Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The World of Lotuspool Records with Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi
Mark welcomes Chris Garibaldi as our special Guest Producer. Chris Garibaldi is the co-founder of Lotuspool Records. He also is lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters who released their 7th album, the 13 track album, Suneaters IV: Absinthe Makes The Heart Grow Fingers, on September 23, 2022. Lotuspool Records, was born in 1992. Chris writes “We started the label when we were very young, and the bands that were on it were very young, too,” he reported. “Back then, you could put out an indie record and get a lot of attention and press. At that time, there was a lot of support for indie music. Around 2000, Lotuspool went on an unofficial hiatus. The label was never inactive, but Garibaldi spent most of 2000s doing Los Angeles connected gigs. In 2011, Chris Garibaldi relocated to Parkville, he and Scott Hartley — bassist in the Suneaters — brought a new vision for Lotuspool Records. The label has been the home for releases for Heidi Lynne Gluck, The Bump Band, Bully Pulpit, The Whips, Poster Children, Zoom, Voice of Action, June Henry, Hollow Body, Chris Cardwell, and many others This year the label is celebrating 33 years!
Chris Garibalbi will spin Lotuspool tracks from: Zoom, Heidi Lynne Gluck, James Grauerholz, June Henry, Krafty LoveLordz, Suneaters, Bully Pulpit, Poster Children, Panel Door, Hum, The Bump Band, The Whips, Mild 7, Chris Cardwell, and Voice of Action.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
New & MidCoastal Releases + Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire + Paul Jesse + Keyon Monté & Lee Sampson
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Calvin Arsenia – “Experience” from: Catastrophe / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017 [On June 23, 2023 Calvin Arsenia released Paradise his 14 track album. It is only available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer where at 24 he released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2013 He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, June 23, and June 24, at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More at: http://www.calvinarsenia.com]
[Calvin Arsenia plays Percheron on the rooftop of Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central Street, KCMO on Sunday, August 10, at 7:00pm]
Hembree – “On The Line” from: “On The Line: – Single / Peermusic III / June 13, 2025 [“On The Line” is one of three new singles Hembree has released this year so far, including, “Don’t Look Down” released April 4, 2025, and “U R WHAT U EAT” released February 7, 2025. Last year, Hembree released their third studio album BETTER DAYS on August 9, 2024 and was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. Hembree is: Isaac Flynn, Eric Davis, Garrett Childers, Alex Ward & Austin Ward. Mixed by: Isaac Flynn. Mastered by: Ian Sefchick. Drums engineered by: Martin Cooke. Additional vocals by: Devynn Carter on tracks 1, 6, 9 and 10. Recorded at Kingsize Soundlabs (Los Angeles, CA), Peermusic (Burbank, CA) and Isaac’s house. Produced by: Isaac Flynn . // Hembree released their The 15-track album, IT’S A DREAM on February 4, 2022. It was part of WMM 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Hembree, is a KC born band was formed in November of 2015, with Isaac Flynn on guitar, & lead vocals, Garrett Childers on bass & vocals, Eric Davis on keys & synth, Alex Ward on guitar, and Austin Ward on drums. Hembree is signed to Thirty Tigers of Nashville, TN. The band was founded by original members Isaac Flynn, Garrett Childers, and Eric Davis. Brothers Alex and Austin Ward later joined in 2018. Hembree quickly garnered national attention after their single “Holy Water” was placed in an Apple commercial that aired during Super Bowl LII. The band’s music has been featured in a variety of other national placements, including Monday Night Football (NFL) and Bose. Hembree has notably supported Elvis Costello, Phoenix, Cold War Kids, Vance Joy, JR JR, and Joywave, among others. The band first toured Europe in Fall 2018. In 2018, Hembree signed with Thirty Tigers to release their first full-length album House on Fire, released 4/26/2019. In 2019, Hembree performed at Hangout Music Festival. They will also appear on the soundtrack of 13 Reasons Why: Season 3 with the song “Culture”. Hembree was named one of NPR’s Slingshot 2018 Artists to Watch. Rolling Stone named Hembree as one of the thirty best artists at SXSW 2018. “Had It All” debuted on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 on January 19, 2017. Lowe described the song as “absolutely fantastic.” “Holy Water” was featured in Apple’s HomePod “Distortion” TV spot, which ran during Super Bowl LII, the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, and the 2018 Winter Olympics. Hembree released the single, “Reach Out” on July 20, 2021 and “Operators (feat. Bodye)” on Sept. 21, 2021on Oread Records. More info at: http://www.hembreemusic.com]
[Hembree plays their 10th Anniversary show Saturday, August 16, at 7:30pm, at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS with Cowboy Indian Bear.]
Cowboy Indian Bear – “Let It Down” from: Live Old, Die Young / The Record Machine / April 23, 2013 [Released on White Vinyl! Joshua Browning served the band as producer and engineer. The songs were recorded over a three year period, where the band was also constantly touring, living on the road, keeping the van running. Beau Bruns – percussion, vocals, glockenspiel, guitar, Charles Calhoun – vocals, guitar, bass, keys, percussion, Martinez Hillard – vocals, guitar, keys, bass, percussion; Katlyn Conroy vocals, piano, keys. Part of WMM’s 113 Best Recordings of 2013.]
[Cowboy Indian Bear plays the Hembree 10th Anniversary show Saturday, August 16, at 7:30pm, at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS.]
Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo – “Metamorphosis” from: “Metamorphosis”- Single / Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo / August 6, 2025 [‘Metamorphosis’, is the first single from the trio’s upcoming debut album, Inverted Shadows. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. // Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also worked the front-of-house. Mitzi and on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads.]
[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.]
[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, Kissy Fit and Cat Voltron.]
Elexa Dawson – “Roots Grow” from: “Roots Grow” – Single / Turns Out Records / August 12, 2025 [Elexa Dawson – Indigenous Soul – honey dirt vocals, and spellbinding storytelling. // “Roots Grow,” is the second single from Elexa Dawson’s new upcoming album STAY PUT. Elexa says of “Roots Grow”: “I’ve always appreciated shadow work. There’s a nod to compost and the animacy of soil.” // On July 18 Elexa dawson released the foirst somng;e from Stay Put, “Bailing Hay.” With Stay Put Elexa is reviving the ensemble who backed her on her 2019 debut album, Music is Medicine. Stay Put delivers a hazy, classic sound that benefits from the electric experimentation that paid dividends for her 2024 collaborative album, Wanderlust.This was the first of two new singles Elexa has released so far this year. Elexa will release “Roots Grow” on August 15, 2025. // On February 2, 2024 Elexa Dawson & Stanley Hotel released WANDERLUST through Turns Out Records. Wanderlust was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. Wanderlust was recorded at: Remote Studios. Engineered and Mixed: Isaac Nelson, Adam Stanley. Mastered by: Brody Wellman. Produced by: Elexa Dawson, Isaac Nelson, Adam Stanley, Doug Swindell. Published By: Turns Out Records. Dawson Elexa creates community-focused Americana music with soulful vocals and connection to land. Oklahoma Native, Elexa now calls Kansas her home. Wanderlust is Elexa’s sophomore release (Feb 2024) collaboration with Stanley Hotel. // Elexa Dawson also fronts the bands: Heyleon and Weda Skirts. Alexa is a Potawatomi activist and educator. Elexa facilitates songwriting workshops, talking circles, and relational plant education. // Mikal Shapiro, of Siren Song, on 90.1 FM KKFI writes, “Dear Music Lovers, do yourself a favor and put this honey in your ears. Elexa Dawson delivers yet another stunning collection of heartfelt songs in her sophomore release. // A collaboration with indie folk rockers Stanley Hotel, the chemistry is palpable and the production sparkles with Dawson’s clear and powerful voice sitting comfortably in the full-spectrum arrangements. // A soul-stirring journey through earth and sky, “Wanderlust” provides the perfect soundtrack to that road-trip you’ve been dreaming about… and you don’t have to burn any gas to get there.” // More on WANDERLUST: Nestled within the red dirt country hills of Oklahoma, Elexa Dawson and the acclaimed Stanley Hotel embarked on a visionary collaboration, crafting what can only be described as a sonic spaceship named “Wanderlust.” Reviewed as “a soul-stirring journey through earth and sky,” the album invites listeners to explore uncharted realms through its captivating songs. // From the inaugural track’s exploration of the outer limits of human experience to the final guided meditation conveying a message from the ancestors, “Wanderlust” stands as an epic odyssey worthy of the finest traveling shoes. Each song serves as a unique stop on this musical tour, gathering sentiments of loneliness, love, connection, and completion. Whether dancing with the transient and the lovers in “Rainbows,” getting “High on the Street,” or contemplating life under the southwestern sky with the poignant “Lonely Coyote,” every moment resonates with the depth of the human experience. // Elexa Dawson’s return to her Oklahoma roots for recording at Remote Records, the experimental laboratory of Stanley Hotel members Adam Stanley, Isaac Nelson, and Doug Swindell, underscores the organic collaboration between the artists. With mutual admiration at the core of their sonic choices, Stanley Hotel’s earthy soundscape perfectly supports Elexa’s vocal prowess. As both parties contribute astute compositions, the album maintains its cohesion by invoking nature’s spirits while playfully exploring the ether and always grounding itself back in the dirt. // “Wanderlust” marks Elexa’s sophomore release following her debut album, “Music is Medicine,” in 2019. The collaboration with Stanley Hotel showcases their multi-genre style and eclectic musicality, evident in releases such as “Samson Mammoth” and “The Wolf Told Me.” Elexa’s vocal quality, described by Raye Zaragoza as cutting right to the soul, blends seamlessly with Stanley Hotel’s unique style, creating a magical and expansive listening experience. http://www.elexadawson.com]
[Elexa Dawson plays Tunes @ Noon, Thursday, August 7 at 12:00pm at the famous, The Church Studio, 304 S Trentoin Ave, Tulsa, OK.]
Pool Culture – “Birds Like These” from: “Birds Like These” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / July 25, 2025 [Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. “Birds Like These is the first of three new soinges that Pool Culture, is putting out over the next three months leading up to Their first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, will be released on August 22, 2025 and the band;s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]
[Pool Culture plays Replay Lounge, 946 Mass Street, Lawrence KS, on Saturday, August 16 at 10:00pm with Hotel Leo, and Oxford Remedy
[Mark Ronning of Pool Culture will be our guest on WMM on September 17, 2025]
Ivory Blue – “Mirrors” rom: “Mirrors” – Single / IVORY BLUE / August 1, 2025 [What IVORY BLUE says: “It’s about seeing yourself clearly through the reflections around you and realizing you’re a piece of the bigger picture. I’ve been transforming inside and out, and this track is just one of the mirrors I’ve looked into along the way.” // Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 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. // 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’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 when 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 with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at 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. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // 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. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]
10:29 – Underwriting
Day Shepherd – “Sick and Tired (Feat. Markus Raines)” from: “Sick and Tired (Feat. Markus Raines)” – Single / Irony & Anemia Records / July 4, 2025 [As well as being a singer songwriter, Day Shepherd is a Licensed Professional Counselor at D & M Shepherd INC. Day studied Counseling psychology at Avila University and graduated in 1996. // Day Shepherd approaches his songwriting and the accompanying music from a number of different angles. In his youth, he found the hard driving rock and metal of the 70s and 80s provided intensity and emotional expression that resonated. As he continued his journey musically, he has enjoyed lyricists who are able to set the scene and tell us a story in their lyrics. As an acoustic guitarist with some training in classical guitar, Day Shepherd enjoys the vibe of fingerpicking in music. Day hopes that his songs inspire audiences to feel the intensity of emotions, and find a space where their own journey is heard and seen. There are also times when music is the platform by which we speak for those without a voice. Day hopes that he can provide that platform for important concerns within society. // y dear friend Markus Raines, who joined me with his incredible soulful vocals. Special thanks to Ivory Blue for her amazing vision in producing the instrumental, accompaniment and other aspects of the recording.” / Markus Raines is KC based rapper, singer, producer, actor. Markus studied Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at Virginia Commonwealth University]
10:36 – Interview with Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire
As well as being a singer songwriter, Day Shepherd is a Licensed Professional Counselor at D & M Shepherd INC. Day studied Counseling psychology at Avila University and graduated in 1996. Day Shepherd approaches songwriting and the accompanying music from a number of different angles. In his youth, he found the hard driving rock & metal of the 70s & 80s provided intensity and emotional expression that resonated. As he continued his journey musically, he has enjoyed lyricists who are able to set the scene and tell us a story in their lyrics. As an acoustic guitarist with some training in classical guitar, Day Shepherd enjoys the vibe of fingerpicking in music. Day hopes that his songs inspire audiences to feel the intensity of emotions, and find a space where their own journey is heard & seen. There are also times when music is the platform by which we speak for those without a voice. Day hopes that he can provide that platform for important concerns within society.
Day Shepherd Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Tirzah DeMeire (she/her) is a singer songwriter who performs in the KC area in which she has grown up. She uses music as an outlet for hardships in her personal life and also for what she sees in our current climate. Tirzah is a sensitive soul, and her lyrics are written carefully and lovingly. Her fifty songs span across themes of loss, love, trauma, heartbreak, and spirituality. She is currently looking for a producer to record her first album but is happy performing at local gigs and open mics in the meantime.
Tirzah DeMeire – Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Day Shepherd, on social media you identify with this statement: “As a blind person, therapist, and musician …(that you) hope to inspire!
We just heard “Sick and Tired”
Day Shepherd describes Sick and Tired as a song about the nature of humanity’s struggle with treating each other with dignity, equity and kindness. The song was written during the tumultuous times after George Floyd’s murder and many other political developments in which the tone of our conversations have become more negative and divisive. It highlights the importance of inclusion of all people and support of all things related to equity.
Day is proud of this song and am grateful for my dear friend Markus Raines, who joined me with his incredible soulful vocals.
Markus Raines is Kansas City based rapper, singer, producer, actor. Markus studied Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at Virginia Commonwealth University
Special thanks to Ivory Blue for her amazing vision in producing the instrumental, accompaniment and other aspects of the recording.
Day Shepherd met Markus Raines at Crow’s Coffee House Open Mic.
Tirzah DeMeire also perform through open mic nights.
10:43
Day Shepherd – “Chosen (feat. Tirzah )” from: “Chosen (feat. Tirzah)” – Single / Irony & Anemia Records / September 13, 2024 [As well as being a singer songwriter, Day Shepherd is a Licensed Professional Counselor at D & M Shepherd INC. Day studied Counseling psychology at Avila University and graduated in 1996. This song is written in support of the LGBTQ community and it’s the story of ChosenFamily. I have a dear friend who came out to her family as being lesbian and her family is struggling to accept her sexuality. This family has been very important to me and it has saddened me deeply that they could not support their daughter. // Tirzah DeMeire (she/her) is a singer songwriter who performs in the KC area in which she has grown up. She uses music as an outlet for hardships in her personal life and also for what she sees in our current climate. Tirzah is a sensitive soul, and her lyrics are written carefully and lovingly. Her fifty songs span across themes of loss, love, trauma, heartbreak, and spirituality. She is currently looking for a producer to record her first album but is happy performing at local gigs and open mics in the meantime.
10:47 – More Interview with Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire
We are talking with Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire two Kansas City based singer songwriters who have collaborated together and have also wriiten songs that deal with social justice, civil rights, LGBTQIA thems, women’s rights.
Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire thank you for being with us on WMM
We just heard “Chosen Family” about this song Day writes, “This song is written in support of the LGBTQ community and it’s the story of #ChosenFamily. I have a dear friend who came out to her family as being lesbian, And her family is struggling to accept her sexuality. This family has been very important to me and it has saddened me deeply that they could not support their daughter. I wrote this song and have had the opportunity to go to a studio and record this song with my dear friend Tirzah.”
Day Shepherd’s song, “Mom & Me” was published in April 2025 on Distrokid. About “Mom & Me” Day writes, this “is a song about the tragic loss of a daughter from both the mom‘s perspective and the daughter‘s potential response. It was written after a poem was shared with me from the mom‘s perspective. The heart, wrenching nature of grief is more acutely demonstrated in this song as the ongoing struggle between grief, loss, and a desire to reunite is contrasted.”
Day continues, “Caitlyn Stegeman graciously agreed to be the vocalist representing the voice of the Mom in this song. Her vocal styling with such tremendous ability to emote and demonstrate the pain within the lyrics is stunning. I am grateful for her participation in this song and her friendship. Tirzah DeMere again brings her incredibly powerful and intensely personal expression in the role of the daughter in this song. Her striking soprano voice cuts through the mix and shares the daughters appreciation and desire to reunite. I am grateful for Tirzah‘s participation in her friendship, ensuring this important song for anyone especially a parent who has lost a loved one unexpectedly.”
Day continues: “As the composer of the chorus and bridge lyrics as well as the music, I am so very grateful for this opportunity to share such an important song in the context of being a musician, but also as a therapist working with many individuals who experience so much pain. Special thanks to Ivory Blue and Klaartje Van Lue for Producing this song and making it so powerful.”
Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire thank you for being with us on WMM
10:53
Day Shepherd w/ Caitlyn Stegeman & Tirzah DeMere – “Mom and Me” from: “Mom and Me” – Single / Irony & Anemia Records / April 24, 2024 [Mom & Me is a song about the tragic loss of a daughter from both the mom‘s perspective and the daughter‘s potential response. It was written after a poem was shared with me from the mom‘s perspective. The heart, wrenching nature of grief is more acutely demonstrated in this song as the ongoing struggle between grief, loss, and a desire to reunite is contrasted. // Caitlyn Stegeman graciously agreed to be the vocalist representing the voice of the Mom in this song. Her vocal styling with such tremendous ability to emote and demonstrate the pain within the lyrics is stunning. I am grateful for her participation in this song and her friendship. // Tirzah DeMere again brings her incredibly powerful and intensely personal expression in the role of the daughter in this song. Her striking soprano voice cuts through the mix and shares the daughters appreciation and desire to reunite. I am grateful for Tirzah‘s participation in her friendship, ensuring this important song for anyone especially a parent who has lost a loved one unexpectedly. // As the composer of the chorus and bridge lyrics as well as the music, I am so very grateful for this opportunity to share such an important song in the context of being a musician, but also as a therapist working with many individuals who experience so much pain. Special thanks to Ivory Blue and Klaartje Van Lue for Producing this song and making it so powerful.]
11:00 – Station ID
Paul Jesse – “Night To Day” from: Cycles / Fowl Mouth / August 14, 2025 [Cycles is the sophomore album from Lawrence, KS-based singer Paul Jesse. The album was written and produced by Paul Jesse. Cycles was engineered and co-produced by Deegan Poores, with additional production from Zach Craig, Justin Roach & Hannah Davis. The album is full of cascading synths, soulful vocals, and emotionally transformative subjects. The 9-track Pop record releases on August 15th, with a hometown release show the night before on August 14, at The Bottleneck. The day of the album release, Paul and his team leave for their very first tour, hitting Milwaukee, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis & St Louis, spreading the word across the midwest. To top it all off, Paul secured a feature from NYC-based artist Deem Spencer on the track “Open the Door”, very much a full circle moment for Paul and his second album, “Cycles”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
[Paul Jesse plays The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. in Lawrence, KS, on Thursday, August 14, at 8:00pm with Cooper, Jay P, and Kyler Stoneking]
11:04 – Interview with Paul Jesse
We welcome back to the show, Paul Jesse is a singer, songwriter, and producer crafting introspective, genre-blurring music from the heart of Kansas. Blending the intimacy of indie pop with the groove and atmosphere of electronic R&B, his sound is as emotionally raw as it is sonically rich.
Paul’s musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. After years of creative evolution, Paul launched his solo project in 2021, with his debut EP, Stuck This Way a bringing a deeply personal voice to a soundscape shaped by moody synths, soulful vocals, and minimalist beats. In 2024, he released his debut album Hello Paul Jesse (Deluxe) — a bold introduction to his world. Now, he’s entering a new chapter upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. CYCLES, was written and produced by Paul Jesse. Cycles was engineered and co-produced by Deegan Poores, with additional production from Zach Craig, Justin Roach & Hannah Davis. The album is full of cascading synths, soulful vocals, and emotionally transformative subjects. The 9-track Pop record will be released on August 15th, with a hometown release show August 14 at The Bottleneck. The day of the album release, Paul and his team leave for their very first tour, hitting Milwaukee, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis & St Louis, spreading the word across the midwest. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com
Paul Jesse thanks for being with us on WMM.
Paul Jesse plays The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. in Lawrence, KS, on Thursday, August 14, at 8:00pm with Cooper, Jay P, and Kyler Stoneking.
CYCLES, was written and produced by Paul Jesse. Cycles was engineered and co-produced by Deegan Poores, with additional production from Zach Craig, Justin Roach & Hannah Davis.
The album is full of cascading synths, soulful vocals, and emotionally transformative subjects.
Paul secured a feature from NYC-based artist Deem Spencer on the track “Open the Door”, very much a full circle moment for Paul and his second album, “Cycles”.
Paul has shared the stage with artists like 454, Marlon Funaki, NNAMDÏ , Slow Hollows, and Pardyalone, continuing to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression.
Paul Jesse single “Hesitation” was released through Fowl Mouth on May 2, 2025. This was the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression.
Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse”.
Paul Jesse is a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, Kansas, whose songs combines his smooth and passionate vocals with psychedelic R&B, hip-hop, and electronic bedroom-pop production.
Paul Jesse collaborated with Deegan Poores to make the song “Your Sunshine”,”Your Sunshine (Feat. Hannah Davis)” on April 29, 2022. Paul asked Deegan to executive produce his debut album. Hello Paul Jesse, a 16 track album released on October 4, 2024. Several songs from the album were released through 2023 and 2024 as three EPs and each EP chronicled Paul’s growth and development as a person through heartache, self-reflection, and love, with Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 capturing a different stage of Paul’s transition. The EP’s included many singles like “Numb” released on January 20, 2023. As described by Center Cut Records: “’Numb’ begins with some Pink Floyd vocals in an echo chamber, and some soundbites laid over a haunting piano for good measure. Paul’s Philly soul special voice is back again, but this time we’ve got some distorted vocals and instruments with Deegan lurking in the mix.” – Patrick Sprehe. Also “Remedy” featuring Arkko released, March 17, 29023
Paul Jesse – “Cycles” from: Cycles / Fowl Mouth / August 14, 2025 [Cycles is the sophomore album from Lawrence, KS-based singer Paul Jesse. The album was written and produced by Paul Jesse. Cycles was engineered and co-produced by Deegan Poores, with additional production from Zach Craig, Justin Roach & Hannah Davis. The album is full of cascading synths, soulful vocals, and emotionally transformative subjects. The 9-track Pop record releases on August 15th, with a hometown release show the night before on August 14, at The Bottleneck. The day of the album release, Paul and his team leave for their very first tour, hitting Milwaukee, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis & St Louis, spreading the word across the midwest. To top it all off, Paul secured a feature from NYC-based artist Deem Spencer on the track “Open the Door”, very much a full circle moment for Paul and his second album, “Cycles”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
[Paul Jesse plays The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. in Lawrence, KS, on Thursday, August 14, at 8:00pm with Cooper, Jay P, and Kyler Stoneking]
11:16 – More Interview with Paul Jesse
We are talking with singer-songwriter Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Drugs Can’t Save Me” the first single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com
Paul Jesse thanks for being with us on WMM.
Paul Jesse, a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, Kansas, whose debut EP, Stuck This Way came out in 2021 and combines his smooth and passionate vocals with psychedelic R&B, hip-hop, and electronic bedroom-pop production.
Paul Jesse’ released “Drugs Can’t Save Me” and “Hesitation” the first and second singles from Paul Jesse’s upcoming sophomore album, Cycles signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
The 9-track Pop record releases on August 15th, with a hometown release show the night before on August 14, at The Bottleneck. The day of the album release, Paul and his team leave for their very first tour, hitting Milwaukee, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis & St Louis, spreading the word across the midwest.
Paul Jesse Shows – Tour
Wed, Aug 6 – 7:00PM – Dalima Kapten / Paul Jesse – Heavy Anchor, St. Louis, MO Sun, Aug 10 – 7:00PM – Dalima Kapten / Paul Jesse / The Kitchen Counters – DRKMATTR, Nashville, TN Thurs, Aug 14 – 8:00PM – Paul Jesse: The Cycles Tour – The Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS Sat, Aug16 @ 10:00PM – Paul Jesse: The Cycles Tour – Bremen Cafe, Milwaukee, WI Tues Aug 9:00PM – Paul Jesse: The Cycles Tour – The Burlin, August 20 @ 9:00PM – Paul Jesse: The Cycles Tour – The Underdog, Nashville, TN Frid Aug 22 @ 8:00PM – Paul Jesse: The Cycles Tour -= Havenhaus, Memphis, TN Sun, Aug 24 @ 8:00PM – Paul Jesse: The Cycles Tour – Moshmellow, St. Louis, MO
Paul Jesse, Thanks for being with us on WMM.
11:24
Paul Jesse – “Antenna” from: Cycles / Fowl Mouth / August 14, 2025 [Cycles is the sophomore album from Lawrence, KS-based singer Paul Jesse. The album was written and produced by Paul Jesse. Cycles was engineered and co-produced by Deegan Poores, with additional production from Zach Craig, Justin Roach & Hannah Davis. The album is full of cascading synths, soulful vocals, and emotionally transformative subjects. The 9-track Pop record releases on August 15th, with a hometown release show the night before on August 14, at The Bottleneck. The day of the album release, Paul and his team leave for their very first tour, hitting Milwaukee, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis & St Louis, spreading the word across the midwest. To top it all off, Paul secured a feature from NYC-based artist Deem Spencer on the track “Open the Door”, very much a full circle moment for Paul and his second album, “Cycles”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
[Paul Jesse plays The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. in Lawrence, KS, on Thursday, August 14, at 8:00pm with Cooper, Jay P, and Kyler Stoneking]
11:28 – Underwriting
Blob Castle – “Coronation Scene GATS by HXVSAGE & SIXQUEET (remixed for Macbeth KC)” from: Macbeth KC Sound Design / Blob Castle / July – August, 2025 [Sound Designer Robert Castillo DJs and plays bass live during the Macbeth performances. He writes: “The central theme, in terms of the auditory approach, is to create the ambiance of a grungey underground rave. The entire play is set in a post-apocolyptic future, so all the audio has been following that line. The music for the two banquet scenes takes you right to a lowly-lit warehouse in the broken down manufacturing part of town that you had to get coordinates from three checkpoints to arrive at. The lighting team has done a great job in brining that vision to light for the audience to experience. // The other, more cinematic sounds throughout the performance are meant to create tension and discomfort for the audience. The play itself is very dark. It start and ends and is filled throughout with death. There is one scene when Macbeth is convulsing as the weird sisters/witches transport him into a dream-like stupor where he has three apparitions. When making the audio for that moment, I kept asking myself “how can I make myself feel more and more uncomfortable?”]
11:37 – Interview with Keyon Monté and Lee Sampson
Keyon Monté is a Kansas City native whose work has found homes in many parts of the world. His upbringing exposed him to many of the arts that have become the foundation to which he feeds his faith and creative thought. His grandfather, a painter and comic illustrator possessed a style of storytelling that permeated his childhood, allowing Keyon to develop his craft at a very young age. Two grandmothers, one a poet, and the other a world traveler, exposed him to theater which he found to be the most exhilarating way to combine his skills.
Keyon earned a BA in Costume Design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he sharpened his eye for detail. Since then, he has designed educational productions, devised theatre and film. At La MaMa ETC his desire to write for the theatre was ignited with his first one-act play, QUEEN, that was developed abroad in Italy. In 2020, he completed a portrait series using storytelling to uplift the Black community in a continuous dialogue. The series remains his most popular, featured in galleries and editorials. His art work has also been in ad campaigns for Broadway productions like A Strange Loop, Hadestown, and Six. Off-Broadway his work has been displayed in key art and show posters for The New Group, National Black Theatre, Remy Bumpo and more.
Now as a playwright, he funnels his imagination into several ambitious narratives, centered among the perspectives of the black and brown, combing history for constellations of experiences to explore in our current climate. Keyon is currently working on his three act play N* HEAVEN eyeing a premiere in NYC in 2025.
Lee Sampson plays the role of Macbeth. He comes from the world of music. Lee’s bio: Having formerly worked under the name BlckSamson, where he dropped his first solo EP “Love Trilogy” & single “Jump”. Now goes by the name Lee Samson. An Homage to his grandfather, the famous quartet singer, Lee Williams of The Spiritual QC’s. Lee Samson not only taps into his soulful heritage by carrying his grandfather’s name but also by letting his southern spirit shine thru his contemporary & alternative sounds of RnB, Soul, & Hip-Hop. Currently, LEE is expressing his struggle for love through a string of songs dedicated to his debut album “PHILOPHOBIA”. In hopes to conquer this fear, and claim what were once familiar feelings. He infuses his new music by expressing his love for the alternative world of pop, r&b, and rock, while still paying homage to his hip-hop and R&B core. (from http://www.leesamson.bandzoogle.com)
Keyon Monté joins us today to share the details about a bold new production of Macbeth. In this immersive new experience, Shakespeare’s legendary tale of ambition, blood, and prophecy is reawakened inside a gutted office building in downtown Kansas City. Set in the distant future, the production surrounds the audience with shadows, smoke, and the rhythmic pulse of a dying world. As witches glitch, a DJ manipulates sound live each night, and audience members step into roles themselves, Macbeth KC becomes not just a story — but a haunting cycle you’re trapped inside.
MACBETH KC traps its audience inside a chilling loop of power, paranoia, and collapse. From playwright, visual artist, and costume designer Keyon Monté, in his first work for the Kansas City scene, this limited-run, fuses industrial fashion, live music, audience participation, and guerrilla lighting to conjure a kingdom ravaged by fallout and fate. Music by Blob Castle.
Macbeth KC runs through August 10 with performances: Thursday, August 7, at 7:30pm, Friday August 8, at 6:00pm, Saturday, August 9 at 8:00pm, and Sunday, August 10, at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. All performances at: 710 Central Avenue, KCMO. For more info you can visit: http://www.macbethkc.com for Keyon’s art visit: http://www.keyonmonte.com
Keyon Monté thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Monte: I’ve been involved in theater on and off since middle school. When I started at Paseo my major was technical theater, but I was involved in everything. I would be in the band room with the music students, in the fashion department working on costumes, in visual arts drawing and painting, and in productions performing. Teachers would tap me for different projects. I was everywhere. It was a very free and creative time.
Keyon Monte, who has worked as a costume illustrator for Broadway shows and moved back to Kansas City in 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Monte’s recent design work includes a Juneteenth collaboration with KC Current, where his design inspired by Harlem Renaissance artist Aaron Douglas was featured on the team’s commemorative T-shirts.
The spark for “Macbeth KC” came unexpectedly when Monte was working at Hive Coworking and encountered an under-used area in the building.
“One day when the elevator wasn’t working, I came down and I saw how dark it was,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is crazy. This could be a great space for theater.’”
That discovery launched Monte into crafting the show himself, using his own funds, with help from a $15,000 fellowship from the Black Theater Coalition (BTC), a Broadway-based initiative supporting Black creatives behind the scenes. Keyon is using that support to make “Macbeth KC” his boldest work to date, he said.
Monte told local media: “The show will happen right in front of them and around them,” he said. “You’re not doing it in a space where the audience is on one side and the stage is on the other. That means the audience has some kind of distance, some kind of safety, but not here.”
“If you look at some of the costumes, you would think it was something that could be worn on a runway right now,” he said. “There’s this high fashion aesthetic to what we’re doing.”
Monte’s creative collaborators include KC filmmakers, sculptors, musicians, and artists.
Sound Designer Robert Castillo DJs & plays bass live during the Macbeth KC. He writes: “The central theme, in terms of the auditory approach, is to create the ambiance of a grungy underground rave. The entire play is set in a post-apocalyptic future, so all the audio has been following that line. The music for the two banquet scenes takes you right to a lowly-lit warehouse in the broken down manufacturing part of town that you had to get coordinates from three checkpoints to arrive at. The lighting team has done a great job in brining that vision to light for the audience to experience. // The other, more cinematic sounds throughout the performance are meant to create tension & discomfort for the audience. The play is very dark. It starts and ends and is filled throughout with death. There is one scene when Macbeth is convulsing as the weird sisters/witches transport him into a dream-like stupor where he has three apparitions. When making the audio for that moment, I kept asking myself “how can I make myself feel more uncomfortable?”
Keyon has said: “What I love about Macbeth is that it tells the truth about the way human beings really are,” Monte said. “There are no heroes in Macbeth. There are no good people. There are no saviors. At the end of the day, everyone has to tell the truth about who they are and what they are.”
Keyon Monté and Lee Sampson thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Macbeth KC runs through August 10 with performances: Thursday, August 7, at 7:30pm, Friday August 8, at 6:00pm, Saturday, August 9 at 8:00pm, and Sunday, August 10, at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. All performances at: 710 Central Avenue, KCMO. For more info you can visit: http://www.macbethkc.com
You can see more of Keyon’s portraits, designs and to learn more aboou his plays you can visit; http://www.keyonmonte.com
11:51
Blob Castle – “Convulsing Sounds” from: Macbeth KC Sound Design / Blob Castle / July – August, 2025 [Sound Designer Robert Castillo DJs and plays bass live during the Macbeth performances. He writes: “The central theme, in terms of the auditory approach, is to create the ambiance of a grungey underground rave. The entire play is set in a post-apocolyptic future, so all the audio has been following that line. The music for the two banquet scenes takes you right to a lowly-lit warehouse in the broken down manufacturing part of town that you had to get coordinates from three checkpoints to arrive at. The lighting team has done a great job in brining that vision to light for the audience to experience. // The other, more cinematic sounds throughout the performance are meant to create tension and discomfort for the audience. The play itself is very dark. It start and ends and is filled throughout with death. There is one scene when Macbeth is convulsing as the weird sisters/witches transport him into a dream-like stupor where he has three apparitions. When making the audio for that moment, I kept asking myself “how can I make myself feel more and more uncomfortable?”]
11:52
Cyndi Lauper & Pattie Labelle – “Time After Time” LIVE from: VH1 Divas Duets: An Honors Concert For The VH1 Save The Music Foundation aired live from the MGM Grand Las Vegas / VH1 / May 22, 2003 [Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper was born June 22, 1953. She is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Known for her distinctive image, featuring a variety of hair colors and eccentric clothing, and for her powerful four-octave vocal range,[4] Lauper has sold over 50 million records worldwide. She has also been celebrated for her humanitarian work, particularly as an advocate for LGBTQ rights in the United States. // Her debut studio album She’s So Unusual (1983) was the first debut album by a female artist to achieve four top-five hits on the Billboard Hot 100—”Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, “Time After Time”, “She Bop”, and “All Through the Night”—and earned Lauper the Best New Artist award at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards in 1985. The music video for “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” won the Best Female Video Award at the inaugural 1984 MTV Video Music Awards and has been recognized by MTV, VH1 and Rolling Stone as one of the greatest music videos of the era. Her second studio album, True Colors (1986), scored two more top-five hits; the title track and “Change of Heart”. Lauper’s chart success continued with the singles “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” (1985), “I Drove All Night” (1989) and the dance club hit “That’s What I Think” (1993). // Since 1983, Lauper has released twelve studio albums and participated in many other projects. In 2010, Memphis Blues became Billboard’s most successful blues album of the year, remaining at number one on the Billboard Blues Albums chart for 13 consecutive weeks. In 2013, she won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for composing the Broadway musical Kinky Boots, making her the first woman to win the category by herself.[10] The musical was awarded five other Tonys, including Best Musical. In 2014, Lauper was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for the cast recording. In 2016, the West End production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. // Lauper’s accolades include two Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Tony Award, three MTV Video Music Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is one of the few singers to win three of the four major American entertainment awards (EGOT). In 2015, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Lauper was selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. Her debut studio album ranked among Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, while “Time After Time” was included in VH1’s list of the 100 Best Songs of the Past 25 years. VH1 has ranked Lauper No. 58 of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll. // Patricia Louise Holte was born May 24, 1944. She is known professionally as Patti LaBelle, is an American R&B singer and actress. She has been referred to as the “Godmother of Soul”. LaBelle began her career in the early 1960s as lead singer and frontwoman of the vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. After the group’s name change to Labelle in the 1970s, they released the number-one hit “Lady Marmalade” before disbanding in 1976. // In 1977, LaBelle began a solo career, starting with her critically acclaimed debut album, which included the career-defining song “You Are My Friend”. LaBelle became a mainstream solo star in 1984 following the success of the singles “If Only You Knew”, “Love, Need and Want You” (later sampled for 2002’s “Dilemma”), “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up”. In 1986, LaBelle released a number-one album, Winner in You, and its number-one single “On My Own”, a duet with Michael McDonald. In 1989, the standard “If You Asked Me To” (later covered by Celine Dion) was released on Be Yourself. LaBelle won a 1992 Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her 1991 album Burnin’, an album that featured “Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)”, “Feels Like Another One”, and “When You’ve Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)”. She won a second Grammy for the live album Live! One Night Only. Her 1990s albums Burnin’, Gems (1994), and Flame (1997) continued her popularity with young R&B audiences throughout the decade. She reunited with her Labelle bandmates for the album Back to Now, which was followed by a well-received promotional tour. // LaBelle has also had success as an actress with a role in the Academy Award-nominated film A Soldier’s Story, and in television shows such as A Different World and American Horror Story: Freak Show. In 1992, LaBelle starred in her own sitcom Out All Night. In 2002, LaBelle hosted her own lifestyle show, Living It Up with Patti LaBelle, on TV One. In 2015, LaBelle took part in the dance competition Dancing with the Stars at the age of 70. Labelle has also seen success launching her own brand of bedding, cookbooks, and food for various companies. In 2015 her Patti’s Sweet Potato Pie sold millions when a YouTube video praising the product went viral. As a result, over a 72-hour period, Walmart sold one pie every second. // In a career which has spanned seven decades, LaBelle has sold more than 50 million records worldwide. She has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone included her on their list of 100 Greatest Singers. LaBelle is a dramatic soprano recognized for her vocal power, modal register range and emotive delivery.]
[Cyndi Lauper plays the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour at Azura Amphitheater, 633 N 130th Street in Bonner Springs KS., on Saturday, August 9, at 7:30pm with Jake Wesley Rogers.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week, on Wednesday, August 13, Chris Garibalbi of Lotuspool Records joins us a special Guest Producer!
A really big THANK YOU to every one of you who donated during Wednesday MidDay Medley and our Summer Fund Drive for KKFI 90.1 FM. We had 47 individuals donate a total of $3529.00 in support of Community Radio. Special thanks go to my co-hosts and guests: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, Sandra Draper and Steve Tulipana and Lincoln Dreher!!!
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
New & MidCoastal Releases + Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire + Paul Jesse + Keyon Monté and The Scottish Play
Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Elexa Dawson, Hembree, Pool Culture, Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo, IVORY BLUE, Day Shepherd, Caitlyn Stegeman, Tirzah DeMeire, Markus Raines, Paul Jesse, Mr. Marco’s V-7, Calvin Arsenia, Cowboy Indian Bear, Cyndi Lauper & Patti Labelle.
At 10:30am we talk with Day Shepherd & Tirzah DeMeire. With Day Shepherd‘s work as a musician, he approaches songwriting and the accompanying music from a number of different angles. In his youth, he found the hard driving rock and metal of the 70s and 80s provided intensity and emotional expression that resonated. As he continued his journey musically, he has enjoyed lyricists who are able to set the scene and tell us a story in their lyrics. As an acoustic guitarist with some training in classical guitar, Day Shepherd enjoys the vibe of fingerpicking in music. Day hopes that his songs inspire audiences to feel the intensity of emotions, and find a space where their own journey is heard and seen. There are also times when music is the platform by which we speak for those without a voice. Day hopes that he can provide that platform for important concerns within society.
Tirzah DeMeire (she/her) is a singer songwriter who performs in the KC area in which she has grown up. She uses music as an outlet for hardships in her personal life and also for what she sees in our current climate. Tirzah is a sensitive soul, and her lyrics are written carefully and lovingly. Her fifty songs span across themes of loss, love, trauma, heartbreak, and spirituality. She is currently looking for a producer to record her first album but is happy performing at local gigs and open mics in the meantime.
At 11:00 we welcome back Paul Jesse who is a singer, songwriter, and producer crafting introspective and genre-blurring music from Lawrence, Kansas. Blending the intimacy of indie pop with the groove and atmosphere of electronic R&B, his sound is as emotionally raw as it is sonically rich. Paul launched his solo project in 2021, bringing a deeply personal voice to a soundscape shaped by moody synths, soulful vocals, and minimalist beats. In 2024, he released his debut album “Hello Paul Jesse” — a bold introduction to his world. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with his upcoming sophomore album, “Cycles”, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has shared the stage with artists like 454, Marlon Funaki, NNAMDÏ , Slow Hollows, and Pardyalone, continuing to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Go to pauljesse.com for more details on his upcoming August tour & new album “Cycles”.
At 11:30 Keyon Monté shares the details about a bold new production of Macbeth. In this immersive new experience, Shakespeare’s legendary tale of ambition, blood, and prophecy is reawakened inside a gutted office building in downtown Kansas City. Set in the distant future, the production surrounds the audience with shadows, smoke, and the rhythmic pulse of a dying world. As witches glitch, a DJ manipulates sound live each night, and audience members step into roles themselves, Macbeth KC becomes not just a story — but a haunting cycle you’re trapped inside. MACBETH KC traps its audience inside a chilling loop of power, paranoia, and collapse. From playwright, visual artist, and costume designer Keyon Monté, in his first work for the Kansas City scene, this limited-run, fuses industrial fashion, live music, audience participation, and guerrilla lighting to conjure a kingdom ravaged by fallout and fate. Music by Blob Castle. The production runs through August 10 with performances: Thursday, August 7, at 7:30pm, Friday August 8, at 6:00pm, Saturday, August 9 at 8:00pm, and Sunday, August 10, at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. All performances at: 710 Central Avenue, KCMO.. For more info you can visit: http://www.macbethkc.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Anna Moss & Calvin Arsenia – “It Was Only a Dream (Live)” from: “It Was Only A Dream (Live)” – Single / Moss Tones / May 16, 2025 [With the world outside her window rapidly unraveling into chaotic madness, Anna Moss found herself holed up alone in her New Orleans home during 2020’s unprecedented global pandemic. Frozen in a state of paralyzing panic, crippling anxiety, and isolation, she was armed with only a guitar, and the voices in her head. A working musician her entire adult life, touring gigs and studio sessions had suddenly screeched to a harrowing halt. // Online, friends and fans sparred feverishly, screaming at each other and into the ether, while the realities and insecurities of her precarious situation sent the singer/multi-instrumentalist spiraling into a deep depression. // Manifested from the nadir of her own darkness and demoralization, Moss mined a medicinal muse from within, incessantly writing on guitar and rediscovering her salvation in song. Intimate, delicate, dreamy, messy, a flurry of new tunes began to flow freely, slowly liberating Anna from the suffocating clutches of her own despair. Emerging from the ashes of this traumatic, dehumanizing spell: a phoenix of deeply personal compositions that would eventually comprise Amnesty, Anna Moss’s solo debut LP released in March 2024 via Empire Records. // An intoxicating gumbo of bedroom pop and existential R&B, Amnesty is at once Anna’s potent opening salvo and a righteous rebirth, too. Paeans born of an emotional purge peel back the rawest, realest layers to reveal ruminations on an artist’s humanity. Throughout Amnesty, Moss treads distinctly different topography than with the idiosyncratic Handmade Moments—her long-running political folk-hop duo with partner Joel Ludford. Rich in ethereal harmonies, subtle sensuality, and melodies majestic, her album’s stripped-down, organic-soul sound leans into throbbing basslines and pulses with a buoyant thump. // Born and raised in the rural Ozark Mountains but currently rooted in the Crescent City, initially Anna had no intention to embark on a solo side project, never mind record an album. However, by January 2021, the pandemic still had the city—and Anna’s sanity—in a veritable vice grip, and this project gave her dreary days a purpose. Once she’d sketched out this smattering of brave new songs, she marched down to Royal Street—a busy busking hub in the famed French Quarter—ostensibly to rehearse the numbers in NOLA’s oldest neighborhood. // These nascent sidewalk sessions—low-pressure performances often powered by car batteries with tourists milling about—saw Moss connect with a fresh collaborator in Brazil-born drummer Fernando Lima, as Ludford provided electric bass. Amid blooming magnolias, Creole cottages, and the stoic oaks, seeds were sown for a glorious new beginning. // Ten tracks brimming with sultry instrumentation and a sharp-tongued chanteuse at the wheel, Amnesty embraces minimalism, yet arrives abundant in earworm escapism. With whispered sweet nothings and a healthy dose of sardonic wit, the protagonist elucidates themes of compassion, abolition, and forgiveness. On album opener “Slow Down Kamikaze”, breezy flute and a mellifluous vibe deftly disguise a rather heavy dialog that dares to dream oneself invisible. The vulnerable “Colors” chases the demons away with laconic, shoegaze strumming, a hazy shade of welter, and everybody crumbling to find a clue. // “Day After Day” is a first-take meditation on learning to love yourself; razor-sharp “Sickness In The Spirit” unpacks paradoxes and personal reckonings to make room for moral inventory. Biblical blues for a new world order, the gripping “Penis Envy” traces its genesis back a dozen years, a dusty, dormant idea finally brought to biting fruition once Anna arranged it for guitar. A defiant, Freudian refutation of the story of the Garden of Eden, Moss drinks down the evils of patriarchal dogma and returns serve, swingin’ for the fences with trademark style and verve. // A testimony to unconditional love and unwavering understanding, “Neverending” unspools an enchanting swirl that welcomes French vocalist Cyrille Aimée for a debutantes’ duet. Longtime California collaborators Rainbow Girls lend a canyon of heavenly harmonics to the Topanga-tinged title track, as “Amnesty” splits the difference between serenity and seduction. On first single “Gravy”, a disarming, irresistible chill is drizzled with muted trumpet courtesy of Ashlin Parker (Dumpstaphunk, Trumpet Mafia). Other guest contributors to Amnesty include Alex Toth (Rubblebucket) and Grammy-winning trombonist Miles Lyons (SOUL Brass Band). // Anna Moss wrote, arranged, tracked, and mixes Amnesty in her New Orleans home studio, assisted by engineers Bob Gaiser and Christian Lee King. /// On June 23, 2023 Calvin Arsenia released his 14 track album Paradise. Available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer where at 24 he released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of VERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com][Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on Jan. 18, 2023, June 21, 2023, and our 1000th Show on June 28, 2923.]
[Calvin Arsenia plays ULAH-PALOOZA at ULAH 4709 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS. Two days of music and in-store performances! Saturday, August 2 at 12:00pm Noon with Calvin Arsenia followed by Caitlin Natalia, Marküs Raines, Day & Tizah, Heath Church, Nathan Corsi, Julie Bennett Hume, David George, Jamogi, playing until 8:00pm, and continuing on Sunday, August 3 at 12:00 Noon with David Luther, followed by The Canterberries, Christian Dixon, Gracie Caggiano, Russell The Love Muscle, Marty Bush, Joshua Jamês, Emma Jo, Zava, and DJ Ashton Martin, playing until 9:00pm. Presented by You Found Music, The David Luther and ULAH and all in support of ULAH’s GoFundMe campaign. Learn more by visiting http://www.ulahkc.com]
The Matchsellers – “The Same Moon” from: Psychobiography / The Matchsellers / August 2, 2025 [Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City. Andrew Morris is a Chicago blues guitarist from Warsaw, Indiana. They met in Leipzig, Germany. During their year of living in the former East Germany, the pair began reanalyzing the songs of their homeland, and developed a tight yet gritty bluegrass style. In the summer of 2013 they left their jobs to hit the road and haven’t looked back. // In the band’s most recent iteration, mandolinist Brian McCarty brings an invaluable lifetime of experience in the Bluegrass tradition, while Brandon Day thrills audiences with his intricate bass solos. // On February 14, 2025 The Matchsellers reeased the single, “I Can’t Believe We’re Still In Love.” // On May 3, 2024 The Matchsellers released LIVE AT THE WAREHOUSE. // On October 28, 2022 The Matchsellers released The Wishful Thinker’s Hall of Game // On February 12, 2016 they released their album, SONGS WE MADE UP, one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016.. In late 2014 they released their debut full length recording, “Kosciusko County,” one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Matchsellers have toured 3 European countries and 25 US States, performing 180 shows a year, including last year for the KC Fringe Festival, Bluegrass Bazaar in Flint, Michigan, Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK, and a 1st place win at the Eddie Owen Presents songwriting competition in Atlanta, GA.]
[The Matchsellers play a Psychobiography Album Release show Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 7:00pm in The Ruby Room at Musical Theatre Heritage in Crown Center Shops, Level 3 2450 Grand, KCMO.]
Lee Walter Redding – “All My Text Messages Are Verification Codes” (CD #4) (3:00) from: Student Loan Forgiveness Program – EP / Lee Walter Redding / July 18, 2025 [Lee Walter Redding released the single “It Should Be Ours” on February 24, 2025. // On July 15, 2022 Lee Walter Redding released the EP live From The Argyle Wallpaper. Lee Walter Redding on vocals, guitar; Justin Rogers on bass; Andy Kirk on guitar/synth and Justin Skinner on drums. // Lee Walter Redding released “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” on April 9, 2021. Lee told us that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. More info at: http://www.leewalterredding.bandcamp.com] [Lee Walter Redding was our guest on WMM on July 13, 2022]
David Luther – “Wrecking Bay” from: Who You Are / David Luther / April 25, 2025 [David Luther released the first single “Smile About Something” on January 21, 2025. David Luther released the 2d single, “If Love Just Ain’t Enough (feat. Garrison Starr) on February 28, 2025. all singles off of David’s upcoming album EWHO YOU ARE expected April 25, 2025. // David Luther Broxterman recorded his first self-titled EP in 2009 with Nashville producer Neilson Hubbard. The EP featured backing vocals from Americana artist Garrison Starr. This experience was the catalyst that would send him on his path to a music career, gigging part-time to begin with while working full-time as a social worker. // In 2020, during the heart of COVID-19, David knew it was time to embrace becoming a full-time musician.. Stepping away from social work and side jobs, especially as a single father of two boys, was a faith move then. During this time, David collaborated with David George and Pat Tomek on his EP Take Me Home, which was released in 2022. The EP included the anthem Home To Kansas City and World’s Gonna Change, a song co-written by David, Brandon Mashburn, and Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. George and Tomek’s dedication and artistry to the project, along with the exceptional musicians and singers, inspired David. Shortly after, David worked with his sister Anna Taylor and producer Brandon Mashburn on the single I Will, released in 2023, a song to draw attention to things that unite rather than divide us. // In July 2024, David again joined Neilson Hubbard, studio musician Juan Solórzano, and engineer Dylan Alldridge in their East Nashville studio to record a new full-length Americana album. The album, Who You Are, features partner Kelly Dougherty on several songs and Garrison Starr on If Love Just Ain’t Enough. The songs on the LP are a journey of David’s songwriting, many coming from painful places in the past and leading up to the last song he finished the night before the last days of recording, the title track. // David is grateful for the people in his family and community who have come alongside him, often carrying him and sometimes dragging or chasing him down his path. He says he can’t imagine how he’d still be doing this without their ongoing help and encouragement, especially that of his partner and manager, Kelly Dougherty. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but there’s no going back.”]
[David Luther plays KC Wine Company 13875 S Gardner Rd #1 Olathe, KS, Sat., August 3, at 2:00PM]
[David Luther plays ULAH-PALOOZA at ULAH 4709 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS. Two days of music and in-store performances! Saturday, August 2 at 12:00pm Noon with Calvin Arsenia followed by Caitlin Natalia, Marküs Raines, Day & Tizah, Heath Church, Nathan Corsi, Julie Bennett Hume, David George, Jamogi, playing until 8:00pm, and continuing on Sunday, August 3 at 12:00 Noon with David Luther, followed by The Canterberries, Christian Dixon, Gracie Caggiano, Russell The Love Muscle, Marty Bush, Joshua Jamês, Emma Jo, Zava, and DJ Ashton Martin, playing until 9:00pm. Presented by You Found Music, The David Luther and ULAH and all in support of ULAH’s GoFundMe campaign. Learn more by visiting http://www.ulahkc.com]
Lucy Gray – “Purple Skies” from: “Purple Skies” – Single / Lucy Gray / July 25, 2025 [Music & Lyrics by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Vocals, Ukulele by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Bass, Guitar & keyboards by Gregory Gagnon. // Lucy Gray released the single “Sixteen and Happy” on May 24, 2024. Produced by Gregory Gagnon- ShapeNote Studios & Robert Rebeck- Westend Recording Studios (Kansas City, MO). This recording was made possible by the Heartland Song Network and Gregory Gagnon of ShapeNote Studios. // ‘sixteen & happy” for me is a lot of things. It’s being sad on your birthday. It’s how crushing it can be when someone you were once so close with isn’t around anymore. It reveals how hard it is to acknowledge true feelings and how it can take time to express them. My deepest gratitude to Heartland Song Network and Greg Gagnon at ShapeNote Studios for making this recording possible!” – Lucy Gray // SONGWRITER, COMPOSER, MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST – Lucy Gray grew up performing on festival stages from the young age of 7 while studying classical & fiddle style violin. By the age of 9 she was performing her own original songs leading her to 4 awards for songwriting & composition, invitations to speak at events, repeated radio spins, tv appearances & most recently a grant to record her latest single!]
Boxknife – “Ready or Not” – Single” from: “Ready or Not” Single / Squarestab Records / August 1, 2025 [Boxknife released their EP Manifestering on May 20, 2022. The band released their debut single “The Tower” just prior to that date. Boxknife, a queer dark-pop band from Kansas City made up of Stephanie Bankston, Britt Wild, Mia Morrow, and Brook Worlledge who formed from the ashes of the band Lovergurl. Keyboardist and vocalist, Stephanie Bankston was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a graduate of The University of Missouri. She moved abroad in her 20s, and lived in Seoul, Korea, where she played in a mostly female band called BaekMa (“White Horse”). Stephanie returned to Kansas City in the Fall 2015. Brook Worlledge, is a Kansas City native. She is the band’s lead vocalist and drummer and writes songs for the band. Brook is a defender of the proletariat. Brook’s influences range from The B-52s, The Velvet Underground, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Brit Wild has played to Wick and the Tricks and other bands in Kansas City.]
[Boxknife play the Video Premiere Party and Single release for “Ready or Not” Friday, August 1, at 9:00pm at the Union Library, 1317 Union Ave, in West Bottom, KCMO with drag by Cee J The Troll and Mx. Virtue, with Musical performance by @theblackmariahtheater and Tarot by Mama Matthew.]
Radkey – “Victory” from: “Victory” – Single / Little Man Records / March 28, 2025 [On September 23, 2022 Radkey released the single “Better Than This.” The band released “Games (Tonight)”: on January 28, 2022 on Little Man Records. Isaiah, Dee, and Solomon Radke of the critically acclaimed rock trio Radkey joined us live in our 90.1 FM studios on September 5, 2018. Radkey was formed in 2010 in St. Joseph, where the brothers were raised. The family moved to Kansas City. The band has released multiple full-length recordings. IN 2021 Radkey was featured in Dave Grohl’s van-touring documentary film, WHAT DRIVES US. Radkey released GREEN ROOM on Little Man Records on November 27, 2020.On Green Room the band serve as their own producers. Radkey released DARK BLACK MAKE UP in 2015 and DELICIOUS ROCK NOISE in 2016 — plus multiple EPs and singles, and were part of a MasterCard advertising campaign on digital billboards in NYC along with a national television commercial that aired during the 2018 Grammy Awards that brought the band to the attention of Jack White who asked the band to tour with him. In 2018 the band went back on the road with The Damned throughout the United States. In December they went back into the studio to record with producer Bill Stevenson of the California punk rock group Descendents. In early 2019 they played shows in Amsterdam and Stockholm. In 2018 the band released “Basement,” “St. Elwood,” “Rock & Roll Homeschool,” as well as several other singles. On February 22, 2019, Radkey released “No Strange Cats…P.A.W.” a 7-song EP is essentially a collection of the band’s most recent singles. It comes after the January 11, 2019 release of No Strange cats…Spiders – EP a 6 song EP of several new songs mixed with several singles from late 2018.]
[Radkey plays and presents RADFEST 3 on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 6:00pm to 11:00pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming Street, KCMO with Frogpond, The Rackatees, and Gascan.]
10:29 – Underwriting
Bobcat Attack – “Found In The Grass” from: The Year of The Bobcat / Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine / Aug. 1, 2025 [Bobcat Attack released the single “Bird of Prey” on January 10, 2025 Bobcat Attack is the alter ego of electronic musician Nathan Reusch. Reusch has a passion for blending dub, techno, and ambient electronica into his own improvised vision. His compositions, crafted with synthesizers, drum machines, and modular synths, create a pulsing soundscape that is both intimate and lush, setting him apart in the electronic music scene. // Reusch first started making electronic music influenced by emo/punk in the early 2000s, opening for acts like Taking Back Sunday, Mewihoutyou, Coheed and Cambria, to more fitting artists like Joy Electric, Atom & His Package, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Yacht. In 2003, he started his indie label, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he founded KC’s Middle of the Map Fest; his time and focus on making his music came to a halt. The pandemic inspired Reusch to dust off his Bobcat Attack moniker and renewed his interest in making music. After a few months of waywardly trying to figure out patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. // After a year of playing and organizing shows with the KC Synth Collective, he is regaining his footing; Reusch is ready to release his first new material in nearly two decades. Bobcat Attack bridges the gap between ambient, dub-techno, and house music. The result is a rich textural environment of blooming melodies, entrancing techno beats, and ambient soundscapes that immerses the listener in a vibrant, flooding forest of electronica. His arrangements are patient and complete, and there’s always a discovery bubbling underneath the surface. // Bobcat Attack’s debut single release, “Pallas,” (Sept. 20, 2024) was the inaugural release on Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine imprint. This collaboration between fellow electronic musician and collaborator Mark Ronning (Mr. Golden Sun/Pool Culure) and Reusch’s label, The Record Machine,]
[Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.]
11:33 – Interview with Nathan Reusch
Bobcat Attack is Nathan Reusch co-founder of The Record Machine an area music label that is celebrating 22 years! Nathan Reusch first started making electronic music under the name Bobcat Attack influenced by emo/punk in the early 2000s, opening for acts like Taking Back Sunday, Mewihoutyou, Coheed and Cambria, to more fitting artists like Joy Electric, Atom & His Package, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Yacht. In 2003, he started his indie label, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he founded KC’s Middle of the Map Fest; his time and focus on making his music came to a halt. Under Nathan’s leadership The Record Machine has been the label for Static Phantoms, Monta, Various Blonde, Cowboy Indian Bear, LaGuerre, The Philistines, and Black Light Animals and many more. Nathan is also a DJ. The pandemic inspired Reusch to dust off his Bobcat Attack moniker and renewed his interest in making music. After a few months of waywardly trying to figure out patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. His debut track, Pallas, released September 18, 2024 was the inaugural release on Les Bon Bons Electriques imprint on The Record Machine label. This collaboration between fellow electronic musician and collaborator Mark Ronning (Mr. Golden Sun/Pool Culure) and Reusch’s label, The Record Machine,
Nathan Reusch thanks for being with us on WMM.
Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.
Last year the Kansas City record label The Record Machine launched a new imprint, “Les Bonbons Electriques”. Creative collaboration between label-owner Nathan Reusch and musician Mark Ronning began as a shared passion for synthesizers and has turned into an expansion of The Record Machine’s label.
On September 20th, 2024, Bobcat Attack, the moniker of electronic artist Nathan Reusch, released his first single. September 20th marked the beginning of Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine, a collaboration between Reusch and electronic musician Mark Ronning (Pool Culture, Mr. Golden Sun). Les Bonbons Electriques (“electric candy” in French) is a new imprint that will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. For Reusch’s project Bobcat Attack, where his modular synthesizer is the center of his electronic, ambient, and dub techno-influenced music, Les Bonbons Electriques is the perfect label match.
Les Bonbons Electriques began as a series of pop-up shows to feature Kansas City electronic artists, inspired by Ronning’s foray into modular synthesis during the pandemic. When Reusch and Ronning connected in 2022 over a shared passion for modular synthesis, they formed a fast friendship and, from this, a creative collaboration was born. Now, the name “Les Bonbons Electriques” will be both a live performance series as well as a record label imprint of The Record Machine.
The initiation of this new imprint comes with exciting new artists and releases. Bobcat Attack’s first single “Pallas” is releasing on September 20th, a pulsing track with a bouncing melody over ambient architecture. And, on October 4th, indie pop band, The House, will be releasing their single “Honey”, a soaring tune with electronic augmentation over chamber-pop arrangements. This first duo of releases serves as the perfect representation of the space that Les Bonbons Electriques can occupy: a spectrum of organic and inorganic sounds, from those fully distorted, filtered, and modulated by electronica to acoustic instruments wrapped up in swirling, synthesized ambience.
Connect with The Record Machine and Les Bonbons Electriques @therecordmachine @lesbonbonselectriques @bobcatattack.me @thehouse.band
Nathan Reusch thanks for being with us on WMM.
Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.
10:49
Bobcat Attack – “Drifter” from: The Year of The Bobcat / Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine / Aug. 1, 2025 [Bobcat Attack released the single “Bird of Prey” on January 10, 2025 Bobcat Attack is the alter ego of electronic musician Nathan Reusch. Reusch has a passion for blending dub, techno, and ambient electronica into his own improvised vision. His compositions, crafted with synthesizers, drum machines, and modular synths, create a pulsing soundscape that is both intimate and lush, setting him apart in the electronic music scene. // Reusch first started making electronic music influenced by emo/punk in the early 2000s, opening for acts like Taking Back Sunday, Mewihoutyou, Coheed and Cambria, to more fitting artists like Joy Electric, Atom & His Package, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Yacht. In 2003, he started his indie label, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he founded KC’s Middle of the Map Fest; his time and focus on making his music came to a halt. The pandemic inspired Reusch to dust off his Bobcat Attack moniker and renewed his interest in making music. After a few months of waywardly trying to figure out patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. // After a year of playing and organizing shows with the KC Synth Collective, he is regaining his footing; Reusch is ready to release his first new material in nearly two decades. Bobcat Attack bridges the gap between ambient, dub-techno, and house music. The result is a rich textural environment of blooming melodies, entrancing techno beats, and ambient soundscapes that immerses the listener in a vibrant, flooding forest of electronica. His arrangements are patient and complete, and there’s always a discovery bubbling underneath the surface. // Bobcat Attack’s debut single release, “Pallas,” (Sept. 20, 2024) was the inaugural release on Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine imprint. This collaboration between fellow electronic musician and collaborator Mark Ronning (Mr. Golden Sun/Pool Culure) and Reusch’s label, The Record Machine,]
[Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.]
Maya Mikity – “As One” from: “As One” – Single / Sailing Wonder / April 16, 2025 [Maya Mikity is a local KC pop singer-songwriter based in the U.S. She this dance/EDM track titled in a collaboration with Triangle. “As One” is currently featured as the theme song for ZIP FM, one of Japan’s leading radio stations, and has also been added to many major playlists like Electronic House Chill Out and EDM NOMAD. It has also been playing on radio stations all around the world. “As One” is one of 10 single Maya Mikity has release this year so far.]
T.A. Rell – “4oreign (Radio Edit)” from: Love Pages: Pt. 1 – EP / T.A.P. OUT Music / March 27, 2025 [“4oreign: was originally released as a single on April 13, 2024. Arick “TA. Rell” Ridgell is a 23 year old producer/writer/artist who recently has began emerging by way of the internet. The Kansas City,Missouri native was born August 29,1990. He’s an alumni of Center High School (Kansas City,MO, 64131), and a current student at Longview Community College (Lee’s Summit,MO), where he’s currently looking to obtain a degree in Audio Engineering. He’s what you’d call a mixing pot of R&B, country, gospel, pop, rock and roll, etc… TA’s “style influenced by a variety of artists such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Smokie Robinson, The Temptations, Jamie Foxx, Tank, Tyrese, Musiq Soulchild, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, amongst others. 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. ]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Special Guest Producer SYLKYSAN
SYLKYSAN is Sandra Draper. Sandra is a member of KKFI’s Board of Directors, Sandra was born in Kansas City and attended Paseo High School. Sandra became a student at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and eventually returning to Kansas City to complete her last year graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree studying history and communications at The University of Missouri at Kansas City. She is the mother of four children three sons and one daughter. While her children were all born on different years 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981 two of her sons were born on the same day, and her daughter and other son were also born on the same day. For the past year Sandra has been volunteering at KKFI and has been in training to host and produce her own radio show, Silky San’s Soul Sensation coming soon in the overnight hours on 90.1 FM
Traffic – “Rainmaker” from: Low Spark of High Heeled Boys / Universal Island Records / November 1, 1971 [The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is the fifth studio album by English rock band Traffic, released in 1971. The album was Traffic’s most successful in the United States, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and becoming their only platinum-certified album there, indicating sales in excess of one million. However, it failed to chart in the United Kingdom. The album features the minor hit “Rock & Roll Stew” and the title track, which received heavy FM airplay. // It was Traffic’s first studio album to feature percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, and the only studio appearance of drummer Jim Gordon and bassist Ric Grech. Grech had previously worked with Traffic singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood in the short-lived supergroup Blind Faith. This is the only Traffic album to feature two lead vocals by Jim Capaldi (“Light Up or Leave Me Alone” and “Rock & Roll Stew”). His only other solo lead vocal on a Traffic studio album was on “Dealer” from Mr. Fantasy (1967). // As with other Traffic albums, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys featured varied influences, including jazz, folk music and Classical. The name of the album’s title track was suggested by the actor Michael J. Pollard. // The LP’s front cover is notable for its top right and bottom left corners being clipped, giving the illusion of a three-dimensional cube. This effect would be repeated on their next album, Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory. On original pressings of the UK and some European versions, the title of both the album and song are shown as ‘The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys’ (with a hyphen) on the record labels. // The title of the album and the eponymous single on it became the source of some controversy in the UK upon initial release. At that time, the phrase “high-heeled boys” was often used by British writers as a slang term referring to organized-crime assassins. When it became clear the song was not inspired by this and was using the term in a non-descriptive sense, the issue faded away. // The album was certified gold less than a year after its release in the United States, and eventually certified platinum in 1996. It was remastered and reissued with one bonus track on 19 March 2002.]
Creed – “Weathered” from: Weathered / The Bicycle Music Company / January 1, 2001
Pleasure – “Sassafras Girl” from: Joyous / Craft Recordings / 1977 [Pleasure is an American Band from Portland Oregon. They became apart of the underground music scene in the 70’s with the hit Glide from the album Future Now. Pleasure is an American band from Portland, Oregon, United States. Blending soul, funk and jazz with a street edge, they became a cult group on the underground black music scene of the late 1970s. Their song “Glide”, from the album Future Now, went to #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart in 1979; it was their biggest hit. The band broke up in 1982. // A new version of the band re-formed in 2019 and released an album, Now Is the Time. // Pleasure was formed in Portland, Oregon in 1972 as a merger of two local bands: The Franchise which included drummer Bruce Carter (December 28, 1956 — August 12, 2006), bassist Nathaniel Phillips, and guitarist Marlon McClain, and The Soul Masters. The rest of the band members included keyboardist Michael Hepburn / Donald Hepburn. Saxophonist Dennis Springer, trombonist/guitarist Dan Brewster, vocalist Sherman Davis, and percussionist Bruce Smith have been part of the group along the way, including trumpet player Tony Collins and lead vocalist/guitarist Randy Hall. // In 1974, Grover Washington who was a big fan of the band directed them to seek out The Crusaders’ Wayne Henderson. Impressed with what he heard, his enthusiasm led them to a deal with Fantasy Records. This was the beginning of a six-year relationship with the label and a four-year relationship with Wayne Henderson who through his own production company “At Home Productions”, was the band’s producer and mentor. // In 1979, the band released the album Future Now, which included the hit “Glide”; it went to #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Billboard R&B chart. // Pleasure managed to fuse many styles of music including jazz, funk, soul, and rock along the way and achieved national recognition and excellent record sales, along with catching the ear of many hip hop artists who were inspired to sample much of Pleasure’s material. // This success was visibly evidenced with the now well-established African-American classic cult film, House Party featuring Kid and Play, and recently the comedy film Uncle Drew. Bruce Carter’s drum solo on “Bouncy Lady” along with songs “Let’s Dance” and “Joyous” were used in the Ultimate Breaks and Beats Series. // “Joyous” was also used on Janet Jackson’s 1997 release, The Velvet Rope (“Free Xone”), and “Future Now” was used in Will Smith’s 2002 release, Born to Reign (“1000 Kisses”). “Celebrate The Good Things”, “Thoughts Of Old Flames” and others are still being sampled and used today. // After their breakup in 1982 most members managed to stay active in the music scene one way or another through teaching, producing other acts, songwriting for Disney, and touring with artists such as Kenny G, Herb Alpert, The Crusaders, The Whispers, United We Funk All Stars, the Dazz Band and Cool’R. // Michael Hepburn (owner of the name and co-founder) is still performing, producing and is presently working as a Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the King County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. // Pleasure now is composed of Michael Hepburn, Nathaniel Phillips, Douglas Lewis, Dennis Springer, Brian Foxworth, and Tiffany Wilson, and released an album on Pleasure Records in 2019 called Now Is The Time. They also released “One More Time” from the current album as the “A” side of a 45 rpm vinyl record by Neil Pounds under his UK label Six Nine Records Ltd. The “B” side of their 45 is “For Your Pleasure,” which is the introductory selection on the album.]
The JWB – “Groove Axis” from: Groove Axis / Groovward Publishing / October 19, 2010 [The JWB is James Ward Band. The JWB is a Jazz Fusion band formed over 20 years ago. The JWB combines Jazz, R&B, Funk, and Gospel music. This is a Family Band that consists of Angela Ward on Keyboards, James Ward on Bass, and Jaylen Ward on Drums. Other members of the band include Clifford Mills on Vocals and Percussion, Travis Johnson on Guitar, and Gerald Dunn on Sax.]
Clifford Mills – “In My Dreams” from: Unchained – Single / Sony Music / August 15, 2022 [Clifford Mills first got started with my singing career in church (Handy Chapel AME) in Joplin, Mo. at the age of 5. At that age I sang my first solo (“99 and a Half Won’t Do”). When I reached high school I sang in my first secular group by the name of “The Confessions” at Central Sr. High in Kansas City, Mo. The release date of my CD entitled “Unchained” was September 22nd 2022. with two songs. Only Time Will Tell and In My Dreams..]
11:25 – Underwriting
Donny Hathaway – “Love Love Love” from: Extension of a Man / Atco / June 18, 1973 [Extension of a Man is the final studio album released by the R&B/soul singer Donny Hathaway on Atco Records in 1973. // The release was his last solo studio album. It is noted for including a young Stanley Clarke of Return to Forever on a couple of tracks, as well as drummer Fred White, brother to Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White, who worked with Hathaway in Chicago in the early days. White also played with Hathaway on concert dates and is featured on Hathaway’s live performance recordings. // The opening instrumental track pays homage to the melody of “Here Comes De Honey Man” from The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. // Donny Edward Hathaway (October 1, 1945 – January 13, 1979) was an American soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter, backing vocalist, and arranger who Rolling Stone described as a “soul legend”. His most popular songs include “The Ghetto”, “This Christmas”, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, and “Little Ghetto Boy”. Hathaway is also renowned for his renditions of “A Song for You”, “For All We Know”, “Jealous Guy” and “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”, along with “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You”, two of many collaborations with Roberta Flack. He has been inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame and won one Grammy Award from four nominations. Hathaway was also posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Dutch director David Kleijwegt made a documentary called Mister Soul – A Story About Donny Hathaway, which premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 28, 2020.]
Otis Redding and Carla Thomas – “Tramp” from: King & Queen / Atlantic Records / March 16, 1967 [King & Queen is a studio album by the American recording artists Otis Redding and Carla Thomas. It is Thomas’ fourth album and Redding’s sixth and the final studio album before his death on December 10, 1967. Influenced by Marvin Gaye’s duets, the album features ten covers of soul classics and the eleventh finishing song co-written by Redding. // The album includes crossover hits “Tramp” and “Knock on Wood”. Following Redding’s death, the single “Lovey Dovey” was also released. The original album’s liner notes were written by Tennessee Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. It was released on March 16, 1967, by Stax Records. // Producer Jim Stewart had the idea to produce a duet album with Otis Redding and Carla Thomas, as he thought it would help their musical careers’ progress, and that “[Redding’s] rawness and [Thomas’s] sophistication would work” well together. Another reason to combine the two artists was in the hopes of achieving a success similar to that which Motown singer Marvin Gaye had with both Mary Wells and Kim Weston. Carla Thomas was already successful in the R&B business; she had already had many singles appear in both the Hot 100 and Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles charts, most recently her 1966 song “B-A-B-Y”. Redding agreed to record with Thomas, simply stating, “Well, hey, you from Memphis, you from Tennessee, you can hang”. At the time the album was recorded in January 1967, Thomas was studying at Howard University in Washington D.C. for an M.A. in English. Recorded in about six days (another source states only three days), the album features eleven songs: ten covers of soul classics, and an eleventh song, “Ooh Carla, Ooh Otis”, that Redding co-wrote with Al Bell. It features house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s, pianist Isaac Hayes, and the brass section the Memphis Horns. Six out of eleven songs were cut during their session; the rest were overdubbed by Redding in the following days owing to their concert obligations. // Three singles were released from the album: “Tramp”, the first cut song, was released as a single in April and peaked at number two on Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and at number twenty-six on Billboard Hot 100; “Knock on Wood” peaked in September at number eight on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and number thirty on the Hot 100 charts; and “Lovey Dovey” was released late in 1968, and charted at number twenty-one on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles list and number sixty on the Hot 100. The album was released on March 16, 1967.]
Johnny “Guitar” Watson – “Superman Lover” from: Ain’t That A Bitch / High Fashion Music / September 19, 1976 [John Watson Jr. (February 3, 1935 – May 17, 1996), often known professionally as Johnny “Guitar” Watson, was an American musician. A flamboyant showman and electric guitarist in the style of T-Bone Walker, his recording career spanned 40 years, and encompassed rhythm and blues, funk and soul music. // Watson recorded throughout the 1950s and 1960s with some success. His 1954 instrumental single “Space Guitar” was the first of his recordings to showcase his electric guitar playing. His creative self-reinvention in the 1970s, with funk overtones, saw Watson have hits with “Ain’t That a Bitch” and “Superman Lover”. His highest charting single was 1977’s “A Real Mother for Ya”. // Watson was born in Houston, Texas. His father John Sr. was a pianist, and taught his son the instrument. But young Watson was immediately attracted to the sound of the guitar, in particular the electric guitar as played by T-Bone Walker and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. // His grandfather, a preacher, was also musical. “My grandfather used to sing while he’d play guitar in church, man,” Watson reflected many years later. When Johnny was 11, his grandfather offered to give him a guitar if, and only if, the boy did not play any of the “devil’s music”. His parents separated in 1950, when he was 15. His mother moved to Los Angeles, and took Watson with her. // In his new city, Watson won several local talent shows. This led to his employment, while still a teenager, with jump blues-style bands such as Chuck Higgins’s Mellotones and Amos Milburn. He worked as a vocalist, pianist, and guitarist.[3] He quickly made a name for himself in the African-American juke joints of the West Coast, where he first recorded for Federal Records in 1952. He was billed as Young John Watson until 1954. That year, he saw the Joan Crawford film Johnny Guitar, and a new stage name was born. // On June 7, 1953, Shorty Rogers included Watson as part of his Orchestra to perform at the ninth Cavalcade of Jazz concert, held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, California, which was produced by Leon Hefflin, Sr. Also featured that day were Roy Brown and his Orchestra, Don Tosti and His Mexican Jazzmen, Earl Bostic, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong and his All Stars with Velma Middleton. // Watson affected a swaggering, yet humorous personality, indulging a taste for flashy clothes and wild showmanship on stage. His “attacking” style of playing, without a pick, resulted in him often needing to change the strings on his guitar once or twice a show, because he “stressified on them” so much, as he put it. Watson’s 1954 instrumental single “Space Guitar” was his first recording to show his “sheer off-the-wall madness” on electric guitar, although it did not chart. According to music historian Larry Birnbaum, for “Space Guitar” he “came into his own as a guitarist”. Watson would later influence a subsequent generation of guitarists. His song “Gangster of Love” was first released on Keen Records in 1957. It did not appear in the charts at the time, but was later re-recorded and became a hit in 1978, becoming Watson’s “most famous song”. // He toured and recorded with his friend Larry Williams, as well as Little Richard, Don and Dewey, the Olympics, Johnny Otis and, in the mid-1970s with David Axelrod.[3] In 1975 he was a guest performer on two tracks (flambe vocals on the out-choruses of “San Ber’dino” and “Andy”) on the Frank Zappa album, One Size Fits All. He also played with Herb Alpert and George Duke. But as the popularity of blues declined and the era of soul music dawned in the 1960s, Watson transformed himself from southern blues singer with pompadour into urban soul singer in a pimp hat. His new style was emphatic – wearing gold teeth, broad-brimmed hats, flashy suits, fashionable outsized sunglasses and ostentatious jewelry. // He modified his music accordingly. His albums Ain’t That a Bitch[3] (included funk blues singles “Superman Lover” and “I Need It”) and A Real Mother For Ya (1977) fused funk and blues. Reviewing A Real Mother for Ya, Robert Christgau wrote in Christgau’s Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981): “Watson has been perfecting his own brand of easy-listening funk for years, and this time he’s finally gone into the studio with his guitar Freddie and his drummer Emry and a bunch of electric keyboards and come up with a whole album of good stuff. The riff-based tracks go on too long but go down easy and the lyrics have an edge. Granted, Watson can’t match George Benson’s chops, but this is dance music, chops would just get in the way. And I prefer his Lou-Rawls-without-pipes to Benson’s Stevie-Wonder-ditto”. The title track, “A Real Mother for Ya”, released in 1977, was Watson’s highest charting single. // Watson’s album Love Jones was released in 1980. The death of his friend Larry Williams by gunshot in 1980 and other personal setbacks, led to Watson briefly withdrawing from the spotlight in the 1980s. “I got caught up with the wrong people doing the wrong things”, he was quoted as saying by The New York Times. // The release of his album Bow Wow in 1994 brought Watson more visibility and chart success than he had ever known. The album received a Grammy Award nomination. In a 1994 interview with David Ritz for liner notes to The Funk Anthology, Watson was asked if his 1980 song “Telephone Bill” anticipated rap music. “Anticipated?” Watson replied. “I damn well invented it! … And I wasn’t the only one. Talking rhyming lyrics to a groove is something you’d hear in the clubs everywhere from Macon to Memphis. Man, talking has always been the name of the game. When I sing, I’m talking in melody. When I play, I’m talking with my guitar. I may be talking trash, baby, but I’m talking”. // In 1995, he was given a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in a presentation and performance ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium. In February 1995, Watson was interviewed by Tomcat Mahoney for his Brooklyn, New York-based blues radio show The Other Half. Watson discussed at length his influences and those he had influenced, referencing Guitar Slim, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He made a special guest appearance on Bo Diddley’s 1996 and final studio album, A Man Amongst Men, playing vocoder on the track “I Can’t Stand It” and singing on the track “Bo Diddley Is Crazy”. // “Johnny was always aware of what was going on around him”, recalled Susan Maier Watson (later to become his wife) in an interview printed in the liner notes to the album The Very Best of Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson (1999). “He was proud that he could change with the times and not get stuck in the past”. // Watson died of a heart attack while on tour on May 17, 1996, collapsing on stage at the Ocean Boulevard Blues Cafe in Yokohama, Japan. At around 7:40, when performing the first verse of “Superman Lover”, his first song of the night, he made a gesture as if pushing the microphone stand towards the audience, with his hand on his chest and fell down on his back. He was pronounced dead, at a nearby hospital, less than two hours later. Two days afterward one of Watson’s band mates told the audience, “Johnny once said that if he were to die, he wanted to die on stage”. He was 61. Watson left behind two children. His remains were brought home for interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California, and buried in the Great Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Enduring Honor, Holly Terrace entrance. Since 2022 his son De Jon has been employed with the American professional baseball team the Washington Nationals. // Watson stated: “I used to play the guitar standing on my hands, I had a 150 foot cord and I could get on top of the auditorium – those things Jimi Hendrix was doing, I started that shit”! // Frank Zappa stated that “Watson’s 1956 song ‘Three Hours Past Midnight’ inspired me to become a guitarist”. Watson contributed to Zappa’s albums One Size Fits All (1975), Them or Us (1984), Thing-Fish (1984) and Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention (1985). In an August 1979 issue of Musician magazine Zappa said, “To me, it seems incomprehensible that a person could listen to ‘Three Hours Past Midnight’ by Johnny Guitar Watson and not be moved to get violent… I mean, that’s really saying something. Same with the guitar solo on ‘Story Of My Life’ by Guitar Slim. I mean, that stuff used to make me violent. I’d just want to get an icepick and go out and work over the neighborhood!” // Steve Miller recorded Watson’s “Gangster of Love” on his 1968 album Sailor. Miller then made a reference to his song title in his 1969 song “Space Cowboy” (“And you know that I’m a gangster of love”) from his 1969 album, Brave New World. Miller’s 1973 hit song “The Joker” included the lyric “Some call me the gangster of love”. Miller had also borrowed the sobriquet for his own “The Gangster Is Back”, on his 1971 album Rock Love. // Jimmie Vaughan, brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan, is quoted as saying: “When my brother Stevie and I were growing up in Dallas, we idolized very few guitarists. We were highly selective and highly critical. Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson was at the top of the list, along with Freddie, Albert and B. B. King”. Watson influenced Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, Etta James, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. // Bobby Womack said: “Music-wise, he (Watson) was the most dangerous gunslinger out there, even when others made a lot of noise in the charts – I’m thinking of Sly Stone or George Clinton”. // Etta James stated, in an interview at the 2006 Rochester International Jazz Festival: “Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson … Just one of my favorite singers of all time. I first met him when we were both on the road with Johnny Otis in the ’50s, when I was a teenager. We traveled the country in a car together so I would hear him sing every night. His singing style was the one I took on when I was 17 – people used to call me the female Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson and him the male Etta James … He knew what the blues was all about”. James is also quoted as saying: “I got everything from Johnny … He was my main model … My whole ballad style comes from my imitating Johnny’s style… He was the baddest and the best … Johnny Guitar Watson was not just a guitarist: the man was a master musician. He could call out charts; he could write a beautiful melody or a nasty groove at the drop of a hat; he could lay on the harmonies and he could come up with a whole sound”. // Interviewed after his death, blues producer Mike Vernon said of Watson, a friend and colleague: “In the blues world, there are very, very few innovative talents of the size of a Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson… John has constantly experimented, he’s tried to stay with the times, and created a lot of fantastic music which the anoraks of the blues world tend to pooh-pooh. A talent like John’s is very hard to keep in check”.]
The Force M.D.’s (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Force M.D.’s – “Love is a House” from: Touch and Go / Tommy Boy Music / January 1, 1987 [The Force M.D.s are an American R&B vocal group that was formed in 1981 in Staten Island, New York. Although the group has old school hip hop roots, it is perhaps best known for their soulful R&B tunes such as “Tender Love,” “Love Is a House,” “Tears,” and “Here I Go Again.” They are considered major forerunners of the new jack swing movement. // The band was originally named The L.D.s, and then became the Force MCs.Though the group was not quite always as recognizable as other New York R&B acts when it first started, they were among the first R&B vocal groups to intermix doo-wop-affected singing with and sometimes over hip-hop beats. // The group was composed of brothers Stevie D., Antoine “T.C.D.” (February 3, 1963 – January 18, 1998), and Rodney “Khalil” Lundy, and their uncle Jessie Lee Daniels (July 4, 1963 – January 4, 2022). Later, friends Trisco Pearson (October 23, 1962 – September 16, 2016) and Charles “Mercury” Nelson (December 19, 1964 – March 9, 1995) from the Mariners Harbor housing projects joined the group. // The group began performing on Times Square, New York City street corners and during trips on the Staten Island ferry. After the L.D.s connected with DJ Dr. Rock (Roger Daniels) they then performed as “Dr. Rock & the Force MCs.”[2] The group was discovered by hip hop promoter Vansilk in summer 1981. The three members were Dr. Rock, Stevie D. and Mercury. In collaboration with Dr. Rock, the group continued to perfect their unique sound, which was unusual at the time: a fusion of doo-wop harmonies and hip-hop that involved singing, rapping and group member’s “human beatbox” melodies at underground hip hop shows. They gained even more credibility and respect from local fans after competing in an emcee lyrical battle against the well known Cold Crush Brothers from the Bronx in 1983. // By 1984, the group signed with Tommy Boy Records. This is the same year the group changed their name to the Force MDs, which stood for “Musical Diversity”. They had developed into a quiet storm/contemporary R&B group, with its top-ten R&B hit, “Tears”, from the debut album, Love Letters. (With the exception of their first album, the group was the first act on Tommy Boy to have major-label distribution through its then-parent Warner Bros. Records.) // The group produced a collection of R&B hits throughout the 1980s, and received overwhelming commercial success from the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-penned love song “Tender Love” from their second album, 1985’s Chillin’. The song was featured in the 1985 feature film and soundtrack Krush Groove, and proved to be a success, peaking at No. 10 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming an instant R&B classic after it stayed on the chart for 19 weeks. “Tender Love” was also one of the tracks that helped Jam & Lewis garner a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year. The song “Itchin’ for a Scratch” was performed by the group in the 1985 feature film Rappin’, and was also part of the soundtrack. // In 1987 they finally scored their first R&B #1 hit, “Love Is a House,” from their third album, Touch and Go. // By the late 1980s the group’s popularity began to wane. A fourth album, Step to Me, was released in 1990, which featured record production by Full Force, Marley Marl, Monte Moir (of the band The Time), and others. Members Pearson and Nelson left soon afterward, replaced by original member Rodney “Khalil” Lundy (who had initially left the band early in their career) and new member Shawn Waters. The group then released the album Moments in Time in 1994, but failed to chart or produce any hits. In 1996 the group appeared on several tracks on the Ghostface Killah album Ironman. // hree of the group’s members died during the latter half of the 1990s: Nelson suffered a fatal heart attack in 1995; former collaborator DJ Dr. Rock died suddenly of AIDS in 1996; and in 1998, Antoine Lundy died of Lou Gehrig’s disease. // Surviving members of the group’s classic lineup – Daniels, Pearson, and Stevie D. Lundy – along with Rodney Lundy returned with a comeback album, The Reunion, in 2000, but it failed to chart or register any hits. Damen Heyward, a native of The Bronx formerly of the mid-/late-1980s group 4 By Four, later joined the group as well. After leaving the group, Heyward went on to tour with artists such as Joe. // Trisco Pearson died on September 16, 2016, at age 53, after a battle with stage 4 cancer. His death was announced by Bow Legged Lou of Full Force. Jessie Daniels died on January 4, 2022, at the age of 58.]
Alicia Keys – “Underdog” from: ALICIA / RCA – Sony Records Corp / September 18, 2020 [Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer and songwriter. A classically trained pianist, Keys began composing songs at the age of 12 and was signed by Columbia Records at 15. After disputes with the label, she signed with J Records to release her debut studio album, Songs in A Minor (2001). Met with critical acclaim and commercial success, the album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won five awards at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards. It contained the Billboard Hot 100-number one single “Fallin'”. Her second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), was met with continued success, selling eight million units worldwide and spawning the singles “You Don’t Know My Name”, “If I Ain’t Got You”, and “Diary” (featuring Tony! Toni! Toné!).[8] Its release earned an additional four Grammy Awards. // Her 2004 duet with Usher, “My Boo”, became her second number-one single in the US. Keys’s first live album, Unplugged (2005), spawned the single “Unbreakable” and made her the first female artist to have an MTV Unplugged project debut atop the Billboard 200. Her third album, As I Am (2007), sold seven million units worldwide and yielded her third Billboard Hot 100-number one single, “No One”. In 2007, Keys made her film debut in the action-thriller Smokin’ Aces, and performed the theme song to the James Bond film Quantum of Solace with her single “Another Way to Die” (with Jack White) the following year.[10] Her fourth album, The Element of Freedom (2009), peaked atop the UK Albums Chart, sold four million copies worldwide, and was supported by the singles “Doesn’t Mean Anything”, “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart”, and “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)”. // Keys guest appeared on Jay-Z’s 2009 single “Empire State of Mind”, which became her fourth number-one hit in the US. Her fifth album, Girl on Fire (2012), was her fourth non-consecutive album to peak the Billboard 200, and was supported by its lead single of the same name; her sixth album, Here (2016), peaked at number two on the chart. Her seventh and eighth studio albums, Alicia (2020) and Keys (2021), spawned the singles “Show Me Love” (featuring Miguel), “Underdog”, “Lala” and “Best of Me”. Her ninth, Santa Baby (2022), was a holiday album and her first independent release. In 2023, she wrote, composed and co-produced her first Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen, which won two Tony Awards. // Keys has sold over 90 million records worldwide, making her one of the world’s best-selling music artists. She was named by Billboard as the Top Artist of the 2000s in the R&B/Hip-Hop category, and placed tenth on their list of Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years. She has received numerous accolades in her career, including 17 Grammy Awards, 17 NAACP Image Awards, 12 ASCAP Awards, and an award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and National Music Publishers Association. Keys was also honored with the Producers & Engineers Wing Award and the Global Impact Award by the Recording Industry Association of America. VH1 included her on their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and 100 Greatest Women in Music lists, while Time has named her in their 100 list of most influential people in 2005 and 2017. Keys is also acclaimed for her humanitarian work, philanthropy, and activism. She co-founded the nonprofit HIV/AIDS-fighting organization Keep a Child Alive in 2003, for which she serves as Global Ambassador.]
Steel Pulse – “Worth His Weight in Gold (Rally Round)” (CD #23) (4:34) from: True Democracy / Electra Records / May 4, 1982 [Steel Pulse are a roots reggae band from the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England. They originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, and were composed of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals), and Ronald McQueen (bass); along with Basil’s brother Colin briefly on drums and Mykaell Riley (vocals, percussion). Steel Pulse were the first non-Jamaican act to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Collectively the band has won one Grammy award with nine nominations. // Frontman David Hinds of Steel Pulse in concert in Antwerp, 2022. // Basil Gabbidon and David Hinds became inspired to form Steel Pulse after listening to Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Catch a Fire. The band formed in 1975; their debut single release “Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku” arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. They followed it with “Nyah Luv” for Anchor. They were initially refused live dates in Caribbean venues in Birmingham due to their Rastafarian beliefs. During the popularization of punk rock in the mid-1970’s, Steel Pulse began to play punk venues such as the Hope and Anchor in London and The Electric Circus in Manchester in 1976. // Aligning themselves closely with the Rock Against Racism organization and featuring in its first music festival in early 1978, they chose to tour with sympathetic elements of the punk movement, including the Stranglers and XTC. Eventually they found a more natural home in support slots for Burning Spear, which brought them to the attention of Island Records. // Their first release for Island was the “Ku Klux Klan” single, about the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage; the song was ranked the 460th-greatest song of all time in Rolling Stone’s 2020 edition of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. By this time, their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn Brown (keyboards), Steve “Grizzly” Nisbett (drums), Alphonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Mykaell Riley (vocals). Their debut album, Handsworth Revolution (recorded in 1977 and released in early 1978), was part the evolution of roots reggae outside Jamaica. However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island Records had soured by the advent of their third album, Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever). // The band made their US concert debut at the Mudd Club in New York in 1980. // Tom Terrell, who would later serve as their manager, was instrumental in masterminding a Steel Pulse concert on the night of Bob Marley’s funeral, which was broadcast live around the world from the 9:30 Club, 930 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., on 21 May 1981. // In 1982 Steel Pulse formed their own label Wise Man Doctrine Records. They also reached a distribution deal with Elektra Records for the US market. They released True Democracy, distinguished by the Garvey-eulogizing ‘Rally Round’ cut. A further definitive set arrived in Earth Crisis in 1984. However, Elektra chose to take a leaf out of Island’s book in trying to coerce Steel Pulse into a more mainstream vein, asking them to emulate the pop-reggae stance of Eddy Grant.[5] Babylon the Bandit was consequently weakened, but did contain “Not King James Version”. // Steel Pulse released Babylon The Bandit in 1985, for which the band won a Grammy award. // Their next move was to MCA for State of Emergency (1988), which retained some of the synthesized dance elements of its predecessor. // Rastafari Centennial, Steel Pulse’s first live record, was recorded live at the Elysee Montmartre in Paris, over three nights in January 1992, and dedicated to the hundred-year anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassie.[6] It was the first recording since the defection of Alphonso Martin, leaving the trio of Hinds, Nisbett and Selwyn. While they still faced criticism at the hands of British reggae fans, in the United States their reputation was growing, becoming the first ever reggae band to appear on the Tonight television show. Their profile was raised further when, in 1992, Hinds challenged the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission in the Supreme Court, asserting that their cab drivers discriminated against black people in general and Rastafarians in particular. The lawsuit was later dropped by Steel Pulse. // In 1989 the group contributed I Can’t Stand it to the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s film Do The Right Thing. // In 1994 the group headlined some of the world’s biggest reggae festivals including Reggae Sunsplash USA, Jamaican Sunsplash, Japan Splash and Northern California annual Reggae on the River Festival. In 1986, Steel Pulse contributed a version of “Franklin’s Tower” on Pow Wow Records’ Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead compilation. They recorded The Police’s “Can’t Stand Losing You” for a reggae compilation of Police tunes that appeared on the Ark 21 label. Rastanthology, a 17-song collection of Steel Pulse classics, was released on the band’s own Wise Man Doctrine label in 1996. // In 1997 the band released Rage and Fury. // Until February 2001 it had been many years since Pulse had performed in their hometown of Birmingham. They decided to perform at the Ray Watts memorial concert, which was held at the Irish Centre. Pulse shared the stage with Watts’ band, Beshara, along with other artists from Birmingham. // In 2004 Steel Pulse returned to their militant roots with African Holocaust – their eleventh studio album. With guest appearances by Damian Marley, Capleton, and Tiken Jah Fakoly (on the track African Holocaust), the album is a collection of protest and spiritual songs, including “Global Warning” (a dire warning about climate change), “Tyrant”, a protest song against political corruption, and “No More Weapons”, an anti-war song. Also featured on the album is a cover of the Bob Dylan song, “George Jackson”. // In 2007 the band released a music video for the track “Door of No Return”. The video was produced by Driftwood Pictures Ltd., and was shot on location in Senegal and New York City. The video was directed by Trishul Thejasvi and produced by Yoni Gal. The video had its world premier at the Times 51st BFI London Film Festival in October 2007. // In a 2013 interview with Midnight Raver, David Hinds indicated that a new studio album and documentary, tentatively titled Steel Pulse: The Definitive Story, would be released in 2014.[10] However, on 10 July 2014 Midnight Raver reported that, according to Hinds, both the studio album and documentary will be delayed until at least 2015. // In anticipation of a new Steel Pulse album, the Roots Reggae Library has indexed two compilation albums of the latest Steel Pulse singles. The albums are called Positivity and Jah Way, both named after tracks on the albums. // In October 2018 Steel Pulse announced their new album, the first in 14 years, Mass Manipulation, was released on Rootfire Cooperative[13] a non-traditional label which provides interest free loans and label services to independent musicians.[14] The single “Stop You Coming and Come” was released on 7 December. The album was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Awards. // On 22 March 2023 the Easy Star All-Stars released a cover of “Five Years” in collaboration with Steel Pulse, from their album Ziggy Stardub, a reggae reimagining of David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. A music video, directed by Robert Bartolome, was released on the same day. // Former drummer Conrad Kelly died on 8 May 2024, at the age of 65. // A Grammy Award was given for their 1986 album Babylon the Bandit. Steel Pulse has also been nominated for albums Victims (1991), Rastafari Centennial (1992), Rage and Fury (1998), Living Legacy (2000). and Mass Manipulation (2019).]
Maysa – “Pouring Rain” from: Blue Velvet Soul / Shanachie Ent. Group / June 18, 2013 [Maysa Leak (born August 16, 1966) is an American jazz singer better known by her mononym Maysa. She is well known by fans of smooth jazz both for her solo work and her work with the British band Incognito. // Leak attended Milford Mill High School in western Baltimore County.[2] After receiving her degree from Morgan State University, Maysa headed to Southern California to perform with Stevie Wonder’s female backup group Wonderlove.[1] While with Wonder, Maysa was a vocalist on the Jungle Fever soundtrack. It was during an over-the-telephone audition in the early 1990s that Maysa became a member of the British jazz/funk/R&B band Incognito and, in 1992, she relocated to London and recorded Tribes, Vibes & Scribes, featuring the hit single “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”. Maysa recorded her self-titled debut in 1995. Maysa has also collaborated with jazz performers such as Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, Will Downing, Jason Miles’ Soul Summit, Rhythm Logic, Jonathan Butler, and Pieces of a Dream. Maysa continues to live in Baltimore. She has a son named Jazz.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
A really big THANK YOU to every one of you who donated during Wednesday MidDay Medley and our Summer Fund Drive for KKFI 90.1 FM. We had 47 individuals donate a total of $3529.00 in support of Community Radio. Special thanks go to my co-hosts and guests: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, Sandra Draper and Steve Tulipana and Lincoln Dreher!!!
Next week, on August 6 – Mark Welcomes Special Guests Day Shepherd, Paul Jesse, and Keyon Woods
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Mark spins more of WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! with tracks from: Anna Moss & Calvin Arsenia, The Matchsellers, Lee Walter Redding, David Luther, Lucy Gray, Boxknife, Radkey, Bobcat Attack, Maya Mikity, and T.A. Rell.
At 10:30am we talk with Bobcat Attack, the moniker of electronic music artist Nathan Reusch. Nathan is co-founder of The Record Machine an area music label celebrating 21 years! Nathan grew up hanging out at the legendary Kansas City record store, Recycled Sounds with Anne Winter & Billy Smith and influenced by emo/punk. Nathan first started making electronic music as Bobcat Attack in the early 2000s, opening for Taking Back Sunday, Coheed and Cambria, Joy Electric, Atom & His Package. In 2003, Nathan started, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he co-founded the Middle of the Map Fest. Nathan’s focus on making music came to a halt. Under Nathan’s leadership The Record Machine has been a home for: Static Phantoms, Monta at Odds, Various Blonde, Cowboy Indian Bear, LaGuerre, The Philistines, and Black Light Animals and many more. The pandemic inspired Reusch to renew his interest in making his own music again. After a few months of experimenting with patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. Bobcat Attack is releasing a new EP called Year of The Bobcat on August 1, and will play an EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.
At 11:00 Mark welcomes SYLKYSAN as Guest Producer for our second hour. SYLKYSAN aka Sandra Draper has been training as a new KKFI Programmer with Wednesday MidDay Medley. SYLKYSAN is the name her Aunt gave her back in the 1980s, explaining that silk comes in a variety of textures. SYLKYSAN says that you will hear a smorgasbord of music from her that will move your mind, body and soul. Go ahead and snap your fingers, tap your feet, bob your head, because we are going to have a House Party! SYLKYSAN will spin tracks from: Traffic, Pleasure, James Ward Band, Clifford Mills, Donny Hathaway, Otis Redding & Carla Thomas, Johnny “Guitar” Wilson, Force MD’s, Alicia Keys, Steel Pulse, and Maysa.
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! (Part 2) + Steve Tulipana + Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, and Sandra Draper
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
Redder Moon – “Drown The Fire” from: If You’re Falling, Dive / Redder Moon / April 25, 2025 [Produced by: Jeremiah James Gonzales. Engineered and Mixed by: Jeremiah James Gonzales, Brody Lowe, Ross Brown. All instruments and Songwriting: Jeremiah James Gonzales with content contributions by: Jason Scott, Brody Lowe, Eric B Lopez, Lauren Chavez. // Redder Moon is a Kansas City based band led by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brodie Lowe using analog synths, dark dance beats, dreamy guitars, we create Mono No Aware music.. The band began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto. Brody Lowe moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. The band released their EP, LAND OF THE BLIND on June 13, followed by an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, on November 5, 2021. ]
[Redder Moon plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00pm with Nite, Immortal Girlfriend, and Bobcat Attack.]
Keo & Them – “Eyesore” from: “Eyesore” – Single / Midtopia / March 14, 2025 [The new single marks a sonic departure from previous Keo & Them releases, something bandleader Keo notes is by design and a welcome change from previous material from the group. // Keo & Them released their single “Fire”on March 15, 2024. // Keo & Them released their 7-track album, THIS TIME AROUND on October 28, 2023. // When Neo-soul meets funk, meets R&B, meets pop, meets hip hop & even rock sometimes. Keo & Them released the single “Fool Me Once” on October 6, 2023 on Midtopia. Leo & Them released the three song single “Don’t Say” with “Be Still” and “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” on June 2, 2023 on Midtopia. And earlier “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” was release by itself on March 2, 2023. For Wichita-based, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Keo, making music is as much about the one creates and the songs one writes as it is about making deeper connections with the other people partaking in an artistic journey. From the unique flavors, perspectives, and performances they each contribute, Keo finds the “Them” that brings her project Keo & Them full circle. // First formed and conceptualized by Keo in 2018, the collective consists of Keo and a revolving door of musicians and collaborators, each of whose contributions would leave an indelible mark on the project’s ever-adapting sound that merges the worlds of 70’s pop and R&B with the moody glow of contemporary neo-soul and beyond. For Keo, the project’s sole constant member, the fluid line-up allowed her to become immersed and acquainted with a Wichita music scene she was completely new to and overwhelmed by. Through meeting, jamming, and performing with the Kansas town’s tight-knit and eclectic music scene in which Keo found something akin to a family. More info at: https://linktr.ee/keoandthem [Keo & Them played Outer Reaches Fest, on Sat, Oct. 14 at recordBar.]
[Keo & Them play recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Fri, July 25, 7:30pm with Jamogi & The Jammers]
10:07 – Pledge Break #1
Today is part 2 of our 3-week series: WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…so Far!
We bring you this special show as part of our KKFI Summer Fund Drive with special co-hosts:
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. For nearly 50 years she has been playing the violin and fiddle professionally 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 acclaimed solo records, and records & performs with the bands: Little Miss Dynamite, The Starhaven Rounders, Ernest James Zydeco, and with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as the internationally known, Betse & Clarke.
Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Mikal Shapiro is the creator and co-host and producer of Siren Song, Saturdays at 11:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio. Mikal is also the co-founder of River Trade Radio on 90.1 FM. Mikal Shapiro is the coordinator of the annual Kansas City Folk Fest. They are also founder of State City Films creating documentary and experimental filmmaking practices. A third generation storyteller, they draw inspiration from their travels, love life, and the state of the Union. Mikal studied Film History, Film, & Writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. They received their MFA in Film/Video/New Media/Animation from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012. Artist, filmmaker, puppeteer, ring-leader, Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. They have toured extensively across the United States and have recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums. Mikal records and performs with their band The Musical. They also perform with Shapiro Brothers, and Monta At Odds, and Religion of Heartbreak.
Mikal Shapiro, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Sandra Draper is a member of KKFI’s Board of Directors, Sandra was born in Kansas City and attended Paseo High School. Sandra became a student at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and eventually returning to Kansas City to complete her last year graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree studying history and communications at University of Missouri at Kansas City. She is the mother of four children three sons and one daughter. While her children were all born on different years 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981 two of her sons were born on the same day, and her daughter and other son were also born on the same day. For the past year Sandra has been volunteering at KKFI and has been in training to host and produce her own radio show, Silky San’s Soul Sensation coming soon in the overnight hours on 90.1 FM
Sandra Draper, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio is Non-Commercial, and that means that three times a year, we interrupt our regular programming, to ask our listeners, to help us continue our unique, 24-7 programming. For 37 years 90.1 FM KKFI has been on the air. While the spirit of this station is kept alive by hundreds of volunteers who passionately donate their time and abilities to keep the transmission of our 100,000-watt-signal alive. We are operated by a not-for-profit organization, incorporated over 45 years ago, called The MidCoast Radio Project. We are a non-profit, with a dedicated paid staff of four incredible individuals, and hundreds of volunteers, who donate thousands of hours every year, producing radio shows, training new hosts & producers, developing new radio shows, serving our vast community landscape with music and news, information and stories that reflect the many communities we serve. We do all of this because of YOU and it is because of our incredible listeners.
You’re the reason we’re able to stay alive and on the airwaves for all of these past 37 years.
90.1 FM KKFI is “Radio Powered By Diversity” For 37 Years our Kansas City Area Community Speaks Through our Airwaves and this Program.
So far… in 2025 on Wednesday MidDay Medley Mark has interviewed 106 Guests: Krystle Warren, elska, Michelle Bacon, Mike Dillon, Peregrine Honig, Malek Azrael, Joshua Luke, Izzy Vivas, Julie Bennet Hume, Doug Hitchcock, Diana Watts, Kevin King, Daniel Gum, Chris Garibaldi, Mark Henning, Ross Brown, Miquel Antonio, Daniel Cole, Paul Seiz, Cody Ryan Stapleton, Matt Muckenthaler, Nathan Reusch, Zach Lamun, Les Izmore, Charlie Colborne, Billy Belzer, T.A. Rell, Just Angel, Dylan Pease, Andy Wooden, Betse Ellis, Rachel Christia, Mikal Shapiro, Seth Davis, Evan Verploegh, Shanté Clair, Benjamin Baker, SEYKO, Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Noah Cassity, Kole Waters, Alex May, Stephonne, Danielle Anderson, Zach Hodson, Valerie Schurman, Joe Frogge, Fally Afani, Til Willis, Heather Pontonio, Jose Faus, Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman, Chico Sierra, Zo E., Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, J. Ashley Miller, Grace Broadhead, Jason Turk, Sandra Draper, Enrique Chi, Julia Othmer, James T. Lundie, Alber, Jennie Ferguson, Scott Mize, Matt Kesler, Shaun Crowley, Paul Jesse, Alex Wong, Jen Kiper, David Luther, Sergio Anthony Gonzalez, Jeremiah James Gonzalez, Katlyn Conroy, Chris Catterall, Cheyenne Jackson, Kate McCandless, Moksha Sommer, Jemal Wade Hines, Chris Haghirian, James McGee, Meighan Peifer, Michael McQuary, Joey Arias, Lonnie Fisher, Tara Fisher, Adee Dancy aka Sisterbot, Hadiza., Suzannah Johannes, Keelon Van, Alyssa Murray, Ernest Melton, Mará Williams, J.M. Banks, Beth Watts Nelson, Spencer Thompson, Amanda Davis, Derek Trautwein, Dedric Moore, Rachel Lovelace, Kai McGarry, Alicia McGarry and Steve Tulipana.
10:15 – WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…so Far!
Jamogi & The Jammers – “Hot Block (Flew The Coop Live)” from: Jamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live) / Jam Tunes / April 11, 2025. [Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California. Jamogi released the single “Do It To Me” on March 28, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Go Big or Go Home” on August 30, 2024, Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire. Kamogi and the Jammers played Boulevardia 2025]
[Jamogi & The Jammers play recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave., KCMO, on Friday, July 25 at 7:30pm with Keo & Them]
Saving Miles Lemon – “In The Night” from: You’re A Star – EP / Frequency / June 6, 2025 [Performed by: Saving Miles Lemon. Written by: Miguel Silva-Leon. Produced by: Saving Miles Lemon. One of three new singles released in the last few months from Saving Miles Lemon. Saving Miles Lemon released “Hidden Inventory” on May 2, 2025. Saving Miles Lemon released “The Line” on March 28, 2025. // Saving Miles Lemon released “In The Night” on January 16. 2025// Saving Miles Lemom released the 13-track full-length album LOVELY/ on October 6, 2023. Saving Miles Lemon is the psychedelic-pop project of Miguel Silva-Leon. Formed in 2019 with the goal of releasing an album by the end of the year, the project has transformed into a full-blown musical odyssey for Miguel (who likes to go by Mig) to explore new sounds. It’s hard to define what genre Saving Miles Lemon fits into as they like to let the music go where it wants to go. From smooth dance pop, to blown-out stoner rock, Mig likes to keep things interesting and never stay with one sound for too long. // Having grown up learning to play the piano at the age of 7, Miguel found themselves picking up new instruments frequently from the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe to guitar/bass and drums. Just as with their instruments, Mig began practicing their production skills in high school with small bedroom projects and hardcore bands. In a way, nothing has changed, as all of Saving Miles Lemon’s music is recorded and produced entirely by Mig in their bedroom studio to this day. // Their live members include Jacob Frisbee (bass), James Wiltfang (keys), and Zeke Bockleman (drums). // As a live act, the band began performing in 2021 and quickly took over the DIY scene in Kansas City before moving on to the bar/venue scene with sold-out shows at The Rino (KCMO) and The Bottleneck (LFK). They’ve opened for national and international touring bands such as Cub Sport at The Encore at Uptown Theatre (KCMO). // Saving Miles Lemon has released two full-length LPs and a handful of singles.]
2W33DY – “Why You So Mean” from: Why You So Mean / 2W33DY / February 7, 2025 [Lead Guitar: Diyana; Drums and Pedal Steel: Bradford; Bass: Kennedy; Guitar and Vox: Kenia. // Recorded with Caufield Schnug. The band writes, “We recorded these tracks in Lawrence, KS with Caufield Shnug and his cozy studio. From there I took a lot of deliberating and experimenting with mixing and mastering. We ran each track through Brad’s tried and true marantz 8-Track and from there mixing and mastering was a team effort.” They go on to say, “We are excited to bring you more new music as we continue on our journey as the “most dangerous band in KC”.]
She Said – “Time” from: What! / May 10, 2025 [Jennie Ferguson on vocals & guitar, Scott Mize on guitar, Doug Hitchcock on drums, and Matt Kesler, on bass. Matt Kesler and Scott Mize used to be in a band called Sylvan Grove. Lyrics by Jennie Ferguson, music by Jennie Ferguson and She Said. Produced by She Said. Recorded and Engineered by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound in Shawnee, Kansas. Mixing by Paul Malinowski and She Said. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Jennie Ferguson and Scott Mize used to play in a band called Shotgun Solution. This was after the time of Jennie’s all-girl psych/pop band PMS. Doug Hitchcock has played with Matt Kesler in the Midtown Jazz Quartet. Doug has played with Freedie Johston, and the band Near Death Experience. Matt Kesler also plays in the famous bands The Pedajets and The Doo Dads.]
Today on WMM we are playing our Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025. 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 KC and Lawrence and the radiance of our 100 watt signal. The story of KC’s Arts and Music Community is our primary focus on WMM, where for 21 years we have shined a light on the artists, the bands, the companies, the music venues, the music labels, the recording studios, the record stores, the radio stations, the music journalists, the music festivals, the music conservatories and schools, the music and art foundations, and New & MidCoastal musical releases.
Mark Manning and Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM was the first to play the recordings of: Calvin Arsenia, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Krystle Warren, The ACBs, Rev. Gusto, The Black Creatures, The Shy Boys, The Salvation Choir, The Creepy Jingles, Ivory Blue, Stephonne, Collidescope, Miki P., Marmoppes, Juliette Frost, Kai McGarry. We were the first to interview these artists live on the radio and bring their music to a wider audience.
One way to learn more about KC’s Music Community is 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat., Sept. 6, 3pm to Midnight, in West Bottoms at Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing, Livestock Exchange, The Campground, Voltaire, The Ox Cafe & Bakery(VIP Venue) with KRYSTLE WARREN / LAURA NOBLE & FRIENDS / THE MGDS / RUDY LOVE AND THE ENCORE / SEYKO / STRANDED IN THE CITY / FRIENDLY THIEVES / LITTLE MISS DYNAMITE / FLAT SUSAN / ROYAL CHIEF / SASS-A-BRAS / THE WHIPS / JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER / SARA SWENSON / TALIA KEYS / JELLY ROSE / MARIACHI ESTRELLA & GRUPO FOLKLÓRICO ALMA TAPATÍA / TERI QUINN & THE COYOTES / 3 TRAILS WEST / DJ THUNDERCUTZ / NATURE BOYS / TIMBERS / SKY SMEED / JULIE BENNETT HUME & ERNEST JAMES / DJ NANA G / LINEA FRONTERA / DYM N D / RURAL GRIT ALL STARS / THE APOLOGIES / JOHN KECK / OSEZUA / BOBBY SCHARPING / ART AS MENTORSHIP PRESENTS THE REBEL SONG ACADEMY Info at: http://www.cmfkc.com]
Timothy Finn in KC Star named WMM “The Best Place to Hear Local Music on the Radio.” and the Best Place to hear area musicians talk about their music.
10:37 – WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…so Far!
RxGhost – “Sponsored Content” from: “Sponsored Content” – Singles / Celery Wolf / July 10, 2025 [RxGhost is: Josh Thomas on vocals & guitar, Justin Brooks on drums, James Capps on guitar, Chris Smead on bass, and Jeremiah James Gonzales. Scaffolding was produced by RxGhost, recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and Recording engineer by Josh Thomas. Music by RxGhost and Lyrics by Josh Thomas. RxGhost released their single “Anytime But Now” / “Undersaid” on March 14, 2025. RxGhost released their album Scaffolding on April 11, 2024, part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. More info at: rxghost.bandcamp.com]
Honestav – “Hurts To Fall In Love (Radio Edit)” from: hara-kiri (Deluxe) / Rebel Music / May 16, 2025 [honestav is Av Freeman: a determined, kindred soul who, in the face of unimaginable odds and loss, found himself a breakout hit with 2024’s “I’d Rather Overdose” and a ticket out of rural Missouri. // Growing up the youngest of four brothers and a sister, he caught the music bug early: “They all wanted to be rockstars,” Av says. “I was a little kid going and watching my sixteen-year-old brother play screamo shows in bowling alleys and pizza joints. I was hooked. I wanted it bad.” // He split his time between his parents, spending half the month with his mother and half with his dad. “My mom was the worst tweaker ever,” he explains. “She lived in the hood and got arrested multiple times selling meth.” Life with his father was relatively stable, but still not comfortable. “There was no A.C. and no food,” Av says, “but I was going to school and playing sports. Half the month, I was the quarterback, and the other half, I was running around with no socks, smoking cigarettes with the worst kids.”// From the start, Av’s music was a response to tragedy; at age fifteen, Av found his brother dead from suicide. Amid this grief, Av adopted a tough-guy rap persona. He recorded music obsessively, releasing a song a week for over a hundred weeks in a row. “Literally for two years,” he says. “Sometimes I’d drop even more. I’d record four songs in a night and post two of them.” These years of experimentation reveal themselves in Av’s blend of folk and hip-hop, which sees scratchy verses layered over sensitive acoustic guitars. // After graduating high school, Av paid his bills selling weed. “I thought that’s how I was going to live,” he says. “I’d just be a dude that sells weed. I didn’t even think about the rockstar thing.” Then he got hired as a mover. He held that job for four years. “It was a grind, and I stayed up in the studio every night,” he remembers. “I’d go to work at 6:30 AM after being up until 4 AM recording music. It was draining.” // When Av started making jokes on TikTok, he believed he had finally found his way out. The social media platform paid for views, and his videos reached millions and millions of viewers. “At first I thought, ‘I’m about to get rich.’ I quit my job and shit. But I started spending all my money on studio time. I made enough to afford an apartment, but I was living out of my truck.” // But in January of 2024, tragedy struck again. Av’s father committed suicide. On the truck ride home, Av, through tears, wrote a new song documenting his emotions. Rushing to the studio, Av cut the track and uploaded it as had become routine. Almost overnight, “I’d Rather Overdose” exploded, cracking multiple Billboard charts and amassing over 70 million streams globally. The subsequent remix featuring MOD SUN, teased through an open verse challenge on TikTok, peaked at #21 on Alternative Radio. // “When my dad died, music turned into therapy for me,” Av says. “I’m not making songs to be cool anymore—this is what I gotta do to get through the day. I’m lucky that people hear it.” Now, following a bidding war between every major label, Av is on track to purchase his first home. Building on the success of “I’d Rather Overdose,” honestav released his debut EP, “hara-kiri,” on November 9th, which peaked at #10 on Apple Music’s Alternative Charts and garnered over 110 million streams across all platforms. The EP included the lead single, “Hurts To Fall in Love,” which received significant radio airplay success. // In 2024, honestav expanded his reach by embarking on a highly successful tour alongside MOD SUN and lovelytheband. His electrifying live performances led to sold-out shows in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri, as well as major cities like NYC and LA. These achievements underscore his growing fanbase and the widespread appeal of his music. Following the momentum of his debut EP and successful tours, honestav is excited to announce future projects, including his debut solo Midwest “No License Tour” slated for 2025, which promises to bring his heartfelt performances to even more fans across the region. // honestav belts rhymes about partying and drug addiction, self-loathing and suicide, stifling emotions and trying to open up. “When my brother killed himself, I turned into a punk ass sixteen-year-old,” he says. “When my dad did it, it hit different. It took a different spin. I’m a grown ass man now. If I wasn’t making these songs, I don’t think I’d be alive.” // Still, Av is shocked that this intimacy and introspection connected with such a wide audience. “It seems like people actually started to relate more when I stopped making music for everyone else,” he says. “That’s when they really started listening.” Despite his deep roots in the country, honestav has faced pressures from industry executives and even other artists to lean into familiar tropes of country music. However, Av has a strong sense of identity and remains true to his unique sound. “I grew up in the country, but I wasn’t farming,” he clarifies. “I’m from that, but I’m not that. My homies were farming, but I was riding dirt bikes and busting out windows.” // With the success he’s found by trusting his instincts, Av is determined to keep his music close to his heart, blending his background with his alternative influences to create something truly authentic. His authentic voice and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and connect with listeners around the world. // Honestav played Boulevardia, June 14]
Religion of Heartbreak – “Love Tourniquet” from: “Love Tourniquet” – Single / Kosmic City Recoirds / June 27, 2025 [Religion of Heartbreak strike with their latest single “Love Tourniquet,” the first taste of their forthcoming EP Lunate due this September. Mikal Shapiro’s cool, detached vocals float over Dedric Moore’s pounding rhythms and bright-yet-gothic synths, resulting in the ideal soundtrack for stumbling through a fog-drenched nightclub where the lights have just cut out. // The track captures that intoxicating rush when desire floods the system—blood to the head, pulse in your throat—only to fade as quickly as it arrived, leaving you back on the dance floor, chasing the same high again. Moore’s growling bass anchors the swirling soundscape while subtle dark-disco elements lift the arrangement into urgency. // “Love Tourniquet” thrives where euphoria meets emptiness, where the black mirror of the dance floor reflects nothing but your own endless cycle of want. Repetition becomes ritual and desire becomes devotion. // Religion of Heartbreak formed out of a desire to make music with a darker dance floor focus. The combination of Mikal Shapiro’s vocals battling against Dedric’s icy synths, mechanized beats and dub-inflected electro-bass creates a juxtaposition that works in all the right ways. //Religion of Heartbreak delves into the sounds of Darkwave, EBM, and the darker side of Synth Pop. The grooves are there. The songs are clever and always filled with a sense of lost love as we follow our dark hearts. // ROH is the band formerly known as Monta At Odds. It was recently announced that Krysztof Nemeth was stepping away for Religion of Heatbreak to focus on his band ReViser also with Dedric Moore and with Breaka Dawn. // On February 3, 2025 Religion of Heartbreak released the 5 song EP Dream Reflection with Dedric Moore on vocals, guitar, synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth: baritone guitar, electronic percussion; Alexander Thomas on electronic percussion on MGGG, Dream Reflection, Skeptic; Regan Moore on electronic percussion on Dark Hour of Meditation // Dream Reflection EP carries forward the motorized heartbeat of classic darkwave while forging its own metallic path. Drawing from EBM and Synth Pop traditions, this five-track release sees the Monta At Odds offshoot strip away unnecessary embellishments, leaving only the essential elements and textural remnants that speak to our collective digital malaise. // The EP’s centerpiece and title track emerges like a ghost in the machine, with Mikal Shapiro’s coolly delivered vocals floating above Dedric Moore’s gritty synth programming and precision-guided guitar along with Krysztof Nemeth’s synth pad percussion. Each track builds upon this foundation, from the robot-dance urgency of “Forget About You” to the beautiful desolation of “Skeptic,” creating a cohesive statement about modern isolation and the personas we construct. The result feels familiar and alien—like catching your reflection in a black mirror and seeing someone else staring back.]
[Religion of Heartbreak plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Sunday, July 27, at 7:00pm with Academy Order, and Bags Bags Nags]
Marmoppes – “4×10 = 75″ from: “4×10 = 75” – single / Big Nip Records / June 25, 2025 [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. 4×10 = 75 – June 25 / “Nos” – March 23, 2025 (Big Nip Records) / “Gyatt Time” – Sept. 20, 2024 / “Yr Chemical” – April 28, 2024 / “Butterfly” – March 17, 2024 / “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” – September 5, 2023. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. // Simon Huntley is a British-American musician, percussionist, producer, composer and visual artist combining classical sentiments with new world rebellion. Growing up in France then relocating in 2011, Simon now divides his time between the United States and France, investigating and collaborating with the world’s best talent including: QUIXOTIC, A$AP Rocky, Mireya Ramos, Tech9, Making Movies, Calvin Arsenia, Mike Dillon + Nikki Glaspie, Chipotle, Hilton Hotels, Qatar Airways, and many more. Preformed in venues such as: Red Rocks Amphitheater—Colorado / The MGM Grand—Las Vegas / Faena Hotel—Miami / T-Mobile Arena. // And events such as: Invision Festival—Costa Rica / Alaska World Arts Festival—Alaska / Fringe Festival—Edinburgh / Live At Heart—Sweden / Wanderlust—Canada + California // As well as festivals, PACs, Live TV and Radio. // J Ashley Miller is a recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Foundation Generative Performing Artist Award. He’s a self-taught musician & composer. For nearly 20 years he has worked as Composer / Producer/ Recording Engineer / Founder of The Infoaming Vertex in Kansas City, Missouri, a recording studio which he built in 2006. For the last 12 years he has produced, engineered and mixed nearly 100 full length albums and countless smaller projects for both local and international artists including Calvin Arsenia and SSION // With SSION he co-wrote and produced 2 full length albums. The videos were always a central focus for the project, and he fine tuned his ability to work with a director and bring about a coherent final product. // He founded the musical entities Metatone and Jametatone with multiple released from 2013 through 2022. // He once told an art writer that his training was “tens of thousands of hours on computers and playing in bands”, as well as a conductor, music director, producer, performance artist, filmmaker, and recording engineer (among other interests). “I got into all of this by shooting live music films and really tailoring compositions to our filming locations,” Miller said, citing site-specific performances at La Esquina, Oppenstein Park, and Turkey Creek. Filmed and recorded onsite, in one take (multi-camera, multi-track), the final product of these shows was the resulting film or album. // Miller founded the performance group Quadrigarum for site-specific projects and to showcase the chariot instruments he designed, using wheel-mounted guitar picks and an amplified single-stringed guitar on a wooden frame. Chariots are a core element of the Atemporchestra, an ensemble of eclectic instrumentation (including pan flutes, vibraphone, drums, horns, computers, and keyboards, for starters) that he originally put together from the TEDxKC show. // Alyssa Murray recently released her album ‘SCROLLIN’ in 2023. that called “a sonic kaleidoscope of synth-tastic beats and experimental delight. Written, performed, and produced by Alyssa Murray and mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab in Kansas City, MO. // Always feeling a strong pull towards songwriting, Alyssa studied piano, voice, and guitar in her teens deep diving into such influences as Fiona Apple and Stevie Wonder. Further pursuing her passion for jazz and improvisation, Alyssa moved to Kansas City to study jazz-piano at the UMKC Conservatory while immersing herself in the local music scene. Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella. // In addition to her solo performances, Alyssa Murray plays with Marmoppes. Alyssa Murray also plays in the trio, Easy Match with Claire Adams and Steve Gardels. // Ernest Melton is a saxophonist, composer, and band leader currently residing in Kansas City, Missouri by way of Goldsboro, North Carolina. He relocated to his mother’s hometown of Kansas City, Missouri at the age of ten where he picked up his first saxophone at Longfellow Academy of the Arts. Bored with the classical curriculum of the music department, Ernest studied more contemporary genres of music and the guitar until the age of fourteen when he joined his first jazz program through the American Jazz Museum of Kansas City. Playing mostly tenor sax by the age of fourteen, Ernest joined Lincoln High School jazz band and many other musical programs around the Greater Kansas City area. Naturally excelling, Melton left school at the age of sixteen to study music on his own. With kind neighbors and a supportive mother, Ernest was free to practice the saxophone, study albums, and write compositions at any hour of the day. It was during this time he found his first major influences in jazz like Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Kenny Garrett, and Pharoah Sanders. Pharoah’s polyphony were like echoes of Melton’s father, a Primitive Baptist preacher, and became a large influence of his playing. An avid composer as well, Ernest studied with tutors in classical orchestration, big band arranging, and Afro-Cuban drumming. He cites Charles Mingus, Igor Stravinsky, and Wayne Shorter as his favorite all around composers and still tries to implement their techniques in his music today. After being accepted into Berklee College of Music he decided not to attend and began his career playing music in bands of every genre around the Greater Kansas City area. In 2018 Ernest release his first full length album entitled, “The Time Of The Slave Is Over”, which received raved reviews at home and abroad by media such as Plastic Sax, Quest TV, and JAZIZZ to name a few. Ernest Melton has played all over the country and plans to continue to travel abroad. // Ernest Melton released the single “Waves” on April 21, 2025. He released the single, “Sonnet for Sanity”on December 18, 2020 and the single, “Chronicles of Conception” on April 21, 2020, and “Narrative for Natives” on March 9, 2020. Ernest Melton released the album “The Standard Imperfections” on September 1, 2019. Ernest Melton is also featured on the BodaciousThang singles, “Drank!” on August 7, 2019 and “Say Hi” released Sept. 2, 2020 on Juicy Burrito Records. // More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes%5D
[Marmoppes play Percheron, on the roof of Crossroads Hotel 2101 Central. Sunday, July 27 at 7:00pm]
[Marmoppes play MidCoast LIVE! Friday, August 1, 12:00 Noon to 1:00 on 90.1 FM KKFI]
Last year on May 15, 2024 – WMM celebrated 20 Years on the radio w/ LIVE performances 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 WMM has done 1105 weeks equaled 2210 hours of radio, 16,570 hours of preparation, over 2800 Interviews, 3000 guests, and over 27,500 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 & listeners and communities. WMM has proudly endeavored to help tell the story of our growing Kansas City area music community, “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, our shows featuring: Apocalypse Meow, Juneteenth, Power to The People Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Folk Alliance International, Manor Fest, The Outer Reaches Festival, Boulevardia. KC Fringe Festival, Waldo Folk Series, Shuttlecock Music, The Folly Theatre, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bach Aria Soloists, KC Pride, our annual tribute shows to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., David Bowie, Iris Dement, Pioneers of Punk, LGBTQIA Themes, Black Lives Matter and interviews with Joey Aria, Cheyenne Jackson, Lily Tomlin, Laurie Anderson, Tommy Ramone, Sweet Honey in The Rock, Iris Dement, Flamy Grant, Members of Fanny, Regina Spektor, Regina Carter, Tom Miller, Nick Cave, Holly Near, Sam Harris, our annual 4-week special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of the Year.
WMM is inspired by the KC music community that was 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.
KKFI and WMM shines a light, like Abigail Hope Henderson, who we lost in 2013, we watched as Abigal ignited a movement to create the Midwest Music Foundation supporting heath care needs & mental health care for the music 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.
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.
10:57 – Station ID
10:57 – Interview with Steve Tulipana
Artist, Musician, Vocalist, Club Owner Steve Tulipana, who is a co-pounder of the bands: Season To Risk, Pornhuskers, Unknown Pleasures, Roman Numerals, Thee Water Mocassins, Men of Men, The Band That Fell To Earth, and Dan Jones and The Squids. Steve is also co-owner and Manager of recordBar, miniBar, and Lemonade Park along with business partner Shawn Sherrill.
This fall is recordBar’s 20th anniversary – The staff are planning a big two day festival downtown on Grand and inside recordBar / kobi-q and The Belfry. the event will be September 26 and 27. http://www.therecordBar.com
Steve Tulipana, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
from therecordbar.com – “recordBar was born in a strip mall in Kansas City in August of 2005. Almost 20 years later and in a new location, recordBar has hosted thousands of local, regional, national, and international bands, weddings, retirement parties, celebrations of life, charity events, and community fundraisers. It has become a second home, a church even, to music fans. It is respected and lauded by musicians and fans the world over. It’s where you go to see live music up-close and personal in Kansas City.”
“RECORDBAR HAS HELPED FOSTER A COMMUNITY FOR LOCAL MUSICIANS AND FANS. ALLOWING ARTISTS TO GET THEIR START ON A PROFESSIONAL STAGE AND BRINGING IN TOURING GROUPS FROM ALL OVER THE MUSICAL SPECTRUM.” — Michelle Bacon, 90.9 The Bridge
“THE RECORDBAR HAS BEEN ONE OF THE KEY PLACES FOR ME TO GET KNOW THE KANSAS CITY’S MUSIC SCENE: THE VIBRANCE, PURITY, AND INSPIRATION IT OFFERS. THIS IS WHERE DECADES LONG FRIENDSHIPS HAVE BEEN CREATED. I WALK IN AND I SMILE. NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF DAY I HAVE HAD BEFORE ENTRY.” — Todd Zimmer, Rock’N’Roll Photographer
“THE FIRST SHOW I BOOKED AT THE RECORDBAR IN 2005 WAS THE NATIONAL THE LAST BAND I BOOKED BOOKED BY ME IN 2020 WAS SURF CURSE. THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS OF BANDS, THOUSANDS OF FANS, AND MILLIONS OF MEMORIES IN BETWEEN THESE SHOWS. BECAUSE EVERY PAGE IN THE FIFTEEN YEAR ANTHOLOGY OF THE RECORDBAR IS WORTH A LISTEN.” — Jacki Becker, Promoter, Up To Eleven
Celebrating 20 Years of recordBar PLAY LOUD FEST – SEPTEMBER 25 – 28 KANSAS CITY, MO
Play Loud Fest is a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar. The event will take place across multiple stages around recordBar, including a Main Stage on Grand Blvd, Kobi Q, The Belfry, and more.
recordBar opened its doors in August 2005 in a humble Kansas City strip mall, with a simple goal: to create a space where music felt close and community came first. Founded by Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherrill, two music lovers and musicians, the original recordBar quickly became a hub for local bands, national tours, and just about any event that needed a stage—from birthday parties to fundraisers to experimental art nights.
In 2015, recordBar moved to the Crossroads District, becoming part of a new chapter in Kansas City’s music scene. The new space kept the same spirit—intimate, accessible, and artist-forward—while expanding its reach and upgrading the experience for both performers and fans. Its downtown location allowed for larger shows while staying true to its roots as an independent, music-first venue.
Still locally owned and operated by Steve and Shawn, recordBar remains a vital part of Kansas City’s music community. Whether it’s your first show or your hundredth, you’re welcome here.
Play Loud Fest will feature some of Kansas City’s most beloved acts, including Making Movies, The Roman Numerals, Emmaline Twist, Frogpond, Steddy, Approach, alongside nationally known artists like Deerhoof, Labretta Suede and the Motel 6, Clownvis, and more to be announced.
The recordbar “…has become a second home, a church even, to music fans. It is respected and lauded by musicians and fans the world over. It’s where you go to see live music up-close and personal in Kansas City.” Just perfect.
Steve Tulipans met Shawn Sherrill in college at UMKC. He wasn’t a musician at the time. He worked with Paul and Allen Epley—from Shiner—at a dental lab, and then got into the service/restaurant industry at Classic Cup. Allen convinced him to take up the bass and join Shiner, they started touring, and then Shiner got signed.
Shawn and Steve were roommates for about 7 years. They lived above the record store Groove Farm on Westport Road near the Flea Market. Shawn and Steve started playing many years later as a Joy Division tribute—Unknown Pleasures—for a Halloween party, and then as the Roman Numerals. In the meantime, Shawn had gotten into restaurant management and had good complementary skills for running a venue.
Steve writes about the early years of the recordBar: “When we leased the space in 2005, we inherited Bob Walkenhorst from the Molloy Brothers, as he had played there every Wednesday. They had a little PA in there, and our thought was if a band happened to be coming through KC on an off night, we could possibly set them up in the corner, but we were not calling and going after bands.”
“There was some shake-up in the Lawrence music scene, and at that time, a lot of bands and people were going to Lawrence. Early on, we had done a couple of benefits, one for Katrina, and packed our place out. Jackie Becker from Up to Eleven Productions saw that we were doing some things, and she reached out to ask if she could bring The National to recordBar. I’d heard of The National, but not many people knew The National in October of 2005. We didn’t have the proper PA in there or anything.”
“It was successful, and we were like, ok, so now we’re a music venue, and this is what we’re doing. The next thing you know, we invested in a PA. Billy Smith—KC music renaissance man—started booking local and national bands for us, and he was really proactive and started reaching out to booking agents and touring bands. (He had done that at The Hurricane and lived in Chicago for some time).”
“We also had relationships with Jacki, Jeff Fortier—Mammoth Productions—and people we had known for years. We realized we didn’t want to step on each other’s toes and wanted to work together. Let everyone have space, work in the niche they wanted to do.”
miniBar opened in 2012. It was just going to be a lounge downstairs. The upstairs was trashed. RecordBar owners Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherrill bought the space occupied by the Gusto lounge at 38th Street and Broadway, renovated the place, and turned it into a club with a retro/travel theme.
Steve Tulipana, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Play Loud Festival is a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar. The event will take place Se[tember 25 through 28, across multiple stages around recordBar, including a Main Stage on Grand Blvd, Kobi Q, The Belfry, and more. Play Loud Fest will feature Deerhoof, Labretta Suede & The Motel 6, Clownvis Presley, alongside some of Kansas City’s most beloved acts, including Making Movies, Roman Numerals, Emmaline Twist, Frogpond, Steddy P, and more to be announced. Play Loud will kick off on Thursday, September 26, with a pre-party with Post Sex Nachos! Tickets on sale now for the pre-party with festival tickets going on sale on Friday at 10 am at http://www.therecordbar.com
11:09 – Pledge Break #4
WMM’s Summer Fund Drive Show w/ Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, & Sandra Draper
We need KKFI Now More Than Ever. LGBTQIA, Urban Issues, Black Lives Matter, Labor Rights, The Environment, The Kansas City Visual & Literary Arts , The Performing Arts, Stadium Campaigns, Women’s Issues, Native American Issues, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Classical, Hip Hop, Folk, Women’s Music, Indie Rock, Pop, Electronica, Punk…the answer is KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio.
We’re living in an age when an entire Political Party, a President, his entire cabinet, the U.S. Congress & Senate, The Supreme Court, Kansas & Missouri State governments are eliminating equality, civil rights, jobs, healthcare, & legal protections for women, minorities, people living with disabilities, children, our Transgender, Non-Binary & Queer friends. With the recent narrow passage of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill has ICE now has an estimated budget of $150 billion between now and 2029—an annual average of $37.5 billion, which is higher than the military expenditure of all but 15 countries.
Things aren’t so good for pubic broadcasting. Federal cuts threaten Kansas City’s music scene: a joint statement from local stations. Kansas City’s noncommercial stations provide critical pipelines for new, local artists and music to be discovered.
The U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives approved by narrow margins on July 17 and 18, 2025, a law that claws back federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Once President Donald Trump signs it into law, the US$9 billion rescissions package will withdraw $1.1 billion Congress had previously approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes money to NPR, PBS and their affiliate stations, to receive in the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.
All Democrats present voted against the measure in both chambers. They were joined in the Senate by two Republicans: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Two House Republicans also voted no: Michael R. Turner of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.
WHAT’S AT STAKE – Music and the arts permeate almost every aspect of public media–from shows dedicated to music discovery and local artists to live on-air performances and concert calendars, public media provides access to music genres and artists that in many cases are ignored by commercial media.
Additionally, CPB represents the public media system to music rights organizations in negotiating blanket music licenses for noncommercial uses of music, and with a portion of the federal appropriation, CPB pays those licensing fees for all eligible public media stations.
Without federal funding for the CPB and CPB’s management of these music rights, public radio stations would face a diminished capacity to deliver the quality and variety of music you rely on, both on the radio and through our streaming platforms.
It would be cost-prohibitive and burdensome for individual stations to negotiate the same licenses and fees on their own. The loss of CPB’s role in securing music licenses is truly an existential threat for noncommercial public media.
Further, all archival stories, artist profiles and interviews or programs that use music will have to be removed from websites. The cost of compliance to review every archived story on a website or app to clear the rights again would be enormously burdensome, and, in most cases, prohibitive.
KC’s noncommercial stations provide critical pipelines for new, local artists & music to be discovered, with many artists attributing their success to their start on public radio. We also bolster local arts economies by forging partnerships with local arts organizations and performance venues, creating opportunities for the community to engage with them.
Now, more than ever, Independent, Community Media is important for our world. We are here to listen to you, to share your concerns, and offer resources and information. Along with our National Public Affairs shows like Democracy Now and Alternative Radio we offer more locally produced public affairs programs than anywhere else on the dial.
We offer programs for women, the LGBTQIA Community, Native Americans, Black Public Affairs, Labor & Worker’s Unions, Middle Eastern Music & Information, Latino Programming, prison & justice system, environmental programming, Visual & Performing Arts, KC Tenants, Economics for the People, Understanding Isreal Palistine.
At KKFI there is no automated robot playing the same 40 songs in a “rotation,” based on a formula, created by a singular programmer of the robot. KKFI is the opposite of a robot.
There is almost always a human on the end of the phone line when you call 816-931-KKFI.
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?
11:17 – WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…so Far!
Eddie Moore – “In The Kitchen” from: What Makes Us / Eddie Moore Music / March 25, 2024 [“In the Kitchen” features: Eddie Moore on piano, Bass, & Rhoades; Jaylen Ward on drums; Ben Tervort on bass, Isaiah Petrie on vibes. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore(Emoremyz BMI). Executive Producer – Eddie Moore, Co-Producer- Dan Israel. Mixed By- Eddie Moore. Mastered By Crayge Lindesay. Recorded at First Run Studios engineered by Dan Israel // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // On March 5, 2024 Eddie Moore released the EP Aperture (Live Piano Works) through Eddie Moore Music. // On April 20, 2023 Eddie Moore released the single “Tsunami” Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, the song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // Eddie Moore released his critically acclaimed album INTUITION on Oct. 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo & Bree Cummings) on Oct. 22, 2021. // We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on Sept. 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to KC to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-KC where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. He was 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]
[The Eddie Moore Trio plays The Majestic 931 Broadway Blvd. KCMO, TONIGHT Wednesday, July 23 at 6:00pm]
[The Eddie Moore Trio plays The Majestic 931 Broadway Blvd. KCMO, Sunday, July 27 at 6:00pm]
Collidescope – “Dismayed In The Classroom” from: DEEP TAPE 2 / Collidescope / June 29, 2025 [Collidescope includes: Hadiza. on vocals, beats, & synthesizers; and Madison Monroe on guitar, bass, beats, synthesizers, mixing & vocals. // About Deep Tape 2 – Art for anyone who [truly] hates fascism, fascists. // Music for people who don’t do well with/in categories. // Dedicated to America’s 4th Reich Gen Z. The ones who’ve been, and the ones beginning, to see. // Music & Lyrics: Collidescope, Q Lazzarus (Track 6). Mixing: Madison Monroe. Mastering: Tim Harte. Drums by Dekota Trogdon on all tracks except bawse. On October 13, 2022. // Gavin (Kamikaze GF) (a good friend of the band) mixed and mastered our their Funhouse album from 2023 is featured on a song (as HXXS who disbanded last year), called “Context” which has Hadiza singing /saying on repeat “how can you understand without the context”. Hadiza wrote to us saying, “Context: legacy of settler colonialism [if you ask me it shows up in housing, policing, education, employment and so much more, it is actually still happening…] in the USA to understand present day US ‘left-right’ policy/politricks.” // Collidescope released their album FunHouse. On December 31, 2020 Collidescope released their 7-track album DEEP TAPE. DEEP TAPE includes Victoria Falls Stillwater on addition sound production and vocals, and was mixed and mastered by J.Ashley Miller. DEEP TAPE is a follow up the band’s debut EP SYSTEMIC released December 16, 2017. Hadiza also released her solo album SHADOW WEIGHT on Nov. 22, 2019. Collidescope are getting ready to release their final recording project DEEP TAPE 2 before a hiatus. Hadiza is also working on their second solo album supported by Arts KC, titled Diaspora Gothic, to be released in the fall of 2025. More info at: http://www.hadizaisnothere.bandcamp.com or http://www.acollidescope.bandcamp.com ]
[Collidescope play miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00pm with Jenny Haniver, and Kamikaze GF.]
Honeybee – “i wish i knew you then” from: midtown girl – EP / good luck / June 6, 2025 [New honeybee single from their upcoming EP “midtown girl”, to be released on June 6, 2025. // The track was written by the songwriter and lead singer, Makayla Scott, who wrote to us, “i wish i knew you then is inspired by all the stories Al (honeybee bass player and Mak’s partner) has told me about their life prior to us getting to know each other. Sometimes when we are reminiscing and giggling about the past, I get hit with a big wave of fomo – sad i’ve missed out on so much. but they always say that the timing of our relationship is perfect and that they’re glad we met when we did. Still, I would have LOVED to hang with kid AL and play horses or dogs or any of the 2000s era Madden games!” // Honeybee released their EP Saturn Return on March 29, 2024 part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2024. // Honeybee started as the solo project of Singer/Songwriter Makayla Scott and now include 3 or 4 of her friends umping in… Honeybee released the songle “I Know What Love is” on January 27, 2023. Makayla Scott also played with the band Blue False Indigo Makayla Scott studied music at Drury University graduating in 2017. Honeybee played Manor Fest 6 at 6:30 PM at Arizona Trading CO. 1722 Oak Street KCMO with The Highwater, and Jass.]
[Honeybee play Arts on Broadway, 3550 Broadway Blvd, KCMO, on Friday, July 25, at 7:00pm with Virgo, and 24 Hour Video]
11:29 – Underwriting
11:31 – Pledge Break #5
WMM’s Summer Fund Drive Show w/ Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, & Sandra Draper
What 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio means to YOU.
We offer Live in studio performances from: Marmoppes, Beth Watts Nelson, ALBER, True Lions, Lonnie Fisher, Mitzi McKee, Calvin Arsenia, Ivory Blue, Stephonne, Julia Othmer, The Swallowtails, Danny Santell, Krystle Warren, MusicbySkippy, Lone Stranger, Just Angel & T.A. Rell, Christena Graves
We make radio shows that cover: Extemporaneous Music and Arts Society, Lotus Pool Records, KC Rep, Outer Reaches Fest, Owen/Cox Dance Group, No Divide KC, The Folly Theatre, recordBar, Lawrence Arts Center, Manor Records, The Rino, KC Blues Society, KC Star, Lawrence Music Alliance, MixMaster Music Conference, Kosmic City Records, Midwest Music Foundation, Artists Thrive!, KC Gift, Juneteenth, Power to The People Fest, The Record Machine, Whim Theater, Lemonade Park, Crossroads Music Festival, The Ship, The Black Box Theatre, Amplify Lawrence, Quindaro Ruins, Queer Narratives Fest, Art in the Loop, The film: “I’m So Glad” documenting the KC Gospel Music, Fringe Festival, Make Music Day, Boulevardia, Arts in The Park, UMKC Conservatory of Music, The Crossroads Hotel, High Dive Records, Greenwood Social Hall, KC Folk Fest, Manor Fest, Center Cut Records, KKFI Band Auction, Charlotte Street Foundation, Women’s History Month!, University of Missouri at Columbia, Lawrence Public Library, I Heart Local Music, Black History Month, Bach Aria Soloists, Folk Alliance International, Martin Luther King Jr., Tribute to David Bowie, Tribute to Iris DeMent, the music of Palestine and Gaza
11:39 – WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…so Far!
Kai McGarry – “Loose Change” from: Scarlett / Kai McGarry / August 1, 2024 [This album came from a lot of research, a lot of people, and a lot of life that I’ve lived in a short period of time. I remember every situation that i wrote about, and they’re all there in the music. Everyone who shaped this album, good and bad, I am forever in your debt. This bleeding desire that I’ve had since a kid is slowly fading from dream to reality, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Scarlet is about whatever you’ve lost, gained, and most importantly, what you’ve done to achieve something in your life. // For SCARLET, Kai McGarry wrote, produced, recorded, and arranged the vintage pop, jazz-inflected record in his basement, and Duane Trower mixed it at Weights and Measures Soundlab. On this record, McGarry performed all of the instruments, except for bass guitar (recorded by Nick May), trombone (recorded by Zander Wolf), and saxophone (recorded by Brayden Evans). The album is a reflection of a very short snapshot of time, one that included a shift in the people in his life as well as his priorities.Kai McGarry, is a 17 year old artist, shaped by his upbringing in the Kansas City jazz community, with mentorship from regional jazz greats and experience playing drums in various ensembles. Kai McGarry self-produced his very own debut album at the age 12. His newest album, SCARLET, Kai McGarry wrote, produced, recorded, and arranged the vintage pop, jazz-inflected record in his basement, and Duane Trower mixed it at Weights and Measures Soundlab. On this record, McGarry performed all of the instruments, except for bass guitar (recorded by Nick May), trombone (recorded by Zander Wolf), and saxophone (recorded by Brayden Evans).]
Ivory Blue – “Heartbeat” from: “Heartbeat” – Single / IVORY BLUE / March 28, 2025 [Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 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. // 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’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 when 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 with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at 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. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // 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. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]
11:45 – Pledge Break #6
WMM’s Summer Fund Drive Show w/ Betse Ellis & Mikal Shapiro, & Sandra Draper
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.”
Driving in your car, at the office, at the gym, in your garage, in your cubicle, in your art space, on your iPod, at your construction site, in your kitchen, in your barn, YOU can take 90.1 with you, as your companion. 90.1 FM is generally a good date. Good for a few laughs, fun to dance with, always interested in good conversation. Isn’t 90.1 FM KKFI worth a few dollars a day, or a week? So many people tune in to http://www.kkfi.org everyday, but studies show, that less than 1 percent actually donate to keep this miracle of broadcast-ing alive. Your support means that you will help bring this programming to folks who could not donate at this time, for whatever the reason.
For Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, and Sandra Draper I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:54 – WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…so Far!
Hot Club KC – “With a Little Help from My Friends” from: Dream Dancing / Matador / May 2, 2025 [Winner of the 2022 Pitch Magazine’s “Best Jazz Band” of Kansas City, as voted by readers. Hot Club KC plays swinging gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France. The band was founded in 2015 by violinist Adam Galblum. // Hot Club KC has now proudly released their debut album, Dream Dancing. The band features Galblum on violin; 3 manouche guitars – Clayton DeLong, Riley Voth, and Eric Mardis; and bassists Alex Mallett and Rick Willoughby. Lead vocal duties are shared by Galblum & Voth, adding rich texture to the band’s lively tapestry. Dream Dancing features 2 original instrumental compositions by Galblum — “Renji” and “Ghosting”— plus 7 familiar jazz standards and a manouchestyle take on the Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help from My Friends.” that features: Adam Galblum on violin & vocal; Clayton DeLong on guitar; Forrest Fowler on guitar; Riley Voth on guitar & vocal; Rick Willoughby on bass ]
18. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
We want to send a really big THANK YOU to every one of you who donated during Wednesday MidDay Medley and our Summer Fund Drive for KKFI 90.1 FM. We had 47 individuals donate a total of $3529.00 in support of Community Radio. Special thanks go to my co-hosts and guests: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, Sandra Draper and Steve Tulipana and Lincoln Dreher!!!
Next week, on Wednesday, July 30 we bring you Part 3 of WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! // Plus at 10:30 Nathan Reusch aka Bobcat Attack joins us LIVE// And at: 11:00 it is the return of Silky San’s Soul Sensation with our friend Sandra Draper
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! (Part 2) + Steve Tulipana + Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, and Sandra Draper
Mark will play more of WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Musical Releases of 2025…So Far! We’ll spin tracks from: Marmoppes, Eddie Moore, Jamogi & The Jammers, honeybee, 2W33DY, She Said, Keo & Them, Religion of Heartbreak, Hotclub KC, honestav, Saving Miles Lemon, RxGhost, Collidescope, Kai McGarry, Ivory Blue, Redder Moon, and Keo & Them. (Part 2 of 3)
At 10:57 well talk with artist, musician, vocalist, club owner, Steve Tulipana, who is a co-founder or part of the bands: Season To Risk, Pornhuskers, Unknown Pleasures, Roman Numerals, Thee Water Mocassins, Men of Men, The Band That Fell To Earth, and Dan Jones and The Squids. Steve is also co-owner and co-manager of recordBar, miniBar, and Lemonade Park along with business partner & friend Shawn Sherrill. This fall is recordBar’s 20th anniversary – The staff are planning a big two-day festival on Grand Avenue and inside recordBar and The Belfry. The event will be September 26 and 27. http://www.therecordBar.com
Joining Mark in the studio are: Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, member of The Starhaven Rounders, Little Miss Dynamite, Ernest James Zydeco, and Betse & Clarke; Mikal Shapiro of KKFI’s Siren Song, and the bands, Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Shapiro Brothers, Monta At Odds, and Religion of Heartbreak; AND Sandra Draper, a member of KKFI’s Board of Directors and host and producer her own radio show, Silky San’s Soul Sensation coming soon to 90.1 FM.
Betse, Mikal, and Sandra join us for the entire show as our very special Guest Co-Hosts to encourage our beautiful 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. We want to say your name over the free community airwaves. We need your support now more than ever! Please join us!
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! (Part 1) + Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, and Sandra Draper
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Various Blonde – “Silent Partner” – Single from: “Silent Partner” – Single / Various Blonde / April 11, 2025 [One of three new singles released in the last few months from Various Blonde. “Couldn’t Love Me” was released March 7, 2025, “RAW”was released January 10, 2025. // Various Blonde released the 10-track album, Love Is How We Will Survive on September 1, 2023. That album contained 4 singles released over two years from 2022 to 2023. Various Blonde is a Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On September 24, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Love is How We Survive.” On August 19, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Obtuse”. On June 9, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Too Many Secrets.” On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. “More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]
TheBabeGabe X The Human – “FUTURISTIC LOVERS” from: HONEYPOP / Seven Rings Media / March 5, 2025 [Production by The Human // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.” // With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, Glass Animals, & more. That confidence shines through on braggadocios tracks like Only See Me, Pulse, and Pep Rally where she raps, “hoe shut the fuck up when I’m talking, got a pretty face but this mouth repulsive.” Pulling inspiration from future peers like Doja Cat & Tyler, The Creator, Gabe is quick to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. There’s no shortage of variety with sticky hooks, soulful ballads, Janelle Monáe -esque pop hits, somber reflective cuts, and boomy west-coast kickbacks. // No song boasts this genre-bending ability better than the double track RIOT GRRL//DRAMA QUEEN. Starting with an inspirational pop-punk banger that could make any Olivia Rodrigo fan nod in approval, it soon turns to the emotional DRAMA QUEEN, seeing Gabe grapple with difficult changes and struggle to find the best way forward. Listening to Gabe can often feel like hanging with your bestie in that you’re getting both the yap sessions about the everyday as well as the venting about life’s drama and all its uncertainties. // These confessions, boasts, hooks, croons, screams, beats, and sounds all come together to create an extraordinary portrait of a young artist figuring it out. It’s an unfiltered showcase that sees Gabe pull back the curtain and step forward so you can meet her where she’s at. So when you listen, you’re seeing her for who she really is. And for many, that’s someone you can see yourself in. That’s TheBabeGabe. // TheBabeGabe was one-third of the Kansas City based BLACKSTARKIDZ Gen-Z upstarts BLACKSTARKIDS have released their sixth studio album Saturn Dayz on September 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track seventh studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on October 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. Our friend and music writer Bill Brownlee talked with us about how the band created a double album, but the record company decided to release as two separate albums. The music from both albums relate to each other. Before the release of Saturn Dayz the band released their single and video “SOULMATEZ!” on August 30, 2024. “SOULMATEZ!,” is a magnetic, blissed-out bop that brings together pop, indie, and alt-rap, reminiscent of Dev Hynes-era Solange mixed with De La Soul. // The follow up to BLACKSTARKIDS’ acclaimed 2022 album CYBERKISS* which featured standout singles “CYBERKISS 2 U* ft. beabadoobee” and “SEX APPEAL,” SATURN DAYZ is an otherworldly, genre-crossing testament to their unrelenting artistry and is their most impressive work to date. PRESS HERE to pre-save SATURN DAYZ. // Putting out music at a prolific rate and making waves for their formidable songwriting and producing talents, as well as their endless energy and truly limitless sound, BLACKSTARKIDS have received critical acclaim from New York Times, MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, SPIN, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more. Blending garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie, such as on their beloved album Puppies Forever which features anthemic singles “ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS,” “JUNO,” and “FIGHT CLUB,” BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom and have previously toured with the likes of The 1975, COIN, Glass Animals, beabadoobee, Christian Leave, GroupLove. // Incorporating each member’s wide-ranging influences into their blissful DIY sound, such as Toro Y Moi, NERD*, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest, BLACKSTARKIDS first captivated the internet with their “black coming of age trilogy” of projects Let’s Play Sports, Surf, and Whatever, Man that feature critically acclaimed singles including “BRITNEY BITCH” and “FRANKIE MUNIZ.” // Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of KC in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The KC scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]
[TheBabeGabe will be joining us LIVE on WMM on August 27 at 11:30am.]
10:07 – Intro / Pledge Break #1 Today we present WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…(so Far!)
We bring you this special show as part of our KKFI Summer Fund Drive. And this is where YOU can be involved! We’ll take a few breaks each hour, to encourage YOU to call us at 888-931-0901 or http://www.kkfi.org to make a donation in support 90.1 FM KKFI.
Joining me in the studio, we have some very special co-hosts:
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. For 50 years she has been playing the violin and fiddle professionally 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 acclaimed solo records, and records & performs with the band Little Miss Dynamite, The Starhaven Rounders, Ernest James Zydeco, and with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as the internationally known, Betse & Clarke.
Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Also with us is Mikal Shapiro the creator and co-host and producer of Siren Song, Saturdays at 11:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio. Mikal is also the co-founder of River Trade Radio on 90.1 FM. Mikal Shapiro is the coordinator of the annual Kansas City Folk Fest. They are also founder of State City Films creating documentary and experimental filmmaking practices. A third generation storyteller, they draw inspiration from their travels, love life, and the state of the Union. Mikal studied Film History, Film, & Writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. They received their MFA in Film/Video/New Media/Animation from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012. Artist, filmmaker, puppeteer, ring-leader, Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. They have toured extensively across the United States and have recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums. Mikal records and performs with their band The Musical. They also perform with Shapiro Brothers, and Monta At Odds, and Religion of Heartbreak.
Mikal Shapiro, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Also with us is Sandra Draper a member of KKFI’s Board of Directors, Sandra was born in Kansas City and attended Paseo High School. Sandra became a student at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and eventually returning to Kansas City to complete her last year graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree studying history and communications from University of Missouri at Kansas City. She is the mother of four children three sons and one daughter. While her children were all born on different years 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981 two of her sons were born on the same day, and her daughter and other son were also born on the same day. For the past year Sandra has been volunteering at KKFI and has been in training to host and produce her own radio show, Silky San’s Soul Sensation coming soon in the overnight hours on 90.1 FM
Sandra Draper, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio is Non-Commercial, and that means that three times a year, we interrupt our regular programming, to ask our listeners, to help us continue our unique, 24-7 programming. For 37 years 90.1 FM KKFI has been on the air. While the spirit of this station is kept alive by hundreds of volunteers who passionately donate their time and abilities to keep the transmission of our 100,000-watt-signal alive. We are a operated by a not-for-profit organization, incorporated over 40 years ago, called The MidCoast Radio Project. We are a non-profit, with a dedicated paid staff of four incredible individuals, and hundreds of volunteers, who donate thousands of hours every year, producing radio shows, training new hosts & producers, developing new radio shows, serving our vast community landscape with music and news, information and stories that reflect the many communities we serve. We do all of this because of YOU and it is because of our incredible listeners, who take a moment and call 888-931-0901 and donate, that we are able to continue. You keep us alive! Our volunteers are waiting to hear from YOU right now. WE NEED YOU – MORE THAN EVER.
90.1 FM KKFI is “Radio Powered By Diversity” For 37 Years our Kansas City Area Community Speaks Through our Airwaves and this Program.
So far… in 2025 on WMM Mark has interviewed 105 Guests: Krystle Warren, elska, Michelle Bacon, Mike Dillon, Peregrine Honig, Malek Azrael, Joshua Luke, Izzy Vivas, Julie Bennet Hume, Doug Hitchcock, Diana Watts, Kevin King, Daniel Gum, Chris Garibaldi, Mark Henning, Ross Brown, Miquel Antonio, Daniel Cole, Paul Seiz, Cody Ryan Stapleton, Matt Muckenthaler, Nathan Reusch, Zach Lamun, Les Izmore, Charlie Colborne, Billy Belzer, T.A. Rell, Just Angel, Dylan Pease, Andy Wooden, Betse Ellis, Rachel Christia, Mikal Shapiro, Seth Davis, Evan Verploegh, Shanté Clair, Benjamin Baker, SEYKO, Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Noah Cassity, Kole Waters, Alex May, Stephonne, Danielle Anderson, Zach Hodson, Valerie Schurman, Joe Frogge, Fally Afani, Til Willis, Heather Pontonio, Jose Faus, Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman, Chico Sierra, Zo E., Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, J. Ashley Miller, Grace Broadhead, Jason Turk, Sandra Draper, Enrique Chi, Julia Othmer, James T. Lundie, Alber, Jennie Ferguson, Scott Mize, Matt Kesler, Shaun Crowley, Paul Jesse, Alex Wong, Jen Kiper, David Luther, Sergio Anthony Gonzalez, Jeremiah James Gonzalez, Katlyn Conroy, Chris Catterall, Cheyenne Jackson, Kate McCandless, Moksha Sommer, Jemal Wade Hines, Chris Haghirian, James McGee, Meighan Peifer, Michael McQuary, Joey Arias, Lonnie Fisher, Tara Fisher, Adee Dancy aka Sisterbot, Hadiza., Suzannah Johannes, Keelon Van, Alyssa Murray, Ernest Melton, Mará Williams, J.M. Banks, Beth Watts Nelson, Spencer Thompson, Amanda Davis, Derek Trautwein, Dedric Moore, Rachel Lovelace, Kai McGarry, Alicia McGarry.
Daniel Gum – “Met You Too Soon” from:The Great Conjunction / Manor Records / February 7, 2025 [All songs written/performed by Daniel Gum (BMI), production/engineering: Mike Crawford & Daniel Gum, mixing: Daniel Gum, bass: Joel Stratton, drums/percussion: Micah Ritchie. With Joel Stratton (piano on 1, baritone guitar on 2), Wills Van Doorn (slide guitar on 3), Brandon Bray (lead guitar on 6), Cole Crawford (piano on 10), Devon Teran (pedal steel on 2), Evan Herd (writing for drums on 7), Rachel Cionitti (bgvs on 1-6, 8), mastering: Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering, artwork/lettering: Daniel Gum] // Here’s what Daniel had to say about this track: “This song was written reflecting on a past relationship—thinking things probably could have worked out if we met 5 years later than we did. Or maybe they wouldn’t have.. but I’ll never know. This song is a part of a series of singles leading up to my second album. I hope you enjoy the chord progressions and slide guitar especially”. // Daniel Gum is a singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, KS who has been active since 2017. Daniel Gum released the single “Julia” on December 9, 2022. Daniel Gum released the single “Wolverine (ft. Rachel Cion)” on September 19, 2921. Daniel Gu, released the electronic pop EP, I’M NOT DEAD in 2017 and an acoustic EP, MOON in 2018. In addition to working on his own solo project, Daniel has been working with other local groups—playing bass and engineering for his band Pillow (a post-punk/shoegaze group) and playing drums behind singer-songwriter Chloe Jacobson, also doing some recording for her. Channeling the likes of Elliott Smith & Andy Shauf, he co-produced his new record THIRTEEN with Mike Crawford, playing almost everything you hear on the album and mixing it himself. Signing to Manor Records in the spring of 2020, he officially released THIRTEEN on cassette & CD on October 30, 2020. All songs written, performed, and.mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Daniel Gum is a 24 year old singer-songwriter . Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EPI’M NOT DEAD on October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming. The first single from Daniel Gum’s album, Thirteen “Ruin Your Life” was released on September 4, The second single, “In The Worst Ways” was released September 28, 2020. ] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. Daniel Gum joined us on WMM on November 11, 2020]
Stephonne – “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” from: “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” – Single / Glory Blue Music / April, 2025 [Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. Stephonne’s new single Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) was released an May 21, 2025. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]
LYXE – “All Alone” from: “All Alone” – Single / LYXE / February 21, 2025 [Ryan Wise (of The Sluts) on vocals, Jimmy Girod on percussion, AJ Knudson on bass,. This indie/alternative rock band LYXE, is from Lawrence, Kansas. // The track is a raw and powerful anthem that taps into the pain of a broken relationship and the messy aftermath of trying to heal. Known for their high-energy live performances and a sound that effortlessly blends nostalgia with originality, LYXE continues to carve out their place in the indie scene with “All Alone.” Drawing from the energy and grit of 80s, 90s, and early 2000s rock, the song brings listeners a no-frills, back-to-basics rock and roll experience. With stripped-down instrumentation and emotive lyrics, the band’s latest track dives deep into the personal struggle of dealing with an ex’s departure and the unhealthy coping mechanisms that follow. // Lead vocalist and guitarist, Ryan Wise explains, “‘All Alone’ is about feeling like you’re stuck in a cycle of self-destruction after losing someone. The pain becomes a comfort, and it’s easier to lean into unhealthy habits than face the truth. It’s not about the ex anymore – it’s about how we often lose ourselves when the world feels too heavy.” // The single arrives on the heels of LYXE’s consistently packed live shows, which have become a staple in the Midwest music scene. Their vibrant and engaging performances have earned them a dedicated following, making them one of the most exciting and authentic indie bands to watch in 2025. Fans of hard-hitting guitar riffs and unapologetic, emotional storytelling will find “All Alone” to be a perfect addition to their playlist. The song is a raw, cathartic journey that resonates with anyone who has ever been left behind and found themselves drifting in search of a way back to something real. // Formed in 2019, they’re an energetic three-piece whose music blends the best of modern rock radio with danceable ’80s New Wave. If Wavves listened to a lot of early INXS, the music they made would sound like LYXE. I Heart Local Music describes them as “…easily Lawrence’s most exciting band at the moment, and they prove it with every show.” // LYXE, a three piece pop-rock outfit formed out of the love of getting fans to sing and dance along to hip shaking rhythms reminiscent of classic 80’s and 90’s sounds. They quickly became a favorite of crowds and musicians alike with the lead of Ryan Wise’s crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. The trio has an undeniable chemistry that caught the local scene like wildfire. Bassist AJ Knudson brings a loveable charisma to their live presence, while drummer Jimmy Girod’s subtle, elegant delivery gives this act a sophisticated backbone. // LYXE released their debut EP, EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT on September 15, 2022. Pulling inspiration from a wide range of genres, this six-song EP has a pop-rock, new wave nostalgia that sinks its teeth into you. Luring in listeners with dramatics and lush hooks on “Wave,” yet unafraid to tap into their feral side on “I Got Everything.” The record closes with “Fit,” which makes you feel like you’re in an argument with your prom date in 1989. Recorded, at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. The new EP gave listeners a different side of Ryan Wise’s songwriting with crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. // On June 23, 2023 LYXE released a remastered version of their song “Wave (Remastered 2023)” produced by Joel Nanos. Remaster by Jake Vertigo, with: Ryan Wise (of The Sluts) on vocals, Jimmy Girod on percussion, AJ Knudson on bass, and Chase Horseman on synthesizer. This was originally the debut single “Wave.” // LYXE release their singe ”Ice Cream” on June 23, 2023 // LYXE released their single “P{rom Song” on November 10, 2024. // LYXE released their single “Hard To Talk” on October 4, 2024. // For additional information or inquiries please contact: wearelyxe@gmail.com ]
[LYXE play The Bottleneck, 732 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS. on Saturday, July 19 at 7:00pm with Pink Fuzz, and Frogpond.]
10:27 – Underwriting
10:29 – Pledge Break #2
Our WMM Summer Fund Drive Team: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, and Sandra Draper
Today on WMM we are playing our Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025. 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 KC and Lawrence and the radiance of our 100 watt signal. The story of KC’s Arts and Music Community is our primary focus on WMM, where for 20 years we have shined a light on the artists, the music labels recording studios, and music venues.
Wednesday MidDay Medley 90.1 FM was the first radio show and first radio station to ever play many of these amazing musical artists. WMM was the first to play the recordings of: Calvin Arsenia, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Krystle Warren, The Black Creatures, The Shy Boys, The Salvation Choir, The Creepy Jingles, Ivory Blue, Stephonne, Miki P., Kai McGarry. We were the first to interview these artists live on the radio and bring their music to a wider audience.
One way to learn more about KC’s Music Community is 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat., Sept. 6, 3pm to Midnight, in West Bottoms at Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing, Livestock Exchange, The Campground, Voltaire, The Ox Cafe & Bakery(VIP Venue) with KRYSTLE WARREN / LAURA NOBLE & FRIENDS / THE MGDS / RUDY LOVE AND THE ENCORE / SEYKO / STRANDED IN THE CITY / FRIENDLY THIEVES / LITTLE MISS DYNAMITE / FLAT SUSAN / ROYAL CHIEF / SASS-A-BRAS / THE WHIPS / JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER / SARA SWENSON / TALIA KEYS / JELLY ROSE / MARIACHI ESTRELLA & GRUPO FOLKLÓRICO ALMA TAPATÍA / TERI QUINN & THE COYOTES / 3 TRAILS WEST / DJ THUNDERCUTZ / NATURE BOYS / TIMBERS / SKY SMEED / JULIE BENNETT HUME & ERNEST JAMES / DJ NANA G / LINEA FRONTERA / DYM N D / RURAL GRIT ALL STARS / THE APOLOGIES / JOHN KECK / OSEZUA / BOBBY SCHARPING / ART AS MENTORSHIP PRESENTS THE REBEL SONG ACADEMY Info at: http://www.cmfkc.com
10:37 – Bands Playing 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest on Sat, Sept. 6
Nature Boys – “Common Visions” from: “Common Visions” Single / Dead Broke Rekerds / April 11, 2025 [Nature Boys released their album IV /on September 24, 2021. Nature Boys started playing together in Kansas City, Missouri September of 2009. They wrote this about their band: “We had our first show in November or December at the Troost House, and then our second show at Dave’s Stagecoach Inn. We left for our first tour in January of 2010. The band includes: Danny Fischer on guitar & vocals, Suzanne Hogan on bass & vocals. evan malone on drums. Kansas City, Missouri punk rock & rollers that have been kickin’ up dust all across the country since 2009! Their fourth album and first on Dead Broke after self-releasing a slew of their previous efforts. Imagine if Dead Moon was a buch of punk rockers from the south, then you might be getting close to what Nature Boys scrappy & energetic punk rock is all about. Limited to 300 copies. (200 Black, 100 Clear Pink) Comes w/download code.]
[Nature Boys play 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest on Sat, Sept. 6, in West Bottoms at Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing, Livestock Exchange, The Campground, Voltaire.]
The Royal Chief
The Royal Chief – “Hi-Def (Radio Mix)” from: Fire – EP / Sovereign Sound / July 10, 2025 [New 5-track EP from The Royal Chief / Born in Kansas City, Missouri as Jamel Thompson to a single mother, The Chief is the youngest of six – two brother’s on his mother’s side and another brother and twin sisters from his father. Growing up, his mother fostered his mind; she encouraged The Royal Chief to read relentlessly and to experiment with his talents. This promoted a period where The Royal Chief began expressing himself by writing stories. Chief spent most of his early life in the urban areas of Kansas City. He and his mother moved to Dallas, Texas briefly before returning to Kansas City – to the suburbs – which provided an interesting contrast to his life before. // At the age of 13, after attending a concert in which Kanye West performed, Chief knew his path was in music and began rapping. Courtesy of his mother, he drew inspiration from R&B and Soul while getting his introduction to Hip Hop from his father and brothers. Hip Hop became a love and an outlet for him – a way to vent and document how he perceived the world. It was also an instrument for The Royal Chief to cope with the pain of losing his older brother and godmother who had a hand in raising him. // The Royal Chief moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2012. He spent his first year there living out of his Honda Civic and obtained membership to a local gym to have access in order to take showers. He established a relationship with the manager at Tree Sound Studios through a mutual friend and was soon allowed to live in the studio’s building. He made the most of this opportunity by observing and learning many of the aspects of the music industry, audio/video recording, marketing, and most importantly building relationships and networking. Soon, he began to nurture a relationship with “Cyhi The Prynce” who took him under his wing allowing Chief to create and write for other G.O.O.D. Music artist. During this time, Chief was able to go on tour and learn just to write raps and incorporate rhythm and flow into his pieces to make them sound appealing. // In 2015, under his original moniker “J-Dub,” The Royal Chief began to meticulously focus on his own projects and released his first mixtape entitled Trial and Error. Later that same year, after a trip back to his hometown of KC, he made a conscious decision to change his stage name to something that reflected his passion for his two favorite home-town sports teams and one that represented his city. And in combining the names of those teams, he thus became “The Royal Chief”. Feeling the need to release some music to commemorate the name change, in September of 2016 he released his second project, an EP entitled Dawn – representing the beginning or “dawn of” something new. // In 2017, after seeing a Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s interview in which he said “if you don’t have your city you don’t have anybody,” Chief decided it was time for him to return home and build his name and his following up in his own city. That same year, after a house fire in which he lost everything but his life, he released his third project – an EP titled Homecoming. While building traction in the city, Chief worked diligently to network and perform live all around the Kansas City Metroplex and surrounding areas. In 2018, he released a three-track EP titled 3 Pack. Chief spent the next year working towards expanding existing relationships and building new ones. Chief’s objective was to spend time building a backing band for his live performances as well as collaborate with local artists and producers. And with this feat accomplished, in 2020, Chief released his fourth project titled Groundwork. Groundwork represents “laying the foundation” – it’s the cumulative efforts of networking, touring, and building a following. More info at: http://www.theroyalchief.com]
The Royal Chief will play the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 6, 3:00pm to Midnight, in West Bottoms at Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing, Livestock Exchange Lot, The Campground, Voltaire, The Ox Cafe & Bakery(VIP Venue) with KRYSTLE WARREN / LAURA NOBLE & FRIENDS / THE MGDS / RUDY LOVE AND THE ENCORE / SEYKO / STRANDED IN THE CITY / FRIENDLY THIEVES / LITTLE MISS DYNAMITE / FLAT SUSAN / ROYAL CHIEF / SASS-A-BRAS / THE WHIPS / JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER / SARA SWENSON / TALIA KEYS / JELLY ROSE / MARIACHI ESTRELLA & GRUPO FOLKLÓRICO ALMA TAPATÍA / TERI QUINN & THE COYOTES / 3 TRAILS WEST / DJ THUNDERCUTZ / NATURE BOYS / TIMBERS / SKY SMEED / JULIE BENNETT HUME & ERNEST JAMES / DJ NANA G / LINEA FRONTERA / DYM N D / RURAL GRIT ALL STARS / THE APOLOGIES / JOHN KECK / OSEZUA / BOBBY SCHARPING / ART AS MENTORSHIP PRESENTS THE REBEL SONG ACADEMY Info at: http://www.cmfkc.com
Beth Watts Nelson – “Tallgrass” from: TALLGRASS – EP / Rural Grit Records / May 3, 2024 [“Tall Grass” a compilation of songs inspired by the Flint Hills. All three songs were recorded in one day on site at the Grimm-Schultz Farmstead during her time in residency with the Volland Foundation on April 26, 2025. For the recording Beth Watts Nelson played Banjo, Guitar, & Vocals, and Betse Ellis played Fiddle. Mixing and Mastering was completed by Clarke Wyatt, at Gnomes and Goats Studio. // Beth Watts Nelson’s band Little Miss Dynamite released their six-song debut EP GROW UP on May 3, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 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. Little Miss Dynamite played Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 2025. More info at: http://www.bethwattsnelson.com]
[Little Miss Dynamite play 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat., Sept. 6, 1pm in West Bottoms at Lemonade Park, for the Free Family Concert]
Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Build It Up” from: Extended Play / Parlour Door Music / November 1, 2024 [Krystle Warren & The Faculty are: Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Jonathan Anderson. // Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) Krystle Warren & The Faculty were involved in many musical projects. Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023. They released and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When Covid delayed the upcoming release of Extended Play, Krystle and members of The Faculty along with some of their frequent collaborators formed The Crew to release the 4-song CREW EP on September 15, 2020. // The Faculty was formed with Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Dave Moore. While the four boys had classes and gigs, Krystle floated around New York and made a lot of friends. She busked and wrote songs, and, with the help of her band members and Ben Kane, who had an internship at Electric Lady Studios and was sneaking them in at odd hours, Krystle turned those songs into an e.p. called Diary. // Diary led to Circles, which Ben Kane co-produced with Voodoo engineer Russell “The Dragon” Elevado. Circles was bought by Because Music in France, but Krystle still recorded Love Songs in New York, a double album that invokes a Blakean duality with its two subtitles, ‘A Time to Refrain from Embracing’ and ‘A Time You May Embrace’. // Love Songs was produced with most of the Faculty (Zach was on tour with Amos Lee) and a slew of guest musicians in Brian Bender’s Brooklyn studio, The Motherbrain. Bender’s assistant, Jonathan Anderson.]
10:49 – Pledge Break #3
Our WMM Summer Fund Drive Team: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, And Sandra Draper
Last year on May 15, 2024 – WMM celebrated 20 Years on the radio w/ LIVE performances from: Calvin Arsenia, IVORY BLUE, Stephonne, Julia Othmer, Kasey Rausch and guests Marion Merritt, Maria Vasquez Boyd, Nico Gray, and Necia Gamby.
As of this week WMM has done 1104 weeks equaled 2208 hours of radio, 16,560 hours of preparation, over 2800 Interviews, 3000 guests, and over 27,500 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 community, “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, our shows featuring: Apocalypse Meow, Juneteenth, Power to The People Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Folk Alliance International, Manor Fest, The Outer Reaches Festival, Boulevardia. KC Fringe Festival, Waldo Folk Series, Shuttlecock Music, The Folly Theatre, Owen Cox Dance Group, Bach Aria Soloists, KC Pride, our annual tribute shows to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., David Bowie, Iris Dement, Pioneers of Punk, LGBTQIA Themes, Black Lives Matter and interviews with Joey Aria, Cheyenne Jackson, Lily Tomlin, Laurie Anderson, Tommy Ramone, Sweet Honey in The Rock, Iris Dement, Flamy Grant, Members of Fanny, Regina Spektor, Regina Carter, Tom Miller, Nick Cave, Holly Near, Sam Harris, our annual 4-week special: WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of the Year.
WMM has been inspired by the KC music community. 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.
Together we are building our community. We celebrate 1104 weeks of WMM, the show that has brought us together, at this time, on this frequency, in these community airwaves. Thanks for listening.
Donating to 90.1 FM KKFI is investing in your community.
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.
10:57
Danny Cox – “What a Time To Be Free” from: Feel So Good / Casablanca Records / 1974 [Recorded at Bell Sound Studios, New York, January-March, 1974. In 2021 Danny Cox digitally released YOUNG AND HOT (LIVE AT COWTOWN BALLROOM) EP on July 27, 2021. Danny Cox was born in 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a folk singer and songwriter best known for his 1974 LP album Feel So Good. Danny Cox moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1967. As a youth, he sang in a church choir together with Rudolph Iseley, and in the 1960s he started his professional career performing on a Hootennany Folk Tour. Cox has recorded albums for ABC Dunhill, Casablanca, MGM and others. He also partnered a company called Good Karma Productions, run by the KC based Vanguard Coffee House owner Stan Plesser, who managed the acts of Brewer & Shipley, and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.]
[Danny Cox Celebration of Life with Bob Walkenhorst, Fast Johnny Ricker, Kasey Rausch, Gene Mackey, Bob & Diana Suckiel, & Many More – Friday July, 18 at 8:00pm at Knuckleheads 2715 Rochester St, KCMO]
On Friday, March 7, 2025 we lost a living legend in Kansas City.
Danny Cox recorded albums for Casablanca Records, ABC Dunhill and MGM. Many of these albums were recorded in Kansas City through Good Karma Productions run by Vanguard Coffee House owner Stan Plesser who managed Cox’s career along with Brewer & Shipley, and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
Danny Cox was born in 1943 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Bessy and Daniel Cox. He was the seventh of eight children. In 1963 a 20 year old Danny visited Kansas City while on a tour and was denied entry to the Muehlebach Hotel, but was accepted across the river at a Holiday Inn in Kansas City, Kansas. He would make his home in Kansas City, Kansas.
Danny moved to Kansas City in 1967, where he continued his over 6 decade long career. Danny Cox was a singer, songwriter, actor, playwright, jingles writer and father of 10 children, and grandfather. He wrote the jingle “The Grass Pad’s High on Grass.” He performed and acted on multiple stages in Kansas City, The Vanguard, The Cowtown Ballroom, The Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Theatre for Young America. He sold out Carnegie Hall four times, toured the world. When Danny performed live he elevated the stage and electrified the room with his spirit and voice.
He was such a power house of a human. He was so many things. He always stood for justice and equality and being a good human. His beautiful family is a testament to his character and love. When you find his music it will move you. Look for his earlier work, it stands the test of time and was always crossing over multiple genres.
Mark Manning introduced Danny Cox at the Crossroads Music Festival where Danny performed with a band of KC veteran musicians plus his children and grandchildren were performing with him. Mark had worked with Danny’s grandchildren at Quindaro Elementary with the KCK Organic Teaching Gardens. Mark was able to witness the love of this family, and the harmony they created. Danny Cox’s work and art and love will live on forever.
Danny Cox Discography: Live at 7 Cities (1963) Sunny (1968) Birth Announcement (1969) Live at the Family Dog (1970) Danny Cox (ABC Dunhill Records) (1971) Feel So Good (Casablanca Records) (1974) Troost Avenue Blues (3-track EP) (2006) Bring Our Loved Ones Back (one track) (2007) Sack of Trout (Single) (2015) Vandalism in Eb Minor (Coin Heaven) (Single) (2015) Kansas City – Where I Belong (Recorded at Pilgrim Chapel) (2012) Time Is What I Need (Single) (2020) Young and Hot (Live at Cowtown Ballroom) (5-track EP) (July 27, 2021) Big John Buck O’Neil (Single) (December 7, 2021)
11:00 – Station ID
Old Sound – “Relics of a Small Town” from: Liquid Folk Vol. 01 / Old Sound / April 25, 2025 [Liquid Folk Vol. 01 contains the first two singles to be released by the band, throughout the next few months leading up to their next full-length reklease.“Relics of a Small Town” & “Signs of Life” – Singles Greg Herrenbruck on bass & vocals; Grady Keller on mandolin, acoustic guitar & vocals; Chad Brothers on acoustic guitar & vocals. // On October 6, 2020 Old Sound released their album DELUGE. Recorded at Temple Sounds in Kansas City. The new album was produced by Old Sound, Brendan Moreland and Phil Wade. The album was engineered and mixed by Brendan Moreland and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Sound Lab. // “Deluge” dives deep into the band’s 20-year chemistry, showcasing the band’s acoustic soundscapes and strong three-part harmony. The wide range of songwriting contains lyrics concerning life, love, self-expression, capitalism, climate change, police brutality, the demise of our country, death, and much more. Grady Keller plays guitar and mandolin, Greg Herrenbruck plays bass and Chad Brothers plays lead guitar. All sing. The three members have been creating music together in some fashion for more than 20 years. Greg Herrenbruck & Chad Brothers grew up together as friends in Winfield, Kansas. Winfield is the home of the Walnut Valley Festival. As young college students at Kansas State University they met Grady Keller. The trio has shared many years of picking, camping and performing at the Walnut Valley Festival. Old Sound, is a synthesis of the ideas, techniques, songs and stories we’ve found in those campground. // In 2014 they released their debut recording RAIN FOLLOWS THE PLOW, Recorded and produced by Phil Wade at his studio, Alluvial Fan.More info at: http://www.oldsoundmusic.com]
[Old Sound play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming WEST BOTTOMS on Thursday, July 17, at 7:00pm with Front Porch, and Folk on The Plow.]
Malek Azrael – “SELF!SH (feat. SISTERBOT)” from: Feels Like EP / Malek Azrael / March 1, 2025\ [On February 28, 2025, Malek Azrael released the single “Room 4U”. // On March 1, 2024 Malek Azrael released his single, “in ur mind.” On October 15, 2021 Malek Azrael released his 10-track album “Waves” which first featured members of his live band “The Vibez”. Since then, they have grown their fanbase in KC and surrounding areas through live concerts land appearances at Boulevardia Festival, Ameri’Kana, and the 18th and Vine Gumbo Fest, and shows at RecordBar, The Truman, Grinders, and Knuckleheads and collaborated with larger acts such as Making Movies, The Greeting Committee, and D Smoke debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and Art As Mentorship (Making Movies non-profit organization). He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms. Malek & The Vibez played Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on June 16, 2024.]
[Malek Azrael & The Vibez plays miniBar 3810 Broadway Blvd, KCMO on Friday, July 18 at 7:00pm with Rachel is Kozi, and Reptile House]
11:09 – Pledge Break #4
Our WMM Summer Fund Drive Team: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, And Sandra Draper
We need KKFI Now More Than Ever. LGBTQIA, Urban Issues, Black Lives Matter, Labor Rights, The Environment, The Kansas City Visual & Literary Arts , The Performing Arts, Stadium Campaigns, Women’s Issues, Native American Issues, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Classical, Hip Hop, Folk, Women’s Music, Indie Rock, Pop, Electronica, Punk…the answer is KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio.
We’re living in an age when an entire Political Party, a President, his entire cabinet, the U.S. Congress & Senate, The Supreme Court, Kansas & Missouri State governments are eliminating equality, civil rights, jobs, healthcare, & legal protections for women, minorities, people living with disabilities, and children. Our Transgender, Non-Binary & Queer friendshjave been made a target of a hate campaign. With the recent narrow passage of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” ICE now has an estimated budget of $150 billion between now and 2029—an annual average of $37.5 billion, which is higher than the military expenditure of countries other than China and the US.
Things aren’t so good for pubic broadcasting. Federal cuts threaten Kansas City’s music scene: a joint statement from local stations. Kansas City’s noncommercial stations provide critical pipelines for new, local artists and music to be discovered. But if Congress rescinds federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, public radio stations such as KKFI, KCUR, Classical KC, and 90.9 The Bridge would have diminished capacity to deliver the same quality and variety of music.
The U.S. House voted on June 12th to claw back federal funding for public broadcasting — an action that directly threatens Kansas City’s noncommercial music services, including 91.9 Classical KC, KCUR 89.3, 90.1 KKFI, Kansas Public Radio and 90.9 The Bridge.
The president formally requested that Congress rescind $1.1 billion in federal subsidies for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which lawmakers had already approved earlier this year.
That request set off a 45-day timer for Congress to act. Following the House vote in favor of recission, the bill is now under consideration by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. Action may be taken on it as soon as next week.
WHAT’S AT STAKE – Music and the arts permeate almost every aspect of public media–from shows dedicated to music discovery and local artists to live on-air performances and concert calendars, public media provides access to music genres and artists that in many cases are ignored by commercial media.
Additionally, CPB represents the public media system to music rights organizations in negotiating blanket music licenses for noncommercial uses of music, and with a portion of the federal appropriation, CPB pays those licensing fees for all eligible public media stations.
Without federal funding for the CPB and CPB’s management of these music rights, public radio stations would face a diminished capacity to deliver the quality and variety of music you rely on, both on the radio and through our streaming platforms.
It would be cost-prohibitive and burdensome for individual stations to negotiate the same licenses and fees on their own. The loss of CPB’s role in securing music licenses is truly an existential threat for noncommercial public media.
Further, all archival stories, artist profiles and interviews or programs that use music will have to be removed from websites. The cost of compliance to review every archived story on a website or app to clear the rights again would be enormously burdensome, and, in most cases, prohibitive.
KC’s noncommercial stations provide critical pipelines for new, local artists & music to be discovered, with many artists attributing their success to their start on public radio. We also bolster local arts economies by forging partnerships with local arts organizations and performance venues, creating opportunities for the community to engage with them.
KKFI is an Independent, non-commercial radio station!
Now, more than ever, Independent, Community Media is important for our world. We are here to listen to you, to share your concerns, and offer resources and information. Along with our National Public Affairs shows like Democracy Now and Alternative Radio we offer more locally produced public affairs programs than anywhere else on the dial.
We offer programs for Women, the LGBTQIA Community, Native Americans, Black Public Affairs, Labor & Worker’s Unions, Middle Eastern Music & Information, Latino Programming, prison & justice system, environmental programming, Visual & Performing Arts, KC Tenants, Economics for the People, Understanding Isreal Palistine.
At KKFI there is no automated robot playing the same 40 songs in a “rotation,” based on a formula, created by a singular programmer of the robot. KKFI is the opposite of a robot.
There is almost always a human on the end of the phone line when you call 816-931-KKFI.
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?
11:17
The Freedom Affair – “Get My Share” from: The Freedom Affair / Sunflower Soul Records / May 9, 2025 [Shon Ruffin on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on bass & Acoustic Guitar=, Chris Hazelton on Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals; Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet & flugelhorn; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, tambourine. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN. Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell. Tape Operator: Wesley Graham. Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair. Mixed by: Vince Chiarito. Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering. Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales. Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan // The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness. // A fateful February 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to Kansas City with new musical conviction. By November, the band had returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio. // The ever-powerful female trio fronting the band–Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves, and Shon Ruffin–has been the hallmark of The Freedom Affair’s sound and identity, and their collective vocal prowess is on full display ranging from tough to tender, touching on heartache and hope. The experience at Royal studios convinced the band that there isn’t a better room to record horns. The “one take” horns of Pete Carroll on trumpet and Brett Jackson on saxophone prove their years together as a unit have paid off with their precision and lines written to meet the vibe perfectly. With rhythm section personnel remaining the same from their debut album Freedom is Love, a shift in instrumentation moves Chris Hazelton from bass to his primary instrument of the Hammond B3 organ along with various keyboards. Branden Moser swaps in the bass, which also happens to be his primary instrument, from his former rhythm guitar. Cole Bales continues to dig into timeless riffs on lead guitar, and Dave Brick maintains the backbone with the heavy boom-bap on drums. This album has cemented The Freedom Affair’s sound: enduring melodies with rich arrangements, backed by a gritty pulse. // Royal was the perfect site for this album, and the band took full advantage of the studio’s history by incorporating studio tools and relics throughout the process. With only four days to fully track the ten-song album, the band insisted on using the same Ampex 1” tape recorder that produced all the Hi Record hits from 1974 and prior to preserve authenticity. It was the first time the machine had been used for an album since 1974. The limitations and quirks of using vintage, analog gear made way for magic moments that shape the album’s charm. The record calls fresh attention to classic Southern Soul with all the coziness and warmth you’d expect from listening to Al Green or Ann Peebles, captured in the very same room. Mixed by Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) and mastered by JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), this album is a truly an all-killer, no-filler lesson in soul music.]
Samantha Fish – “Lose You” from: Paper Doll / Concord Records / April 25, 2022. [Fish tracked Paper Doll at The Orb in Austin and Savannah Studios in LA in the midst of a grueling touring schedule, recording with her touring band for the first time: Ron Johnson (bass), Jamie Douglass (drums), and Mickey Finn (keys). // Samantha Fish made National TV Debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show on April 25, 2025 // Her 2019 album KILL OR BE KIND was part of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. // Samantha Fish (born January 30, 1989) is an American guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri. While often cited as a blues artist, Fish’s work features and draws from multiple genres, including rock, country, funk, bluegrass, and ballads. // Fish grew up in the Kansas City area. She started out playing the drums, but switched to guitar when she was 15. Fish’s mother was the instructor in a local church choir, and her father played guitar with friends. Initially hearing recordings of Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan, she later heard music from Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones and cites the Stones’ album Sticky Fingers as an early influence. She and her sister were both drawn towards blues music in their teenage years. // Fish regularly went to the Knuckleheads Saloon to hear touring blues artists. After turning 18, she often joined in with the singers and bands who were performing there.[ // In 2009, Fish recorded and produced Live Bait. The live album attracted the attention of a talent company, who recommended her to Ruf Records. Ruf Records put together a record with Fish and two other female blues artists, Cassie Taylor and Dani Wilde, titled Girls with Guitars. The three guitarists then toured on the Ruf Records 2011 Blues Caravan in the U.S. and Europe. // Fish continued touring with the Samantha Fish Band, featuring “Go-Go Ray” Pollard on drums and Chris Alexander on bass, playing in Europe and the United States. In 2011, Fish recorded Runaway with the help of her mentor Mike Zito. The album won the 2012 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist. // Fish appeared on Devon Allman’s 2013 album Turquoise in a duet covering the Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks’ song “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”. During the summer of 2013, Fish was called up on stage to play with a skeptical Buddy Guy who was so impressed with her playing on the guitar, he declared with a beaming smile to his audience, “When this kind of shit happens, I’ll play all night!” // In 2013, Fish released her second major studio album, Black Wind Howlin’, featuring Mike Zito on guitar, Yonrico Scott on drums, Johnny Sansone on harmonica, and Paul Thorn, vocal duet on one track. The album was recorded in Dockside Studios, in Maurice, Louisiana. Zito’s bandmates from his group Royal Southern Brotherhood, Yonrico Scott and Charlie Wooton, were brought in to assist in the session recordings.[4] Also in 2013, Fish appeared on The Healers Live at Knuckleheads Saloon, producing a CD/DVD collaboration with Jimmy Hall, Reese Wynans, Kate Moss, and Danielle and Kris Schnebelen (sister and brother, formerly of the band Trampled Under Foot). Proceeds benefit the Blue Star Connection. The Healers occasionally perform together as their schedule permits. // Fish’s third studio album, Wild Heart, was released on July 10, 2015. The album is more roots rock than her earlier blues rock. Fish wrote five songs on the record. She co-wrote five other songs with Jim McCormick in Nashville, Tennessee. Luther Dickinson produced the album, as well as played various stringed instruments (guitar, bass, mandolin, lap steel) to flesh out the sound. The album was recorded in four studios, Royal Studios and Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, Zebra Ranch in Coldwater, Mississippi, and Blade Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana. Other musicians on the record are Brady Blade (drums), Lightnin’ Malcolm (guitar), Shardé Thomas (drums), Dominic Davis (bass), Shontelle Norman-Beatty (background vocals), and Risse Norman (background vocals). // Fish released her fourth solo album, Chills & Fever on March 17, 2017. The album was recorded in Detroit and was recorded with members of the band The Detroit Cobras. Bobby Harlow produced the album.[10] Belle of the West followed in December 2017. // Fish released her sixth solo album, Kill or Be Kind, on September 20, 2019, on her new label, Rounder Records. It was chosen as a ‘Favorite Blues Album’ by AllMusic. // Fish released her seventh solo album, Faster, on September 10, 2021, on Rounder Records. The album was produced by Martin Kierszenbaum, and features drummer Josh Freese and bass player Diego Navaira of The Last Bandoleros. Kansas City area rapper Tech N9ne is featured on the song “Loud”. // In 2022, Fish was featured in the documentary short Love Letters: Samantha Fish Live From New Orleans presented by Carl Van Productions in association with Very Productive Pictures and WYES-TV, airing in both 2022 and 2023. // In May 2023, Fish released the collaborative album Death Wish Blues (Rounder Records) with Jesse Dayton, and the pair set forth on an extensive tour schedule throughout the US, UK, and Europe. Supporting them on the UK leg of their tour was Canadian roots rock band The Commoners. Death Wish Blues was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards. // Her older sister, Amanda Fish, is a singer-songwriter as well and a multi-instrumentalist who has recorded for VizzTone Records.]
Jocelyn Nixon – “YOU AIN’T RIGHT! YOU MUST BE WRONG!” from: “YOU AIN’T RIGHT! YOU MUST BE WRONG!”-Single / Supe Brill Records / May 2, 2025 [Jocelyn Olivia Nixon is lead singer of the band The Creepy Jungles. Jocelyn told Nick Spacek of The Pitch, “that the songs she presents to her bandmates in The Jingles’ songs are poppier stuff, typically, while solo songs are more folky, mellow, weird, and lyrical. Solo work also gives her the opportunity to work with others outside the group. As Nixon explains, “It’s basically a tongue-in-cheek song making fun of hard right conservatives and social cliques who think only their way is ‘right.’” She said, “I felt like I needed something where I can be a bit more vulnerable and naked, I suppose,” the musician says. “I think because Jingles do rock n roll pop songs well, I think I’m kinda boxed in as an artist and singer. This is my way of saying I have many sides to myself as an individual and as an artist, and I can forge my own path and defy expectations.” Jocelyn Nixon’s next single, “Real Deal,” is due later this summer . // The Creepy Jingles released a series of 4 new singles in 2024 including “When Things Go Wrong” on February 23, 2024. // The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019.]
[The Creepy Jingles play Farewell KCMO 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO TONIGHT, Wednesday, July 16, at 8:00pm with Claire Morales, and Joel Vs. Joel.]
Black Light Animals – “Last Call For Love Songs” from: LAST CALL FOR LOVE SONGS / The Record Machine / March 28, 2025 [Black Light Animals are: Cole B[ales on lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, keyboards; Cody Calhoun on lead guitar & percussion; Branden Moser on bass, guitar, keyboards, drums & percussion; and Alex Hartmann on drums & percussion. All songs written and produced by Black Light Animals. Lyrics by Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Branden Moser. Mixed and engineered by Cole Bales. Mastered by Adam Boose. Featuring Nate Hubert on keyboards & background vocals; spoken word intro and outro by Jass. Seyko Groves & Paula Saunders on additional background vocals and vocal arrangements. Brett Jackson on saxophone. Recorded at Groove King Studios in KCMO. // Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]
[Black Light Animals play Josey Records, 1815 McGee St., KCMO on Saturday, July 19, at 6:00pm with SEYKO, and Heath Church.]
11:29– Underwriting
11:31 – Pledge Break #5
Our WMM Summer Fund Drive Team: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, And Sandra Draper
On Wednesday MidDay Medley we offer Live in studio performances from: Marmppes, Beth Watts Nelson, ALBER, True Lions, Lonnie Fisher, Mitzi McKee, Calvin Arsenia, Ivory Blue, Stephonne, Julia Othmer, The Swallowtails, Danny Santell, Krystle Warren, MusicbySkippy, Lone Stranger, Just Angel & T.A. Rell, Christena Graves
On Wednesday MidDay Medley we make radio shows that cover: Extemporaneous Music and Arts Society, Lotus Pool Records, KC Rep, Outer Reaches Fest, Owen/Cox Dance Group, No Divide KC, The Folly Theatre, recordBar, Lawrence Arts Center, Manor Records, The Rino, KC Blues Society, KC Star, Lawrence Music Alliance, MixMaster Music Conference, Kosmic City Records, Midwest Music Foundation, Artists Thrive!, KC Gift, Juneteenth, Power to The People Fest, The Record Machine, Whim Theater, Lemonade Park, Crossroads Music Festival, The Ship, The Black Box Theatre, Amplify Lawrence, Quindaro Ruins, Queer Narratives Fest, Art in the Loop, The film: “I’m So Glad” documenting the KC Gospel Music, Fringe Festival, Make Music Day, Boulevardia, Arts in The Park, UMKC Conservatory of Music, The Crossroads Hotel, High Dive Records, Greenwood Social Hall, KC Folk Fest, Manor Fest, Center Cut Records, KKFI Band Auction, Charlotte Street Foundation, Women’s History Month!, University of Missouri at Columbia, Lawrence Public Library, I Heart Local Music, Black History Month, Bach Aria Soloists, Folk Alliance International, Martin Luther King Jr., Tribute to David Bowie, Tribute to Iris DeMent, the music of Palestine and Gaza
11:39
Kissin – “forsythia” from: “forsythia” – Single / Lady Kissin Records / June 20, 2025 [Songwriter: Emma Mathieson / Producer: Corbin Wise / Co-Producer/Mixing: Emma Mathieson. // Kissin is Kansas City Kansas based musical artist Emma Mathieson – Queer, midwestern, and deeply nostalgic, Kissin explores the intricacies of growing up, love, and pure joy with their dreamy spells of songs. / “Signs of Life” was Kissin’s debut single released February 14, 2024. Kissin released “hand soap” coproduced with Corbin Wise and also released February 14, 2024. Kissin released “cal me when you land” also coproduced with Corbin Wise on September 2, 2024. On June 20, 2025 kissing released the single “forsythia” through lady kissin records. Kissin released their 5th single “company time” on July 9, 2025.]
[Kissin plays The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, Saturday, July 19, at 7:00pm with Toaster Bath, and Oxford Remedy]
Kat King – “Somersaults” from: “Somersaults”- Single / Kat King / May 2, 2025 [Kat King eleased the single “I Might Like It” throough Manor Records on February 28, 2025 / / Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. Produced by Isaac Flynn of Hembree. Kat King released the EP Domestic Bliss on April 5, 2024. Domestic Bliss was in the Top 25 of WMM’s 129 Best Recordings of 2024. // 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’s career started as far back as 2nd grade in small town Kansas. As a solo singer-songwriter act, she produced one 13-song album and three EP’s. Now based in Kansas City, Kat King graduated into a 5-piece indie-pop rock group who are gearing up for the release of their second EP together. Their infectious energy has landed them on some of KC’s biggest stages.]
11:45 – Pledge Break #6
Our WMM Summer Fund Drive Team: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, And Sandra Draper
Case #6: 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.”
Driving in your car, at the office, at the gym, in your garage, in your cubicle, in your art space, on your iPod, at your construction site, in your kitchen, in your barn, YOU can take 90.1 with you, as your companion. 90.1 FM is generally a good date. Good for a few laughs, fun to dance with, always interested in good conversation. Isn’t 90.1 FM KKFI worth a few dollars a day, or a week? So many people tune in to http://www.kkfi.org everyday, but studies show, that less than 1 percent actually donate to keep this miracle of broadcast-ing alive. Your support means that you will help bring this programming to folks who could not donate at this time, for whatever the reason.
For Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, and Sandra Draper I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!)
11:53
Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Fumbling” from: Fumbling / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / March 21, 2025 [Fumbling by Danielle Ate the Sandwich, is the artist’s 8th full length release of original music. Produced by Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, and Danielle Anderson. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Recorded in Kansas City, KS. Photography by Paul Andrews. Danielle Anderson: vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo. Fritz Hutchison: drums, bass, banjo, guitars, keys. Alison Hawkins: vocals, keys, fiddle. Joy Zimmerman: vocals. Marco Pascolini: pedal steel. Alberto Racanati: trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Aryana Nemati: flute. Laurel Parks: violin. Sascha Groschang: cello. Community Choir on ‘Peace to You Brother’: Annie Kalahurka, Morgan Fender, Forest Kinsey, Mark Orr, Jamie Campbell, Jessica Campbell. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]
[Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays an Art in the Loop Performance onboard the KC Streetcar, TODAY Wednesday, July 16, 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Union Station Streetcar Stop, North Bound at 30 West Pershing Road Kansas City, on the Interplanetary Joyride Streetcar #814 featuring Tres Collective, and Danielle Ate the Sandwich performing as Jer. More information online at http://www.artintheloop.com]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week, on Wednesday, July 23 we bring you part two of WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! with tracks from, Marmoppes, Eddie Moore, Jamogi, honeybee, 2W33DY, She Said, Keo & Them, Religion of Heartbreak, Hotclub KC, honestav, Redder Moon, Saving Miles Lemon, RxGhost, Collidescope, Kai McGarry, and Ivory Blue. Plus, Steve Tulipana joins us to talk about the 20th Anniversary of recordBar.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! (Part 1) + Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, and Sandra Draper
Mark will spin 20 of WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Musical Releases of 2025…So Far! We’ll hear tracks from: Krystle Warren & The Faculty, Various Blonde, TheBabeGabe X The Human, Fullbloods, Daniel Gum, Stephonne, LYXE, The Nature Boys, The Royal Chief, Beth Watts Nelson, Old Sound, Malek Azrael + Sisterbot, The Freedom Affair, Samantha Fish, Jocelyn Nixon, Black Light Animals, kissin, Kat King, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, and Danny Cox. (Part 1 of 2)
Joining Mark in the studio are: Betse Ellis, critically acclaimed fiddler, singer, songwriter, member of The Starhaven Rounders, Little Miss Dynamite, and Betse & Clarke;Mikal Shapiro of KKFI’s Siren Song, and the bands, Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Shapiro Brothers, Monta At Odds, and Religion of Heartbreak; AND Sandra Draper, a member of KKFI’s Board of Directors and host and producer her own radio show, Silky San’s Soul Sensation coming soon to 90.1 FM.
Betse, Mikal, and Sandra join us for the entire show as our very special Guest Co-Hosts to encourage our beautiful 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. We want to say your name over the free community airwaves. We need your support now more than ever! Please join us!
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
WMM presents: Dedric Moore & The Kosmic City Fest + The Swallowtails + Kai McCarry
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
TheBabeGabe X The Human – “ROZZELLE COURT” from: HONEYPOP / Seven Rings Media / March 5, 2025 [Production by The Human // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.” // With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, Glass Animals, & more. That confidence shines through on braggadocios tracks like Only See Me, Pulse, and Pep Rally where she raps, “hoe shut the fuck up when I’m talking, got a pretty face but this mouth repulsive.” Pulling inspiration from future peers like Doja Cat & Tyler, The Creator, Gabe is quick to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. There’s no shortage of variety with sticky hooks, soulful ballads, Janelle Monáe -esque pop hits, somber reflective cuts, and boomy west-coast kickbacks. // No song boasts this genre-bending ability better than the double track RIOT GRRL//DRAMA QUEEN. Starting with an inspirational pop-punk banger that could make any Olivia Rodrigo fan nod in approval, it soon turns to the emotional DRAMA QUEEN, seeing Gabe grapple with difficult changes and struggle to find the best way forward. Listening to Gabe can often feel like hanging with your bestie in that you’re getting both the yap sessions about the everyday as well as the venting about life’s drama and all its uncertainties. // These confessions, boasts, hooks, croons, screams, beats, and sounds all come together to create an extraordinary portrait of a young artist figuring it out. It’s an unfiltered showcase that sees Gabe pull back the curtain and step forward so you can meet her where she’s at. So when you listen, you’re seeing her for who she really is. And for many, that’s someone you can see yourself in. That’s TheBabeGabe. // TheBabeGabe was one-third of the Kansas City based BLACKSTARKIDZ Gen-Z upstarts BLACKSTARKIDS have released their sixth studio album Saturn Dayz on September 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track seventh studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on October 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. Our friend and music writer Bill Brownlee talked with us about how the band created a double album, but the record company decided to release as two separate albums. The music from both albums relate to each other. Before the release of Saturn Dayz the band released their single and video “SOULMATEZ!” on August 30, 2024. “SOULMATEZ!,” is a magnetic, blissed-out bop that brings together pop, indie, and alt-rap, reminiscent of Dev Hynes-era Solange mixed with De La Soul. // The follow up to BLACKSTARKIDS’ acclaimed 2022 album CYBERKISS* which featured standout singles “CYBERKISS 2 U* ft. beabadoobee” and “SEX APPEAL,” SATURN DAYZ is an otherworldly, genre-crossing testament to their unrelenting artistry and is their most impressive work to date. PRESS HERE to pre-save SATURN DAYZ. // Putting out music at a prolific rate and making waves for their formidable songwriting and producing talents, as well as their endless energy and truly limitless sound, BLACKSTARKIDS have received critical acclaim from New York Times, MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, SPIN, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more. Blending garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie, such as on their beloved album Puppies Forever which features anthemic singles “ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS,” “JUNO,” and “FIGHT CLUB,” BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom and have previously toured with the likes of The 1975, COIN, Glass Animals, beabadoobee, Christian Leave, GroupLove. // Incorporating each member’s wide-ranging influences into their blissful DIY sound, such as Toro Y Moi, NERD*, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest, BLACKSTARKIDS first captivated the internet with their “black coming of age trilogy” of projects Let’s Play Sports, Surf, and Whatever, Man that feature critically acclaimed singles including “BRITNEY BITCH” and “FRANKIE MUNIZ.” // Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of KC in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The KC scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]
Deep Sea Diver – “Loose Change” from: Billboard Heart / Sub Pop Records / February 28, 2025 [Seattle’s Deep Sea Diver released Billboard Heart, their fourth album, and wide-screened Sub Pop debut. The new long-player includes the “Billboard Heart”, along with highlights “What Do I Know,” “Emergency,” “Let Me Go,” her collaboration with Grammy-winner Madison Cunningham, and the guttural single “Shovel.” // Billboard Heart immediately puts Deep Sea Diver in the company of St. Vincent, TV on the Radio, and Flock of Dimes, bands that have found newly ornate and magnetic ways to make indie rock by discarding notions of how it must sound or what it must say. Dobson punches through her past here. As she howls during Billboard Heart’s rapturous title track, she is “welcoming the future by letting go of it.” // It is a coup, a triumph over self-doubt in which what first felt like failure became an opportunity to find new freedom, belief, and strength. You can hear it in each of these eleven songs, the beating heart that makes everything here feel like a new anthem for finding your own way forward. // Billboard Heart was written and performed by primary songwriter and guitar player Jessica Dobson, and her partner, drummer and band co-writer Peter Mansen, and synth player Elliot Jackson. Additional contributions include former The Shins’ bandmate Yuuki Matthews, Caroline Rose, and Greg Leisz. Billboard Heart was produced by Jessica Dobson and Andy D. Park, with additional production from Adam Schatz, mixed by Park, and mastered by Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone. // You can watch the single-take official video for “Shovel,” directed by Tyler Kalberg and Deep Sea Diver. Dobson says of the track and visual, “‘Shovel’ is one of the most angular and dualistic songs I’ve written, and I wanted to do a one-shot video that captured the grit, rawness, and intensity of the song. Simply put, it is me digging and dancing with a shovel in the middle of the night, desperately looking for beauty in dark places. Influenced by Lynch, the Cohen brothers, Nick Cave, and the sweet dance moves of Kate Bush.” // “Frontwoman Jessica Dobson’s powerful voice and gnarled guitar solos grant the Seattle band’s propulsive, riff-laden indie rock a new level of yearning intensity.” – Pitchfork // “Billboard Heart could propel Deep Sea Diver to the greatest of heights: mild indie stardom. Or at least it should, because this record is very good. But even if they aren’t headlining Pearl Jam-sized arenas this time next year, the sounds of Billboard Heart could fill one.” – PASTE // “There is plenty to unpack with plenty of anthemic moments but also moments of calm that help the epic tracks to soar even more. Dobson’s vocals and guitar work are both captivating throughout in a record that rarely has a dull moment and is full of spirit and spark from start to finish.” – CLASH]
[Deep Sea Diver plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Street, KCMO, Tomorrow Night, July 10, at 7:00pm with opening band Meerna.]
Hannah Jadagu – “My Love” from: “My Love” – Single / Sub Pop Records / July 7, 2025 [Hannah Jadagu has returned with “My Love,” the singer-songwriter and producer’s scintillating new R&B electro pop song, available today on all streaming services from Sub Pop. The accompanying official video, co-directed by Annika Santhanam and Hannah, who also stars in the I Spy-inspired visual, is a sweet and surreal take on the song’s lyrical themes of love and distance. Hannah says of the song, “‘My Love’ is about the feelings that can arise when you’re apart from someone you love (longing, excitement, gratitude). It’s simply a love song that makes a plea for being with that person.” My Love” was written and composed by Hannah Jadagu, co-produced by Hannah with musician/producer Sora at Undercooled in Los Angeles, and returning collaborator/producer Max Baby at Greasy in Paris, France, mixed by Blue May and mastered by Heba Kadry. “My Love” is her first recorded material since the release of 2023’s Aperture, Hannah’s acclaimed, full-length debut. // Fresh out of high school, Hannah Jadagu released her debut EP, What Is Going On?, a collection of intimate bedroom pop tracks recorded entirely on an iPhone 7, which was, at the time, Jadagu’s most accessible mode of production. An off-the-cuff approach to music making and instinctive ability to write unforgettable hooks belied the intensity of Jadagu’s subject matter. In a short run time, What Is Going On? confronts some of the nation’s most urgent struggles all through Jadagu’s compassionate perspective. “I want my songs to be both super intimate and still universally relatable,” Jadagu says. “With the EP, so many people told me that the songs resonated with them on a personal level, and that’s what I’m always hoping for.” // Resonate it did; What Is Going On? was Jadagu’s first Sub Pop release, but she’d been putting out music on SoundCloud for years, garnering a small online fanbase as she settled into an aesthetic, and recognition from a broader audience was overdue. “It really took off when I became a percussionist in my middle school’s band,” she says. “Writing songs started as a hobby and quickly became a passion to the point that I spent all my free time recording.” // On May 19th, 2023 Jadagu premiered Aperture, her first LP and most ambitious work to date. Aperture was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. Written in the years between graduating from high school in Mesquite, TX and her sophomore year of college in New York, Aperture finds Jadagu in a state of transition. “Where I grew up, everyone is Christian; even if you don’t go to church, you’re still practicing in some form,” Jadagu says, laughing. “Moving out of my small hometown has made me reflect on how embedded Christianity is in the culture down there, and though I’ve been questioning my relationship to the church since high school, it’s definitely a theme on this album, but so is family.” // As a kid, Jadagu followed her older sister – a major source of inspiration who she refers to as “the blueprint” – to a local children’s chorus, where she received choral training. “I hated it,” Jadagu admits. “But it taught me how to harmonize, how to discover my tone, how to recognize and write melody.” The aching single “Admit It” is dedicated to Jadagu’s sister, whose boundless love and impeccable taste has been a constant for Jadagu ever since she was a kid. At home, the siblings were raised on mom’s Young Money mixtapes and the Black Eyed Peas (to whom she credits her love of vocoder) but it was in the sanctity of her sister’s car that Jadagu discovered indie artists who would go on to inspire her work. // Hannah Jadagu played the Bottleneck in Lawrence Kansas on Friday, September 29, 2023]
Lnrd Dstroy x Chromadadata – “Zen Garden ft. Aaron Alexander & Ubi” from: Enter The ScribbleVerse / A Space Suit Production / June 26, 2025 [Produced by Lnrd Dstroy & Chromadadata // “What began as a short film about the artist Scribe has grown into a multidimensional exploration of the creative experience. Music, a vital thread in that journey, took center stage as Leonard DStroy and Chromadadata expanded their original film score into a full sonic odyssey—one that drifts from wide open fields to the far reaches of space. // This project is more than a soundtrack—it’s a mood, a companion for your road trips, your creative deep dives, your moments of stillness. Full of chill-out vibes and soul-nourishing lyrics, it invites you to reflect: What fuels your own creative path? // So grab your headphones, crank the stereo, and Enter the Scribbleverse.” -Scribe // Track 05 features Aaron Alexander & Ubi on vocals. Track 07 features Peter Schlamb on Vibraphone. Track 11 features Dom Sanders on Bass. Track 14 features Ubi on vocals. Track 17 features Aaron Alexander on vocals, Octavio Santos on Trumpet/ Arrangement, and Tina Sol on Strings. // Mixed/ Mastered/ Executive Produced by Lnrd Dstroy. Cover Art by Scribe. A Space Suit Production.]
Jamogi & The Jammers – “Blackout (Flew The Coop Live)” from: Jamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live) / Jam Tunes / April 11, 2025. [Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California. Jamogi released the single “Do It To Me” on March 28, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Go Big or Go Home” on August 30, 2024, Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire. Kamogi and the Jammers played Boulevardia 2025]
[Jamogi & The Jammers play The Rino 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City on Friday, July 11 at 7:30pm with Sweet Magnolia, and the Back Alley Brass Band]
Kissin – “Signs of Life” from: “Signs of Life” – Single / Lady Kissin Records / February 14, 2024 [Songwriter: Emma Mathieson / Producer: Corbin Wise / Co-Producer/Mixing: Emma Mathieson. // Kissin is Kansas City Kansas based musical artist Emma Mathieson – Queer, midwestern, and deeply nostalgic, Kissin explores the intricacies of growing up, love, and pure joy with their dreamy spells of songs. / “Signs of Like is Kissin’s debut single released February 14, 2024. Kissin released “hand soap” coproduced with Corbin Wise and also released February 14, 2024. Kissin released “cal me when you land” also coproduced with Corbin Wise on September 2, 2024. On June 20, 2025 kissing released the single “forsythia” through lady kissin records. Kissin will release their 5th single “company time” on July 9, 2025.]
[Kissin plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd, KCMO on Friday, July 11, at 7:00pm with Sisterbot, and Harper K.]
REVISER – “CELESTINE” from: “CELESTINE” – Single / REVISER / February 28, 2025 Calling to mind classic 80’s bands such as Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, and Killing Joke, REVISER sounds complimentary to such contemporaries as Actors, Soft Kill, and Drab Majesty. REVISER collects and redirects its familiar influences into something both familiar and foreign, a sound that is dark, deep, and danceable. Dedric Moore on keyboards and Krysztof Nemeth on vocals and baritone guitar, with newest member Breaka Dawn (of The Bad Ideas) singing with Krysztof. This is the 4th single form REVISER who released “DARKSIDERS” on October 18, 2024, and “ASSASINS” and “BURN IT OUT” on March 15, 2024. REVISOR is a continuation of the musical collaboration from Static Phantoms, Religion of Heartbreak (with Mikal Shapiro) and Monta At Odds.]
[Reviser plays the Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, with Stranger Gallery (MINN), Brave Boy (Wichita), Cables & Lace, and Elska for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the decks all night, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO.]
10:28 – Underwriting
Stranger Gallery – “Restless” from: Echoes from Camden Bridge / Windlass Records / September 13, 2024 [Stranger Gallery presents their debut album, “Echoes from Camden Bridge,” on their own Windlass Records. After relentless regional tours, east coast festivals, lineup changes, and constant support for national artists, the band teamed with Tony Williamette at Minnehaha Recording Company (Charlie Parr, Night Moves) and settled into the studio for a Minnesota winter. // Echoes’ eight songs take a heartfelt and menacing delve into the personal impact and questions of the last four years: estrangement and cooperation, misinformation and advocacy, healing and war. // The band’s mechanized dance beats, shimmering guitar, and lush synths are pierced with an expanding vocabulary of violin and sampled metal percussion. // Mastered by Greg Reierson at Rare Form Mastering. // Cody Bourdot – vocals, guitar, sampler, bass; Manny Castro – bass, violin; Rocky Rosga – synth, beats, programming; Joe Hastings – lead guitars //Special thanks to Mark Mallman for guest vocals on 4. // Music by Stranger Gallery (1,4,7,8), Cornell/Bourdot (2), Roxy Epoxy/Drat (5), and Glenn Bourdot (6).. Words by Bourdot except 5 (Roxy Epoxy) and 6 (Glenn Bourdot). Recorded December 2023 and January 2024 at Minnehaha Recording Company, Minneapolis. Produced and mixed by Tony Williamette and Cody Bourdot. Engineered by Tony Williamette. Assistant engineers Thomas Schroeder & Murphy Oyeneyin. Mastered by Greg Reierson at Rare Form Mastering, Minneapolis.]
[Stranger Gallery (MINN) plays the Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, with ReViser, Brave Boy (Wichita), Cables & Lace, and Elska for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the decks all night, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO.]
10:34 – Interview with Dedric Moore
We’re happy to welcome back to the show one of our favorite people, Dedric Moore. Dedric is a Kansas City, Kansas based musician, producer, songwriter, vocalist and co-founder of the bands: Religion of Heartbreak, Re:Vis:Er, Monta At Odds, Static Phantoms, Gemini Revolution, Mysterious Clouds and founder of Kosmic City Records. Dedric joins us to share details about the Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, featuring RE:VIS:ER, Stranger Gallery (MINN), Brave Boy (Wichita), Cables & Lace, and Elska for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the decks all night, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO. More information at http://www.kosmiccity.com
Dedric Moore welcome back to Wednesday MidDay Medley
Last week on the radio show we played the new Religion of Heartbreak -single “Love Tourniquet” released through Kosmic City Records on June 27, 2025
Last week in WMM we played Religion of Heartbreak’s newest single: “Love Tourniquet,” the first taste of their forthcoming EP Lunate, due this September. Mikal Shapiro‘s cool, detached vocals float over Dedric Moore’s pounding rhythms and bright-yet-gothic synths, resulting in the ideal soundtrack for stumbling through a fog-drenched nightclub where the lights have just cut out. // The track captures that intoxicating rush when desire floods the system—blood to the head, pulse in your throat—only to fade as quickly as it arrived, leaving you back on the dance floor, chasing the same high again. Moore’s growling bass anchors the swirling soundscape while subtle dark-disco elements lift the arrangement into urgency. // “Love Tourniquet” thrives where euphoria meets emptiness, where the black mirror of the dance floor reflects nothing but your own endless cycle of want. Repetition becomes ritual and desire becomes devotion. // Religion of Heartbreak formed out of a desire to make music with a darker dance floor focus. The combination of Mikal Shapiro’s vocals battling against Dedric’s icy synths, mechanized beats and dub-inflected electro-bass creates a juxtaposition that works in all the right ways. //Religion of Heartbreak delves into the sounds of Darkwave, EBM, and the darker side of Synth Pop. The grooves are there. The songs are clever and always filled with a sense of lost love as we follow our dark hearts.
ROH is the band formerly known as Monta At Odds. It was recently announced that Krysztof Nemeth was stepping away for Religion of Heatbreak to focus on his band ReViser also with Dedric Moore and with Breaka Dawn.
On February 3, 2025 Religion of Heartbreak released the 5 song EP Dream Reflection with Dedric Moore on vocals, guitar, synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth: baritone guitar, electronic percussion; Alexander Thomas on electronic percussion on MGGG, Dream Reflection, Skeptic; Regan Moore on electronic percussion on Dark Hour of Meditation // Dream Reflection EP carries forward the motorized heartbeat of classic darkwave while forging its own metallic path. Drawing from EBM and Synth Pop traditions, this five-track release sees the Monta At Odds offshoot strip away unnecessary embellishments, leaving only the essential elements and textural remnants that speak to our collective digital malaise. // The EP’s centerpiece and title track emerges like a ghost in the machine, with Mikal Shapiro’s coolly delivered vocals floating above Dedric Moore’s gritty synth programming and precision-guided guitar along with Krysztof Nemeth’s synth pad percussion. Each track builds upon this foundation, from the robot-dance urgency of “Forget About You” to the beautiful desolation of “Skeptic,” creating a cohesive statement about modern isolation and the personas we construct. The result feels familiar and alien—like catching your reflection in a black mirror and seeing someone else staring back.
Kosmic City Presents: LUDI Dark Music Festival on Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO.
Cables and Lace – “Glimpses” from: “Glimpses” – Single / Cables and Lace / May 5, 2020 [Cables & Lace is a Topeka, Kansas based duo made up of Josh and Carmen who create an eclectic mix of down tempo, industrial, indie, and trip-hop.]
[Cables & Lace plays the Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, with ReViser, Brave Boy (Wichita), Stranger Gallery (MINN) , and Elska for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the decks all night, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO.]
10:47 – More Interview with Dedric Moore
We are talking with Dedric Moore about the Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, featuring RE:VIS:ER, Stranger Gallery (MINN), Brave Boy (Wichita), Cables & Lace, and Elska for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the decks all night, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO. More information at http://www.kosmiccity.com
Dedric Moore thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Dedric is a Kansas City, Kansas based musician, producer, songwriter, vocalist and co-founder of the bands: Religion of Heartbreak, Re:Vis:Er, Monta At Odds, Static Phantoms, Gemini Revolution, Mysterious Clouds and founder of Kosmic City Records.
Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, featuring RE:VIS:ER, Stranger Gallery (MINN), Brave Boy (Wichita), Cables & Lace, and Elska for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the de
While Dedric’s bands have been released on the Record Machine and Haymaker Records Dedric has also created his own label imprint: Kosmic City Records
Kosmic City’s website says: “Kansas City is in the center of the US and no longer a flyover town. Kosmic City is the nickname from the adventurous minds of denizens keeping underground culture alive in the Kansas City metro.”
“We are a group of musicians, DJs and fans of the scene and want to help make Kansas City a safe and exciting place to enjoy the dark scene. Kosmic City is comprised of members of Monta, Morgue VVitch, Emmaline Twist, Panhead87 and DJs Rico Dejoie and Steve Tulipana”
Kosmic City is dedicated to “Promoting Goth, Darkwave, Post-Punk, Synthpop, & Shoegaze in KC”
There are 37 Cosmic City EPs or Album Releases from: Religion of Heartbreak, Re:Vis:Er, Monta At Odds, Static Phantoms, Gemini Revolution, Mysterious Clouds available through Kosmic City.
Upcoming Kosmic City Approved Shows:
Academy Order, Religion of Heartbreak, Bags Bags Bags – Sun, Jul 27 at 7:00 pm at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO
“Academy Order masterfully blends goth, death rock, post rock, new wave and hints of hardcore to create a special sound that is simultaneously a revival and a revolution. Though these songs sound like the work of a band at the peak of their career, one can tell the band is just getting started.” – Evan Martin-Casler, Cvlt Nation
Newmoon, Cold Gawd – Wed, Jul 30 at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 520 Grand. KCMO
Brace yourselves for an enchanting musical journey as Newmoon, the acclaimed shoegaze band from Antwerp, Belgium, unveils their third studio album “Temporary Light.” The brand new release promises to mesmerise fans and captivate new listeners. // “Temporary Light” weaves a sonic tapestry that harks back to the band’s roots, yet retains a fresh approach that keeps their music alluring. Blending airy vocals with lush guitars, Newmoon creates an immersive sound that sweeps listeners off their feet into a striking world that feels distant yet familiar at the same time. // Joined by new drummer, Conor Dawson, “Temporary Light” marks an exciting chapter in Newmoon’s evolution. The band’s signature feel for grand yet delicate melodies are enriched by Dawson’s rhythmic finesse, adding a layer of depth and musicality to their songs. // After a more melodic approach on their previous release, Newmoon returns to embrace their abrasive, dreamy and ethereal sound on “Temporary Light”. With their blooming guitars and gracefully haunting melodies, they captivate listeners throughout the 8 tracks. From gentle melodies and catchy hooks to plush walls of guitars and pummeling drums. // “Thick layers of guitars always felt natural to us, and are kind of our main thing. We wanted to explore some ideas that have been in the back of our mind ever since we started this band,” says Bert Cannaerts. “As soon as we let go of trying to write a specific type of album, the songs grew organically and everything just clicked.” // Having previously recorded “Space” and the band’s debut EP “Invitation To Hold”, Newmoon enlisted engineer and producer Thomas Valkiers again to record “Temporary Light”. Additionally, Simon Scott of Slowdive,, renowned as one of the key people within the shoegazing genre, is responsible for mastering, truly elevating the sound of “Temporary Light”. // “Shoegaze is a genre where you get lost in walls of sound and whatnot. In a psychedelic sound, between reverbs… You need songs. These guys have them. They are very cool.” – Simon Scott for Binaural.es
Plague Garden, Reviser, Rx Ghost – Thusday, Aug 7 at 7:00 PM at miniBar
Plague Garden is a post-punk band from Denver, Colorado that began a concept in 2017 when singer-guitarist Fernando Altonaga wanted a vehicle for his more post-punk songwriting that didn’t fit with his project at the time eHpH, an industrial/EBM project. // Calling to mind classic 80’s bands such as Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, and Killing Joke, REVISER sounds complimentary to such contemporaries as Actors, Soft Kill, and Drab Majesty. REVISER collects and redirects its familiar influences into something both familiar and foreign, a sound that is dark, deep, and danceable. // RxGhost is a Kansas City-based band known for their shoegaze and post-rock sound, characterized by atmospheric textures and emotionally resonant music. They blend ethereal soundscapes with intense sonic bursts, creating a unique and immersive experience.
Die Sexual, L, Janet Azimuth – Wed, Aug 13 at 7:00 PM at miniBar
Die Sexual is the Los Angeles-based dark electronic duo of Rosselinni and Anton Floriano. Conjuring their influences of ebm, techno, and electropop, their sound is an intoxicating mix of analog synthetics and seductive vocals, touching on themes of desire and despair, domination and submission. // L and Janet Azimuth open the show.
Dedric Moore thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, featuring RE:VIS:ER, Stranger Gallery (MINN), Brave Boy (Wichita), Cables & Lace, and Elska for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the decks all night, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO. More information at http://www.kosmiccity.com
10:56
Elska – “Moonstorms” from: Dancing Alone (LP) / Time Released Sound / July 5, 2024 [11-track album release. Electronic/Ambient music from KC based Elska. Elska is the narrator of cinematic lullabies and creation of Composer Laura Boland. She represents love, imagination, optimism, conflict & awareness. Elska writes, “My vignettes are comprised of moments and memories that explore the human condition and our spiritual migrations in the context of our ever-changing environment.” .Composed, recorded, and mixed by Laura Boland in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Jessica Thompson in San Francisco, CA. Polaroids by Laura Boland, Alex Alexander and Peter Rad. Polaroid stories by Laura Boland Artwork/Design by Colin Herrick and Maria Chenut. // Elska writes: “Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this and listen. I am happy to present Dancing Alone to you: a slow waltz through the darkest corridors of our yesterdays. Here, we excavate dusty memories and are united with our shadows to uncover a reverberating love inside our hearts’ distorted beats. Evocative orchestrations of ghostly soundscapes and nostalgic synth textures decorate this internal terrain and accompany ethereal vocal narrations that tie together the complexities and explorations of “home.” // Elska released the 5 track EP lerden in Januaryt 29, 2021. // Elska released the 8-taxck album elska on September 28, 2018. More info at: elskamusic.me]
[Elska plays the Kosmic City – LUDI Summer Dark Music Festival, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00pm, with ReViser, Brave Boy (Wichita), Stranger Gallery (MINN) , and Cables & Lace (Topeka) for a night of Darkwave, Post-Punk, Dreampop, and Dark Ambient. DJ Ilya will be on the decks all night, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd KCMO.]
11:00 – Station ID
The Swallowtails – “Lucky Penny (2025 version)” from: Perspective (Bonus Track) / The Swallowtails / to be released in August 2025 [This is a new recording and new version of the band’s song “Lucky Penny” originally released as the title track from their Bebruary 20, 2024 5-song EP – LUCKY PENNY. Yhis new version will be added as a bonus track on the bands. Up coming album PERSPECTIVE. // 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 the LUCKY PENNY EP was split between Rachel and Miki P, and this was 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.” // Swallowtails embarked 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 hwere recently approved as part of KCAIC Touring Artists Roster, through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. // Historically, on May 22, 2023 The Swallowtails released their 7-track EP THE WORLD STILL SPINS with 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. // The Swallowtails played the 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, August 24, 2024 on the Stockyards Brewing Stage with: Howard Mahan & Friends, The Canterberries, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Beth Watts Nelson, Rural Grit All Stars, and Les Ismore & The Goats. // More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com]
[Casii Stephan, Miki P and Cheery will play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00PM Doors at 6:60pm]
11:05 – Interview with Rachel Lovelace of The Swallowtails
Rachel Lovelace attended the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and moved from Jacksonville Florida to Kansas City in 2015 to study at UMKC and UMKC Conservatory of Music in Jazz Studies/Performance. Rachel has worked at Kansas City Young Audiences, loves rock climbing, has a dog named Peanut. and has been a part of the Swallowtails from the beginning
Since 2018 The Swallowtails have released two albums and two EPs, played hundreds of shows and festivals around the Midwest, and been awarded The Pitch Magazine’s ‘Best Of Kansas City’ for the last two years. They released their EP LUCKY PENNY on February 20, 2024. The duo is currently at work on their new album PERSPECTIVE The band has launched a new Kickstarter Campaign to help make this new collaborative project happen Casii Stephan, Miki P and Cheery will play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00PM Doors at 6:30.
Rachel Lovelace thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Swallowtails are: Miki P and Rachel Marie Lovelace are an acoustic folk rock duo based out of Kansas City, MO. They’ve been a band for 6.5 years. They’ve been completely independent from record labels and management. This approach has been the best way for them to have complete control of Their vision and truly find their sound. Despite going it alone, They’ve released two albums and two EPs, played hundreds of shows and festivals around the Midwest, and been awarded The Pitch Magazine’s ‘Best Of Kansas City’ consecutively for the last two years in a row!
From their Kickstarter page:
Within these last two years They’ve been able to grow Their fan base throughout the Midwest through touring and releasing music. Their most current EP Lucky Penny was released in February 2024 and was recorded, produced, and released on their own volition. They learned a lot in this process; how to co-write & co-produce with each other, how to write for their instrumentation, and how to record their unique sound.
After releasing Lucky Penny into the world, they continued to write as a duo and develop their live stage show by trying out new songs with the intent to find their strongest arrangements. Shedding this music in dedicated rehearsal time and on the stage, they believe this new collection of songs are their strongest yet. From their Perspective they know this collection is special and it deserves the opportunity to reach a bigger audience outside what they are physically and financially able to do by theirselves at this point.
Outgrowing their independent resources, they’re calling for help to bring their biggest vision yet to life. This is the greatest endeavor they’ve encountered as a band and as professionals. By running this campaign on Kickstarter, The Sswallowtails are reaching out to ask help from listeners, fans, and friends, to be a part of our process to releasing new music. This way too, they are able to give back something tangible, like a vinyl record or a songwriting lesson, in exchange for help.
Making an album comes with a plethora of costs. Studio time, hiring an engineer and producer, along with mixing and mastering the record is just the beginning of this process. After the music is recorded, they will have to afford photo and video shoots for publishing, press releases, and marketing.
On top of all of that, they will hire a publicist in hopes to give this music a chance to find its deserved audience. This doesn’t cover the costs of ordering merch outside of the kickstarter rewards – which is our only real chance of making any of our investment into the overall cost of the project back.
PERSPECTIVE THE ALBUM – a two-part release ♡♡♡ Perspective will be an album released in two parts. The first 5 songs, of which they’ve already started recording, will release in the Fall of 2025 digitally. The full album, including the first five released songs plus 6 more songs, will released in 2026 both digitally and physically.
Perspective as a concept was inspired by their friendship as bandmates, but more importantly friends. Having experienced seven years of life together, Miki and Rachel have had their fair share of ups and downs. They’ve laughed together, grieved together, hit some of their biggest professional achievements side by side, and supported each other through difficult life changes. This album is not only an ode to their friendship and foundation, but a reminder that: life is a matter of your perspective. They choose to revel in our lives, create art, sing songs and share our souls with the world!!
This is the first completely collaborative album they have written as a band. Writing credits are split evenly between the two of the, and you will hear both of them taking lead on certain songs and sharing harmonies. They feel like this project reflects their growth as songwriters in a way they’ve never been able to capture before, and we’re very proud of this collection of songs.
The first 5 songs listed will be included in the first EP release this year! Told You So Perspective One of These Days The Last Time Tables Have Turned Giving Tree Always With Me My Girl Heart is a Garden Revolution BONUS TRACK: Lucky Penny (ft. John Mailander)
WHO’S INVOLVED? – As an independent band free of labels or management, there are many hats they wear to keep the music rolling and our pockets not completely empty. However, they knew they couldn’t do it alone and needed a team of creators who believed in the project to make it truly come to life.
The Swallowtails challenged themselves with this project to work outside of what was familiar to then in previous recording sessions. For the first time ever they hired a producer, Heidi Gluck, an extremely talented and inspiring musician, to guide the feel of the album. Before recording in the studio, they met with Heidi to do what they call “pre-production sessions” where they reshaped their songs. They changed tempos, chords, lyrics, everything you could possibly do to create their songs best arrangements. During their time in the studio, Heidi kept them on track, wrote counter-melodies, and played bass and keyboard. This album continues to metamorphosize and evolve; the record is currently being created, re-arranged, recorded and visualized with the help and guidance of Heidi.
The Swallowtails decided to ask their friend Wills Van Doorn to engineer this project for them. Wills is a wizard at engineering, and is also a talented musician/songwriter himself. Comfort was really important to them for this record. They wanted to be somewhere they felt safe to be themselves and capture the collaborative energy with their producer Heidi. Wills did an excellent job facilitating this and they believe you can hear that on the record.
For the album cover, they asked Lori Locke to help the create the vision they saw for Perspective. They wanted it to play on the album title; the image being a matter of your perspective. After an amazing photo shoot with Lori, they printed the pictures and created a paper collage with real dried flowers (that they pressed themselves from a walk one day) and a vintage book Rachel purchased when they first started The Swallowtails. It was a group project that stemmed from Lori’s unique vision of painting their bodies and posing them in her studio!
There will be one bonus track on the Perspective album that is a call-back to a previously released song of theirs, Lucky Penny. The Swallowtails are re-releasing the song this summer as a single featuring The Sweallowtails unbelievably talented friend John Mailander on violin. The band believes this re-release embodies the true spirit of the song, our friendship, and journey as musicians and producers into their next album cycle. All the videos you’ve seen for this campaign were shot and edited by their friend Dylan Trigg of Triggered Media Co. Dylan helped them take thier Kickstarter campaign to a visual level – showcasing our sense of humor, gratitude, and hard work in all under 3 minutes.
There are so many more people who have aided in their journey as a band, as performers, and as songwriters. They couldn’t have done any of this without involving the listeners and fans that make any of this possible. They are so grateful to all therr friends and family who believe in them to soar for new heights!
Casii Stephan – “King of America” from: “King of America” – Single / Casii Stephan / July 4, 2025 [Produced by Chad Copelin (Colony House, Strumbellas, Broncho), “King in America” is a hard-hitting and explosive rock-drenched protest song against the perils of fascism and the current American administration. Casii shares, “I’m mad. I was raised to believe in God’s divine plan for America. That the monarchy was never meant for us. And now… they want a monarchy. They want to threaten my trans friends’ lives and make them unwelcome in Oklahoma. They want to deport people who are near and dear to my family. They want to pick on the minority. Well, pick on me. I’m the majority. We’re the majority. And if they think this country will go down without a fight? Darlings. We already won this war. I guess it’s time to remember who we are. The home of the brave and the land of the free.” // Casii Stephan has received acclaim from the likes of Billboard, NPR, American Songwriter, Atwood Magazine, and SPIN among others and has performed at SXSW and is signed to TRO Essex (Woody Guthrie, The Who, Pink Floyd). // Minnesota gave her roots, and Tulsa gave her wings. Casii Stephan is a MN-born, indie-pop meets soul-rock singer-songwriter based in Tulsa, OK.Casii’s “gorgeously emotive voice inspires comparisons to alt-pop artists like Florence Welch and Fiona Apple with a writing style reminiscent of Carole King” (NPR). // Stephan’s voice is fierce and fearless, but this was not always the case. She grew up shy and afraid of her voice until she started writing songs on the family piano when she was 16. Casii moved to Tulsa in 2014 with the intent to give up her pursuit of a music career, however with a little encouragement from a friend, she continued songwriting and started releasing music in 2016. // Since then, Casii has received national songwriting awards, toured regionally and internationally, performed official SXSW and Folk Alliance showcases, performed in NYC at A2IM, performed at the virtual Sundance Film Festival, and profiled on platforms such as Billboard, NPR, SPIN, and American Songwriter. She recently returned from her first international tour with stops in Ireland and the UK. In Jan 2025, she was an official showcase artist at the “Your Roots are Showing” international music conference. She then returned to London to perform an official SXSW showcase in June. // Casii writes her songs honestly, from the depths of her emotions, with wide ranging themes including death and life, love and loss, and often pushing back on negative societal norms like sexism, ageism and “playing nice” as a woman. She uses writing to deconstruct her own beliefs with an underlying hope that things can change, inviting listeners on their own journey.
Casii’s diverse songwriting catalog is with TRO Essex Music Publishing, who represents talented folk writers such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and iconic rock bands like The Who and Black Sabbath. Casii’s highly anticipated Relationship Status EP, produced by Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes, St. Paul and the Broken Bones), was released in September 2024 on Shamus Records to rave reviews. “Each of these songs are great. Individually, they present a brilliant vocal and some very strong musical hooks, but when played together, ‘Relationship Status’ becomes bigger than the sum of its parts, with the songs representing a journey.” (Real Gone Rocks). Casii is currently in the studio writing and recording new songs. More info at: http://www.casiistephan.com]
[Casii Stephan plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00PM Doors at 6:30pm Miki P, and Cheery.]
10:17 – More Interview with Rachel Lovelace of The Swallowtails
Rachel Lovelace attended the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and moved from Jacksonville Florida to Kansas City in 2015 to study at UMKC and UMKC Conservatory of Music in Jazz Studies/Performance. Rachel has worked at Kansas City Young Audiences, loves rock climbing, has a dog named Peanut. and has been a part of the Swallowtails from the beginning
Since 2018 The Swallowtails have released two albums and two EPs, played hundreds of shows and festivals around the Midwest, and been awarded The Pitch Magazine’s ‘Best Of Kansas City’ for the last two years. They released their EP LUCKY PENNY on February 20, 2024. The duo is currently at work on their new album PERSPECTIVE The band has launched a new Kickstarter Campaign to help make this new collaborative project happen Casii Stephan, Miki P and Cheery will play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00PM Doors at 6:30.
Rachel Lovelace , thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Formed in 2018, The Swallowtails are a KC based musical duo comprised of musicians Miki P on guitar & vocals and Rachel Lovelace on bassoon & vocals.
“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.
Established . 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 created the EP Lucky Penny to be available for the 2024 Folk Alliance International Conference February 21st-25th. Both Miki & Rachel earned scholarships to attend the conference that year.
In 2024 The Swallowtails embarked 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 were 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 was recorded, mixed, & mastered at Element Recording Studio by Joel Nanos, with Miki P on drums, guitars, & vocals; Adee Dancy on cello & vocals; Rachel Lovelace on bassoon; with John O’Keefe on bass. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro.
On March 30, 2022, The Swallowtails released the single, “Who’s Gonna Be There”.
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. // 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. An inspired musician, Miki has a rare capability to not only be able to share her life experiences and lessons learned through her voice & lyrics, but also through every instrument she performs on. Always a student, she both performs and records on guitar, drums, percussion, piano, bass and ukulele. Miki P is a songwriter with a unique ability to command any room she performs in. A natural talent paired alongside a drive to connect with others, Miki is a touring musician carrying on elements of rock & pop. Settled with a message resonating loud and clear to people from all walks of life through her imaginative, fun, and confessionally honest songwriting, Miki sings of love in all its forms.//
Rachel Lovelace, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
Miki P plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00PM Doors at 6:30pm with Casii Stephan, and Cheery
11:27
Cheery – “What Works For Me (new demo)” – Single from: “What Works For Me (new demo)” – Single / Spirit House Records / Unreleased [From the recordings of Cheery for their second record, Cyclical Sadness. Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Conroy, who was formerly based in Lawrence, Kansas. moved 4000 miles away to get married and relocate in Liverpool, England. When she was still based in Lawrence, Kansas, As Cheery, Katlyn released the single “Concept of Love” and b-side, “Vulture” on August 3, 2021, written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. With over 20 years of live performance experiences she has performed alongside Daniel Johnston, Florence and The Machine, Grizzly Bear, Sara Barielles, Why? and more. Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery ]
[Cheery plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO on Thursday, July 10 at 7:00PM Doors at 6:30pm Miki P, and Casii Stephan,
11:29 – Underwriting
Kai McGarry – “Loose Change” from: Scarlett / Kai McGarry / August 1, 2024 [This album came from a lot of research, a lot of people, and a lot of life that I’ve lived in a short period of time. I remember every situation that i wrote about, and they’re all there in the music. Everyone who shaped this album, good and bad, I am forever in your debt. This bleeding desire that I’ve had since a kid is slowly fading from dream to reality, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Scarlet is about whatever you’ve lost, gained, and most importantly, what you’ve done to achieve something in your life. // For SCARLET, Kai McGarry wrote, produced, recorded, and arranged the vintage pop, jazz-inflected record in his basement, and Duane Trower mixed it at Weights and Measures Soundlab. On this record, McGarry performed all of the instruments, except for bass guitar (recorded by Nick May), trombone (recorded by Zander Wolf), and saxophone (recorded by Brayden Evans). The album is a reflection of a very short snapshot of time, one that included a shift in the people in his life as well as his priorities.]
11:34 – Interview with Kai McGarry
Kai McGarry, is a 17 year old artist, shaped by his upbringing in the Kansas City jazz community, with mentorship from regional jazz greats and experience playing drums in various ensembles. Kai McGarry self-produced his very own debut album at the age 12. His newest album, SCARLET, Kai McGarry wrote, produced, recorded, and arranged the vintage pop, jazz-inflected record in his basement, and Duane Trower mixed it at Weights and Measures Soundlab. On this record, McGarry performed all of the instruments, except for bass guitar (recorded by Nick May), trombone (recorded by Zander Wolf), and saxophone (recorded by Brayden Evans). Kai McGarry, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Kai McGarry recently graduated from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas.
Kai will be attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston to continue his professional pursuit.
In August Kai will turn 18.
Kai plays drums, clarinet, bass, piano, and guitar as well as music production.
Kai plays with all of the bands at Mill Valley as well as KC’s top high school jazz band – Live Jazz KC’s, All Star Band.
During his Junior year in High School Kai encourage parents that have a child with an interest in music he would love to help them make that dream come true. Kai’s parents (after an extensive amount of convincing) let me create a studio in the downstairs area of their home.
Kai Played Future Stages at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kai played the Coleman Hawkins Festival.
Kai did play an Album Pre-Release on June 29, at 7:15am at KC Oasis with Dandelion Lakewood, King Dari, and Michelle Robin
11:42
Kai McGarry – “The Show Must Go On” from: Scarlett / Kai McGarry / August 1, 2024 [This album came from a lot of research, a lot of people, and a lot of life that I’ve lived in a short period of time. I remember every situation that i wrote about, and they’re all there in the music. Everyone who shaped this album, good and bad, I am forever in your debt. This bleeding desire that I’ve had since a kid is slowly fading from dream to reality, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Scarlet is about whatever you’ve lost, gained, and most importantly, what you’ve done to achieve something in your life. // For SCARLET, Kai McGarry wrote, produced, recorded, and arranged the vintage pop, jazz-inflected record in his basement, and Duane Trower mixed it at Weights and Measures Soundlab. On this record, McGarry performed all of the instruments, except for bass guitar (recorded by Nick May), trombone (recorded by Zander Wolf), and saxophone (recorded by Brayden Evans). The album is a reflection of a very short snapshot of time, one that included a shift in the people in his life as well as his priorities.]
11:45 – More Interview with Kai McGarry and Alicia McGarry
Kai McGarry, is a 17 year old artist, shaped by his upbringing in the Kansas City jazz community, with mentorship from regional jazz greats and experience playing drums in various ensembles. Kai McGarry self-produced his very own debut album at the age 12. His newest album, SCARLET, Kai McGarry wrote, produced, recorded, and arranged the vintage pop, jazz-inflected record in his basement, and Duane Trower mixed it at Weights and Measures Soundlab. On this record, McGarry performed all of the instruments, except for bass guitar (recorded by Nick May), trombone (recorded by Zander Wolf), and saxophone (recorded by Brayden Evans). SCARLET will be officially released on August 1, 2025 with a KAI MCGARRY ALBUM PRE-RELEASE LISTENING EVENT.
Kai McGarry, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Kai played the Mutual Musicians Foundation
Kai thanks these KC musicians for being a mentor and helping to shape who he is today:
Arnold Young Brandon Draper Charles Williams Sam Platt Christopher Burnett Brian Steever Herschel McWilliams
Charles Williams is one of Kai’s teachers. KCMO native. Local Musician/ Producer, Piano Instructor, Member of The American Jazz Museum Board. Pianist at The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. Jazz Academy Teacher for Advanced Combo at American Jazz Museum. Former RETIRED CLERK at US Postal Service. Studied Elementary Education/Music at University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Studied Music education at Penn Valley Community College. Went to Sumner High School Class of 1973. From Kansas City, Kansas
In the Fall of 2024 Kai released the 8 – track album AN OLD PIANO. It was completely self-produced by Kai, from writing the lyrics and composing the music to mixing and mastering every track.
Kai McGarry Thanks for being with us on WMM
For WMM, and Kai McGarry I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening.
11:53
Kai McGarry – “Spin Out (faet. Akinya)” from: Scarlett / Kai McGarry / August 1, 2024 [This album came from a lot of research, a lot of people, and a lot of life that I’ve lived in a short period of time. I remember every situation that i wrote about, and they’re all there in the music. Everyone who shaped this album, good and bad, I am forever in your debt. This bleeding desire that I’ve had since a kid is slowly fading from dream to reality, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Scarlet is about whatever you’ve lost, gained, and most importantly, what you’ve done to achieve something in your life. // For SCARLET, Kai McGarry wrote, produced, recorded, and arranged the vintage pop, jazz-inflected record in his basement, and Duane Trower mixed it at Weights and Measures Soundlab. On this record, McGarry performed all of the instruments, except for bass guitar (recorded by Nick May), trombone (recorded by Zander Wolf), and saxophone (recorded by Brayden Evans). The album is a reflection of a very short snapshot of time, one that included a shift in the people in his life as well as his priorities.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week, on Wednesday, July 16, we present Part One of WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025 –- So Far! (A two-week radio special celebrating the depth of the MidCoastal Music Community). To help us celebrate I will be joined by my special co-hosts: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro and Sandra Draper, for our Wednesday MidDay Medley Summer On-Air-Fund Drive. We will need to hear from YOU our listeners to support Community Radio. In our currently political climate we need your support now more than ever. Please call 888-931-0901 during the show so we can say your name over the airwaves and burn a negative thought in our fire in your honor.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley 