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, October 29, 2025

WMM previews Apocalypse Meow 18 + Wills Van Doorn + Christopher Ruiz

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. Sudan Archives – “MY TYPE”
   from: THE BPM / Stones Throw Records / July 21, 2015
   [LA based violinist Sudan Archives, combines elements of the modern and ancient. The 23 year-old self-taught violinist draws inspiration from Sudanese fiddlers, R&B, West African rhythms, and experimental electronic music. Building records around rhythms and melodies from the strings of her violin and raw vocals, Sudan effortlessly draws the link between traditional African music and contemporary electronic production // Sudan Archives’ highly anticipated third album THE BPM is out now on Stones Throw, marking her most liberated and forward-looking work to date. Across fifteen tracks, the violinist, vocalist, and producer – real name Brittney Parks – embodies the idea that “The BPM is the power,” channeling rhythm as a source of personal freedom, joy, and self-definition. // Following acclaimed albums Athena and Natural Brown Prom Queen, THE BPM imagines a gleaming future where technology and emotion pulse in perfect sync. Inspired by the club sounds of Chicago and Detroit alongside global dance music and experimental beatwork, the record sees Parks fully embracing the persona of “Gadget Girl” – a technologically advanced artist exalting in the tools that first gave her a voice. “I’m all gadget girled out now,” Sudan explains, “but I’ve never felt so free as a human.” // THE BPM was recorded in Los Angeles, Chicago and Detroit, with Sudan stepping into the role of executive producer and working exclusively with family and close friends. The album includes the singles “A BUG’S LIFE”, “MY TYPE,” and “DEAD.” The New York Times praised “DEAD” as “shape-shifting, maximalist, ultimately unstoppable,” while Stereogum called it “a full-on dance floor rager.” // A radiant exploration of self-love, technology, and transformation, THE BPM captures Sudan Archives in full command – an executive producer, artist, and visionary expanding the limits of her sound and identity. Sudan’s most raucous and party-starting record, it’s also her most vulnerable, and a monumental step forward – the kind of leap you can only make when you trust your instincts, trust the people around you, and lock into your own rhythm. // “[THE BPM] aligns instinct and intellect, human and machine, bravado and desire. Every song is crammed with ideas and sonic surprises” – The New York Times // “It’s not merely an album to dance to – it feels like a sanctuary where every song is like a hymn in full technicolour: cybernetic and uncontainable.” – NME // “Every immaculately constructed track overflows with both ideas and emotions.” – FLOOD.]

3. The Moose – “Are You in Control”
   from: Frozen Heads / Desert Animal Records / April 4, 2025
   [ The Moose released their 6-track EP Undying Nightmares of Incommprehensible Doom on October 13, 2023. The Moose released their 11-track album Renaissance on Desert Animal Records on September 22, 2022 part of WMM’s Best Recordings of 2022. On April 22, 2021 The Moose released SPATURE their 26-track double album. One of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. The album contained music and lyrics all composed by The Moose. The album was engineered, mixed, and mastered by members Emma Klein and Jake Hilger. SPATURE is a sonic amalgamation of sunny peaks and dark chasms. Join The Moose as they experiment with the fantastical worlds of space and nature. From ‘Lava’ to ‘Mother Tree’, there is a song on this double LP for everyone.The Moose is a psychedelic rock/pop alternative band from Lee’s Summit / Kansas City, formed in 2016 by Jake Hilger, Alex Huffman, and Tyler Frey with Emma Klein and Parker Tozier joining in 2016. The Moose released their debut full length album, The First Real Encounter, on Dec. 21, 2018. The Moose joined us LIVE on WMM on July 10, 2019. The Moose also recently released SONGS OF SPATURE – LIVE FROM MYCO PLANET MUSHROOM FARM April 2022. The Moose played Outer Reaches Festival on Sat, October 15 at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO, with Cheer-Accident, Season to Risk, Peculiar Pretzelman, The Black Mariah Theater, She Speaks in Tongues; Jacob E.chord and experimental dance project Composition of Dance. More info at: http://www.musicofthemoose.com ]

[The Moose play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, KCMO West Bottoms on Friday, October 31, at 7:00pm, with The Sounds of Many, and Junkyard Royalty.]

4. Radkey – “Falling Out of Grace”
   from: “Falling Out of Grace” – Single / Little Man Records / October 24, 2025
   [Radkey released the 6-track EP VICTORY on July 30, 2025. Radkey released the single “Victory” on March 28, 2025. On September 23, 2022 Radkey released the single “Better Than This.” The band released “Games (Tonight)” on January 28, 2022 on Little Man Records. Isaiah, Dee, and Solomon Radke of the critically acclaimed rock trio Radkey joined us live in our 90.1 FM studios on September 5, 2018. Radkey was formed in 2010 in St. Joseph, where the brothers were raised. The family moved to Kansas City. The band has released multiple full-length recordings. In 2021 Radkey was featured in Dave Grohl’s van-touring documentary film, WHAT DRIVES US. Radkey released GREEN ROOM on Little Man Records on November 27, 2020. On Green Room the band serve as their own producers. Radkey released DARK BLACK MAKE UP in 2015 and DELICIOUS ROCK NOISE in 2016 — plus multiple EPs and singles, and were part of a MasterCard advertising campaign on digital billboards in NYC along with a national television commercial that aired during the 2018 Grammy Awards that brought the band to the attention of Jack White who asked the band to tour with him. In 2018 the band went back on the road with The Damned throughout the United States. In December they went back into the studio to record with producer Bill Stevenson of the California punk rock group Descendents. In early 2019 they played shows in Amsterdam and Stockholm. In 2018 the band released “Basement,” “St. Elwood,” “Rock & Roll Homeschool,” as well as several other singles. On February 22, 2019, Radkey released “No Strange Cats…P.A.W.” a 7-song EP is essentially a collection of the band’s most recent singles. It comes after the January 11, 2019 release of No Strange cats…Spiders – EP a 6 song EP of several new songs mixed with several singles from late 2018.]

5. REVISER – “DEAD EYES”
   from: “DEAD EYES” – Single / REVISER / October 16, 2025
   [“DEAD EYES” is Goth-Pop. A musical bit of sour bubblegum in the vein of the poppier side of The Cure, with guitars at the forefront spilling melancholy melodies that chime and angle around a dancey drum machine, a catchy bass-line, and moody organs for good measure. Lyrically, “DEAD EYES” is an anti-love-letter, a tale of a long-suffering narrator realizing the mistreatment they’ve endured as a result of their abuser’s lack of a soul…// Calling to mind classic 80’s bands such as Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, and Tones on Tail, REVISER sounds complimentary to such contemporaries as Actors, House of Harm, and Traitrs. REVISER collects and redirects its familiar influences into something both familiar and foreign, a sound that is dark, deep, and danceable. // REVISER is: Dedric Moore on keyboards and Krysztof Nemeth on vocals and baritone guitar, and Dawn Don (of The Bad Ideas) singing with Krysztof. This is the 5th single from REVISER who released”CELESTINE” on February 28, 2025, “DARKSIDERS” on October 18, 2024, and “ASSASINS” and “BURN IT OUT” on March 15, 2024. REVISOR is a continuation of the musical collaboration from Static Phantoms, Religion of Heartbreak (with Mikal Shapiro) and Monta At Odds.]

[Re:vis:er and DJ EJ open for Lene Lovich, the Post-Punk/New Wave icon who could count John Lennon and Frank Zappa among her fans, is set to return to the US for the first time in 18 years with a show at recordBar, 1510 Grand Blvd KCMO., next week on Wednesday, November 5, 2025]

[Religion of Heartbreak play miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd, KCMO on Friday, November 7 with Pop Ritual and Las Cruxes]

[Both shows are part of a 4-night Dreams Never End Concert Series More info at http://www.kosmiccity.com]

6. Dragon Inn 3 – “Yer Too Good”
   from: Full Disclosure / American Laundromat Records / October 13, 2025
   [Second single form Dragon Inn 3’s third album release: Full Diosclosure. This song Follows the band’s single “Clock Machine” from August 23, 2024. // “The first four songs on Full Disclosure were written over the course of three decades. Grace started writing “Never Lost” as a teenager in 2002. I started working on “Send Your Love” in 2015 but couldn’t figure out how to finish it until I saw the movie True Romance for the first time last year. Sharon and I collaborated on “Taking It Back” and “Yer Too Good” this year. We couldn’t have made these songs without some of our new and old friends. Ryan Wasoba, who I played shows with in the early 2000s, helped us record some guitars on “Never Lost.” And our new friends Nick Wilkerson (drums), Brandon Yangmi (recording engineer), and Scoops Dardaris (mixing) helped us out on everything else.// The second set of four songs on the EP are a collection of digital singles we released over the past few years and collected here for the first time on cassette. // We’re super lucky and grateful to work with American Laundromat Records, Bank Robber Music, and SRG studios. They’ve been helping us release music for the last seven years. Special thanks to Lonny Unitus for the excellent cassette design and layouts.” – Philip Dickey // Performed by Dragon Inn 3: Grace Bentley on vocals; Philip Dickey on bass, drums, guitar, synths, & vocals; Sharon Hamm on synths, vocals. // Additional Musicians: Nick Wilkerson on drums on Send Your Love, Never Lost, Yer Too Good, and Clock Machine; Ryan Wasoba on distorted guitars on Never Lost; Matt Vollmer on Fender VI on Yer Too Good; Juan C. Marioni on Acoustic 12-String on Yer Too Good; Samo T. on feedback on Never Lost. // Mixed by Scoops Dardaris// Recorded by Philip Dickey, Jack Florio, Brandon Yangmi, Ryan Wasoba, and Ross Brown. // Mastered by Sean Glonek at SRG studios // In 2023 Dragon Inn 3 released Trade Secrets on American Laundromat Records on April 18, 2023, their sophomore release featuring 10 new original songs plus a cover of Yazoo’s “Only You.” // For Dragon Inn 3 second album: Grace Bentley on vocals; Philip Dickey on synths, drums, guitar, bass & vocals; Sharon Hamm on synths & vocals; David Hill on vocals & synths. Recorded from 2018 to 2022 at Davey’s house and Sharon’s house. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Philip Dickey. Additional recording and mixing help from Ross Brown, David Hill, and Chase Horseman. Mastered by Sean Glonek at SRG studios. Additional musicians: Bill Belzer percussion “I Can’t Stop”, John Cardwell guitar “Finally Going Down”, Ben Collins guitar “I Can’t Stop”, Tim Gillespie saxophone “I Can’t Stop” “Out Of Control” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Anita Kitungano vocals “See It Your Way”, John O’Hallaron guitar “Teleport”, Bora Wilondja vocals “See It Your Way” “Trade Secrets Theme”, Mauwa Wilondja vocals “Trade Secrets Theme”, Pelo Wilondja percussion “I Could Never”. Additional writers: Emma Bentley Ruzicka “Not Enough”, Bora Wilondja “See It Your Way”, JR Top “See It Your Way”, and Vincent Clark “Only You”. Cover photo: Dominik Podlipniak. Design: Dustin Williams. // Kansas City based band formed in 2012 with Grace Bentley, Sharon Bowie, Philip K. Dickey, E.P. Marcus. Dragon Inn 3’s debut LP DOUBLE LINE on August 17, 2018 through American Laundromat records. DOUBLE LINE was part of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. The band spent six years whittling away on the songs. Combining sugary pop hooks, hypnotic beats, and huge MOOG synths, Dragon Inn 3’s playful take on 80s pop could double as the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie (if John Hughes directed Blade Runner). The cinematic origins of Dragon Inn 3 can be traced back to 2012, when Philip Dickey (leader of the indie-pop group, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin) wrote a theme song for the award-winning short film Ghoul School. “If you watch the trailer you can tell it’s the same premise and look as Stranger Things–we just accidentally made it three years before them,” Dickey says. “I had so much fun making the soundtrack with the director (E.P. Marcus) that we decided to start a band.” Dickey recruited his sister, Sharon Bowie, an occupational therapist, and his wife, children’s librarian Grace Bentley, to help with songwriting and vocal duties. The group self-released the Ghoul School Soundtrack EP in late 2012, receiving high praise from Consequence of Sound, Philadelphia’s WXPN, and The Riverfront Times, before climbing to #1 on Bandcamp’s cassette charts. Then it was back to the studio (i.e. the bedrooms, kitchens, garages, and hotel rooms that doubled as makeshift recording studios). In between full-time jobs, parenthood, graduate school classes, and cross country moves, the members of Dragon Inn 3 put Double Line to tape. “I’m a stay-at-home dad now, so I would work on song arrangements and rough mixes when our toddler was taking his naps,” explains Dickey. “Grace would come home from work and record all her parts after his bedtime. We recorded all the breathy vocals in the living room and all the yelly parts in the garage so we wouldn’t wake him up.” The result is a highly addictive album that creates “a soundtrack for the more introspective moments on and off the dance floor,” according to critic David Greenwald. With members spread out over the country (KC, LA, and Springfield, MO), the group signed to American Laundromat Records in early 2018. A demo of “Bad Boy” (co-written with Free Energy’s Paul Sprangers) landed in a commercial for Ryan Adams’ Beats 1 Radio show before the song was even completed. More Info at: http://www.dragoninn3.com] [Philip Dicky joined us LIVE on WMM on May 3, 2023.]

7. Katy Guillen & The Drive – “Staying Awake”
   from: MAKE THAT SOUND / Are and Be Recordings / October 17, 2025
   [Katy Guillen & The Drive released the singles: “What If” on July 25, 2025 and “Outcome” on August 22, 2025, from the band’s upcoming album MAKE THAT SOUND – Produced by Megan McCormick, Engineered & Mixed by Brandon Bell with Annie Petrik, Mastered by Kim Rosen. Katy Guillen on vocals & guitar; Stephanie Williams on drums & percussion; Megan McCormick on bass, backing vocals, additional guitars & percussion; Erin Manning on Synthesizers; and Brandon Bell on Loops & programming. // Established in 2019, Katy Guillen & The Drive is an independent Indie Roots Rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, formed by partners Katy Guillen (Vocals, Guitar) and Stephanie Williams (Drums). The band’s 2022 debut album Another One Gained, produced by Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Heartless Bastards), “hit the sweet spot with a mix of spiky garage rock and soulful country torch songs,” lauds Uncut Magazine. Under The Radar Magazine declares the duo “evokes a timeless indie rock sound” and displays “effortless instrumental chemistry that gives both members a chance to shine.” Following this release, the band unleashed Another One Gained Deluxe featuring ‘Batallas,’ a highly anticipated Spanish version of the fan-favorite ‘Battles,’ which spotlighted special guest Latin Grammy winner Mireya Ramos (Flor De Toloache) on violin and backing vocals. // Katy Guillen & The Drive prides itself on fostering empowered spaces for women in music both onstage and off, and performances showcase the group’s signature all-female powerhouse formation, technical prowess, and electrifying chemistry. This core value heavily influenced the band’s second full-length effort Make That Sound. Guillen admits, “Having never worked with a woman in the studio, that’s something we wanted to change on this record. We wanted more female energy, ideas, and power to influence this album.” With this goal in mind, the band was eventually led to Producer Megan McCormick (Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah). As a result of their fast friendship and facile chemistry, the duo embraced their newfound creative trust in this relationship and ran with it. Within a matter of a few days, the three collaborated on everything from songwriting and arrangements to live tracking and overdubs, resulting in a liberated, emboldened, and nuanced new record. Williams shares, “The recording process was dense and fast. It required being totally present, trusting our initial instincts, and pushing into some uncharted territory at times.” Guillen speaks to the inspiration behind the songs and process, “In creating this album I felt particularly inspired by the countless strong and important women in my life, the love that I’ve grown with my partner, and the strength I’ve gained from digging inward through challenging times.” Make That Sound is a celebration of self-empowerment, liberation, vulnerability, honesty, and love. In addition to McCormick, the band was fortunate to work with engineers Brandon Bell (Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell) and Annie Petrik on tracking and mixing, as well as mastering engineer Kim Rosen (Bonnie Raitt, Allison Russell). The band will partner with Nashville-based indie label and artist collective Are & Be Recordings for the release.]

[Katy Guillen & The Drive are in the middle of a 32 city tour September 19 through November 23, 2025 with a show at Knuckleheads on Friday, November 14 at 8:00pm.]

8. Jass – “Where You Are”
   from: APRIL SHOWERS – EP / Manor Records / April 27, 2025
   [On September 22, 2025 Jass released the single.”Autumn inThe City.” This release captured Jass’s dynamic sound in a live band recording, tracked and recorded by bandmate Clarence Copridge. The smooth vocals from Jass and instrumentals of vibes and upright bass in this track are the perfect end of summer/welcome to fall track. // Jass writes, “My new single ‘Autumn in the City” is close to my heart—paying homage to my hometown and the fall season that inspires so much love and reflection.” Jass is currently working with her band Jass and the ConrtraBand. Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch. // Jass released the EP APRIL SHOWERS on April 27, 2025. // Jass released the single “Hope.wav” on February 29, 2024. // Jass and The Boys released the single, “Daydream Girl” on August 25, 2023. // Jass and The Boys released the single “Gvn2u” on July 14, 2023. // Jass released the single, “Time&Space” on July 14, 2023. // Jass released the single, “Eye Contact.” // Jass released the single, “Lifetime” on January 6, 2023 // Jass and The Boys released the single “Love U Like I Love U” on December 2, 2022. Jass released the single “grow” on November 26, 2022. Jass released the EP, OFF KEY: TOO HIGH on September 23, 2022. Jass released the single “Higher Ground” on August 16, 2022. It was #1 on WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. Jass released her single, “Him” on February 23, 2022. Jass released At the Close of a Decade on November 26, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 121 Best Recordings of 2021. She wrote, “After years of writing and recording in voice memos .. I decided to grab my iPad and began recording something that I am very proud of. I named it, At the Close of A Decade, and released it in November 2019. With my iPhone/iPad, some apple headphones, I created this project. The amazing people around me told me it was worth it, even when I didn’t believe it myself. I convinced myself I would be the only one that liked my songs. If you decide to listen you’ll hear sound clips of shows and movies that made a difference in the way I saw the world, the way I saw myself, and the way I overcame my experiences. I remember asking my grandma and my son if I should release what I’ve been writing and they both said very simply to do it, so I’ve done it. I want to thank all of my wonderful friends who have been my soundboards during this process, all of the people that have asked me when it’s coming, the people that have kept me accountable, and believed that this time it was for real. My story is so very triumphant and beautiful because I have overcome experiences and shunned the fear I had to do what I love. It’s crazy how you can talk your way out of some amazing things and also how you can talk yourself into making some amazing things happen. If you partake, I hope you enjoy.” // Jass has opened for Thundercat sat GRINDERS, headlined a show at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, and she opened up for The New Respects at The Uptown, and sang the Negro National Anthem at BLAQUE to School Night at the KC Monarchs game.More info at: http://www.jassrcouch.com]

11:30 – Underwriting

10:32 – Interview with Christopher Ruiz

Christopher Ruiz is the Director of Undergrounds Production, and is an experimentalist in the Entertainment Industry. Christopher grew up in Iowa and now lives in Kansas City. Christopher builds bridges between all music and art lovers through a one-take jam session, encouraging a positive atmosphere for others to connect and create memories.

The next event for Undergrounds Production is scheduled for December 20, 2025, at Kansas City Oasis, 1717 West 41st Street, KCMO.

Christopher Ruiz Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Christopher Ruiz grew up and went to high school in Iowa in the Des Moines area.

His father was a first generation American, his mother was originally from Oklahoma.

Christopher has always had a passion for audio production, and performance. After he went to college in Iowa he moved to Kansas City to pursue work.

For the past year he has been launching Undergrounds Production, producing shows in independent venues, with area artists including Jamogi and The Jammers, Kai McGarry, and others.

The next event for Undergrounds Production is scheduled for December 20, 2025, at Kansas City Oasis, 1717 West 41st Street, KCMO.

Christopher Ruiz Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

10:49

9. Sara Swenson – “Phantoms”
   from:“Phantoms” – Single / Sara Swenson / October 16, 2025
   [Critically acclaimed singer songwriter Sara Swenson has released some of our most played and favorite recordings of the last 7 years. Her self titled debut ended up at the top of our list of The 100 Best Recordings of 2009. In 2010 Sara Swenson released her second full length recording, “All Things Big and Small” again working with Don Chaffer in Nashville who added new layers to Sara’s great songs and voice. In November of 2011, Sara released her 5 song EP called “Never Left My Mind,” featuring her band at the time, The Pearl Snaps. In that time frame, she also had picked up two Kansas City Singer-Songwriter of the Year awards, performed with Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, and placed a song on the season finale of ABC’s “Private Practice.” Then after the school year ended in 2012, Sara Swenson left her job as a High School English and Journalism Teacher in Platte County High School, and left the Kansas City music scene, and she flew off to the United Kingdom, where she got married. In the spring of 2014, Sara returned to Kansas City and performed for the Folk Alliance International Conference. On July 18, 2014 she released her 4th album, RUNWAY LIGHTS that captures snapshots of her 18-month experience of living abroad, moving from dating to marriage and sorting through the accompanying transitions and emotions. Produced by Don Chaffer in Nashville. // On March 26, 2021 Sara Swenson released the single, “I Wont Let You Feel Alone” Sara Swenson wrote to me that her new song is featured in her husband Michael Price’s film “The Hidden Pandemic” that premiered Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 PM on Kansas City PBS. The film is about the mental health crisis in KC – it’s a powerful film that also features Mark Lowrey’s piano playing. Sara’s song is featured in various parts of the film, and then also at the end. To see a trailer for “The Hidden Pandemic” you can visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd7046rPtU. ] [Sara Swenson played the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, September 6, at 5:00pm, at the Stockyards Brewing Co.]

[Sara Swenson plays recordBar, 1520 Grand BLVD. KCMO, on Sunday, November 30 at 6:30pm with Tyler Chiarelli and John Flynn.] [Sara Swenson will be on Wednesday MidDay Medley on Nov. 19, 2025.]

10. The String Revolution –“America (From West Side Story) [feat. Lakecia Benjamin]”
    from: “America (From West Side Story) [feat. Lakecia Benjamin]” – Single / Hitscope / Aug. 22, 2025
    [Lakecia Benjamin is a New York-based saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator. Her music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk. Her warm, resonant tone — that has been compared to Johnny Griffin’s — lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play. In addition to honing her chops early with Clark Terry and later, Terri Lyne Carrington, she is also a noted accompanist for vocalists — among them Gregory Porter and Theo Croker. Retox, her 2012 leader debut, offered a beat-conscious set of soul and funk covers and originals, produced by Ben Kane. Benjamin played on “Right on Brotha,” the closing track from Robert Glasper’s Everything’s Beautiful in 2018, a collection of reimagined Miles Davis tracks. Her sophomore date, Rise Up on Ropeadope, contained a Prince-inspired series of original jazz-funk jams. In 2020, she released Pursuance: The Coltranes. The widely acclaimed set contained six tunes each by Alice and John Coltrane, with Benjamin leading a large cast that included former Coltrane sideman Reggie Workman. In 2023, she returned with the star-studded Phoenix. Produced by Carrington, the Grammy-nominated album wed jazz, funky soul, R&B, and hip-hop with an all-star cast. // Benjamin was born in New York City and raised in Manhattan’s predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood. She played recorder in grade school and junior high, where she also began writing songs and lyrics. She earned admission to the Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. It was there she began playing saxophone in earnest. She picked it up quickly and after graduating joined the renowned jazz program at New York’s New School University. // At New School she studied with jazz veterans including Billy Harper, Workman, Buster Williams, and Gary Bartz. Bartz proved an important mentor. He introduced her to training technical exercise techniques while facilitating her interest in the music of jazz saxophonists including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Jackie McLean. She also played in and performed with Clark Terry’s Young Titans of Jazz, and some of Workman’s ensembles. While struggling to make ends meet, she won paying gigs with Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys, widening her approach. These influences made their presence known on Benjamin’s Motema leader debut, Retox, in 2010. The unusual set included Benjamin’s Soul Squad band backing a number of singers and rappers in a host of originals and covers, some of which didn’t feature her horn at all. She explained in an interview that she didn’t want to be heard as merely an instrumentalist and soloist, but as an arranger and bandleader, too. She had opportunities to play and tour with a wide array of artists including former Coltrane drummer Rashied Ali, the David Murray Big Band, vocalist Vanessa Rubin, and guitarist James Blood Ulmer. Her deep jazz roots and reputation for hard yet innovative work made her a first-call sidewoman, arranger, and horn section leader, and she landed a touring gig with Anita Baker. // In 2015, she was part of the star-studded cast that played on vocalist and arranger Charenee Wade’s Offering: The Music of Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson. In addition to Benjamin, some of its other participants included Marcus Miller, Christian McBride, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, and Lonnie Plaxico. The following year she was invited by pianist Robert Glasper to participate in the sessions for his Miles Davis tribute, Everything’s Beautiful; she appeared with Stevie Wonder and DJ Spinna on the set’s closing track, “Right on Brotha.” // In 2018, Benjamin issued her Ropeadope debut album, Rise Up, leading a large ensemble in a savvy jazz-funk update for the 21st century that included not only players but singers and rappers. In the aftermath, she played dates in and around New York, joined Porter’s road band, worked with Carrington, and was a featured musician and arranger for comedy star Craig Robinson. In addition to performing, Benjamin also became an educator, teaching at Jazz at Lincoln Center and at Jazz House Kids. // Benjamin turned heads with her third album — and second from Ropeadope — by leaving R&B and funk by the wayside. May 2020’s Pursuance: The Coltranes is unlike any other tribute project. Its 13 tunes were equally divided between compositions by Alice and John and offered sometimes radical reinterpretations. The outlier was “Going Home.” Composed by Benjamin, its lineup included bass clarinetist Marcus Strickland and string group Rootstock Republic. In addition to Benjamin’s alto were the selectively featured horns of Bartz, Steve Wilson, Greg Osby, and Bruce Williams, harpist Brandee Younger, violinist Regina Carter, bassists Workman, Plaxico, and Me’Shell Ndegéocello, and vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jazzmeia Horn, Zakiyyah Modeste, and Dudley Perkins. The set was greeted with global acclaim by critics upon release, and subsequently charted at streaming. // In January 2023, Benjamin released Phoenix on Whirlwind Recordings. The 12-track, mostly original set was performed by her septet and produced by Terri Lyne Carrington. Phoenix featured many guests including Dianne Reeves, Georgia Ann Muldrow, Patrice Rushen, Wayne Shorter, Wallace Roney, Anastassiya Petrova, and Jahmal Nichols. By the end of the year, Phoenix had earned Benjamin several Grammy nominations, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Best Instrumental Composition for the song “Amerikkan Skin,” and Best Jazz Performance for the track “Basquiat.” ~ Thom Jurek]

[Lakecia Benjamin plays The Folly Theater, 300 West 12th St., KCMO on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7:30pm.]

11. Rickie Lee Jones – “Sketetons” 
    from: Pirates / Warner Bros. / July 15, 1981
    [Pirates is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones. The follow-up to her 1979 self-titled debut album, Pirates is partially an account of her break-up with fellow musician Tom Waits after the success of her debut album. The cover is a 1976-copyrighted photo by Brassaï. // The album peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on September 30, 1981, for sales of 500,000 copies. The album remained on the UK album charts for three months, and was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. // Initial recording for Pirates began in January 1980, with the live recordings for “Skeletons” and “The Returns” from January 30 from these sessions kept on the final album. In the same month, Jones picked up a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. // Jones came to album sessions at Warner Bros. Recording Studios in North Hollywood with five songs, which were recorded and arranged in a two-month spurt in early 1980 before Jones was given an extended break for further writing. Album sessions reconvened in November 1980 and concluded in April 1981, three months before the album release. // All songs were copyrighted on June 9, 1980, as well as “Hey Bub”, which was omitted from the album release, except for “Living It Up” and “Traces of the Western Slopes”, copyrighted in July 1981, at the time of the album release. // Jones relocated to New York City after her split from Tom Waits and soon set up home with a fellow musician, Sal Bernardi from New Jersey, whom she had met in Venice, California, in the mid-1970s, writing in their apartment in Greenwich Village. Bernardi, who had been referenced in the lyrics to “Weasel and the White Boys Cool” from her debut, was to become a frequent collaborator with Jones, and they composed the epic eight-minute suite “Traces of the Western Slopes” together. // Jones started writing the first songs from the album – “Hey Bub” (unreleased until 1983), “We Belong Together” and “Pirates” – in the autumn of 1979. // Elsewhere, the music on Pirates is often cinematic, with influences ranging from Leonard Bernstein to Bruce Springsteen and Laura Nyro. The album is more musically ambitious than its predecessor and explores elements of jazz, R&B, bebop, pop and Broadway, with multiple changes in tempo and mood within most songs. // Jones was featured for a second time on the cover of the August 6, 1981, issue of Rolling Stone. The Age wrote in their review: “On Pirates, Rickie Lee Jones executes a brilliant artistic leap which not only outshines her Grammy-winning debut album but establishes her as one of the most important singer/songwriters of the decade.” The New York Times wrote that Pirates “is such a remarkable piece of work that Miss Jones’s first album now sounds like a somewhat tentative rehearsal for it… Traces of the flippant, neo-beat persona she adopted on Rickie Lee Jones are still in evidence, but on the whole Pirates is a more personal album.” // On April 28, 2023 Rickie Lee Jones released Pieces of Treasure (The Duchess of Coolsville) her fifteenth studio album consistiong of ten covers of songs from the Great American Songbook. The album was produced by Russ Titelman, who co-produced Jones’ 1979 self-titled debut album and its follow-up Pirates (1981). // Work conceived on the album when Jones and producer Russ Titelman, who produced Jones’ first two albums, Rickie Lee Jones (1979) and Pirates (1981), began having phone conversations and lunch meetups with Titelman repeatedly presenting to Jones of the idea of making a jazz album. The album was recorded over five days at the Sear Sound studios in Midtown Manhattan. // The album’s lead single, “Just in Time”, was released on January 20, 2023. The second single, “September Song”, was released on February 24, 2023. The third single, “Nature Boy”, was released on March 24, 2023. // Rickie Lee Jones (born November 8, 1954) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and author. Over the course of a career that spans five decades, she has recorded in various musical styles including rock, R&B, pop, soul, and jazz. A two-time Grammy Award winner (from seven nominations), Jones was listed at No. 30 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women in Rock & Roll in 1999. // She released her self-titled debut album in 1979, to critical and commercial success. It peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and spawned the hit single “Chuck E.’s in Love”, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album went Platinum later that year, and earned Jones four Grammy Award nominations in 1980, including Best New Artist, which she won. Her second album, Pirates, followed in 1981 to further critical and commercial success; it peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, went Gold, and ranked No. 49 on NPR’s list of the 150 Greatest Albums Made by Women in 2017. // Her third album, The Magazine, appeared in 1984 before Jones took a brief hiatus from recording. Her fourth album, Flying Cowboys, was released in 1989 and later went Gold. Jones won her second Grammy Award in 1990 for “Makin’ Whoopee”, a duet with Dr. John, this time in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group. Jones’ seventh Grammy Award nomination followed in 2001 in the category of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her album It’s Like This (2000). In 2021, Jones released her memoir Last Chance Texaco: Chronicles of an American Troubadour. // Jones was born the third of four children to Richard and Bettye Jones, on the north side of Chicago, Illinois, on November 8, 1954. She was named after her father, who was a singer, songwriter, painter, and trumpet player. Her mother, Bettye, was raised in orphanages around Mansfield, Ohio. She has a brother Daniel, and two sisters, Janet Adele and Pamela Jo. Her paternal grandfather, Frank “Peg Leg” Jones, and her grandmother, Myrtle Lee, were vaudevillians based in Chicago. A singer, dancer and comedian, Peg Leg Jones’ routine consisted of singing and accompanying himself on ukulele, soft shoe dance, acrobatics, and comedy. // Jones lived in Phoenix, Arizona from age 4 to 14. // At age 21, Jones began singing traditional jazz and original compositions in bars and coffee houses in Venice, California. There she met Alfred Johnson, a piano player and songwriter, with whom she wrote “Weasel and the White Boys Cool”, and “Company”, which would later appear on Jones’s debut album. In 1977, Jones met Tom Waits at The Troubadour. They dated for about two years, before splitting in 1979. // Rickie Lee Jones was released in March 1979 and became a critical and commercial hit, buoyed by the success of the jazz-flavored single “Chuck E.’s in Love”, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and featured an accompanying music video. The song was occasioned by her friend, Chuck E. Weiss, telephoning her and Tom Waits, all three of them close friends at the time, in the Fall of 1977 to tell them that he had fallen in love. The album, which included guest appearances by Dr. John, Randy Newman, and Michael McDonald, reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, went Platinum, and produced another Top 40 hit with “Young Blood” (No. 40) in late 1979. // Her appearance – as an unknown (one month after her debut record had been released) – on Saturday Night Live on April 7, 1979, sparked an overnight sensation. She performed “Chuck E.’s in Love” and “Coolsville”. Jones was covered by Time magazine on her very first professional show, in Boston, and they dubbed her “The Duchess of Coolsville”. Touring after the album’s release, she played Carnegie Hall on July 22, 1979. Members of her group included native New York guitarist Buzz Feiten, who was featured on the album and would appear in her recorded works for over a decade. Following her first-ever performances in the spring/summer of 1979, Jones appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, the cover image showed Jones posing in a crouched stance, wearing a black bra and a white beret. // Jones secured four nominations at the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards: Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for “Chuck E.’s in Love”; Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female for “The Last Chance Texaco”; and Best New Artist, which she won. The album also earned a nomination for Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical, credited to Tom Knox. // In 1980, Francis Ford Coppola asked Jones to collaborate with Waits on his upcoming film One from the Heart, but she balked, citing their recent breakup in late 1979.[ Coppola argued that the duet would be perfect for the film, since the two main characters in the film are separated, and he asked her to reconsider. Waits ultimately sang with country pop star Crystal Gayle. // In 1981, Jones released her second album, Pirates, which received high marks from critics and was a commercial success. The album reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200, and soon achieved Gold certification. Rolling Stone remained a fervent supporter of Jones, with a second cover feature in 1981; the magazine also included a glowing five-star review of Pirates. The single “A Lucky Guy” became the only Billboard Hot 100 hit from the album, peaking at No. 64, but “Pirates (So Long Lonely Avenue)” and “Woody and Dutch on the Slow Train to Peking” became minor Top 40 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. // Jones left New York for San Francisco where she befriended Robin Williams. In Los Angeles, she recorded the EP Girl at Her Volcano, producing the record herself and drawing the cover art. It was released as a 10″ record in 1983, featuring a mix of live and studio cover versions of jazz and pop standards, as well as one Jones original, “Hey, Bub”, which was originally written for Pirates. Jones then relocated to Paris. // In 1983, Jones lived in Paris for four months, writing new material for her third full-length solo album, The Magazine, released in September 1984. The Magazine was produced by Jones and James Newton Howard and included a three-song suite, subtitled “Rorschachs”, which featured multi-tracked vocals and minimalist synth patterns.[citation needed] The lead single, “The Real End”, reached No. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. ]

[Rickie Lee Jones and Patti Griffin play Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway, Blvd, KCMO, on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 7:30pm]

11:00 – Station ID

12. Wills Van Doorn & Kat King – “Blue”
    from: “Flying Bird” / “Blue” – Single / Rust Records / August 18, 2023
    [Wills Van Doorn released a 4-song EP titled NIGHT OWL and OTHER SONGS on June 24, 2025. Wills Van Doorn released his debut full-length solo record, ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023. “Flying Bird” is the second single from the album and it was released with “Blue’ an extra track not on the album that features Kat King on vocals. Wills Van Doorn released the single “The Lawn-mower Collector” on July 28, 2023, also from ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY. Wills Van Doorn released the single, “Shake The Frost” on March 10, 2023, and the single, “Lately” on Oct. 22, 2022, and the EP, RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020. Wills Van Doorn released the singles: “1000 Times” on March 26, 2020, “On My Mind” on July 12, 2019, and “Out of Season” on April 5, 2019. Will Van Doorn has played guitar with Supermoto, Brent Windler’s live band, and he recently signed on as the new lead guitarist for The Creepy Jingles. More info at:. http://www.willsvandoorn.bandcamp.com ]

[Wills Van Doorn with his solo band, and in a separate set with his band Supermoto (in their last show) play Hillsiders 403 N. 5th Street, KCK, on October 30, at 8:00pm, with Pale Tongue.]

11:04 – Interview with Wills Van Doorn

Wills Van Doorn is a solo artist and a frequent collaborator of Kansas City musicians. He was a co-founder of the band Supermoto, he has played with Brent Windler’s band and The Creepy Jingles. He has honed his sound over the years until creating something of his own, he released the EP, RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020, and his debut album ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023, and this year he released a 4-song EP titled NIGHT OWL and OTHER SONGS on June 24, 2025. Will is getting set to release his upcoming new album ENDURO. Van Doorn has also been at work producing and engineering the upcoming Miki P solo record, and engineering the upcoming album from The Swallowtails. He is bringing his talents to Portland Oregon at the end of this year. Wills Van Doorn with his solo band, and in a separate set with his band Supermoto (in their last show) play Hillsiders 403 N. 5th Street, KCK, on October 30, at 8:00pm, with Pale Tongue.

Wills Van Doorn thanks for being with us on WMM.

We just heard, Will Van Doorn & Kat King sing “Blue” a single Wills released in August 18, 2023. How was collaborating witWills said that the song offered him the chance to stretch his vocals to a lower register, to harmonize with Kat.

Wills Van Doorn went to Park Hill South High school. All of the members of Supermoto went to Park Hill South together and have been friends through the years.

Wills talked about the emergence of the band as they developed during the COVID epidemic went venues were closed, and by the time music venues reopened Supermoto was ready to play live, were energized.

Wills Van Doorn plays guitar, drums, piano, and other instruments.

Van Doorn is a skilled guitarist. He references his education in jazz theory. He credits his teachers Phil Rogers and Dennis Rogers for their mentorship.

For his 2021 single debut “Lately” the song took shape on piano, during the songwriter’s self-described “Billy Joel phase.”

Wills told Michelle Bacon of The Bridge – “I think that when people get older, they stop listening to music at a specific point. My dad stopped listening to new music around 1999, so I was raised on Soundgarden, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Pearl Jam,” Van Doorn noted. “I didn’t know anything about Billy Joel, and I’m glad it happened this way. I’m able to go through Bob Dylan, James Taylor and Paul Simon in my 20s, as if I was purposely isolated from it as a kid.”

This year Wills released a 4-song EP titled NIGHT OWL and OTHER SONGS on June 24, 2025.

The new album ENDURO will be released in 2026.

11:14

13. Wills Van Doorn – “Ever Wonder Why”
    from: “Ever Wonder Why” – Single / Rust Records / October 20, 2023
    [Wills Van Doorn is a solo artist and a frequent collaborator of Kansas City musicians. He has played with Supermoto, The Creepy Jingles and Brent Windler’s band. He has honed his sound over the years until creating something of his own, he released the EP, RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020, and his debut album ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023, and this year he released a 4-song EP titled NIGHT OWL and OTHER SONGS on June 24, 2025. Will is getting set to release his upcoming new album ENDURO. Van Doorn has also been at work producing and engineering the upcoming Miki P solo record, and engineering the upcoming Swallowtails record. He is bringing his talents to Portland Oregon at the end of this year. http://www.willsvandoorn.bandcamp.com ]

[Wills Van Doorn with his solo band, and in a separate set with his band Supermoto (in their last show) play Hillsiders 403 N. 5th Street, KCK, on October 30, at 8:00pm, with Pale Tongue.]

11:17 – More interview with Wills Van Doorn

We are talking with Wills Van Doorn is a solo artist and a frequent collaborator of Kansas City musicians. He has played with Supermoto, The Creepy Jingles and Brent Windler’s band. He has honed his sound over the years until creating something of his own, he released the EP, RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020, and his debut album ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023, and his upcoming new record ENDURO. Van Doorn has also been at work producing and engineering the upcoming Miki P solo record, and engineering the upcoming album from the The Swallowtails. He is bringing his talents to Portland Oregon at the end of this year. Wills Van Doorn with his solo band, and in a separate set with his band Supermoto (in their last show) play Hillsiders 403 N. 5th Street, KCK, on October 30, at 8:00pm, with Pale Tongue.

Wills Van Doorn thanks for being with us on WMM.

We just heard “Ever Wonder Why” from Wills Van Doorn’s new album ENBDURO.

Van Doorn has also been at work producing and engineering the upcoming Miki P solo record, and engineering the upcoming Swallowtails record.

Wills Van Doorn has been working with producer Heidi Lynne Gluck on the album for The Swallowtails.

Wills Van Doorn thanks for being with us on WMM.

Will Van Doorn is moving to Portland Oregon at the end of this year but is doing one last show with his solo band, and in a separate set with his band Supermoto (in their last show) at Hillsiders 403 N. 5th Street, KCK, on October 30, at 8:00pm, with Pale Tongue.

11:26

14. Wills Van Doorn – “Hello Everybody [feat. Miki P]”
    from: Rosedale Speedway / Rust Records / October 20, 2023
    [Wills Van Doorn released a 4-song EP titled NIGHT OWL and OTHER SONGS on June 24, 2025. Wills Van Doorn released his debut full-length solo record, ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023. “Flying Bird” is the second single from the album and it was released with “Blue’ an extra track not on the album that features Kat King on vocals. Wills Van Doorn released the single “The Lawn-mower Collector” on July 28, 2023, also from ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY. Wills Van Doorn released the single, “Shake The Frost” on March 10, 2023, and the single, “Lately” on Oct. 22, 2022, and the EP, RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020. Wills Van Doorn released the singles: “1000 Times” on March 26, 2020, “On My Mind” on July 12, 2019, and “Out of Season” on April 5, 2019. Will Van Doorn has played guitar with Supermoto, Brent Windler’s live band, and he recently signed on as the new lead guitarist for The Creepy Jingles. More info at:. http://www.willsvandoorn.bandcamp.com ]

[Wills Van Doorn with his solo band, and in a separate set with his band Supermoto (in their last show) play Hillsiders 403 N. 5th Street, KCK, on October 30, at 8:00pm, with Pale Tongue.]

11:28 – Underwriting

15. Steddy P – “Outta Pocket ft. DJ Mahf”
    from: SOS: Toxic / Indyground Entertainment / October 8, 2021
    [Steddy P released PICTURE PERFECT BROKEN HOME on November 13, 2015. He released STLE LIKE MINE on September 11, 2009. // Steddy P is an American hip-hop artist known for his unique style and engaging lyrics. He hails from the Midwest, specifically from the state of Missouri. His music often blends elements of hip-hop, funk, and soul, creating a distinctive sound. Steddy P is recognized for his energetic performances and strong stage presence. He has released several albums and singles, gaining a dedicated fanbase. Collaborations with other artists have helped expand his reach in the music industry. Steddy P is a regular performer on the recordBar stage. Last year he emcee’s “The Great Big Know Show” on March 27 the week before Jackson County voters overwhelmingly voted down a rushed proposal to build a new baseball stadium across the street for the recordNBar in the East Crossroads. The year Steddy PO wa s auger perfumer with The Band That Fell to Earth’ annual tribute to David Bowie, and recently was a big part of the Play Loud Fest celebrating recordBar’s 20th birthday. Most recently Steddy P & DJ Mahf supported Tech N9ne at Rose Music Hall Park in Columbia, MO, on October 16, 2025. Steddy P shared the stage with Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, De La Soul and Bone Thugs N Harmony.]

[Steddy P plays Apocalypse Meow, Saturday, November 1, at 7;00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, playing with Mitch from Macemouth on Saturday, doing live drum material.]

11:33 – Interview with Sondra Freeman and Steddy P

Steddy P is an American hip-hop artist known for his unique style and engaging lyrics.
He hails from the Midwest, specifically from the state of Missouri. His music often blends elements of hip-hop, funk, and soul, creating a distinctive sound. Steddy P is recognized for his energetic performances and strong stage presence. He has released several albums and singles, gaining a dedicated fanbase. Collaborations with other artists have helped expand his reach in the music industry. Steddy P is a regular performer on the recordBar stage. Last year he emcee’s “The Great Big Know Show” on March 27 the week before Jackson County voters overwhelmingly voted down a rushed proposal to build a new baseball stadium across the street for the recordBar in the East Crossroads. This year Steddy P was a guest perfumer with The Band That Fell to Earth‘s annual tribute to David Bowie, and recently was a big part of the Play Loud Fest celebrating recordBar’s 20th birthday. Most recently Steddy P & DJ Mahf supported Tech N9ne at Rose Music Hall Park in Columbia, MO, on October 16, 2025. Steddy P shared the stage with Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, De La Soul and Bone Thugs N Harmony.

Steddy P, thanks for being with us on WMM

Sondra Freeman is Director of Promotions & Artist Relations for Midwest Music Foundation, a nonprofit created to support music and musicians in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, founded in 2008 by a collective of musicians and music lovers. The Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) unites and empowers the greater KC music community by providing programs and resources to area musicians through outreach, support, education, and health care opportunities. After meeting Executive Director, Rhonda Lyne, while buying raffle tickets at an MMF function, Sondra was immediately interested in the organization’s mission and quickly became an active volunteer. Sondra’s extensive fundraising background and her lifelong love of music made her an immediate asset. Her duties have grown, and she functions as a band liaison by managing booking, promotions and many other aspects of event planning. Sondra has owned and operated Big Mac’s Fireworks South for over 15 years.

Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

Apocalypse Meow 18 on Saturday, November 1, at 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd. KCMO, featuring: Lava Dreams, Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources.

Steddy P plays Apocalypse Meow, Saturday, November 1, at 7;00pm at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, playing with Mitch from Macemouth on Saturday, doing live drum material.

In addition to live music, the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters (provided by the Kansas City Indian Center), screenings, wellness programs, opportunities to discuss health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. They will also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses, and an online auction running throughout November: http://www.32auctions.com/AM18

Apocalypse Meow started in 2008, when Abigail Henderson faced daunting financial hurdles after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Friends rallied to her side, holding the first Apocalypse Meow concert to cover her medical expenses. To pay this forward to her community, Abigail co-founded MMF. Since its inception, Apocalypse Meow has become the central fundraising event for Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care.

Though she passed away in 2013, Abigail Henderson Meck’s mission continues — MMF provides financial resources, educational programs, health clinics and events throughout the year. Abby’s Fund dispenses emergency health care grants to KC-area musicians, having contributed more than $700,000 since its inception. More information about Apocalypse Meow 18 and MMF can be found at midwestmusicfoundation.org.

The demand for grants continues to grow each year, MMF needs help to make Apocalypse Meow a huge success to replenish Abby’s Fund. WMMF has given out over $77,000 in Abby’s Fund grants so far this year!

*RockDoc (Dr. Allen Greiner) willl be available from 6:00 – 10:00 pm with FREE flu shots, COVID boosters with Gina McClain, RN assisting. Thank you to Justin Nichols of the KC Indian Center for supplying the covid and flu vaccines available at our Apocalypse Meow on Nov. 2nd at the recordBar. Those who receive a vaccine during our event will receive a $25 gift card!

Thank you to the Major Sponsors (full list of sponsors on MMF website)
recordBar (hosting)-thank staff and tip those bartenders
Tito’s
KISSICK Construction
Seen Merch (new hats for sale in the back)
Bridge
Boulevard (donated beer for bands/volunteers)
Sarpino’s (donated food for bands)

*Thanks to all our performers, crew, volunteers and MMF Staff and Board that have made this event possible! XO Blackwater (Steve Gardels & Regina) for visuals

*Thanks to all the businesses that have made monetary contributions or donated items for our auction & raffles

*32.auctions.com/AM18 (Auction runs through November)

*Lots of great raffle prizes! Get your tickets from our volunteers!

RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE THROUGH ABBY’S FUND

If you or a family member needs healthcare assistance, please apply for an Abby’s Fund grant. This resource is available to active KC area musicians and music personnel. LEARN MORE AND APPLY at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org

Please email Executive Director, Rhonda Lyne, for more information. rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org

Midwest Music Foundation offers the following services:

-Mental Health Grants to assist with counseling and treatment

-Free Dental Screenings at the UMKC School of Dentistry

-Free COVID-19 Tests

-Mammogram Grants

11:41

15. Lava Dreams – “Thirsty”
    from: “Thirsty” – Single / Lava Dreams / September 12, 2025
    [Written by Lava Dreams and Spencer Hoad and produced by Spencer Hoad. Lava Dreams (she/they) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri – who’s been writing music for as long as they can remember. / Flourishing dreamy vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and visceral rhythms- hooking listeners through catchy melodies and electric performances – Lava Dreams is quickly becoming a striking figure in the Alternative Pop scene. / Her 2020 project “GOOD ENERGY + FOCUS,” was praised by 909 The Bridge as one of the best EPs of that year. Since then, Lava has written and released a series of evolving singles – the latest of which is an alternative pop-rock anthem called YOUR WARRIOR. She directed and starred in the music video that accompanied its release. / Lava Dreams is dedicated to writing songs that lift the spirit and connect to the soul. Lava Dreams released the single, “Thrill Ride” on July 1, 2022. Lava Dreams released the single “Driver” on May 24, 2024. Lava Dreams released the single “Your Warrior” on August 9, 2024. You can listen to Lava Dreams everywhere you stream music. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Lava Dreams (Julia Hamilton) is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila University. More Info at: LavaDreamsMusic.com]

[Lava Dreams play Apocalypse Meow 18, Saturday, November 1, at 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd. KCMO, with: Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream.]

10:44 – More Interview with Sondra Freeman and Steddy P

We are talking with Steddy P and Sondra Freeman about Apocalypse Meow 18 on Saturday, November 1, at 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd. KCMO, featuring: Lava Dreams, Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources.

Steddy P and Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

In addition to live music, the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters (provided by the Kansas City Indian Center), screenings, wellness programs, opportunities to discuss health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses, and an online auction running through November: http://www.32auctions.com/AM18

More info at http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org

The event features live performances by notable Kansas City-area bands as a donation of their time and talents to their community; local businesses and artisans donate products and services to the event for auction. All monies raised during Apocalypse Meow go directly to Abby’s Fund for Musician’s Health Care and the production costs of Apocalypse Meow. Performances, business donations, and services are purely voluntary.

“Abby believed that music can take you to where you need to be and that it’s important, and the people that do that need to be taken care of.” – Sondra Freeman

Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care was named for Abigail Henderson (1977-2013).

Death Notice from St. Louis Post Dispatch: Abigail Hope Henderson the Kansas City vocalist who started a nonprofit organization to help musicians pay health-care costs, died on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 of cancer at her home. She was 35. For more than a decade, Abigail was the lead singer of several area bands: Trouble Junction, The Gaslights, Atlantic Fadeout, and Tiny Horse. In 2008 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had health insurance, but the cost of the treatments prompted her and husband Christopher Meck, to start the Midwest Music Foundation which raised funds to help area musicians pay health care costs. “Medical bills can throw you into poverty in a week – in one day,” she said. “There’s nothing like standing in your kitchen opening a hospital bill for $63,000.00 in one day and $47,000.00 the next. After a while you don’t want to open them anymore. Who can pay that?”

Apocalypse Meow is the primary event for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care — providing area musicians and industry workers with essential health care grants.

Midwest Music Foundation Staff

Rhonda Lyne, Executive Director
Sondra Freeman, Director of Promotions and Artist Relations
Canyon McClung, Production Specialist
Danielle Anderson, Media Manager

Midwest Music Foundation Board

Chris Meck, Founder, Musician and CM2 Audio
Amber Hulet, President
Eric Barton, Treasurer, General Counsel
Julia Haile, Secretary, Education Chair, Musician
Dr. K. Allen Greiner, MD, MPH, Chair of Health + Wellness, University of KS Med Center
Dr. Erin Corriveau, MD, MPH, Public Health Officer, University of Kansas Med Center
Michelle Bacon, Co-Chair Mental Health for Musicians, Diversity Chair, Musician
Molly Gotobed, Insurance Program Research Chair, Kansas Assistance Network, Community Health Council of Wyandotte County
Jerry Jones JD, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Eddie Moore, Musician
Sonia Hall, President & CEO BioKansas
Skeet Hanks, Marketing Chair Web Administrator

Rhonda Lyne is Executive Director of Midwest Music Foundation. She is a scientist by day and avid supporter of the arts by night. Rhonda has had an active role with the MMF since the inaugural fundraiser, Apocalypse Meow, in 2008. Inspired by MMF founder, Abigail Henderson, Rhonda is dedicated to the mission of the MMF a nonprofit created to support music & musicians in KC and the surrounding areas, founded in 2008 by a collective of musicians & music lovers. Rhonda is instrumental in MMF’s fundraising, volunteer, event coordination, overseeing the health care fund, and day to day activities of the organization.

Sondra Freeman and Steddy P thanks for being with us again on WMM.

Apocalypse Meow 18 on Sat, Nov 1, at 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd. KCMO, featuring: Lava Dreams, Steddy P, Betse & Clarke (Electric), and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream. A fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care.

RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters (provided by the Kansas City Indian Center), screenings, wellness programs, opportunities to discuss health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses, and an online auction running through November: http://www.32auctions.com/AM18 More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org

For Sondra Freeman, Steddy P, Wills Van Doorn, and Christopher Ruis, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

11:55

17. Betse & Clarke – “Stepping On Ghosts”
    from: River Still Rise / Betse & Clarke / July 1, 2016
    [Full-length debut album, from traditional and future folk duo, Betse & Clarke Betse Ellis on fiddles, violins, viola & vocals and Clarke Wyatt on banjos and cello. Recorded during the Winter-Spring of 2016. Produced by Clarke Wyatt and Betse Ellis. Recorded and mixed by Clarke Wyatt/ Final mix assistance from Chad Meise at Massive Sound. Traditional & future folk inspired by explorers Lewis & Clark showing how Betse & Clarke are trailblazers of sound & vision. “River Still Rise,” is a collection of originals and reworked traditional compositions that are presented “to be enjoyed as a musical adventure, much like the river exploration of the famous duo Lewis & Clark, an inspiration for the band’s name.” Betse Ellis writes in the extended liner notes: “The phrase River Still Rise appears in the journals of Meriwether Lewis, and to me, most notably when the Corps of Discovery readied their boats and supplies for the beginning of their river journey. Documenting all the details of the excursion included aspects of the weather, the general demeanor or specific behavior of the crew, and most certainly the level of the river. The river needed to be high enough to be navigable, and in that way, Clarke and I have been putting together our gear and supplies, building our boat, and watching the weather signs for about a year and a half at this point. The process of recording RSR took several months, beginning in early 2016. We made this recording at home with the best gear we could acquire at this point, and with Clarke’s long-built engineering and producing knowledge.” Betse & Clarke joined us live on WMM on Februry 17.]

[Betse & Clarke play Apocalypse Meow 18 on Saturday, November 1, at 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd. KCMO, featuring: Lava Dreams, Steddy P, and Nathan Corsi & My Atomic Daydream.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on November 5 we welcome special guest David George, and from The RINO Ben Wendt shares new music from the new Land Lion album.

Stay tuned at 12:00 Noon for Learning To Wiggle with Steve Stemmerman, at 2:00pm it’s Jazz Afternoon with Jeff Harshbarger. At 4:00pm we bring you, Dub’s Groove with Warren, at 6:00pm it’s: ON AIR with Nikki Brooks. At 7:00pm it’s VOICES OF KANSAS CITY brought to you by The Kansas City Star and 90.1 FM KKFI.

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Thank you to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made extra effort to keep our station alive.

For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

Show #1119