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, May 24, 2017

New & MidCoastal Releases +
Barry Lee, Garrett Nordstrom & Maria Cueves
+ Of Tree + Noah Davis + ASSASSINS

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980
[WMM’s theme song]

2. !!! (Chk! Chk! Chk!) – “Dancing Is The Best Revenge”
from: Shake The Shudder / Warp Records / May 19, 2017
[7th album from dance-punk band that formed in Sacramento, California, in 1996 by lead singer Nic Offer. Members of !!! came from other local bands such as The Yah Mos, Black Liquorice and Popesmashers. They are currently based in New York City. The band’s name was inspired by the subtitles of the movie The Gods Must Be Crazy, in which the clicking sounds of the Bushmens’ Khoisan language were represented as “!”. However, as the bandmembers themselves say, !!! is pronounced by repeating thrice any monosyllabic sound. “Chk Chk Chk” is the way they identify.]

3. High Sunn – “Polaroids”
from: Hopeless Romantic / PNKSLM Recordings / May 19, 2017
[High Sunn started as the bedroom solo project of San Francisco’s Justin Cheromiah at the age of 14. Since that first release in May 2014, he’s released no less than 30 releases, in a prolific mix of singles, EPs and full albums. Now 17 years old, just finishing his junior year at High School, Justin is presenting his first ever studio recording, Hopeless Romantic EP. Produced by Dylan Wall (Naomi Punk, Craft Spells etc) the album makes the jump from the lo-fi bedroom sound into a fully-fledged dream pop record.]

4. Adult Mom – “Full Screen”
from: Soft Spots / Tiny Engines / May 19, 2017
[Adult Mom began as the solo project of Stephanie Knipe in a Purchase College dorm room in 2012. Honesty and intimacy form as Knipe writes clever pop songs that offer a glimpse into the journey of a gender-weird queer navigating through heartache, trauma and subsequent growth. Soft Spots, the project’s sophomore LP, is an exploration into the physical and emotional acts of opening up, the vulnerability that produces love, and then ache. Knipe shares with us their process of learning how to cradle and understand their own softness without finality, a story without an end. ]

5. Michael Cerveris, James Barbour, Becky Ann Baker, Denis O’Hare, Jeffrey Kuhn, Mario Cantone, Alexander Gemignani, Mary Catherine Garrison & Neil Patrick Harris – “Everybody’s Got the Right” \
from: Assassins (The Broadway Cast Recording) / PS Classics / August, 2004
[Assassins is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr. It uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of men and women who attempted (successfully or not) to assassinate Presidents of the United States. The music varies to reflect the popular music of the eras depicted. The musical first opened Off-Broadway in 1990, and the 2004 Broadway production won five Tony Awards.]

10:16 – Interview with Julie Shaw & Steven Eubank

Spinning Tree Theatre‘s new production of ASSASSINS begins with Preview Performances tonight, and runs through June 11, at Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Penn Valley Drive, KCMO. ASSASSINS originally premiered off-Broadway in 1990 at Playwrights Horizons and won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. ASSASSINS imagines the meeting and interaction of 4 successful and 5 would-be presidential assassins from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald. With Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Book by John Weidman, this new Spinning Tree Theatre production was directed by Michael Grayman, with music direction by Gary Green. For tickets info you can call the Central Ticket Office at (816) 235-6222 or visit: http://www.spinningtreetheatre.com

Joining us are two of the cast members from ASSASSINS, Julie Shaw who plays Sara Jane Moore best known for attempting to assassinate US President Gerald Ford in 1975.

Julie Shaw has been seen in multiple productions at Spinning Tree Theatre, where she has also worked as Director. Julie has also performed with Quality Hill Playhouse, Musical Theatre Heritage, The Coterie Theatre, The Unicorn Theatre, Amwerican Heartland Theatre and Chestnut Fine Arts, and at The New Victory Theatre in NYC, in the original musical LUCKY DUCK.

Also with us is Steven Eubank who plays Giuseppe “Joe” Zangara an Italian American anarchist who shot and killed Anton Cermak Mayor of Chicago in Miami, Florida, on February 15, 1933, during a speech by United States President–elect Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the intended target but was unharmed.

Steven Eubank made his stage debut as the Young Fool in Starlight Theatre’s 1993 production of Big River. Steven rhas worked as an actor in multiple shows at The Coterie Theatre, Musical Theatre Heritage, Spinning Tree Theatre and Theatre for Young America. Steven is a native of Blue Springs who graduated from Missouri State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance. Steveb also works as a choreographer and is he founder and Artistic Director of Egads Theatre.

Sara Jane Moore was born February 15, 1930 and is an American citizen best known for attempting to assassinate US President Gerald Ford in 1975. She was given a life sentence for the attempted assassination and was released from prison on December 31, 2007, after serving 32 years. Moore and Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme hold the distinction of being the only two women who have ever attempted to assassinate an American president; both of their attempts were on Gerald Ford and both took place in California within three weeks of one another.

Giuseppe “Joe” Zangara (September 7, 1900 – March 20, 1933) was the assassin of Anton Cermak, the Mayor of Chicago. Zangara was an Italian American anarchist who shot Cermak and four others in Miami, Florida, on February 15, 1933, during a speech by United States President–elect Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt himself may have been the intended target but was unharmed.

Assassins is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr. It uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of men and women who attempted (successfully or not) to assassinate Presidents of the United States. The music varies to reflect the popular music of the eras depicted.

Widely considered the most controversial musical ever written, ASSASSINS premiered off-Broadway in 1990 at Playwrights Horizons and won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. A unique vision of America told through its villains instead of its heroes, ASSASSINS imagines the meeting and interaction of 4 successful and 5 would-be presidential assassins from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald.

The musical first opened Off-Broadway in 1990, and the 2004 Broadway production won five Tony Awards.

May 24 – June 11, 2017 at Just Off Broadway

Wednesday, May 24 at 7:30pm
Thursday, May 25 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 26 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 27 at 2:00pm
Saturday, May 27 at 7:30pm – Opening Night Reception

Wednesday, May 31 at 7:30pm
Thursday, June 1 at 7:30pm – Post-performance Talkback
Friday, June 2 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 3 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 4 at 2:00pm

Wednesday, June 7 at 7:30pm
Thursday, June 8 at 7:30pm
Friday, June 9 at 7:30pm
Saturday, June 10 at 7:30pm
Sunday, June 11 at 2:00pm

Just Off Broadway Theatre is at 3051 Penn Valley Drive, Kansas City, Missouri. Free parking in lot to south of building and on street. Parking attendant will direct you.

TICKETS – General Admission Center or Right/Left

ASSASSINS runs 1 hour & 40 minutes and is performed without intermission.

ASSASSINS is recommended for mature audiences.

Cast:

Zachrey York – The Proprietor: salesman who gives characters their guns at the beginning

Michael David Allen – The Balladeer: narrator who provides the stories of the assassins

Jerry Jay Cranford – John Wilkes Booth: assassin of President Abraham Lincoln

Connor Branson – David Herold: accomplice of Booth in the assassination of Lincoln

Robert J. Hingula – Charles Guiteau: assassin of President James Garfield

President James Garfield: twentieth President of the United States

James Blaine: Secretary of State who received a deluge of letters from Charles Guiteau

Jordan Fox – Leon Czolgosz: assassin of President William McKinley

Devon Barnes – Emma Goldman: anarchist known for her political activism who also interacted several times with Leon Czolgosz

Steven Eubank – Giuseppe Zangara: attempted assassin of President-elect F. D. Roosevelt

Daniel Eugene Parman – Lee Harvey Oswald: assassin of President John F. Kennedy

Andy Penn – Samuel Byck: attempted assassin of President Richard Nixon

Tyler Rowe – John Hinckley: attempted assassin of President Ronald Reagan

Liz Golson – Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme: attempted assassin of President Gerald Ford

Julie Shaw – Sara Jane Moore: attempted assassin of President Gerald Ford

President Gerald Ford: thirty-eighth President of the United States

Marshall Jones – Billy: Sara Jane Moore’s son. Moore has a son, but his name is Frederic.

Simon Schupp, Ryan Tucker – Ensemble: crowd members, chorus, etc.

Charity Harris, Christian Harris – Youth Ensemble

Spinning Tree Theatre’s production of ASSASSINS begins with Previews tonight, and runs through June 11, at Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Penn Valley Dr, KCMO. Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Book by John Weidman, this new production was directed by Michael Grayman, with music direction by Gary Green. For tickets info you can call the Central Ticket Office at (816) 235-6222 or visit: http://www.spinningtreetheatre.com

10:29 – Underwriting

6. Maria The Mexican – “Carried Away”
from: South Of The Border Moonlight / Independent / March 11, 2016
[Follow up to their Oct. 2013 debut full length, Moon Colored Jade. Influenced by traditional Mariachi music, Maria The Mexican is a hybrid of Mexican folklore and Rock. For over ten years, Teresa and Maria Elena Cuevas have performed with Marachi Estrella founded by their grandmother Teresa Cuevas in 1970. As one of the first all female mariachi bands in the country, Maria Teresa Alonzo Cuevas is a pioneer in the Hispanic musical community. Her band flourished in the 80s but was struck by tragedy when four of the seven members were killed in the Hyatt Skywalk collapse in 1981. Once Teresa recovered she began teaching her grandchildren Mariachi music. In 2000, Teresa and Maria began exploring other genres of music while simultaneously co-directing Mariachi Estrella. Today the fusion of Maria The Mexican is mixed with a touch of blues, soul, funk, and rock n’ roll enhanced by the musical knowledge and sounds of Garrett Nordstrom.]

[Maria The Mexican play recordBar, Saturday, June 3, at 8:00 PM for the Signal To Noise Benefit for Audio Reader Network, with Pedaljets and Broken Arrows]

10:34 – Interview with Garrett Nordstrom, Maria Cuevas & Barry Lee

Garrett Nordstrom & Maria Cueves of the band Maria The Mexican, and Barry Lee from the band, Broken Arrows and host and producer of 90.1 FM’s Signal To Noise, heard Friday nights at 9:00 pm, join us to share details about their upcoming performance for the Signal To Noise benefit for Audio Reader Network, at recordBar, 1520 Grand Avenue, on Saturday, June 3, at 8:00 PM with Maria The Pedaljets, and Broken Arrows.

Garrett Nordstrom & Maria Cueves & Barry Lee thanks for being with us WMM.

A benefit concert for the Audio Reader Network featuring three great bands

plus an afterparty at Temple Sounds across the street after the show.

10:43

6. Broken Arrows – “To Try To Touch The Earth Again”
from: Extended Play EP / Broken Arrows / March 18, 2017
[KC/Lawrence based 5-piece band, formed by Mike Penner on lead guitar & vocals; Bill Ryan on lead guitar, keyboards & vocals; John Chevalier on bass guitar & vocals; Barry Lee on guitar & vocals; and Dave Storms on drums. Broken Arrows got together to play a Neil Young Tribute at Davey’s Uptown in 2015. They received such a positive reaction and enjoyed playing together so they decided to continue as a band. This song was written by Calvin Russell, Barry Lee sings lead vocals.This song was written and sung by John Chevalier, with backing vocals by Mike Penner and Bill Ryan.]

[Broken Arrows play recordBar, Saturday, June 3, at 8:00 PM for the Signal To Noise Benefit for Audio Reader Network, with Pedaljets and Maria The Mexican]

10:47 – Interview with Garrett Nordstrom, Maria Cuevas & Barry Lee

Garrett Nordstrom & Maria Cuevas of the band Maria The Mexican, and Barry Lee from the band, Broken Arrows and host and producer of 90.1 FM’s Signal To Noise, heard Friday nights at 9:00 pm, join us to share details about their upcoming performance for the Signal To Noise benefit for Audio Reader Network, at recordBar, 1520 Grand Avenue, on Saturday, June 3, at 8:00 PM with Maria The Pedaljets, and Broken Arrows.

Broken Arrows got together as a one-shot-deal to play a Neil Young Tribute at Davey’s Uptown in 2015. The band received such a positive reaction and enjoyed playing together so they decided to continue as a working band.

Broken Arrows include: Barry Lee on vocals & rhythm guitar; Mike Penner on lead guitar & vocals; Bill Ryan on lead guitar, keyboards & vocals; John Chevalier (pronounced “Chev-A-Leer”)on bass guitar& vocals; and Dave Storms on drums & percussion.

The Pedaljets are: Mike Allmayer, Rob Morrow, Matt Kesler, Cody Wyoming

10:56

7. PedalJets – “Riverview”
from: What’s In Between / Electric Moth Records / June 25, 2013
[1st album of new material in 23 years. Mike Allmayer (Guitar, Vocals) Rob Morrow (Drums, Vocals), Matt Kesler (Bass, Vocals). Paul Malinowski (Vocals, Guitar), Produced by The Pedaljets & Paul Malinoski. The albums photos & design are from artist Archer Prewitt of: the Sea and Cake and The Coctails. ]

[Pedaljets play recordBar, Saturday, June 3, at 8:00 PM for the Signal To Noise Benefit for Audio Reader Network, with Broken Arrows and Maria The Mexican]

11:00 – Station ID

8. Of Tree – “Bottle of Wine”
from: Sorry We’re Chosen [EP] / Of Tree / June 9, 2017
[Of Tree is vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Parks and violinist Laurel Morgan who write folk music with a pop edge provided by the technology of looping and sampling. Parks’ deep vocals coupled with Morgan’s sensitive vocals, fiddle playing and dynamic layered strings take the listener deep into themselves and to, perhaps, places once forgotten. Of Tree began in 2009 and has taken many forms as it has evolved over time, including a full 5 piece folk band and, at one time, a classical trio backing Parks’ voice and guitar.]

[Of Tree play an EP Release show, at The Brick, 1727 McGee, Fri, June 9 w/Abandoned Bells, Andrew Ashby & John Bersuch.]

11:04 – Interview with Laurel Parks & Ben Parks

Of Tree are a minimalist electronic folk group from Kansas City, Missouri made up of Benjamin Parks on guitar & vocals, Laurel Morgan Parks on violin & fiddle & vocals and John Bersuch on percussion & sub-bass. The band explains “we like to build layers, loop strings, bow guitars and mix sampled beats with real ones as a backdrop for melodies on voice and traditional instruments. Emotional and expressive, our music draws inspiration from loss and triumph, failure and hope.”

Of Tree recently launched a Kickstarter Campaign to help record their new album ans release their music on vinyl.

Of Tree, play The Brick, 1727 McGee Street, Friday, June 9 with Abandoned Bells, and Andrew Ashby & John Bersuch.

Laurel Parks & Ben Parks thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Laurel writes:

“We’ve been actively writing music for this project since the summer of 2016. Both Ben and I (Laurel) write the songs together. As a married couple its been quite a road for us to be able work through music together without taking things too personally (as people in relationships tend to do), but the magic happened last summer when music started pouring out of us and we were able just allow it to happen. Both of us come from fairly strict religious backgrounds and a lot of our lyrics have to do with healing from those experiences. We also deal with themes of finding new footing in life, moving beyond the past and letting go. Really this album is all about healing on a very personal level.”

“The songs Ben writes express life experience beyond the limits of vocabulary to open the lid to feelings of loss, redemption and deranged hope. The timbre of his voice is low, soft and uniquely intimate. His lyrics are haunting and searching.”

“Musically, I (Laurel), am very interested in pushing the boundaries of what instrumentation I can marry to my classical violin training. I have been cross pollinating between electronic music I write on the computer using midi inputs with melodies I write on my violin. I enjoy putting a techno beat behind a folk instrument such as the Kalimba or chime and then morphing that into a journey of layered strings and melodic hooks. I am always interested in melody over lyrics. A lot of the music I wrote for this album is inspired from studying folk traditions such as Celtic fiddling, thematic movie music and Peruvian icaros.”

“John Bersuch, our drummer, has been playing with us since November of 2016. He adds tasteful beats to our music and also enjoys thinking outside the box. He once brought a tree to an “Of Tree” show and played it as a percussive instrument. Lately he’s been our dedicated one handed drummer as he recently broke his wrist. We couldn’t be happier being able to play with such a good friend of ours!”

“We would like for the recording of our first full album to take place at Shadowscape Records here in Kansas City. We are excited to work with the sound engineers and producers there who have a beautiful studio with the latest technology and recording equipment (and a nice piano!) Both the producers there have their thumbs on the pulse of the music industry as it is now which is very important to us for the launching and marketing of our music once the album is completed. Also, the strings sound really great in their studio. (Sold!)”

11:13

8. Of Tree – “Feel It”
from: Sorry We’re Chosen [EP] / Of Tree / June 9, 2017
[Of Tree is vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Parks and violinist Laurel Morgan who write folk music with a pop edge provided by the technology of looping and sampling. Parks’ deep vocals coupled with Morgan’s sensitive vocals, fiddle playing and dynamic layered strings take the listener deep into themselves and to, perhaps, places once forgotten. Of Tree began in 2009 and has taken many forms as it has evolved over time, including a full 5 piece folk band and, at one time, a classical trio backing Parks’ voice and guitar.]

[Of Tree play The Brick, 1727 McGee, Fri, June 9 w/Abandoned Bells, Andrew Ashby & John Bersuch.]

11:15 – Interview with Laurel Parks & Ben Parks

Laurel Parks and Ben Parks of the band Of Tree join us to share information about their new full length recording, their Kickstarter campaign to release the music on vinyl, and their upcoming show when Of Tree, play The Brick, 1727 McGee Street, Friday, June 9 with Abandoned Bells, and Andrew Ashby & John Bersuch.

Laurel Parks & Ben Parks thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Laurel writes: “This Kickstarter campaign has been quite a process where I get to deal with all my subconscious $hit thats all bubbled up to the surface. It’s been a somewhat brutal look at all my insecurities and deep-seated thoughts that I’m not a “true” musician. I’m realizing that many of my feelings are universal to anyone who creates something and then drags it out of hiding and puts a light on it. So uncomfortable!
Yet, I’m going forward…. because I made something that is honest and from my heart. It’s what I have to offer and it’s there, crouching with the light on it, hoping not to be poked at or discarded—Hoping to be seen and to find a connection to other humans. So, thank you to those who have seen this on in the bright, blaring light of social media and have sent your support in my direction.”

We also talked with Ben and Laurel about: The Wires – Slights – Painting – Parenting

More info at http://www.oftreemusic.con

11:23

9. Of Tree – “Donner Party”
from: Sorry We’re Chosen [EP] / Of Tree / June 9, 2017
[Of Tree is vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Parks and violinist Laurel Morgan who write folk music with a pop edge provided by the technology of looping and sampling. Parks’ deep vocals coupled with Morgan’s sensitive vocals, fiddle playing and dynamic layered strings take the listener deep into themselves and to, perhaps, places once forgotten. Of Tree began in 2009 and has taken many forms as it has evolved over time, including a full 5 piece folk band and, at one time, a classical trio backing Parks’ voice and guitar.]

[Of Tree play an EP Release show at The Brick, 1727 McGee, Fri, June 9 w/Abandoned Bells, Andrew Ashby & John Bersuch.]

11:27 – Underwriting

11:32 – Interview with Noah Davis

Kansas City based musician, Noah Davis was inspired by his father’s old gospel and blues albums. Noah grew up as a multiracial kid whose parents loved both Rock and Rhythm & Blues, helping Noah discover that music was not about color, but about heart and soul. Noah also credits Jimi Hendrix’s concept of the “musical church” as an ultimate influence in the healing capabilities of music. Last year Noah Davis released his full length album 100% on March 4, 2016.

The Noah Davis Band will play The Jackpot Lounge, 943 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas, on Thursday, June 1, at 9:00 PM, w/ Broken Arrows.

Noah Davis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Noah grew up as a multiracial kid whose parents loved both Rock and Rhythm & Blues, helping Noah discover that music was not about color, but about heart and soul.

Noah also credits Jimi Hendrix’s concept of the “musical church” as an ultimate influence in the healing capabilities of music.

Last year Noah Davis released his full length album 100% on March 4, 2016.

11:36

10. Noah Davis – “Love Me” (Live)
a new song

11:43

11. Noah Davis – “Bad Man” (Live)
a new song

11:50

12. Noah Davis – “Find A Way” (Live)
a new song

The Noah Davis Band will play The Jackpot Lounge, 943 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas, on Thurs, June 1, at 9:00 PM, w/ Broken Arrows.

More information at http://www.noahdavismusic.com

Noah Davis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

12. Duncan Lloyd – “You Seem Confused”
from: I.O.U.O.M E. / Afternooon In Bed / May 26, 2017
[Duncan Lloyd is best known for his role as guitarist and songwriter in U.K. alt rock group, Maximo Park. He has also been involved with other projects including Decade In Exile and Nano Kino. While his latest solo album, I O U O M E, is deeply personal, it tackles universal themes such as floundering relationships, goodbyes, and bittersweet nostalgia. I O U O M E’s tracks are beautifully written and self-produced indie gems, with the softness and warmth of Lloyd’s vocals adding a comforting touch to melancholy lyrics.]

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

Next week, on May 31 We celebrate The Pride Season with our annual show, “That’s So Fabulous!” with music from: Liberace, Charles Nelson Reilly, Paul Lynde, Jim Nabors, Noel Coward, RuPaul, Grace Jones,Dos Fallopia, Judy Garland, Al Franken, Lily Tomlin, David Bowie, Anohni, Lou Reed, John Cale, and music from, The 71st Annual Tony Awards. Plus, Bill Svoboda, Festival Director for Kansas City Pride Fest, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 2, 3, & 4, at Berkley Riverfront Park, KCMO. Also next week musican Claire Adams and Evan Ashby join us to talk and the Crossroads Summer Flock Party, Friday, June 2, at 5:00 PM with Arc Flash, Claire Adams, HighWesthus, Dreamgirl, The Whiffs, Natural Man and the Supreme Court, Reptil, and Blk Flanl.

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

Show #683