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

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

WMM presents Alex Kimball Williams aka Bad Alaskan + Ivory Blue + Adria Patterson

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

2. Emmaline Twist – “Oblivion”
   from: DISSIMULATION / Black Site Records / August 24, 2018
   [The band is Meredith McGrade on vocals & guitar, Kristin Conkright on bass, Jonathan Knecht on drums, Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar, and Alex Alexander on synthesizers & guitar. Emmaline Twist, is a Kansas City based Darkwave / Post-Punk / Shoegaze project. The band released the single, “Strange Pursuit” on October 26, 2023. They released “Aspera” on July 1, 2022. They released the single “Drugs” on July 1, 2021. Their critically acclaimed debut LP, DISSIMULATION was released August 24, 2018 from Black-Site Records. That album was recorded, mixed, and produced at Massive Sound by Paul Malinowski, and Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. In 2017 the band released “Dissimulation 1,” 4 songs in digital format. Emmaline Twist released their first single Vega” b/w “Moon Eyes” on vinyl on Middle Class Records on September 6, 2016.”]

[Emmaline Twist play a Farewell Show for now, Saturday, October 5, 7:00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO w/ Public Memory at 8:00pm, Emmaline Twist at 9:00pm, and RxGhost at 10:03pm.]

3. Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Without U”
   from: Extended Play / Parlour Door Music / November 1, 2024
   [Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US, “Macca” is the newest release from Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released Macca on May 22, 2023, recorded on the heels of sessions for the band’s upcoming full length album EXTENDED PLAY. // 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, would later go on to replace Dave Moore on keys. // The Faculty has always been a tenuous project for everyone involved because of the distance and the schedules. While everyone remains close friends, the band members are spread across the globe. Krystle in France. Riddleberger in New York and Zach in Woodstock. Jonathan in Los Angeles. And then they are all working musicians, touring, recording, and collaborating with an impressive list of artists. Musicians like, in no particular order: D’Angelo, Hercules and Love Affair, Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers, Joan As Police Woman, Jonathan Wilson, Emily King, Janet Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Amy Helm, Taylor Swift, Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, The Knights, Bleachers, Emmylou Harris, Amos Lee, Mayra Andrade, Lana Del Rey, Broken Social Scene, Teddy Thompson, Lakecia Benjamin, and honestly that’s less than the half of it. // So they have been busy, and they have gained a lot of experience since the days of sneaking into ElectricLady late night or playing for meager pay and free wine at an East Village Italian resto. And while Diary, Circles, and Love Songs​ were recorded with everyone in the same room (​Three the Hard Way, Krystle’s solo album, was pared down to her and Kane collectively), Extended Play​ was recorded disparately and assembled together by the steady hands and ears of Kane and Krystle. There is distance between the musicians in the recording process, but there is still a close emotional connection that can be heard in these songs. // The songs that make up ​Extended Play​ are songs of experience—the lyrics reflect on a crush from high school, a departed musical hero, and others who live in memory. There is nostalgia in Extended Play, and a forlornness. // Krystle describes “When I Look Back,” the last song of the album, as “an apology to my teenage self.” Twenty years ago she was writing songs about what happened day-of because being young is about immediacy and living in the present tense. Now the songs are about years past because life slows down, and we are allowed the time to “look back.”// But as Krystle sings in “Rising,” “Future lingers while past is present.” She’s writing about the past because we are all our collected histories—or as she puts it in “When I Look Back”: “there’s still something of her that stays.” The future, of course, still lingers, always there waiting for us, for the next move. The album ends with a recording of Audre Lorde’s gravelly voice. She says, // I’m going on to something else, the shape of which, I have no idea. ‘Only thing I know is, it’s going to be quite different. What I leave behind has a life of its own – I’ve said this about poetry … Well in a sense, I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been. // Krystle Warren & The Faculty still have more to come. They have built twenty years of memories, experiences, recordings, and shows, and with the release of Extended Play,​ they continue to show a commitment to growing as musicians together, even if apart. The Extended Play bio written by Phil Anderson]

4. Jolson & The Fear of Snakes – “Popcorn Ceiling”
   from: Yes, But Not With You / Jolson Robert / April 26, 2024
   [Jolson Robert is a multi-instrumentalist/singer based in Kansas City. He grew up in rural Kansas and found solace in music where he learned as many instruments as he could and worked to recreate songs he loved. // Jolson Robert describes his music as indie pop/rock, midwest emo, and funk. He writes and records his musicby himself playing: bass, drums, guitars, keys, and vocals. Then, his friends Garret Aiken on drums, Jesse Rodriguez on guitar, Jackson Broadwater on bass, and recently, his younger brother Gavin Robert on keyboards bring the music to life for live performance as a band, Robert Jolson has written that, “each one of these people is more skilled at their given instrument than I am, which I quite enjoy! It makes the live shows that much cooler. And I’ve always been partial to performing live; I think it’s what I do best as a performer, and of course, it’s what we do as a band.” //Jolson was in Quite Frankly The Band. Info at: http://www.jatfos.com]

[Jolson & The Fear of Snakes play recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave. KCMO, TONIGHT, Wednesday, October 2, at 7:00pm with Descartes A Kant, presented by Up To Eleven]

5. Making Movies – “La Sombra (En Vivo) [feat. Asdru Sierra]”
   from: Baúl De Las Movies (En Vivo En Folly Theater 2023) / 3/2 Recordings / Sept. 27, 2024
   [Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. // Enrique Chi writes: “The walls of The Folly are special, it is one of the best sounding stages we’ve ever played on so it seemed like a no brainer to record our 2023 concert there. The concert featured an incredible horn section led by Asdru Sierra from Ozomatli, alongside Trevor Turla and Ryan Heinlein. Mireya Ramos was also able to join us and help us make the night truly magical. That place has history for the city and the Chaurand family so we are excited to share this moment with you.” // Making Movies – Live at the Folly Theater, Kansas City, January 28th, 2023, Produced by Ben Yonas, McKenzii Webster, Executive Producer Javier E. Carrizo, Production Assistant Nora Gibbons, Recording & Mixing Engineer Ben Yonas, Recording Engineer Paul Malinowski, Mastering Engineer, Dave Greenberg/Sonopod, Assistant Sound Engineers Josh Gomez, Ricky Menendez. Asdru Sierra on trumpet; Ryan Heinlein, Trevor Turla on trombone. // “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” was also filmed. Directed by William J. Stribling. // Directors of Photography Adam Baron-Bloch, Alex Gallitano. // Camera Operators Cole Blaise, Nora Gibbons, Esai Saenz. // Production Designer Aisa Palomares. // Edited by Raymond Fraser. // Colorist Tam Le // DI Coordinator John Daniels-Riveros. // DI Services Provided by Sodalite Color // Stream “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” – https://ffm.to/follyliveep.OYD. // Latin Grammy nominated band Making Movies released their specual EP EN LA SALA containing 8 of the songs recorded LIVE, on January 12, 2024. Before that they released their single “Medicina”. Most recently Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas and mixed by Tchad Blake. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021. On February 5, the band released the 7-song, La Cuarentena EP which included a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP also includes: covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. The EP was made available on BandCamp for only three days on February 5 through February 7, 2021. Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá) in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV..” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. More info at: https://makingmovies.world%5D

[Making Movies plays Percheron Rooftop Series at the Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central Street, Kansas City, MO, TONIGHT on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM.]

6. Amado Espinoza – “The Blue Journey”
   from: Q’ansas / Amado Espinoza / July 6, 2022
   [Amado Espinoza Quartet brings Andean soul to the American heartland. Amado plays traditional Andean instruments – the charango and sikus, as well as the mandolin and didgeridoo. He teams up with Andres Ramirez on percussion, Tina Bilberry on violin, and Johnny Hamil on bass, to bring a contemporary electric feel to Amado’s dynamic compositions. Expanding ideas of sound, texture and space, they invoke the musical ancestors of us all and activate the music that is alive in all our DNA. The journey is both ritual and joyous celebration. Amado Espinoza Quartet premiered their new album, Q’ansas with an Album Release Show, at the Record Bar, Friday, July 15, 2022, with special guest Julia Othmer.]

[Amado Espinoza plays KIMSA, traditional music from the Andes mountains, South America, and Beyond! Sunday, October 6, at 4:00pm, at Center for Spiritual Living. 1014 W 39th Street, KCMO with Amado Espinoza on flutes, charango, Pedro Calderon on flutes, guitar; and Oscar Rios Pohirieth on Andean flutes.]

10:30 – Underwriting

10:32 – Interview with Adria Patterson

Adria Patterson is swimmer, a life guard, and instructor teaching adults how to swim, helping people overcome their fear of water and end generational cycles of aquaphobia. She is a Certified Life Coach and Certified Swim Instructor. Through education and passion, Adria has held positions in the financial service industry as well as the educational arena, earning numerous awards and recognitions for product development and sales. She has served on the board of advisors for successful non-profit organizations, a local church body, and the regional and general boards of a large denomination. She is currently the founder of PC Swimming, encouraging communities to develop a healthy and safe relationship with water. Adria is the mother of two prominent young men. She is not only a swim coach but a prayer coach that swims. More information at http://www.PCSwimming.com.

Adria Patterson thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

With over a decade of prayer coaching, teaching, and most importantly, real-life, on-your-knees intercessory experience, her understanding of fear is extremely different. Unlike general life\ coaches, Adria demonstrates how developing a specific and strategic prayer life leads to overcoming paralyzing fear to achieve total wellbeing and abundance. Answered prayer is a Christian’s right. It is that expectation that drives the outcome. Thirty years of swimming experience brings additional insight and skills to guide her clients on their personal water journeys.

Adria is known for her direct approach and barrier dissolving style; Adria’s fusion of
authentic testimonies and bold conversation connect with her audience with an intentional, intense and individual purpose.

Adria has served as a leader in Christian Education for several years. She is a Certified Life Coach and Certified Swim Instructor. She works with the most exceptional and determined in the community to develop swimming skills and overcome fear of water.

Prior to her recognition of her “prayer warrior” calling, Adria, through education and passion held positions in the financial service industry as well as the educational arena, earning numerous awards and recognitions for product development and sales. She has served on the board of advisors for successful non-profit organizations, a local church body, and the regional and general boards of a large denomination. Adria continues to provide leadership training and development to local churches and recommendations to church administration. She is currently the founder of PC Swimming, encouraging communities to develop a healthy and safe relationship with water.

Adria is the mother of two prominent young men. She continues to seek the Lord daily to encourage others to uncover their best selves one prayer at a time. She is not only a swim coach that prays but a prayer coach that swims.

Adria Patterson thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Adria Patterson is currently the founder of PC Swimming, encouraging communities to develop a healthy and safe relationship with water. Adria is the mother of two prominent young men. She is not only a swim coach but a prayer coach that swims. More information at http://www.PCSwimming.com.

10:49

7. SEYKO – “Anybody High”
   from: “Anybody High” – Single / Groove King Records – Fat Beats / December 1, 2023
   [Produced by Colby Bales of the band Black Light Animals and also a bandmate of SEYKO’s in The Freedom Affair. // Seyko released the single “What I Want” on June 23, 2023. //From http://www.seykomusic.com: Seyko has always found music to be a reflection of her innermost thoughts and feelings, a way of self-expression but even deeper than that. Music was always a life-giving, constant companion from the happiest moments to the darkest days. Music continues to be Seyko’s way of communicating with the world around her. // Seyko developed her musical talent during her formative years through church and school choirs, friendships that evolved into singing groups, and professional training through voice lessons and songwriting. Opportunities presented themselves, but Seyko also created opportunities for herself as she chased her dream to create and perform her own music. // The Freedom Affair and SUNU, two Kansas City bands Seyko performs and writes with, have solidified her place in the music scene and provide a solid foundation for beginning her solo career. Seyko’s singing and songwriting career has spanned twenty years, and it shows! Her creative growth has led to her being a well-respected artist in Kansas City, allowing her to participate in recording projects for fellow musicians and even singing background vocals for Michael Bublé at a live concert in 2022.]

[Seyko plays The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms, on Saturday, October 5 at 6:00pm with Desmond Mason on keyboards, Jeff Stocks on guitar, Dave Brick on drums, and Lauren Williams on bass.]

8. Redder Moon – “Drown The Fire”
   from: “Drown The Fire” – Single / Jarmcharm Records / October 1, 2024
   [Redder Moon Unveils New Single “Drown The Fire” To Kick Off Spooky Season Featuring Bold New Direction from Founding Member Jeremiah James // Redder Moon is excited to announce the release of their latest single with accompanying music video , “Drown The Fire,” Directed by Los Angeles based Mary Chicken Soup, marking a powerful new chapter for the band. This track showcases a fresh creative direction, led by founding member Jeremiah James, who takes center stage as the band’s vocalist and primary songwriter. Known for their evocative soundscapes and dark, emotional undertones, Redder Moon elevates their artistry with *”Drown The Fire” blending raw intensity with lyrical depth. // Jeremiah James’ commanding presence and fresh perspective breathe new life into the band, adding a unique edge that fans both new and old will appreciate. With *”Drown The Fire,”* Redder Moon ventures into uncharted sonic territory, creating an anthemic and haunting track that pushes the boundaries of their signature sound. // “Drown The Fire”* is available now on all major streaming platforms // Redder Moon previously released Hell Is Other People on vinyl on March 18, 2022 (Vinyl)/ Music by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brody Lowe. Vocals, Lyrics by Jill McKeever (additional/bg vocals: Brody Lowe, Jeremiah James Gonzales) Mixed by Ross Brown. Mastered by Eureka Mastering. The band uses layered synths & production with live bass, drums, guitars, and vocals. Redder Moon tends to skirt the line between traditional electronic act and indie avant garde. With washed out guitars, thick bass grooves, and distant reverb soaked vocals, the songs beam with the almost tactile feel of a sound track to a lost movie but with enough dance-ability to pull you out of your seat. In the last few months of 2020, the band has written and recorded an album’s with of songs, over 20 actually, without playing together, and with each member individually recording their parts at home. This was a welcome channel of creation in a time of restraint. The result is a collection that explores everything from synth pop shoegaze, to dark wave indie sounds More info at http://www.reddermoon.bandcamp.com.]

[Redder Moon play recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave. KCMO, Thursday, October 3, at 7:00pm with Essenger.]

10:58 – Station ID

9. Bad Alaskan – “Come Back, Come Here”
   from: Red & Black / Bad Alaskan / June 19, 2023
   [Bad Alaskan is Lawrence, Kansas based musician, scientist, researcher, speaker, activist, teacher, Alex Kimball Williams who identifies and celebrates her Native Alaskan / Black / Portuguese origins, with the motto: “Music is medicine.” Alex Kimball Williams also played in the band UltraVivid. Band Alaskan released the single “Red & Black” on December 10, 2021 The album also contains a cover of “Strange Fruit” that Bad Alaskan released as a single on August 17, 2019. Bad Alaskan writes: “This cover of ‘Strange Fruit’ is the perfect blend of old school & new school; direct reference & innovation; the blues & electronic. I’ve always loved the song & wanted to put my own indigenous spin on it. My classical & jazz training leaks through with solos & alterations to the lead melody. The 1939 recording featuring Billie Holiday’s vocals is my favorite cut of this classic. My variation alters the melody to fit a minor blues scale. The key is raised just slightly to stimulate discomfort, the tempo is more upbeat. Originally when she sang the song, it was always the end of her set, staff in the venue was instructed not to make any transactions. She would sing the song with eyes closed. Due to that devotional, prayer-like feel, I begin my sets with this song if I’m going to include it. I read somewhere that this song reminded her of her father. It lines up with my thoughts on my own ancestors, from what would have been his time. Instruments used are Korg Minilogue, Microkorg (vocoding) & Novation circuit. I always record all my parts at once (no over-dubbing), so please enjoy the “fruits” of my labor! Audio engineer: Ross Williams.]

11:02 – Interview with Alex Kimball Williams

Alex Kimball Williams is the artivist (artist + activist) behind the Bad Alaskan project, joining Indigenous EDM & meditative dance. Her work brings cinematic & justice-oriented experiences to various audiences, alternative venues, & multidisciplinary projects. Her praxis includes improv techniques to improve our capacities for coping with discomfort, to support advocates in withstanding the stresses which accompany their critical work. She views art as the vehicle for community growth. Her electric set reimagines traditional melodic motifs on synthesizers & her acoustic set rewinds traditional folk songs from the Negro spiritual pipeline.

Currently, she manages a large-scale climate justice grant based at Haskell Indian Nations University supporting diverse coastal Indigenous communities in protecting their lifeways, including issues of food sovereignty and climate-forced displacement. Additionally, she works as a DEI Team Lead for the Kansas Arts Commission and is dedicated to programmatic equity for Black & Native Artists across Kansas. Alex works as a consultant for museums in the areas of exhibition planning, label writing, & event organizing.

She cofounded B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence, a Lawrence-based artist collective, & successfully advocated for Lawrence to become a sanctuary city alongside fellow organizers in Sanctuary Alliance. She also worked with the City of Lawrence to ameliorate the anti-trans bathroom bills in Kansas legislation in 2024, leading to protections for local trans community members. Alex also contributed towards the local efforts making Lawrence the first city in Kansas to adopt the CROWN Act, an ordinance legalizing Black hair & hairstyles in places of work & education.

Alex received the 2018 MLK Dreamer’s award from Lawrence Public Schools, the Community Leader (racial & justice issues) award in the 2021 Best of Lawrence issue, and received a community service award from the Lawrence Juneteenth Organization in 2023.

Alex Kimball Williams thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Alex identifies and celebrates her Native Alaskan / Black / Portuguese origins, with the motto: “Music is Medicine,” and released her album, Red & Black on June 19, 2023. It was #5 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023.

Alex Kimball Williams writes:

I’m a protest musician, sound designer, & community researcher creating at the intersections of climate justice, public policy, & grassroots methods.

I perform ambient NDM (Indigenous dance music) under the name Bad Alaskan, inviting audiences to write songs with me as we explore their capacity for performance. I believe that improv at its root is problem solving, & that sitting in controlled discomfort is a justice skill which helps us advocate for ourselves as well as the people & causes we care about. I invite my audience to perform & meditate alongside me to practice coping while speaking up authentically.

Musically, I blend elements of cinema, EDM, RnB, & devotional music while blending multicultural influences from West African griot to Alaskan hand drumming. I bring together tradition with creativity on contemporary synthesizers. My songwriting process involves listening & connecting with knowledge holders, research & field recording, peering inward, & communing with nature. My performances have ranged from domestic violence centers to public school classrooms, as well as protests, clubs, festivals, & sacred places. I thrive in multidisciplinary collaborations including working with filmmakers, sculptors, & more.

11:11

10. Bad Alaskan – “Reservations”
    from: Red & Black / Bad Alaskan / June 19, 2023
    [Bad Alaskan is Lawrence, Kansas based musician, scientist, researcher, speaker, activist, teacher, Alex Kimball Williams who identifies and celebrates her Native Alaskan / Black / Portuguese origins, with the motto: “Music is medicine.” Alex Kimball Williams also played in the band UltraVivid. Band Alaskan released the single “Red & Black” on December 10, 2021 The album also contains a cover of “Strange Fruit” that Bad Alaskan released as a single on August 17, 2019. Bad Alaskan writes: “This cover of ‘Strange Fruit’ is the perfect blend of old school & new school; direct reference & innovation; the blues & electronic. I’ve always loved the song & wanted to put my own indigenous spin on it. My classical & jazz training leaks through with solos & alterations to the lead melody. The 1939 recording featuring Billie Holiday’s vocals is my favorite cut of this classic. My variation alters the melody to fit a minor blues scale. The key is raised just slightly to stimulate discomfort, the tempo is more upbeat. Originally when she sang the song, it was always the end of her set, staff in the venue was instructed not to make any transactions. She would sing the song with eyes closed. Due to that devotional, prayer-like feel, I begin my sets with this song if I’m going to include it. I read somewhere that this song reminded her of her father. It lines up with my thoughts on my own ancestors, from what would have been his time. Instruments used are Korg Minilogue, Microkorg (vocoding) & Novation circuit. I always record all my parts at once (no over-dubbing), so please enjoy the “fruits” of my labor! Audio engineer: Ross Williams.]

11:15 – More Interview with Alex Kimball Williams

Alex Kimball Williams a Lawrence, Kansas based multicultural artist, community organizer, researcher, & educator. Her work includes ethnopolitics, medical activism, & climate justice. Alex provides DEIA+ consulting to businesses, organizations, & local governments with organizational transformation & community engagement. She leads teams in a justice-forward approach toward establishing & strengthening group values & ethics. As a community organizer, Alex cofounded several groups including B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence & Sanctuary Alliance. She has won several awards for her collaborative work in cultural equity including the MLK Dreamer’s award, Community Hero in Best of Lawrence 2021, & the 2023 Juneteenth community award. Bad Alaskan is her ambient synth project combining influences of EDM & Indigenous traditional music. Alex identifies and celebrates her Native Alaskan / Black / Portuguese origins, with the motto: “Music is Medicine,” and released her album, Red & Black on June 19, 2023. It was #5 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023.

Alex Kimball Williams thanks for being with us on WMM

Alex Kimball Williams is the artivist (artist + activist) behind the Bad Alaskan project, joining Indigenous EDM & meditative dance. Her work brings cinematic & justice-oriented experiences to various audiences, alternative venues, & multidisciplinary projects. Her praxis includes improv techniques to improve our capacities for coping with discomfort, to support advocates in withstanding the stresses which accompany their critical work. She views art as the vehicle for community growth. Her electric set reimagines traditional melodic motifs on synthesizers & her acoustic set rewinds traditional folk songs from the Negro spiritual pipeline.

Currently, she manages a large-scale climate justice grant based at Haskell Indian Nations University supporting diverse coastal Indigenous communities in protecting their lifeways, including issues of food sovereignty and climate-forced displacement. Additionally, she works as a DEI Team Lead for the Kansas Arts Commission & is dedicated to programmatic equity for Black & Native artists across Kansas. Alex works as a consultant for museums in the areas of exhibition planning, label writing, & event organizing.

I’m one of few belonging to my tribe, the Unangax or Aleut/Алеу́ты. It’s critical for me to create music with our melodic & rhythmic motifs because our art is extraordinary & illustrates that we’re still here.

Art- everything each of us brings- is the vehicle for community change. Creativity is resilience. “I’m here if you need to talk, or Qaĝaduuxsix (dance).” Bad Alaskan played several Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference including: Thursday, February 22, at 11:00pm in Lawrence Free State Room #609. // Thursday, February 22, at 12:00am in Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) in Room #755. // Saturday February 24, 12:00am in Lawrence Free State Room # 609 of The Westin Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 1 East Pershing Road, KCMO.

11:25

11. Bad Alaskan – “Groove”
    from: Red & Black / Bad Alaskan / June 19, 2023
    [Bad Alaskan is Lawrence, Kansas based musician, scientist, researcher, speaker, activist, teacher, Alex Kimball Williams who identifies and celebrates her Native Alaskan / Black / Portuguese origins, with the motto: “Music is medicine.” Alex Kimball Williams also played in the band UltraVivid. Band Alaskan released the single “Red & Black” on December 10, 2021 The album also contains a cover of “Strange Fruit” that Bad Alaskan released as a single on August 17, 2019. Bad Alaskan writes: “This cover of ‘Strange Fruit’ is the perfect blend of old school & new school; direct reference & innovation; the blues & electronic. I’ve always loved the song & wanted to put my own indigenous spin on it. My classical & jazz training leaks through with solos & alterations to the lead melody. The 1939 recording featuring Billie Holiday’s vocals is my favorite cut of this classic. My variation alters the melody to fit a minor blues scale. The key is raised just slightly to stimulate discomfort, the tempo is more upbeat. Originally when she sang the song, it was always the end of her set, staff in the venue was instructed not to make any transactions. She would sing the song with eyes closed. Due to that devotional, prayer-like feel, I begin my sets with this song if I’m going to include it. I read somewhere that this song reminded her of her father. It lines up with my thoughts on my own ancestors, from what would have been his time. Instruments used are Korg Minilogue, Microkorg (vocoding) & Novation circuit. I always record all my parts at once (no over-dubbing), so please enjoy the “fruits” of my labor! Audio engineer: Ross Williams.]

11:29 – Underwriting

11:31 – Interview with IVORY BLUE

We welcome a friend of the show, IVORY BLUE, making her 18th appearance on this program. Just nack in the country after doing shows this summer in Europe. IVORY is here to share her new single, “Olé!” that will be officially released this Friday, October 4, 2024. “Olé!” is her sixth single this year including: “Breathing Underwater” (Aug. 9), “Bad Dreams” (June 7), “Batter Up” (April 22), “Flashback” (March 15), and “Howl” (Feb. 16). IVORY BLUE released her second album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on November 17, 2023, It was in the top 5 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023.

IVORY BLUE thanks for being with us on WMM.

IVORY BLUE released her 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023, It was in the top 5 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. A free-spirited musician, IVORY BLUE has become an expressive multi-genre artist whose music is passionate rock, with a dash of pop hooks & a healthy dose of swagger. At the age of four, IVORY’s birth mother put her up for adoption. IVORY lived with eight different “foster parent” families, before running away at 15. Ivory turned to music to express her pain and personal story. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw IVORY performing in a YouTube video. The Van Lue family adopted IVORY into their family. As a multi-instrumentalist, IVORY refining her style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies, giving tsolo shows the feel of a full band.

IVORY BLUE released their full-length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. IVORY BLUE released the video of their song, “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 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, California to win the top prize.

IVORY BLUE has played Boulevardia, Kauffman Stadium, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, Apocalypse Meow, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The KC Public Library, The Viper Room (L.A.), ULAH with You Found Music, Arts In The Park, The Englewood Arts Center, MiniBar, recordBar, Lemonade Park, Davy’s Uptown Ramblers Club, Records With Merritt, The Tank Room, and many others.

IVORY BLUE was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. At the age of four, IVORY’s birth mother put them up for adoption. 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 “foster parent” families, before running away at 15. Ivory turned to music to express their pain and personal story. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw IVORY performing in a YouTube video, captured from an open mike performance. Klaartje had moved to the United States from Belgium to marry her husband and then raise her son and daughter. Klaartje, a pianist and working mom, felt a connection, musically and maternally, sent a plane ticket for IVORY to fly to KC. The Van Lue’s adopted IVORY into their family. 11 years ago IVORY came out as “Transgender” helping to educate and to clear the pathway for a growing number of trans, queer, & non-binary musical artists who are part of KC’s diverse and collaborative music community. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic

11:40

12. Ivory Blue – “Olé!”
    from: “Olé!” – Single / IVORY BLUE / October 4, 2024
    [IVORY BLUE released the single ‘ Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2023 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, & vocalist. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023.]

11:43 – More Interview with Ivory Blue

We welcome IVORY BLUE back to the show. Her single, “Olé!” will be released October 4, 2024. “Olé!” is her sixth single this year including: “Breathing Underwater” (Aug. 9), “Bad Dreams” (June 7), “Batter Up” (April 22), “Flashback” (March 15), and “Howl” (Feb. 16). IVORY BLUE released her second album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on November 17, 2023, It was in the top 5 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. At the age of four, IVORY’s birth mother put her up for adoption. IVORY lived with eight different “foster parent” families, before running away at 15. Ivory turned to music to express her pain and personal story. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw IVORY performing in a YouTube video. The Van Lue family adopted IVORY into their family. IVORY BLUE was the grand Prize winner of the nation-wide talent competition Next To Rock in 1017.

IVORY BLUE Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. //

Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics.

In 2023 IVORY BLUE released the singles” “In A World Like This” (Sept. 22, 2023), “The Best of Life” (August 4, 2023), “Control” from May 26, and “All Outta Love” (February 24, 2024).

IVORY BLUE lived a nomadic existence until settling in Kansas City MO and becoming part of the local musical community. After winning a nationwide talent contest in 2017 Ivory Blue started having success with some national and international radio play which continues today.

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 them Ivory KC, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics.

By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and got much attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017.

Ivory entered NeXt2Rock, a nationwide talent search with over 1800 artists/bands who applied to find fresh and promising rock artists.

IVORY BLUE was the grand Prize winner of the nation-wide talent competition Next To Rock in 1017.

The top 5 national bands battled it off for the win in Los Angeles CA at the legendary Viper Room, with judges Scott Borchetta (BMLG), John Varvatos (fashion designer), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols Guitarist and Host of “Jonesy’s Jukebox”), Desmond Child (Musician, producer), Chris Lord-Alge (producer), Ivory Blue won over the judges and became the grand prize winner! Ivory

Ivory won the contest and a one-year record deal with BMLG who re-released the song Ready Get Set from the 2015 EP. Ivory’s 2018 re-release of ‘Ready Get Set’ undauntedly received National and International airplay within weeks.

NeXt2Rock Judges Comments about Ivory Blue:

“You got star quality and a lot of potential” by Steve Jones (Sex Pistols Guitarist and Host of “Jonesy’s Jukebox” on KLOS (95.5) Los Angeles, CA, USA)

“Giving us the diamond in the rough we can only dream of, the foundation that’s built underneath it, that’s what music is made from. by Chris Lord-Alge (Engineer/Mixer).

“I love everything about you, you sing what you live, you’re fantastic” by Desmond Child (Musician \ Songwriter and Producer).

“We’ve been waiting for the WOW, and you are the WOW”, “You’re a true artist” by John Varvatos (Fashion Designer and Record Label Head)

“You exude artistry from the minute you step on that stage” by Scott Borchetta – Big Machine Label Group president and CEO.

“There’s something special about you”, “You’re a true artist” by Gavin Rossdale (British musician, singer, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band BUSH).

Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, Kansas City Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium.

IVORY BLUE started writing music at a very young age, creating their unique alt-rock sound, using a tape recorder to superimpose sounds that added to a song production. After starting performances in coffee shops and small venues, they began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, IVORY BLUE settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting a following for their strong vocals and deeply personal lyrics. On July 29th, 2022, and after studying the craft of recording and self- producing, this amazing singer-songwriter with a passionate love for everyone struggling through life, released their first full length album, COMPOUND LOVE. This was followed by their single, “Red Light” and “Starlit Love Child.”

In February 2020 and after studying the craft of recording and self-producing, this amazing singer-songwriter with soaring vocals, passionate love for everyone struggling through life, released ‘Elite Dreamland’. There are no words to describe the incredible artistry behind this song. a single that hits your heart about understanding how it feels to be misunderstood in a world of people that seem to know what they are doing.

IVORY BLUE produces all the tracks with the exception of Drums and Bass. Ivory is currently working with Lester Estelle (Drummer for Kelly Clarkson), Craig Kew (Bass) KC, Kurt Festge (Mastering | Citizen Kane & Vilent Femmes) NC. and Nick Poortman (LA based Los Angeles based Producer, Engineer, Mixer, and Songwriter) Nick has worked alongside producers including Justin Gray, Gil Norton, Big Tank, and Greg Haver on sessions throughout the USA, UK, Europe, and New Zealand.

Ivory Blue released the video of ‘FAMILY TABLES’ on August 21, 2021 and the track was released on September 7, 2021. Ivory Blue is currently finishing the first full length CD/Album ‘Compound Love’ to be released in 2021 as well as the Red Light EP for 2022. “Family Tables” hit #1 on Banks Radio in Australia the first week of the release. 23 countries have listed on Ivory’s Spotify reports and that after just 1 week released.

Ivory Blue Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com

11:54

13. Ivory Blue – “Breathing Underwater”
    from: “Breathing Underwater” – Single / IVORY BLUE / August 9, 2024
    [IVORY BLUE released the single “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024 IVORY BLUE released the single “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Flashback” on March 15, 2023 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, & vocalist. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The KC Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around KC and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on Aug. 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on Sept. 7, 2021. IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. IVORY BLUE released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]

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

Next week on Wednesday, October 9 – The Man of a 1001Faces – Michael McQuary joins us to share details about his show, One Night Date with Michael McQuary, Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 7:00pm, at Englewood Arts, 10901 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO // at 11:00 Hop Hop Recording Artist and Producer Paris Williams returns to the show. // AND at 11:30am Jesse Kates joins us with new music from The Sexy Accident.

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

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

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

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Show #1063