballs called “Stuff.”
Linda Pitmon, who along with Peter and Scott has been part of a steady rhythmic nucleus, bashing out epic rock platters with Filthy Friends, (Alejandro Escovedo, Luke Haines & Peter Buck), is back driving the ship from behind her mighty drum machine.
Wynn points out, “this is our only band that plays stadiums”—true story as The Baseball Project has performed full sets along with the National Anthem and “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” at major league parks in Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, Denver, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and more minor league and spring training fields, as well as having thrown out some exceptional first pitches (nothing but strikes!) as well.
It’s all part of an unusual arc and fun story of a band whose first gig was an appearance on Late Night With David Letterman followed by a festival in a medieval Spanish city. For a quintet that has seemingly done everything over the years with their other bands, The Baseball Project always offers new and uncharted experiences.
The album was recorded at Mitch Easter’s fabled Fidelitorium Studios in Kernersville, North Carolina, with the entire band performing live together in the same room, a joyous experience that seemed impossible to imagine only one year before. Mitch adds guitar on a few tracks and the record also features appearances by Stephen McCarthy (The Long Ryders) and Steve Berlin (Los Lobos).
In the meantime, the band will be out on the road throughout—when else?—the upcoming baseball season. And we all know they’ll find their way home. Get out the rye bread and mustard, Grandma, it’s Grand Salami Time!
Grand Salami Time is the home run music fans have been waiting for. Packaging features stories behind the songs from band members, and makes Grand Salami Time more than a game—it makes your season!
11:42
The Baseball Project – “Journeyman” from: Grand Salami Time / Omnivore / June 30, 2023 [Grand Salami Time! is the fourth full-length studio album by American rock supergroup the Baseball Project, released by Omnivore Recordings on June 30, 2023. The album was produced by Mitch Easter, who began working with R.E.M. at the beginning of their careers; the Baseball Project features two of their former members. It also marks their first album under Omnivore, as they had previously been signed to Yep Roc. // At the urging of drummer Linda Pitmon, the band recorded this album with Mitch Easter, who had previously produced R.E.M.’s first single and co-produced that band’s debut EP, debut full-length, and sophomore full-length. The sessions lasted 10 days and the songs were recorded live-to-tape in Easter’s studio The album was preceded by singles “The Voice of Baseball” and “Journeyman”. The band also announced a brief tour of the United States supporting Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. The album is titled after a line that Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus would say when a grand slam was hit. // In American Songwriter, Lee Zimmerman rated this album 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “a joyful and jubilant example of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s power pop”.Steven Wine of the Associated Press praised the clever lyrics and writes that “topics are paired with garage rock that gives [guitarist Peter] Buck a chance to serve up some delightful guitar squall”. BrooklynVegan’s Bill Pearis recommends the album to baseball fans and non-fans alike, noting that the former will get more enjoyment out of the music. Writing it for Glide Magazine, Jim Hynes calls this album “so much fun” and tells listeners that it’s “pure joy putting the album on and following the lyrics in the jacket”. In The Mercury News, Jim Harrington the band has “passion [that] leads to an abundance of ideas for song topics” and after multiple albums, they are “still going strong, finding plenty of musical inspiration in a seemingly endless supply of decades-old stories and modern-day tales about the game”. Mario Naves of The New York Sun favorably compares this to the band’s last album, 3rd and calls it “unstoppable”. Frank Valish of Under the Radar rated this work a 7 out of 10, writing that the live in-studio recording method “lends a certain energy to the proceedings” and characterizes the album as “a bunch of musical heroes having fun together and celebrating music, each other, and America’s favorite pastime to boot”. // Additional personnel: Steve Berlin on baritone saxophone on “Erasable Man” // Mitch Easter – guitar on “Journeyman”, recording, mixing, production // and Stephen McCarthy – lap steel guitar.]
[The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Wednesday, July 10, at 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.therecordbar.com]
11:46 – More Interview with Scott McCaughey of The Baseball Project
Scott McCaughey plays with the supergroup, The Baseball Project. Scott McCaughey is also the leader of the Seattle and Portland-based bands The Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5. He was also an auxiliary member of the American rock band R.E.M. from 1994 until the band’s break-up in 2011, contributing to the studio albums New Adventures in Hi-Fi, Up, Reveal, Around the Sun, Accelerate and Collapse into Now.
The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Wednesday, July 10, at 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.therecordbar.com
Scott McCaughey thanks for being with us on WMM on 90.1 FM – KKFI Kansas City Community Radio
The Baseball Project is: Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Scott McCaughey, Steve Wynn and Linda Pitmon. Formed in 2007, the performers came together from discussions between McCaughey and Wynn at R.E.M.’s March 21, 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
They invited Buck to play bass guitar and Pitmon on drums and recorded their first album later that year. Buck and McCaughey have previously played together in Robyn Hitchcock and The Venus 3, The Minus 5, R.E.M., and Tuatara. Wynn is the former leader of The Dream Syndicate. Pitmon also plays with Buck and McCaughey in Filthy Friends (with Kurt Bloch and Corin Tucker) and their project with Luke Haines (of the Auteurs). On June 30, 2023 the band released their fourth album, Grand Salami Time, recorded with early R.E.M. collaborator Mitch Easter at his Fidelitorium Recordings studio in Kernersville, N.C., and released on Omnivore Recordings. The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Wednesday, July 10, at 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.therecordbar.com
Scott Lewis McCaughey is an American singer, guitarist and songwriter and the leader of the Seattle and Portland-based bands The Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5. He was also an auxiliary member of the American rock band R.E.M. from 1994 until the band’s break-up in 2011, contributing to the studio albums New Adventures in Hi-Fi, Up, Reveal, Around the Sun, Accelerate and Collapse into Now.
McCaughey started his career with the indie rock band Young Fresh Fellows. Beginning in January 1980, he was also a writer for the Seattle music magazine The Rocket.
From 1994 until 2011, McCaughey worked with R.E.M. both on stage and in the studio. “When R.E.M. came to Seattle to work on Automatic for the People, Peter [Buck] called me up. He probably didn’t know anybody else in town. We’d go out to eat or have drinks pretty regularly while he was here. And then he ended up moving out here. Once he was here, we started playing together a lot, doing all The Minus 5 stuff.” It was McCaughey who introduced Buck to his future wife, Stephanie. Buck invited McCaughey to join R.E.M. on their 1995 Monster tour, initially as a second guitarist. “[Peter] said, ‘I wouldn’t ask you if the Fellows were playing a lot.’ But the Fellows were not really doing anything; we’d kind of brought it down to a crawl. I told him, ‘Sure, I’d like to try.’ I had to audition because I didn’t know the rest of the guys as well as Peter.”
McCaughey remained with R.E.M. in various capacities until the band’s dissolution. He contributed to the studio albums New Adventures in Hi-Fi, Up, Reveal, Around the Sun, Accelerate and Collapse into Now. Additionally, he has received credits for his work on the live albums R.E.M. Live and Live at The Olympia album as well as their 2003 greatest hits collection, In Time. When working with R.E.M., McCaughey played guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and sang backing vocals.
The Minus 5 and Tuatara R.E.M. members and side musicians formed The Minus 5 and Tuatara in the mid-1990s.
Moween In June 2003, McCaughey recorded a song with Moween (Peter Schoemaker/Bram van den Berg) at the IDQ studio in Utrecht, titled “Move On.”
The Baseball Project In 2008, McCaughey formed the side band The Baseball Project with Buck, Steve Wynn and Linda Pitmon. Their first album, Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails was released later that year and their first ever public appearance was on the Late Night With David Letterman show. Since then, Mike Mills has joined the team and they’ve recorded Volume 2: High and Inside, Volume 3: 3rd, and Volume 4: Grand Salami Time (release date June 30, 2023 on Omnivore Records).
The Venus Three He is also bassist for Robyn Hitchcock’s touring band The Venus 3, which has included Bill Rieflin (drums) and Peter Buck (guitar).
Tuatara McCaughey also plays in Tuatara, an instrumental group which features Peter Buck.
The No Ones McCaughey is a member of The No Ones, a jangle pop supergroup. Other members include Peter Buck, Frode Strømstad, and Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen (from I Was A King). Their debut EP The Sun Station (Coastal Town Recordings) also features guest appearances by Steve Wynn and Patterson Hood.
McCaughey suffered a stroke on November 16, 2017. Two benefit concerts were held in January 2018, to raise money for his medical bills. Artists included Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Bill Berry, Alejandro Escovedo, M Ward, James Mercer, Corin Tucker, the Dharma Bums, the Decemberists, and Patterson Hood. McCaughey recovered substantially from his stroke in 2018, and began playing a series of well received shows at venues in Portland, Oregon, where he lives.
Solo releases 1989: My Chartreuse Opinion (PopLlama) 2015: Spain Capers (Rock & Roll Inc. / Book) as Scott the Hoople 2020: Sad Box and Other Hits as Scott the Hoople
From: YepRoc.com
Less than three days after a doctor predicted he would never play music again, Scott McCaughey began writing his next album — while still in the ICU, unable to speak coherently, his right side just waking from paralyzation.
In November 2017, the Northwest underground stalwart suffered a stroke that nearly killed him and wiped his musical catalog from his memory — decades of albums and songs written and recorded with the Minus 5, Young Fresh Fellows, R.E.M., Baseball Project, and many more, all disappeared. But instead of wallowing in misery, McCaughey channeled his omni-positive spirit and began to write down whatever incoherent thoughts crossed his mind. He turned those stream-of-consciousness notebook pages into his 13th full-length Minus 5 release, Stroke Manor.
“The lyrics are the reason for the album,” McCaughey said. “They’re frustrating and frustrated — they’re me trying to communicate something, to find out if I could communicate, if I could still even hold a pen and get it to physically move. The words are crucial to it though they’re not going to speak to everyone. But I had to try.” Stroke Manor is a capsule of weeks in a hospital bed and the time-release recovery that creeps through in several songs. The influence is found in everything from misheard sentences and made-up words (“Pink Bag For Rip Torn” and “Plascent Folk,” respectively), to Turner Classic Movies (“Beacon From RKO,” “Scar Crow,” Goodbye Braverman”), hospital pain index cards (“Top Venom”), and the Beatles playlist Peter Buck made to help spark McCaughey’s musical memory (“Beatles Forever”). The results are often head-scratching, tongue-tying spats of confusion, but when the decision was eventually made to put them to music, McCaughey changed only the occasional word for flow, singing the words directly from his hospital notebook.
“The lyrics tapped into a different place for the music to come from,” he said. “I suppose I used the same old chords but everything sounded new and mysterious to me.” He used new voices, the dreaded autotune, and other voice-altering effects because he felt like he was singing as new characters. But the feelings were all his somehow. “I felt like I was a weird other person when I wrote those words, so it felt really right to me to let it be this guy who was coming from outer space.”
McCaughey recorded the album in his oft-frigid Portland basement, i.e. the “Dungeon.” Joe Adragna sent in rapid-turn-around drums (and often more) from his home studio outside New Orleans. Peter Buck was there to conjure up guitar lines, like a 1968 George Harrison. Jeff Tweedy, Corin Tucker, Jenny Conlee, John Moen, Steve Wynn, Linda Pitmon, Dave Depper & Alia Farah all dropped by to contribute, like good friends will do.
“I think this record captures the feeling, the moment, somehow,” McCaughey said. “I took something that I didn’t really know I was doing at the time and took it the full distance, not knowing whether it would work or not — but I feel like it really did work. I’m not saying I wish it hadn’t happened,” he said while laughing, “but at least I got something out of it. It’s a weird thing. But it’s my experience.”
Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Scott McCaughey, Steve Wynn and Linda Pitmon thanks for being with us on WMM on 90.1 FM – KKFI Kansas City Community Radio
The Baseball Project is a supergroup composed of Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Scott McCaughey, Steve Wynn and Linda Pitmon formed in 2007. The performers came together from discussions between McCaughey and Wynn at R.E.M.’s March 21, 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. They invited Buck to play bass guitar and Pitmon on drums and recorded their first album, Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails later that year. Their first public appearance was on The Late Show with David Letterman in June of 2008, preceding the release of any recorded material.
Buck and McCaughey have previously played together in Robyn Hitchcock and The Venus 3, The Minus 5, R.E.M., and Tuatara. Wynn is the former leader of The Dream Syndicate as well as Gutterball and has played with Pitmon in Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3. Pitmon also plays with Buck and McCaughey in Filthy Friends (with Kurt Bloch and Corin Tucker) and their project with Luke Haines (of the Auteurs).
The band also recorded a ‘real time’ commentary on the 2010 baseball season for ESPN.com: one song every month made available as a free download. The collection was released in 2011 as The Broadside Ballads and also includes a few unreleased extra tracks from Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails and Volume 2: High and Inside.
The second album from The Baseball Project, Volume 2: High and Inside, was released on March 1, 2011, on Yep Roc Records. The band followed the record’s release with a tour covering the U.S. and appearances at spring training games in Arizona’s Cactus League. Mike Mills begins touring regularly with the band in 2012, taking over bass duties from Peter Buck. Buck moves over to his signature 12-string guitar role around this time.
Their third album, 3rd, includes Mike Mills playing bass on all tracks for the first time on a Baseball Project recording, and was released in 2014. Not long after that the band played a special show in Cooperstown, New York, at the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2019 they played a 3-day residency at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland as a part of the All-Star Game festivities in the city.
Their fourth album, Grand Salami Time, was recorded with early R.E.M. collaborator Mitch Easter at his Fidelitorium Recordings studio in Kernersville, N.C., and was released on June 30, 2023, on Omnivore Recordings. Special guests on release include Stephen McCarthy of the Long Ryders and the Jayhawks and Steve Berlin of Los Lobos.
Discography Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails (Yep Roc, 2008) Volume 2: High and Inside (Yep Roc, 2011) 3rd (Yep Roc, 2014) Grand Salami Time (June 30, 2023 – Omnivore Recordings)
EPs and singles The Homerun EP (Yep Roc, 2009, collaboration with Reckless Kelly, Todd Snider, and The Young Fresh Fellows) “El Hombre” (Euclid Records single, 2012)
The Baseball Project
Peter Buck – guitar, production Scott McCaughey – guitar, keyboards, lead vocals, backing vocals, production Mike Mills – bass guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on “Stuff”, production Linda Pitmon – drums, percussion, backing vocals, production Steve Wynn – guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals, production
Scott McCaughey thanks for being with us on WMM on 90.1 FM – KKFI Kansas City Community Radio
The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Wednesday, July 10, at 8:00pm. More
11:54
The Baseball Project – “Grand Salami Time” from: Grand Salami Time / Omnivore / June 30, 2023 [Grand Salami Time! is the fourth full-length studio album by American rock supergroup the Baseball Project, released by Omnivore Recordings on June 30, 2023. The album was produced by Mitch Easter, who began working with R.E.M. at the beginning of their careers; the Baseball Project features two of their former members. It also marks their first album under Omnivore, as they had previously been signed to Yep Roc. // At the urging of drummer Linda Pitmon, the band recorded this album with Mitch Easter, who had previously produced R.E.M.’s first single and co-produced that band’s debut EP, debut full-length, and sophomore full-length. The sessions lasted 10 days and the songs were recorded live-to-tape in Easter’s studio The album was preceded by singles “The Voice of Baseball” and “Journeyman”. The band also announced a brief tour of the United States supporting Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. The album is titled after a line that Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus would say when a grand slam was hit. // In American Songwriter, Lee Zimmerman rated this album 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “a joyful and jubilant example of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s power pop”.Steven Wine of the Associated Press praised the clever lyrics and writes that “topics are paired with garage rock that gives [guitarist Peter] Buck a chance to serve up some delightful guitar squall”. BrooklynVegan’s Bill Pearis recommends the album to baseball fans and non-fans alike, noting that the former will get more enjoyment out of the music. Writing it for Glide Magazine, Jim Hynes calls this album “so much fun” and tells listeners that it’s “pure joy putting the album on and following the lyrics in the jacket”. In The Mercury News, Jim Harrington the band has “passion [that] leads to an abundance of ideas for song topics” and after multiple albums, they are “still going strong, finding plenty of musical inspiration in a seemingly endless supply of decades-old stories and modern-day tales about the game”. Mario Naves of The New York Sun favorably compares this to the band’s last album, 3rd and calls it “unstoppable”. Frank Valish of Under the Radar rated this work a 7 out of 10, writing that the live in-studio recording method “lends a certain energy to the proceedings” and characterizes the album as “a bunch of musical heroes having fun together and celebrating music, each other, and America’s favorite pastime to boot”. // Additional personnel: Steve Berlin on baritone saxophone on “Erasable Man” // Mitch Easter – guitar on “Journeyman”, recording, mixing, production // and Stephen McCarthy – lap steel guitar.]
[The Baseball Project play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Wednesday, July 10, at 8:00pm. More info at: http://www.therecordbar.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on July 17 we welcome Hip Hop artists The Epitome (Glenn Robinson) and Betse Ellis and Marion Merritt return to co-host WMM for our Summer Fund Drive Show.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, KKFI Accounting & Administration – Shaina Littler
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org