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

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

COOP Sessions + Apocalypse Meow 14 + Calvin Arsenia + Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders

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. Alien Hellbop – “After The Quake”
   from: After The Quake / Alien Hellbop / October 25, 2021
   [Two piece rock with a twist. Performed by Spencer Goertz-Giffen and Braden Young of Hello Biplane.Recorded in 2019 at PULP Arts Recording Studios in Gainesville, FL. Spencer Goertz-Giffen on guitar & vocals; Braden Young on drums, vocals & bass; Winston Goertz-Giffen on synthesizers, and Nate Mahan on synth thing. Recorded and mixed by Winston Goertz-Giffen. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. All songs written by Spencer and Braden. // Alien Hellbop is a maximalist rock duo from Lawrence, KS combining guitar, drums, sample pad bass and vocal harmonies to create a sonic duo larger than the sum of its parts. Attendees of shows past have been hypnotized and dumbfounded by how the sound is pulled off. Originally formed in Chico, CA members Spencer Goertz-Giffen and Braden Young set out to create a full band sound with only two members. After a flurry of positive feedback from shows played in northern California, Alien Hellbop managed to drive cross country with their two small children to Gainesville, FL and record a five song EP at PULP studios with the help of engineer and producer Winston Goertz-Giffen. Alien Hellbop is now based out of Lawrence, KS. Spencer and Braden have been involved in many other bands over the years including: Hospital Ships, The Kinetiks, The Willnots, Accursed Wound, The Magentlemen, Saything, and Old and Gray. The duo also fronts another group called Hello Biplane, a six-piece dream-folk-pop band with focus on songwriting and male/female harmonies.More info at: http://www.alienhellbop.bandcamp.com]

[Alien Hellbop play a Triple Album Release Show Friday, November 19 at 6:00 PM Matinee Show at Replay Lounge , 946 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, Kansas with Shebangs, and Lonnie Fisher and The Funeral.]

3.Belle & The Vertigo Waves – “Beat Me To The Punch”
from: Beat Me To The Punch – Single / Drop Out Records / October 29, 2021
[Belle & The Vertigo Waves is the sonic brainchild of Belle Loux. She resides in KCMO, and is slowly attempting world domination. More info at: https://bellethevertigowaves.bandcamp.com%5D

[Belle & The Vertigo Waves play Wick and The Tricks Annual Halloween Ball with The Creepy Jingles on Saturday, October 30, at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM.]

4. The Creepy Jingles – “Microchip On Your Shoulder”
   from: The Creepy Jingles EP / High Dive Records / May 3, 2019
   [Debut EP Release from The Creepy Jingles: Jocelyn Olivia Nixon on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, & keyboards; Travis McKenzie on lead guitars, Nick Robertson on drums; and Adam York on bass. From High Dive Records website: “The brainchild of singer/ songwriter, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon acts to guide the listener thru a self-actualized Mono-myth of forging identity thru Bizarre arcane cosmic poetry coupled with the wordplay of a wry smile and eccentric wit. Drummer Nick Robertson charges the group forward with a fiery fueled obsidian backbeat. Adam York delivers pulsing bass lines that the compliment the songs and his partner in the rhythm section. Rounding out the band is Guitarist Travis McKenzie who generously spins a holographic spectrum of color that lift the catchy Brit pop melodies that effortlessly dance about the rapidly changing landscapes of New York Garage Rock and 60s/70s folk music. Beware The Creepy Jingles, their siren call is coming from inside the house.”]

[The Creepy Jingles play Wick and The Tricks Annual Halloween Ball with Belle & The Vertigo Waves on Sat, Oct. 30, at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO, Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM.]

5. Kat King – “Don’t Wanna Lose”
   from: Say What You Mean EP / Kat King / June 9, 2021
   [Kat King on guitar, keyboards, & vocals; Derek Melies on guitar & back ground vocals; John McCain on bass; Daniel Cole on drums. Co-produced & mixed/mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence Kansas 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 December 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced one 13-song album and three EP’s, the first one released at the age of 14. More info at: http://www.katbking.com] [Kat King announced on Facebook yesterday that she and her band have signed with Manor Records]

[Kat King with full band plays the Outland Ballroom in Springfield, MO., on Nov. 5 with Blue False Indigo.|

10:16 – Interview with Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston

We first met Mitchell Hewlett as part of the the band Westerners. He is a Producer and Recording Engineer and Mixer for COOP Sessions.

Cody Boston is a Multimedia Director, Producer, and Editor at Kansas City PBS. Part of his job is producing the new monthly show Flatland, hosted by KKFI’s very own D. Rashaan Gilmore . Cody also works with The Bridge and he serves as Producer and Video Director and Editor for COOP Sessions.

Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston, are here to share details about COOP SESSIONS an independent live music entertainment media outlet produced in Lawrence, Kansas. They pull in bands and songwriters from the area to come to The Coop Studio where they provide hi-fidelity audio/video content of the live performances to the public, via their website, youtube channel, Instagram, and Soundcloud. COOP SESSIONS is working to build, curate, and foster a community for musicians and artists everywhere. COOP SESSIONS has produced two seasons and is launching Season 3 in November. Which will air on KC PBS as presented by The Bridge.

Next weekend, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Deep Space: 1664 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO – COOP Sessions are hosting a Fundraiser and Screening of the first episode of their new season of TV Shows that will be airing on KCPT courtesy of The Bridge, featuring Love Mae C & Supermoto. More info at: http://www.coopsessions.com

Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Sound and Vision Mitchell Hewlett is a Producer and Recording/Mix Engineer for COOP Sessions. Cody Boston is Producer and Video Director and Editor for cCOOP Sessions.

Cody Boston previously work for KJHK in Lawrence. He documented live performances from bands who played on the radio station. He met Mitchell through this work and the two decided to collaborate.

The COOP Studio is a actual former chicken coop, converted into studio.

COOP SESSIONS is an independent live music entertainment media outlet produced in Lawrence Kansas.

Coop Sessions pull in bands and songwriters from all over the area to come into their humble studio space and provide hi fidelity audio/video content of the live performances to the public via our website, youtube channel, instagram, and soundcloud.

Season 1 included: Pink Fuzz, The Moose, Brendan Mott, Bummer, Leggy, CS Luxem, Toughies, NUBLVCKCITY, Brent Penny, Inside Voice, Heidi Gluck, Drugs & Attics, Domineko, La Guerre, Highwestus, Approach, Keef Mountain, Pale Tounge, No Magic, EEMS, KatKing, LK Ultra,

Season 2 included: Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear, Hush Machine, Pala Zolo, Chloe Jacosen, The Black Craetures, The Kinky Fingers, Blue False Indigo, Joey Origami, Employer, Jooby Truth, R.I. Peter, Radkey, Khrystal., Red Money, Miss Boating, No Swoon, Mommas Boy, Devil’s Den, Maria The Mexicam, True Lions, Olivia Fox, Four Arm Shiver, Chew
They Call Me Sauce,

When COVID hit Coop Sessions moved into bigger spaces to have safe social distancing. For this series the session were called “Flew The Coop.”

Flew The COOP Seession included: Kat King, Mild Cats, Sam Wells, The Roseline, Hadiza, Crystal Rose, Jass, Honeybear, EbonyTusks, Charlotte Bumgarner, Blanky, Daniel Gum, Love Mae C, Supermoto

COOP SESSIONS is working to build, curate, and foster a community for musicians and artists everywhere. COOP SESSIONS has produced two seasons and is working on launching Season 3 starting in November on KC PBS.

More information at http://www.coopsessions.org

COOP Sessions Staff
Mark Sidener – Camera Operator & Video Editor,
Sam Snead – Camera Operator
Betty Chung – Camera Operator & Video Editor
Kieran Vickers – Camera Operator
Kat King – Camera Operator
Monica Castellon – Camera Operator
Josh Boston – Graphic Design

Your favorite neighborhood live music series Coop Sessions is excited to announce a very special event! Saturday, November 6th.COOP Sessions will be hosting an early screening of our half hour tv special that will be airing on KCPT courtesy of The Bridge as well as performances from Love, Mae C and Supermoto, all at our fav Kansas City DIY spot, DeepSpace.

We’re double psyched to be presenting VERY limited edition copies of our first physical release, Coop Sessions Volume 1; A dual Cassette compilation featuring 22 CS artists, fam photo zine, and sticker pack that you’ll be able to find at our merch booth the night of the show. Currently only 22 available.

DeepSpace KC: 1664 Broadway Boulevard
Doors at 7:00 pm
Love, Mae C at 7:30 pm
TV Special Screening at 8:30 pm
Supermoto at 9:30 p,

Tickets at Door: $10

Mitch Hewlett and Cody Boston, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Next weekend, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Deep Space: 1664 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO – COOP Sessions are hosting a Fundraiser and Screening of the first episode of their new season of YTV Shows that will be aiting on KCPT courtesy of The Bridge, featuring Love Mae C & Supermoto. More info at: http://www.coopsessions.com

10:30

6. Jass – “Grow”
   from: At the Close of a Decade / JASS / November 26, 2022,
   [Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Crouch. 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.” More info at: http://www.jassrcouch.com]

[Jass plays Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, and Julia Othmer. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org]

10:32 – Underwriting

7. Katy Guillen & The Drive – “No Control”
   from: Dream Girl EP / Katy Guillen / March 20, 2020
   [7-song EP from Katy Guillen & The Drive, the latest project dedicated to Guillen’s songwriting that is founded on the creative spark and chemistry between Katy Guillen & Stephanie Williams. With Guillen on guitar & vocals and Williams on drums, the two sculpt a sound that recalls bands like Led Zeppelin, The Bangles, and Band of Skulls. In 2012, Guillen & Williams formed Katy Guillen and The Girls, and began to build a foundation of touring and recording that carried them through six years and produced three full-length albums: Katy Guillen & the Girls, Heavy Days, and Remember What You Knew Before. Between 2012 and 2018, they traveled the United States extensively, performed at the International Montreal Jazz Festival, toured Sweden, and supported major acts like The Doobie Brothers, Robin Trower, and Heartless Bastards. In these 6 years playing together, Guillen & Williams created a dynamic, sound informed by Guillen’s mesmerizing, emotive guitar style and poignant arrangements, and an equally captivating live show that showcased Williams’ technical, melodic style, resulting in a powerful on-stage chemistry. In addition to the compelling synergy formed by years of playing together, the two developed a method of working together on Guillen’s songs that only deepened their artistic connection, propelling them to forge a path to a new plateau in their music. KG & The Drive push ahead with a melodic, heavy, and soulful sound while maintaining the edge of the artist’s rock ‘n’ roll and blues roots. Katy Guillen joined us on WMM on March 18, 2020.]

[Katy Guillen & The Drive play Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org]

11:37 – Interview with Sondra Freeman

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. Sondra is instrumental in MMF’s annual events: Apocalypse Meow, MidCoast Takeover and the MidCoast Takeover fundraiser shows, and other collaborative musical events and fundraisers.

Sondra Freeman joins us to share details about Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi & The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. Video Production by Steve Gardels, XO Blackwater. Livestreaming and Video by Jay Lindhorst. Sound by Paul Malinowski. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s primary fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides area musicians with emergency health care grants. The concert is free, donations encouraged. midwestmusicfoundation.org

Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

The Midwest Music Foundation is proud to present the 14th Annual Apocalypse Meow.

The Midwest Music Foundation’s annual benefit concert was founded in response to Kansas City musician Abigail Henderson’s cancer diagnosis, which prompted her friends and fellow musicians to raise money for her healthcare expenses. The first concert marked the birth of the Midwest Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting musicians who lack proper access to health care. 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 singler 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 her husband Christopher Meck, to start the Midwest Music Foundation which raised funds to help area musicians pau 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?”

Midwest Music Foundation – http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org

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.

Access to the concert stream is free, donations are encouraged. MMF will livestream from: Midwest Music Foundation Facebook, 90.9 The Bridge Facebook, and recordBar Facebook, MMF YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/user/midwestmusicfound,

We are talking with Sondra Freeman about The 14th Annual Apocalypse Meow to benefit Abby’s Fund, is Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi & The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass.Video Production by Steve Gardels, XO Blackwater. Livestreaming & Video by Jay Lindhorst. Sound by Paul Malinowski.

Main Stage sponsored by Too Much Rock. The online auction starts Nov 5 at 8:00 AM Contact rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org for info or schedule an appt. for health services.

For more info and full list of sponsors visit: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org

Midwest Music Foundation Staff

Rhonda Lyne, Executive Director
Sondra Freeman, Director of Promotions and Artist Relations
Canyon McClung, Production Specialist
Scott Easterday, Website Administrator, Musician
Christopher Tate, Technical Officer, Website Specialist

Midwest Music Foundation Board

Amber Hulet, President, Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media
Chris Meck, Vice President, Musician and CM2 Audio
Ellen Sherman, Secretary, Chair of Marketing
Eric Barton, Treasurer, General Counsel
Dr. K. Allen Greiner, MD, MPH, Chair of Health + Wellness, University of KS Med Center
Erin Corriveau, MD, MPH, Public Health Officer, University of Kansas Medical Center
Michelle Bacon, Editor
Erin McGrane, Musician
Julia Haile, Musician
Molly Gotobed, Program Director at the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County
Jerry Jones JD, Director of Community Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KC

Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

The 14th Annual Apocalypse Meow to benefit Abby’s Fund, is Sat, Nov 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Sons of Great Dane, Nathan Corsi & The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. Video Production by Steve Gardels, XO Blackwater. Livestreaming & Video by Jay Lindhorst. Sound by Paul Malinowski. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s primary fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides area musicians with emergency health care grants. Access to the concert stream is free, but donations are encouraged. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org

10:51

8. Sons of Great Dane – “Bullet Left It’s Barrels Head”
   from: Why Ramble? / Sharp County Records / September 12, 2012
   [Why Ramble? was recorded by: Brent Windler on guitar & vocals; Nolle Bond on bass,Nathan “Jr” Richardson on drums. Recorded, Produced and Mixed by Lou Whitney at The Studio in Springfield, MO. Drums recorded by Micah Burdick at The Church in Independence, MO. Album Artwork by Leilah Kouri. Photo for disc taken by Morgan Miller. Sons of Great Dane would like to thank all of the musicians who have played with us over the years to make this work: Evanjohn Nash McIntosh, John Yeates, Brendan Culp, Tim Braun, Darrin Matheson, Jason Trabue, Skylar, Corey.] [Brent Windler released his new solo album, NEW MORNING HOWL on August 20, 2021 through Goldstar Recordings. The album contains 9 tracks, all written by Brent. Produced by Brent and Ryan Benton. Strings arranged by Kaitlin Wolfberg, horns arranged by Brent and Mark Hamblin. More info at: http://brentwindler.com/%5D

[Sons of Great Dane play Apocalypse Meow 14, on Saturday, November 6, at 7:00 PM – A Virtual Livestream Concert & Online Auction Broadcast from recordBar, with Katy Guillen & The Drive, Nathan Corsi and The Perfect Strangers, Julia Othmer, and Jass. More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org]

9. Nature Boys– “Another Wizard”
   from: 1V / Dead Broke Rekerds / September 24, 2021
   [Nature Boys started playing together in Kansas City, Missouri September of 2009. We had our first show in November or December at the Troost House, and then our second show at Dave’s Stagecoach Inn.
   We left for our first tour in January of 2010. The band includes: Danny Fischer on guitar & vocals, Suzanne Hogan on bass & vocals, and Evan Malone on drums. These Kansas City, Missouri punk rock & rollers that have been kickin’ up dust all across the country since 2009! This is their fourth album and first on Dead Broke Records after self-releasing a slew of their previous efforts and releasing all on vinyl along with digital. Imagine if Dead Moon was a bunch of punk rockers from the south, then you might be getting close to what Nature Boys scrappy & energetic punk rock is all about. Limited to 300 copies. (200 Black, 100 Clear Pink) Comes w/download code..]

[Nature Boys play a Special Halloween Benefit for Confluence & KC Tenants on Saturday, October 30, at 8:00 PM, at Blip Roasters 1301 Woodswether Rd, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Pink Phase, DJ Dan Cool, Killus, with a costume Contest, Benefit Bar, and Photo Booth.e Contest, Benefit Barm and Photo Booth.]

10. Iris DeMent – “One Red Rose”
    from: Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows, Songs of John Prine, VOL. 2, / Oh Boy Records / Oct 8, 2021
    [From Songwriter Magazine by JACOB UITTI Published October 8, 2021: There’s a new John Prince tribute album, Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2, out today (October 8), and fans can buy it here. // The star-studded tribute record features standout artists like Brandi Carlile (“I Remember Everything”), Tyler Childers (“Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You”), Iris DeMent (“One Red Rose”), Emmylou Harris (“Hello In There”), Jason Isbell (“Souvenirs”), Valerie June (“Summer’s End”), Margo Price (“Sweet Revenge”), Bonnie Raitt (“Angel From Montgomery”), Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (“Pretty Good”), Amanda Shires (“Saddle in the Rain”), Sturgill Simpson(“Paradise”) and John Paul White (“Sam Stone”) // Carlile performed Prine’s song, “I Remember Everything,” which was his last recorded song and was recently named Song of the Year at the 2021 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards. The song also won two awards at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards earlier this year: Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance. // Prine’s first self-titled album turned 50 years old today. Just months after the legendary songwriter passed away from complications due to the COVID-19 virus in 2020. // Proceeds from the album will benefit twelve different non-profit organizations, one selected by each of the featured artists. // On November 6, 2020 Iris DeMent released the single “The Sacred Now” one of three new singles she released late last year. On October 9, 2020 Iris DeMent released her 9:21 long protest single, “Going Down to Sing in Texas.” Prior to that she released the single, “How Long” on September 3, 2020 to benefit the Poor People’s Campaign. In the mid 1980s Iris moved to the midwest, and after a series of jobs as a waitress and typist she wrote her first song at the age of 25. She moved to Kansas City and played Harling’s Upstairs and open-mic nights alongside Scott Hrabko and Howard Iceberg. Iris met producer Jim Rooney from Nashville, in 1988, who helped her land a record contract. Iris Dement made her recording debut in 1992, with her independently produced album, “Infamous Angel.” The record won critical acclaim and John Prine mentioned Iris in his list of favorite recordings of the year published in Rolling Stone. Despite a complete lack of support from country radio, the word of mouth praise for Iris DeMent’s “Infamous Angel” earned her a deal with Warner Bros Records, which reissued “Infamous Angel” in 1993. The album also included the song, “Let The Mystery Be” a composition that has also been covered by David Bryne, 10,000 Maniacs, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, Greg Brown, and it was the theme song for the second season of HBO’s The Leftovers. Iris DeMent represents that place in the road, where Country and Folk music merged with honest stories, of working class people, not afraid to tell the truth about the times they are living through. Iris DeMent grew up singing gospel music, but in her teenage years, she discovered other music through the radio: country, folk, and R&B, and the music of Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. Iris DeMent’s first three releases, all on Warner Brothers records, were critically acclaimed. She received two Grammy nominations during this time, in the “Folk Music” category. Meanwhile country radio completely overlooked her original songs, and amazing voice, that has been compared to Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. For her 1992 debut record Infamous Angel, John Prine wrote the liner notes. // “One night after receiving a copy of “Let the Mystery Be,” I was listening to the tape while frying a dozen or so pork chops in a skillet. Well Iris DeMent starts singing about “Mama’s Opry,” and being the sentimental fellow I am, I got a lump in my throat and a tear fell from my eyes into the hot oil. Well the oil popped out and burnt my arm as if the pork chops were trying to say, “Shut up, or I’ll really give you something to cry about.” Of course, pork chops can’t talk. But Iris DeMent’s songs can. They talk about isolated memories of life, love and living. And Iris has a voice I like a whole lot, like one you’ve heard before— but not really. So listen to this music, this Iris DeMent. It’s good for you. And if pork chops could talk, they’d probably learn how to sing one of her songs. Then we’d all have something to cry about.” – John Prine, Songwriter, musician & president Oh Boy! Records. // Iris followed up her debut record with the autobiographical, “My Life,” released in 1994 and quickly followed with her third Warner Brother’s release, “The Way I Should,” released in 1996, which contains some of Iris DeMent’s most political songs. // In the 2002 Iris DeMent did a benefit concert for The Friends of Community Radio at Unity Temple on The Plaza. I remember when Iris asked us if it was okay that she have a musician friend open the concert for her, we agreed because Iris was donated her talent to the cause of community radio. And then she told us that this musician friend was Greg Brown, who at this point was know all over the country, but had never before played KC. // Later that year, on November 21, 2002 Greg married Iris DeMent in a private ceremony in the office of Rev. Sam Mann of St. Mark Church in East KC. // Iris released her 5th album, “Sing The Delta” in 2012, to glowing reviews from, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, and was #1 on WMM’s 112 Best Recordings of 2012. In 2015 Iris DeMent released her 6th album, The Trackless Woods in 2015 with even more national acclaim, and a #5 spot on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Trackless Woods sets 18 poems by acclaimed 20th century Russian poet Anna Akhmatova to life. Hailed as one of Russia’s finest poets, Akhmatova survived the Bolshevik Revolution, both World Wars and Stalin. When Iris randomly stumbled upon Akhmatova’s work in a book of poetry a friend sent as a gift, she was immediately taken by the sorrow and burden of the poems. Iris recorded the album with co-producer Richard Bennett in her living room over a five-day period. The project also fulfilled a long yearned-for desire to connect with her adopted daughter’s culture and history. Iris and her husband Greg Brown adopted their daughter from Siberia in 2005, when she was 6, and Iris says ”I’d never have made this record were it not for her.” // Last year on September 3, 2020 Grammy Nominated singer songwriter Iris DeMent released the new single “How Long.” Then, in October of last year, Iris DeMent sent me a new song she had just written and created a lyric video. I immediately wrote back to Iris and said, “This song is so beautiful and so needed right now. I cried several times listening to it.” She wrote back, “It’s a cry and dance at the same time song. Can’t say I’ve written one of those before. She ended her message with a smily face and the words, “Much love!” // In his review for WHYY’s Fresh Air, Entertainment Weekly Music Editor – Ken Tucker wrote: “Iris DeMent possesses one of the great voices in contemporary popular music: powerfully, ringingly clear, capable of both heartbreaking fragility and blow-your-ears-back power. Had she been making country albums in the ’70s and ’80s and had more commercial ambition, she’d probably now be considered right up there with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Instead, she’s lived a contemporary life, a somewhat private life. As she recently told an interviewer, “There’s a lot that goes into life besides songwriting.” And she’s taken her time in composing songs that fit into no genre easily.”]

11:00 – Station ID

11. Calvin Arsenia – “Revelation”
    from: “Revelation” / Calvin Arsenia / October 16, 2020 [Unreleased Single]
    [2020 was a challenging and busy year for Calvin Arsenia He starred in and co-created the soundtrack with Mike Dillon for The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. COVID-19 changed everything in 2020. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrine Honig to inkansascitymagazine. “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The film premiered October 16, 2020 at The Boulevard Drive-In. Honig wrote, “We did this during a pandemic and a cultural revolution. I am not sure where else or how else this could happen at this moment in history.” Calvin Arsenia had recently been emotionally and greatly moved by the area and national Black Lives Matter Movement. His own research into his own family revealed that Calvin’s great, great, great grandmother Alice Gilliam Scott, was a former slave who lived to observe her 100th birthday as noted by a regional newspaper Calvin had written. In the summer of 2020 Calvin wrote “Revelation” an unreleased track inspired by Black Lives Matter. Calvin premiered the song on WMM on August 12, 2020. He later shared his other new songs, “Scars and Stripes” and “The Flying Monkees are Coming!” on our October 14, 2020 edition of WMM. Both of those songs ended up on Summer in Hindsight. Calvin Arsenia was born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in KC and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records, has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On Dec. 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Congratulations to Calvin & his fantastic team of co-conspirators & creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, & crew. The Toxic music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song & Best Male Vocalist.]

11:05 – Interview with Calvin Arsenia

KC based singer, composer & harpist Calvin Arsenia shares details about his new book, EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin’s book is part of his journey as an artist “coming out” as Queer and coming out as a descendant of slavery. Earlier this year WMM featured Calvin and high school best friend, Justin Randall about their podcast, “We Were Christian Kids” where they shared stories in over 30 episodes about growing up queer in the evangelical church. Calvin also stars in the film, SUMMER IN HINDSIGHT, where he was the musical director and editor. The film was produced by the 18th Street Fashion Show. Information at: http://www.calvinarsenia.com

Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Calvin’s Book EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin’s new musical

GRAMMY.com, Calvin’s classically trained voice, visually striking 6-foot-7 presence, and deft harp playing have built his reputation as an incredible live performer.

Congratulations to Calvin and his team of co-conspirators & creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, & crew. Their “Toxic” music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song & Best Male Vocalist.

The West 18th Fashion Show has been an annual event for decades, but when COVID hit in 2020 organizer decided to be as safe as possible by turning the entire Fashinon Show into a feature film, titled SUMMER IN HINDSIGHT, Directed by Khitam Jabr, with Jeremy Osbern serving as Director of Photography, with a screenplay written by Peregrine Honig and staring Calvin Arsenia who also served as editor. The film made it’s world premiere on October 16, 2020 at Boulevard Drive-In Theatre. After that premiere the film traveled a successful international film festival circuit, where it received critical acclaimed world wide. The film is 57 minutes long and and was produced by Peregrine Honig, Missy Isamore, Brooklyn Love, and Celeste Lupercio. From the film’s soundtrack created by Calvin Arsenio and Mike Dillon. Black Lives Matter inspired the song “Revelation”.

Calvin came home to KC in 2014 after working in Edinburgh, Scotland. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch in 2018, and 2020, and featured in Billboard, NPR.org, and GRAMMY.com, Calvin’s classically trained voice, visually striking 6-foot-7 presence, and deft harp playing have built his reputation as an incredible live performer.

Calvin Arsenia’s angelic stylings on voice & harp create rare harmonies & arrangements that look past the boundaries of traditional gospel & classical disciplines finding the most direct line of expression to inform common struggles. Known for his elaborate and ceremonious sensory concert experiences that merge jazz & electronic influences, “Calvin has consistently delivered genre-bending (and gender-bending) shows that tackle sexuality, religion, and race in a stunningly unorthodox manner. Somewhere between sacred and sacrilege.”

Calvin can be heard on several tracks currently on the radio:

Making Movies –”Listening Wind ft. Calvin Arsenia, Jeremy Kittel”, from La Cuarentena EP on 3/2 Recordings released on February 5, 2021

Rob Rice – “Tiny Window (feat. Calvin Arsenia & Ezgi Karakus)” from: and the Devil’s Threesome released March 21, 2021. This was the first single from the debut EP of singer/songwriter Rob Rice who is a Kansas City native with a spark of millennial magic, his dusty acoustic music transitions from barn-burning ballads to soothing serenades, all of which contain notes of love, loss, and lust whilst learning to live with oneself through it all. On his debut EP and the Devil’s Threesome, Rob humbly assumes the role of choirmaster to a caravan of iconic Kansas City artists and musicians (12 in total) to create unique trios for each song, meditating and musing on the woes and wins of yesteryear.

True Lions – “Blue Marble feat. Calvin Arsenia” from: The Fempire Strikes Back, released on Manor Records on April 9, 2021. Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Calvin Arsenia on harp & vocals, Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion, Fritz Hutchison on lead electric guitar, Iona DeWalt on synthesizers;, Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Teri Quinn on bass, plus a sample of Greta Thurnberg’s speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in NYC, Sept. 2019. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on Feb. 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on Nov. 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams &Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing & Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. Info at: http://www.manorrecords.com

Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch in 2018, and 2020, and featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Born in Orlando, Florida, his creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in the Kansas City music scene and beyond.

His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life.

Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter/performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’

Recent Calvin Discography

Calvin Arsenia – Cantaloupe / Center Cut Records / September 15, 2018.
Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe (Center Cut Records), has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist.

Calvin Arsenia – L.A. Sessions / Center Cut Records / September 20, 2019
Calvin performed live at L.A.’s The Mint, showcasing songs on LA Sessions with musicians who collaborated on the album. Says Calvin: “It’s such a special experience to play with them. To be able to perform these songs in front of an audience and do this for a living – to have made a career out of something I love is so amazing – it is an honor that I never take for granted.”

Calvin Arsenia – Honeydew / Center Cut Records / June 28, 2019
[On September 15, 2018 Calvin released Cantaloupe on Center Cut Records. This new EP is a remix of three of the songs from Cantaloupe, plus a Talking Heads cover that was performed live in this style at a New Year’s Eve show at The Truman opening for Making Movies who performed the entire Talking Heads album, Remain in Light. The last three songs on Honeydew were from performed in this style at The Nelson Atkins 2019 event “Party Arty.” Honeydew was produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley, Calvin Arsenia.

Quixotic & Calvin Arsenia – “Goddess – EP / Quixotic / May 17, 2019
[An innovative performance art collective that fuses imagination with technology, dance, projection, mapping & live music to create fully-immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Quixotic harnesses light, rhythm and expressive emotion. Quixotic was given Silicon Valley’s unofficial stamp of genius when they were invited to perform at the global TED Conference in 2012. A unique blend of performance art, technology & emotion. Quixotic fuses all these elements in to what the New York Times branded an “innovative circus performance”.]

Calvin Arsenia – all is calm / Calvin Arsenia. / December 13, 2019
[Arsenia’s dreamlike whimsy shimmering through your favorite Christmas Classics. All proceeds for this album go towards the purchase of Calvin’s first harp. Featuring: Ben Muñoz on Cello, Shane Borth on Violin and Voila, and Luke “Skippy” Harbur on Beatbox. Mastered by Jametatone at the Infoaming Vertex and special thanks to Simon Huntley. Calvin wrote: “I recorded the majority of this album in my bedroom in between flights to and from KC and SF. I had my nephews and friend’s kids in mind and wanted an album of Christmas lullabys. I think it became just a little more sassy than anticipated, but I think you’ll enjoy it regardless.

Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 4.5 octave range, playing piano, banjo, guitar & harp. Calvin has played Folk Alliance Int., KC Fringe Fest, Apocalypse Meow, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Last year he undertook a three month US/European Outlyre Tour playing San Francisco,Vancouver, NYC, Boston, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland and Paris.

Calvin Arsenia, thanks for being with us on WMM.

Calvin’s Book EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com

11:21

12. Calvin Arsenia – “Experience”
    from: Catastrophe / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017
    [Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artists. Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in the Kansas City music scene and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter/performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’
    Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. His full-length album Catastrophe on February 14, 2017, His EP Caviar in Novenber 2017. Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, was released on September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On September 20, 2019 Calvin released LA Sessions. On December 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC. Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin was first on WMM on July 25, 2012. He has appeared live on 19 shows, (now 20).]

12. Get Smart! – “Oh Yeah No”
    from: Oh Yeah No / Get Smart! / November 17, 2020
    [Get Smart! formed in Lawrence, KS in 1980. The group helped to solidify Lawrence as an alternative music hotbed and toured extensively, performing 300 shows in six years. They released a flexi-disc and Words Move, a 4-track EP in 1981. In 1983 they relocated to Chicago. Their first LP, “Action Reaction” was released in 1984. The band’s second LP, “Swimming With Sharks” was released in 1986. During seven years of relentless touring, Get Smart! earned a national reputation for intense live shows and edged their way onto college radio playlists with their first two LPs, Action Reaction (1984) and Swimming With Sharks (1986). In January, 1987, the band began work on their third album with seminal recording engineer, Iain Burgess. In 1990 Get Smart! Disbanded. These recordings were archived for 33 years until Get Smart! reformed this year. With the aim of matching their live sound, the band commissioned Steve Albini to craft the final mixes with them. These six songs prove that the tension and inspiration shown on their first LPs was no idle promise. More info at: http://www.getsmartmusic.com]

[Get Smart! play a special Reunion Show, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 8:00 PM at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS with Pedaljets, Other Geese, Boy Soprano, and DJ Ray Velasquez spins post-punk classics and deep cuts. Proof of vaccination or negative test results within 72 hours of door time are required, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. All Ages. 7:00PM Doors]

14. Boy Soprano – “Nothing At All”
    from: Little League / BoySop Records / August 22, 2021
    [Boy Soprano is a 3-piece rock outfit from Lawrence, KS. The band consists of guitarist Garrison Vernon, bassist Marek Koch, and drummer Jacob Smith. More info at: Twitter.com/boysopranoks]

[Boy Soprano play the Get Smart! special Reunion Show, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 8:00 PM at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS with Get Smart!,Pedaljets, Other Geese, and DJ Ray Velasquez spins post-punk classics and deep cuts. Proof of vaccination or negative test results within 72 hours of door time are required, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. All Ages. 7:00PM Doors]

11:28 – Underwriting

15. Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders – “Far Far Out”
    from: Stargazing / Intelligent Design Records / TBA
    [Sometime in the 1980s, Alan Murphy began to write a series of outer space-themed songs. His band, Ricky Dean Sinatra, never got around to playing them live or recording them. Now, thanks to COVID and a talented group of fellow musicians, this project has finally been realized. These songs have a 60s sensibility with references to David Bowie’s early songs, T Rex, The B52s, Man or Astroman, and other bands that work in this genre. This isn’t space rock, it’s rock and roll music about the cosmos. Alan Murphy on vocals, guitar & keyboards; Barry Lee on guitar & vocals; Dave Storms on drums, percussion, keyboards & guitar; Doug Byers on bass; Marty Olson on keyboards; Bill Ryan on lead guitar; John Chevalier on guitars, saxophone & bass; Mike Penner on lead guitar; Brad Growcock on lead guitar; Scott Gribble on bass; Sam Platt on drums.]

11:35 – Interview with Barry Lee & Alan Murphy

Barry Lee is host of Signal to Noise heard Friday nights at 9:00 PM here on KKFI 90.1 FM. Barry has been a longtime programmer at KKFI. Barry Lee lives in Lawrence but grew up in the Independence and Raytown areas. He studied creative writing, poetry and radio at UMKC. Barry Lee has organized multiple benefit concerts for KKFI including his annual Beatles Tribute shows, A Tribute to Pete Seeger, and special “Collaborations” recordings. It was while playing in a tribute to Neil Young that Barry and friends formed Broken Arrows, a 5-piece band that has released multiple records to critical acclaim. Barry Lee has also played and recorded with The Jubilee Mystics, and this year is releasing new music as Barry Lee and The Mystic Arrows.

Alan Murphy became locally famous in Lawrence in the 1980s and 1990s as leader of a band called Ricky Dean Sinatra. They often played the Bottleneck, Grand Emporium and other local venues. Alan has also written songs with Chuck Mead who he got to know when Chuck’s band, The Homestead Grays, often opened for Ricky Dean Sinatra. During his time with Ricky Dean Sinatra, Alan started writing songs about outer space, but few of them were performed or recorded by the band. Once COVID hit, Alan decided to go into Roll Away The Stone studio, helmed by drummer Dave Storms, and record these songs. He recruited Barry Lee to help in the production and to play guitar on the basic tracks which were then forwarded to other musicians to add their parts remotely. The result was a two record set of songs.

Barry Lee & Alan Murphy join us live in the 90.1 FM Studios to share details about, Out There – A Musical Journey Thru Space and Time with Alan Murphy and The Space Invaders, Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS. The audience is encouraged to wear costumes. Seating will be socially distanced with limited capacity. The event will also be live-streamed. All proceeds benefit 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. http://www.lawrenceartscenter.org

Barry Lee & Alan Murphy Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Sometime in the 1980s, Alan Murphy began to write a series of outer space-themed songs. His band, Ricky Dean Sinatra, never got around to playing them live or recording them. Now, thanks to COVID and a talented group of fellow musicians, this project has finally been realized. These songs have a 60s sensibility with references to David Bowie’s early songs, T Rex, The B52s, Man or Astroman, and other bands that work in this genre. This isn’t space rock, it’s rock and roll music about the cosmos.

Some background: during the time Alan was fronting Ricky Dean Sinatra in Lawrence in the 80s and 90s, he had stockpiled a lot of outer space rock and roll songs that the band never performed.

Once COVID stopped performances, he and Barry and Dave Storms went in to Roll Away The Stone studios and starting putting down basic tracks for what would be a two cd set. These songs were reminiscent of David Bowie’s early music, T Rex, and the B52s, not to mention 60s’ garage rock.

After the basic tracks were done, other musicians contributed their parts to fill out the songs. The cd has a listing of the personnel. Members of Broken Arrows, The Mahoots, The Kaw Tikis, and Thumbs, all played a part in this record and, for the most part, make up the live band.

Alan Murphy, vocals, guitar, keyboards, Barry Lee, guitar, vocals, Dave Storms, drums, percussion, keyboards, guitar, Doug Byers, bass, Marty Olson, keyboards, Bill Ryan, lead guitar, John Chevalier, guitars, saxophone, bass, Mike Penner, lead guitar, Brad Growcock, lead guitar, Scott Gribble, bass, Sam Platt, drums.

The October 30th show will feature a rare Firesign Theater film, “Martian Space Party” followed by Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders performing songs from the albums live. This is a Halloween show, so we are encouraging the audience to dress up in costumes. The audience will be socially distanced via reserved seating, we will also require proof of vaccination and mask wearing in the venue. They are limiting the seating to 165. This is a benefit for KKFI sponsored by P1 Group and The Lawrence Arts Center.

Barry Lee & Alan Murphy Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Out There – A Musical Journey Thru Space and Time with Alan Murphy and The Space Invaders, Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 7:00 PM, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS. The audience is encouraged to wear costumes. Seating will be socially distanced with limited capacity. The event will also be live-streamed. All proceeds benefit 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio. http://www.lawrenceartscenter.org

11:53

16. Alan Murphy & The Space Invaders – “She Must Be From Outer Space”
    from: Out There (Volume 1) / Intelligent Designs Records / September 20, 2021
    [Sometime in the 1980s, Alan Murphy began to write a series of outer space-themed songs. His band, Ricky Dean Sinatra, never got around to playing them live or recording them. Now, thanks to COVID and a talented group of fellow musicians, this project has finally been realized. These songs have a 60s sensibility with references to David Bowie’s early songs, T Rex, The B52s, Man or Astroman, and other bands that work in this genre. This isn’t space rock, it’s rock and roll music about the cosmos. Alan Murphy on vocals, guitar & keyboards; Barry Lee on guitar & vocals; Dave Storms on drums, percussion, keyboards & guitar; Doug Byers on bass; Marty Olson on keyboards; Bill Ryan on lead guitar; John Chevalier on guitars, saxophone & bass; Mike Penner on lead guitar; Brad Growcock on lead guitar; Scott Gribble on bass; Sam Platt on drums.]
17. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
    from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Next week on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on November 3 we welcome Collin Halliburton who shares music and details about the new album from The Roseline CONSTANCY. We also welcome Sarah Magill who shares the lastest release from her incredibly beautiful musical project Quiet Takes – the EP, WEEKLY, WEAKLY will be released on November 5, 2021. AND in our second hour we will do a special show about Kurt Von Schlemmer with special guest Rebecca Liberty and Mark Von Schlemmer.

We send a big THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’s Fall On-Air Fundraiser during Wednesday MidDay Medley last week, between our Facebook Fundraiser and Out Fund Drive show we raised $2915.00 from 49 individual donors. THANK YOU ALL!

COOP SESSIONS Illustration by Josh Boston

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

Show #913