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, February 15, 2023

WMM Celebrates Black History with 15 of our Favorite Black Artists & Bands + Hermon Mehari + Marion Merritt + Betse Ellis

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. The Wild Women of Kansas City – “Taking A Chance On Love”
   from: Live At Pilgrim Chapel 9/26/2010 / Cosmic Cowboy Records / Reissued March 14, 2021
   [Reissued on digital for the first time by Cosmic Cowboy Records, The Wild Women of Kansas City, LIVE AT PILGRIM CHAPEL 9/26/2010 is a 14-track live recording. The vocal quartet included legendary Myra Taylor (1917-2011), Millie Edwards, Geneva Price and Lori Tucker, singing in harmony. More info at: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-wild-women-of-kansas-city/1557857551 from Bill Brownlee’s Plastic Sax blog: “The Wild Women’s repertoire belied its billing as a jazz group. The 55-minute recording includes readings of the disco anthem “I Will Survive,” Ray Charles’ earthy hit “Night Time Is the Right Time” and the proto-rock gem “Don’t Let Go.” // Backed by an unidentified organist, bassist and drummer, the crowd-pleasing entertainers also perform familiar warhorses like “Sentimental Journey,” “Stormy Weather” and the inescapable “Kansas City.” Edwards sings lead on “What a Wonderful World” and Taylor does her playful Louis Armstrong impression during “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” // The women assert their intent on “Let the Good Times Roll”: “Tell everybody: Wild Women are in town/Sometimes we’re serious, sometimes we got to clown/ We don’t let nobody play us cheap/We got heart, soul- ooh, listen to the beat.” Thanks to the invaluable Live at Pilgrim Chapel 9/26/2010, their vital beat plays on.” // The Wild Women of Kansas City were formed by Myra Taylor after she moved back to Kansas City in 1994, she brought together the jazz quartet with Geneva Price, Millie Edwards and Lori Tucker. After a career spanning 80 years, Myra Taylor died in 2011. She performed her last show at the age of 94. Myra is honored with an archway and historic marker at 18th and Vine at the corner of the old Attucks School, She is also onored with a medallion on the American Jazz Museum’s Jazz Walk of Fame.]

[Last week Kansas City lost another vital member of our Jazz Community with the passing of the amazing Geneva Price, who died in her sleep at the age of 93 on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Last year, on May 15, 2022 The Wild Women of Kansas City performed as a trio, at Unity Temple on the Plaza, for Live at The Temple Honors the Kansas City Women of Jazz and The Temple Award for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Geneva Price, (and also Diane “Mama” Ray and Julie Turner.) If you ever met Geneva Price you knew you were in the presence of an incredible spirit who was a living example the very best a human person can be.]

3. Sweet Honey In The Rock – “No Mirrors in My Nana’s House”
   from: Still On The Journey: The 20th Anniversary Album / Earthbeat / 1993
   [Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrated their musical, political, and personal triumphs in style and in public with this benchmark 1993 album. Still on the Journey offers a banquet of songs that center on love and living, struggle and death. After 20 years and many lineup shifts, the all-women African American a cappella group continues to demonstrate what a beautiful instrument the human voice can be. A mildly self-indulgent rap self-tribute is offset by the mournful “Spiritual.” “Come By Here” illustrates the group’s unique capacity to layer vocal lines into a loose net of improvised rhythms and melodies without losing the thread of the song. Here also Sweet Honey dabbles for the first time in vocal percussion. Reflections on Africa come into crisp focus in “Wodabe Nights,” while “Wanting Memories” makes it clear that, though the journey has been long and hard, Sweet Honey has no plans to rest. –Sally Weinbach // Female centered and led, African-American a cappella ensemble. A Grammy Award-winning (and many times nominated) troupe who express their history as women of color. Founded in Washington in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon who was teaching a vocal workshop with the Washington, D.C. Black Repertory Company. She was a Baptist minister’s daughter who had been on the front lines of the civil rights movement. In the 1960s, Reagon performed at schools, prisons and political rallies with the Freedom Singers in support of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. They performed “We Shall Not Be Moved” at the 1963 March on Washington. Reagon retired from the group in 2004 and was replaced by two singers in a lineup that is forever changing. (There have been more than 30 singers working in Sweet Honey over the years.) The ensemble has together worked from four women, to the difficult five-part harmony, with a sixth member translating with sign language. Their name was derived from a song, based on Psalm 81:16, which tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them. Sweet Honey in the Rock has been producing music for more than 30 years. Although the members of the group have changed over 3 decades, their music has consistently combined contemporary rhythms and narratives with a musical style rooted in the Gospel music, spirituals and hymns of the African-American Church. They’ve addressed topics including motherhood, spirituality, freedom, civil rights, domestic violence, immigration issues, and racism.] [In 2008 Sweet Honey In The Rock joined forces with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for an historic collaboration, “Go In Grace.” Choreographed by Ailey dancer Hope Boykin, the work featured new music by Sweet Honey, who performed on stage with members of the Ailey troupe. Through song and dance he audience was taken on a journey into the challenges and joys of one special family. “Go with Grace” was part of the 35th anniversary celebration for Sweet Honey In The Rock, and the 50th anniversary celebration for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Sweet Honey In The Rock performed with Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre at The Midland Theatre in Kansas City.][ on January 30, 2013 Sweet Honey In The Rock played the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center For the Performing Arts.]

[Sweet Honey in The Rock mark their 50th Anniversary with a three year celebration honoring their storied past and course for the future. The Ensemble play The Folly Theatre, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, Friday, March 3, at 8:00 PM. More info at: http://www.follytheater.org]

10:06 – Intro / Pledge Break #1

Today WMM Celebrates Black History with tracks from 15 of our Favorite Black Artists or Bands from Kansas City and Beyond: Julia Haile, Krystle Warren, Calvin Arsenia, The Black Creatures, Hermon Mehari, Stephonne, Eddie Moore, Danny Cox, Just Angel, Okorie Johnson, Joni NehRita, Lady Nade, Samara Joy, and We started the show with The Wild Women of Kansas City, and Sweet Honey In The Rock.

At 11:00 we’ll talk with Hermon Mehari who received his BM in Jazz Performance from UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2010. Hermon Mehari released his debut solo album, BLEU in 2017 and his sophomore solo album A CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE in 2020. Mehari released his latest album ASMARA on November 18, 2022. Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in Paris. Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com

We take break to encourage YOU to support 90.1 FM KKFI. To help me, is my friend…

Betse Ellis. Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been playing the Violin for 45 years, playing fiddle and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders. Betse has released two solo records, and records and performs with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as Betse & Clarke. In 2020 they released their latest 8-song release, WINTER, which was in the Top Ten of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020. Betse also plays with The Starhaven Rounders.

Betse Ellis, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Marion Merritt is our most frequent contributor to WMM, She grew up in Los Angeles, and St. Louis. She went to college in Columbia, Missouri. She studied art and musical engineering, and is a avid lover of classic films and punk rock music. She saw Talking Heads on their first U.S. tour when they played One Block West in 1978. For nearly 19 years she has been sharing her musical discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic brain on Wednesday MidDay Medley. With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the proprietor of Records With Merritt, a minority owned business at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, that features new vinyl releases, in-store performances,, and was once the location for a wedding. More information at: http://www.recordwithmerritt.com

Marion Merritt, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

90.1 FM KKFI is “Radio Powered By Diversity” For 35 Years our Kansas City Area Community Speaks Through our Airwaves and this Program.

In 2022 on WMM we conducted over 120 interviews with 120 special guests: Kianna Alarid White, Cale Parks, Nico Gray, Betse Ellis, Marion Merritt, Rose Brown, Ivory Blue, Klaartje Van Lue, Ernest James Zydeco, Julia Othmer, Julie Bennett Hume, Mikal Shapiro, Leslie Pories, Matt & Melissa Weinman of Dimension Bill Edwards, Oliver Hall, Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brody Lowe of Redder Moon, Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, Nick Robertson, Travis McKenzie, Andrew Woody of The Creepy Jingles, Jennifer Owen of Owen Cox Dance, Nate Holt of Asterales, Isaac Flynn of Hembree, D Rashaan Gilmore, Luke M. Harbur aka Music By Skippy, Fritz Hutchison, Jenna Rae, Kristie Stremel, Sondra Freeman of Midwest Music Foundation, Meighan Peifer & Patricia Doherty, Jade Green & Xavier Martin of The Black Creatures, Jesse Kates of The Sexy Accident, Chad Brothers, Kristopher Bruders and Mark Smeltzer of Freight Train Rabbit Killer, Jnabe, Jessica Salley, Brodie Rush of Be/Non, Shaun Crowley, Nilko Andreas, Amy Farrand, Sam Platt, Stacy Busch & Kalli Siringas of No Divide KC, Taylor Avazpour, Jessica Ayala and Les Izmore of Arquesta Del Sol Soul, Luke Petet, Chris Haghirian, Stephonne Singleton, Dedric Moore, Scott Hrabko, Just Angel, Vi Tran, KKFI Board President Catina Taylor, KKFI Interns: Yassi Armer-Shabazz, Zoey Harris, and Kotah Kauffman, Lee Walter Redding, Chalis O’Neal, Tucker Slough, Major Matt Mason USA, Brook Worlledge, Stephanie Bankston, Mia Morrow of Boxknife, Cooper Scott of Jean Claude and The Eclairs, Kadesh Flow, Dr. Sonia Hall, Necia Gamby, Kelly Hunt, Aaron Shinn and Tell Pryor of Lazy Projector, Lacey Gronniger of Dreamgirl, Bill Sundahl, Nick Carswell of Carswell & Hope, Tillie Alexandra Hall of MellowPhobia, Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine, Diane Patterson. Kiley Sutter, Steve Tulipana, Miki P, Rachel Lovelace, Ryan Wise, AJ Knudson, and Jimmy Girod of LYXE, Trent Michael Munsinger of You Monster You, Judith G. Levey, Mike McCoy, Heather Grehan, & Lisa McKenzie of Cher U.K., Brie Howard-Darling, Patti Quatro, Mia Huggins, of Fanny, Nita Norris, and Jackie Nugent, Brenton Cook of Outer Reaches Fest, Mark Ronning of Les Bons Bons Electriques, Lotta Williams, and Chris Hudson, Fally Afani of I Heart Local Music, Nick Spacek of The Pitch, Sondra Freeman, Tre’ Mutava, Howie Howard, Glenn North, and Eddie Moore.

10:14 – Folk Alliance International Spotlight

We met out next three artists at the 35th Annual Folk Alliance International Conference February 1-4, 2023 Westin Crown Center. We spent time with these artists un the amazing Black American Music Summit – Private Showcase Room 656

4. Okorie “OkCello” Johnson – “These Are the Days”
   from: Beacon / ZMI Rights Management / September 24, 2021
   [Atlanta-based cellist-songwriter, looper, improviser and storyteller, Okorie “OkCello” Johnson’s work centers on themes and expressions of the African Diaspora, his personal truths, a deep love and celebration of women, and a commitment to musical prayer. // Drawing upon his experience as a teacher and writer, OkCello immerses his audiences in vivid stories as well as songs, creating a richly layered and transcendent experience. // “Hereness is the first of all sacred things.” – OkCello // Okorie “OkCello” Johnson is an American cellist-songwriter whose artistry integrates cello performance, live-sound-looping, improvisation, and storytelling – all culminating in original compositions that collide classical with jazz, EDM, reggae, and funk. // His music is inspired by the exploration of African Diasporic melodies and narratives and their intersection with people’s perceptions and assumptions about the classical and European nature of the cello. As well, his work with improvisation attempts to embody the phenomenon of wordless prayer. // In September 2022, Okorie OkCello Johnson was one of the presenters at the Democratic Republic of the Congo Biennale for his proposal of a sound installation project entitled “Vessel of Breath,” a meditative cello composition comprised of harvested sound, collaborative compositions, and community interviews. In March 2022, he participated in the Kennedy Center’s artist residence program entitled Office Hours, in which he began workshopping the process for the above sound installation. The Kennedy center residency culminated in a performance at the REACH, the Kennedy Center’s “living theater where diverse art forms collide to break down boundaries between audience and art.”// 2021 saw his inclusion in the InStyle February issue, which identified him as a member of the “Creative Class Making Atlanta the New Epicenter of American Arts.” He was also identified in Atlanta Magazine’s “Atlanta Rising Creative Class [that] Is Gaining New Recognition on the National Scene.” Finally, a documentary he scored for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “Imperfect Alibi” won a regional Emmy, he released his third studio project Beacon in September of 2021, and in December, he released a holiday album entitled, An OkChristmas. // In 2020 Okorie was commissioned by Flux Projects to create improvisational work entitled “Stir Crazy” directly responding to the isolation that stemmed from the COVID19 quarantines. He then collaborated with visual artist Fahamu Pecou and poet Jon Goode to create a performance art piece entitled HUE+MEN that, in response to the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, asserted through sound, imagery, and poetry the sanctity and power of Black humanity. He also went on to be selected by Emory University to participate in its inaugural Arts and Social Justice Fellowship program, created by the Emory Center for Ethics. In that program, he and 5 other Atlanta artists were commissioned to create in collaboration with Emory professors and their classes pieces of art that spoke to the racial reckoning that the US experienced that summer. // In 2019, he had the honor of performing at SXSW for Choose ATL and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, performing at the Oak Hill Stage of the Atlanta Jazz Festival, opening for Grammy award winning artist Van Hunt, being a featured artist on the Story2019 festival at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, opening for Grammy award winning recording artist Maxwell at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, and being invited to perform in Havana, Cuba at the classical music festival Habana Classica, which coincided with the 500th birthday of that capital city. // He is a recipient of the Alliance Theatre’s 2018 Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab grant, and a 2018 Creative Loafing Readers’ Choice winner for Best Local Jazz Act. His sophomore album Resolve was named one of ArtsATL’s top local albums of 2018. // Furthermore, over his career, Okorie has had the opportunity to perform and/or record with India.Arie, De La Soul, and Big Boi of OutKast, amongst many others. // Okorie describes his circuitous route to this unusual solo cello career in the following quote: “After years of putting my cello down and picking it back up, after years of deciding that the cello wasn’t financially practical, after years of thinking that my other voices were my native ones, I realized that the cello was the oldest, the most central and the most sacred part of me. I resolved never, ever, to deny it again.” Info at http://www.okcello.com]

[Okorie “OkCello” Johnson was a 2023 official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International]

5. Joni NehRita – “The Common Story”
   from: Love & Protest / Joni NehRita Rodney / July 20, 2021
   [Jamaican-Canadian artist Joni NehRita invites listeners to feel, move and think more with her socially charged Afro-Latin and Caribbean soul. She has a gift for writing catchy melodies dressed in jazzy chords that feel ready to hit the beach- south of the border, of course! This knack for sunshiny melodies and infectious grooves help her message of equity, universal love and the cultivation of compassion to be received like a nice, cool drink on a sweltering day. // A seasoned performer, NehRita known for her ability to touch an audience and leave them feeling changed. Raji Sohal from CBC 3 Montreal may have put it best, “I can attest that in live performance her voice and stage presence are stellar and come off as endearingly natural. Joni had me hollering and cheering like I haven’t at an R&B show in a while.” .. This year NehRita releases her 4th full length album, “Love & Protest” which is a marked step further toward global roots/world music but keeps her distinctive gift for writing accessible songs that groove in tact. Love & Protest explores the juxtaposition between love being “the answer” and fire/anger being the fuel to protest, to question, to be the change. The new album finds NehRita switching from keys to guitar as her main instrument and has relies heavily on percussion rhythms found in Caribbean & Brazilian music. // Joni is also a music educator & facilitator who has taught workshops in improvisation, performance & vocal technique at Wilfrid Laurier University, Seneca College, Folk Alliance International, The Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival as well as at countless other schools & community events. In February of 2020 she added TEDxED speaker to her list of professional accomplishments. Joni is also regularly called on to participate on panels about music, race & social justice, for adjudication at music festivals/competitions as well as to host and/or moderate events. // For info on hiring Joni as a facilitator, speaker or music educator, visit: http://www.joninehrita.com]

[Joni NehRita was a 2023 official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International]

6. Lady Nade – “Ain’t One Thing”
   from: Willing / Lady Nade / June 18, 2021  
   [Lady Nade (Na’y’ed) As in ‘Lemonade’ released her third album, the 11 – track, WILLING on June 18, 2021. The title track was released as a single and won ‘UK song of the Year’ in the 2022 UK Americana Awards. Lady Nade started writing poems and songs as a form of healing from grief, performing in venues across her native city of Bristol, her work developed into a calling to connect with her fans on a deeper level and help lead them through life’s complicated tapestry with the healing power of music. She pours creativity into every song, often lavishing them with a recipe to match. // Named one of Bristol’s most influential women of 2022, Lady Nade is continuing her rise as a multi-award winning eclectic Folk and Americana singer-songwriter. Her third album ‘Willing’ entered both the official Folk and Americana charts on its release. With the title track Single winning ‘UK song of the Year’ in the 2022 UK Americana Awards.// Her songs carry messages of love, loss, hope, relationships, friendships and the positive connection between music, well-being. // Lady Nade has learnt that loss and grief isn’t something one can recover from alone and with her music and recipes she creates a communal experience that everyone can enter into on their own terms. // This Bristolian folk / Americana songwriter fills your heart with words and melodies that nourish the mind, body and soul. Her performances are like a reunion. Share a room with her, and she’ll give you her story. All of it. The joys and sorrows. You will love her for it, and she will love you back. More info at: http://www.ladynade.co.uk]

[Lady Nade was a 2023 official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International]

10:26 – Pledge Break #2

With our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt and Betse Ellis
and, KKFI’s Director of Development & Communications, Kelly Dougherty

Today on WMM we are celebrating Black History with 15 of our Favorite Black Artists from Kansas City and Beyond. 90.1 FM KKFI’s non-profit organization and governing body is the MidCoast Radio Project. MidCoastal is where we are, on the coasts of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers with a music community that spans the Kansas City Metro region and west to Lawrence and Topeka and south to Olathe and east to Columbia and North to St Joseph. Not necessarily the reach of our 100,000 watt signal but definitely the reach of our community.

WMM and KKFI are committed to featuring artists under-represented in other media, and that includes the music community that lives within Kansas City and Lawrence and the area radiance of our 100 watt signal. The story of Kansas City’s Arts and Music Community is our primary objective on WMM, where for nearly 19 years we have shined a light on this music and the artist who create it and that story also include the music labels who help get this music out into the community and beyond Kansas City. That story also includes the recording studios where this music is engineered and mastered.

Wednesday MidDay Medley 90.1 FM was the first radio show and first radio station to ever play many if these amazing musical artists. WMM was the first to play the recordings of: Calvin Arsenia, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Krystle Warren, The Black Creatures, KD Kuro, Stephonne, The Shy Boys, The Salvation Choir, Ivory Blue. We were the first to interview these artists live on the radio and bring their music to a wider audience.

Timothy Finn Kansas City area music writer named WMM “The Best Place to Hear Local Music on the Radio.” and the Best Place to hear area musicians talk about their music.

10:35

7. Calvin Arsenia – “Sampson (Live at Greenwood Social Hall)”
   from: “Sampson (Live at Greenwood Social Hall)” – Single / Outlyre Productions / July 20, 2022
   [This is a cover of Regina Spektor’s song “Sampson” from her incredible 2006 album BEGIN TO HOPE. This recording was from Calvin Arsenia’s Live at Greenwood Social Hall, recorded June 11, 2017 at Greenwood Social Hall, 1760 Bellevue. 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 released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe. 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. 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.” 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 is a graduate of Artist INC. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com]

[Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays The Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave., KCMO, on Thursday, February 23, ar 7:00 PM with Rueben and The Dark.]

8. Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Tuesday Mornings”
   from: Love Songs: A Time To Refrain from Embracing / Parlour Door Music / April 9, 2012 UK
   [Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. // Warren, who now resides in Paris, began performing in her native Kansas City at the age of 16 before moving to New York City, where she started busking on the streets and later formed her regular band, The Faculty. She and the group have recorded several full-length albums, including 2009’s Circles, 2012’s Love Songs and 2017’s Three the Hard Way. Her next album is slated for release thiswinter. // A large percentage of proceeds from sales of the EP — which is available for digital downloads via Warren’s website now and released on all streaming platforms next Friday — will be donated to the ACLU. Krystle Warren joined us live on WMM on September 23, 2020. July 28, 2021. She has appeared as a guest on 15 WMMs. More info at http://www.krystlewarrenandthefaculty.com]

9. Julia Haile – “Heavy Rotation”
   from: “Heavy Rotation” – Single / Julia Haile / September 30, 2022
   [One of two new singles released by Jullia Haile on September 30, 2022. Julia Haile is a singer and songwriter based in Kansas City, MO. Her natural talent and musical education have fueled a career of exciting performances and beautiful music. From leading Neo-Soul band Hi-Lux and international collaborations to solo works, Julia’s goal is create meaningful musical experiences for all. Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux is a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group aims to create music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). but also claims a spotlight of its own in the musical world. Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b​/​w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. All 6 songs had previously been released as singles..]The band brings together elements of soul, reggae and funk for a unique and dance inspiring sound. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]

10:48 – Pledge Break #3

Our WMM Winter Fund Drive Team: Marion Merritt, and Betse Ellis

Our most played artists in 2022 were The Black Creatures. Wednesday MidDay Medley was the first radio show to play their music. They have been frequent guests on our show. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. The Black Creatures released their self-produced, debut album, See No Evil, on December 6, 2017. The Black Creatures released their single Elements on February 14, 2018. Our playlists show that we first played The Black Creatures on March 14, 2018. Since that date we have championed this band. We first saw them live at InterUrban ArtHouse on July 10, 2019 as part of a Celebration of Queer Identity where Mark was also a performer. Their breakthrough album, WILD ECHOES, was self released by the band on September 30, 2019. WILD ECHOES was #2 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. WILD ECHOES was re-released and re-mastered by Center Cut Records in 2020 and named Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine for 2020. // Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott. // The Black Creatures released their new album By Thy Hand on Center Cut Records on August 12, 2022. // Jade and Xavier performanced in the world premiere of Christian A. Walker’s “What Came With Spring” for the Owen/Cox Dance Group October 7 thru 9 at City Stage Theatre, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO. // Mark’s brief review: “Being named “Album of The Year” from The Pitch Kansas City was the recognition this young band deserved, because there is really no other band in Kansas City creating incredibly beautiful and painful protest songs in multi genre styles of beats, vocal styles, textures. The immediate personal and poetic lyrics of Jade Green and tribal, dance floor and soulful beats and melodies of Xavier bring the listener into a multicultural, mixed, gender fluid, soul celebration of life and an honest indictment of the racist, homophobic, and sexist world they are navigating through to survive. Listen carefully to these young music makers, they are wise beyond their years. They sound beautiful and speak the truth to power. They are beautiful. They are The Black Creatures.”

KKFI’s Mission Statement: KKFI is the Kansas City area’s independent, noncommercial community radio station. We seek to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.

KKFI’s Philosophy Statement: KKFI is committed to diversity in programming and discourse and seeks to create a climate of mutual respect and collaboration among volunteers and staff.

10:55

10. Hermon Mehari – “Who Dared It”
    from: ASMARA / Komos Jazz – Studio Pigalle / November 18, 2022
    [Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Peter Schlamb on piano, vibraphone; Luca Fattorini on double bass; Gautier Garrigue on drums; Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit. Music composed and arranged by Hermon Mehari except MILOBE – LAWA. FURDA, music composed by Hermon Mehari and Faytinga.
    Lyrics on Tenafaqit and Milobe – Lawa Furda by FAYTINGA. // Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in March 2022 at Studio Pigalle, Paris // Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery London. // Cover artwork by Lossapardo. // ‘A loving thanks to the family: Mehari Zehaie, Rigat Ghebre, Joseph Mehari, Tefsai Tsehaie, Turu Negash, Benyam and Aaron Tesfai’ // “Who dared it,” the album’s opening track, is a tribute to the city Hermon Mehari’s father grew up in, MENDEFERA. It also pays homage to the courage of this man who dared leave his native land, Eritrea. He departed in 1979, in the midst of a war against Ethiopia. Arriving in Italy after a perilous journey, he met his future wife in a refugee camp located in the ‘country of the Red Sea’, and left with her for the United States, country where Hermon was born some 25 years ago. // The trumpetist, trained in jazz in one of its heartlands – Kansas City, waited until the global pandemic to explore the musical aspects of his ancestral culture. // Under lockdown, alone in the Corrèze region of Southwestern France, he played with the rhythms, melodies and scales he had heard as a child, in his home and at community celebrations. The result was a track with electronic inflections featured on his previous album – A Change for The Dreamlike. // In September 2021, during the recording of Sélène Saint-Aimé’ second album, an artist Hermon accompanies on record and on stage, Antoine Rajon suggested he compose an album entirely dedicated to his family heritage. All the tracks on ASMARA, bring us back to Eritrea – a country Hermon visited only once, at the age of 5. The sights, sounds and smells of this lone voyage inspired the composition I Remember Eritrea. The only duo on the record showcases the deep musical symbiosis he maintains with long-time friend, Peter Schlamb – a pianist and vibraphonist who has worked in the USA with musicians such as Logan Richardson, Ben Van Gelder and Aaron Parks. // Gautier Garrigue, a drummer who has played with Henri Texier and David Enhco, manages to claim the traditional rhythms we hear all through the album as his own, propelled by the driving basslines of double bass player Luca Fattorini – a musician from Italy now living in Paris. // Faytinga lends her vocals to two tracks. Lauded during the war of independence, where she fought, weapons in hand, she has since become one of the strongest and most popular voices in Eritrea. // Milobe is a lullaby recorded for French label Cobalt in 2000 and rearranged by the trumpetist. Tanafaqit, unfolding over a composition by Hermon, is a paeon to exile where Faytinga uses nostalgia to conjure up a motherland she has been divorced from since moving to Switzerland. // Though we are familiar with Ethiopian jazz, whose tradition is long-lasting, Asmara constitutes an original experience of jazz inspired by the folklore of various Eritrean peoples. Beyond the political conflicts that oppose their leaders, the populations of these two nations claim a common & fraternal allegiance to Abyssinian culture, as expressed by Hermon on: Call Me Habesha!]

10:58 – Station ID

10:58 – Interview with Hermon Mehari

Hermon Mehari grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, home of Lincoln University. He received his BM in Jazz Performance from UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2010. Hermon was also the winner of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition and placed second in the International Trumpet Guild competition in Sydney, Australia. Hermon Mehari Mehari was the winner of the 2015 Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Competition and a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. He is a founding member with Ben Leifer, Ryan Lee , John Brewer, and William Sanders of the band Diverse Jazz, and Diverse Trio. In 2014 Diverse released the album “Our Journey” which was recorded in Paris featuring Logan Richardson on alto saxophone. In 2015-2016 Hermon Mehari was a founding member of the KC super group The Buhs with Julia Haile, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, Reach, Les Izmore, Ryan J. Lee, Hermon Mehari, Ben Leifer, Tim Braun, Brad Williams, and Kinyon Price. Hermon Mehari released his debut solo album, BLEU in 2017, and his sophomore solo album A CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE in 2020. In 2021 Hermon Mehari with Alessandro Lanzoni released the 11 track Post Bob, Contemporary Jazz album Arc Fiction. Mehari released his latest album ASMARA on November 18, 2022. Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in Paris with Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Peter Schlamb on piano & vibraphone, Luca Fattorini on double bass, Gautier Garrigue on drums, and Faytinga on vocals. In addition to performing and touring all over the world, Hermon dedicates himself to being a serious educator, runs a weekly musical radio program called “The Session” on KCUR 89.3, is constantly collaborating with other musicians. Hermon Merhari has collaborated with Peter Schlamb, Making Movies, John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons, Mikal Shapiro, Krystle Warren. Hermon was featured on Bobby Watson’s 2013 release, “Check Cashing Day”.

Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Box Office Opens at 6:30 pm. Jazz Talk with Performers led by Steve Kraske is at 7:00 pm. Theater Doors Open: 7:30 pm. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com

Hermon Mehari Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

“Who dared it,” the album’s opening track, is a tribute to the city Hermon Mehari’s father grew up in, MENDEFERA. It also pays homage to the courage of this man who dared leave his native land, Eritrea. He departed in 1979, in the midst of a war against Ethiopia. Arriving in Italy after a perilous journey, he met his future wife in a refugee camp located in the ‘country of the Red Sea’, and left with her for the United States, country where Hermon was born some thirty- five years ago. He grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri.

In September 2021, during the recording of Sélène Saint-Aimé’ second album, an artist Hermon accompanies on record and on stage, Antoine Rajon suggested he compose an album entirely dedicated to his family heritage. All the tracks on ASMARA, bring us back to Eritrea – a country Hermon visited only once, at the age of 5. The sights, sounds and smells of this lone voyage inspired the composition I Remember Eritrea. The only duo on the record showcases the deep musical symbiosis he maintains with long-time friend, Peter Schlamb – a pianist and vibraphonist who has worked in the USA with musicians such as Logan Richardson, Ben Van Gelder and Aaron Parks.

Hermon Mehari, waited until the global pandemic to explore the musical aspects of his ancestral culture. // Under lockdown, alone in the Corrèze region of Southwestern France, he played with the rhythms, melodies and scales he had heard as a child, in his home and at community celebrations. The result was a track with electronic inflections featured on his previous album – A Change for The Dreamlike.

Asmara features: Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Peter Schlamb on piano, vibraphone; Luca Fattorini on double bass; Gautier Garrigue on drums; Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit. Music composed and arranged by Hermon Mehari except MILOBE – LAWA. FURDA, music composed by Hermon Mehari and Faytinga. Lyrics on Tenafaqit and Milobe – Lawa Furda by FAYTINGA. // Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in March 2022 at Studio Pigalle, Paris

Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery London. // Cover artwork by Lossapardo. // ‘A loving thanks to the family: Mehari Zehaie, Rigat Ghebre, Joseph Mehari, Tefsai Tsehaie, Turu Negash, Benyam and Aaron Tesfai’

Gautier Garrigue, a drummer who has played with Henri Texier and David Enhco, manages to claim the traditional rhythms we hear all through the album as his own, propelled by the driving basslines of double bass player Luca Fattorini – a musician from Italy now living in Paris.

Faytinga lends her vocals to two tracks. Lauded during the war of independence, where she fought, weapons in hand, she has since become one of the strongest and most popular voices in Eritrea. // Milobe is a lullaby recorded for French label Cobalt in 2000 and rearranged by the trumpetist. Tanafaqit, unfolding over a composition by Hermon, is a paeon to exile where Faytinga uses nostalgia to conjure up a motherland she has been divorced from since moving to Switzerland.

Ethiopian jazz, whose tradition is long-lasting, Asmara constitutes an original experience of jazz inspired by the folklore of various Eritrean peoples. Beyond the political conflicts that oppose their leaders, the populations of these two nations claim a common & fraternal allegiance to Abyssinian culture, as expressed by Hermon on: Call Me Habesha!

Hermon Mehari released CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE on June 5, 2020, that was created in a barn in the French countryside. Hermon wrote, “Like many people during this period, I wasn’t able to think much about the future, only the present and the past. These songs are therefore personal journal entries, versions and visions of my wishes, fantasies and memories. Together they create a kind of modern mixtape of dreams, in every sense of the word, in which my trumpet, all alone in that barn, is a vulnerable presence, virtually and masterly supported by some of my closest musical collaborators around the world.”
This was a follow up to his debut solo release, BLEU from 2017.

Hermon Mehari grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, home of Lincoln University. He is a 2010 graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City Music Conservatory. In 2015 he finished first, at the prestigious Carmine Carusa International Jazz Trumpet Competition at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. Hermon was a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. In 2014 he released the CD “Our Journey” with Diverse, which was recorded in Paris featuring Logan Richardson on alto saxophone. Hermon was also the winner of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition and placed second in the International Trumpet Guild competition in Sydney, Australia. He splits his time between touring and playing all over the world and creative projects in Kansas City. Hermon is also a founding member of Diverse Jazz, Diverse Trio, and The Buhs. He has played with Peter Schlamb, Making Movies, John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons, Mikal Shapiro, Krystle Warren. Hermon was featured on the world-renowned saxophonist Bobby Watson’s 2013 release, “Check Cashing Day”.

Diverse Jazz

Diverse on Origin Records released in 2009 – Jazz, Fusion, Avant-garde Jazz, Jazz-Funk

Diverse tracklist:

1. “Busy Sunday” Composed By – Ryan Lee (5:43)
2. “Sojourner” Composed By – William Sanders (4:32)
3. “Time Well Spent” Composed By – Ben Leifer (6:44)
4. “Every Now And Then” Composed By – Ben Leifer (5:13)
5. “Bed Writing” Composed By – John Brewer (5:03)
6. “B-Day Song” Composed By – William Sanders (6:15)
7. “Where It Lives” Composed By – Ben Leifer (Saxophone – Bobby Watson) (5:40)
8. “For Kim” Composed By – Ben Leifer (1:30)
9. “Untitled Hit Tune” Composed By – Diverse (5:55)
10. “Vitality” Composed By – Ben Leifer (5:18)
11. “Lost In Darkness” Composed By – Hermon Mehari (5:40)
12. “Boise” Composed By – Diverse (5:35)

Ben Leifer on bass, Ryan Lee on drums, John Brewer on piano and organ, William Sanders on tenor saxophone, Hermon Mehari on trumpet

Phonographic Copyright – Diverse / Copyright– Origin Records. Recorded, mixed and mastered at BRC Audio Productions. Pressed by RIDDLEPRESS.COM. Cover, Design by John Bishop. Liner Notes by Bobby Watson, John Bishop, Mike Samball. Mixed & Mastered by Bill Crain & Bobby Watson. Photography by Philip Koenig. Produced by Bobby Watson. Recorded by Bill Crain

The Buhs

Hermon Mehari was a founding member of The Buhs was a Kansas City based Pop/Soul/Hip-Hop super-group that included, singers: Julia Haile, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, emcees: Reach, Les Izmore, and Ryan J. Lee on drums, Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Ben Leifer on bass, Tim Braun on guitar, Brad Williams on drums and Kinyon Price on percussion. On February 24, 2016, The Buhs released the single “All Night Remix (Feat. Lee Langston and Les Izmore)”. “All Night” was originally written by Matt Villinger for his album “All Night.” This remix captures a new vibe for the song and pays tribute to The Buhs and their late nights creating music in the Crossroads of Kansas City. The track was written by Matt Villinger and Les Izmore. Arranged by Ryan J. Lee, Brad Williams, Hermon Mehari, Tim Braun, Lee Langston, and Les Izmore.

Alessandro Lanzoni

In 2021 Hermon Mehari with Italian pianist and composer Alessandro Lanzoni released the 11 track Post Bob, Contemporary Jazz album ARC FICTION.

Florian Arbenz

On April 23, 2021 Florian Arbenz, Nelson Veras & Hermon Mehari – released Conversation #1: Condensed on Hammer Recordings [2021 An ambitious project was launched from Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz who set out to release 12 albums (or “conversations”) with 12 radically different groups of musicians. // The 1st of this series, recorded from his studio in Basel and accompanied by a feature-length video of the session, features American trumpeter Hermon Mehari and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. Across a career spanning more than 25 years, drummer and percussionist Florian Arbenz, has carved out a reputation as not just a skilled musician, but as a creative collaborator. Whether with the long-standing trio VEIN who have recorded and toured with Greg Osby & Dave Liebman, or with his own project Convergence which brings together musicians from four continents, he is not content to sit still. // In 2021, he launches perhaps his most adventurous collaboration yet: a series of 12 albums or “conversations” with 12 different line ups. The thread that joins them all together is his fascination with bringing visionary musicians together and giving them space to express themselves in his studio. Together, they work through a selection of music curated by Florian to suit the individual musical personalities present. // Conversation #1 – subtitled Condensed – sees Florian joined by American trumpeter Hermon Mehari & Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras. // “I’ve known and played with Nelson for several years and am captivated not only by his highly original and virtuoso playing, but also by his unique character and his great sense of humor. He’s a complete player both rhythmically & harmonically so it seemed obvious to get him on board for this series. Hermon, on the other hand, I had never met before our recording session. I had, however, admired his warm tone, open-minded musicality & improvisational skills from afar and am so happy to have finally recorded with him!” // This slightly unusual line up of guitar, trumpet & drums might, at first glance, miss a bass instrument. But despite the challenges, the creativity of the musicians involved, as well as Florian’s addition of custom percussion instruments covering this range, make for a fascinating listen which moves from hard-swinging soloing to dreaming soundscapes.

Eritrea (from wikipedia.org)

Eritrea officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa region of Eastern Africa, with its capital and largest city at Asmara. It is bordered by Ethiopia in the south, Sudan in the west, and Djibouti in the southeast. The northeastern and eastern parts of Eritrea have an extensive coastline along the Red Sea. The nation has a total area of approximately 117,600 km2 (45,406 sq mi), and includes the Dahlak Archipelago and several of the Hanish Islands. // Human remains found in Eritrea have been dated to 1 million years old and anthropological research indicates that the area may contain significant records related to the evolution of humans. Contemporary Eritrea is a multi-ethnic country with nine recognised ethnic groups. Nine different languages are spoken by the nine recognised ethnic groups, the most widely spoken language being Tigrinya, the others being Tigre, Saho, Kunama, Nara, Afar, Beja, Bilen and Arabic. Tigrinya, Arabic, and English serve as the three working languages. Most residents speak languages from the Afroasiatic family, either of the Ethiopian Semitic languages or Cushitic branches. Among these communities, the Tigrinyas make up about 55% of the population, with the Tigre people constituting around 30% of inhabitants. In addition, there are several Nilo-Saharan-speaking Nilotic ethnic groups. Most people in the country adhere to Christianity or Islam, with a small minority adhering to traditional faiths. // The Kingdom of Aksum, covering much of modern-day Eritrea and northern Ethiopia, was established during the first or second century AD. It adopted Christianity around the middle of the fourth century. In medieval times much of Eritrea fell under the Medri Bahri kingdom, with a smaller region being part of Hamasien. The creation of modern-day Eritrea is a result of the incorporation of independent, distinct kingdoms (for example, Medri Bahri and the Sultanate of Aussa) eventually resulting in the formation of Italian Eritrea. After the defeat of the Italian colonial army in 1942, Eritrea was administered by the British Military Administration until 1952. Following the UN General Assembly decision in 1952, Eritrea would govern itself with a local Eritrean parliament, but for foreign affairs and defense, it would enter into a federal status with Ethiopia for ten years. However, in 1962, the government of Ethiopia annulled the Eritrean parliament and formally annexed Eritrea. The Eritrean secessionist movement organised the Eritrean Liberation Front in 1961 and fought the Eritrean War of Independence until Eritrea gained de facto independence in 1991. Eritrea gained de jure independence in 1993 after an independence referendum. // Eritrea is a unitary one-party presidential republic in which national legislative and presidential elections have never been held. Isaias Afwerki has served as president since its official independence in 1993. According to Human Rights Watch, the Eritrean government’s human rights record is among the worst in the world. The Eritrean government has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated. Freedom of the press in Eritrea is extremely limited; the Press Freedom Index consistently ranks it as one of the least free countries. As of 2021 Reporters Without Borders considers the country to have the overall worst press freedom in the world, even lower than North Korea, as all media publications and access are heavily controlled by the government. // Eritrea is a member of the African Union, the United Nations, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and is an observer state in the Arab League alongside Brazil and Venezuela. // The name Eritrea is derived from the ancient Greek name for the Red Sea (Ἐρυθρὰ Θάλασσα Erythra Thalassa, based on the adjective ἐρυθρός erythros “red”). It was first formally adopted in 1890, with the formation of Italian Eritrea (Colonia Eritrea). The name persisted over the course of subsequent British and Ethiopian occupation, and was reaffirmed by the 1993 independence referendum and 1997 constitution.

Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit.

Hermon Mehari Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Box Office Opens at 6:30 pm. Jazz Talk with Performers led by Steve Kraske is at 7:00 pm. Theater Doors Open: 7:30 pm. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com

11:13

12. Hermon Mehari – “Milobe Lawa Furda (feat. Faytinga)”
    from: ASMARA / Komos Jazz – Studio Pigalle / November 18, 2022
    [Hermon Mehari on trumpet; Peter Schlamb on piano, vibraphone; Luca Fattorini on double bass; Gautier Garrigue on drums; Faytinga on vocals on Milobe Lawa Furda and Tanafaqit. Music composed and arranged by Hermon Mehari except MILOBE – LAWA. FURDA, music composed by Hermon Mehari and Faytinga.
    Lyrics on Tenafaqit and Milobe – Lawa Furda by FAYTINGA. // Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in March 2022 at Studio Pigalle, Paris // Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery London. // Cover artwork by Lossapardo. // ‘A loving thanks to the family: Mehari Zehaie, Rigat Ghebre, Joseph Mehari, Tefsai Tsehaie, Turu Negash, Benyam and Aaron Tesfai’ // “Who dared it,” the album’s opening track, is a tribute to the city Hermon Mehari’s father grew up in, MENDEFERA. It also pays homage to the courage of this man who dared leave his native land, Eritrea. He departed in 1979, in the midst of a war against Ethiopia. Arriving in Italy after a perilous journey, he met his future wife in a refugee camp located in the ‘country of the Red Sea’, and left with her for the United States, country where Hermon was born some thirty- five years ago. // The trumpetist, trained in jazz in one of its heartlands – Kansas City, waited until the global pandemic to explore the musical aspects of his ancestral culture.]

[Hermon Mehari Quartet plays an ASMARA Album Release at The Folly Theater on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The Box Office Opens at 6:30 pm. Jazz Talk with Performers led by Steve Kraske is at 7:00 pm. Theater Doors Open: 7:30 pm. More info at http://www.follytheater.org and http://www.hermonmehari.com]

11:17 – Pledge Break #4

This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt & Betse Ellis.

Where can I find out about what is happening in my community? …LGBTQIA, Urban Issues, Black Lives Matter, Labor Rights, The Environment, The Kansas City Visual & Literary Arts , The Performing Arts, Women’s Issues, Native American Issues, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Classical, Hip Hop, Folk, Women’s Music, Indie Rock, Pop, Electronica, Punk…the answer is KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio. Radio Powered by Diversity.

Along with our National Public Affairs shows like Democracy Now and Alternative Radio we offer more locally produced public affairs programs than anywhere else on the dial.

We offer programs specifically produced for the LGBTQIA Community, Women’s Issues, Native American News and Culture, Middle Eastern Music and Information, Latino Programming, African American Public Affairs and Community News, Labor and Worker’s Unions, our prison population and justice system, environmental programming, Visual and Literary Arts, and Performing Arts.

At KKFI there is no automated robot playing the same 40 songs in a “rotation,” based on a formula, created by a singular programmer of the robot. KKFI is the opposite of a robot.

90.1 offers 100 different radio programs. 85 of these programs are locally, produced, hosted, engineered and written by over 100 different people, who create content, and personally handcraft each show, each week. There are 64 local music shows and 21 locally produced News, Public Affairs, Arts & Talk shows.

You will not find this kind of representative diversity anywhere else on your radio dial. Or from any singular source on your computer. It is very special. It needs to be nourished and kept alive in a world of corporate, nationally owned, commercial or religious broadcasting.

Not only do we bring the most diverse and unfiltered news and information, but our musical playlists are deep, and comprehensive. In one week you can hear over 2000 different songs played, in Blues, Jazz, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Classical, World, Americana, Southern Soul, Fusion, Soul, Rock, New Wave, Electronic, Native, Local, Old Timey, Rockabilly, Women’s, Children’s, Gospel, and Experimental.

With all of this, you hear the voices from the hundreds of KKFI volunteers, and thousands of guests from the community, who share their stories, broadcast live from our non-commercial, midtown studios, at 39th & Main, in the center of our metro, across two states, a collective of communities, and thousands of listeners. What is this worth to you?

11:24

Stephonne Presents: You Got Me An Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Tribute

13. The Black Creatures – “The Weight of Worth”
    from: By Thy Hand / Center Cut Records / August 12, 2022
    [By Thy Hand was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. The album follows their last singles: “Criminal” on June 24, 2022, “Loud For Nothin” on May 27, 2022, and “True Friends” on September 17, 2021. After being signed to Center Cut Records the label remastered and reissued their album WILD ECHOES in 2020 and was named Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine. The original 2019 release of WILD ECHOES was #2 in WMM’s 119 Favorite Releases of 2019 (Albums & EPs). The Black Creatures fuse dark-pop hip-hop, soul, jazz, and electronic music with elements from science fiction to tell inter-dimensional stories of love, community, life, culture, history. Xavier & Jade have made an impression in the KC music community with their live shows in clubs, galleries, record stores, and area music festivals. The Black Creatures released their debut single “Mouth 2 Mouth” June 5, 2016. // Jade Green & Xavier Martin of The Black Creatures began working together in 2013. The Black Creatures blur the boundaries of hip-hop, dance, R&B, soul, and EDM, telling stories of real life, and the struggle for equality. Jade’s incredible vocals reveal their background in opera, and their honest lyrics are both personal and political. Jade can interpret soul, jazz, hiphop, and pop. Xavier Martin started music as a violinist, and has transitioned into a co-songwriter, producer, beat-maker, keyboardist, vocalist, engineer, and style maker. // From Center Cut Records Promo Materials: The Black Creatures blend contemporary styles of pop, hip-hop, dance, R&B, EDM and soul with cinematic and storytelling sci-fi/fantasy elements and themes. With the complex and creative approach The Black Creatures take to their art, a diverse audience regularly flocks to their gripping and intensely enchanting performances. // Representing the strange land of Kansas City, Missouri, Jade Green and Xavier began working together around the end of 2013 after meeting on-line talking about cosmetics. After Jade stumbled upon Xavier’s SoundCloud, they asked if they could put their vocals on it, and this led to future collaborations with no more than the intention to dabble. They couldn’t stop and eventually dubbed the project The Black Creatures. // Both Jade & Xavier write and perform vocals, with Xavier at the helm of production and composition. Jade Green has a vocal background in opera and a penchant for theatrics, and both are the foundation of their ever-evolving approach to writing and performing in The Black Creatures. While the instrumentals may set the tone for the show, Jade’s voice captivates the audience from beginning to end. Originally a violinist, Xavier unfurled into a producer and vocalist, maintaining the same air of intrigue and mystery throughout his compositions and performances in The Black Creatures. // After releasing Wild Echoes in the fall of 2020, and receiving Album Of The Year from The Pitch Magazine, high praise came from around the world for the four released singles and accompanying videos. “Wretched (It Goes)” was featured in the NPR Live Sessions “Songs For Change” when The Black Creatures were selected as one of 12 national artists, and included in 90.9 The Bridge’s Top 100 singles along with their song “D’ummm” which was in heavy rotation in the winter. Nuance Magazine wrote, “The Black Creatures take their musical talents and use them in such a way that forces listeners to not only tap their foot to a catchy tune, but pay attention and feel something about what is going on in the world around them. Tackling fascism, police brutality, and the deep-rooted effects of slavery in a rhythmic fashion is one thing. Simultaneously making it a good listen is another. However, The Black Creatures make it happen.” // Mark’s brief review: “Being named “Album of The Year” from The Pitch Kansas City was the recognition this young band deserved, because there is really no other band in Kansas City creating incredibly beautiful and painful protest songs in multi genre styles of beats, vocal styles, textures. The immediate personal and poetic lyrics of Jade Green and tribal, dance floor and soulful beats and melodies of Xavier bring the listener into a multicultural, mixed, gender fluid, soul celebration of life and an honest indictment of the racist, homophobic, and sexist world they are navigating through to survive. Listen carefully to these young music makers, they are wise beyond their years. They sound beautiful and speak the truth to power. They are beautiful. They are The Black Creatures.” Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott. Jade and Xavier completed performances in the world premiere of Christian A. Walker’s “What Came With Spring” for the Owen/Cox Dance Group October 7, 8, and 9 at City Stage Theatre, Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, KCMO ]

[Jade Green is a featured performer for Stephonne Presents: You Got Me – An Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Tribute Show Vol. 1.at Encore at The Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway St., KCMO, on Friday, February 7:00 PM, Featuring a stacked lineup of talented local artists: Stephonne, Jass, Eboni Fondren, Shon Ruffin, Kimology, Jade Green, Trevor Turla, Hadiza., JaySol, Amber “Flutienastiness” Underwood , Leigh Adams, Desh AKA Kadesh Flow, Kemet Coleman, Les Izmore, Clarence Copridge, LeShea, Rachel Christia, Spencer Thut, Nik Douglas, Daniel Dissmore , Adee Dancy AKA SisterBot , And maybe more… General admission, all ages event. There will be a $2 minor fee at the door for patrons under 21 years of age. 7:00 PM Doors / 8:00 PM Show. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D8ABBAA6BBF%5D

14. Stephonne – “Boyz (feat. Dustin Rapier & Zava) [Radio Edit]”
    from: SIS: Side B [EP] / Stephonne / June 24, 2022
    [Co-produced by, Justin Mantooth, and recorded at Westend Recording Studios. Johnny Hamil on bass, and Adam McKee on drums. Stephonne released the single, “Cross My Heart (Sexy M.F.) on June 3, 2022. Stephonne released the single, “Deja Vu” with Shilow and Regina Del Carmen on May 9, 2022. Stephonne released the single “The King’s Gambit” on July 28, 2021. Stephonne was part of the single, “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” from Lee Walter Redding & Stephonne, released April 9, 2021. Stephonne released the single “Beautiful Life (Acoustic)” on January 15, 2021. Stephonne released SIS: Side A on August 7, 2020. The 4 song EP contained the song “Want Me” that was also made into a video featuring body painting on to Stephonne’s body from artist Ryan Wilks. Stephonne released his debut album, “Caged Bird Sings Songs About Red Beard.” The album was one of WMM’s 118 Best Recordings of 2018. Stephonne was born and raised in Wyandotte Cou, Kansas. Stephonne grew up in KCK. He has performed for Late Night Theatre.]

[Charlotte Street announced on Monday that the recipients of the 2023 Generative Performing Artist Awards are Stephonne Singleton and Tiara Nicole. This year, Charlotte Street’s Visual Artist Awards were given to Ruben Castillo, Sean Nash and SunYoung Park. Congratulations to them all! Much deserved! Bravo!]

[Stephonne Presents: You Got Me – An Erykah Badu & Jill Scott Tribute Show Vol. 1.at Encore at The Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway St., KCMO, on Friday, February 7:00 PM, Featuring a stacked lineup of talented local artists: Stephonne, Jass, Eboni Fondren, Shon Ruffin, Kimology, Jade Green, Trevor Turla, Hadiza., JaySol, Amber “Flutienastiness” Underwood , Leigh Adams, Desh AKA Kadesh Flow, Kemet Coleman, Les Izmore, Clarence Copridge, LeShea, Rachel Christia, Spencer Thut, Nik Douglas, Daniel Dissmore , Adee Dancy AKA SisterBot , And maybe more… General admission, all ages event. There will be a $2 minor fee at the door for patrons under 21 years of age. 7:00 PM Doors / 8:00 PM Show. Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005D8ABBAA6BBF%5D

11:32 – Pledge Break #5

This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.
and KKFI’s Director of Development and Communications, Kelly Dougherty

90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio and Wednesday MidDay Medley offer loads and loads of information about what is going on in the community. Not only does this show interview 150 guest each year, not only do we play nearly 900 different songs with more than half of those being locally produced, but we also shine a light on area not-for-profit theatre companies, art museums & galleries, area festivals, service organizations, area record labels and record stores, the area music scene, arts scene, theatre scene, literary arts scene, political action scene.

In just this past year, we’ve featured segments shining a light on:, The Kauffman Center for The Performing Arts, UMKC Conservatory of Music, Owen Cox Dance Group, KC Bass Workshop, The Record Machine, Mills Record Company, Records With Merritt, High Dive Records, Center Cut Records, Manor Records, Lost Cowgirl Records, KC Irish Fest, The Crossroads Music Fest, MixMaster Music Conference, Too Much Rock, Midwest Music Foundation, Apocalypse Meow, filmmaker Morgan Cooper, Charlotte Street Foundation, Inter Urban Arthouse, Lemonade Park, Weights and Measure Sound Lab, Innovation Festival, Bio Kansas, Les Bons Bons Electriques, Outer Reaches Fest, The Greater Philipino Association of Kamsas City, Queer Narratives Fest, No Devide KC, Boulevardia, Gay Pride, Folk Alliance International, The Band That Fell To Earth.

11:39

15. Danny Cox – “It’s You” (CD #15) (2:23)
    from: Danny Cox / Dunhill Records / August 15, 1971
    [In 2021 Danny Cox digitally released YOUNG AND HOT (LIVE AT COWTOWN BALLROOM) EP on July 27, 2021. Danny Cox was born in 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a folk singer and songwriter best known for his 1974 LP album Feel So Good. Danny Cox moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1967. As a youth, he sang in a church choir together with Rudolph Iseley, and in the 1960s he started his professional career performing on a Hootennany Folk Tour. Cox has recorded albums for ABC Dunhill, Casablanca, MGM and others. He also partnered a company called Good Karma Productions, run by the KC based Vanguard Coffee House owner Stan Plesser, who managed the acts of Brewer & Shipley, and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.]

Danny Cox Discography:

Live at 7 Cities (1963)
Sunny (1968)
Birth Announcement (1969)
Live at the Family Dog (1970)
Danny Cox (ABC Dunhill Records) (1971)
Feel So Good (Casablanca Records) (1974)
Troost Avenue Blues (3-track EP) (2006)
Bring Our Loved Ones Back (one track) (2007)
Sack of Trout (Single) (2015)
Vandalism in Eb Minor (Coin Heaven) (Single) (2015)
Kansas City – Where I Belong (Recorded at Pilgrim Chapel) (2012)
Time Is What I Need (Single) (2020)
Young and Hot (Live at Cowtown Ballroom) (5-track EP) (July 27, 2021)
Big John Buck O’Neil (Single) (December 7, 2021)

16. Eddie Moore – “A New Me, A New You”
    from: Intuition / Eddie Moore Music / October 28, 2022
    [Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon WilsonEddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]

17. Just Angel – “Intent”
    from: Just Angel: Pt. 2 {EP] / Just Angel / December 25, 2021
    [Just Angel is a Kansas City based, Singer, musician, songwriter, dancer, and creative artist, Just Angel. Her powerful voice has been called, “Passionate … Soulful… and Inspiring.” Her music finds its home in Rock, Jazz, and Alternative, and she has found a way to incorporate those genres within her love with Soul and R&B. Just Angel has performed with My Brothers & Sisters. Just Angel and her band, The Wades can be found rocking stages with her original songs from her recordings and eclectic takes on popular music. She released her debut EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 1 on December 24, 2020. She released her follow up EP, JUST ANGEL, PART 2 on December 25, 2021. She also contributed vocals to the recent Sisterbot record. More info at: https://linktr.ee/JustAngel_TigerLilyStar. Just Angel and The Wades played SOLSOUL FEST 2022 presented by Arquesta Del SolSoul Friday September 30, doors open at 7:00 PM, at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO, West Bottoms, featuring: The Phantastics, Regina Del Carmen, Jass, Ebony Tusks, Collidescope, Arquesta Del SolSoul and DJ SKEM]

11:47 – Pledge Break #6

This is WMM’s Winter Fund Drive Show with Marion Merritt, & Betse Ellis.

KKFI offers 24-7 programming, and YOU (the listener), basically get all of this amazing programming for “free.” I, for one, love that I can turn on my radio, or computer device, and tune into the 90.1 FM’s 100, 000 watt, crystal-clear signal, and hear the music, information, news, entertainment, events, and stories, that I really cannot find anywhere else. 90.1 is my comfort, my special companion, my interesting friend, introducing me to all kinds of new & local music, as well as the news & information without the intrusion of commercials. It is radio brought to YOU by real people, who create these shows out of love, and are guided by KKFI’s noble mission that “seeks to stimulate, educate and entertain our audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media.”

Driving in your car, at the office, at the gym, in your garage, in your cubicle, in your artspace, on your iPod, at your construction site, in your kitchen, in your barn, YOU can take 90.1 with you, as your companion. 90.1 FM is generally a good date. Good for a few laughs, fun to dance with, always interested in good conversation. Isn’t 90.1 FM KKFI worth a few dollars a day, or a week? So many people tune in to http://www.kkfi.org everyday, but studies show, that less than 1 percent actually donate to keep this miracle of broadcasting alive. Your support means that you will help bring this programming to folks who could not donate at this time, for whatever the reason.

Marion Merritt, Betse Ellis, Thank You! Thank you to everyone who donated! For WMM I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

THANK YOU to all of our wonderful listeners and friends who generously and thoughtfully donated to support KKFI 90.1 FM – Kansas City Community Radio during our Wednesday MidDay Medley broadcast today! Through the airwaves, and through social media, a total of 54 people donated a total of $2920.00 to allow us to continue our mission.

11:55

On February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, Samara Joy won 2 Grammys, Best New Artist & Best Jazz Vocal Album

18. Samara Joy – “Linger Awhile (Feat. Pasquale Grasso )”
    from: Linger Awhile / Verve / September 16, 2022
    [Samara Joy McLendon, is known professionally as Samara Joy. She is an American jazz singer. She won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2019 and was named Best New Artist by Jazz Times for 2021. // A native of the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, Joy was born in 1999 into a musical family. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, were founders of Philadelphia gospel group The Savettes. Her father, a bass player who has toured with gospel singer/songwriter/producer Andraé Crouch, introduced her to gospel greats like The Clark Sisters, and soul & Motown were also a big presence in her home. // At Fordham High School for the Arts she performed with the jazz band, and won Best Vocalist at Fordham University’s “Essentially Ellington” competition at Lincoln Center. But she first encountered jazz in a meaningful way when she enrolled in the jazz program at SUNY’s Purchase College as a voice major, and was named an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar. Friends there introduced her to the great jazz vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Fitzgerald and instrumentalists like Kenny Washington, Jon Faddis (with whom she studied) and Ingrid Jensen. While she was still in college, before the release of her 1st album, film director Regina King called her “a young woman who seems like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald are both living in her body.” // In 2019, as Samara McLendon, she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. // Working with producer and eventual manager Matt Pierson, she recorded her self-titled debut album while still in college, graduating magna cum laude in 2021. Samara Joy was released on 9 July 2021 with Whirlwind Records. // On February 15, 2022 she performed on Today with guitarist Pasquale Grasso and performed again on Today in Sept. 2022. // She released a number of viral video performances, including one that had been viewed over 1.5 million times as of Oct. 2020.// In February 2021 she was featured in Women of Color on Broadway, Inc.’s music video of “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess and on jazz pianist Julius Rodriguez’s album Let Sound Tell All. // Jazz Times named her Best New Artist for 2021. // On June 15, 2022 she was featured at Carnegie Hall’s 16th Annual Notable Occasion. and appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival. On Sept. 16, 2022 she released her 2nd album, Linger Awhile, on Verve Records. The album features drummer Kenny Washington, guitarist Pasquale Grasso, pianist Ben Paterson, & bassist David Wong. // On Feb. 5, 2023, Samara Joy won 2 Grammy Awards, for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile.]

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

Next week on Feb. 23, Fally Afani of I Heart Local Music joins us as Guest Producer!

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

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

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

Show #981