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, June 4, 2025

WMM Serves Music of Boulevardia + Chris Haghirian + KC Music Industry Commission

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

2. Tech N9ne – “This I Know (feat. Kevin Church Johnson) (radio edit)”
   from: 5816 Forest / Strange Music / June 27, 2025
   [New single from upcoming 27th studio album. Aaron Dontez Yates was born November 8, 1971. He is better known by his stage name Tech N9ne (pronounced “tech nine”), is an American rapper and singer. In 1999, he and business partner Travis O’Guin founded the record label Strange Music. He has sold over two million albums and his music has been featured in film, television, and interactive media. In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU Woodie Awards. // His stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun, a name given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast-rhyming chopper style. Yates later applied a deeper meaning to the name, stating that it stands for the complete technique of rhyme, with “tech” meaning technique and “nine” representing the number of completion. // Yates was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He began rapping at a very early age, and would rap the letters of his name in order to remember how to spell it. His father Carlton Cook was estranged from the family and his mother suffered from epilepsy and lupus when he was a child, which emotionally affected him and inspired him to “search for God”. He would explore abandoned buildings with his best friend, hoping to catch a ghost on film. He attended Southwest High School in Kansas City. // Early in his career, Yates was a member of a group formed in 1991 called Black Mafia. He saw glimpses of success in the group 57th Street Rogue Dog Villians with their single “Let’s Get Fucked Up”. As a member of the group Nnutthowze, Aaron Yates signed with Perspective Records in 1993. However, the group disbanded soon after being released from the label. Yates signed with Qwest Records briefly before moving to JCOR Records. // In 1997, Yates joined the group the Regime, which was formed by rapper Yukmouth. The following year, he was featured on the soundtrack for the film Gang Related. Yates appeared on the song “The Anthem” by Sway & King Tech in 1999, which also featured artists RZA, Eminem, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, Jayo Felony, Chino XL, KRS-One, and Kool G. Rap. Later that year, he and business partner Travis O’Guin founded the record label Strange Music. // In 2001, Yates released the studio album Anghellic on JCOR Records.[9] After disputes arose about the promotion of the album, Yates and his label severed ties with the JCOR with a deal that allowed them to retain the rights to the album. The next year, he released Absolute Power, under a 50–50 joint venture between Strange Music and M.S.C. Music & Entertainment (which was founded by former Priority Records head Mark Cerami). The album debuted number 79 on the Billboard 200. The album’s sales are said to have tripled following a campaign, going by the name of “F.T.I.” was started by the rapper and his label. The campaign, which asked music listeners to legally download the album free through the artist’s own website was in response to the anti-downloading campaign by the RIAA. // In 2006, Yates released the album Everready (The Religion). The following year, he released Misery Loves Kompany. Yates announced that the album was the first in a series of “Tech N9ne Collabos” albums that feature a wide range of guest appearances. // The following year, Yates released the album Killer. That September, he exceeded one million album sales over his entire catalog. Yates remarked of the accomplishment that, “It just reminded me of all the work we’d done in the past, up until now […] I don’t think it’s sunken in yet. I’ve been celebrating for the last two days because that’s a hell of an accomplishment. I’ve been planning success all my life. I’m not even a bit surprised, I’m happy about it. That just means I was right.” Yates released his second Collabos album, Sickology 101, in April 2009. // Yates later performed at the Rock The Bells 2009 Festival and the tenth annual Gathering of the Juggalos. That October, he released K.O.D., an acronym for King of Darkness. The album featured a dark overtone, as Yates was dealing with the illness of his mother. An EP of new songs over unused beats from the K.O.D. album was released in 2010 as The Lost Scripts of K.O.D.. Later that year, Yates released his third Collabos album, The Gates Mixed Plate. In October, he released his second EP Seepage. On December 23, he released his first mixtape Bad Season.which was later released in retail CD form with a modified track list and without DJ Scream. On June 7, 2011, Yates released All 6’s and 7’s. The album features several hip-hop artists as well as rock artists including B.o.B, E-40, Snoop Dogg, Hopsin, T-Pain, Jay Rock, Mint Condition, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Lil Wayne, Yelawolf and Deftones and many others. // In 2011, Yates told 411mania.com that after All 6’s And 7’s he planned on releasing his fourth album in the Collabos series titled Welcome to Strangeland, featuring guest appearances from everyone on Strange Music, followed by the long-awaited K.A.B.O.S.H. and 816 Boyz albums. Then, in July 2011, Yates said in a blog post that Rick Ross has agreed to do a song with him for the K.A.B.O.S.H. album and that he is also hoping to have a collaboration with Jay-Z on that album. In the same blog post, he said that the K.A.B.O.S.H. album will be a rock album. In another blog post several weeks later, he confirmed that he will begin work on the album after completing Welcome to Strangeland. Following his tour, he announced that he was about to begin work on Welcome to Strangeland and Klusterfuk, confirming producers for both projects. ¡Mayday! is to entirely produce Klusterfuk. He said he will then begin work on the K.A.B.O.S.H. album. // Tech N9ne is featured on Lil Wayne’s ninth studio album Tha Carter IV on the song “Interlude”. The track features a verse from Tech and Andre 3000. During a radio interview with Funkmaster Flex in August 2010, Wayne stated that he and Tech N9ne formed a “brotherhood” when Yates visited him in jail. In a later interview, Tech N9ne claimed that he thinks the song will “awaken a lot of other people that wouldn’t usually look [his] way” and “teach all the new fans how to become technicians”. // In an interview with “Underground TV” posted on Tech N9ne’s blog, Tech N9ne spoke about his 2012 plans, confirming the release of Klusterfuk, the K.A.B.O.S.H. album, and an untitled solo album to be released in 2012. He was featured on the song “Edge of Destruction” (which also features Twista) that appears on Machine Gun Kelly’s first studio album “Lace Up”. // On September 18, Tech N9ne released an EP titled “E.B.A.H.” (Evil Brain Angel Heart). On October 30, Tech N9ne released an EP titled Boiling Point. He announced his thirteenth studio album would be titled Something Else and would be released on June 25, 2013. The first song released from the album would be “B.I.T.C.H.”, an acronym for Breaking In To Colored Houses, which features rapper/singer T-Pain. The album would end up being released on July 30, 2013, to universal critical acclaim. The album, which is broken up into three portions — Earth, Water & Fire, features guest appearances from B.o.B, Big K.R.I.T., Cee Lo Green, the Doors, Game, Kendrick Lamar, Serj Tankian, T-Pain, Trae tha Truth, Snow Tha Product, and Wiz Khalifa, among others including several artists from Tech N9ne’s Strange Music imprint. The album was supported by two singles, “So Dope (They Wanna)” and “Fragile”. // Tech N9ne announced a new “Independent Grind” tour in January 2014, which included Freddie Gibbs, Krizz Kaliko, and Jarren Benton. The tour dates were announced on January 30, 2014, and the tour ran from April 9 until June 28, wrapping up in Kansas City. Also in 2014, Yates released Strangeulation, the fifth album in his Collabos series and fourteenth album overall. // In April 2015, Yates confirmed that Eminem will be featured on a song titled “Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)”. The song was released on April 20, 2015, as a single supporting his then-upcoming album, Special Effects, which was released on May 4 of the same year. The rapper says Eminem collaborated on the track, free of charge, in exchange for Yates to guest on a track of his for an unknown project. Yates says he was “flabbergasted” that Eminem respected his music so much. // On May 4, 2015, Tech N9ne released Special Effects to critical and commercial acclaim. The album features guest appearances from Corey Taylor, B.o.B, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T.I., Kottonmouth Kings, Hopsin, Captain Chronic, E-40, Yo Gotti, Audio Push and Eminem along with fellow Strange Music artists Krizz Kaliko, Big Scoob and Ces Cru. // In addition, a Special Effects tour began in early April 2015. Tech is joined on tour by Murs, Chris Webby, Krizz Kaliko, Zuse, and King 810. // On November 20, 2015, Tech N9ne released Strangeulation Vol. II, the sixth album in his Collabos series and 16th album overall. The album features the entire roster of Strange Music at the time along with JL, Ryan Bradley, and Tyler Lyon. In spring 2016, Tech N9ne went on tour with fellow Strange members for another Independent Powerhouse Tour. // In December 2016, Tech N9ne released his 17th album, The Storm, the followup to his 1999 debut album The Calm Before The Storm. // In January 2017, Tech N9ne announced his seventh Collabos album titled Dominion, released April 7, and stated plans to release a second album in his Collabos series the same year. In March, Tech began the Strictly Strange ’17 tour with fellow Strange Music artists. The same month, Tech announced on radio station GoMN plans to release his next solo album, Planet, in 2018. On June 20, 2017, Tech earned his first platinum record in 18 years for “Caribou Lou”. Tech N9ne released the eighth Collabos album, Strange Reign, on October 13, 2017, marking it the second album release that year. // On March 2, 2018, Tech N9ne released Planet, making this his 20th studio album. On April 19, 2019, Tech N9ne released N9na, making this his 21st studio album. Nearly a year later, on April 10, 2020, his 22nd album, Enterfear was released. On July 29, 2020, he was featured on “CMFT Must Be Stopped”, a single by Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor. On October 23, 2020, Tech N9ne released a new project titled Fear Exodus. // On October 8, 2021, Tech N9ne released an album titled “Asin9ne”. The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Mumu Fresh, Snow Tha Product, Russ, E-40, X-Raided, as well as wrestler turned actor Dwayne Johnson. // Tech N9ne features on fellow Kansas City area musician Samantha Fish’s 2021 album Faster, rapping on the song “Loud”. // On May 3, 2022, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Tech N9ne announced his then-upcoming album Bliss, performing a song off the album titled “They Know Meh” featuring fellow Kansas City-based rapper, The Popper. // Bliss was released on July 28, 2023, after being delayed from a July 14 release. The album contains guest appearances from Conway the Machine, Joyner Lucas, X-Raided, Kim Dracula, RMR, Qveen Herby and Durand Bernarr. // On May 7, 2024, Yates was unveiled as featured artist on the Falling in Reverse track “Ronald” from their 2024 album Popular Monster. He stars in the official music video portraying a God like entity, who contrasts against the demonic final boss portrayed by Alex Terrible lead singer of the Russian heavy metal group Slaughter to Prevail. Yates will also be supporting the group on their Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination tour, in Europe and North America. // Yates is known for his dynamic rhyme schemes[citation needed] and speed rap abilities known as the Chopper style. Soren Baker of VH1 states that Yates’ techniques “showcase his wide-ranging, mind-blowing flows”. Baker characterizes Yates’ earlier work as “apocalyptic music, which discussed abortion and infidelity as much as his rapping prowess”. Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier calls his style “bizarre hardcore rap”. Yates stated that he purposely creates flow patterns in order to sound like a percussion while he raps.[50] After hearing an instrumental he would come up with different kinds of patterns and then “fill in” the actual lyrics. // Yates says that he is influenced by old school hip hop, and specifically cites N.W.A, Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, Eric B. & Rakim, Schoolly D, and Just-Ice. He is also interested in other genres of music, and lists The Doors, Jim Morrison, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, AC/DC, Metallica, Floetry, Outkast, CeeLo Green, and Gnarls Barkley as influences. He has remarked generally that “I love beautiful music, beautiful music no matter what type”. // Although Tech N9ne mostly collaborates with rappers from his record label Strange Music such as Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Big Scoob, Brotha Lynch Hung, and Stevie Stone as well as underground rappers from his hometown Kansas City, he has also worked with known rappers such as E-40, Ice Cube, Three 6 Mafia, Lil Wayne, Twista, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Machine Gun Kelly, Yelawolf, Scarface, Yo Gotti, T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, Paul Wall, B.o.B, André 3000, T.I., and 2 Chainz. // Tech N9ne has also worked with rock and metal musicians such as Serj Tankian of System of a Down, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Chino Moreno and Stephen Carpenter of Deftones, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, and Falling in Reverse. //Yates’ songs have appeared in the films Born 2 Race, Gang Related, Alpha Dog, Our Heroes: The 25 Best Black Sports Movies (Ever), and The Life of Lucky Cucumber. Yates was originally set to score the entire film Alpha Dog, but the studio decided to replace some of his music with more commercially known songs. In 2009, his song “Let’s Go” was used in an online promotional short film for AXE body spray. Yates also appears as an actor in the films Vengeance and Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D. Yates starred in the musical Alleluia: The Devil’s Carnival, which had a limited theater release July 2015. On November 25, 2015, Tech released “Shine”, a song for the Jaco Pastorius documentary, Jaco. //Several of Yates’ songs are featured in the video games Madden NFL 2006, The Crew, EA Sports MMA, 25 To Life, WWE 2K18, EA Sports UFC 3, and Midnight Club: Los Angeles, in the latter of which Yates is an unlockable character. In 2009, Yates and label mate Krizz Kaliko appeared in a promotional video for the Fight Night Round 4 video game. // Yates’ music has appeared on the television shows Dark Angel, I’m From Rolling Stone, My Super Sweet 16, The Hills, Spike Guys’ Choice Awards, and Warren The Ape. In 2008, his song “Earthquake” was featured on an episode of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew in which the crew had to visually convey the title of the song in their performance. On the Aug. 15, 2009 Strikeforce event, Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg, MMA fighter Gilbert Melendez entered the arena to Tech N9ne’s 2006 song “The Beast” for his bout with Mitsuhiro Ishida. His song “Riot Maker” was used as the official theme song for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s 2010 Hardcore Justice pay-per-view. Yates also appeared on the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in the BET Cypher with B.o.B, Machine Gun Kelly, Kendrick Lamar, and Big K.R.I.T. In 2012, Tech N9ne appeared on the MTV game show Hip Hop Squares for three episodes. In 2013, Tech N9ne’s song “Demons” appeared in the pilot episode of Ironside. On June 24, 2014, Tech N9ne appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform “Fragile”, “He’s A Mental Giant”, and “Stamina”. In late 2014, Yates appeared on Wild n Out as captain of the Black Team. // In May 2015, “Give It All” from the album Special Effects was used during Inside the NBA’s “Tip-Off” for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. // In May 2018, it was announced that Yates had teamed with Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery based in his hometown of Kansas City, to create a new beer. The beer was released on June 18 in the Kansas City, Wichita, Denver, and Oklahoma City markets. The beer is named Bou Lou as reference to his song “Caribou Lou”, which is also a cocktail with overproof rum (The song specifically mentions Bacardi 151, which has been discontinued), Malibu, and pineapple juice . The beer is a wheat beer with pineapple and coconut flavors. On July 9, Bou Lou went on sale in the St. Louis market. // Yates was married in 1995, but separated in 2005. Yates filed for a divorce in 2015 and it was finalized in November 2017, 12 years after they were initially separated. On October 23, 2024, he married his longtime girlfriend Kristen, with whom he has two daughters, as seen from their social media accounts. Yates is an avid supporter of Kansas City culture and the metro area’s pro sports teams, including the KC Chiefs, KC Royals, and Sporting Kansas City. Before the Chiefs played in the 2019 AFC Championship game, he released a song titled “Red Kingdom”. In 2025, Yates was announced as one of the remixers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup theme, representing Kansas City.]

Discography – Studio albums
The Calm Before the Storm (1999)
The Worst (2000)
Anghellic (2001)
Absolute Power (2002)
Everready (The Religion) (2006)
Killer (2008)
K.O.D. (2009)
All 6’s and 7’s (2011)
Something Else (2013)
Special Effects (2015)
The Storm (2016)
Planet (2018)
N9na (2019)
Enterfear (2020)
Asin9ne (2021)
Bliss (2023)
5816 Forest (2025)
Discography – Collabos series
Misery Loves Kompany (2007)
Sickology 101 (2009)
The Gates Mixed Plate (2010)
Welcome to Strangeland (2011)
Strangeulation (2014)
Strangeulation Vol. II (2015)
Dominion (2017)
Strange Reign (2017)
COSM (2024)

[Tech N9ne plays Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, 9:30 to 11:00pm on The MAIN STAGE]

10:04 – Interview with Chris Haghirian

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today we are serving music from the 10th annual Boulevardia Fest including: The Greeting Committee, Honestav, The Freedom Affair, Katy Guillen and The Drive, Kat King, Lorna Kay, The Creepy Jingles, Jamogi, Little Miss Dynamite, Flora From Kansas, Shay Lyriq, Dalima Kapten, TheBabeGabe, Paris Williams, Jackie Myers, Malek Azrael, and The Soul Activators. We started the show with Tech N9ne.

At 11:30 Meighan Peifer & James D. McGee, Creative Director of KC’s Mutual Musicians Foundation share details about The Kansas City Music Industry Commission formed in 2024 with the mission to strengthen the local music ecosystem by supporting musicians, recording artists, studios, venues, managers, agents, marketers, publicists, and content creators. By collaborating with city government, private entities, and KC music industry.

But first, joining us for our first 90-minutes is our friend and special guest, Chris Haghirian host & Producer of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris studied Journalism / Advertising at The University of Kansas. Chris also studied Photography at Kansas City Art Institute. Chris worked for The KC Star for over 20 years Chris was co-founder of the Middle of The Map Fest. Chris works for Spray KC. Chris organizes multiple concert series, and music stages for Plaza Art Fair & Boulvardia.

Chris Haghirian joins us to share details about Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, encompassing Crown Center & Washington Square Park with 33 national, regional & local acts, 14 DJs, 5 music stages, with nearly 50 Brewing Companies, dozens and dozens of Restaurants & Food Trucks, Multiple merchants in the Makers Market, The Silent Disco, Yard Games, Canna Village, Monster Teeter-Totter, The Swifty Experience, and more. Info at: http://www.boulevardia.com

Chris Haghirian thanks for being with us on WMM

BOULEVARDIA SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, JUNE 14

MAIN STAGE
12:00 PM 1:00 PM Big Luke and the Soul Disciples
1:30 PM 2:10 PM Jackie Myers
2:40 PM 3:20 PM Jessica Paige
3:50 PM 4:30 PM The Phantastics
5:00 PM 6:00 PM The Zeros
6:30 PM 7:30 PM The Greeting Committee
8:00 PM 9:00 PM honestav
9:30 PM 11:00 PM Tech N9ne

FOUNTAIN STAGE- ELEVATE (Fountain Stage)
12:10 PM 12:50 PM The Soul Activators
1:20 PM 2:00 PM Talya Groves
2:30 PM 3:10 PM Land Lion
3:40 PM 4:20 PM Jamogi and The Jammers
4:50 PM 5:30 PM Daisy Buckët Drag Show
6:00 PM 6:40 PM Kat King
7:10 PM 7:50 PM Back Alley Brass Band
8:20 PM 9:00 PM Hembree

PARK STAGE – ILLICIT STAGE (Park Stage)
12:30 PM 1:10 PM Little Miss Dynamite
1:40 PM 2:20 PM Timbers
2:50 PM 3:30 PM David Luther
4:00 PM 4:40 PM Chalis O’Neal
5:10 PM 5:50 PM Lucas Parker
6:20 PM 7:00 PM Lorna Kay
7:30 PM 8:10 PM Katy Guillen and the Drive
8:40 PM 9:30 PM The Freedom Affair

HOLLADAY HILL STAGE
12:50 PM 1:20 PM Dalima Kapten
2:00 PM 2:30 PM Shay Lyriq
3:10 PM 3:40 PM Flora From Kansas
4:20 PM 4:50 PM Lauren Lovelle
5:30 PM 6:00 PM Paris Williams
6:40 PM 7:10 PM The Creepy Jingles
7:50 PM 8:20 PM Malek Azrael and The Vibez
9:00 PM 9:40 PM TheBabeGabe

SILENT DISCO
1:00 PM DJ Dawna – Taylor dance party
1:00 PM Lana Luxx – Taylor dance party
3:00 PM DJ Daz One
3:00 PM DJ Diehard
3:00 PM Tiberias
5:00 PM DJ Hike
5:00 PM DJ EJ
5:00 PM DJ Nana G
7:00 PM DJ Skittlez
7:00 PM DJ ON 10
7:00 PM FK Menace
9:00 PM DJ Joe + DJ Ice Kole
9:00 PM DJ NE$$
9:00 PM Sheppa

10:09

3. The Greeting Committee – “Can I Leave Me Too?”
   from: Dandelion / Harvest Records / September 24, 2021
   [Formed in KC in 2015 with Addie Sartino, Brandon Yangmi, Austin Fraser, a& Pierce Turcotte. This EP is a follow up to their Oct. 17, 2019 EP, I’m Afraid I’m Not Angry, and their October 26, 2018, full length vinyl release “This Is It.” The band has previously released the EP “Meeting People is Easy” in 2017, and “It’s Not All That Bad” in 2015.The Greeting Committee released their single “Ada” on August 27, 2021, through Harvest Records / UMG Recordings. “Ada” is a queer narrative inspired by lived experience of a dear friend. i knew this wasn’t my story to tell, but instead the story of someone i fiercely admire. to our garden, you are loved. you are loved. You can listen to “Ada” at: thegcband.lnk.to/ada.]

[The Greeting Committee plays Boulevardia, Sat., June 14, at 6:30 to 7:30pm on The MAIN STAGE]

4. 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 plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 8:00 to 9:00pm on The MAIN STAGE]

5. The Freedom Affair – “If You Don’t Want Me”
   from: “If You Don’t Want Me” – Single / Sunflower Soul Records / May 15, 2024
   [The Freedom Affair is a 9 piece soul juggernaut from Kansas City, MO. The band formed in 2017 with a vision to write original soul music inspired by the traditions of the genre’s past with a universal message looking toward the future. Their new single “If You Don’t Want Me” features: Shon Ruffin on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on guitar, Chris Hazelton on bass, Dave Brick on drums, Pete Carroll on trumpet, Brett Jackson on tenor Sax, Pat Conway on congas, and Nick Howell on tambourine. Written, Recorded & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Mastered by JJ Golden // With their debut album FREEDOM IS LOVE, The Freedom Affair has received critical acclaim and have established themselves as a force in the soul music scene across the states and abroad. Keep your eyes and ears open for their songs and album art featured in the series Bel-Air, an Apple commercial, a Netflix series, etc… This band is just getting started. // The Freedom Affair’s live shows have proven to be soul-stirring, transformative events moving audiences both physically and emotionally to joy. // The Freedom Affair released their debut album Freedom Is Love on September 25, 2020. from The album explores themes of love, heartache, empower-ment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording techno-logies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. For the debut record The Freedom Affair was: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns] [The Freedom Affair played The 20th Annual Crossroads Music Fest Saturday,]

[The Freedom Affair play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 8:40 to 9:30 PM on Park Stage – ILLICIT Stage.]

6. Katy Guillen & The Drive – “Back To Normal”
   from: Dream Girl – EP / Katy Guillen Music / March 20, 2020
   [“Flight Attendant delivers an experience,” – Rolling Stone Magazine. Flight Attendant belongs to that breed of rock bands made in Nashville, USA; where their sound is nothing less than a sonic unicorn. Blending sounds of grunge with power-pop hooks, viola and light synth textures, they have begun to create a hypnotic sound and energy all of their own. Glide Magazine says that Lead Singer Karalyne, “Commands your attention like Freddie Mercury working the crowd in an arena.” Flight Attendant band has been compared to Haim and Fleetwood Mac, or as TurnuptheVolume puts it, “Think Warpaint having a dance with Best Coast,” – This “Nashville based eclectic-indie band….is ready for take off”, Velvet Thunder]

[Katy Guillen & The Drive play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 7:30 – 8:10pm Park Stage – ILLICIT Stage.]

7. 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.]

[Kat King play Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 6;00 to 6:40pm on the FOUNTAIN Stage.]

10:29 – Underwriting

8. Lorna Kay – “What Ever Happened”
   from: “What Ever Happened” – Single / Independent / October 18, 2024
   [Lauren Krum solo project with Mike Stover. Follow up single to “Havin’ A Ball” released July 12, 2024. Lauren Krum is known for her work as lead singer of The Grisly Hand who had their last show on May 11, 2024 at The Ship. The band first started playing live in 2009. When The Grisly Hand released their debut album Safe House, the entire band (at that time: Lauren Krum, Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder, Mike Tuley. Ben Summers & Kian Byrne) climbed into our studios and performed live on our Nov. 10, 2010 show. // Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder were in a band called Left Behind. Lauren had played with them at The Brick, before laving Kansas City to go to Columbia College in Chicago. N Chicago Lauren created the group The Strumpettes a soul-inspired group featuring four female singers and a four-piece band. When the Strumpettes dismantled in 2008 and her life in Chicago started to fall apart, Krum decided to move back to Kansas City. She immediately began singing with From Before. // Within a few months, Krum, Fitzner, Nichols and Snyder were performing as a new group. They had brought on Andy Davis to play mandolin. Krum had found the name “the Grisly Hand” iafter coming across it in the poem “Webster Ford” from Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. The most Current grouping of The Grisly Hand was Jimmy Fitzner, Lauren Krum, Ben Summers, Mike Stover, Johnny Nichols and Kian Byrne. / A super group of sorts several members have also been involved in other projects. Lauren has played and recorded with Ruddy Swain (w/ David Regnier), Lorna Kay, and Lorna Kay’s Country Club, as well as being a DJ.]

[Lorna K play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 6:20 to 7:00pm on Park Stage – ILLICIT Stage.]

9. The Creepy Jingles – “Love Like You”
   from: “Love Like You” – Single / High Dive Records / July 14, 2024
   [This is the third of several new singles being released by The Creepy Jingles this year. The band released “Repeat After Me” on April 19, 2024. The band released “When Things Go Wrong” on February 23, 2024. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. // Song (lyrics/melody/chords) written by Jocelyn Olivia Nixon. Mixed and Recorded by Paul Malinowski and recorded at Massive Sound Studios in Shawnee, Kansas. Mastered by Zack Hames. Jocelyn Nixon on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Will Van Doorn on lead guitar & backing vocals, Andrew Woody on bass & backing vocals, Nick Robertson on drums & bait. // The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ] The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.]

[The Creepy Jingles play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 6:40 to 7:10pm on HOLLIDAY HILL Stage.]

9. Jamogi – “Go Big Or Go Home”
   from: “Go Big Or Go Home” – Single / Jam Tunes / August 30, 2024
   [Jamogi released the EP Jamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live)” – through Jam Tunes on April 11, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Do It To Me” on March 28, 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 “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.]

[Jamogi & The Jammers play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 3:40 – 4:20pm FOUNTAIN – ELEVATE Stage.]

11. Little Miss Dynamite– “Not Goodbye”
    from: Grow Up / Rural Grit Records / May 3, 2024
    [Little Miss Dynamite is a four piece string band with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals. Engineered and Mixed by Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio.More info at: http://www.bethwattsnelson.com]]

[Little Miss Dynamite plays Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, at 12:30–1:10pm – ILLICIT Stage (Park Stage.)]

12. Flora From Kansas – “The Ghost is Me”
    from: Homesick – EP / Melodic / March 14, 2025
    [17 year old Flora Kay A.K.A. Flora From Kansas has already been writing music for 5 years, picking up the guitar in lockdown. “My dad and I often took long walks to a nearby gas station, where we had conversations about how life was going. It was then that we started discussing the idea of creating music together just for the fun of it.”, Flora describes. On a rich diet of Girl In Red, Faye Webster & Alex G, Flora began learning on Garageband before upgrading to Logic for her self-productions. ]

[Flora From Kansas plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 3:10–3:40pm – HOLLIDAY Stage.]

13. 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 Sept. 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track 7th studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on Oct. 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. 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 Oct. 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. KC 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 plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 9:00 to 9:40 on the HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

11:00 – Station ID

14. Shay Lyriq – “Back By Demand (feat. The Big Chief)”
    from: “Back By Demand (feat. The Big Chief)” – Single / Shay Lyriq / December 10, 2024
    [Shay Lyriq is a soulful and genre-blending artist known for their captivating blend of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative influences. With powerful vocals, poetic lyricism, and a raw, honest approach to storytelling, Shay Lyriq creates music that resonates deeply with listeners. Their sound is an exploration of emotional depth, fusing smooth melodies with hard-hitting beats to craft a sound that is both introspective and universally relatable. // Shay Lyriq’s music spans themes of love, struggle, self-discovery, and empowerment, offering a voice that connects with people on a personal level. With each track, they push boundaries and continue to evolve, carving out a unique space in the music scene. Whether in the studio or performing live, Shay Lyriq delivers an unforgettable experience, blending vulnerability with strength in every note.]

[Shay Lyriq plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 2:00 to 2:30pm on the HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

15. Paris Williams & The Human – “Alien Luv (feat. Saving Mils Lemon)” (radio edit)
    from: A Paris Williams Joint / Bitter Sweet Sound / November 19, 2024
    [Paris Williams is a 26-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

[Paris Williams plays Boulevardia on Sat, June 14 at 5:30 – 6:00pm on HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

16. Dalima Kapten – “Feel the Beat, Bud”
    from: “Feel the Beat, Bud’ – Single / Dalima Kapten / September 27, 2024
    [Dalilma Kapten (she/her) released the single “Scrappy Rose” also on September 27, 2024.// Dalima Kapten (she/her) is currently working on her debut album. She is a second-generation Kenyan-American pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Technology at the University of Central Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Theater Minor, and a specialization in Architectural Acoustics from the University of Kansas. // As a theater performer and artist, Dalima is deeply moved by a passion for storytelling and worked at Music Theater Heritage as the Manager of Artistic Operations. Additionally, she presented her self-published chapbook “Native Anomaly” for Columbia University’s HOME: Symposium.]

[Dalima Kapten plays Boulevardia, Sat, June 14 at 12:50 – 1:20pm on HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

17. Jackie Myers – “Brown Dirt Shuffle”
    from: What About The Butterfly / Jackie Myers / April 18, 2025
    [In his online stte The Plastic Sax Bill Brownlee writes: “Witnessing the transformation of Jackie Myers from a peripheral figure on Kansas City’s jazz scene to one of the region’s most compelling artists has been extraordinarily gratifying. Quietly upping her game in incremental steps, Myers’ resolute work in recent years is reaping dividends. // On any given night, Myers applies her talents in a variety of contexts in Kansas City cafés, restaurants and barrooms. The variety of sounds- pop, rock, blues and, yes, jazz- coalesce on What About the Butterfly. The new album marks the culmination of a remarkable metamorphosis. // Not only is What About the Butterfly superior to Myers’ previous recordings, the album makes most jazz-rooted efforts seem unimaginative and simplistic. Her ambitions extend well beyond conventional Kansas City jazz. // Support from elite collaborators including Bobby Watson helps the album compare favorably to the arty pop of Laura Nyro, the contemporary soul of Cory Henry and the fastidiousness of Jacob Collier. Rarely has Kansas City been the setting for a more pleasing musical glow-up. ” – Read more at http://www.plasticsax.com // Jackie Myers is a jazz pianist, composer, and singer. She is a transplant from Austin Texas, where she performed in the indie touring circuit for almost a decade. She has been playing in Kansas City since December of 2017 with shows that feature a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. Since then she has held residencies at several notable jazz venues in Kansas City, including but not limited to, Corvino Supper Club, Chaz on the Plaza, and Green Lady Lounge. She also held the position of Music Director and piano player for the nationally syndicated radio show – 12th Street Jump – taped live in Kansas City until 2020, when the show ended. // During the pandemic, Jackie was able to continue performing through live streaming from her home and she produced a series of 9 concerts called “Kansas City Drive-ins” that featured artists including Bobby Watson, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Eddie Moore, and Beau Bledsoe. The series was well attended and brought jazz back to its audience in a time when the venues could not host. Myers boasts a catalog of 7 albums and is currently working on her 8th. At her live shows, audiences are treated to Myers’ innovative and fluid keyboard work, punctuated by her bluesy vocals. At other times, Myers’ shows feature a purely instrumental dose. Performing as part of a duo, trio, quartet, or quintet, Myers is typically joined by some of the best musicians offered by a locale, typically combining a crisp rhythm section with top artists on horns or guitar. In 2018, Myers added Hammond organ to her repertoire, adding to the diversity of her performances. She currently plays the Hammond B3 for one of Kansas City’s most decorated Blues Artists – Nick Schnebelen. // As for Myers’ vocals, Louisiana musical writer Dominick Cross said about an earlier recording: “My initial reaction to the recording was that in some ways its Michelle Shocked meets Amy Winehouse. And several listens later, I’d say the same thing with more emphasis on Winehouse.” Bill Brownlee, jazz critic for The Plastic Sax and several other Kansas City publications said, “Her vocals on Ain’t No Sunshine and Stars Fall on Alabama demonstrated that Myers … brings a singular talent to the scene.” Myers debuted her first straight ahead jazz album in 2018 – The Instrumental One, which was recorded live at the prestigious Green Lady Lounge in Kansas City. Made up of eight tracks, including six original compositions, Jackie’s keyboard stylings groove what one critic called “jazz from a solid R&B point of view.” Critics compared The Instrumental One to works by Ahmad Jamal and Les McCann. Kansas City’s Roger Atkinson wrote: “I still like that soul-jazz genre . . . plus, Jackie Myers has a new fan: me.” Myers has also done some impressive work in musical production. In 2017, she produced the musical production Silent Films Out Loud: A Tribute to Buster Keaton. This event featured a nine-piece ensemble playing newly-written compositions to four Buster Keaton silent film classics, including a score by Myers to Buster Keaton’s 1922 Cops. This event, sponsored in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department, filled Austin’s premier theater – The Stateside at the Paramount. Lastly, she has recently plied her craft with local production startup – FMK Music as a producer and composer for the group. Jackie holds a certificate in music from Berklee School of Music, a BA in music from Grinnell College, and a Master of Arts in Music with a jazz concentration from UMKC. ]

[Jackie Myers plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 1:20 to 2:10pm on The MAIN STAGE]

18. Malek Azrael – “22 (Radio Edit)”
    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 plays Boulevardia on Sat, June 14 at 7:50 – 8:20pm on HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

19. The Soul Activators – “Sunset”
    from: “Sunset” – Single / The Soul Activators / 2025
    [The Soul Activators released their single “I’m Gone Mr. Wrong” on April 7, 2025. The Soul Activators are a 7-piece band from Kansas City that blends funk guitars, soulful vocals, and Latin-based percussion into a unique new sound. We are a multi-racial, multi-gendered, intergenerational band that reflects our nation. We sing a message of hope and freedom to activate our country into a people-powered movement.]

[The Soul Activators play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14 at 12:10 to 12:50pm FOUNTAIN ELEVATE Stage.]

11:30 – Underwriting

11:32 – Interview with Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee Sr.

Meighan Peifer was born on the East Coast and raised in St. Louis. Her dad was in the Air Force and then worked for Boeing. Her family traveled a lot a kids. Meighan’s mom was Canadian and she is a Canadian citizen. Meighan has been to 49 states and 3 continents. Meighan attended public and private school in St. Peters and O’Fallon, Missouri. She went to Drake University for undergrad in Special Education and Elementary Ed. Meighan obtained a Master’s in Education from the University of Kansas. Meighan moved to Kansas City in 1984 from Des Moines, Iowa. She has taught for 33 years for public schools in Wyandotte and Johnson County. And has operated the Federal Child Care center in KC MO for 26 years. Meighan has an Entertainment and Event Scheduling company as well. Meighan has been volunteering at KKFI for 4 years. Meighan is the host of slAp trAcks airing Tuesdays, 10:00 to Noon on KKFI 90.1 FM playing new flow of Hip Hop and R & B music from all over the local streets and the world. // Meighan is also the host of Rhythm and Seoul Radio airing on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month on Hallyu Wednesdays on KKFI 90.1 FM playing the best in K-Pop. At KKFI Meighan also serves on KKFI’s finance committee, as Active Member Chair, and on KKFI’s Board of Directors.

James D. McGee Sr., is a veteran of the entertainment industry. Skilled in Management, Performing Arts, Marketing Strategy, Radio Programming, and Radio Broadcasting. He received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused in Psychology, Religious Studies from University of Central Missouri. McGee, moved to Kansas City from East Palo Alto in 1989. His uncle is legendary drummer James Gadson. McGee has spent decades embedding himself in Kansas City’s cultural landscape. James founded KOJH 100.5 LPFM, a radio station broadcasting from 18th & Vine to the world. McGee also co-founded “18th & Vine Lives,” which is a social concierge service to support and promote businesses and organizations in the Jazz District. McGee’s career spans crucial roles in Kansas City’s jazz community. During his time as a senior manager at the American Jazz Museum, he helped the institution navigate through pandemic challenges while expanding its reach. McGee produced the annual Charlie Parker “In the Yard” celebration showing his ability to honor jazz traditions while creating contemporary cultural connections. James D. McGee Sr, was just recently named the new Creative Director of Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation Internatinal. As creative director, McGee will seek to strengthen MMF’s role as a living museum while expanding youth and senior programs. His immediate projects include screening a director’s cut of “Last of the Blue Devils: The Kansas City Jazz Story” and organizing the 2025 International Jazz Day celebration.

Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee join us to discuss The Kansas City Music Industry Commission formed in 2024 as a joint venture between Black Vine Worldwide Media Group, LLC and Black & White Enterprises, LLC. This initiative aims to create a central hub for the representation, support, and management of various stakeholders within the Kansas City music industry. The commission’s mission is to strengthen the local music ecosystem by supporting musicians, recording artists, studios, venues, managers, agents, marketers, publicists, and content creators. By collaborating with city government, private entities, and surrounding the Kansas City music industry

The Kansas City Music Commission is a 2024 joint venture between Black Vine
Worldwide Media Group, LLC (“Black Vine”) and Black & White Enterprises, LLC (“Black & White”). This initiative aims to create a central hub for the representation, support, and management of various stakeholders within the Kansas City music industry.

The Commission’s mission is to strengthen the local music ecosystem by supporting
musicians, recording artists, studios, venues, managers, agents, marketers, publicists, and
content creators. By collaborating with city government, private entities, and surrounding
municipalities, the Kansas City Music Commission will ensure the elevation of all sectors of
the Kansas City music industry.

A core focus of the Kansas City Music Commission will be developing programming and
concepts to showcase Kansas City’s musical talent during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This
high-profile global event presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate Kansas City’s
vibrant music culture to an international audience.

The Commission will develop events designed to inform and engage the community

About the Mutual Musicians Foundation –

The Mutual Musicians Foundation stands as one of KC’s most enduring musical institutions. Founded in 1917 as Local 627 of the American Federation of Musicians, it served as both a union hall and sanctuary for Black musicians. In two years the Mutual Musicians Foundation will celebrate its 110th anniversary. McGee’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era focused on cultural preservation, global innovation and community engagement.

Its building at 1823 Highland Avenue, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981, continues to host weekend jam sessions where established artists mentor the next gen.

The MMF is the only establishment in Missouri legally allowed to serve patrons until 6 a.m. on weekends, a privilege earned through its historic role in Kansas City jazz. This tradition began when musicians, after finishing their regular club gigs, would gather at the foundation to jam until dawn. Legends like Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Jay McShann made these sessions part of the city’s musical fabric.

Kansas City hip-hop artist Tech N9ne is again making his mark on the global stage as he unveils the official Sonic ID for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Kansas City.

The collaboration between popular artists like Tech and FIFA will be the first time in the tournaments history to feature a city host-specific Sonic ID. The concept behind the short audio clip was designed to highlight the unique cultural sounds of each of the 16 host cities spanning from Canada, Mexico and the United States.

“The project brings together some of the most talented and influential producers from across the host cities, each contributing their unique sound to create a sonic tapestry that reflects the spirit of their hometowns,” KC2026, which is responsible for FIFA World Cup 26 planning in KC, said in a release announcing today’s Kansas City Sonic ID launch. Tech N9ne, whose real name is Aaron Yates, is a Kansas City native and co-founder of the independent record label Strange Music and the the sole artist to contribute a track with lyrics for the KC Sonic ID release.

The track, entitled “Kansas City Theme x FIFA World Cup 26,” is yet another example of Tech N9ne using his musical prowess and iconic hip-hop sound to create a buzz around the city. Kansas City is quite familiar with Tech’s hit song ‘Red Kingdom’ which quickly became the KC Chief’s team anthem, often played at Arrowhead Stadium. That high energy anthem has been performed live during games and Super Bowl rallies since 2019.

“I was so honored to be the one who KC2026 called on to do the Kansas City remix,” Tech N9ne was quoted saying in the release. “The message I’d like for people to take away from this Sonic ID is that togetherness is power, and with that, we can work our way to victory.”

Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee Thanks for being with us on WMM.

The Kansas City Music Commission aims to create a central hub for the representation, support, and management of various stakeholders within the Kansas City music industry.

11:48

20. Tech N9ne – “Kansas City Theme (FIFA World Cup 26™️)”
    from: The Official FIFA World Cup 26™️ Host City Themes / FIFA / March 16, 2025
    [The collaboration between popular artists like Tech and FIFA will be the first time in the tournaments history to feature a city host-specific Sonic ID. The concept was designed to highlight the cultural sounds of each of the 16 host cities spanning from Canada, Mexico and the US. KC Native Tech N9ne is the sole artist to contribute a track with lyrics for the KC Sonic ID release. // “Kansas City Theme x FIFA World Cup 26,” is yet another example of Tech N9ne using his iconic hip-hop sound to create a buzz. Kansas City is familiar with Tech’s song ‘Red Kingdom’ which became the KC Chief’s team anthem, often played at Arrowhead Stadium. That high energy anthem has been performed live during games and Super Bowl rallies since 2019.]

[Tech N9ne plays Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, 9:30 to 11:00pm on The MAIN STAGE]

21. Land Lion – “Townie Song”
    from: “Townie Song” – Single / Land Lion / July 25, 2024
    [Land Lion make happy songs about sad things. This KC-based indie rock collective led by Ben Wendt and backed by a revolving all-star supporting cast of musicians draws inspiration from Bright Eyes, Arcade Fire, and Bruce Springsteen. Land Lion are: Ben Wendt on Vocals, Acoustic Guitar; Matt Jack on Drums; Iggy Chamon on Bass; Carlos Chamon on Keys; Grant Paker on Electric Guitar; Parker Mason on Electric Guitar; Michael Cervantes on Trumpet; Kirsten Krier on Trombone; Caitlyn Jacobs on Saxaphone; Schuyler Minor on Vocals & Percussion. // Land Lion is a dynamic project blending indie rock, folk, and Americana, known for its heartfelt lyrics and vibrant instrumentation. Fronted by Ben Wendt, a skilled singer-songwriter & guitarist, the band’s sound captures a raw, emotional energy while drawing inspiration from both contemporary and classic influences. With Wendt’s rich vocals at the helm, Land Lion crafts songs that evoke both introspection and celebration, inviting listeners into a world of personal storytelling and wide-reaching soundscapes. Their music effortlessly weaves intricate melodies and powerful rhythms, with Wendt’s acoustic and electric guitar work providing the backbone to each track, accompanied by an amazing horn section. The band has garnered attention for their live performances and powerful compositions, building a loyal fan base along the way. Land Lion continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of their sound while staying true to the authentic, emotional core that defines their music.]

[Land Lion plays Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, at 2:30 – 3:10 on the FOUNTAIN Stage Elevate]

[Land Lion play MidCoast LIVE Friday, June 6, at 12:00 Noon, on 90.1 FM KKFI.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, June 11 we welcome back to the show The Man of 1001 Faces Michael McQuary who will be performing his one-man show on Sunday, June 15, at 2:00pm at Englewood Arts Center, 10901 East Winner Road, Independence, Missouri, AND we’ll bring you a very special interview with Michael’s friend from New York City – stage, screen and recording artist – Joey Arias who will share stories about his work and friendships with The Groundlings, Klaus Nomi, David Bowie, Laraine Newman of Saturday Night Live, Andy Warhol, The Mudd Club, Ann Magnuson, Paul Reubens, Lady Bunny, Elvira, Cirque du Solei, Burt Bacharach, and More!

Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachio Head, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!

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 in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #1098