WMM PLAYLIST From October 15, 2025

Posted on October 18, 2025 by Mark Manning

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 15, 2025

Howard Iceberg & Chad Brothers & The Matchsellers + Rude Cousin

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979
[WMM’s theme]

Water From Your Eyes – “Nights in Armor”
from: It’s A Beautiful Place / Matador / August 22, 2025
[Songwriter Nate Amos, and front person Rachel Brown are Water from Your Eyes. It’s a Beautiful Place is the duo’s dizzying, chrome-tinted masterpiece, which Rolling Stone has christened “their most joyously out there achievement yet.” The band – now a four-piece on stage with Al Nardo (guitar) and Bailey Wollowitz (drums) – will support It’s A Beautiful Place with an extensive North American headline tour. The tour launches September 22 in Philadelphia and runs through November 2 in Denver, including stops at Bowery Ballroom in New York, Lodge Room in Los Angeles, and Sleeping Village in Chicago. // In the time since 2023’s “Everyone’s Crushed”, their Matador debut and critical breakout – which appeared in end of year lists by The New York Times, The Guardian, Pitchfork, NME, Vogue, Wired and Rolling Stone – Rachel Brown and Nate Amos have become a pillar of the city’s alternative music scene and one of its most revered underground exports. They played huge stages supporting Interpol on tour, including in front of 160,000 fans in Mexico City. Back home, the band established a DIY boat show franchise on the East River, hosting friends at the heart of the city’s musical vanguard including YHWH Nailgun, Model/Actriz, Frost Children, and Kassie Krut. Rachel released a new EP under their thanks for coming moniker, while Nate released an acclaimed full length under his This Is Lorelei solo project. The duo finished “It’s a Beautiful Place” last summer, just as they have every other WFYE release: in Amos’s bedroom. // Throughout “It’s A Beautiful Place” is a clear sense of a band who have honed their curveballs into home runs. Looming and melancholy, wide-eyed and petrified, it’s Blade Runner with a touch of WALL-E, it’s Kubrick and Asimov with a hint of Jay and Silent Bob. These are songs that look outward, conscious of our smallness and questioning our place in the universe while admiring the surrounding beauty.The album is the duo’s dizzying, chrome-tinted masterpiece, which Rolling Stone has christened “their most joyously out there achievement yet.” The band – now a four-piece on stage with Al Nardo (guitar) and Bailey Wollowitz (drums) – will support It’s A Beautiful Place with an extensive North American headline tour. The tour launches September 22 in Philadelphia and runs through November 2 in Denver, including stops at Bowery Ballroom in New York, Lodge Room in Los Angeles, and Sleeping Village in Chicago. // In the time since 2023’s “Everyone’s Crushed”, their Matador debut and critical breakout – which appeared in end of year lists by The New York Times, The Guardian, Pitchfork, NME, Vogue, Wired and Rolling Stone – Rachel Brown and Nate Amos have become a pillar of the city’s alternative music scene and one of its most revered underground exports. They played huge stages supporting Interpol on tour, including in front of 160,000 fans in Mexico City. Back home, the band established a DIY boat show franchise on the East River, hosting friends at the heart of the city’s musical vanguard including YHWH Nailgun, Model/Actriz, Frost Children, and Kassie Krut. Rachel released a new EP under their thanks for coming moniker, while Nate released an acclaimed full length under his This Is Lorelei solo project. The duo finished “It’s a Beautiful Place” last summer, just as they have every other WFYE release: in Amos’s bedroom. // Throughout “It’s A Beautiful Place” is a clear sense of a band who have honed their curveballs into home runs. Looming and melancholy, wide-eyed and petrified, it’s Blade Runner with a touch of WALL-E, it’s Kubrick and Asimov with a hint of Jay and Silent Bob. These are songs that look outward, conscious of our smallness and questioning our place in the universe while admiring the surrounding beauty.]

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

The Beth’s – “Straight Line Was A Lie”
from: Straight Line Was A Lie / Anti- / August 29, 2025
[The Beths — the New Zealand-based quartet of vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth Stokes, guitarist Jonathan Pearce, bassist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer Tristan Deck — release their new album, Straight Line Was A Lie, on ANTI-. // The path from The Beths’ critically celebrated and year-end-list-topping 2022 album Expert In A Dying Field to Straight Line Was A Lie was anything but straightforward. For the first time, Stokes was struggling to write new songs beyond fragments she’d recorded on her phone. She’d recently started taking an SSRI, which on one hand made her feel like she could “fix” everything broken in her life, from her mental and physical health to fraught family dynamics. At the same time, writing wasn’t coming as easily as it had before. // With Straight Line Was A Lie, Stokes and Pearce broke down the typical Beths writing process, opening themselves up to a wave of creative input, with Stokes’ free-flowing writing routine proving to be therapeutic. Already a celebrated lyricist, Stokes has long impressed fans and critics with catchy, instant-classic turns of phrase that capture the personal and ladder up to the universal. But Stokes’ intentional deconstruction and rebuilding of her relationship to writing, however, has resulted in a complete renewal. Her songwriting has achieved startling new depths of insight and vulnerability, making Straight Line Was A Lie the most sharply observant, truthful, and poetic Beths project to date.]

Julia Haile – “You Weren’t Around”
from: “You Weren’t Around” – Single / Julia Haile / October 10, 2025
[Haunted by the idea of you. This song explores the idea of realizing the love isn’t worth the loss of self. “I liked you better when you weren’t around”. Julia Haile -on vocals; Tim Braun – guitar & bass; Fritz Hutchison on drums; Chase Horseman on keyboards, synthesize. One of four new singles released by Julia Haile over the past two years. 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]

LyMerrick – “Medicine”
from: “Medicine” – Single / LyMerrick / October 1, 2024
[LyMerrick is a solo artist and lead singer of Supermoto. LyMerrick released the singles: “Broadway” with Ikey Suave feat. TOP MEECH; Ephemeral”- EP on October 1, 2024; Singles: “Lost and Sedated” on March 26, 2024; “Runaway” on August 24, 2020; “Look at You (feat. Sleepwalker) on May 13, 2020; “Early Days” on March 7, 2020; “Reminiscing to the Future” on April 5, 2019; “Lay Me Down” on February 8, 2018; “Moves (feat. Latenitee)” on January 31, 2019; “First Thing (feat. Latenitee)”; “Queen” on December 15, 2018; “Baggage” on December 9, 2018; “Pipe Down” on September 5, 2018; “Not Another Love Song” on June 27, 2018; and “Not Good Enough” on May 17, 2018. // LyMerrick is also lead singer of Supermoto who released ther self titled debut album, Supermoto /through Manor Records on September 30, 2024. Hailing from Kansas City, this 5-piece group started meeting in the pre covid winter of 2020. April of 2021 they released their first two songs “Moonlight” & “Polarized” which led to a run of energetic & successful live performances – all the while building up many catchy originals drawing on their inspirations of jazz, funk, r&b, city pop and disco. ]

Calvin Arsenia – “Is That What You Like”
from: Paradise / Calvin Arsenia / June 23, 2023
[Paradise is Calvin Arsenia’s 14 track album. Available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. 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 where at 24 he 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, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of VERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com][Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on Jan. 18, 2023, June 21, 2023, and our 1000th Show on June 28, 2923.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays the National Museum of Toys and Minatures, 5335 Oak St. KCMO, TONIHJT, Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30am.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays Greenwood Social Hall. At 1750 Belleview, KCMO West Side for BIG FEELS: Stories from the Heartland honeyglazed in love, pain, and the reckless will to survive. Thursday, October 16, at 7:00pm featuring: Fil by Peter Max lawrence, Poetry by Emery Diercks, Jace Jacob and poet Laureare of Kansas City Melissa Ferrer-Civil, and music by Calvin Arsenia.]

Car Microwave – “Ford Crown Victoria”
from: “Ford Crown Victoria” – Single / Car Microwave / September 25, 2025
[Car Microwave are an indie rock band out of KCMO. Devout haters of Truck Oven! With Katie Boord on vocals; Caitlyn Jacobs on guitar, vocals; Kirsten Krier on bass; Parker Mason on guitar, and Riley Rexford on drums. The band released the single “Kiki’s Delivery Service (feat. Shotgun Wedding Singer)” on October 4, 2024. (Shotgun Wedding Singer is Adam Doyle and Ben Wendt).They released the album, PHOTO ALBUM on May 19, 2023.]

10:30 – Underwriting

Rude Cousin – “Scrawny Man”
from: Rude Cousin / Rude Cousin / September 25, 2025
[Rude Cousin is comprised of real life cousins from Kansas City, MO. Front women Anna Redmond and Rita Hanch had been making music together way before forming Rude Cousin in 2024. As fate would have it Rita’s sister Elle Hanch plays bass, so they invited her and other cousin and guitarist Brock Johnson to join. The band was completed by local drumming sensation, Dustin Mott. Inspired by the Riot grrrl movement, rude cousin’s songs are a lil rowdy, witty and even melodic. For Rude Cousin Elle Hanch plays bass; Brock Johnson plays lead guitar; Rita Hanch is lead vocalist & guitarist; and Anna Redmond is also lead vocalist & keyboardist & guitarist; and Dustin Mott on drums.]

[Rude Cousin play an Album Release Show, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:00pm with special guest Nan & The One Nite Stands at 3807 Troost Ave. DIY Space ~ parking across the street.]

10:35 – Interview with Rita Hanch and Brock Johnson

Rita Hanch and Brock Johnson of the KC based band Rude Cousin. Rude Cousin is comprised of real life cousins from Kansas City, MO. Front women Anna Redmond and Rita Hanch had been making music together way before forming Rude Cousin in 2024. As fate would have it Rita’s sister Elle Hanch plays bass, so they invited her and other cousin and guitarist Brock Johnson to join. The band was completed by local drumming sensation, Dustin Mott. Inspired by the Riot grrrl movement, rude cousin’s songs are a lil rowdy, witty and even melodic. For Rude Cousin Elle Hanch plays bass; Brock Johnson plays lead guitar; Rita Hanch is lead vocalist & guitarist; and Anna Redmond is also lead vocalist & keyboardist & guitarist; and Dustin Mott on drums.

Rude Cousin play an Album Release Show, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:00pm with special guest Nan & The One Nite Stands at 3807 Troost Ave. DIY Space ~ parking across the street.

Rita Hanch and Brock Johnson Thank you for being with us on WMM

Rude Cousin were formed in 2024

Rude Cousin is:
Elle Hanch plays bass
Brock Johnson plays lead guitar
Rita Hanch is lead vocalist & guitarist
Anna Redmond is also lead vocalist & keyboardist & guitarist
Dustin Mott on drums.

Rude Cousin is comprised of real life cousins from Kansas City, MO.

Front women Anna Redmond and Rita Hanch had been making music together way before forming Rude Cousin in 2024.

As fate would have it Rita’s sister Elle Hanch plays bass, so they invited her and other cousin and guitarist Brock Johnson to join.

The band was completed by local drumming sensation, Dustin Mott.

Inspired by the Riot grrrl movement, rude cousin’s songs are a lil rowdy, witty and even melodic.

10:44

Rude Cousin – “Break 4 U”
from: Rude Cousin / Rude Cousin / September 25, 2025
[Rude Cousin is comprised of real life cousins from Kansas City, MO. Front women Anna Redmond and Rita Hanch had been making music together way before forming Rude Cousin in 2024. As fate would have it Rita’s sister Elle Hanch plays bass, so they invited her and other cousin and guitarist Brock Johnson to join. The band was completed by local drumming sensation, Dustin Mott. Inspired by the Riot grrrl movement, rude cousin’s songs are a lil rowdy, witty and even melodic. For Rude Cousin Elle Hanch plays bass; Brock Johnson plays lead guitar; Rita Hanch is lead vocalist & guitarist; and Anna Redmond is also lead vocalist & keyboardist & guitarist; and Dustin Mott on drums.]

[Rude Cousin play an Album Release Show, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:00pm with special guest Nan & The One Nite Stands at 3807 Troost Ave. DIY Space ~ parking across the street.]

10:46 – More Interview with Rita Hanch and Brock Johnson

Rita Hanch and Brock Johnson of the KC based band Rude Cousin. Rude Cousin is comprised of real life cousins from Kansas City, MO. Front women Anna Redmond and Rita Hanch had been making music together way before forming Rude Cousin in 2024. As fate would have it Rita’s sister Elle Hanch plays bass, so they invited her and other cousin and guitarist Brock Johnson to join. The band was completed by local drumming sensation, Dustin Mott. Inspired by the Riot grrrl movement, rude cousin’s songs are a lil rowdy, witty and even melodic. For Rude Cousin Elle Hanch plays bass; Brock Johnson plays lead guitar; Rita Hanch is lead vocalist & guitarist; and Anna Redmond is also lead vocalist & keyboardist & guitarist; and Dustin Mott on drums.

Rude Cousin play an Album Release Show, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:00pm with special guest Nan & The One Nite Stands at 3807 Troost Ave. DIY Space.

Rita Hanch and Brock Johnson Thank you for being with us on WMM

Rude Cousin were formed in 2024

Rude Cousin is comprised of real life cousins from Kansas City, MO.

Rita Hanch and Brock Johnson Thank you for being with us on WMM

Rude Cousin play an Album Release Show, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:00pm with special guest Nan & The One Nite Stands at 3807 Troost Ave. DIY Space.

10:54

Rude Cousin – “Ur In A Band”
from: Rude Cousin / Rude Cousin / September 25, 2025
[Rude Cousin is comprised of real life cousins from Kansas City, MO. Front women Anna Redmond and Rita Hanch had been making music together way before forming Rude Cousin in 2024. As fate would have it Rita’s sister Elle Hanch plays bass, so they invited her and other cousin and guitarist Brock Johnson to join. The band was completed by local drumming sensation, Dustin Mott. Inspired by the Riot grrrl movement, rude cousin’s songs are a lil rowdy, witty and even melodic. For Rude Cousin Elle Hanch plays bass; Brock Johnson plays lead guitar; Rita Hanch is lead vocalist & guitarist; and Anna Redmond is also lead vocalist & keyboardist & guitarist; and Dustin Mott on drums.]

[Rude Cousin play an Album Release Show, Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7:00pm with special guest Nan & The One Nite Stands at 3807 Troost Ave. DIY Space ~ parking across the street.]

Lorna Kay – “Havin’ A Ball”
from: Lorna Kay – EP / Town & Country / September 19, 2025
[Lauren Krum solo project with Mike Stover. Lauren Krum is known for her work as lead singer of The Grisly Hand who had their last show on May 11, 2024 at The Ship. The band first started playing live in 2009. When The Grisly Hand released their debut album Safe House, the entire band (at that time: Lauren Krum, Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder, Mike Tuley. Ben Summers & Kian Byrne) climbed into our studios and performed live on our Nov. 10, 2010 show. // Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder were in a band called Left Behind. Lauren had played with them at The Brick, before laving Kansas City to go to Columbia College in Chicago. N Chicago Lauren created the group The Strumpettes a soul-inspired group featuring four female singers and a four-piece band. When the Strumpettes dismantled in 2008 and her life in Chicago started to fall apart, Krum decided to move back to Kansas City. She immediately began singing with From Before. // Within a few months, Krum, Fitzner, Nichols and Snyder were performing as a new group. They had brought on Andy Davis to play mandolin. Krum had found the name “the Grisly Hand” iafter coming across it in the poem “Webster Ford” from Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. The most Current grouping of The Grisly Hand was Jimmy Fitzner, Lauren Krum, Ben Summers, Mike Stover, Johnny Nichols and Kian Byrne. / A super group of sorts several members have also been involved in other projects. Lauren has played and recorded with Ruddy Swain (w/ David Regnier), Lorna Kay, and Lorna Kay’s Country Club, as well as being a DJ.]

[Lorna K plays Honky the LiftKC Concert at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with Kadeshg Flow on Tuesday, October 21 at 5:00pm]

[Lorna K plays Honky Tonk Tuesday at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00pm]

11:00 – Station ID

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “Death In Venice” (from recordings)
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. Howard worked exclusively with Chad, Julie and Andrew with the exception of one recording session where Julie was sick and Beth Watts Nelson played in her place. And Brett Hodges plays dobro on a few tracks. Howard would run through the song once and then they would hit “record” and capture each song in one or two takes. No over dubs, no rehearsal. Howard called it “Back Porch Music.” All together 100 songs were engineered and recorded by Chad Brothers. Howard has actually written many more songs but these are the ones that made the cut to be recorded. Howard continue to collaborate with Pat Tomek, producer, engineer, former drummer of The Rainmakers who keeps all of Howards songs in his computer in his studio. When Howard first writes a song he captures the raw track in a demo recording with Pat. Howard has been working with Pat Tomek since the late 1970s.]

[Howard Iceberg & The Titanics play Grand Avenue Temple and Grand Avenue Temple Building, 205 East 9th Street & 903 Grand Avenue, KCMO, on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:00pm. The Shady Sides will open.]

11:03 – Interview with Howard Iceberg & Chad Brothers & Julie Bates & Andrew Morris

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers will play live in our KKFI 90.1 FM Studios.

Legendary Singer Songwriter Howard Iceberg is one of the most prolific and poetic songwriters in Kansas City. He has written thousands of songs. Howard has done all of this while also leading a distinguished career as an immigration attorney (Howard Eisberg), and has donated much of his time and music to projects that serve our community. Howard Iceberg began performing in the late 1970s, and playing with songwriters Scott Hrabko and Iris DeMent in the 1980s. Over the past five and a half decades he has released countless albums, and collections of songs. In 2011, Howard Iceberg & The Titanics released a seven CD, box set, of 106 new songs, all instant classics. In 2014 he released a collection called Spring 2014, on his birthday May 9, 2015 he released, Smooth Sailing which included 13 new songs. In September 2016 Howard released a 2 CD set of 26 new tracks called, “Kansas City Songs.” On December 20, 2017 Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – released the album Netherlands with Rich Hill on organ, Bryan Hicks on electric bass, Doug Auwarter on drums, Dan Bliss on guitar. Over the past seven years Howard Iceberg has been working exclusively with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. Recording 100 new songs. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. All together 100 songs were engineered and recorded by Chad Brothers.

Howard Iceberg Thanks for being with us on WMM

Chad Brothers is a KC-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bandmate to many. An accomplished guitarist and vocalist of 35+ years, Chad has strong sense of melodic and harmonic patterns, with a uniquely soulful perspective from which he writes original folk, bluegrass, rock and psychedelic music rooted in acoustic and electric guitar. // Born and raised on a family farm outside of Winfield, KS, Chad was deeply influenced from a young age by the acoustic mecca of the Walnut Valley Festival, absorbing and evolving musically under the rich history and uniquely-inviting campground jamming culture of the annual event. // These days, you can find Chad performing around Kansas City and surrounding areas in his impressive array of musical projects, including with Old Sound, Supermassive Black Holes, Shapiro Brothers, Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Howard Iceberg & The Titanics and several others. Chad has also served as Chief Operator at KKFI 90.1 FM Kansas City Community Radio since August 2019.

Chad Brothers Thanks for being with us on WMM

Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City. Andrew Morris is a Chicago blues guitarist from Warsaw, Indiana. They met in Leipzig, Germany. During their year of living in the former East Germany, the pair began reanalyzing the songs of their homeland, and developed a tight yet gritty bluegrass style. In the summer of 2013 they left their jobs to hit the road and haven’t looked back. This year on August 2, 2025 The Matchsellers released their newest album, Psychobiography. On May 3, 2024 The Matchsellers released LIVE AT THE WAREHOUSE. // On October 28, 2022 The Matchsellers released The Wishful Thinker’s Hall of Game // On February 12, 2016 they released their album, SONGS WE MADE UP. In late 2014 they released their debut full length recording, “Kosciusko County”. The Matchsellers have toured 3 European countries and 25 US States, performing 180 shows a year, including the KC Fringe Festival, Bluegrass Bazaar in Flint, Michigan, Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK, and a 1st place win at the Eddie Owen Presents songwriting competition in Atlanta, GA. And recently wins in finger picking and playing.

Julie Bates and Andrew Morris Thanks for being with us on WMM

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics play Grand Avenue Temple and Grand Avenue Temple Building, 205 East 9th Street & 903 Grand Avenue, KCMO, on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7:00pm. The Shady Sides will open.

Over the past 7 years Howard Iceberg has been working exclusively with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. Recording 100 new songs. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. Howard would run through the song once and then they would hit “record” and capture each song in one or two takes. No over dubs, no rehearsal. Howard called it “Back Porch Music.” 100 songs were engineered and recorded by Chad Brothers.

Howard worked exclusively with Chad, Julie and Andrew with the exception of one recording session where Julie was sick and Beth Watts Nelson played in her place. And Brett Hodges plays dobro on a few tracks.

Howard has actually written many more songs but these are the ones that made the cut to be recorded. Howard continue to collaborate with Pat Tomek, producer, engineer, former drummer of The Rainmakers who keeps all of Howards songs in his computer in his studio. When Howard first writes a song he captures the raw track in a demo recording with Pat. Howard has been working with Pat Tomek since the late 1970s.

Legendary Kansas City Singer Songwriter – Howard Eisberg records and performs under the name Howard iceberg. He is one of the most prolific and poetic songwriters of the Kansas City music scene. He has written hundreds, possibly thousands of songs. Howard has done all of this while also leading a distinguished career as an immigration attorney, and he has donated much of his time and music to valuable projects that serve our community. Howard Iceberg began performing in coffeehouses in the late 1980s with fellow area independent songwriters Scott Hrabko and Iris DeMent.

11:10

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “Closer Into You” (LIVE)
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. Howard worked exclusively with Chad, Julie and Andrew with the exception of one recording session where Julie was sick and Beth Watts Nelson played in her place. And Brett Hodges plays dobro on a few tracks. Howard would run through the song once and then they would hit “record” and capture each song in one or two takes. No over dubs, no rehearsal. Howard called it “Back Porch Music.” All together 100 songs were engineered and recorded by Chad Brothers. Howard has actually written many more songs but these are the ones that made the cut to be recorded. Howard continue to collaborate with Pat Tomek, producer, engineer, former drummer of The Rainmakers who keeps all of Howards songs in his computer in his studio. When Howard first writes a song he captures the raw track in a demo recording with Pat. Howard has been working with Pat Tomek since the late 1970s.]

11:13 – More Interview w/ Howard Iceberg & Chad Brothers & Julie Bates & Andrew Morris

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers are playing live in our KKFI 90.1 FM Studios.

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris Thanks for being with us on WMM

Last February 14 The Matchsellers released their single “I Can’t Believe Were Still In Love” // The Matchsellers played Manor Fest 7 on Saturday, May 24 at Stockyards, 1600 Genessee St, KCMO with Jack Summers, and Natalie Prauser // This year on August 2, 2025 The Matchsellers released their newest album, Psychobiography.

11:18

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “I Went The Other Way” (LIVE)
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. .]

11:21 – More Interview with Howard Iceberg & Chad Brothers & Julie Bates & Andrew Morris

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers are playing live in our KKFI 90.1 FM Studios.

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris Thanks for being with us on WMM

Pat Tomek at Largely Studios is part of Howard Iceberg’s long time recording project. In 2018 when he was on the show Howard tells us that he has more than 4 albums worth of new songs in the works.

Pat Tomek is longtime member of The Titanics, drummer and member of legendary band The Rainmakers, and drummer in the band Deco Auto, that we played earlier in the show. Pat Tomek is also a recording engineer and producer who has worked with countless area bands and musicians and has been a primary partner and caretaker in the recording and production of Howard’s recording project of songs.

11:26

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “The Martini Song” (from recordings)
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. Howard worked exclusively with Chad, Julie and Andrew with the exception of one recording session where Julie was sick and Beth Watts Nelson played in her place. And Brett Hodges plays dobro on a few tracks. Howard would run through the song once and then they would hit “record” and capture each song in one or two takes. No over dubs, no rehearsal. Howard called it “Back Porch Music.” All together 100 songs were engineered and recorded by Chad Brothers. Howard has actually written many more songs but these are the ones that made the cut to be recorded. Howard continue to collaborate with Pat Tomek, producer, engineer, former drummer of The Rainmakers who keeps all of Howards songs in his computer in his studio. When Howard first writes a song he captures the raw track in a demo recording with Pat. Howard has been working with Pat Tomek since the late 1970s.]

11:28 – Underwriting

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “Lay Down Your Arms” Julie on vocals
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. .]

[Howard Iceberg & The Titanics play Grand Avenue Temple / Grand Avenue Temple Building, 205 East 9th Street & 903 Grand Ave., KCMO, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 7:00pm. The Shady Sides will open.]

11:33 – Interview with Howard Iceberg & Chad Brothers & Julie Bates & Andrew Morris

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris Thanks for being with us on WMM

11:38

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “Long Ago And Far Away” (LIVE)
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. .]

[Howard Iceberg & The Titanics play Grand Avenue Temple / Grand Avenue Temple Building, 205 East 9th Street & 903 Grand Ave., KCMO, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 7:00pm. The Shady Sides will open.]

11:41 – Interview with Howard Iceberg & Chad Brothers & Julie Bates & Andrew Morris

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris Thanks for being with us on WMM

Chad Brothers has released new music this year with his band Old Sound last year his band Supermassive Black Holes released a full length album, he hjas dome many live sjows withthese band and also with Mikal Shapiro and The Musical, Barclay Brothjers, Shapiro Brothers and as a solo artist.

11:46

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “It’s Just Love” (LIVE)
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. .]

[Howard Iceberg & The Titanics play Grand Avenue Temple / Grand Avenue Temple Building, 205 East 9th Street & 903 Grand Ave., KCMO, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 7:00pm. The Shady Sides will open.]

11:49 – Interview with Howard Iceberg & Chad Brothers & Julie Bates & Andrew Morris

Howard Iceberg, Chad Brothers, and Julie Bates & Andrew Morris Thanks for being with us on WMM

Over the past 7 years Howard Iceberg has been working exclusively with Chad Brothers, Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. Howard would run through the song once and then they would hit “record” and capture each song in one or two takes. No over dubs, no rehearsal. Howard called it “Back Porch Music.” 100 songs were engineered and recorded by Chad Brothers.

For Wednesday MidDay Medley I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

11:54

Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “The Bad Dream” (from recordings)
from: Howard Iceberg’s New Songs / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / October 17, 2025
[Howard Iceberg on lead vocals with Chad Brothers and Julie Bates and Andrew Morris of The Matchsellers. These musician met every three months for 3-hour sessions, over a period of seven years, in the basement of Chad Brothers’ house where he has a recording studio. Howard worked exclusively with Chad, Julie and Andrew with the exception of one recording session where Julie was sick and Beth Watts Nelson played in her place. And Brett Hodges plays dobro on a few tracks. Howard would run through the song once and then they would hit “record” and capture each song in one or two takes. No over dubs, no rehearsal. Howard called it “Back Porch Music.” All together 100 songs were engineered and recorded by Chad Brothers. Howard has actually written many more songs but these are the ones that made the cut to be recorded. Howard continue to collaborate with Pat Tomek, producer, engineer, former drummer of The Rainmakers who keeps all of Howards songs in his computer in his studio. When Howard first writes a song he captures the raw track in a demo recording with Pat. Howard has been working with Pat Tomek since the late 1970s.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, October 22, we present WMM’s 20 Favorite Tracks of All Time! To help us celebrate I will be joined by my special co-hosts: Betse Ellis, Sandra Draper, and KKFI’s new Executive Director Bess Wallerstein for our Wednesday MidDay Medley Fall On-Air-Fund Drive. We will need to hear from YOU our listeners to support Community Radio. In our currently political climate we need your support now more than ever. Please call 888-931-0901 during the show so we can say your name over the airwaves.

You can find our playlists at: http://www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & http://www.kkfi.org
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
http://www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley http://www.bandcamp.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley

A really big THANK YOU to every one of you who donated during Wednesday MidDay Medley and our Summer Fund Drive for KKFI 90.1 FM. We had 47 individuals donate a total of $3529.00 in support of Community Radio. Special thanks go to my co-hosts and guests: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, Sandra Draper, Steve Tulipana and Lincoln Dreher!!!

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

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

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

Show #1117

WMM PLAYLIST from October 1, 2025

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Mark Manning

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 1, 2025

New & MidCoastal Releases + Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day + Whim Production’s “Boys in the Band”

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

Julia Othmer – “White Rabbit”
from: White Rabbit – Single / Fricken’ Awesome Records / August 29, 2021 (Unreleased)
[Recorded Live at Kulak’s in North Hollywood with Andy Sanesi (Missing Persons, Eminem, Arturo Sandoval) on drums, Jamie Kime (Dr. John, Zappa Plays Zappa) on guitar, and Chris Roy (Nancy Sinatra, Don Randi) on bass. // On February 27, 2024 Julia Othmer and James T Lundie released the single “Slip Away” from THE FORCEFIELDS, their new musical project, a new “cosmosonic” collaboration between Julia Othmer and James T Lundie AKA Aayama & Max Forcefield. The Forcefields debut EP, BRIDGE, will be released later in 2024. It is a sonic bridge between their previous work together and this new trajectory. Reinterpreting and distilling the essence of two of Julia’s previous songs, BRIDGE is a rhythmic, multi-layered and richly textured exploration of letting go and positive self realization. // Julia released SEEDS VOLUME 2, her 4th album with live recordings from her 30-day “Songs of September Project”, where Julia covered songs of protest & hope, to inspire people to vote. From those songs Julia’s fans democratically selected their favorite tracks to be released together on “Seeds.” In 2020 Julia released SEEDS VOLUME 1. Julia Othmer released “Sound,” on April 12, 2019, her second album, that took 3 years to complete, and was produced with James Lundie, who also married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School. Julia moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st album, OASIS MOTEL. More info at: http://www.juliaothmer.com.]

THIMASTR – “Elliptical”
from: Muscle Memories / High Dive Records / September 26, 2025
[From Lawrence, KS. Thimastr is bringing fabulous tone to thighs and songcraft since just now. Music that summons nostalgia for the chill vibes and warm tanning booths of Spring Break. Resurrecting the song-writing demons that have long haunted Maxfield Yoder (Dean Monkey & the Dropouts, Plains), Thimastr truly is garage pop for cool grandparents. Now you too can have shapely thighs in minutes a day. No master but Thimastr includes: Max Yoder on voice & guitar; Jen Graham on drums; Jordan Swartzendruber on vocal & tambo; Ellen L’Esperance on vocals & shakers; Renee Huey –on bass; and J. Little on guitar. The new album was Mixed by Robert Pope. Tracked & Mastered by Caufield Schnug. Artwork by Amber Hansen
Graphic designer Tyler Davis. // THIMASTR released their debut album, Between The Knees And Squeeze on High Dive Records on January 10, 2020 with Maxfield Yoder on guitar & vocals, Max Lock on vocals, Max Smith on tambourine & vocals, Esteban Gomez –on bass, Jennifer Graham on drums, and Jake Little on guitar. Tracked, Mixed and Mastered by Ross Williams and written by Thighmaster. Now you too can have shapely thighs in minutes a day.]

Jeff Tweedy – “Lou Reed Was My Babysitter”
from: Twilight Override / dBpm Records / September 26, 2025
[Twilight Override is the fifth solo studio album by Jeff Tweedy. It is a triple album featuring 30 songs. It follows Tweedy’s 2020 album, Love Is the King. It was recorded at his Chicago studio, the Loft. It features contributions from James Elkington, Finom’s Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart, and Liam Kazar, along with Tweedy’s sons, Spencer and Sammy. Tweedy’s decision to record a triple album was first inspired after he listened to The Clash’s Sandinista! all the way through during a road trip with his two sons. // In the album’s press release, Tweedy expressed being overwhelmed by the “bottomless basket of rock bottom” of current social conditions, what he described as the “sense of decline” in the “twilight of an empire”. He, however, concluded that he was unsure what exactly was “squeezing this ennui into [his] day”, and described the album as his “effort to overwhelm it right back”. He further credited his recent prolific output to his belief that creativity aligns oneself against destruction, consuming the “darkness”. // Twilight Override was officially announced on July 15, 2025. Four singles were released the same day: “One Tiny Flower”, “Out in the Dark”, and “Stray Cats in Spain”, and “Enough”. The album is scheduled to be released on September 26, 2025, through dBpm Records. “Feel Free” was released on August 19, 2025, and “Lou Reed Was My Babysitter” was released on September 12, 2025. // Following the remaining dates on Wilco’s summer 2025 tour, Tweedy will support the album with “a full-band tour” of North America in October and November 2025, followed by a tour of Europe in February 2026. // Jeffrey Scot Tweedy (born August 25, 1967) is an American musician, singer songwriter, author, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Wilco. Tweedy, originally from Belleville, Illinois, began his music career in high school with his band The Plebes along with Jay Farrar, also in the band. The Plebes later became the alternative country band Uncle Tupelo. // After Uncle Tupelo broke up Tweedy formed Wilco which found critical and commercial success, most notably with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born. The latter received a Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 2005. // During his career Tweedy has released 20 studio albums including four with Uncle Tupelo, twelve with Wilco, one with his son Spencer, a solo acoustic album, three solo studio albums, along with numerous collaborations with other musicians, most notably Mermaid Avenue with Billy Bragg. // Tweedy was born in Belleville on August 25, 1967, the fourth child of Bob and JoAnn Tweedy (née Werkmeister). Bob Tweedy (died August 4, 2017) worked for Alton & Southern Railroad in East St. Louis; JoAnn was a kitchen designer. Tweedy grew up with three siblings, older brother Greg Tweedy (he died in 2013), brother Steven Tweedy, and sister Debbie Voll. // Tweedy’s mother bought him his first guitar when he was six years old, although he did not begin to play it seriously until he was twelve. Apparently Tweedy told people that he knew how to play the guitar once he got his first guitar, even though he did not know how to play. // When he was twelve, Tweedy was injured in a bicycle accident and was laid up for the summer. He decided to learn how to play a few chords before somebody “called him out” on the lie. On an appearance of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he remembered attending an X concert as a youngster in St. Louis. The Replacements opened, and Paul Westerberg, their guitarist and vocalist, fell off the stage while performing. Tweedy recalls thinking “That looks like fun!” // In 1981, when Tweedy was fourteen years old, he befriended Jay Farrar during an English class at Belleville Township High School West. All of the members of Farrar’s family enjoyed playing music; he already knew rock and roll music very well. By that time, Tweedy was a fan of The Ramones and country music while Farrar enjoyed The Sex Pistols. Tweedy attended Belleville Area College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.]

[Jeff Tweedy plays Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas on November 8, 2025]

Shy Boys – “Upperclassmen”
from: “Upperclassmen” – Single / Polyvinyl Record Co. / September 16, 2025
[Written by Collin Rausch. Engineered by Ross Brown. Mixed by Ross Brown. Mastered by Mike Nolte
Recorded in Kansas City, KS.With additional vocals by Sadie Rausch. From Polyvinyl Record Co. “The energetic single, “Upperclassmen,” is a freewheeling anthem for the underdog that rides high upon bright jangle-pop verses, and charming vocal harmonies led by the commanding falsetto of singer / guitarist Collin Rausch. // Capturing Shy Boys’ ever so gentle punk proclivities, “Upperclassmen” is charged with nimble guitars that evoke the early 80s spirit of South Bay SST bands like Minutemen and Descendents. // Meanwhile, Kansas City artist Diyana Shipp’s beautifully detailed cover illustration of two leaping ‘letter-jacket jocks’ (who will undoubtedly “kick your ass”) calls to mind the iconic pen and ink contrast work of Raymond Pettibon. // Saved by the bell, yet again, “Upperclassmen” gets in and out quicker than you can make it to homeroom. “ // Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Members of Shy Boys represent the bands: The ACBs, Ghosty, The I’ms, Fullbloods , and Koney. The group formed shortly after Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin became roommates in 2012. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. Soon the band became a 5-piece. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com. In June 2014 the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that the band had signed to Polyvinyl Record Co. Shy Boys release Bell House on Polyvinyl Records on August 3, 2018. Shy Boys released their third album Talk Loud on Polyvinyl Record Co. on September 25, 2020. More info at: http://www.shyboys.com]

Shy Boys / The ACBs / Ghosty / The I’ms / Fullbloods / Koney – Discography

The ACB’s / The ACB’s / July 10, 2007
[Debut from KC based 4-piece with Konnor Ervin on lead vocals, Bryan McGuire on bass, Matt Saladino on guitar, Corey Egan on drums & vocals. Written by, and arranged by Konnor Ervin. Produced by Tim Suttle. Recorded & mixed at Underdog Studio in Desoto, KS. Mastered at Euphonic Masters in Memphis, TN.]

The Abracadabras – Be Still, Be Cool / The Abracadabras / January 1, 2008
[5-piece KC band formed in the spring of 2007, with Jocelyn Olivia (John) Nixon on keyboards & vocals, Travis Mckenzie on lead guitar, Bobby (Wayne Hutcherson) Topaz on guitar & vocals, Collin Rausch on bass & vocals, and Kyle Rausch on drums & vocals.]

The ACBs – Stona Rosa / The ACBs / January 1, 2011
[After half of the band left to move to LA, Konnor Ervin and Bryan McGuire got help from: Andrew Connor of Ghosty, and Beau Bruns of Cowboy Indian Bear. All songs written by, and arranged, lead vocals & guitar by Konnor Ervin. Mike Nolte on bass, Bryan McGuire on bass & vocals, Andrew Connor on guitar & vocals, Beau Brus on drums. Kyle Rausch on vocals. Produced by Mike Nolte. Mastered by Roger Seibel Recorded at More Famouser Studios. Mixed at More Famouser Studios. Mastered at SAE Mastering.]

The I’ms – Second MIXES / Independent / 2011
[Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch. Kyle Rausch also plays with The ACB’s. In 2011 on WMM we started playing songs from The I’ms, a duo made of up Collin and Kyle, who posted 6 of their self recorded songs on their facebook page. We included this informal release in our Top Ten of The 111 Best Recordings of 2011. 3 of the songs from The I’ms ended up being rerecorded for Shy Boys.]

Ghosty – GHOSTY / More Famouser Records – High Dive Records / April 17, 2012
[3rd full length release from Lawrence and KC area band. Ghosty is Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte an Bill Belzer who recorded their new album themselves over the last couple of years with help from David Wetzel, Josh Adams, Jake Blanton, Konnor Ervin, Ryan Connor, Kirsten Paludan, and Dan Talmadge. The new release was pressed on vinyl and available on LP and digital download. More info at ghostysounds.com.]

The ACBs – Little Leaves / High Dive Records / March 5, 2013
[Konnor Ervin on lead vocals, & guitar; Bryan McGuire on bass, Andrew Connor on guitar; Kyle Rausch on drums. Their songs have been featured on MTV’s The Inbetweeners, and Daytrotter. The title “Little Leaves” is a nod to Konnor Ervin’s landscaping day job. The lead single, “Ocean” was released as a free download in late 2012, prompting Popmatters to declare the ACBs as one of its “Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013.”]

Shy Boys – Shy Boys / High Dive Records / January 17, 2014
[Debut release. Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and friend and roommate Konnor Ervin, are members of this KC based trio. Collin and Kyle’s father was a High School band director and music teacher. Konnor Ervin is the lead singer and songwriter of The ACBs, where Kyle also plays drums. The 10 song release had two singles premiered by Stereogum. “Keeps Me On My Toes” was a song Collin wrote in 15 minutes while his girlfriend was in the shower. The album was recorded at West End Studio, over two-weekends.]

Shy Boys – “Life is Peachy” – Single Release / High Dive Records / July 15, 2014
[Stereogum has premiered the band’s new song, “Life Is Peachy”, the A-side to their new 45 rpm, 7″ single coming from High Dive Records. Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and roommate Konnor Ervin, are members of the Kansas City based band, Shy Boys. ]

Fullbloods – Mild West / High Dive Records / February 26, 2016
[Second full length release from Fullbloods: Ross Brown; Jared Tomasino; David Seume; and Bill Pollock. Recorded at Westend Studios in Kansas City, Kansas by Mike Nolte. Mixed by Fullbloods. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. (Starfucker, Of Montreal).]

Shy Boys – Bell House / Polyvinyl Record Co. / August 3, 2018
[Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. The group formed shortly after the trio became roommates in 2012. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com

Shy Boys – Dim The Light / Brick By Brick – Singles / Polyvinyl Record Co. / Feb. 15, 2019
[Single release follow up to band’s 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com. In June 2014 the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that the band had signed to Polyvinyl Record Co.]

Fullbloods – Soft and Virtual Touch / High Dive Records / April 3, 2020
[3rd full-length. All songs written, performed, recorded, mixed by Ross Brown in KCMO. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Artwork by Nika Winn. Kyle Rausch played drums on 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, & 9, sang on 9. Bill Pollock Played drums on 3 & 5. David Seume played bass on 5. Jerad Tomasino played synth on 9 & 10, sang on 9. Jenni Kornfeld played cello on 4. Leslie Butsch played sax on 10. More info at: http://www.fullbloods.com.]

Shy Boys – Talk Loud / Polyvinyl Record Co. / September 25, 2020
[3rd album from the KC band Shy Boys. New music follow up to the Dim The Light / Brick By Brick, singles released February 15, 2019. Shy Boys released their 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House on August 3, 2018. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands including The Abracadabras, and The I’ms with brother Kyle. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records.]

Koney – Koney / High Dive Records / October 9, 2020

[from Lucas Wetzel’s Pitch Feature: “To bring the songs to life, Konnor enlisted brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch, his roommates in their ramshackle West Plaza house/practice space and his bandmates in chamber pop group Shy Boys. Ross Brown (of Fullbloods) played synthesizer and helped run sound, and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Little contributed on guitar. Fritz Hutchison and Andrew Connor also contributed on several tracks. Recording engineer Mike Nolte flew in from Portland to run the controls at Westend Recordings, and the group set up camp in the studio over a long snowy weekend in 2015.”]

Fullbloods – Playing It Safe / High Dive Records / March 7, 2025
[Fullbloods is a studio project of songwriter and producer Ross Brown (Shy Boys, Koney, Snacky). Live he is joined by his friends and the music is probably better that way. Thanks for listening! // Fullbloods released their 3rd full-length album Soft and Virtual Touch on High Dive Records on April 3, 2020. All songs written, performed, recorded, mixed by Ross Brown (℗© 2019 Bargain Hunt Music / ASCAP) in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Artwork by Nika Winn. Kyle Rausch played drums on 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9, sang on 9. Bill Pollock Played drums on 3 and 5. David Seume played bass on 5. Jerad Tomasino played synth on 9 and 10, sang on 9. Jenni Kornfeld played cello on 4. Leslie Butsch played sax on 10. More information at: http://www.fullbloods.com.]

Geese – “Cobra”
from: Getting Killed / Partisan Records / September 26, 2025
[Getting Killed is the 4th studio album by Geese. It was released by Partisan Records as the full-length follow-up to their 2023 album 3D Country, as well as frontman Cameron Winter’s 2024 solo album Heavy Metal. It was preceded by the singles “Taxes”, “Trinidad” and “100 Horses”. // Getting Killed was produced alongside Kenny Beats. It was recorded over a 10-day period and has been described as “shambolic in structure but passionately performed”, with the band “[balancing] a disarming tenderness with an intensified anger”. The album’s lead single, “Taxes”, was released on July 8, 2025. The song’s music video has been described as containing “a hallucinatory rush of moshing, screaming, and violence that feels akin to an exorcism”. // On June 23, 2025, the band announced a North American headlining tour in support of the album. The tour is scheduled to begin in South Burlington, Vermont on October 10, and conclude in Brooklyn, New York on November 21. // On July 24, Cameron Winter leaked the album’s opening track, “Trinidad”, via a now-removed link shared on his Instagram page. The song was officially released 5 days later, on July 29. // All lyrics are written by Cameron Winter; all music is composed by Winter, Max Bassin, Dominic DiGesu, and Emily Green. // In the summer of 2021, Geese emerged from out of nowhere, sparking a hype cycle unlike anything that had been seen for a young American rock band in recent memory. Suddenly a band that had previously planned to release some music, break up, and go away to college was touring the world. They made their TV debut on Colbert, were profiled by the NY Times, Stereogum Band To Watch, Consequence Artist Of The Month, Paste Best Of What’s Next, Rolling Stone called them “indie rock prodigies,” and they toured with Jack White and Spoon. // And during this entire process, that very same band everyone was getting to know ceased to exist. On a practical level, Geese are still the group we were introduced to in 2021: vocalist Cameron Winter, guitarist Gus Green, guitarist Foster Hudson, bassist Dom DiGesu, and drummer Max Bassin. But on June 23, 2023 Geese returned with their third album, ‘3D Country’ fusing recognizable sounds with warped meditations on daily life in a world sliding out of view, Geese repurposing fragments of classic rock into a sound that is stranger and wholly their own. Right out the gates, the album kicks off with serpentine grooves underneath the armageddon visions of “2122,” before quickly ceding to the title track’s gospel-flecked chorus.“Undoer” is a slowburn simmer constantly building to something apocalyptic; “Crusades” travels back to Medieval times but chugs along on a “Heroes”-esque groove before strings swoop in around it. Later, Green and Hudson’s guitars bend and fry while Hudson also jumps in on vocals for an inhuman wail on “Mysterious Love,” and the whole album ends with the sideways piano elegy of “St. Elmo,” playing out like a saloon song viewed through a funhouse mirror. // More info: http://www.geeseband.com]

oddisee (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Etnia Barcelona )

Oddisee – “Tomorrow Can’t Be Borrowed”
from: En Route – EP / Mello Music Group / May 30, 2025
[Amir Mohamed el Khalifa (born on February 24, 1985), better known by his stage name Oddisee, is a rapper and record producer from Washington, D.C. He is one third of the hip hop trio Diamond District. He was also part of the Low Budget Crew. He is based in Brooklyn, New York. // Oddisee was born to an African-American mother and a Sudanese father, at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He was raised by his stepmother (who was also Sudanese) and father. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, as well as Prince George’s County, Maryland. He moved back to Washington, D.C. after high school. // In 2010, Oddisee released Traveling Man on Mello Music Group. His Odd Spring mixtape was listed on the Washington Post’s Best Local Hip-Hop mixtapes of 2010. In 2011, Oddisee released Rock Creek Park, which was ranked as a Mixtape of the Week by Stereogum. Odd Seasons, a collection of EPs released throughout the previous 12 months, was also released that year. // In 2012, he released a studio album, People Hear What They See. The Beauty in All, his first instrumental release since Rock Creek Park, was released in 2013. In that year, he also released Tangible Dream. In 2015, he released The Good Fight. In 2016, he released an EP, Alwasta, and a mixtape, The Odd Tape. In 2017, he released a studio album, The Iceberg, as well as a live album, Beneath the Surface. // Oddisee was originally influenced by Black American jazz traditions and the Golden Age of hip-hop from his older American cousins. Oddisee was primarily influenced by Black American musical traditions. Growing up next door to Parliament Funkadelic’s bass player Gary Shider in P.G. County, Maryland left a deep musical impact on the young Oddisee. He is also influenced by gospel music and the vocal harmonizing traditions of his Black American heritage. In an interview with NPR, he explained why he was influenced by early East Coast emcees such as Eric B. & Rakim, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest. He stated that these rappers don’t talk about drugs or murder, and he could relate more to their lyrics.]

Oddisee Discography

Studio albums
101 (2008)
Mental Liberation (2009)
New Money (2009) (with Trek Life)
In the Ruff (2009) (with YU and Uptown XO, as Diamond District)
Traveling Man (2010)
People Hear What They See (2012)
The Beauty in All (2013)
Tangible Dream (2013)
March on Washington (2014) (with YU and Uptown XO, as Diamond District)
The Good Fight (2015)
The Iceberg (2017)
To What End (2023)

Live albums
Beneath the Surface (2017)
Compilation albums
Odd Seasons (2011)

Mixtapes
Instrumental Mixtape Volume One (2005)
The Remixture Vol. 1 (2006)
Foot in the Door (2006)
Instrumental Mixtape Vol. 2 (2006)
Odd Summer (2009)
Odd Autumn (2009)
Odd Winter (2010)
Odd Spring (2010)
Rock Creek Park (2011)
The Odd Tape (2016)

EPs
Good Tree (2008)
Hear My Dear (2008)
Odd Renditions Vol. 001 (2012)
Alwasta (2016)
Odd Cure (2020)
And Yet Still (2024)
En Route (2025)

Singles
“Show You” / “Part of the World” (2006) (with Heralds of Change)
“Once Again” (2006)
“101” (2008)
“Slow It Down” (2012)
“Ain’t That Peculiar (Remix)” (2013)
“Lost Cause” (2014) (with YU and Uptown XO, as Diamond District)
“That’s Love” (2015)

[Oddisee plays recordBar 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, on Friday, October 3, at 8:00pm with Approach and Negro Scoe]

Waxahatchee – “Right Back to It (feat. MJ Lenderman)”
from: Tiger’s Blood / Merge Records / March 22, 2024
[Kansas City based Katie Crutchfield’s southern roots are undeniable. The name of her solo musical project Waxahatchee comes from a creek not far from her childhood home in Alabama and seems to represent both where she came from and where she’s going. // Tiger’s Blood was produced by Brad Cook. Engineered & mixed by Gerardo “Jerry” Ordonez. Assistant engineering by Natalia Chernitsky. Mastered by Emily Lazar. Recorded and Mixed at Sonic Ranch Recording Studios. // On March 27, 2020 Waxahatchee released SAINT CLOUD which was in the TOP 20 of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. On Saint Cloud all songs were written by Katie Crutchfield. Recorded & mixed at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, TX & Long Pond in Stuyvesant, NY. Produced by Brad Cook. Engineered by Jerry Ordonez. Additional engineering by Jon Low. Mixed by Jon Low. Mastered by Brent Lambert at The Kitchen. KATIE CRUTCHFIELD on vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, keys; BRAD COOK on bass, acoustic guitar, piano, keys, synth; BOBBY COLOMBO on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys; BILL LENNOX on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys, percussion; NICK KINSEY on drums, percussion; JOSH KAUFMAN on electric guitars, piano, organ, percussion. More info at: http://www.waxahatchee.com.] [Waxahatchee played the Uptown Theatre on April 18, 2024] // [MJ Lenderman released from: Manning Fireworks through Anti records on September 6, 2024 // Mark Jacob Lenderman (born 1999), also known as Jake Lenderman and MJ Lenderman, is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has released three solo albums, and also plays with the alternative rock band Wednesday. He also has played drums for Indigo De Souza. Lenderman’s style has been described as alt-country, classic rock, and indie rock music. // Lenderman was born in Asheville, North Carolina. His great-grandfather was saxophonist Charlie Ventura. He was raised Catholic and was an altar boy. He played basketball and obsessively watched tapes of Michael Jordan. He grew up listening to Mark Linkous and Jason Molina. In his junior and senior years of high school, he began posting his music to Bandcamp. Lenderman studied at UNC Asheville for three semesters.[ // In 2018, Lenderman played the drums for fellow Asheville artist Indigo De Souza on her albums I Love My Mom and Any Shape You Take. Lenderman met Karly Hartzman, lead singer for the group Wednesday, and he joined the band for an EP called How Do You Let Love Into the Heart That Isn’t Split Wide Open (2018). // In July 2019, he released a self-titled album, his first solo album. At that time, he was working in an ice cream shop to support himself financially. // Lenderman toured with Wednesday in early February 2020, until the COVID-19 pandemic ended the tour. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while collecting unemployment insurance, Lenderman wrote the songs that became the album Ghost of Your Guitar Solo, released in 2021. // His third album Boat Songs was released in 2022 on Dear Life Records. It was listed as one of the best albums of 2022 by Pitchfork, The A.V. Club, and The Ringer. After the success of the album, Lenderman signed a recording contract with Anti-. In 2023, he released the singles “Rudolph” and “Knockin'”. // Lenderman contributed guitar and vocals to the album Tiger’s Blood by Waxahatchee, released in March 2024, and was listed as featured guest artist on the album’s lead single, “Right Back To It”. In March 2024, Lenderman performed “Right Back To It” with Waxahatchee on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Lenderman’s next album, Manning Fireworks, released in September 2024. ]

[Waxahatchee plays The Uptown Theatre with Caleb Hearon on Thursday, October 2, in a special benefit for KC Tenants.]

[Kansas City based comedian and actor Caleb Hearon’s debut st763pecial “Model Comedian” is now streaming on HBO Max and his friends Kevin Morby and Katie Crutchfield aka Waxahatchee wrote a special song for Caleb’s special’s into and credits called “35 South”.]

10:30 – Underwriting

Royel Otis – “Say Something”
from: Hickey / Capitol Records / August 22, 2025
[Hickey is the second studio album by the Australian guitar-pop duo Royel Otis. Explaining the album title, Royel Otis said “…because love bites harder than any other emotion in the world.” // At the 2025 ARIA Music Awards, the album was nominated for Best Rock Album and Group while Jamieson Kerr’s work on “Car” was nominated for Best Video. // Alex Peters from When the Horn Blows called the album “their most emotionally charged yet” saying “the duo have delivered yet another outstanding body of work, one that captures the sting of love lost without sacrificing musical vibrancy. Hickey isn’t just an album about heartbreak. It’s about the strange, beautiful tension of feeling both broken and alive at the same time.”[12] // Royel Otis was formed in 2019 by Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic. They released three EPs, including Sofa Kings, before their debut studio album, Pratts & Pain, was released in February 2024. // Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic’s chance meeting feels almost destined. They were both working at bars and cafes in the same neighborhood (the beachside town of Bondi) before getting together one day in 2019 with their guitars and some song sketches. And without any expectations, they soon spotted it: an unspoken chemistry that resulted in effortless rock wonders, new tunes that somehow seemed as if they’d always existed. The rest of the world would soon follow suit when the pair became true breakout acts both online and in rock clubs alike with early charmers such as “Oysters in My Pocket” (Bar & Grill EP, 2022) and “Sofa King” (Going Kokomo EP, 2023). Then came their soaring debut album called PRATTS & PAIN and the legendary run that catapulted the band to indie-rock infamy, globally. The album was named for the south London pub where the pair would pen lyrics between sessions with GRAMMY nominated Dan Carey (Wet Leg, Fontaines D.C., Caroline Polachek) and bore hits like “Fried Rice” and “Foam.” Preceding the album’s release in February of 2024, was the pair’s Triple J “Like A Version” recording, taking on Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on The Dancefloor.” The performance became a zeitgeist shaping hit, eventually hitting #1 on Alternative U.S. Radio Chart, #2 on Billboard Alternative Airplay, #5 on Billboard Rock & Alternative and rounding out at the #2 position on Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2024 charts, earlier this year. Their twilit cover of the Cranberries’ “Linger,” cut for a Sirius XM Session a few months later, led the band to their first Billboard Hot 100 hit and currently has over 220 Million global streams. With the demand for live shows at a high, the guys played more than 100 sold out shows the rest of 2024, selling over 100,000 tickets across Australia, U.K, Europe and U.S. This included multiple nights in major cities like New York (Brooklyn Steel), Chicago (Metro & The Salt Shed) and Los Angeles (The Bellwether). The pair returned home to Australia later that year as one of the most nominated artists at the 2024 ARIA Awards (Australia’s biggest and prestigious music award shows); and went on to win four awards including “Best Rock Album” and “Best Group.” Since their culmination, Royel Otis have drawn from an endless source of good hooks and spirit — riding on their musical chemistry that exudes into mixes of melody and bittersweet humor. Whether it is an original body of work or taking on their favorite song, the pair have cemented their status as one of the most effortless and endearing indie rock bands to emerge this decade.]

[Royel Otis play Grinders Kansas City on October 3, 2025]

Neko Case – “Wreck (Radio Edit)”
from: Neon Grey Midnight Green / Anti / September 26, 2025
[Neon Grey Midnight Green is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Neko Case, released by record label Anti- on September 26, 2025. Her first entirely self-produced album, it marks her follow-up to Hell-On. She has described it as being “for and about musicians, a love letter and a testimony.” // From October 2025 to January 2026, Case will be touring North America with John Grant and Des Demonas in support of the album. // Neko Richelle Case (/ˈniːkoʊ ˈkeɪs/ NEE-koh KAYSS;[2] born September 8, 1970) is an American singer-songwriter and member of the Canadian indie rock group the New Pornographers. Case’s singing voice has been described by contemporaries and critics as a “flamethrower”, “a powerhouse [which] seems like it might level buildings,” “a 120-mph fastball,” and a “vocal tornado”. Critics also note her idiosyncratic, “cryptic,”[8] “imagistic” lyrics, and credit her as a significant figure in the early 21st-century American revival of the tenor guitar. Case’s body of work has spanned and drawn on a range of traditions including country, folk, art rock, indie rock, and pop and is frequently described as defying or avoiding easy generic classification. // Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Case is the only child of James Bamford Case. Case’s maternal family surname was originally Shevchenko; her great-aunt was the professional wrestler Ella Waldek. Her father, a Vietnam veteran serving in the United States Air Force, was based in Virginia at the time of her birth. Case’s parents, who were teenagers when they had her, are of Ukrainian ancestry. Her parents divorced when Case began school. In her memoir, Case indicated that she was told that her mother died of cancer when she was in the second grade, but only two years later, she was told that this was not correct. After that, her mother flitted in and out of her life, and eventually Case cut ties with her mother for good. As she writes in the book, she had a revelation: “Perhaps her mother had never been sick at all.” // Case’s family relocated several times during her childhood due to her stepfather’s work as an archaeologist. She lived in Western Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon and Washington. She considers Tacoma, Washington to be her hometown. // Case left home and was legally emancipated at age 15. By the age of 18 she was performing as a drummer for the Del Logs and the Propanes, playing in venues including a punk club called the Community World Theater. // In 1994, Case moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to attend the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, completing her studies 1998. While in Vancouver, she played drums in several local bands, including the Del Logs, the Propanes, the Weasels, Cub, and Maow. These bands were, for the most part, local punk groups. Case said of the vibrant Vancouver punk rock scene at that time, “A lot of women wanted to play music because they were inspired, because it was an incredibly good time for music in the Northwest. There was a lot of clubs, a lot of bands, a lot of people coming through, a lot of all-ages stuff—it was a very exciting time to live there.” // In 1998, she left Canada for Seattle, Washington. Before going, Case recorded vocals for a few songs that ended up on Mass Romantic, the New Pornographers’ first album. Her lead vocals on songs like “Letter from an Occupant” are straightforward, full-volume power-pop performances, shedding any country elements. Released on November 28, 2000, Mass Romantic became a surprise success. Although the band was originally conceived as a side project for its members, the New Pornographers remain a prominent presence in the indie rock world, having released their ninth album in 2023. // In addition to recording with the New Pornographers, Case collaborates with other Canadian musicians, including the Sadies and Carolyn Mark, and has recorded material by several noted Canadian songwriters, in particular on her 2001 EP Canadian Amp. As a result, she is also considered a significant figure in Canadian music—both CBC Radio 3 and the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada have referred to Case as an “honourary Canadian”. In 2018 Case performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. // Case embraced country music on her 1997 album, The Virginian. The album contained original compositions as well as covers of songs by Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn and the 1974 Queen song “Misfire”. When the album was released, critics compared Case to honky-tonk singers like Lynn and Patsy Cline, and to rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson, particularly in her vocal timbre. // On February 22, 2000, Case released her second solo album, Furnace Room Lullaby. The album introduced the country noir elements that have defined Case’s subsequent solo career. That tone was evident even from the cover photo, featuring Case sprawled out corpse-like on a concrete floor. // Case sometimes tours with Canadian singer and songwriter Carolyn Mark as the Corn Sisters. One of their performances, at Seattle’s Hattie’s Hat restaurant in Ballard, was recorded and released as an album, The Other Women, on November 28, 2000. // In October 1999, around the time Furnace Room Lullaby was released, Case left Seattle for Chicago because she felt that Seattle was no longer hospitable to its local artists.// Case’s first work in Chicago was an eight-song EP that she recorded in her kitchen. Canadian Amp, her first recording without Her Boyfriends, was released on her own Lady Pilot label in 2001. She wrote two of the tracks, with the remaining six being covers, including Neil Young’s “Dreaming Man” and Hank Williams’ “Alone and Forsaken”. Four of the covers were written by Canadian artists. The EP was initially available only at Case’s live shows and directly from Mint Records’ website, but it eventually saw wider release. // Case also recorded her third full-length album, Blacklisted, while living in Chicago. // In April 2003, Case was voted the “Sexiest Babe of Indie Rock” in a Playboy.com internet poll, receiving 32% of the vote. Playboy asked her to pose nude for the magazine, but she declined their offer. She told Entertainment Weekly that…”I didn’t want to be the girl who posed in Playboy and then—by the way—made some music. I would be really fucking irritated if after a show somebody came up to me and handed me some naked picture of myself and wanted me to sign it instead of my CD.” // Case recorded and toured for several years as Neko Case & Her Boyfriends before performing solely under her name. Albums released as Neko Case & Her Boyfriends include The Virginian (1997) and Furnace Room Lullaby (2000). She primarily performed her own material, but also performed and recorded cover versions of songs by artists such as My Morning Jacket, Harry Nilsson, Loretta Lynn, Tom Waits, Nick Lowe, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Scott Walker, Randy Newman, Queen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Sparks and Hank Williams. // The 2010 New Pornographers album Together features Case as lead vocalist on “Crash Years” and “My Shepherd.” The 2014 album Brill Bruisers features Case as lead vocalist on “Champions of Red Wine” and “Marching Orders.” The 2017 album Whiteout Conditions features Case as lead vocalist on “Play Money” and “This is the World of the Theater.” // In 2016, Neko Case, k.d. lang, and Laura Veirs announced the case/lang/veirs project, with an album released in June 2016. // Case recorded her third full-length album, Blacklisted, in Tucson, Arizona. It was the first full-length album credited to Case alone, without Her Boyfriends, and was released on Bloodshot Records on August 20, 2002. Some believe the title Blacklisted alludes to Case being banned for life from the Grand Ole Opry because she took her shirt off during a performance on August 4, 2001, at one of their outdoors “Opry Plaza” concerts, though Case herself has denied this. Asked about the incident in 2004, Case said “I had heatstroke. People would love it to be a ‘fuck you’ punk thing. But it was actually a physical ailment thing.” // Case’s face in 2009 Most of the album’s fourteen songs are originals; the exceptions being covers of “Running Out of Fools”, previously a hit for Aretha Franklin, and “Look for Me (I’ll Be Around)” previously performed by Sarah Vaughan. Blacklisted finds Case even deeper in a “country noir” mood, and was described by critics as lush, bleak, and atmospheric. Case cited filmmaker David Lynch, composer Angelo Badalamenti, and Neil Young’s soundtrack to the film Dead Man as influences. “I hope I can comfort people a bit—maybe show people that making music is fun and accessible to them as well. I’m not out to become Faith Hill, I never want to play an arena, and I never want to be on the MTV Video Music Awards, much less make a video with me in it. I would like to reach a larger audience and see the state of music change in favor of musicians and music fans in my lifetime. I care very much about that.” // In April 2004, Case played several shows with longtime collaborators the Sadies in Chicago and Toronto. These shows were recorded and released as a live album, The Tigers Have Spoken, by Anti Records in October 2004. // Fox Confessor Brings the Flood was released on March 7, 2006. The album was recorded primarily in Tucson, over the course of two years as Case worked on the live The Tigers Have Spoken and continued to play with the New Pornographers. Critics hailed the record not only for Case’s trademark vocals but also her use of stark imagery and non-standard song structures. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood wound up on many “Best of 2006” lists, such as No.1 on the Amazon.com music editors’ picks and No. 2 on NPR’s All Songs Considered. The album debuted at No. 54 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It contains Case’s most autobiographical song, “Hold On, Hold On”. Case said: “the song is actually about me. It’s not metaphorical about other people. It’s not little pieces of my life made into a story about someone else or someone fictitious.” // “Hold On, Hold On” has since been covered by Marianne Faithfull on her 2009 album Easy Come, Easy Go. It was used over an episode of The Killing (Season 1 Episode 6) before the final credits, and in the 2015 film One More Time. “John Saw That Number” was used in the snowboarding movie “City. Park City”. // Case’s next album, Middle Cyclone, was released on March 3, 2009. In advance of a U.S. and European tour, Case appeared as a musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Later in 2009 she also appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Amazon.com rated Middle Cyclone the number one album of 2009.[49] Middle Cyclone debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts in its first week of release, making it Case’s first album ever to reach the top ten in the United States. // At the time of its release, no other record from an independent record company had debuted at a higher position in 2009. She toured extensively to promote Middle Cyclone with dates in North America, Europe, and Australia, as well as a performance at Lollapalooza 2009 in Grant Park, Chicago. // The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You. // In June 2013, Case announced a new album, The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, which was released on September 3. // In early March, 2018, Case released a teaser for an album titled Hell-On, her first solo work in almost five years. The teaser featured Case lying down singing a song of the same name while snakes move around her. The album was released on June 1, 2018. // On November 13, 2015, Case released a compilation vinyl box set containing eight of her solo albums. The set contains her first six studio albums, including the first vinyl pressing of The Virginian, as well as a live album. // On April 19, 2022, Case released Wild Creatures, described as “digital-only, career retrospective”. The album was released on CD, double vinyl, and MP3. It contains 22 tracks from Case’s discography, plus one new song, “Oh, Shadowless”.]

[Neko Case embarks on a 56-city tour that starts today October 1, 2025 in Woodstock New York and last until January 31, 2026 On her 51str city stop Neko Case plays The Uptown Theatre, 3700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 with Des Demonas].

KeiyaA – “stupid prizes”
from: Hooke’s Law / XL Recordings / October 31, 2025
[“Take it” is the second single from KeiyaA’s second album HOOKE’S LAW. // After five years of navigating loss, grief, and anger, Chicago-born, NYC-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer keiyaA emerges in the light of reinvention and healing, shaped by years of solitude spent in the unending tide of mess and renewal, returning to share her findings with unapologetic clarity. Her single “stupid prizes,” was re;eased August 20, 2025, accompanied by a self-co-directed music video with Caity Arthur, is a soulful, arresting prelude that marks a powerful next chapter. Known for her penetrating explorations of Black womanhood and liberation, rich harmonies, and fearless experimentation, keiyaA reintroduces her artistry with the same emotional intensity and sonic innovation that defined her 2020 debut Forever, Ya Girl, arriving in the wake of her first theatrical stage play, milk thot. // Speaking about “stupid prizes,” keiyaA says: “i wrote, recorded, and produced “stupid prizes” all in one sitting, at home late at night in my living room in Brooklyn. i sampled Percy Faith, an orchestral composer known for creating rich and luscious scores and show tunes, helping contribute to this classic “American” sound. i sought out to create this sort of bed of irony, to speak and sing about being miserable on top of this beautiful, dreamy and romantic music. which speaks not only to what it can feel like navigating my internal and external worlds, but also what it feels like being a marginalized person in America.” // In 2020, keiyaA released her self-produced debut album Forever, Ya Girl, a genre-defying blend of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and experimental music that earned widespread critical acclaim. The project went on to receive Pitchfork’s “Best New Music” designation, landed on year-end best-of lists from The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian, and was later named to Pitchfork’s Best of the Decade So Far list. It also drew praise from artists including Solange, Jay-Z, Earl Sweatshirt, Blood Orange, Kimberly Drew, and Moses Sumney. The album announced keiyaA as one of music’s most vital new voices and producers, and the attention it garnered gave her the access to expand on her creative vision—one that has since grown into a thriving garden of projects, performances, and collaborations, each distinct but rooted in her singular artistry. // Since the release of Forever, Ya Girl, keiyaA showcased her dynamism through a Tiny Desk concert and appearances at Solange’s El Dorado Ballroom show at BAM, Wales Bonner’s Togetherness presentation at the Guggenheim, ESSENSE’s Girls United Summit, and MoMA PS1’s Warm Up series. She walked in Telfar’s 20th-anniversary show, contributed music to the brand’s Moose Knuckles collaboration, and scored Nike’s Come Thru series. She also performed at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, as well as in her hometown of Chicago at Pitchfork Music Festival and Theaster Gates’ Kenwood Garden community space. // Earlier this year, keiyaA expanded her artistic expression with milk thot, her first full-length stage production, which premiered at Abrons Arts Center in New York City. The performance combined live music, poetry, and choreography to delve into topics such as self-image, family lineage, and societal consumption. Developed during a residency at Abrons, milk thot marked a significant evolution in her multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. // In 2025 keiyaA will release her much anticipated sophomore album. // KeiyaA released her break through album Forever, Ya Girl through Forever Recordings on March 27, 2020 This album was part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. The debut album from KeiyaA originally from Chicago, now based in NYC. Written and produced by keiyaA, featuring additional production from dj blackpower & dj cowriiie. Mixed & mastered by BSTFRND. // Chakeiya Camille Richmond was born July 28, 1992. She is known professionally as Keiyaa (stylized as KeiyaA), is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a record producer. She independently released her debut album Forever, Ya Girl in 2020. // Chakeiya Camille Richmond was born and raised in Chicago on the city’s south side. During childhood she sang in the Chicago Children’s Choir until switching to the alto saxophone in seventh grade. She cited soul artists including Chaka Khan, Patrice Rushen, jazz musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis and R&B groups such as SWV as early musical influences. She also finds inspiration in goth and post-punk/alternative rock artists like Nirvana and Siouxsie and the Banshees. // Richmond attended University of Illinois at Chicago and Columbia College to study jazz and play alto sax before leaving due to disillusionment with the program’s hierarchical nature, as well difficulty balancing school with working full-time. Shortly after she decided to pursue music professionally. // While still playing and performing on alto sax, she collaborated with Chicago musicians including Noname and Vic Mensa. She decided to switch her focus to solo work producing and singing R&B and electronic music. Perform-ing under the name Keiya, she released her debut EP, WORK, in July 2015. It was described as “emotional, sleepy, and yet strikingly optimistic” by These Days magazine. Shortly after its release she moved to New York. She added an additional “A” to her name (KeiyaA) in order to differentiate herself from other performers on streaming sites. // KeiyaA’s debut album Forever, Ya Girl was released in March 2020 and self-produced under her personal label Forever Recordings. It was reviewed by Olivia Ovendon for KEXP as featuring “powerful mantra-esque lyrics, and woozy, heady, immersive beats in captivating fashion.” Esquire described the sound as “downcast grime and smooth R&B.” Pitchfork writer Clare Lobenfeld rated the album an 8.2/10 and praised its “resolute realness that can only happen outside the major label gaze.” Forever, Ya Girl was named to Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian’s “Best Albums of 2020” lists. // Keiyaa resides in Brooklyn.]

Jass – “Autumn in The City”
from: “Autumn in The City” – Single / Manor Records / September 22, 202
[This release captures Jass’s dynamic sound in a live band recording, tracked and recorded by bandmate Clarence Copridge. The smooth vocals from Jass and instrumentals of vibes and upright bass in this track are the perfect end of summer/welcome to fall track. // Jass writes, “My new single ‘Autumn in the City” s close to my heart—paying homage to my hometown and the fall season that inspires so much love and reflection. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and supported us.” Jass is currently working with her band Jass and the ConrtraBand. Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch. // Jass released the EP APRIL SHOWERS on April 27, 2025. // Jass released the single “Hope.wav” on February 29, 2024. // Jass and The Boys released the single, “Daydream Girl” on August 25, 2023. // Jass and The Boys released the single “Gvn2u” on July 14, 2023. // Jass released the single, “Time&Space” on July 14, 2023. // Jass released the single, “Eye Contact.” // Jass released the single, “Lifetime” on January 6, 2023 // Jass and The Boys released the single “Love U Like I Love U” on December 2, 2022. Jass released the single “grow” on November 26, 2022. Jass released the EP, OFF KEY: TOO HIGH on September 23, 2022. Jass released the single “Higher Ground” on August 16, 2022. It was #1 on WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. Jass released her single, “Him” on February 23, 2022. Jass released At the Close of a Decade on November 26, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 121 Best Recordings of 2021. She wrote, “After years of writing and recording in voice memos .. I decided to grab my iPad and began recording something that I am very proud of. I named it, At the Close of A Decade, and released it in November 2019. With my iPhone/iPad, some apple headphones, I created this project. The amazing people around me told me it was worth it, even when I didn’t believe it myself. I convinced myself I would be the only one that liked my songs. If you decide to listen you’ll hear sound clips of shows and movies that made a difference in the way I saw the world, the way I saw myself, and the way I overcame my experiences. I remember asking my grandma and my son if I should release what I’ve been writing and they both said very simply to do it, so I’ve done it. I want to thank all of my wonderful friends who have been my soundboards during this process, all of the people that have asked me when it’s coming, the people that have kept me accountable, and believed that this time it was for real. My story is so very triumphant and beautiful because I have overcome experiences and shunned the fear I had to do what I love. It’s crazy how you can talk your way out of some amazing things and also how you can talk yourself into making some amazing things happen. If you partake, I hope you enjoy.” // Jass has opened for Thundercat sat GRINDERS, headlined a show at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, and she opened up for The New Respects at The Uptown, and sang the Negro National Anthem at BLAQUE to School Night at the KC Monarchs game.More info at: http://www.jassrcouch.com]

joel vs. joel – “gotta b in love”
from: Smile in the Mirror / Enigmatic Brunch Records / August 19, 2025
[all songs written by joel stratton. mixed by daniel gum. mastered by mike nolte @ eureka mastering. performances by: isaiah petrie (vibraphone 2,3,10); micah ritchie (drums); jon self (lead guitar L channel track 10); doug bybee (synth 4,6); joanna metsker (violin on 7,8,11); drums, vibes, strings recorded by mike crawford; bass, aco guitars, recorded by daniel gum. // oel vs joel is the moniker of Kansas City-based multi-instrumentalist, Joel Stratton. With classical training, but also an instinctive and emotive musicality that can’t be taught, joel vs joel sculpts with complex chord structures, time signatures, deftly fingerpicked guitar, well-plotted bass, vibraphones, percussion, and other eclectic musical arrangements. This is all interconnected with vulnerably delivered lyrics that convey the manifold feelings of one’s humanity. // Some craftsmen work in wood, stone, or metal. Others sculpt with more intangible and ethereal materials: notes, chords, rhythms, riffs, melodies, and human emotion. Both toil over their medium until it outwardly takes the shape of their inner being. The outcome of joel vs joel’s labor is the beautifully crafted debut album, Smile in the Mirror. // Smile in the Mirror is a protestation of struggles with identity, paranoia, suffering, anarchy, catharsis, and love. These innate human feelings are combined with instrumentation that is at times comfortably familiar and at others strikingly and pleasingly surprising.]

[Joel vs. Joel plays Arts on Broadway 3550 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 7:00pm with Charmaine.]

Superchunk – “No Hope”
from: Songs in the Key of Yikes / Merge / August 22, 2025
[“It’s always been the case that everyone is going through something that you may not be aware of,” says the band’s Mac McCaughan. “This is currently more true than ever—but also the case that we are all going through some things together. In the face of that, what good is art and where is happiness found? (Spoiler alert: I don’t know.)” // In seeking an answer, Songs in the Key of Yikes unleashes a sound that is triumphant and bright in the darkness, Majesty Shredding in overdrive. Lead single “Is It Making You Feel Something” sets the tone early with the band—McCaughan, Laura Ballance, Jim Wilbur, and Laura King—building an anthem out of the potential for joy, diving into slop-polluted waters (“now fakes are faking everything / that once made your poor heart sing”) and emerging with a pearl. // “This song is about not second-guessing yourself in the very second-guessable process of writing words and music,” McCaughan explains. “It’s about the legitimate question of ‘who needs this and what is it good for?’ but also about not setting such a high bar for making art that you never get started. ‘Is it making you feel something?’ Ok, that’s a place to start.” // Songs in the Key of Yikes is a signature Superchunk album: visceral and timeless and catchy as hell—a cathartic balm for these oppressive times that will feel even better once we’ve figured our collective shit out. // Superchunk released their 11th album WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE on February 16, 2028. Superchunk were formed in 1989 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Superchunk is Mac McCaughan (guitar, vocals), Jim Wilbur (guitar, backing vocals), Jon Wurster (drums, backing vocals), and Laura Ballance (bass, backing vocals). Since releasing their first 7-inch in 1989, Superchunk has run the gamut of milestone albums: early punk rock stompers, polished mid-career masterpieces, and lush, adventurous curveballs. Recorded by Beau Sorenson at Manifold Recording, Pittsboro, NC., except “Break the Glass” and “I Got Cut” at Overdub Lane. Mastered by Matthew Barnhart at Chicago Mastering.]

Britanny Davis – “Sun and Moon”
from: Black Thunder / Loosegroove Records / June 13, 2025
[“As a blind person, I’ve never had an actual visual experience,” says artist Brittany Davis. “Sound is the way I’ve always seen my world.” // Brittany brings that world to cinematic life with Images Issues, their full-length debut as a solo artist, released March 1, 2024 on Loosegroove Records. Arriving on the heels of 2022’s I Choose to Live — an introductory EP that was championed by outlets like NPR (who hosted Davis for a Tiny Desk Concert) and SPIN Magazine (who praised Davis’ “intuitive virtuosity across deeply-felt rock, funk, and R&B”) — it’s a wildly creative project that obliterates the traditional borders between genre and job. Brittany isn’t just the album’s vocalist; they’re also the songwriter, engineer, co-producer, and multi-instrumentalist responsible for nearly every sound on the album. Those sounds are just as diverse as the person who created them, with Image Issues making room for gospel piano, hip-hop grooves, house beats, jazz chords, self-made samples, and everything in between. It’s a wide mix — and it’s all Brit. // From Written by Jonathan Cohen’s April 13, 2023 article in DSPIN Magazine: Blind since birth, the talented musician leads their own quartet while also playing in Stone Gossard’s Painted Shield. // Davis, who uses they/them pronouns, has been dazzling people in this fashion more or less since the beginning, while overcoming enormous personal challenges along the way. They were born blind in 1994 in Kansas City, Mo., and were just three years old when their mother was sent to prison for a decade for murder, leaving them to be raised by their maternal grandmother. Davis has a form of synesthesia, where they can experience multiple senses at once. Although for some this might seem like a kind of blessing or superpower, for Davis, it only magnified the struggle to translate the sounds in their young head into something people could actually hear for themselves. // “When I was little, I heard music in everything,” Davis tells SPIN over Zoom after apologizing for the constant loud noises coming from their cell phone (“Forgive me – everything in my life talks,” they say with a huge smile, in a voice as naturally harmonious as their songs). “Music was like a language. There was no quintessential moment where I knew it was magic — it just was. It always was. It’s like breathing. But I didn’t really have anybody to share it with, or the means to share it with people the way that I wanted to. I definitely played in churches sometimes, or maybe if a friend came to the house, they’d be like, ‘OK Brittany, play us a song.’ I felt like a one-trick pony, and I didn’t know how to express my desire and pain through my music. It was almost like a second skin.” // An early breakthrough came through the assistance of a teacher at a Kansas City piano academy, where at the behest of their grandmother, Davis spent four years as a student between the ages of seven and 11. Even though they “can’t stand to practice,” Davis was encouraged to play loops or fragments of their fledgling ideas, which the instructor then helped turn into actual songs. “Bless his soul – he gave me my first recording experience,” Davis says of this material, which is now sadly lost to the ages. // Shortly thereafter, Davis’ life was plunged back into tragedy when, at age 12, their father was murdered. “My mother was still incarcerated at the time, so imagine the impact of what that meant for 12-year-old me,” they say. “My father was my lucky star. I believed he was really God’s conduit for my gift – I’m the vessel, but he was the conduit to show me what was possible.” // Davis’ mother was eventually released from prison, and in search of a fresh start, moved Davis and one of their three brothers from Kansas City to Seattle, where their late father’s sister resided. Although a leading light from the city’s celebrated music scene would eventually figure prominently in Davis’ life, initially, they didn’t even think about what their new hometown might have to offer from a cultural standpoint: “I was just on this adventure, like, ‘Seattle! Let’s go!’ It was as if I found a golden ticket but didn’t know about the contest.” // Davis continued working on music with the help of a basic synthesizer with a built-in sequencer, in spite of ongoing difficulties with their day-to-day well-being. “Definitely I experienced a lot of displacement,” they admit. “I say ‘homelessness’ very loosely, because we didn’t live on the street. But we lived in hotels sometimes. I’d take taxis to school because we didn’t have transportation. I had clothes and food, but just not a steady residence. I moved almost 60 times during the term of my high school career.” // Stability may have proven elusive for a while, but Davis was also beginning to make inroads in the Seattle music community. They played regular gigs at an African restaurant called Rumba Notes and made appearances at local festivals such as Sundiata, Juneteenth, and Folklife, but the big break came just before the pandemic in 2019. // That year, Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard heard from longtime Seattle friend Om Johari that there was a young musician in town who he positively had to meet. Before long, Davis was at Gossard’s Studio Litho recording new ideas of their own and was quickly invited to Pearl Jam’s warehouse to contribute to material from Gossard’s nascent side project, Painted Shield. Gossard also signed Davis to his revived imprint Loosegroove, for which they’ve released the 2022 EP I Choose To Live and are working on a debut full-length that should be out before the end of the year. // “It has been such an amazing experience to be involved with Brittany,” Gossard tells SPIN. “Their capabilities as a musician, improviser, storyteller, producer, and straight-up keyboard hero are as profound as any that I’ve ever experienced. It is beyond an honor to be connected to their blossoming career.” // Davis now finds themself with the good fortune of being in two different bands at once, a situation made even more fruitful now that Painted Shield finally played live for the first time during three March shows at Seattle’s Clock-Out Lounge. Among Davis’ upcoming gigs are solo performances on April 30 and May 28 at Seattle’s Rabbit Box, an appearance to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Seattle Sounders soccer game on May 17, and two June shows with the Quartet (bassist Evan Flory-Barnes, drummer D’vonne Lewis, and guitarist Jason Cameron) as part of the city’s annual Pride celebration. // “When it comes to sitting in front of a keyboard, I will always come through expressively,” Davis says. “If I’m in a rock band, I’ll rock just as hard as any other rocker. If I’m rapping, I’ll rap just as well. I always acknowledge the language being spoken sonically, and that’s one of the gifts I have. To be honest, with Painted Shield, I don’t know how people see me in that band. They probably think, ‘Whoa! That’s a wild card (laughs)! Whoa, Stone! Who is that?’” // While it’s true that a non-binary, sightless, millennial African-American musician may seem like an odd match with four veteran rockers in their 40s and 50s, Gossard can’t say enough about what Davis has brought to songs such as “Til God Turns the Lights on” and “Fallin’ Out the Sky” for Painted Shield, which also features vocalist Mason Jennings, drummer Matt Chamberlain, and bassist Jeff Fielder. // “Britt’s work with Painted Shield is just scratching the surface of what they are capable of, but if I were to list the two biggest aspects of how they’ve impacted the band, it would be their incredible vocal harmonies and their wicked ear, which allows them to layer color and other musical ideas to existing tracks,” Gossard says. “It’s a high priority for me to have more songwriting from Britt on our next album, and to give them more freedom to create outside the lines. I can’t wait to hear it.” // And while Davis is confidently looking forward, enough time has now passed from their tumultuous early years to allow them to trace the evolution of music’s role in their life. They’re now even more committed to what they believe is their God-given purpose: to ignite the spirits, souls, and hearts of people through sonic translation. // “Music has definitely evolved, in the way that I express it and how it expresses me,” Davis says. “That language has broadened. It’s one thing to say, ‘I’m sad,’ but it’s another to say, ‘I’m grieved.’ It’s being able to digest the amalgamation of the emotion that can form through being in contact with music. I’m entrenched in Seattle music now, and I’m working with historical figures who have been a part of historical movements. All of that changes how you walk. It’s not the same as wishing and hoping. No, it’s happening, and the people I’m touching are real. The lives I’m impacting are real. The love being given is real. The journey is no longer in my head, and that’s humbling because you realize that even if it’s all gone tomorrow, the music will always be there.”]

11:01 – Station ID – Interview w/ Kevin King & Pete Kuhn of The Boys in The Band

Kevin King is originally from Topeka, Kansas. He studied at The University of Kansas, In 2011 Kevin founded Whim Productions where he serves as Producing Artistic Director of Whim Productions. He is a queer playwright based in KCMO and is a playwright-in-residence at the Midwest Dramatists Center, former playwright-in-residence in the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residency program, and a member of the Dramatists Guild. His short play The Swallows was selected for the 2019 William Inge Theater Festival New Play Lab.

King’s work has also appeared in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, Alphabet Soup: Theater from Queer Voices (Whim Productions, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019,2020), The Barn Players’ 6×10 Short Play festival (2018, 2019), Midwest Dramatists Conference (2018, 2019), One-Minute Play Festival (2016), Fishtank Theater’s 12 Plays of Christmas (2014), and other festivals. His work ranges from campy to slice-of-life realism, portrayed through a quirky, queer lens. Kevin also works as an intimacy coach.

Kevin King joins us to share details about Whim Production’s “Boys in the Band” running October 2 through October 19, at Whim Space, 415 Prospect, Kansas City, MO. Whim Productions, is Kansas City’s LGBTQIA theater company, and is thrilled to announce the limited run of the 1968 seminal classic, Boys in the Band, written by Mart Crowley. A groundbreaking portrayal of the complex lives of urban gay men, Boys in the Band has been adapted into two feature films and is as affecting as ever for live audiences. Whim Productions, founded in 2011, creates challenging and evocative queer theater. We focus on providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ theater artists to tell their own stories and share the diversity of queer experiences with Kansas City audiences. Info: http://www.whimproductions.org.

Kevin King Thanks for being woth us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Contact: Kevin King, Producing Artistic Director // kevin@whimproductions.org

Whim Productions Presents “Boys in the Band”: The Hit Play that Brought Gay Stories into the Mainstream

Kansas City, MO — Whim Productions, KC’s LGBTQ+ theater company, is thrilled to announce the limited run of the 1968 seminal classic, Boys in the Band, written by Mart Crowley. A groundbreaking portrayal of the complex lives of urban gay men, Boys in the Band has been adapted into two feature films and is as affecting as ever for live audiences.

Publisher Synopsis: New York, 1968. A birthday party among a close-knit group of gay friends. As the drinks flow and a party game spirals out of control, long-buried truths rise to the surface, revealing deep-seated insecurities, desires, and conflicts. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this landmark piece explores identity, self-worth, and the complexity of friendship and chosen family within the LGBTQ+ community.

Content Advisory: Please be advised that this script contains:
Period-accurate language including homophobic, racist, and anti-Semitic slurs.
Simulated alcohol and drug use. Strong themes of internalized homophobia.
Brief nudity.

Ticket Information: Full-price tickets start at $30. Discounted season packages and a limited number of Pay What You Whim tickets are available throughout the run.
Tickets are available now at whimproductions.com.

Run Time: ~90 minutes (no intermission)
Venue: Whim Space, 415 Prospect, Kansas City, MO 64124
Dates and Times:
Thu. Oct. 2, 7:30 pm
Fri. Oct. 3, 7:30 pm
Sat. Oct. 4, 7:30 pm
Sun. Oct. 5, 3 pm
Thu. Oct. 9, 7:30 pm
Fri. Oct. 10, 7:30 pm
Sat. Oct. 11, 7:30 pm
Sun. Oct. 12, 3 pm
Thur. Oct. 16, 7:30 pm
Fri. Oct. 17, 7:30 pm
Sat. Oct. 18, 7:30 pm
Sun. Oct. 19, 3 pm

Cast:
Pete Kuhn – Michael
Kyle Tichenor – Donald
Jean-Jacques Corbier – Bernard
Michael Golliher – Harold
Luke Knopke – Larry
Ken Stewart – Hank
Jake Funke – Alan
Dustin Reckling – Cowboy
Taylor Rivera – Emory

Creative:
Director – Kevin King
Intimacy Choreographer – Kevin King
Fight Choreographer – Freddy Acevedo
Scenic Design – Austin Cecil
Costume Design – Marian McClellan
Lighting Design – Celeste Abrahamson
Sound Design – Celeste Abrahamson
Stage Manager – Taylor Hudson
Production Photography & Videography – Janetta Leigh

Past productions describe Boys in the Band as…

“Crowley is a master of the bitchy one-liner, so the play is littered with quotable bon mots, some of them surprisingly sweet to our older, more jaded ears.” — Marilyn Stasio, Variety

“This play did the most powerful thing that a play can do. It showed us a picture of the truth. The joyous, horrific, wondrous, terrifying, painful truth. It was a play about and for the gay community, an important play that exposed what those men had to endure — sometimes still endure — in hiding who they were and in feeling such monumental shame about who they were. But somehow, it was about even more than that. Somehow, in the long silences that they allowed in those powerful scenes, we sat there collectively holding our breath. Uncomfortable. And reflective.” — Jill Ripa, BroadwayWorld
The Boys in the Band premiered April 15, 1968 at Theatre Four, 424 West 55th Street, Manhattan, New York City

The Boys in the Band is a 1968 American play by Mart Crowley. The play premiered Off-Broadway, and was revived on Broadway for its 50th anniversary in 2018. The play revolves around a group of gay men who gather for a birthday party in New York City, and was groundbreaking for its portrayal of gay life. It was adapted into two feature films in 1970 and 2020.

A sequel, The Men from the Boys, premiered in 2002.

Synopsis – The play is set in an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, “a smartly appointed duplex apartment in the East Fifties”, and the backgrounds of characters are revealed in the course of a birthday party.

Harold (Michael Golliher) celebrates his birthday. In the character’s own words an “ugly, pock-marked Jew fairy”, he becomes increasingly morose about losing his youthful looks and claims that he no longer can attract cute young men. In the dramatis personae, he is described as being “dark” with an “unusual Semitic face”.

“Cowboy” (Dustin Reckling) an attractive blond hustler who is “not too bright” and “too pretty”, is one of Harold’s birthday presents.

Alan McCarthy, (Jake Funke) Michael’s married college friend and roommate, is an unexpected party guest. He is visiting New York and anxious to tell Michael something, but hesitant to do so in front of the others. It is suggested that he once had homosexual affairs while in college, but his sexual orientation is never explicitly stated, leaving it to audience interpretation. The dramatis personae describes him as “aristocratic” and “Anglo-Saxon”.
The party is given by Harold’s six closest friends:

Michael (Pete Kuhn) is Harold’s “smartly groomed” “frenemy”, the host, and a lapsed Catholic as well as an alcoholic. He is the catalyst for most of the drama of the play.

Donald (Kyle Tichenor) is Michael’s ex-boyfriend, current friend (though the exact nature of their relationship is ambiguous) who has moved from the city to the Hamptons to spurn the homosexual “lifestyle”, and is undergoing psychoanalysis. He has “wholesome American good looks”.

Bernard (Jean-Jacques Corbier) is an African-American librarian who still pines for the wealthy white boy in whose house his mother worked as a maid. In the dramatis personae, he is “Twenty-eight, Negro, nice-looking”.

Emory (Taylor Rivera) is a flamboyant and effeminate interior decorator. He is often campy in his sense of humor, which serves to irritate others.

Larry (Luke Knopke) is a commercial artist who prefers multiple sex partners and is “extremely handsome”.

Hank (Ken Stewart) is Larry’s live-in boyfriend who has been married to a woman from whom he is separated and is divorcing. He “passes” as straight and disagrees with Larry on the issue of monogamy. Physically, he is described as “solid, athletic, attractive”.

During the party, the humor takes a nasty turn, as the nine men become increasingly inebriated. The party culminates in a “game”, where each man must call someone whom he has loved and tell them about it. Michael, believing that Alan has finally “outed” himself when he makes his call, grabs the phone from him and discovers Alan has called his wife. The audience never learns what Alan intended to discuss with Michael in the end.

According to Crowley, his motivation in writing the play was not activism, but anger that “had partially to do with myself and my career, but it also had to do with the social attitude of people around me, and the laws of the day”. He says he “wanted the injustice of it all — to all those characters — known”. Crowley has also stated, “I was not an activist, then or now. I didn’t know what hit me. I just wrote the truth.”

Crowley made no secret that all characters were based on real people in his life, with Michael reminding him of himself, describing the character as “a complex person who is aware of what is politically correct but has a sort of contempt for it”. He called Donald “a foil for Michael” and inspired by a droll friend he would periodically take wry comments from. In the 1995 documentary The Celluloid Closet, Crowley explained, “The self-deprecating humor was born out of a low self-esteem, from a sense of what the times told you about yourself.” In The Boys in the Band: Something Personal, a short documentary accompanying Netflix’s release of the 2020 film adaptation, Crowley clarified that Donald was based on Douglas Murray, to whom the play was dedicated. Harold, the character whose birthday was being celebrated, is a cipher for dancer/choreographer Howard Jeffrey, who died in 1988 of AIDS, to whom the play was also dedicated. Crowley took one of the key lines of the play, “I try to show a little affection; it keeps me from feeling like such a whore”, from a hustler he danced with on Fire Island, telling, “I couldn’t write anything that good!”.

Production history – Off-Broadway premiere, 1968
While Crowley was pitching the script, early agents stayed away from the project, and it was championed by playwright Edward Albee and Richard Barr, who at the time was head of the Playwrights Units in New York. For the production, it proved “nearly impossible to find” actors willing to play gay characters. An old college friend of Crowley’s, 33-year-old Laurence Luckinbill, agreed to play Hank despite warnings from his agent that it would end his career, even though the agent was herself a lesbian. It proved hard for Crowley to find producers and theater owners who were interested.

The play premiered Off-Broadway on April 14, 1968, at Theater Four, and closed on September 6, 1970, after 1,001 performances. Directed by Robert Moore, the cast included Kenneth Nelson as Michael, Peter White as Alan McCarthy, Leonard Frey as Harold, Cliff Gorman as Emory, Frederick Combs as Donald, Laurence Luckinbill as Hank, Keith Prentice as Larry, Robert La Tourneaux as Cowboy, and Reuben Greene as Bernard. The play was one of the early works to present a story centered on homosexuals. In 1968, although only originally scheduled to run for five performances at a small venue off Broadway, it was a fast success and was moved to a larger theater. It went on to have a run in London as well. The premiere’s actors such as Laurence Luckinbill drilled a hole in the set so they could spy on whoever was in the house’s best seats, and in the initial weeks, saw Jackie Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Groucho Marx, Rudolf Nureyev, and New York mayor John Lindsay. Despite the success of the play, all the gay members of the original company stayed in the closet after the premiere. Between 1984 and 1993, five of the gay men in the original production (as well as director Robert Moore and producer Richard Barr) died in the ensuing AIDS epidemic.

Off-Broadway and London revivals – The play was revived Off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in 1996, running from August 6 to October 20, after its initial sold-out run at the WPA Theater. The Boys in the Band was presented by the Transport Group Theater Company, New York City, from February 2010 to March 14, 2010, directed by Jack Cummings III.

A London staging in October 2016 at Park Theatre was the first revival there in two decades. It subsequently transferred to the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End. Positively reviewed, including in The Observer, the production starred Mark Gatiss as Harold and Ian Hallard as Michael, with Daniel Boys, Jack Derges, James Holmes, John Hopkins, Greg Lockett, Ben Mansfield, and Nathan Nolan. The production was nominated for four awards in the 2017 WhatsOnStage Awards: Best Play Revival and Best Off-West End Production, with Hallard nominated as Best Actor in a Play and Jack Weir for Best Lighting Design.

Broadway production, 2018 – A Broadway production of The Boys in the Band, directed by Joe Mantello, opened in previews at the Booth Theatre on April 30, 2018, officially on May 31, and ran until August 11, 2018. This production, staged for the 50th anniversary of the play’s original premiere, starred Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto and Andrew Rannells, as well as Charlie Carver, Brian Hutchison, Michael Benjamin Washington, Robin de Jesús, and Tuc Watkins. Quinto portrayed Harold, whose birthday sets the premise. All of the actors who were in the 2018 production are out gay actors.

This production won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, and Robin de Jesús was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

Reception and impact – When The Boys in the Band premiered in 1968, mainstream audiences were shocked. The play was profiled in the William Goldman book The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway, an account of the 1967–1968 season. In the same year, a two-disc, vinyl LP set was released, containing the full dialogue of the play voiced by the original actors. Crowley wrote the 2002 sequel The Men from the Boys.

In 2002, Peter Filichia from Theater Mania contended that the play’s original production helped inspire the 1969 Stonewall riots and gay rights movement.

After gays saw The Boys in the Band, they no longer would settle for thinking of themselves as pathetic and wouldn’t be perceived as such any longer. Now that [characters] had brought their feelings out of the closet, this new generation would dare to be different. And, just as some whites’ view of blacks changed after seeing A Raisin in the Sun, so too did the outlook of many straights after they caught The Boys in the Band. Some whom I personally know felt terrible and–I saw this happen!–actually changed the way they treated gays.

In 2004, David Anthony Fox from Philadelphia City Paper praised this play, its one-liners, and its live performance in Philadelphia. He rebutted criticism that the play portrayed “urban gay men as narcissistic, bitter, shallow”.

In 2010, Elyse Summer in her review for CurtainUp called it a “smart gimmick” full of dated “self-homophobic, low self-esteem characters”. In the same year, Steve Weinstein from the Edge website called it “Shakespearean”.

Whim Productions, founded in 2011, creates challenging and evocative queer theater. We focus on providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ theater artists to tell their own stories and share the diversity of queer experiences with Kansas City audiences.

Whim Productions is dedicated to creating challenging and evocative queer theater. Our mission is to produce works written by LGBTQ+ writers with narratives that center queer characters. We are committed to sharing the diversity of queer lives with Kansas City audiences and providing a platform for LGBTQ+ theater artists to tell their own stories.
Queer Theater. Whimsical Edge.

Producing Artistic Director 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 founded Whim Productions in 2011 and has directed, written, & choreographed intimacy in many of our productions. He’s currently tackling the sound design and intimacy choreography for the world premiere of Kissing in the Grocery Store! Kevin’s passion for creating safe, evocative, and inclusive theatre shines in this production.

Kevin King thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Whim Production’s “Boys in the Band” written by Mart Crowley is running October 2 through October 19, at Whim Space, 415 Prospect, Kansas City, MO. Whim Productions, is Kansas City’s LGBTQIA theater company, and is thrilled to announce the limited run of the 1968 seminal classic, Boys in the Band. A groundbreaking portrayal of the complex lives of urban gay men, Boys in the Band has been adapted into two feature films and is as affecting as ever for live audiences. For info visit: http://www.whimproductions.org.

11:21

Stephonne – “Worship at the Chappell”
from: “Worship at the Chappell” – Single / Glory Blue Music / August 15, 2025
[Co-written with Shawn M. Stewart and produced with Patrick Meagher, the song is a declaration of power, pleasure, and pride—a sonic celebration of being fully and freely oneself. “Worship at the Chappell” is a bold, genre-bending anthem from Kansas City artist Stephonne—an electrifying fusion of disco, pop, and gospel spirit. Inspired by fellow Missouri native Chappell Roan, the track transforms the dance floor into a sanctuary for queer joy, spiritual liberation, and unapologetic self-love. With soaring vocals, provocative lyrics, and infectious grooves, Stephonne delivers a soulful sermon for the marginalized. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. // Stephonne is an Alternative/Genrequeer singer-songwriter, cultural producer, and generative performing artist from Kansas City, MO. They synthesize music, written/spoken word, performance and visual art/media into an inimitable art. They share their struggles, triumphs, and journey to self-love through multidisciplinary performance and have sent audiences on visceral and experiential journeys through a multitude of music and video releases since 2015. Bold new 2025 singles and videos continue to push boundaries! New experiences, both sonic and visual, await us from the upcoming sophomore LP, STEPHONNE. // Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. Stephonne released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne released the single “I think its Gonna Be Alright” I April 2025. Stephonne released the single, Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) on May 21, 2025. // More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]

[Stephonne is currently appearing as Angel in Jonathan Larson’s iconic, Tony Award winning musical RENT running October 2 through October 26 at the Music Theatre Heritage Stage in residence at Crown Center in Kansas City 2450 Grand Blvd. More info at http://www.musictheaterheritge.com]

Chappell Roan – “Red Wine Supernova” – (Radio edit)
from: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess / Amusemet Records / September 22, 2023
[Kayleigh Rose Amstutz was born February 19, 1998), known professionally as Chappell Roan. She is an American singer and songwriter. She is known for her camp and drag queen–influenced aesthetic. Her debut EP, School Nights (2017), was released by Atlantic Records. After years without success, she was dropped from the label in 2020. Her debut studio album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023), was released through Island Records and received critical acclaim. The album garnered a cult following and became a sleeper hit. // oan rose to prominence in 2024 with the single “Good Luck, Babe!”, which reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a global top-five single. It was a catalyst for the success of her debut album, which eventually topped the charts in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand and reached number two on the US Billboard 200. Several album tracks subsequently entered various charts, including “Hot to Go!” and “Pink Pony Club”, which both reached the top five in the UK. At the 67th Grammy Awards, Roan became one of only 15 artists to be nominated for all the “Big Four” awards in one night, winning Best New Artist. // Roan’s stage name is an homage to her grandfather, Dennis K. Chappell, who died of brain cancer, and his favorite song, “The Strawberry Roan” by Curley Fletcher. // Kayleigh Rose Amstutz was born in Willard, Missouri, on February 19, 1998, the oldest of four children. Her mother, Kara (née Chappell), is a veterinarian; her father, Dwight Amstutz, is now a retired Naval Reservist who also managed the family’s veterinary practice in Springfield, Missouri, and earlier trained as a registered nurse, working in neurological and burn intensive care units. Her uncle is Darin Chappell, a Republican member of the Missouri House of Representatives. // She has described her hometown and her upbringing as conservative and Christian. During her childhood, she attended church three times a week and spent some summers at Christian camps. In a 2023 Variety interview, she said that she struggled with her upbringing and snuck out often: “I just wanted to feel like a good person, but I had this part of me that wanted to escape so bad.” // Roan began playing the piano when she was 10 or 11 years old and began taking lessons at the age of 12. She performed publicly for the first time at age 13, singing “The Christmas Song” at her school’s talent show, which she won. When she was about 14 years old, she auditioned for America’s Got Talent without success. At 14 or 15 years old, she began uploading covers to YouTube, drawing attention from various record labels. She began songwriting as she entered her teen years. She graduated a year early from Willard High School. Roan described missing many childhood experiences in the “messy” beginning of her music career, including her prom and high school graduation. // Roan began uploading on her YouTube channel in 2013, only posting covers and occasional original pieces. Along with her online presence, she also performed around her hometown, as well as Springfield, Missouri, from 2012 to 2015. In November 2014, Roan uploaded her original song “Die Young” to YouTube under the name Kayleigh Rose. She wrote the song while attending summer camp at Interlochen Center for the Arts, which she said “changed my trajectory forever”. She subsequently traveled to New York for several musical showcases, leading to her signing with music label Atlantic Records in May 2015. // In 2016, she adopted the stage name Chappell Roan in honor of her grandfather Dennis K. Chappell, who died of brain cancer that same year. The name is a combination of her grandfather’s last name and a word taken from his favorite song, “The Strawberry Roan” by Curley Fletcher. She has also expressed dislike for her birth name. // On August 3, 2017, Roan released her first single, “Good Hurt”. The song was reviewed favorably in Interview, which praised her “striking maturity and surprisingly deep vocals”. On September 22, 2017, she released an extended play (EP) titled School Nights through Atlantic Records. Also in 2017, she supported Vance Joy on his Lay It On Me Tour. During this time, Roan lived with her parents in Springfield, Missouri, flying with them to Los Angeles or New York City when necessary. In 2018, Roan moved to Los Angeles. She has since stated this was the first time she felt able to live openly as a queer woman, as well as feeling “overwhelmed with complete love and acceptance”, allowing her to begin “writing songs as the real [her]”. From January to March 2018, she toured the United States with Declan McKenna. // Roan began working with songwriter and producer Dan Nigro in late 2018. In April 2020, Roan released “Pink Pony Club”, which she has described as a “hard left turn” from School Nights. The single was produced by Nigro, and its music video was directed by Griffin Stoddard. Roan has cited a visit to The Abbey, a gay bar in West Hollywood, as the inspiration for the song. She said the song expressed her desire to become a go-go dancer in Los Angeles, stating, “truthfully, I’m not confident enough to do that, so I wrote a song about it.” // Roan released two more singles, “Love Me Anyway” and “California”, in May 2020. However, her releases were not profitable enough for Atlantic, who dropped Roan from the label in August 2020. Shortly after, Roan returned to Los Angeles in October 2020 to continue working on her music independently while working a series of odd jobs, including as a production assistant and in a donut shop. That December, USA Today ranked “Pink Pony Club” third on a list of the “10 best songs of 2020”; an accompanying description characterized it as dance-pop that “earnestly [celebrates] queer culture, acceptance and chasing your dreams”. A year after its release, Vulture described “Pink Pony Club” as “the Song of Summer 2021”, calling it a “synthy infectious bangarang”. By August 2022, the song had been streamed more than 10 million times on Spotify. // In early 2021, the success of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” shifted Nigro’s focus from Roan as he worked on Sour with Rodrigo. Roan was unable to find a collaborator whom she liked as much. She briefly moved back to Missouri and worked at a drive-through while continuing to work on her music independently. // By February 2022, Roan had earned a publishing deal with Sony, and reunited with Nigro again to create and release “Naked in Manhattan”. The song was her first release as an independent artist. It was described by NPR as a “queer girl bop” with lyrics that are “tender, nostalgic” and “flirty yet uncertain”. While working with Nigro in an adjacent studio to Olivia Rodrigo, Roan recorded backing vocals on three of Rodrigo’s songs, including “Can’t Catch Me Now”. Roan was selected as the opening act on Rodrigo’s Sour Tour and for Fletcher on her Girl of My Dreams Tour. // In August 2022, she released a third independent single, “Femininomenon”. Earmilk described the song as “so fun and loud but so intricate” and noted it was different from Roan’s past releases. Roan stated that the song, which was produced by Nigro, was an attempt to “get away with being as ridiculous as I possibly can”. An accompanying self-directed music video featured Roan riding a dirt bike. Roan released another single, “Casual”, which she had begun working on with Nigro in 2020. The song, produced by Nigro, criticizes a romantic partner who refuses to commit and was inspired by Roan’s brief relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic that ended with her partner saying they had met someone else. // 2023–2024: Breakthrough with The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess // In February 2023, Roan embarked on the Naked in North America Tour, her debut headlining tour. Each stop on the tour had a theme, with Roan suggesting outfits for fans while making her own camp costumes herself. Inspired by Orville Peck, Roan chose to book drag queens as openers for the tour. Concerts from the tour received positive reviews in The Harvard Crimson and Variety, with Jem Aswad describing it as a concert where “you recognize when a new-ish artist’s career is about to blast off” similar to Lorde in 2013 and Billie Eilish in 2019. In March 2023, Roan released “Casual”, followed later that year by the release of subsequent singles “Kaleidoscope”, “Red Wine Supernova” and “Hot to Go!”. That same month, Roan signed with Amusement Records, an imprint of Island Records and owned by her producer, Nigro, after meeting with nine labels. // On September 22, 2023, Roan released her debut full-length album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and began her second headlining tour, the Midwest Princess Tour. The tour, ending in the spring of 2024, traveled across North America and had shows in London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Amsterdam. Roan donated $1 per ticket sold to the nonprofit For the Gworls and opened each show with drag performers. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was included in various best-albums-of-2023 year-end lists, such as those by The A.V. Club, Time, Nylon, Dork, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Vogue. It was also listed as one of Pitchfork’s 22 Best Pop Albums of 2023 and was named PopBuzz’s Number One Album of 2023. // Roan opened for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour in the United States and Canada from February to April 2024. In Roan’s first week of the tour, her streams rose by 32 percent. Also in February, Roan was a musical guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In March, NPR Music released Roan’s Tiny Desk Concert performance. // In April 2024, Roan released the single “Good Luck, Babe!”, describing it as “the first song of the next chapter”. The song speaks about compulsory heterosexuality, describing a woman trying to deny her romantic feelings for Roan and women in general. Praised by Billboard as a “well-deserved breakthrough”, the song received 7 million streams in its first week, was listed in the Spotify top ten, and debuted at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was Roan’s fastest to hit 100 million streams on the platform. By June, the song became her first top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and by September, it reached a peak of number four, becoming her first top ten song on the chart. Although not included on her debut album, the single’s success was a catalyst for propelling it to worldwide recognition. In June 2024, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess entered the top ten on the Billboard 200 for the first time, with over 40,000 equivalent album units sold. By August, the album had reached number two. // Also in April, Roan performed at Coachella. At this time, Roan saw growing success on Spotify, with her monthly listeners increasing more than 500% from February to April. As reported by Billboard, by June 2024, Roan’s weekly streams had grown by more than twenty-fold from the start of the year. // In June, Roan revealed she had declined an invitation from the White House to perform for that year’s Pride celebration. During the Governors Ball Music Festival, Roan stated, “we want liberty, justice and freedom for all. When you do that, that’s when I’ll come”, mentioning the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and transgender rights. Roan later revealed that she considered attending, but instead of performing music, she would recite poetry by Palestinian women. Roan said that her publicist was supportive of the idea, but warned her that doing so at the White House would likely compromise her and her family’s safety, which is why she decided to decline the invitation instead. During her performance at the Governors Ball Music Festival, Roan debuted a previously unreleased song titled “The Subway”, continuing to work towards a new album.[88] At a concert in June, Roan spoke to the crowd about dealing with her rapid increase in popularity, stating “I think my career is just kind of going really fast and it’s really hard to keep up. I’m just being honest, I’m having a hard time today. […] This is all I’ve ever wanted—it’s just heavy sometimes.” Following her performance at Lollapalooza in August, she drew the biggest daytime set ever seen at the festival. // In September, Roan performed at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards and won Best New Artist. She dedicated the trophy to queer and trans people. In October 2024, she reached number 1 for the first time on the Billboard Artist 100, coinciding with the biggest sales week ever of her debut album. Roan appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on November 2, 2024, along with host John Mulaney, where she performed and teased a new country-tinged song titled “The Giver”. Roan appeared in the Netflix special A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter on December 6, 2024. In January 2025, Roan was named the winner of the Sound of 2025 poll of musicians and music experts, organized annually by the BBC. // In February 2025 at the 67th Grammy Awards, Roan won her first Grammy Award for Best New Artist. In her acceptance speech, she called for record labels to provide artists with a living wage and healthcare, saying, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” Roan’s work was also nominated for other awards, with The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess being nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, and “Good Luck, Babe!” being nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. Following Roan’s Grammy acceptance speech, the former music executive Jeff Rabhan wrote an essay via The Hollywood Reporter criticizing Roan’s acceptance speech as naive and saying labels do not have responsibilities to artists outside paying advances and royalties. The piece went viral, and Roan responded by challenging Rabhan to match a $25,000 donation to artists experiencing financial difficulty. // On March 14, 2025, Roan released “The Giver” on all platforms. In June, she embarked on a new tour, titled the “Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things Tour”. It was announced in July that the tour would be coming to New York City; Kansas City, Missouri; and Pasadena, California. On July 31, 2025, Roan released “The Subway”, more than a year after it first premiered at her 2024 Governor’s Ball set. // Roan writes most of her songs with co-writers, most prominently her producer, Dan Nigro, with her song “Kaleidoscope” being the only song from her debut album written solely by Roan herself. After the release of her debut single, “Good Hurt”, her style was described in Interview as “pop sound […] infused with a dark and unsettling tone that underscores her intense, somber lyrics.”In 2018, she described her musical style as a mix of organic and electronic sounds, with a pop tone, and as “dark pop with ballad undertones”. In her songs written while she was a teenager, according to Atwood Magazine, she “brought the hardship and turbulence of our teenaged years to life with a candidness and vividness seldom seen from her peers.” Roan describes her music as “kind of the fairytale version of what happened in real life” as her persona is a larger-than-life version of her real self. In 2024, Billboard described her as an “innovative art-pop auteur”.]

[Chappell Roan plays Liberty Memorial Park on Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at 5:00pm.]

High Fade – “Street Sweeper”
from:”Street Sweeper” – Single / RPN Records / September 19, 2025
[High Fade released SECTEY SAUCE EP on March 21, 2025. // High Fade released Live in London on RPN Records om October 6, 2023. High Fade is currently on a US Tour. Here is what Polaris Hall in Portland wrote about the band: “On a three-man crusade to set dance floors alight with their inimitable brand of razor-sharp funk and disco, Edinburgh’s High Fade captured the attention of a global audience with their music amassing over 30 million views and streams within six months of their first release and, in the process, gaining recognition from music heavyweights including Jack Black, Cypress Hill, Deep Purple’s Glenn Hughes, and Brad Wilk from Rage Against The Machine For a band that only started mid-2018, to already have the support of artists including Emeli Sandé, David Paitch and even Peter Andre is a testament to not only their raw musical talent but also the relentless drive and ambition that has seen the band play over 1000 gigs in the last four years. With a forward-thinking approach to grassroots promotion, High Fade have been able to capture the magic of their live performances with a proactive presence on social media and create multiple viral moments for their tracks “Sharpen Up”, “Burnin”, and “Burnt Toast and Coffee”that feed the appetite of new fans across the world.With a more traditional offline approach towards learning their craft and perfecting the HighFade sound, Harry Valentino (guitar/vocals), Oliver Sentance (bass) and Calvin Davidson(drums/vocals) developed their infectious style whilst feeding off the unpredictable crowd inter-actions that come with street shows and busking. It’s this unmatched live energy that sets their performances apart and results in the impressive musical display that comes from just three musicians working together. Indeed, with other acts in the same genre often having upwards of six members, being a three-piece could be a limiting factor for many, but for HighFade it has become an integral part of the band’s DNA, allowing them to put on a show that supersedes anything their fans have experienced before.]

[High Fade plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO on Thursday, October 2, at 8:00pm with Midnight Thirty.]

11:29 – Underwriting

Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day – “Gardenia” (Live)
from: Wahtucna Waltz EP / Rural Grit Records / July 11, 2025
[Beth Watts Nelson is an award-winning Kansas City based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and lifelong student of music. Building upon a twenty year career in music education she is now the founder and director of Notorious Chorus – a community-based, group singing workshop for adults. In addition to solo and duo performances, she can be heard in several projects throughout the KC metro including Konza Swamp Band, CATGUT, and her 4 piece string band Little Miss Dynamite with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals. // Brandon Day attended Olympic College outside of Seattle, working extensively with budding jazz vocalists and small groups. His passion for helping others sound the best they can has lead him through many genres, including jazz, bluegrass, country and western, folk, Americana, classical, and all sorts of fusions. While primarily an upright bassist on call with many jazz vocalists and bluegrass groups in the greater Kansas City Metro, Brandon is also known to sing and play other instruments when needed, including guitar, violin/fiddle and electric bass. He maintains an active performance schedule throughout the year with the bluegrass group The Matchsellers, and Little Miss Dynamite, and with Beth Watts Nelson and teaching students and small groups at Farm School KC, in addition to filling every weekend with guest spots on many of the finest bandstands in town. // Both members of other Kansas City bands (Konza Swamp, Little Miss Dynamite, CatGut, Whiskey Mash) the duo was forged in the rich musical melting pot of the Rural Grit Happy Hour in KC’s Crossroads Arts District. With a focus on vocal melody and harmony, their songs sound as if they had been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana.Together they seek the time and means to provide a genuine and meaningful musical experience to their audiences. // Recording Engineer: Danny McGaw, Northern Sky Recording, Overland Park, KS. Mixed and Mastered: Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio, KCMO]

[Beth & Brandon play Hammer’s Piano Bar, 3901 Main Street, KCMO on Wednesday, October 1 at 7:00pm. // Beth & Brandon play Tall Trellis Brew Co, 25600 W. Valley Pkwy, Olathe on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00pm. // Beth & Brandon play First Friday at Folk Alliance International Headquarters, 2018 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City on Friday, October 3 at 6:00pm. More information at: bethandbrandonmusic.com]

11:35 – Interview with Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day

Beth Watts Nelson is an award-winning Kansas City based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and lifelong student of music. Building upon a twenty year career in music education she is now the founder and director of Notorious Chorus – a community-based, group singing workshop for adults. In addition to solo and duo performances, she can be heard in several projects throughout the KC metro including Konza Swamp Band, CATGUT, and her 4 piece string band Little Miss Dynamite with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals.

Brandon Day attended Olympic College outside of Seattle, working extensively with budding jazz vocalists and small groups. His passion for helping others sound the best they can has lead him through many genres, including jazz, bluegrass, country and western, folk, Americana, classical, and all sorts of fusions. While primarily an upright bassist on call with many jazz vocalists and bluegrass groups in the greater Kansas City Metro, Brandon is also known to sing and play other instruments when needed, including guitar, violin/fiddle and electric bass. He maintains an active performance schedule throughout the year with the bluegrass group The Matchsellers, and Little Miss Dynamite, and with Beth Watts Nelson and teaching students and small groups at Farm School KC, in addition to filling every weekend with guest spots on many of the finest bandstands in town.

Both members of other Kansas City bands (Konza Swamp, Little Miss Dynamite, CatGut, Whiskey Mash) the duo was forged in the rich musical melting pot of the Rural Grit Happy Hour in KC’s Crossroads Arts District. With a focus on vocal melody and harmony, their songs sound as if they had been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana.Together they seek the time and means to provide a genuine and meaningful musical experience to their audiences.

Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day released Wahtucna Waltz EP on/July 11, 2025

Beth & Brandon play Hammer’s Piano Bar, 3901 Main Street, KCMO on Wednesday, October 1 at 7:00pm. // Beth & Brandon play Tall Trellis Brew Co, 25600 W. Valley Pkwy, Olathe on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00pm. // Beth & Brandon play First Friday at Folk Alliance International Headquarters, 2018 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City on Friday, October 3 at 6:00pm. More information at: bethandbrandonmusic.com

Beth Watts Nelson, and Brandon Day thanks for being with us on WMM

Recently Beth Watts Nelson joined us to share her new 3-song EP, “Tall Grass” a compilation of songs inspired by the Flint Hills. “Tallgrass” was composed in Coffeyville, KS. “Western Wind” and “Wild Indigo” were composed in Volland, KS. // All three songs were recorded in one day on site at the Grimm-Schultz Farmstead during my time in residency with the Volland Foundation on April 26, 2025. // For the recording Beth Watts Nelson played Banjo, Guitar, & Vocals, and Betse Ellis played Fiddle. Mixing and Mastering was completed by Clarke Wyatt, at Gnomes and Goats Studio.

Beth Watts Nelson has a twenty year career in music education.

Washtucna Waltz EP was released July 11, 2025
Recording Engineer: Danny McGaw, Northern Sky Recording, Overland Park, KS
Mixed and Mastered: Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio, KCMO

A partnership forged in the rich musical melting pot of the Rural Grit Happy Hour in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, Beth Watts Nelson and Brandon Day combine their classical, folk, jazz and choral music backgrounds to create a modern perspective on a vintage sound. Making music that feels equally at home in a swanky cocktail bar, old honky tonk pool hall, or a pin-drop listening room Beth and Brandon seek the time and means to provide genuine and heartfelt musical experiences to their audiences. Award-winning songwriting paired with close vocal harmonies and intimately expressive musicianship

Beth and Brandon combine their classical, folk, jazz and choral music training to create a modern perspective on a vintage sound. With a focus on vocal melody and harmony, their songs sound as if they had been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana. An array of instruments (guitar, banjo and bass) pass between the hands of the duo to bring original and standard tunes to life.

Both members of other Kansas City bands (Konza Swamp, Little Miss Dynamite, CatGut, Whiskey Mash) the duo was forged in the rich musical melting pot of the Rural Grit Happy Hour in KC’s Crossroads Arts District. Together they seek the time and means to provide a genuine and meaningful musical experience to their audiences.

info@bethandbrandonmusic.com bethandbrandonmusic.com

11:42

Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day – “Wahtucna Waltz” (LIVE)
from: Wahtucna Waltz EP / Rural Grit Records / July 11, 2025
[Beth Watts Nelson is an award-winning Kansas City based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and lifelong student of music. Building upon a twenty year career in music education she is now the founder and director of Notorious Chorus – a community-based, group singing workshop for adults. In addition to solo and duo performances, she can be heard in several projects throughout the KC metro including Konza Swamp Band, CATGUT, and her 4 piece string band Little Miss Dynamite with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals. // Brandon Day attended Olympic College outside of Seattle, working extensively with budding jazz vocalists and small groups. His passion for helping others sound the best they can has lead him through many genres, including jazz, bluegrass, country and western, folk, Americana, classical, and all sorts of fusions. While primarily an upright bassist on call with many jazz vocalists and bluegrass groups in the greater Kansas City Metro, Brandon is also known to sing and play other instruments when needed, including guitar, violin/fiddle and electric bass. He maintains an active performance schedule throughout the year with the bluegrass group The Matchsellers, and Little Miss Dynamite, and with Beth Watts Nelson and teaching students and small groups at Farm School KC, in addition to filling every weekend with guest spots on many of the finest bandstands in town. // Both members of other Kansas City bands (Konza Swamp, Little Miss Dynamite, CatGut, Whiskey Mash) the duo was forged in the rich musical melting pot of the Rural Grit Happy Hour in KC’s Crossroads Arts District. With a focus on vocal melody and harmony, their songs sound as if they had been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana.Together they seek the time and means to provide a genuine and meaningful musical experience to their audiences. // Recording Engineer: Danny McGaw, Northern Sky Recording, Overland Park, KS. Mixed and Mastered: Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio, KCMO]

11:45 – More Interview with Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day

Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day who recently released the EP Wahtucna Waltz. Beth & Brandon combine their classical, folk, jazz and choral music backgrounds to create a modern perspective on a vintage sound. With a focus on vocal melody and harmony, their songs sound as if they had been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana. An array of instruments pass between the hands of the duo to bring award-winning original and standard tunes to life. // Beth & Brandon play Hammer’s Piano Bar, 3901 Main Street, KCMO on Wednesday, October 1 at 7:00pm. // Beth & Brandon play Tall Trellis Brew Co, 25600 W. Valley Pkwy, Olathe on Thursday, October 2 at 6:00pm. // Beth & Brandon play First Friday at Folk Alliance International Headquarters, 2018 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City on Friday, October 3 at 6:00pm. More information at: bethandbrandonmusic.com

Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day, thanks for being with us on WMM

She is now the founder and director of Notorious Chorus – a community-based, group singing workshop for adults.

In addition to solo & duo performances, Beth can be heard in projects throughout KC metro including Konza Swamp Band, CATGUT, and her latest endeavor, Little Miss Dynamite.

Little Miss Dynamite released their debut six-song EP of original music featuring stringed instruments and vocal harmony titled “Grow Up”. The band’s spark was ignited when KC singer, songwriter and music educator, Beth Watts Nelson and co-founder, Caleb Gardner (both of Konza Swamp Band) joined up to sing harmonies together in the garage. The addition of long-time friend and fiddler extraordinaire, Betse Ellis (The Wilders) and the inspired playing of Brandon Day (The Matchsellers) on bass.

Production: Rural Grit Records, 2024 Beth Watts Nelson (ASCAP). Musicians and Instrumentation: Beth Watts Nelson – guitar, banjo, lead vocals; Caleb Gardner – guitar, mandolin, lead vocals; Betse Ellis – fiddle, harmony vocals; Brandon Day – bass, harmony vocals. Engineered and Mixed by Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio. Album Art by Grady Keller, Mound Creative, All songs written by Beth Watts Nelson except “Circle the Drain” by Caleb Gardner

Little Miss Dynamite played the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 6, 3:00pm to Midnight, in West Bottoms at Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing,

Beth & Brandon played the KKFI Band Auction

Beth & Brandon’s Show Schedule

Wednesday, October 1 @ 7:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Hammer’s Piano Bar – KCMO

Thursday, October 2 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Tall Trellis – Olathe

Friday, October 3 @ 6:00PM Beth and Brandon @ First Friday @ FAI Headquarters
Folk Alliance International, Kansas City

Saturday, October 11 @ 11:00AM — 12:00PM – Harvest Festival – Independence Boulevard Christian Church, Kansas City

Tuesday, Oct. 21 @ 7:00PM Beth and Brandon @ LX Loft Shows – LX Loft Shows, Cuba,

Wednesday, October 22 – Beth and Brandon @ Village Wine Songwriter Night – Village Wine & Spirits, Effingham, IL

Thursday, October 23 — Sunday, October 26 – Beth and Brandon @ FARM – Folk Alliance Region Midwest, Lisle, IL

Sunday, Oct. 26 @ 7:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ House Concert -= TP House, Gurnee, IL

Monday, October 27 @ 7:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Arriba Rooftop Jam – Arriba Rooftop, Chicago, IL

Wednesday, October 29 @ 7:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Evangeline’s St Louis – Evangeline’s Bistro and Music House, St Louis, MO

Wednesday, October 29 @ 7:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Shaved Duck Smokehouse – Shaved Duck Smokehouse, St Louis, MO

Tuesday, Nov. 4 @ 6:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ KC Current – CPKC Stadium, KCMO

Wednesday, November 5 @ 7:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Live Recording Kansas City

Thursday, November 6 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Tall Trellis – Olathe

Friday, November 28 @ 7:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Luminary Walk – Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Bucyrus, KS

Thursday, December 4 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Tall Trellis – Olathe

Sunday, December 7 @ 3:00PM – LMD @ Stockyards – Stockyards Brewing Co, KCMO

Tuesday, December 30 @ 7:00PM – Waldo Folk John Hartford Birthday Bash
Waldo Pizza, Kansas City

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 — Sunday, January 25, 2026 – Beth and Brandon @ FAI New Orleans – New Orleans, LA

Friday, February 6, 2026 @ 3:00PM – Beth and Brandon @ Force of Nature – Force of Nature Brewing, De Soto, KS

Beth Watts Nelson and Brandon May, thanks for being with us on WMM

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

11:53:00

Beth Watts Nelson & Brandon Day – “Winter Rain”
from: Wahtucna Waltz EP / Rural Grit Records / July 11, 2025
[Beth Watts Nelson is an award-winning Kansas City based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and lifelong student of music. Building upon a twenty year career in music education she is now the founder and director of Notorious Chorus – a community-based, group singing workshop for adults. In addition to solo and duo performances, she can be heard in several projects throughout the KC metro including Konza Swamp Band, CATGUT, and her 4 piece string band Little Miss Dynamite with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals. // Brandon Day attended Olympic College outside of Seattle, working extensively with budding jazz vocalists and small groups. His passion for helping others sound the best they can has lead him through many genres, including jazz, bluegrass, country and western, folk, Americana, classical, and all sorts of fusions. While primarily an upright bassist on call with many jazz vocalists and bluegrass groups in the greater Kansas City Metro, Brandon is also known to sing and play other instruments when needed, including guitar, violin/fiddle and electric bass. He maintains an active performance schedule throughout the year with the bluegrass group The Matchsellers, and Little Miss Dynamite, and with Beth Watts Nelson and teaching students and small groups at Farm School KC, in addition to filling every weekend with guest spots on many of the finest bandstands in town. // Both members of other Kansas City bands (Konza Swamp, Little Miss Dynamite, CatGut, Whiskey Mash) the duo was forged in the rich musical melting pot of the Rural Grit Happy Hour in KC’s Crossroads Arts District. With a focus on vocal melody and harmony, their songs sound as if they had been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana.Together they seek the time and means to provide a genuine and meaningful musical experience to their audiences. // Recording Engineer: Danny McGaw, Northern Sky Recording, Overland Park, KS. Mixed and Mastered: Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio, KCMO]

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

Next week on Wednesday, October 8, we’ll talk with musical genius Ty Faison formerly of Blackstarkids who returns to WMM to share music from his solo debut album UNTIL THE WAR IS WON. ALSO Margo May, Jared Bond and Tim York with all play live in our 90.1 FM Studios. AND FlarethaRebel returns to WMM.

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

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

Show #1115

Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Mark Manning

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, September 24, 2025

Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar, with 45 musical acts, at recordBar 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, September 25-28, 2025, and around recordBar including: Kobi Q, The Belfry, and Lemonade Park. recordBar opened its doors in August 2005 in a humble Kansas City strip mall, with a simple goal: to create a space where music felt close and community came first. Founded by Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherriil, two music lovers who believed in good sound, even better drinks, and treating artists right, the original recordBar quickly became a hub for local bands, national tours, and just about any event that needed a stage—from birthday parties to fundraisers to experimental art nights. In 2015, recordBar moved to the Crossroads District, becoming part of a new chapter in Kansas City’s music scene. The new space kept the same spirit—intimate, accessible, and artist-forward—while expanding its reach and upgrading the experience for both performers and fans. Its downtown location allowed for larger shows while staying true to its roots as an independent, music-first venue. More at: http://www.therecordbar.com

Roman Numerals – “My Life After Death Pt. II”
from: Roman Numerals / Anodyne Records / 2006
[#1 on our list of The 60 Best Recordings of 2006. William Smith on vocals, guitar, stylophone; Steven Tulipana on vocals, bass, guitars, synth; Shawn Sherrill on synth, bass; Pete LaPorte on drums, electronics.] [Bill Brownlee wrote about about Roman Numerals on October 18, 2017 for KCUR Radio. // One of the region’s most notable indie-rock bands a decade ago, Roman Numerals were Ryan Shank on drums, Shawn Sherrill on keyboards and bass, Billy Smith on guitars and vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass, guitars and vocals. // Tulipana and Sherrill went on to open the highly successful RecordBar in Westport. Their band’s last recent performance was the penultimate show at the venue’s original site on January 1, 2016. RecordBar has since re-opened at 1520 Grand Boulevard, which is where Roman Numerals reunite on Saturday. // Roman Numerals peaked at a time when like-minded bands including Interpol were also mining the new wave and post-punk sounds of the 1980s. The revivalist aesthetic was an appealing exercise in wistfulness when its self-titled album was released in 2006, a conceit that makes Saturday’s reunion a double-dip of nostalgia. // The band describes its approach as a “high-powered hybrid” that “forms a sturdy bridge between indie-rock’s angular approach and the underground club scene’s throbbing tempos.” A good example is “Rule of Five,” a gloom-laden blend of synth-pop and post-punk from that 2006 record: // “‘Rule of Five’ was recorded in Chicago the week we signed our lease on the original RecordBar via fax-machine,” Tulipana says. “We somehow managed to get the club open and do several U.S. tours that same year of 2005. We like to get together every year or so these days to revisit these old songs to help inspire us on the other newer projects we stay involved with.” // Roman Numerals, played the grand opening at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2017 with Olympic Size, opening. // Bill Brownlee blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.]

[Roman Numerals play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00pm on the recordBar Main Stageat 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

Roman Numerals – “My Life After Death Pt. II”
from: Roman Numerals / Anodyne Records / 2006
[#1 on our list of The 60 Best Recordings of 2006. William Smith on vocals, guitar, stylophone; Steven Tulipana on vocals, bass, guitars, synth; Shawn Sherrill on synth, bass; Pete LaPorte on drums, electronics.] [Bill Brownlee wrote about about Roman Numerals on October 18, 2017 for KCUR Radio. // One of the region’s most notable indie-rock bands a decade ago, Roman Numerals were Ryan Shank on drums, Shawn Sherrill on keyboards and bass, Billy Smith on guitars and vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass, guitars and vocals. // Tulipana and Sherrill went on to open the highly successful RecordBar in Westport. Their band’s last recent performance was the penultimate show at the venue’s original site on January 1, 2016. RecordBar has since re-opened at 1520 Grand Boulevard, which is where Roman Numerals reunite on Saturday. // Roman Numerals peaked at a time when like-minded bands including Interpol were also mining the new wave and post-punk sounds of the 1980s. The revivalist aesthetic was an appealing exercise in wistfulness when its self-titled album was released in 2006, a conceit that makes Saturday’s reunion a double-dip of nostalgia. // The band describes its approach as a “high-powered hybrid” that “forms a sturdy bridge between indie-rock’s angular approach and the underground club scene’s throbbing tempos.” A good example is “Rule of Five,” a gloom-laden blend of synth-pop and post-punk from that 2006 record: // “‘Rule of Five’ was recorded in Chicago the week we signed our lease on the original RecordBar via fax-machine,” Tulipana says. “We somehow managed to get the club open and do several U.S. tours that same year of 2005. We like to get together every year or so these days to revisit these old songs to help inspire us on the other newer projects we stay involved with.” // Roman Numerals, played the grand opening at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2017 with Olympic Size, opening. // Bill Brownlee blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.]

[Roman Numerals play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00pm on the recordBar Main Stageat 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

Making Movies – “Pendulum Swing”
from: A La Deriva / Independent / October 7, 2014
[Enrique Chi (guitar/lead vox), Brendan Culp (drums), Diego Chi (bass), Juan-Carlos Chaurand (percussion /keyboard). Their new full length was produced with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Imn 2012 the band also released the EP “Aguardiente.” The Record Machine pressed a limited number of the 7 inch vinyl, 4 song EP. // Enrique Chi, is lead singer of Making Movies joined us on the February 2, 2014 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley to talk about the band’s recent tour in Central America, and the band’s Five Year Anniversary Show at the RecordBar, Fri, Feb. 14, with The Conquerors. / The band’s critically acclaimed release “A La Deriva,” was recorded with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. Making Movies had the national release of “A La Deriva.” The band played Puerto Rico in March, and you recently played Panama, where your family is from and where they had the opportunity to meet the President of Panama. // Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band acurrently recording with: Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. // Making Movies released. Captured during their 2024 magnetic set at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado, the EP offers a raw and electrifying glimpse into the band’s dynamic live energy and genre-blending spirit. / The 5-track collection includes a standout performance of “Nadie Sabe (rock’n’roll),” a powerful anthem that nods to the band’s rock roots while giving fans an early taste of their highly anticipated full-length album due out later this year. / Marking Making Movies’ first major U.S. festival appearance, the performance at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival was a milestone moment in the band’s journey—and one they’ll never forget. / “I love that we have a record of that wild and special day,” says Enrique Chi of Making Movies. “The mid-set downpour turned into a blessing—though we had to pause the show, when we returned, dancing in the rain was a pure expression of joy. We are grateful that those folks opened up their space and hearts to us, giving us the opportunity to road test some new songs and prepare for the next chapter for Making Movies.” / The Baúl de las Movies series is a nod to the band’s ongoing effort to open up their archives and share treasured recordings from the road. This latest installment captures the spontaneity and soul of a band known for merging Latin rhythms with psychedelic rock, folk storytelling, and political urgency. / Making Movies continues to carve a unique space in the music landscape, building bridges across cultures and generations. With this release, they invite listeners into the vibrant world they’ve created—live, unfiltered, and alive with possibility. // Last year Making Movies released Baúl De Las Movies (En Vivo En Folly Theater 2023) /=through 3/2 Recordings on September. 27, 2024, Produced by Ben Yonas, McKenzi Webster, Executive Producer Javier E. Carrizo, Production Assistant Nora Gibbons, Recording & Mixing Engineer Ben Yonas, Recording Engineer Paul Malinowski, Mastering Engineer, Dave Greenberg/Sonopod, Assistant Sound Engineers Josh Gomez, Ricky Menendez. Asdru Sierra on trumpet; Ryan Heinlein, Trevor Turla on trombone. // “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” was also filmed. Directed by William J. Stribling. // Directors of Photography Adam Baron-Bloch, Alex Gallitano. // Camera Operators Cole Blaise, Nora Gibbons, Esai Saenz. // Production Designer Aisa Palomares. // Edited by Raymond Fraser. // Colorist Tam Le // DI Coordinator John Daniels-Riveros. // DI Services Provided by Sodalite Color // Stream “Baúl De Las Movies: Folly Theater 2023” – https://ffm.to/follyliveep.OYD. // Latin Grammy nominated band Making Movies released their special EP EN LA SALA containing 8 of the songs recorded LIVE, on January 12, 2024. // Before that they released their single “Medicina”. // Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021. On February 5, the band released the 7-song, La Cuarentena EP which included a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP also includes covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. The EP was available on BandCamp for only three days Feb. 5 through Feb. 7, 2021. // Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá) in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV.” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” Making Movies released their album I Am Another You, May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Info at: https://makingmovies.world

[Making Movies play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Friday September 26 at 11:15pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.] [Making Movies also play The Wolf’s Den at The Belfry for the 6:00pm – Happy Hour VIP experience.]

Deerhoof – “Sparrow Sparrow”
from: Noble and God Like in Ruin / Joyful Noise Recordings / April 25, 2025
[For a band that seems to thrive on collapse, it’s simply amazing that this US/Japanese quartet is now celebrating their 31st year. Though Deerhoof long ago established itself as one of the greatest rock groups ever to stride the earth—and if you think that’s hyperbole, you haven’t spent enough time listening to Deerhoof —the furiously inventive quartet releases new albums on the schedule of a young band still hungry for its first break. As Noble and Godlike in Ruin reaffirms, each one discovers some previously unknown combination of candy-coated hard-rock riffs and free-jazz percussive freakouts, sideways J-pop hooks and fearsome dissonance, trenchant social commentary and surrealist humor. This music is joyful and foreboding, cybernetic and deeply human, carrying an implicit note of defiant optimism in their refusal to bow to convention or received wisdom. Fronting it all is Satomi Matsuzaki’s inimitable alto, whose plainspoken calm can seem strangely outside of the band’s maelstrom. Deerhoof is defined by such paradoxes. // Written, played, recorded and mixed by: Satomi Matsuzaki, Ed Rodriguez, John Dieterich, and Greg Saunier, Except “Under Rats” by:Deerhoof and Saul Williams. Band and face photos by: Satoru Eguchi. Face collage by: Satomi. // Deerhoof are an American independent music group formed in San Francisco in 1994. They currently consist of founding drummer Greg Saunier, bassist and singer Satomi Matsuzaki, and guitarists John Dieterich and Ed Rodriguez. Beginning as an improvised noise punk band, Deerhoof became widely renowned and influential in the 2000s through self-produced albums that combine “noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music” (AllMusic). // They have released eighteen studio albums since 1997. Their most recent album, Actually, You Can, was released on October 22, 2021. // Deerhoof were formed in San Francisco in 1994 as Rob Fisk’s improvisational bass/harmonica solo project. Greg Saunier joined on drums a week later. They were quickly signed to record a single for Kill Rock Stars after owner Slim Moon witnessed their performance at the 1994 Yoyo A Go Go festival. Satomi Matsuzaki joined Deerhoof within a week of moving to the United States from Japan in May 1995, with no prior experience playing in a band, and went on tour as Deerhoof’s singer only a week later, opening for Caroliner. Their 1997 debut album The Man, the King, the Girl was recorded on 4-track tape. // Deerhoof’s style has been described as indie rock, noise pop, punk rock, and “experimental pop mired in a pure punk sense of adventure”. AllMusic characterizes them as “highly revered indie rockers … who play fractured, whimsical noise pop with an avant-garde edge”, while MaineToday describes them as “the beloved punk band whose erratic style veers between pop, noise, and classic rock and roll”. // According to Noisey, Deerhoof formed as a “minimal noise improv” act before shifting to “pop-infused noise-punk”. According to AllMusic, their early releases “had a more traditionally harsh, no wave-inspired sound, though they also included the quirky tendencies that dominated their later efforts … [which] mix noise, sugary melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music that made them one of the most acclaimed acts of the 2000s and 2010s.” Impose writes that since “their beginnings as a noise punk band … [Deerhoof have] taken leaps and bounds artistically and stylistically, experimenting with pop and punk in ways we could’ve never imagined … [and] ultimately [proving] that punk can fit into an artistic world.” According to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, they made “some of the most difficult and unclassifiable noise of the mid-’90s [before] unexpectedly [rising] to international prominence as one of indie rock’s most renowned and influential groups … too ‘pop’ for ‘noise,’ and too ‘noise’ for ‘pop.'” For The Guardian, their breakthrough after many albums of “elliptical art-pop” came with Friend Opportunity, which showcased “a band playing a constantly shifting mixture of psychedelia, post-punk, jazz and pop, which should have been difficult and forbidding, but was given an accessible focus by the sweet vocals and expressionist lyrics of bassist/chanteuse Satomi Matsuzaki. … [The followup] Offend Maggie is head-spinning bliss from beginning to end, and proves that the quartet are the best prog-rock post-punk Afro-Oriental art-pop folk-jazz band in the world. Deerhoof also experiment with contemporary classical music. // The band has been appreciated by and/or influential to other artists, notably David Bowie, Radiohead, Questlove, St. Vincent, Foo Fighters, Dirty Projectors, Tune-Yards, Stereolab, Henry Rollins, Sleigh Bells, and of Montreal. Deerhoof’s songs are covered often by other artists (notably Phil Lesh, Los Campesinos!, Marco Benevento, David Bazan, and classical composer Marcos Balter).]

[Deerhoof play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 9:00pm on the Lemonade Park Stage, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO with Frogpond, and Paris Williams.]

Approach – “Stones (feat. Joe Good & SKU)”
from: Merely, Minutes In A Day {Section 2: Antique Mall} / Datura Records / Dec. 4, 2020
[Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Approach writes: “Antique Mall” is fitting title for a album that has sat in the vault over 5 years. When the recording of this album was finished, I realized it didn’t compliment the sonics of the season. I felt like waiting until the sonic coloring matched the vibration of the times would be the best move. 5 years later a time capsule of love is ready to be revealed. Please enjoy your tour around of my “Antique Mall.” More info at: http://www.daturarecords.bandcamp.com/album/merely-minutes-in-a-day-section-2-antique-mall // Joe Good is Jamal Gamby one half of the the critically acclaimed hip hop band Sounds Good with producer musician beat maker Miles Bonny. Both gentlemen retired their Sounds Good project after two albums and several singles, to start families and become fathers. // This new Approach release is a Follow up to Merely Minutes, In A Day from Datura Records released February 4, 2019. Produced, Sequenced, Recorded, Photography, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray. Artwork & Design By: The Art My Life Imitates. Legendary Kansas based emcee/producer Approach is Sean Hunt who’s been in the game for almost 20 years. He’s released almost a dozen records and traveled the world over the span of his career. He’s also the cofounder of Datura Records, a hip hop label started in 2000. Approach helps curate the roster.]

[Approach and SKU play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 8:00pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

The Royal Chief – “Repeat (Radio Edit)”
from: Fire – EP / Sovereign Sound / July 10, 2025
[New 5-track EP from The Royal Chief / Born in Kansas City, Missouri as Jamel Thompson to a single mother, The Chief is the youngest of six – two brother’s on his mother’s side and another brother and twin sisters from his father. Growing up, his mother fostered his mind; she encouraged The Royal Chief to read relentlessly and to experiment with his talents. This promoted a period where The Royal Chief began expressing himself by writing stories. Chief spent most of his early life in the urban areas of Kansas City. He and his mother moved to Dallas, Texas briefly before returning to Kansas City – to the suburbs – which provided an interesting contrast to his life before. // At the age of 13, after attending a concert in which Kanye West performed, Chief knew his path was in music and began rapping. Courtesy of his mother, he drew inspiration from R&B and Soul while getting his introduction to Hip Hop from his father and brothers. Hip Hop became a love and an outlet for him – a way to vent and document how he perceived the world. It was also an instrument for The Royal Chief to cope with the pain of losing his older brother and godmother who had a hand in raising him. // The Royal Chief moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2012. He spent his first year there living out of his Honda Civic and obtained membership to a local gym to have access in order to take showers. He established a relationship with the manager at Tree Sound Studios through a mutual friend and was soon allowed to live in the studio’s building. He made the most of this opportunity by observing and learning many of the aspects of the music industry, audio/video recording, marketing, and most importantly building relationships and networking. Soon, he began to nurture a relationship with “Cyhi The Prynce” who took him under his wing allowing Chief to create and write for other G.O.O.D. Music artist. During this time, Chief was able to go on tour and learn just to write raps and incorporate rhythm and flow into his pieces to make them sound appealing. // In 2015, under his original moniker “J-Dub,” The Royal Chief began to meticulously focus on his own projects and released his first mixtape entitled Trial and Error. Later that same year, after a trip back to his hometown of KC, he made a conscious decision to change his stage name to something that reflected his passion for his two favorite home-town sports teams and one that represented his city. And in combining the names of those teams, he thus became “The Royal Chief”. Feeling the need to release some music to commemorate the name change, in September of 2016 he released his second project, an EP entitled Dawn – representing the beginning or “dawn of” something new. // In 2017, after seeing a Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s interview in which he said “if you don’t have your city you don’t have anybody,” Chief decided it was time for him to return home and build his name and his following up in his own city. That same year, after a house fire in which he lost everything but his life, he released his third project – an EP titled Homecoming. While building traction in the city, Chief worked diligently to network and perform live all around the Kansas City Metroplex and surrounding areas. In 2018, he released a three-track EP titled 3 Pack. Chief spent the next year working towards expanding existing relationships and building new ones. Chief’s objective was to spend time building a backing band for his live performances as well as collaborate with local artists and producers. And with this feat accomplished, in 2020, Chief released his fourth project titled Groundwork. Groundwork represents “laying the foundation” – it’s the cumulative efforts of networking, touring, and building a following. More info at: http://www.theroyalchief.com]

[The Royal Chief will play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Saturday, September 27 at 5:00pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

Dan Jones and The Squids – “The Rhythm and The Rhyme”
from: SERVE WITHOUT DELAY / Dan Jones / February 5, 2021.
[Dan Jones and The Squids are: Dan Jones on vocals & guitar; Matt Ronan on drums & vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass. On the record Rich Wheeler joined them on tenor saxophone for the songs, “Rock & Roll Daydreams” and “Rhythm and The Rhyme.” Their album was engineered by Brendan “JB” Moreland at Temple Sounds in KCMO and mixed by Brendan at Massive Sound Studios in Shawnee, KS. // Dan Jones and The Squids released It was recorded Friday, February 13, 2020 at recordBar, with Paul Malinowski: live sound & recording engineer. Mixed and edited by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound, Shawnee Kansas. Mastered by Tom Nunes at Atomic Disc. Dan Jones on guitar & vocals, Matt Ronan on drums & vocals; Steve Tulipana on bass & vocals. All songs by Daniel Sherman Jones (BMI), except “I Wanna Be You” by Ed Cole. In 2020 the band didn’t get to play out much, so they hunkered down and worked up a double album’s worth of new tunes. It was a weekly woodshed-workshop that culminated with a live-streamed live-album show on November 13, 2020 at recordBar. Paul Malinowski engineered and mixed. // Dan Jones and The Squids released ROCK AND ROLL DAYDREAMS on vinyl on September 1, 2023. // Dan Jones and The Squids released WE LIVE IN A WORLD THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD on December 6, 2019. It was Recorded at Temple Sounds in KCMO, 2018-2019. Engineered. by JB Moreland. Produced by Dan Jones and The Squids and JB Moreland. Mastered by Tom Nunes at Atomic Disc. With Dan Jones on acoustic & electric guitars, keyboard, lead vocals + drums/bass on “Love/Life”; Matt Ronan on drums, percussion, vocals; Alex Alexander on electric guitar, vocals; Steve Tulipana on bass, vocals; Joey Slab on poem and spiel on “Beach, Please”; Scot Sperry on electric slide guitar on “Love/Life”; Donna Jones on lyrics to “The Violet Man.” / Dan Jones is among the hardworking lifers with taste and talent, keeping the dream alive that music matters. This is the Kansas City singer/songwriter’s seventh LP over two decades, starting in Eugene, OR before returning to his native, non-coastal home. His bio speaks of support gigs with Mike Watt (who plays these Squids on his radio show), Dinosaur Jr., Steve Wynn, John Doe, Tav Falco, Pedaljets, Peter Case, and Minus 5, all hinted at in his fine music. But what he/they most remind of is Watt’s influence The Urinals/100 Flowers, in the way he breaks out homey tunes in the rush of spikier energy—like “My Favorite Lounge,” which spits guitar glory with gusto following tight circular riffs, while hailing soulful, sweaty dives with honest bands. It’s where you’d want to catch Jones and his cephalopods, happily blasting away. // More info at: More info at: http://www.danjonesmusic.com][Dan Jones and The Squids played a Record Release Show at Woodyard BBQ, 3001 Merriam, in KCK, on Saturday, September 9, at 7:00 PM. with Tick Check. Dan Jones & Steve Tulipana joined us on WMM on Sept. 6, 2023.]

[Dan Jones & The Squids play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Friday September 26 at 5:45pm on the recordBar Front Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – “Whole Lotta Problems”
from: The Skeleton Crew / Glassnote Records / May 9, 2015
[Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear have garnered international acclaim, and new fans from all over the world. They signed with Glassnote Records and recorded their debut full length album in Nashville with acclaimed producer Jim Abiss. They performed their debut single “Silent Movies” on The Late Show with David Letterman, they’ve toured across the United States, and Europe, more than once. They were featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s The Today Show, and “Later With Jools Holland and played Bonnaroo, Pilgramage, and the Newport Folk Festival, and the Ryman Theatre, in Nashville. Ruth Ward has continually performed throughout her life, mostly in coffee shops and open mics, for over 30 years, even recording a solo record. In the midst of this she got married and became a mom, and was busy raising a family. Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2007. Madisen’s journey to become a musician, was “melodically passed down” through the songs of his mother, where Madisen grew up watching his mom perform at local coffee shops. Eventually he began to learn to play the guitar, and poured his talent for writing into the music to create original songs. They began playing Madisen’s original songs along with the occassional cover of a classic track, reinterpreted in their own incredibly beautiful performace of two voices and two guitars in harmony and orchestration. Their debut album, The Skeleton Crew, was released May 9, 2015 and was our most played record that year and was #1 on WMM’s The 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Their follow up EP Radio Winners was released July 27, 2018 and recieved critical acclaim. // Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear released the album TARTED WITH A FAMILY on September 6, 2019. Produced with Grammy-winner Nathan Chapman at iconic Blackbird Studios in Nashville. ] [Wednesday MidDay Medley was the very forst radio show to ever paly Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear ]

[Madisen Ward plays the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, on Friday September 26 at 9:00pm on the recordBar Main Stage at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO – September 25 – 28, 2025

Thursday, September 25 – Play Loud Pre-Party @ recordBar
Post Sex Nachos
They’re Theirs
Malek Azrael & The Vibes

Friday September 26

recordBar Main Stage
5:00pm – Rex Hobart & The Misery Boys
6:15pm – The Delazers
7:30pm – Info Gates Tribute
7:45pm – UBI of Ces Cru
9:00pm – Madison Ward
10:15pm – Doubledrag
11:15pm – Making Movies

recordBar Front Stage
5:45pm – Dan Jones & The Squids
7:00pm – The Bad Ideas
9:45pm – LYXE
1045pm – Red Kate

Kobi-Q Stage
8:00pm – MitchMakesBeat
8:45pm – Iocene
9:30pm – Bobcat Attack
10:15pm – Buki-San
11:00pm – Pleasure.exe

The Wolf’s Den at The Belfry
6:00pm – Happy Hour with Making Movies
7:00pm – Jamie Rhen
8:00pm – Boss Holligan Soundsystem

Saturday, September 26

Lemonade Park
6:45pm – Paris Williams
7:45pm – Frogpond
9:00pm – Deerhoof

recordBar Main Stage
2:30pm – People’s Liberation Big Band
3:45pm – The Doo-Dads
5:00pm – The Royal Chief
6:00pm – Lorna Kay
7:00pm – Dom Chronicles
8:00pm – Approach/SKU
9:30pm – Emmaline Twist
11:00pm – Roman Numerals

recordBar front Stage
3:15pm – Lone Stranger w/DJ Jamel Rockwell
4:30pm – Saint George and The Dragons
5:30pm – The Epitome
6:30pm – Steddy P
7:30pm – Cat Fight
9:00pm – Macemouth

Kobi-Q Stage
7:00pm – WRKER
7:45 – Juliette Frost
8:30pm – Faceface
9:15pm – The Delazers
10:00pm – KB Mixes

The Wolf’s Den at The Belfry
6:00pm – Happy Hour with Radkey
7:00pm – Freight Train Rabbit Killed

Sunday, September 28 – Post Party @ recordBar

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar. The event will take place on several stages:

recordBar Main Stage
recordBar Front Stage
Kobi Q,
The Wolf Den at The Belfry
Lemonade Park

recordBar opened its doors in August 2005 in a humble Kansas City strip mall, with a simple goal: to create a space where music felt close and community came first. Founded by Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherrill, two music lovers who believed in good sound, even better drinks, and treating artists right, the original recordBar quickly became a hub for local bands, national tours, and just about any event that needed a stage—from birthday parties to fundraisers to experimental art nights.

In 2015, recordBar moved to the Crossroads District, becoming part of a new chapter in Kansas City’s music scene. The new space kept the same spirit—intimate, accessible, and artist-forward—while expanding its reach and upgrading the experience for both performers and fans. Its downtown location allowed for larger shows while staying true to its roots as an independent, music-first venue.

All VIP perks: Fast-pass entry into venues // Limited-edition festival T-shirt // Commemorative festival poster

Add-ons Available: Entry to an intimate private Happy Hour on Friday featuring an acoustic performance with Making Movies at The Wolf Den, featuring cocktails with Chef Celina Tio and her Annx Spirits line.(Available As GA Add-On)

Entry to an intimate private Happy Hour on Saturday featuring an acoustic performance with Radkey at The Wolf Den, featuring cocktails with Chef Celina Tio and her Annx Spirits line. (Available As GA Add-On)

10:28 – Underwriting

Nan & The One Nite Stands – “Primetime”
rom: “Primetime” – Single / Nan Turner / September 5, 2025
[Written by Nan Turner. Additional Vox by Tracy Flowers. Recorded + mixed + produced by Chase Horseman at Element Studios, Kansas City, KS. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Picture of Nan by Laci Kay. Additional studio support by Frida the Dog and Georgia. More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com Nan Turner was our guest on WMM on March 31, 2021.]

[Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Fri, Oct. 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO.]

10:33 – Interview with Nan Turner

Nan Turner joins us to share details about her new single “Primetime,” AND her show at Gigantic Records, and the progress on her Tonya Harding musical. The singer-songwriter-drummer-actress-dancer’s music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” As Nan + The One Nite Stands, Nan released the single”Primetime” on September 5, 2025. Nan released the single “Sick” on March 7, 2025. Nan released the 4 song EP HAWKIN’ IT on May 14, 2024. Nan released HIGH-CALIBER on February 19, 2021. Nan Turner released the single, “Desert Nites”, on May 22, 2020. Nan released her EP, CHAMPS AND LOSERS, VERSION 2, on July 12, 2019. Nan Turner was one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! with Matt Roth (Major Matt Mason USA) on electric guitar and Nan on drums. The band started in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1999 and toured internationally for over a decade, Schwervon! released 7 full length albums, 2 EPs, and 5 singles. Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock.” Nan went to college with Soon-Yi Previn

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

Nan Turner, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

“Primetime” – Lyrics

Breezy attitude
white light
bartender
stage fright

Ladies of
certain age
hair down
on parade

Nothing prepares you
for saying goodbye
expectation
never got me high
drip of the faucet
Brando in his prime
lives on an island
and he’s fine

Snow angel
where’s your Dad?
Best time (best time)
ever had
Cold nose
lost and found
disco ball
spinning round

Nothing prepares you
being what you’re not
It’s a risky business
sliding around in your socks
Don’t know how to say
you’re asleep on a dream
so you go home
and blame your bad genes

Don’t wanna live
one foot out the door
missing all I had
just the year before

I press on you
faded bruise
left behind left behind left behind

Nothing prepares you
for the illusion of age
filter on a sunset
suppress body rage
Drugs that you pilfer
Joan Crawford with more charm
raise the stakes
set the alarm
Cha cha cha cha cha cha

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

Nan Turner has been working on a figure skating musical about Tonya Harding and that particular era of skating with Nancy Kerrigan and Oksana Baiul and even Verne Lundquist.

Tonya Harding was born November 12, 1970 in Portland, Oregon.
American figure skater, Tonya Harding, was the 1991 and 1994 US champion but her 1994 title was taken away after a controversy erupted regarding her ex-husband. He was charged with planning an attack on a rival American skater, Nancy Kerrigan. Tonya Harding was banned for life by the US Figure Skating Association after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Nancy Kerrigan was born October 13, 1969 in Stoneham, Massachusetts, United States
Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is best known for her 1993 U.S. Figure Skating Championship win. She has also won medals at the 1991 and 1992 World Championships and the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. She was attacked and injured by a man hired by her rival Tonya Harding’s former husband.

Oksana Baiul-Farina was born November 16, 1977, in Dnipro, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, an industrial city famous for manufacturing Soviet missiles. Her parents divorced when she was two years old, and her father, Sergey Baiul, who died in 2006/7 disappeared shortly after. No one is certain whether he deserted his family or was pressured to leave town when he and his wife divorced. She was raised by her mother, Marina, a French teacher, and her maternal grandparents. In addition to having Ukraine ancestry, she is of Russian descent through her maternal grandfather. // She is the 1993 world champion and the 1994 Olympic champion in ladies’ singles. Baiul is the first and only skater representing Ukraine to win gold at the Winter Olympics. She is also the first Olympic champion of independent Ukraine in any sport. After winning the gold medal in 1994, Baiul decided to turn professional in order to tour in the United States and have a career based on her skating. She followed one of her coaches to Connecticut. Later, she also became involved in a variety of TV appearances, and benefit skates. She has lived in the United States since 1994. In 1997 she published 2 books, a memoir about her life and one on skating.

Merton Laverne Lundquist Jr. was born in Duluth, Minnesota on July 17, 1940. He graduated from Austin High School in Austin, Texas, before attending Texas Lutheran University (formerly Texas Lutheran College), where he was one of the founders of the Omega Tau Fraternity in 1958 before graduating in 1962. He is now a member of the Board of Regents for his alma mater. Lundquist attended Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, Illinois in 1962. His father was a Lutheran pastor & President of the Nebraska Synod of the Augustana Lutheran Church. Lundquist played basketball & baseball and was a disc jockey at WOC, Davenport, Iowa. His ‘Golden Voice’ was the highlight of the seminary class on preaching. He began his broadcasting career as sports anchor for WFAA in Dallas and in Austin for KTBC, as well as being the radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys. Lundquist joined the Cowboys Radio Network in 1967 and remained with the team until the 1984 season. He was paired with future play-by-play man Brad Sham starting with the 1977 season, the year the Cowboys went 12–2 and captured their second NFL title in Super Bowl XII. He was sportscaster at WFAA during their 6pm news. Before becoming a nationwide sports commentator, from 1970 to 1974, Lundquist was commentator for the sports show, Bowling for Dollars, in Dallas, Texas. It aired weekday evenings on the ABC station, WFAA-TV, from 6:30 to 7:00, in north central Texas. During these four seasons, Lundquist started interviewing Cowboys players and their first head coach, Tom Landry, at their sidelines, during halftimes, practices, pre-season and pre-game warm-ups, in Dallas. More info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

Nan Turner also contributed a track to the compilation called, Ain’t I Folk? (Indie, Acoustic, Pop, Rock, Weird, And Bedroom Lo-Fi Covers of New York Antifolk Classics) released February 17, 2021 on Weemayk Music. Nan recorded a cover of “I don’t get love” written by her friend Angela Carlucci who goes by the name “Little Cobweb”. More info at http://www.littlecobweb.bandcamp.com/track/i-dont-get-love

Angela Carlucci is also one of Nan’s dancers (and singers) for The One Nite Stands in NYC…and they’ve been dancing and doing shows together for many years. She is also in a great two-piece band called, True Dreams. More info at: truedreams.bandcamp.com

Anti-folk (or unfolk) is a music genre that arose in the 1980s in reaction to the remnants of the 1960s folk music scene, to mock the perceived seriousness of the time’s mainstream music scene, with the intention to shock and protest. Artists of the anti-folk genre observe the “rules” of music, but then deliberately break them. // Anti-folk was introduced by artists who were unable to obtain gigs at established folk venues in Greenwich Village such as Folk City and The Speakeasy. In the mid-1980s, singer-songwriter Lach started The Fort, an after-hours club on NYC’s Rivington Street in the Lower East Side. The Fort’s opening coincided with the New York Folk Festival. Because of this, Lach dubbed his event the New York Antifolk Festival. Other early proponents of the movement included The Washington Squares, Cindy Lee Berryhill, Brenda Kahn, Paleface, Beck, Hamell on Trial, Michelle Shocked, Zane Campbell, and John S. Hall. Roger Manning, Kirk Kelly, and Block. // The original Fort was shut down in 1985 by the police, and because of this the club moved locations several times, including East Village bars Sophie’s and Chameleon, before settling in the back room of the SideWalk Cafe starting in 1993. The New York Antifolk Festival continues to be held annually at the SideWalk Cafe (long outlasting the original Folk Festival). Events have also taken place in the band shells in Tompkins Square Park and Central Park. While living in San Francisco in the early 1990s, Lach helped establish a West Coast anti-folk movement at the Sacred Grounds Coffee House.

Schwervon! is a two-piece American indie rock band. The band members are Matt Roth (Major Matt Mason USA) on electric guitar and Nan Turner on drums; the pair share singing duties. They started the band in 1999 on the Lower East Side of New York City, shortly after they began their ongoing romantic relationship. They have released five albums through Major Matt’s Olive Juice Music independent record label. Their first two albums have also been distributed by Shoeshine Records in Europe, where they have toured with Jeffrey Lewis and Kimya Dawson. In 2011, they did European tours, opening for the recently reunited UK alternative band The Vaselines, as well as Belle and Sebastian.

In 2012 Schwervon! relocated to Shawnee, Kansas.Their album, Broken Teeth, was released in 2014 on local Kansas City label Haymaker Records.

Schwervon! Discography

Quick Frozen Small Yellow Cracker (2000)
Poseur (2004)
I Dream of Teeth (2006)
Elephant in the Room (2007; German compilation of previously released material)
Low Blow (2009)
Courage (2012)
Broken Teeth (2014)
EPs and singles
Gas Money Tour EP (2005; with Jeffrey Lewis)
Elephant (2006; 7-inch single)
Cotton Mouth (2006; 7-inch single)
Fall Tour ’06 EP (2006; with Toby Goodshank)
“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” (2011; 4-way split 7-inch single/Meat Loaf cover with Elastic No-No Band, Huggabroomstik, and The Leader)
Landlocked/Off Duty Trip (The Raincoats) (2013; 7-inch single)
Blood Eagle/Wrath Of Angels (2017; 7-inch single)

Nan Turner Discography

Nan Turner – For Champs and Losers, Version 1 – February 28, 2007
[All songs and instruments by Nan Turner. Dibson Hoffwiler played drums on tracks 1 and 3, and guitar freakout on 3. Lisa Li-Lund sang vocals on track 5. Tracks 1-4 recorded by Dashan Coram at Luv-a-Lot Studios in Brooklyn. Track 5 recorded by Lisa Li-Lund in Brooklyn. All tracks mastered by Major Matt at OJ Studios, NYC.]

Nan Turner – Construction of a Champ – May 12, 2010
[Songs written by NAN TURNER. (except track 9 by Nick Cave) Tracks 3, 5, 7, 8 Recorded by Dashan Coram @ Luv-a-Lot Studios, Brooklyn/NYC. Tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 Recorded & Co-Produced by Mark Ospovat @ Emandee Studios, Brooklyn, NY. All songs mastered by Matt Roth @ Olive Juice Music Studios, NYC. ONE NITE STANDS: Simon Beins: Guitar on 5, Bass on 7, 9. Trumpet on 8, 9; Daoud Tyler-Ameen: Drums on 2, 3, 5, 7, 9; Dan Gower: Piano on 9; Dave End: Vox on 7; Dan Fishback: Vox on 8; Christian De Roeck: “Dragon” Vox on 4; Adey Lobb: Melodica on 6; Mark “Slave to Production” Ospovat: Bass & many other newfangled synthy guitarey noise things: 1, 2, 4, 6.]

Nan + the One Nite Stands – EP HAWKIN’ IT – May 14, 2014
All songs written by Nan Turner. Recorded & Mixed & Co-Produced @ Emandee in Brooklyn by Mark Ospovat. Mastered by Casey Holford. Photo by Erica Peterson. Thanks so much to my One Nite Stands in NYC and London who contributed to this collection of songs! Simon Nelson: Guitar, drums on Rambo; Adrian Lobb: Keys on Rambo; Butch Merigoni: Drums on Beijing; Simon Beins: trumpet on Hawkin It; Julie Delano – vox on Hawkin It; Susan Hwang – vox on Hawkin It; Mark “slave to production” Ospovat – so many instruments, especially bass/ guitar/ textural things. Also vox on tracks 2,3,4.

Nan Turner – For Champs and Losers, Version 2 – July 12, 2019
[All songs by Nan Turner. Recorded + Mixed + Co-Produced @ Winky World by Chase Horseman Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Alan Douches @ West West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns – drums on 1, 2, + 4; Chase Horseman – bass on 1, 2, + 4.
Huge thanks to Chase for your ears + producer magic. Also thanks to Ian, Alan, all my friends in KC and NYC, and to Frida the dog.]

Nan & The One Nite Stands – Desert Nites (Single) – May 22, 2020
[Written by Nan Turner. Recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Nan Turner on vocal & beats, Mark Ospovat on guitar & percussion, Chase Horseman on wurlitzer & bass & synthesizers, Dawn Yoder & Tracy Flowers on backing vocals. // Thanks to Mark O.,Chase, Ian, Tracy, Dawn, NY one nite stands Leslie, Angela, and Susan. My Dad. And last but not least, Frida the Dog. // Nan writes: I learned about existentialism at a young age. My Dad was a Philosophy Professor. Waiting for Godot and Archibald MacLeish’s J.B. were in my Ballet Bag for years. My mother + stepfather are libertarian folk that went to church, shot guns, and sold Amway. // I’m not saying this song is about any of that. But it’s also NOT NOT about that. // I started recording this song in 2017 with my good friend and collaborator Mark Ospovat in Brooklyn, NY. We laid down the foundation tracks of beat, guitar and vocals. Then I let the song lie…..because I didn’t know how to finish it or where it fit in my oeuvre. I almost wrote ovaries. That too. (You do know that songs are like babies, right?) // Cut to March 2020, Kansas City. Chase Horseman and I unearthed the tracks right before the quarantine. He sat down at the Wurlitzer and played some notes and suddenly the song made sense to me. Of course it needed Wurlitzer! Through Chase’s arrangements of keys and other instrumentation, and Dawn and Tracy’s backup vocals (shoutout to KC one nite stand dancers extraordinaire)…I knew the song was finally there and it was time to release it into the world.Thanks so much to both Mark Ospovat & Chase Horseman for helping me realize the song’s potential and also for adding your own inventive arrangements. A One Nite Stands Magical Collaboration from NYC to KC.]

Nan + the One Nite Stands – High-Caliber – February 19, 2021
All songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler-bass on 1, 3, and 4 // Pat Tomek -drums on 1, 3, and 4 // Mark Ospovat – bass on 2 and 5 // Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers – vox on 2, 4, and 5 // Chase Horseman- keys, guitar, co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. // Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. // Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration.

Nan Turner, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com.

10:53

Nan & The One Nite Stands – “Sick”
from: “Sick” – Single / Nan Turner / March 7, 2025
[Nan + the One Nite Stands. Song by Nan Turner. Music backing track by Chase Horseman. Additional Vox by Tracy Flowers. Recorded + mixed + produced by Chase Horseman at Element Studios, Kansas City, KS. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Additional studio support by Frida the Dog // On February 19, 2021 Nan Turner released High – Caliber with all songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // “Yeah” is track 1, on this 5-song EP // The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler on bass on 1, 3, and 4; Pat Tomek on drums on 1, 3, and 4; Mark Ospovat on bass on 2 and 5; Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers on backing vocals on 2, 4, and 5; Chase Horseman on keyboards, guitar, and co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration. // Nan Turner released the single “Desert Nights” released May 22, 2020, written by Nan Turner, and recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // On July 12, 2019, Nan Turner released her solo EP, Champs and Losers, Version 2. Recorded, Mixed, and Co-Produced at Winky World in Kansas City, by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Alan Douches at West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns plays drums and Chase Horseman plays bass. // Nan Turner is also one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock. Her music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com Nan Turner was our guest on WMM on March 31, 2021.]

[Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO.]

They’re Theirs – “Midland Empire”
from: “Midland Empire” – Single / Chase The Horseman / February 18, 2025
[As a live band They’re Theirs consists of Chase Horseman on vocals and guitars, Sky Cowdry on bass and Ian Dobyns on drums. // “Midland Empire” was produced by They’re Theirs, engineered by Ian Dobyns, mixed by Ian Dobyns Chase Horseman and Sky Cowdry. Mastered by Justin Perkins/Mystery Room Mastering. Recorded at Element Recording. // Chase The Horseman released the single “Silver Liner” on October 25, 2024. Drums and additional engineering by Ian Dobyns, Additional vocals by Heidi Gluck. Mastered by Anthony Puglisi. Written, produced, performed and mixed by Chase Horseman at Element Recording. // Chase Horseman has composed music for over 40 films and as musician and producer collaborated with Clairaudients, Teri Quinn, Heidi Lynne Gluck, KD Kuro, The Roseline, Nan Turner and more. Chase The Horseman film composer, band leader, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, & producer. // On April 2, 2024 Chase released the 22 track Original Sound Track for Headcount, a feature film from the Burghart Brothers, produced by Continuance Pictures, Method Media, and Shout Factory. Chase created the music for two feature-length episodes of the Blum House Films and Hulu original series, “Into the Dark.” // In February 2020 Chase released “Poor Song,” a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs track by Karen O. Chase played Sequential Circuits Prophet 600, Dave Smith MiniMopho, Korg Minilogue Xd, Moog Grandmother, Roland Alpha Juno 2, Mellotron, Guitar, Drums, Vocals all performed by Chase Horseman. Recorded at Element Recording Studios and Winky World. Mixed by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Joel Nanos. // On May 1, 2020. // Chase released, a quarantine cover of “Midnight, The Stars and You” written by Harry M. Woods, Jimmy Campbell & Reg Connelly Stanley. The most famous version was recorded in 1934 by Ray Noble & his Orchestra with an uncredited Al Bowley on vocals. This was used in the ballroom scene and closing of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror film The Shining based on the novel by Stephen King. All of the profits of the Chase Horseman single were be donated directly to service industry workers in Kansas City and Midwest Music Foundation on a 50/50 basis. // Chase The Horseman released Disinformation Blues EP on July 12, 2019. One of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Chase released the single “U Martyr U” June 19, 2018, and the single “Modern Ruins” on Oct 4, 2018. // More info at: http://www.chasethehorseman.bandcamp.com.]

[They’re Theirs play the Play Loud Fest Thurs, Sept. 25 for the Pre-Party on the recordBar Main Stage with Post Sex Nachos, and Malek Azrael & The Vibes at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO.]

11:00 – Station ID

Amy Steinberg– “Ready To Let Go”
rom: Big Bang Breaks / Amy Steinberg / March 11, 2023
[Amy Steinberg was classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

[Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, Sept 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr.]

11:04 – Interview with Amy Steinberg

Amy Steinberg was classically trained on the piano starting at age 4. She studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, September 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr., Lenexa, KS.

Amy Steinberg Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM.

Amy Steinberg was Borm July 17, 1973 (age 52) in Massachusetts, United States
She is a Singer-songwriter who plays Piano, guitar, vocals,. She had been performing since 1998. Hsr website is: http://www.amysteinberg.net

Amy Steinberg is an American minister, singer, songwriter, musician, playwright and actress. She is an independent artist. Best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. A student of the Science of Mind movement, her work has included musically directing at spiritual centers, writing songs for the Inspire Choir in Boca Raton, Florida and the One Love Choir in Charlotte, North Carolina which has brought marked spirituality into her work. She has performed at Agape International in Los Angeles, Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle, The Revelation Conference, the Michigan Womyn’s Festival, and opening for artists including Alix Olson and Melissa Ferrick.

Early life – Amy was born in Boston, Massachusetts. At age 8, her family moved to Sarasota, Florida, where she attended Booker High School for the Performing Arts. Classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College.

11:11

Amy Steinberg – “Big Bang Breaks”
from: Big Bang Breaks / Amy Steinberg / March 11, 2023
[Amy Steinberg who is classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

[Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, Sept 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr.]

11:14 – More Interview with Amy Steinberg

Amy Steinberg was classically trained on the piano starting at age 4. She studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

Amy Steinberg, Thanks for being with us on tWednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM.

Music and Theater – Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released nine albums independently, and written and performed four one-woman shows: Me, Me, Me, Me; Oh My God Don’t Stop; Ever Expanding; and The Divine Miss Aim. After selling out and winning Patron’s Pick at the 2005 Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival, Oh My God Don’t Stop went on for successful runs in Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida. It ran for three months at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts in 2008 to rave reviews. She won the Touring Act of the Year award from Songwriter Showcases of America in 2006, and Best Solo Performer from the Orlando Music Awards in 2000. She regularly tours the United States, performing in music festivals, Spiritual Centers, coffeehouses, and unschooling conferences. She currently tours in support of her newest record, Broken Open produced by Justin Beckler.

Her influences and inspirations are Bette Midler, Ani Difranco, Christy Snow, and George Carlin. Her shows are a mix of comedy, music, theater, and spirituality.

Breaking the Moon – Steinberg wrote and produced a long one act, Breaking the Moon, about 7 teenagers in treatment for suicide and suicidal behaviors. It received praise from the press and is moving forward to productions in Asheville, North Carolina, Johnson City, Tennessee and New York, NY. Currently, the original cast album is being recorded at Sound Temple Studios.[2][3]

Art and Other Expressions – In 2001 Steinberg began turning her ‘doodles’ into multi-media pieces of fine art. Her work is mostly bright acrylic pieces with words inside the images (pictures below).

Amy Steinberg is a licensed Religious Science minister. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina

Discography

Big Bang Breaks
Shine, Be Glorious
Broken Open
Fall Down to Fly
Must Be the Moon
Raw Material from the Ethereal
Emphatic at the Attic: LIVE!
Clown Princess
Sex with Amy
360 Hibiscus
Sky High

Amy Steinberg Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on 90.1 FM.

11:24

Amy Steinberg – “Trouble”
from: “Trouble” – Single / Amy Steinberg / February 24, 2023
[Amy Steinberg who is classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She has two chihuahuas, Ru and Tiki and three cats: Poppy, Baby cat and Sebastian. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net]

[Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, Sept 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr.]

11:27 – Underwriting

Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy – “Lost”
from: “Lost” – Single / Til Willis / February 27, 2025
[3rd single from the upcoming album, Glass Cactus. Written by Til Willis Til Willis on vocals & guitar; Bradley McKellip on guitar & backup vocals; Eric Binkley on bass; and Austin Sinkler on drums. Steve Faceman on backup vocals. // Til Willis, born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. Currently, when not performing solo, he makes noise with Erratic Cowboy. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger.]

[Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Sat., Oct. 4, 7:00pm.]
Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Fri., Oct. 17 8:00pm.]

11:34 – Interview with Til Willis

Til Willis was born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger. Til Willis joins us to share details about his band Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy and their latest album Glass Cactus recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas, mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas.

Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Sat, Oct 4, at 7:00pm.
Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence. on Fri. Oct. 17 at 8:00pm

Til Willis Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The last album from Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy was Grinding of The Stars, released Nov. 4, 2022 and recorded in a 122 year old barn. With Til Willis on guitars & vocals; Eric Binkley on bass, and Austin Sinkler on drums/ Recorded/Mixed/Produced by Til Willis. Mastered by John Hruska.

Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas.

Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy is:
Til Willis on vocals & guitar
Bradley McKellip on guitar & backup vocals
Eric Binkley on bass
Austin Sinkler on drums.
With Steve Faceman on backup vocals for “Lost,” Chance Dibben on Sonic Manipulations on Homecoming, Recovering Sunday, Natural Law With Nate Holt on keyboards for: Ten Miles of Days, Horizon, Smells Like Honey, Recovering Sunday

Til Willis began performing in 1992, at the remarkable age of just twelve. Since then, he’s produced an expansive catalog of music, including fifteen studio albums, two live albums, and five EPs. Til’s bandmates, known as Erratic Cowboy, both compliment and enhance Til’s well-seasoned songwriting, and have added their own dynamic energy to his albums and live shows since 2012. With November’s release, Grinding of the Stars, Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy show no signs of slowing down.

Til has headlined his own shows, and opened for such notable acts as Jesse Robinson, The Subdudes, Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos, Fainting Goats, and Pete Seeger.

Glass Cactus was Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, KS. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence. Cover art by David Huddleston

Til and the boys perform frequently at favorite venues:The Record Bar and The Brick in KC, and The Replay Lounge, Kaw Valley Public House and The Bottleneck in Lawrence.

There are people who write songs, and then there are songwriters… people who write simply because they have no other choice, poets in denim who wonder if they’re poetic at all. It’s talk of fire, and the breath of storms passed that stirs the echoes of longing to express one’s self…Til Willis came along after the birth of rock and roll, but before the setting of the sun in the home state of Elvis. A state that as John Magnie says, “Eats the roots of American music.” And, out of this climate Til strode with the confident swagger of a man possessed with the desire to be a songwriter.

Growing up on rock & roll made during a time when “rock & roll” mattered, and it wasn’t about fashion & packaging, Til strives to deliver substance in his own orchard of sound.

A listen to any of his albums, The Thought I Had, Shadow of the Future, Lovesick, Crimson Wind, or Cindershine confirms this level of commitment. It’s not bubblegum pop, or mindless distortion. This is American Rock, and Til has brought it to life on stages from Mississippi to California, Colorado to Oklahoma.

He has composed scores for plays by playwright Steve Goode, and student films made at the University of Colorado. He has produced albums for artists like Drew Fowler, in addition to producing all of his own recordings.

In short Til Willis is an energetic young singer/songwriter with a voice that thunders, and a musical passion and vision that screams the haunted howl of hellhounds down a dusty road. Rock and Roll is freedom, and Til exercises his daily.

CEO at Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy

In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger.

Studied at Colorado State University
Lives in Lawrence, Kansas // From Ouray, Colorado
Married to Stephanie Willis – (Aug. 18, 2012)
Daughter: Mahalia
Dog: Twyla

Til Willis Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Sat., Oct. 4, at 7:00pm.
Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Fri., Oct. 17 at 8:00pm

11:49

Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy – “Homecoming”
from: Glass Cactus / Til Willis / March 27, 2025
[Til Willis on vocals, guitar, percussion, mixing, & production; Bradley McKellip om guitars & lap steel; Eric Binkley on bass, and Austin Sinkler on grums with Nate Holt on keyboards for: Ten Miles of Days, Horizon, Smells Like Honey, Recovering Sunday; Chance Dibben on Sonic Manipulations on Homecoming, Recovering Sunday, Natural Law; and Steve Faceman on backup vocals on Lost. Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas. // Til Willis, born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. Currently, when not performing solo, he makes noise with Erratic Cowboy. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger.]

[Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Saturday, October 4, at 7:00pm.]
[Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Friday, October 17 at 8:00pm.]

11:55

Juliette Frost – “Drowning in a Glass of Water “
from: Drowning in a Glass of Water – Single / Juliette Frost / September 5, 2025
[Juliette Frost released the EP personal logs on March 3, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. personal logs was a small collection of personal notes and feelings collaged into 3 tracks which have been sliced and diced like curry ingredients. // Juliette Frost released the single “Carbon Copy (radio edit). On March 22, 2024. // Juliette Frost released the single “Wizard Trance” with Not Nymph Yet, on December 20, 2023, // Juliette Frost released the single “UeyuAau,” on December 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Night Owl,” on April 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Fruits of Our Tree,” on December 11, 2022. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Sylvrface,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Parallel,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the17 track album, “Lepidoptera” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Streetwalker,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost recorded a 6-song EP HUSH on May 5, 2021, that was created in a 5-day recording session, in December 2020 in Los Angeles, with musician, bassist, & producer Dominique Sanders. The songs, written by Juliette, feature her vocals layered in harmonies, beats and soundscapes. // Juliette Frost also released the single “burd,” on February 8, 2021. // On April 18, 2020 Juliette released Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, her 19-track, debut, recorded in her bedroom, when she was 16, sampling sounds from her own cats meowing and purring, among others. When Juliette was making the music for, Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, she really wasn’t thinking of putting out an album. She was just creating music, and before she knew it she had all of these songs. // Juliette has had the opportunity to see the recording process from two very different perspectives: in a recording studio in LA, and in her own private bedroom, working by herself. Juliette says that she prefers the alone time, in her bedroom process, because she can translate her ideas into reality, much faster. Juliette says she realized her musical passion, and that she had the abilities to create music and songs when she was in middle school. // Juliette Frost went to Shawnee Mission North High School. Juliette is not only a songwriter and producer of music but she is also a visual artist who created amazing collage art, and is also a painter and fine artist. // Juliette grew up surrounded by music in her home, Juliette is the daughter of opera and jazz vocalist Emily Frost and nationally known Hip Hop Beatboxer Adrian “A-Train” Frost] [Juliette Frost played minibar, on October 23, 2024, with Belgium-based Ultra Sunn and Religion of Heartbreak.]

[Juliette Frost plays play the Play Loud Fest celebrating 20 years of recordBar, at 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO on Saturday, September 27 at 7:45pm on the Kobi-Q Stage.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, October 1 we talk with members of Whim Theatre’s Production of Boys In The Band, AND Beth Watts Nelson and Brandon Day share new music.

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

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

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

Show #1114

WMM presents: Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Mark Manning

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, September 24, 2025

Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from 10 artists/bands playing Play Loud! The 20th Anniversary Celebration of recordBar including: Roman Numerals, Emmaline Twist, Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear, Making Movies, Approach, Juliette Frost, Dan Jones and the Squids, The Royal Chief, They’re Theirs, and Deerhoof. We will also play tracks from Nan Turner, Amy Steinberg, and Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy.

Play Loud Fest will be a four-day celebration of 20 years of recordBar, with 45 musical acts, at recordBar 1520 Grand Boulevard, KCMO, September 25-28, 2025, and around recordBar including: Kobi Q, The Belfry, and Lemonade Park. recordBar opened its doors in August 2005 in a humble Kansas City strip mall, with a simple goal: to create a space where music felt close and community came first. Founded by Steve Tulipana and Shawn Sherriil, two music lovers who believed in good sound, even better drinks, and treating artists right, the original recordBar quickly became a hub for local bands, national tours, and just about any event that needed a stage—from birthday parties to fundraisers to experimental art nights. In 2015, recordBar moved to the Crossroads District, becoming part of a new chapter in Kansas City’s music scene. The new space kept the same spirit—intimate, accessible, and artist-forward—while expanding its reach and upgrading the experience for both performers and fans. Its downtown location allowed for larger shows while staying true to its roots as an independent, music-first venue. More at: http://www.therecordbar.com

At 10:30 Nan Turner talks about her new single “Primetime,” her show at Gigantic Records, and the progress on her Tonya Harding musical. The singer-songwriter-drummer-actress-dancer’s music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” As Nan + The One Nite Stands, Nan released the single”Primetime” on September 5, 2025. Nan released the single “Sick” on March 7, 2025. Nan released the 4 song EP HAWKIN’ IT on May 14, 2024. Nan released HIGH-CALIBER on February 19, 2021. Nan Turner released the single, “Desert Nites”, on May 22, 2020. Nan released her EP, CHAMPS AND LOSERS, VERSION 2, on July 12, 2019. Nan Turner was one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! with Matt Roth (Major Matt Mason USA) on electric guitar and Nan on drums. The band started in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1999 and toured internationally for over a decade, Schwervon! released 7 full length albums, 2 EPs, and 5 singles. Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock.” Nan Turner & The One Nite Stands play Gigantic Records, Friday, October 3, at 7:00 at 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO. More at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com

At 11:00 Mark talks with Amy Steinberg who is classically trained on the piano from age 4, she studied at Boston Conservatory and American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and has a degree in theater from Marymount Manhattan College. Amy Steinberg is best known for her live performances, she blends together a mixture of music, comedy, and poetry. Steinberg began singing original music in college and released her first record with the Amy Steinberg Band in 1999. She has since released over nine albums independently, and written and performed multiple one-woman shows. She is a licensed Religious Science minister. She has two chihuahuas, Ru and Tiki and three cats: Poppy, Baby cat and Sebastian. She lives with her partner in Asheville, North Carolina. Amy Steinberg performs her one-woman show MINISTAR, A Cosmic Soul Revival, Friday, September 26, at 7:00pm, at The Fillmore KC Event Space, Unity Church of Overland Park, 10000 Marshall Dr., Lenexa, KS. More info at http://www.amysteinberg.net

At 11:30 Til Willis shares details about his band Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy and their new album Glass Cactus. Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy is Til Willis on vocals & guitar; Bradley McKellip on guitar & backup vocals; Eric Binkley on bass; and Austin Sinkler on drums. With Steve Faceman on backup vocals for the record. Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas. Til Willis was born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. In his years of touring the country, Til has had the pleasure to perform with such notable talents as Pete Seeger. Til Willis plays Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave. KCMO Saturday, October 4, at 7:00pm. Til Willis plays Northside Local, 444 Locust Ave., Lawrence, KS. on Thursday, October 18 at 8:00pm.

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

Show #1114

WMM Playlist from Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Mark Manning

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, September 17, 2025

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning & Iona DeWalt

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

Wednesday – “Pick Up That Knife”
from: Bleeds / Dead Oceans / September 19, 2025
[Third single from upcoming album, BLEEDS. Wednesday, the North Carolina rock band led by generational songwriter Karly Hartzman released their breakthrough album, Rat Saw God. The album was one of 2023’s most critically acclaimed releases, landing on year end lists at the New York Times, NPR, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, The Atlantic, The Ringer, The FADER, Paste, Consequence, Stereogum and more. // Wednesday is Karly Hartzman, MJ Lenderman, Xandy Chelmis, Alan Miller, and Ethan Baechtold. // “What makes Wednesday one of the best bands in the world is Hartzman’s songwriting. It’s paradisiacal in a scuzzy way, adaptable to any underbelly in North America and wickedly unafraid of being too truthful or unabashed.” -Paste // “Karly Hartzman’s storytelling remains a beautifully magpie-like collection of little details drawn from memory and observation, woven together into a transcendent indie rock tapestry.” -The AV Club // Rat Saw God released September 8, 2022. It was ij the top 30 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // // Hartzman was inspired to start playing guitar after watching Mitski’s NPR Tiny Desk concert. Hartzman attended college in Asheville, where she met Daniel Gorham. The two recorded an album together under the moniker Wednesday titled yep definitely. The band’s name was inspired by the British band The Sundays. // After releasing this record, Hartzman formed another band called Diva Sweetly, alongside members of the band Pictures of Vernon. Hartzman was interested in making shoegaze music, which was not the music Diva Sweetly was making. Thus, Hartzman gathered new members to join the Wednesday band and released the second album with the group, titled I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone in 2020. The group released their third record, Twin Plagues, on August 13, 2021.// On March 11, 2022, the band released a covers album titled Mowing the Leaves Instead of Piling ’em Up, featuring covers versions of songs by Gary Stewart, Chris Bell, Roger Miller, Drive-By Truckers, Hotline TNT, Greg Sage, Vic Chesnutt, Medicine and The Smashing Pumpkins. On September 8, 2022, the band left Orindal Records and signed to Dead Oceans, releasing the single “Bull Believer”. On January 18, 2023, the band released the single “Chosen to Deserve” and announced a fifth album, Rat Saw God, which was released on April 7, 2023.] [Wednesday played the recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, on Wednesday, May 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM ]

Rudy Love & The Encore – “Move Slow”
from: 11 / Midtopia / July 11, 2025
[Rudy Love & The Encore is comprised of Rudy Love Jr. (vocals & keys), Marrque
Nunley (drums), Rachelle Love (percussion), Mariel Jacoda (vocals), Sherdeill (DJ) Breathett (bass), and Willy Simms (guitar). // The band members have played together for most of their lives, and formally introduced the band Rudy Love & The Encore early last year. Rudy Love Jr.’s late father, renowned musician Rudy Love Sr., was a musical mentor to the band members. The band’s name is in honor of Love Sr., based on the idea that this grouping of musicians is Rudy Love Sr.’s legacy — his encore. // In 2023, the band released their debut EP, The Beauty of Burdens, followed quickly by two more singles, “Broken Angel” and “Grey.” They have been busy since the band’s inception, performing and collaborating with Elise Trouw, performing at Black & Loud Fest in Seattle, opening for notable acts like Teddy Swims and The B-52’s, and playing multiple tours across the nation.They traded the hyper-competitive hustle of the Los Angeles show business scene, and are now working together from their hometown of Wichita, Kan. to build a dream they all hold — to make music with people they love, and to share it with the world.]

[Rudy Love & The Encore play the Mix Master Music Fest, Saturday, September 20 at 10:00pm at Northside Social 444 Locust St. Lawrence, KS.]

10:11– Interview with Nick Carswell

Originally from Limerick, Ireland. Nick Carswell has been performing professionally for 25 years, in his native Ireland and across the US Midwest, where he has lived since 2011. His main creative output is as songwriter and frontman for the alt-rock 5 piece, Carswell & Hope. Nick has wide experience with arts & cultural non-profits, community organizing, public art and professional development. Nick is a Creative Industries Specialist for the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, a Senior Artist Leadership Fellow for the Mid-America Arts Alliance’s Artist INC program, and a board member for the Heartland Song Network, Director of the Lawrence Music Alliance, and program manager for the Audio-Reader Network.

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

Nick Carswell joins us to discuss of The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference & Festival, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.Empowering musicians through collaborative programs and conversations, MXM2025 offers panels, workshops and networking opportunities accessible to all through this independently-organized conference event. The Music Fest line-up includes 6 venues over two nights with more than 25 acts performing all over Lawrence, KS. Plus, a free all ages concert on the library lawn Saturday, September 20, 2025. More info at: http://www.mixmaster2025.com

The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.

MixMaster 2025 Conference – Friday & Saturday, September 19 & 20, 2025

Presented by the Lawrence Music Alliance, MixMaster2025 is a music conference & fest in Lawrence, Kansas // A music conference in Lawrence Public Library on Sat. Sept 20th with panels, workshops, discussion & networking // Live music showcases on Friday and Saturday feature more than 25 local & regional acts performing in 5 venues across 2 nights of music across Lawrence, KS // A free all ages concert on the library lawn Sat Sept 20.

Saturday Sept 20th, 10am – 3pm: the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference. Topics include music booking, how to release an album, touring tips, music as mutual aid, production workshops, DJ workshop, and demo dip. In the Lawrence Public Library Main Auditorium, Sound + Vision Studio and Meeting Rooms.

Through the 2024 Lawrence Music Census we’ve learned much about the needs of our music community in business training, financial support & connectivity. For example, music generates $13M in income locally, with creatives spending an average of $4,435 in the local community. However, gig income is lower than comparative studies, at $101 per gig. Only 1 in 4 music community members has received any financial support for music.

Lawrence creatives surveyed perform more than 9,600 gigs outside of Lawrence, yet 60% of respondents indicated the need for music export funding or tour support. More than 6,500 live events happen in Lawrence each year, yet 82% of respondents need audience development tools, while 57% desire a place to connect with music industry services. 52% of creatives seek audio/video/production training.

MixMaster 2025 Conference – Saturday, September 20, 2025

10:00am – Conference Registration – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium

10:15 – Panel: Lawrence Venue Roundup – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Learn how to book gigs and partner with your music venues for gig success!

11:15 – Mastering the Merch Stand – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
The merch stand can make or break your gig, tour or album release. Learn how to maximize and expand your merch offerings.

11:15 – Studio Tours – Sound + Vision Studios – Lawrence Public Library
Learn about recording, podcasting & production facilities available to all patrons of LPL

12:00 – On the Road: Touring – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Panel discussion sharing tips to book, manage and achieve success on tour.

12:00 – Outlasting the Algorithm: A DJ workshop with Jon Sabillon – Meeting Room A
DJ workshop with Jon Sabillon, diving into DJ principles, technology and sharing projects that expand who can DJ and how

12:00 – Studio Workshop: Using the Library’s Synths – Sound + Vision Studios
Studio Specialist Matt Pelsma will demonstrate a typical recording setup using the library’s collection of synthesizers.

01:00 – Make Your Release an Event- Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
This panel discusses how to make the most of your album or music release, capitalizing on media, fan engagement and gigs.

01:00- Music for Mutual Aid – Meeting Room A
Music as Mutual Aid will focus on the role artists and music industry workers can play in today’s challenging political climate.

01:00 – Capturing Live In-studio Performances – Sound + Vision Studio
Learn about how to make the best of out live in-studio performances or how to create your own, with examples from Kansas Public Radio and KJHK.

02:00 – Demo Dip – Lawrence Public Library Auditorium
Submit your unreleased demo for live feedback from a panel of industry experts.

Live music all across Lawrence: 25+ acts performing in 5 venues across Lawrence showcasing the best in local & regional talent. All genres, colors, shapes and sizes. Plus, a free all-ages outdoor concert on the lawn of Lawrence Public Library. Full weekend wristbands and individual day passes available.

The live music showcases take place at multiple venues around Lawrence, including the Replay Lounge, Lucia, Eighth St Taproom, Northside Social on Friday Sept 19 and Saturday Sept 20. A special free all-ages concert is taking place on the Lawrence Public Library lawn on Saturday Sept 20 from 4pm.

MXM Music Conference FRIDAY SEPT 19

LUCIA:
Tommy Johnson, Paxton Harvey, Eddie Moore

REPLAY:
Kahlulee, Dylan Guthrie, Frankie Shorez, Bed Self Portraits, Zee Underscore, RAP Veterans

Tap Room:
Kat King, The Whips

Northside:
Blood & Velvet, Hello Biplane

MXM Music Conference SATURDAY SEPT 20

Library Lawn:
River City Rock Camp Showcase, Jon Sabillon, VCMN, INDRA, The Roseline, LYXE

REPLAY:
Cheery, Corners of The Sky, Social Cinema

Tap Room:
Foxlin, Teri Quinn, True Lions

LUCIA:
Son Venezuela

Northside:
Jackson Reed, Malek Azrael, Rudy Love and The Encore

PARTNERS
City of Lawrence, KS
Community Solutions Grant
Blue Collar Press
Kansas Public Radio
KKFI 90.1FM
KJHK 90.7FM
Heartland Song Network

MixMaster2025 is a project of the Lawrence Music Alliance, a non-profit that uses the framework of music ecosystem development to engage the music community, advocate on behalf of musicians and creatives, and act as a vital intermediary between the creative economy and the city of Lawrence, KS. Through our collaborative efforts with the city, we aim to promote and support the live music industry and ensure that Lawrence is recognized as a premier destination for music lovers everywhere.

The MixMaster Music Conference is an annual event dedicated to empowering individuals in the music industry. By bringing together musicians, industry professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, MixMaster provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and career development. The conference is a program of the Lawrence Music Alliance and supported by the City of Lawrence, Kansas, Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. For information, please visit MixMaster2025.com.

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite at http://mixmaster2025.eventbrite.com

10:29

Zee Underscore – “You Dont Deserve Me (Radio Edit)”
from: You Don’t Deserve Me (Radio Edit) – Single / Underscore Form / August 8, 2024
[One of two new singles Zee Underscore has released so far this year. Zee Underscore released her critically acclaimed debut EP, The Zee Underscore Experience on June 15, 2024. Zee Underscore is one of 5 children in her family. Zee Underscore studied at The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her confidence and talent flourished, sparking a deep passion for music creation and supporting artists of diverse backgrounds. Zee completed a five-year electrical engineering program at The University of Cincinnati, and her work in electrical engineering led her to Kansas City. // Zee is co-founder of ZNTL Enterprises. Through this work she emcees and produces outdoor stage shows at First Friday’s in the West Crossroads. // Zee embodies the spirit of dreaming without limits, juggling roles as a singer, songwriter, recording artist, emcee, event coordinator, entrepreneur, and mentor while also working full time as an electrical engineer. // Zee moved to KC to work in engineering, which brought you out to KC, which helped her find herself and rediscover your love for the arts. Family members would give Zee beats and she would write songs to them. Zee’s band includes: Alex Chase, Jade Harvey, Stephen Bond who helped Zee translate her songs to live instruments. More info at: http://www.linktr.ee/Zeebee.notes%5D

[Zee_Underscore plays the Mix Master Music Fest, Friday, September 19 at Replay.]

10:33 – Underwriting

10:33 – Underwriting

Brody Lowe – “Flash Bomb”
from: Flash Bomb / The Basement Arcade / July 25, 2025
[First single from upcoming album Draculover. To be released September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.]

10:38 – Interview with Brody Lowe

We just heard Flash Bomb the first single from upcoming album Draculover. To be released September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moon where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Brody Lowe released Maul (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on March 3, 2023. Brody Lowe released the 8-track album Cicadaville on May 18, 2021Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

Brody Lowe, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019

After moving to KC he met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People.

Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music.

Brody Lowe released Maul (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on March 3, 2023

Brody Lowe released the 8-track album Cicadaville on May 18, 2021

Brody Lowe released his debut EP Sea Monsters of the Pacific on February 15, 2018

Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

Keyboards Keyboards Keyboards

Brody Lowe, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

10:54

Brody Lowe – “Draculover”
from: Draculover / The Basement Arcade / September 19, 2025
[Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.]

Curtis Harding – “The Power – Radio Edit”
from: Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt / Anti / September 5, 2025
[Curtis Harding – “making some of the best modern soul music out right now” (Uproxx) – has returned today with his first new music in four years. Following collaborations in recent years with RÜFÜS DU SOL and Jazmine Sullivan, the catchy new song “There She Goes” is accompanied by a new music video by Italian director Michele Civetta; taking place in an opulent Beverly Hills Garden with a sinister Twilight Zone-esque secret and featuring actor Omar Dorsey (Selma, Queen Sugar) who is a recurring presence in Harding’s music videos, watch it below. // Curtis Harding is an American soul singer, born in Saginaw, Michigan. Raised as a Mennonite, Harding’s family had no home until they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, when he was 14. Harding’s father, a mechanic, and his mother Dorothy, a gospel singer, took Harding and his five siblings around the United States in a van, stopping at churches. While his mother performed, Harding grew up playing music, though he originally wanted to play professional sports. In the early 2000s, Harding was part of the hip-hop group Proseed. He rapped on and co-wrote CeeLo Green’s 2002 album Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections along with several Proseed members. He toured with Green as a backing singer on the Smokin’ Grooves Tour in 2002 alongside Outkast, Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, and The Roots. Harding spent time working with groups in Atlanta before moving to Toronto for a year. A year later, he “came back to record with some friends in my living room.” From these sessions came his debut album, Soul Power, on the indie label Burger Records, released May 6, 2014. He spent two weeks recording the album. Randy Michael composed the music on the single “Keep on Shining”, and Jason Reynolds co-wrote “Heaven’s on the Other Side” with Harding.He formed the band Night Sun with two Black Lips members, guitarist Cole Alexander and drummer Joe Bradley. His second album, Face Your Fear, was recorded at Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Studio in New York City. “Wednesday Morning Atonement” is the opening single. Harding describes his genre as “slop ‘n’ soul”, a combination of gospel, punk, psych rock, and blues. He has said that his influences include Albert King, the Everly Brothers, and Ronnie Dyson.]

11:00 – Station ID

Fritz & Sons – “I’m a Goner!”
from: Sprinkler Man – I’m a Goner! – Single / Manor Recpords / July 17, 2025
[Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. “I’m a Goner!” is built around “Goner,” a traditional fiddle tune. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com]

11:04 – Interview with Fritz Hutchison

Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter based in Kansas City. Fritz was born May 27, 1991. Fritz landed in the KC Music Community in 2008 gaining notice as part of the critically acclaimed band, She’s a Keeper where he played drums. Fritz played for several years with Grand Marquis, and for a while was part of the band Freight Train Rabbit Killer. Fritz has also played lived with multiple bands and performers including Krystle Warren, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, J Ashley Miller, Lauren Krum, and others. He released his debut album, Wide Wild Acres in March 2020 on Center Cut Records, receiving positive reviews in the US, Australia, the UK and the Netherlands. His second solo album, MOVIE NIGHT was released on April, 15, 2022 through Manor Records. With his partner Alison Hawkins he has played as a guitarist with the ever evolving genre defying band True Lions, where Fritz has also released a split cassette release of his solo work on one side and True Lions songs on the other. With True Lions he also released Cold Gravy Bowl and MidCoast LIVE! Fritz has also released a series of sweet and sad country singles “All the Way From Here (Happy Holidays)” in January 2021 and the unhinged rock rave-up “Zack Attack!” in March 2022, and “Doug Died” in July of 2024.

Fritz Hutchison joins us to share details about the new recordings of Fritz and Sons, his newest band who released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025. Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com

Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Fritz and Sons are, for lack of a more nuanced determination, a country band. Led by Fritz Hutchison at the drums, joined by members of True Lions, Polymer Mercies, and the Poor Choices, the Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. You can find them touring the region and taking their sweet time cooking up material for their upcoming debut record.

The sons are:
Fritz Hutchison – drums and vocals
Zac Arias – guitar
Carly Atwood – bass
Alison Hawkins – fiddle, keys, vocals
Marco Pascolini – pedal steel and lap steel

Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who has been recording and performing in the Midwest music scene for the past 15 years. His music is a humorous and poetic exploration of everyday life and relationships, blending influences from both Jazz and Folk traditions into a spicy flavor of Rock and Roll. In March 2020, he released his debut solo album Wide Wild Acres on Center Cut Records, to local and international acclaim.

Fritz Hutchison, leader of the band Fritz and Sons, knows his way around the Kansas City music scene. The multi-instrumental singer-songwriter said his “hunger” for music led him to be versatile. Fritz Hutchison plays piano, guitar, bass and other instruments, and makes music under his own name as well. It’s given him the opportunity to play with multiple bands across multiple genres in Kansas City.

Fritz Hutchison told KCUR’s spotlight for Kansas City that he got a drum set at 12 years old, he was hooked. As a kid who was into extreme sports and wanted to be a stunt man, Hutchison says drums offered a release. “I just wanted the extreme kind of adrenaline experience. And the drums are loud and aggressive, and you have to, like, keep playing them endlessly,” Hutchison said. “You have to physically engage with every moment of music that is happening. And I think that I just, like, responded to that level of engagement, and also just it being very loud and aggressive sounding.”

In an interview with KJHK Fritz was asked, What’s your creative process like? What do you do to write a song? Fritz responded: “It’s very slow. I try to write a lot and most of the ideas are bad, but a lot of times there’s a little nugget of something good. … I save up all these scraps and it can take a while for them to come together… I also like to play different instruments. I’ll come up with a chord progression on a guitar and get kind of stuck and don’t know where to go with it. Then I’ll try it on piano instead and my hands will just do something different… So, I try to jump around on different instruments.”

Fritz Hutchison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Fritz and Sons released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025.

11:22

Fritz & Sons – “Sprinkler Man”
from: Sprinkler Man – I’m a Goner! – Single / Manor Recpords / July 17, 2025
[Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. “I’m a Goner!” is built around “Goner,” a traditional fiddle tune. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com]

11:25 – Underwriting

Pool Culture – “Birds Like These”
from: “Birds Like These” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / July 25, 2025
[Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. “Birds Like These is the first of three new songs that Pool Culture, is putting out over the next three months leading up to Their first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, will be released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

10:31 – Interview with Mark Ronning & Iona Dewalt

Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.

Mark Ronning thanks for being with us on WMM

Iona DeWalt is a 27-year old Kansas City-native musician and composer, whom is classically trained and studied cello performance at William Jewell College under the direction of Dana Woolard-Hughlett. At the college, she performed in a number of ensembles, including Liberty Symphony, the Jewell String Quartet, and jazz band. She has played for several musicals, such as Into the Woods at Missouri Theatre Heritage and Spring Awakening at Missouri Western. She also participated in the 2017 Missouri All-Collegiate Orchestra, and is a member of the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Iona Dewalt plays synthesizers in Pool Culture and also performs as a solo artist and with the band Pink Phase who released the EP Wave in January of 2023.

Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds.

The band started as a solo project for Mark Ronning after he graduated from college in 2017, but it grew into an earnest project when it became a full band in 2023, with Jeff McCreary on bass guitar, Kody Krause on drums, Iona DeWalt on synth, and Mark Ronning on vocals and synthesizer. Now, in 2025, Pool Culture features Sean Logan on drums, and they are promoting their upcoming EP “Pure Lemon” with a stint of small tours, beginning this weekend. They’ve released two singles so far, and the third comes out Friday, September 19th.

“Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17th, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

Bird Like These is the first single from Pool Culture’s upcoming EP Pure Lemon. The track evokes both 90s IDM in its dreamy, nostalgic pads as well as 70s psych rock through its dense layers of shimmering lead lines. In their first single, Pool Culture explore a balance of feelings, spanning euphoria to dread, trying to make sense of that spectrum. But they do that in a pop package, complete with sparkling vocals, glistening synthesizers, syrupy leads, and a hypnotizing linear drum pattern.

Birds Like These was the first track we wrote together as a full band. It arose so organically: Iona started playing the progression on her Korg Minilogue with thick, VHS-like synth pad. Kody’s linear drum part appeared almost instantaneously as well. This was the perfect foundation for Mark’s sparkly sawtooth chords that sat above the track. The song evolved over a few sessions, and there was originally a key change after the second chorus. However, that was dumped, but we still liked how the final outro sounded in the key of C minor, so the transition into the outro required some sort of key change, which Iona provided. Mark took inspiration from Jeff’s bass melody for the outo’s vocal melody and added some harmonies and 70s Moog-style leads to flesh out the sonic midrange above Iona’s arpeggiator. This track showcases how inspiring it is to create music with one another and how effortless it can feel when everyone is listening and responding to each other’s ideas.

Birds like these – lyrics
They flood an otherwise
empty heaven
This cloud of starlings
Press against its phantom center of

Birds like these
Birds like these

Hate to say my head’s cracked
by a decade of iron ruin
But it’s Easter season
Is it a womb or a tomb? But there’s

Birds like these
Birds like these

Past three blocks of porch lights outside
And the shimmering headlights of motorbikes
But why does my head hang low like
My spirit’s propped against my insides?

In the dark of this night
I raise my hand to this neon sign
That stands at twice my height
Warms my ears, dries my eyes
Say a prayer, second sight
Gloves are off, laces tied
No star can outshine
Its final spark when it dies

released July 25, 2025
Produced by Pool Culture
Written by Pool Culture
Lyrics by Mark Ronning

Pool Culture is Mark Ronning (vocals, synthesizer), Iona DeWalt (synthesizer), Jeff McCreary (bass), and Kody Krause (drums).

Mixed and mastered by Stephen Sesso at Blue Canyon Recording Studios.
Album artwork by Claire Monroe.
Licensed to Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

11:39

Pool Culture – “Mathletes”
from: “Mathletes” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / August 22, 2025
[Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. This is from the band’s first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes,” was released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, Sept.17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

11:44 – More Interview with Mark Ronning & Iona Dewalt

Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.

Mark Ronning thanks for being with us on WMM

Iona DeWalt is a 27-year old Kansas City-native musician and composer, whom is classically trained and studied cello performance at William Jewell College under the direction of Dana Woolard-Hughlett. At the college, she performed in a number of ensembles, including Liberty Symphony, the Jewell String Quartet, and jazz band. She has played for several musicals, such as Into the Woods at Musical Theatre Heritage and Spring Awakening at Missouri Western. She also participated in the 2017 Missouri All-Collegiate Orchestra, and is a member of the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Iona Dewalt plays synthesizers in Pool Culture and also performs as a solo artist and with the band Pink Phase who released the EP Wave in January of 2023.

Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

“Mathletes” is the latest single from the electronic dream pop band Pool Culture. The track is melancholy, evoking a rainy afternoon which builds musically into a full storm. Beneath the lyrical narrative of a missed connection, the song evolves from ambient synths and voices into shoegazey choruses and outros, climaxing with modulating sawtooth pads, gliding pulse leads, and snapping granular synths. “Mathletes” captures the pain of putting your faith in something even while it’s slipping away.

lyrics
You wore your medal around your shoulders
Your brand new devil, your good adviser
In your winning, a beginning
As if forgotten or forgiven

But meeting you was easy
As eating breakfast or buying groceries
Or walking to the movies
Every evening

I was waiting at my window
With no bad weather to excuse
Your knock never reaching my door
Your feet failing to cross my floor

But I’ve my garden to watch over
And no thumb can snuff the sun
There’s a highway above your shoulder
That poor devil

Famous as the rain was your blue ribbon
And your racing shoes
I was in between life and living
When I found you

Lining up like athletes between the tape and the gun
Forever winning, forever losing, blowing kisses at the sun
Lining up like athletes between the tape and the gun
Forever winning, forever losing, blowing kisses at the sun

Your train came back
I heard it howl
Your my highway
First day on the job

But I wake up to fire
Howling through its hemorrhage
One tear for this century’s
First day on the job

You’re my highway
I turn the airbags off
Christened through the windshield
First day on the job

credits
released August 22, 2025
Produced by Pool Culture
Written by Pool Culture
Lyrics by Mark Ronning

Pool Culture is Mark Ronning (vocals, synthesizer), Iona DeWalt (synthesizer), Jeff McCreary (bass), and Kody Krause (drums).

Mixed and mastered by Stephen Sesso at Blue Canyon Recording Studios.
Album artwork by Claire Monroe.
Licensed to Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine.

Mark Ronning and Iona DeWalt thanks for being with us on WMM

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, Sept.17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

11:52

Pool Culture – “Finish Line”
from: “Finish Line” – Single / Les Bonbons Electriques / September 19, 2025
[Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. This is from the band’s first EP, PURE LEMON. The second single “Mathletes”, was released on August 22, 2025 and the band’s third single “Finish Line”, will be released on September 19, 2025. // Pool Culture released their single “brighter lighter” on April 20, 2018, with music and lyrics and production by Mark Ronning. all instruments and vocals by Mark Ronning. mixed by Reid Kruger at Waterbury recording. // Mark Ronning is a musician who specializes in the synthesizer, playing Rhodes and synth in the electrofolk band Mr. Golden Sun and synth in the electronic dreampop four-piece Pool Culture. Mr. Golden Sun is wrapping up their first full length record, and Pool Culture is going into the studio this October and November to work on their first full band releases. Additionally, Mark plays the modular synthesizer and participates in KC Synth Collective, coordinates electronic performance events for his pop-up show Les Bonbons Electriques, and helps out with Outer Reaches. In collaboration with Nathan Reusch, Mark is also starting a record label called Les Bonbons Electriques, which is an imprint of The Record Machine, which will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. ]

[Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on Wednesday, September 24, Nan Turner joins us with a new single release and upcoming show. Til Willis also joins us, and we’ll play music in honor of the recordBar’s 20th Anniversary Play Loud Fest,

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.

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

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

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

Show #1113

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Mark Manning

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, September 17, 2025

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning

Mark plays more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Pool Culture, Zee Underscore, Brody Lowe, Fritz and Sons, Rudy Love & The Encore, Curtis Harding, and Wednesday.

At 10:10am Nick Carswell of The Lawrence Music Alliance presents the 12th annual MixMaster Music Conference & Fest, a music community event that brings local artists and music industry professionals from across the region together to share information, learn from each other, and support our music ecosystem.Empowering musicians through collaborative programs and conversations, MXM2025 offers panels, workshops and networking opportunities accessible to all through this independently-organized conference event. The Music Fest line-up includes 6 venues over two nights with more than 25 acts performing all over Lawrence, KS. Plus, a free all ages concert on the library lawn Saturday, September 20, 2025. More info at: http://www.mixmaster2025.com

At 10:30 musician Brody Lowe joins us to share details about his new 11-track album Draculover that will be released Friday, September 19, 2025. Brody Lowe moved to Kansas City from Portland, in 2019 and met Jeremiah James Gonzalez of Redder Moom where Brody contributed to the releases: Land of The Blind and Hell is Other People. Brody quickly found his place in reviving the layered synths and dance undertones of the moody, mostly instrumental music. Lowe is a quiet presence behind a large scope of music videos, album art, and other creative content, his music ranging from video game scores and band collaborations to his solo project, Loqsa.

At 11:00 Fritz Hutchison joins us to share details about the new recordings of Fritz and Sons who released the single tracks: “Sprinkler Man” and “I’m a Goner!” on July 17, 2025. Fritz and Sons is Fritz Hutchison on drums, vocals, banjo, songwriting, engineering & mixing; Zachary Arias on electric guitar; Carly Atwood on upright bass; Alison Hawkins on fiddle; and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel, lap steel. Hailing from Kansas City, Fritz and Sons bring a rhythm-forward take on country music blending influences from Ozark old-time, Louisiana honky tonk, the gritty funk of Levon Helm and the cosmic tenderness of Micheal Hurley. More info at: http://www.fritzandsons.bandcamp.com

At 11:30 Mark Ronning joins us to talk about the new release from his band Pool Culture. “Pure Lemon”, the band’s first EP, comes out on Friday, October 17, 2025, and it will be released on the record label Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine. Pool Culture is an electronic dream pop band from Kansas City, MO. Through distorted synthesizers, overdriven found-sound samples, and glitched-out electronics, the four-piece puts an electronic twist inside a rock band, removing guitars and substituting them with synths. The band draws on 90s IDM, trip hop, and shoegaze influences, imbuing their synthesizers with the sonic characteristics of busted equipment: filters, overdrives, distortion, and modulation hybridize low and high fidelity instrumentation. This sound, coupled with live bass and drums, captures the dynamic scope of a rock band but with electronic production in a pop package. Blooming beneath dreamy vocals, Pool Culture creates an emotional landscape populated with hope, desperation, love, and doubt, glistening within a vibrant ecosystem of sounds. Pool Culture plays miniBar, Wednesday, September 17, at 7:00pm with Ryder The Eagle, and Prototones.

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

Show #1113

WMM PLAYLIST from September 10, 2025

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Mark Manning

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, September 10, 2025

The Folly Theater’s 125th Anniversary + Stephonne + Big Fat Cow

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

Mavis Staples – “Beautiful Strangers”
from: Sad And Beautiful World / Anti / June 10, 2025
[Written by Kevin Morby who released this song as a single in 2016 in tribute to the victims of the Orlando Pulse shooting. Staples’ version is gentle and lived-in. It’s got electric guitars from MJ Lenderman and Staples’ bandleader Rick Holmstrom. Brad Cook plays vibraphone, and his brother Phil adds piano. Nathaniel Rateliff and Tré Burt sing backup vocals. Unsurprisingly, Kevin Morby is pretty bowled over by the existence of this cover. Morby says. “It isn’t easy to put into words what it feels like having one of the best, most important vocalists and cultural figures of both the 20th and 21st century sing one of my songs. But hearing Mavis sing “Beautiful Strangers” is hands down the greatest moment and highest honor of my career. Far beyond any kind of accolade or acclaim — having one of my biggest heroes sing something I wrote is the most validating and flattering thing that could ever happen to me as a songwriter and person. Thank you, Mavis. Mavis also wields that extremely rare power to take a song somebody else wrote and make it entirely her own. As the person who penned “Beautiful Stranger,” I feel I have every right to say: Her version is better. // This is the second single from Mavis Staple’s new album of cover songs. The first single was “Godspeed” written by Frank Ocean. A legendary performer who turned 86 next month on July 10, Mavis Staples continues to be a tour-de-force in music and a voice for the voiceless in today’s divided society. Well known for her work in the gospel and Americana space, Staples is also an R&B icon who famously worked with the one and only Prince in his 80’s heyday. // Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a GRAMMY Award-winner; a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. // At a time when most artists begin to wind down, Staples ramped things up, releasing a trio of critically acclaimed albums in her 70’s with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy that prompted Pitchfork to rave that “her voice has only gained texture and power over the years” and People to proclaim that she “provides the comfort of a higher power.” “I sing because I want to leave people feeling better than I found them,” Staples says. “I want them to walk away with a positive message in their hearts, feeling stronger than they felt before. I’m singing to myself for those same reasons, too.” // On July 9, Staples and award-winning children’s poet Carol Boston Weatherford will release the new children’s book ‘Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples’, a vibrant and poetic new picture book that introduces young readers to Staples’ life story, who began singing at age 8 and ever since has used her voice as a rallying cry to the country at numerous civil rights protests and continues to sing and share her message of love, faith and justice in front of large audiences today. // Staples recently celebrated her upcoming birthday early in stellar fashion at Los Angeles’s YouTube Theater this past April, gracing the stage alongside a star-studded lineup including Hozier, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Black Pumas, and more. Currently on tour in Europe, Staples will return to the US and perform at Willie Nelson’s 4th of July picnic on the nation’s birthday. The next day she begins a run of dates with Norah Jones, who she affectionally calls “my baby sister.” All upcoming dates are listed below. // Mavis Staples (born July 10, 1939) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist. She rose to fame as a member of her family’s band The Staple Singers, of which she is the last surviving member. During her time in the group, she recorded the hit singles “I’ll Take You There” and “Let’s Do It Again”. In 1969, Staples released her self-titled debut solo album. // Staples continued to release solo albums throughout the following decades and collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Prince, Arcade Fire, Nona Hendryx, Ry Cooder, and David Byrne. Her eighth studio album You Are Not Alone (2010), earned critical acclaim, and became her first album as a soloist to reach number one on a Billboard chart, peaking atop the Top Gospel Albums chart. It also earned Staples her first Grammy Award win. Following this, she released the albums One True Vine (2013), Livin’ on a High Note (2016), If All I Was Was Black (2017), and We Get By (2019); she is also featured on the single “Nina Cried Power” by Hozier. // Staples is the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and has won three Grammy Awards, including one for Album of the Year as a featured artist on We Are by Jon Batiste.[6] Named one of the ‘100 Greatest Singers of all Time’ by Rolling Stone in 2008; Staples was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018, as a member of The Staple Singers. Additionally, she was made a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2016. The following year, she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a soloist. In 2019, she received the inaugural Rock Hall Honors Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a soloist. // Staples was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 10, 1939. She began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches and appearing on a weekly radio show, the Staples scored a hit in 1956 with “Uncloudy Day” for the Vee-Jay label. When Mavis graduated from what is now Paul Robeson High School in 1957, The Staple Singers took their music on the road. Led by family patriarch Roebuck “Pops” Staples on guitar and including the voices of Mavis and her siblings Cleotha, Yvonne, and Pervis, the Staples were called “God’s Greatest Hitmakers”. // With Mavis’ voice and Pops’ songs, singing, and guitar playing, the Staples evolved from enormously popular gospel singers (with recordings on United and Riverside as well as Vee-Jay) to become the most spectacular and influential spirituality-based group in America. By the mid-1960s The Staple Singers, inspired by Pops’ close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr., became the spiritual and musical voices of the civil rights movement. They covered contemporary pop hits with positive messages, including Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” and a version of Stephen Stills’ “For What It’s Worth”. // During a December 20, 2008, appearance on National Public Radio’s news show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, when Staples was asked about her past personal relationship with Dylan, she admitted that they “were good friends, yes indeed” and that he had asked her father for her hand in marriage. // The Staples sang “message” songs like “Long Walk to D.C.” and “When Will We Be Paid?,” bringing their moving and articulate music to a huge number of young people. The group signed to Stax Records in 1968, joining their gospel harmonies and deep faith with musical accompaniment from members of Booker T. and the MGs. The Staple Singers hit the Top 40 eight times between 1971 and 1975, including two No. 1 singles, “I’ll Take You There”, produced by Al Bell and recorded and mixed by Terry Manning, “Let’s Do It Again,” and a No. 2 single “Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas?” // Mavis made her first solo foray while at Epic Records with The Staple Singers, releasing a lone single “Crying in the Chapel” to little fanfare in the late 1960s. The single was finally re-released on the 1994 Sony Music collection Lost Soul. Her first solo album would not come until a 1969 self-titled release for the Stax label. After another Stax release, Only for the Lonely, in 1970, she released a soundtrack album, A Piece of the Action, on Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom label. A 1984 album (also self-titled) preceded two albums under the direction of rock star Prince; 1989’s Time Waits for No One, followed by 1993’s The Voice, which People magazine named one of the Top Ten Albums of 1993. Her 1996 release, Spirituals & Gospels: A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, was recorded with keyboardist Lucky Peterson. The recording honors Mahalia Jackson, a close family friend and a significant influence on Mavis Staples’s life. // Staples singing during the 2006 NEA National Heritage Fellows concert. // Staples made a major national return with the release of the album Have a Little Faith on Chicago’s Alligator Records, produced by Jim Tullio, in 2004. The album featured spiritual music, some of it semi-acoustic. // In 2004, Staples contributed to a Verve release by legendary jazz-rock guitarist, John Scofield. The album, entitled That’s What I Say, was a tribute to the great Ray Charles and led to a live tour featuring Staples, John Scofield, pianist Gary Versace, drummer Steve Hass, and bassist Rueben Rodriguez. A new album for Anti- Records entitled We’ll Never Turn Back was released on April 24, 2007. The Ry Cooder-produced concept album focuses on gospel songs of the civil rights movement and also included two new original songs by Cooder. // Her voice has been sampled by some of the biggest selling artists, including Salt ‘N’ Pepa, Ice Cube, Ludacris, and Hozier. Staples has recorded with a wide variety of musicians, from her friend, Bob Dylan (with whom she was nominated for a 2004 Grammy Award in the “Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals” category for their duet on “Gonna Change My Way of Thinking”, from the album Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan) to The Band, Ray Charles, Prince, Nona Hendryx, George Jones, Natalie Merchant, Ann Peebles, and Delbert McClinton. She has provided vocals on current albums by Los Lobos and Dr. John, and she appears on tribute albums to such artists as Johnny Paycheck, Stephen Foster and Bob Dylan. // In 2003, Staples performed in Memphis at the Orpheum Theater alongside a cadre of her fellow former Stax Records stars during “Soul Comes Home,” a concert held in conjunction with the grand opening of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music at the original site of Stax Records, and appears on the CD & DVD that were recorded and filmed during the event. In 2004, she returned as guest artist for the Stax Music Academy’s SNAP! Summer Music Camp and performed again at the Orpheum with 225 of the academy’s students. In June 2007, she again returned to the venue to perform at the Stax 50th Anniversary Concert to Benefit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, produced by Concord Records, who now owns and has revived the Stax Records label. // In 2009, Staples, along with Patty Griffin and The Tri-City Singers, released a version of the song “Waiting For My Child To Come Home” on the compilation album Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration. // On October 30, 2010, Staples performed at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear alongside singer Jeff Tweedy. In 2011 she was joined on-stage at the Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival by Arcade Fire singer Win Butler. The two performed a version of “The Weight” by The Band. // Staples also performed at the 33rd Kennedy Center Honors, singing in a tribute to honoree Paul McCartney. // Staples headlined on June 10, 2012, at Chicago’s Annual Blues Festival in Grant Park. // On June 27, 2015, Staples performed on the Park Stage of Glastonbury Somerset UK. On October 31, 2015, Staples performed with Joan Osborne in Washington, D.C. at The George Washington // University’s Lisner Auditorium as part of their Solid Soul Tour. // In February 2016, Staples’s album Livin’ on a High Note was released. Produced by M. Ward, the album features songs written specifically for Staples by Nick Cave, Justin Vernon, tUnE-yArds, Neko Case, Aloe Blacc, and others. Discussing the album Staples said: “I’ve been singing my freedom songs and I wanted to stretch out and sing some songs that were new. I told the writers I was looking for some joyful songs. I want to leave something to lift people up; I’m so busy making people cry, not from sadness, but I’m always telling a part of history that brought us down and I’m trying to bring us back up. These songwriters gave me a challenge. They gave me that feeling of, ‘Hey, I can hang! I can still do this!’ There’s a variety, and it makes me feel refreshed and brand new. Just like Benjamin Booker wrote on the opening track, ‘I got friends and I got love around me, I got people, the people who love me.’ I’m living on a high note, I’m above the clouds. I’m just so grateful. I must be the happiest old girl in the world. Yes, indeed.” // In January 2017, Staples was featured as a guest vocalist on “I Give You Power”, a single from Arcade Fire benefiting the American Civil Liberties Union. In February 2017, Staples appeared on NPR’s Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me! in the “Not My Job” segment, answering questions about the rock band The Shaggs. In April 2017, “Let Me Out”, a single from the fifth studio album by Gorillaz, Humanz, was released, featuring Staples and rapper Pusha T. // Staples’s sixteenth album If All I Was Was Black was released on November 17, 2017. The record was again produced by Jeff Tweedy and contains all original songs cowritten by Mavis and Tweedy. Following the release, Staples toured with Bob Dylan. She also appeared on the 2017/18 Hootenanny. In 2018, she sang on Hozier’s single “Nina Cried Power”. // In May 2019, Staples celebrated her 80th birthday with a concert at the Apollo Theater, 63 years after first appearing at the theater as a teenager with her family band, the Staple Singers, in 1956. The show, which featured special guest artists, including David Byrne & Norah Jones, is one of a series of collaborative concerts she staged in May to commemorate her 80th birthday. She performed at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival. // In 2022, Staples released Carry Me Home, a collaboration with Levon Helm, recorded at Helm’s Midnight Ramble in 2011. // She released the single “Worthy” on June 18, 2024.]

Suzannah Johannes – “Churchy Girl”
from: Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard / Suzannah Johannes / August 29, 2025
[Lawrence based singer songwriter Suzannah Johannes about her new album, Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard, to be released on August 29, 2025. Raised on a farm outside of Powhattan, Kansas, Suzannah was surrounded by music from an early age but didn’t begin teaching herself guitar and singing until after college, thanks to her friend, Hanz Bronze. In 2007, she won the KJHK Farmers Ball and used the prize money to record at Black Lodge Studio Four tracks from those sessions became a debut EP, released by Range Life Records in 2008. In 2008, Suzannah Johannes was an up-and-coming singer-songwriter and then life happened: she got married, became a mother, dedicated her time to responsibilities outside of music. A few times a year, Johannes would play out in local clubs, but in ways too many women will recognize, her music career felt stuck on pause. // After becoming a mother in 2014 and balancing full-time work, music took a back seat—but with new self-released material on the way, she’s finding balance and momentum creating and playing music in Lawrence and Kansas City. Over the past 19 years, she has performed solo and with a rotating group of collaborators, including David Wetzel, Nate Holt, Sean McCue, Jeff Jackson, Dustin Kinsey, and Gus Seyffert. . // Seventeen years later, it’s time to press play—Suzannah Johannes returns with two brilliant full albums: Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard and Los Angeles: The Missing Album. // Her most recent album, Kansas City, features contributions from Jimmy Fitzner, John Nichols, and Mike Stover of The Grisly Hand, Bill Dolan from 5ive Style, and Brooke and Mike Tuley of Brooke Tuley and the Moontravelers and Ad Astra Per Aspera. More info at: http://www.suzannahjohannes.com]]

[Suzannah Johannes plays an Album Release Show Thurs, Sept. 11, 2025, at 8:00pm, at The Ship OG – Enter from the back alley, 1217 Union Avenue Kansas City, MO with 95 Sweetbird & Hanz Bronze]

The Swallowtails – “I’m On Fire”
from: LUCKY PENNY EP / The Swallowtails / February 20, 2024
[The independent acoustic band, experimenting in the rock/pop genres while performing on what are traditionally folk/classical instruments, enter a new era having produced the entirety of this project themselves, with the songwriting matter touching on life’s big changes, challenges, and the realizations that time will heal. // “Since becoming a duo, it was time for us to reinvent our sound again. The songwriting on the LUCKY PENNY EP was split between Rachel and Miki P, and this was Rachel’s debut release as a writer and singer. We spent all of January 2024 finishing the arrangements, recording and mixing the mini-record. It was a much needed release of energy for both of us, and we are definitely looking forward to adding these songs into our live sets and performing new material.”– Miki P, songwriter, singer and musician in The Swallowtails. // Est. in 2018, The Swallowtails are a Kansas City based musical duo comprised of musicians Miki P on guitar/vocals and Rachel Lovelace on bassoon/vocals. Their vision is to write honest, heartfelt songs that feel like you’re coming home to an old friend. As recording and performance artists, they have been showcased throughout Kansas City, performing at the Folly Theatre, Boulevardia Music Festival, The Kansas City Public Library as part of the 2023 Art in the Loop: Celebrate project, and most recently at Green Guitar Folk House opening for The Wildwoods. Their songwriting was awarded Best Song by a KC Band in 2023 by the Pitch Magazine for their tune “Take it Slow.” // Swallowtails embarked on their 4th year entering NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest featuring a song off the EP, called “I’m on Fire” posted to NPR’s official contest site. // The Swallowtails hwere recently approved as part of KCAIC Touring Artists Roster, through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. // Historically, on May 22, 2023 The Swallowtails released their 7-track EP THE WORLD STILL SPINS with Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead vocals. // Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Miki P was born in Kansas City, KS. Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. Miki P performed “She Loves You” at her 7th grade talent show. In 9th grade she joined a teen-band called American Slim as drummer & vocalist, and she wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. Miki P has played Middle of the Map Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art before officially ending in 2018. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. At 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, DOME OF SWALLOWS, that was released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, In 2021 Miki P released the 6-song EP, DON’T LOSE HOPE, created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home space. Sitting & working from Miki’s computer, she composed and recorded 80% of the EP, working through the music like a journal entry, creating each song from her internal hurricane of emotions. All songs written, recorded, played, & mixed by Miki P. Recorded & Mixed with Emma Klien & Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos. Miki P released her single “Your Love” on June 24, 2022. Miki P’s released the single “Peter Parker!” on March 18, 2022. // More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com]

[The Swallowtails play Waldo Folk, Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00pm, showcasing their poignant songwriting in the Tap Room at Waldo Pizza, 7433 Broadway Street Kansas City, MO]

[The Swallowtails play Art in the Loop – Thursday, September 11, at 5:30pm, at Oppenstein Park, 1123 Walnut Street, Downtown KCMO with by Unique Sixteen, and EleveN2wenty2]

June Henry – “to love you”
from: chasing 3-song single / june henry nation / April 7, 2025
[One of several new singles June Henry is releasing this year. Chris Garibaldi of Lotus Pool Records wrote: June and is now our most popular artist. June Henry is a second generation Lotuspool. June is the spawn of Matt Hyde, the other Lotuspool founder. // June Henry released The Exhumation of Princess Pavement on February 14, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // June Henry is a 22-year-old is a Lawrence KS. Based, freak folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.. Her music explores themes of mental illness, queerness, and growing up. // Prior to her official debut, Henry had collected her music in a Google Drive folder, shared only with a small group of friends. Bedridden in 2022, she was convinced to release this music in her first official album Class Pet. // It’s not really something I know how to do, as much as something I have to do to stop myself from exploding,“ from June Henry’s Spotify bio. // Since her debut, she hasn’t gone more than a couple months between releases- creating a niche audience and some of her most popular songs, such as Void-Adjacent and Excoriation. // In 2024 she has released 9n singles, two 4-song EPs., the 11 track album, The Exhumation of Princess Pavement, released February 14, 2024, the 14 track album Between Singles and One-Offs, exclusive CD comprised of singles and EP tracks released May 27, 2024, the 17 track album Podium, released June 30, 2024. // June Henry released the single “method act” on December 16, 2023. // June Henry released the single “fall into” on December 2, 2023. // June Henry released the 3-track EP “the light I SPIT OUT” on November 14, 2023. // June Henry released the single “vampire song” on November 3, 3023. // June Henry released the 5-song EP “flat earth romcom” on September 22, 2023. // June Henry released the 11-track album “something friend” on June 20, 2022. // June Henry released the 15-track album “class pet” on March 15, 2022. // June Henry released the 7-track album, “SOUTH RAMP” through Lotuspool Records when she was “a gay boy in high school (released as August Henry.) // June Henry has been posting a bunch of tunes on bandcamp! These are official releases along with things that have been archived from streaming platforms, AND many demos and voice memos from long ago. Her personal favorite is “the trouble i made”, which features five tracks written and recorded in high school. The first one, “straight boys, was recorded when June was 14. Check http://www.junehen.bandcamp.com for even more releases.]

[June Henry play HOWDY Thursday, December 11, at 7:00pm at 6523 Stadium Drive, KCMO, with Cyprus Hartford, Amber River, and Gwyndolin.]

Iris DeMent – “The Last Toast”
from: The Trackless Woods / FlariElla / August 7, 2015
[6th album from Grammy nominated Iris DeMent who NPR said was ”one of the great voices in contemporary popular music.” 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. She lost family, friends & fellow writers to political killings and labor in the gulags. 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, juxtaposed with Akhmatova’s lightness and transcendence in the face of inhumanity. ”Anna’s gift of song is so strong, about alI I had to do was get really quiet and listen,” says Iris. After reading that first poem the melodies began pouring out of her, and before she even fully understood what was driving her, Iris was gathering musicians & friends, including co-producer Richard Bennett (Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond, Steve Earle), to record ‘The Trackless Woods’ in her living room over a 5-days. The result is a pairing of piano and voice in Iris’ style with timeless melodies that are rooted in the American South.]

Sisterbot – “You Won’t Play Me”
from: “You Won’t Play Me” – Single/ Aletheia Maison Records / January 16, 2023
[Written by Sisterbot. Engineered and Produced by Brandon Yangmi. Lead vocals: Sisterbot. Drums: Bailey Keling. Electric Guitar: Benjamin Hart. Violin: Laurel Morgan Parks, Kaydee Gabel. Viola: Victor Diaz. Cello: Sascha Groschang, Sisterbot. Cello Solo: Sisterbot. Bass Guitar: Madison Monroe. Background Vocals: Hadiza. and Logan Smalley. // Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “Three years ago, I wrote a song called “You Won’t Play Me.” I had been cleaning my apartment when I found an old pile of letters that brought back difficult memories… they were from someone who had spun many webs of lies and manipulations to gain my attention and affection. I hadn’t realized the extent of this mind-molding until my mid-20’s, after nearly a decade of experiences with this person. Holding the letters in my hand, I felt anger, embarrassment, protective of my younger self, but also, freedom. The knowledge that this person had no hold over me today, or ever again, gave me a sense of triumph. In a rush of catharsis, I ripped up all of the letters, tossing them into the air with relief. Immediately, this song came to me. I sat down at the keyboard, and out it poured. // Though it came nearly completely formed as a song, there were pieces missing that took me three years to finish. The composition, the arrangement for the band, and the recording process came slowly. During that time, I also collaborated with the amazing Marísa Adame Grady to write and film a music video for the song. The story portrays the long-term manipulation I faced, particularly on the internet, with dramatized scenes of common control and grooming tactics that I and many others have experienced. We hoped that this song and this music video would bring light to an all-too-common pattern in the dawn of the internet, empowering those who listen or watch to end patterns of manipulation in their own lives. More info at: sisterbotmusic.com]

[Sisterbot sits down for a Perspectives: Artist Talk, at Lavender Studios. 12307 E 47th Street South, Independence, on Sunday, September 14, at 2:00pm. An intimate conversation about the origins of their unique sound, how queerness and community shape their work, and what it means to lead a “punk-pop chamber orchestra” in a DIY music scene.]

10:28 – Underwriting

The Freedom Affair – “So Much More”
from: The Freedom Affair / Sunflower Soul Records / May 9, 2025
[Shon Ruffin on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on bass & Acoustic Guitar=, Chris Hazelton on Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals; Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet & flugelhorn; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, tambourine. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN. Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell. Tape Operator: Wesley Graham. Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair. Mixed by: Vince Chiarito. Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering. Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales. Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan // The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness. // A fateful February 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to Kansas City with new musical conviction. By November, the band had returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio. // The ever-powerful female trio fronting the band–Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves, and Shon Ruffin–has been the hallmark of The Freedom Affair’s sound and identity, and their collective vocal prowess is on full display ranging from tough to tender, touching on heartache and hope. The experience at Royal studios convinced the band that there isn’t a better room to record horns. The “one take” horns of Pete Carroll on trumpet and Brett Jackson on saxophone prove their years together as a unit have paid off with their precision and lines written to meet the vibe perfectly. With rhythm section personnel remaining the same from their debut album Freedom is Love, a shift in instrumentation moves Chris Hazelton from bass to his primary instrument of the Hammond B3 organ along with various keyboards. Branden Moser swaps in the bass, which also happens to be his primary instrument, from his former rhythm guitar. Cole Bales continues to dig into timeless riffs on lead guitar, and Dave Brick maintains the backbone with the heavy boom-bap on drums. This album has cemented The Freedom Affair’s sound: enduring melodies with rich arrangements, backed by a gritty pulse. // Royal was the perfect site for this album, and the band took full advantage of the studio’s history by incorporating studio tools and relics throughout the process. With only four days to fully track the ten-song album, the band insisted on using the same Ampex 1” tape recorder that produced all the Hi Record hits from 1974 and prior to preserve authenticity. It was the first time the machine had been used for an album since 1974. The limitations and quirks of using vintage, analog gear made way for magic moments that shape the album’s charm. The record calls fresh attention to classic Southern Soul with all the coziness and warmth you’d expect from listening to Al Green or Ann Peebles, captured in the very same room. Mixed by Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) and mastered by JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), this album is a truly an all-killer, no-filler lesson in soul music.]

[The Freedom Affair play The Folly Theater 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:30pm for The Folly’s 125th Anniversary Birthday. More information at http://www.follytheater.org]

10:33 – Interview with Rick Truman

Rick Truman is the Executive Director at The Folly Theatre at 300 West 12th Street, KCMO. Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater as Executive Director in January 2022. From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University. In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater. More information at http://www.follytheater.org

Rick Truman, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Folly’s 125th Anniversary with The Freedom Affair on September 23, 2025.

Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater as Executive Director in January 2022.

From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations.

He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University.

In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater

FOLLY PROGRAMMING AND PARTNERS

Folly Jazz Series
The Folly + 90.9 The Bridge Americana Concert Series
Live! In the Lounge
Folly Kids’ Series
Friends of Chamber Music
Harriman Jewell Series
Heartland Men’s Chorus
Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

Folly Theater Schedule

Sep 13 Sat • 7:30 PM – Musiq Soulchild

Sep 26 Fri • 7:00 PM – The Ultimate Elvis Concert

Sep 27 Sat • 7:30 PM – The Mask – Stage Play

Oct 4 Sat • 7:30 PM – Pete Escovedo

Oct 11 Sat • 7:30 PM – The Phil Collins Experience – Tribute

Oct 16 Thu • 7:30 PM – Marc Cohn & Shawn Colvin

Oct 18 Sat • 7:01 PM – Angela Hewitt

Oct 25 Sat • 11:00 AM – Dogman: The Musical

Oct 25 Sat • 3:00 PM – Dogman: The Musical

Oct 26 Sun • 12:00 PM – Dogman: The Musical

Nov 1 Sat • 7:30 PM – Lakecia Benjamin

Nov 8 Sat • 7:30 PM – Paula Poundstone

Nov 22 Sat • 7:30 PM – Samara Joy

Dec 9 Tue • 7:00 PM – The Brandenburg Concertos

Dec 13 Sat • 2:30 PM – Holiday Harmonies

Dec 13 Sat • 7:00 PM – Holiday Harmonies

Dec 20 Sat • 7:30 PM – Christmas with the Petersens

Feb 7 Sat • 7:30 PM – The Joshua Redman Quartet

Mar 6 Fri • 7:00 PM – Wu Han, Daniel Hope, & David Finckel

Mar 14 Sat • 7:30 PM – Cyrille Aimee

Sun • 3:30 PM – Miles Davis at 100

Rick Truman, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Freedom Affair play The Folly Theater 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:30pm for The Folly’s 125th Anniversary Birthday. More information at http://www.follytheater.org

10:53

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

Danielle Nicole – “Make Love” from: The Love You Bleed / Forty Below Records / January 26, 2024
[Danielle Nicole is one of the finest singers and bassists in roots music today. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, she has spent her life making music and pleasing fans, both domestically and abroad. Her stunning new album, The Love You Bleed, includes twelve heartfelt tracks exploring themes of love, loss, and perseverance. It will be released this Friday, January 26 on Forty Below Records. // The Love You Bleed was co-produced by Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, Robert Cray) and Nicole, with John Porter (B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bryan Ferry) mixing. The tight-knit group on the album features Danielle on bass guitar and vocals; Brandon Miller (electric, acoustic, pedal steel, mandolin, and 12-string guitar), Damon Parker (keyboards); Go-Go Ray (drums), and Stevie Blacke (violin and cello). // Nicole was inducted into the Kansas City Hall of Fame and has been the recipient of seven Blues Music Awards. Her last release Cry No More was nominated for a Grammy in the Contemporary Blues category, debuted at number one on the Billboard Blues Charts and boasts over 10 million streams on Spotify. // Danielle Nicole’s last release, CRY NO MORE, released February 23, 2018, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.. Her self-titled solo debut EP was released March 10, 2015 on Concord Records. The self-titled EP features Grammy Award-winning producer-guitarist Anders Osborne, Galactic’s co-founding drummer Stanton Moore and keyboardist Mike Sedovic. On February 25, 2015, American Blues Scene premiered the track “Didn’t Do You No Good” off the new EP. Danielle Nicole was previously in the band Trampled Under Foot with her brothers Kris and Nick Schnebelen. At the 2014 Blues Music Awards, Trampled Under Foot’s album, Badlands, won the ‘Contemporary Blues Album of the Year’ category. At the same ceremony, Danielle Nicole, under the name of Danielle Schnebelen, triumphed in the ‘Best Instrumentalist – Bass’ category. The band was also nominated in the ‘Band of the Year’ category. In September 2015, her debut album, Wolf Den, was released on Concord Records. It reached number 2 in the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart in October that year. Danielle Nicole’s second solo album, Cry No More, peaked at # 1 in the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. Bill Withers wrote one of the tracks on the new album.]

[Danielle Nicole plays The Folly Theater 300 West 12th Street, KCMO, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 8:00pm. More information at http://www.follytheater.org]

11:00 – Station ID

Stephonne – “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright”
from: “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” – Single / Glory Blue Music / April, 2025
[Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. Stephonne’s new single Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) was released an May 21, 2025. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]

11:03 – Interview with Stephonne

Stephonne returns to the show to talk about his new singles including, “Worship At The Chappell:” his upcoming solo album, and RENT. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Stephonne produced several epic tribute shows, to Mary J. Blige at the Fifth Floor I the historic West Bottoms. And you were one of the featured artists at the Rock is Black concert at the Zhou B Art Center in the heart of the 18th & Vine Arts & Cultural District.

Both of these events were very important to you as a performer, but also in the community building work that you do, is that fair to say?

Stephonne is a multifaceted performer, actor, drag performer, singer-songwriter, model. I personally have loved watching your journey as a musical performer.

Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show

12:12

Stephonne – “Worship at the Chappell”
from: “Worship at the Chappell” – Single / Glory Blue Music / August 15, 2025
[Co-written with Shawn M. Stewart and produced with Patrick Meagher, the song is a declaration of power, pleasure, and pride—a sonic celebration of being fully and freely oneself. “Worship at the Chappell” is a bold, genre-bending anthem from Kansas City artist Stephonne—an electrifying fusion of disco, pop, and gospel spirit. Inspired by fellow Missouri native Chappell Roan, the track transforms the dance floor into a sanctuary for queer joy, spiritual liberation, and unapologetic self-love. With soaring vocals, provocative lyrics, and infectious grooves, Stephonne delivers a soulful sermon for the marginalized. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. // Stephonne is an Alternative/Genrequeer singer-songwriter, cultural producer, and generative performing artist from Kansas City, MO. They synthesize music, written/spoken word, performance and visual art/media into an inimitable art. They share their struggles, triumphs, and journey to self-love through multidisciplinary performance and have sent audiences on visceral and experiential journeys through a multitude of music and video releases since 2015. Bold new 2025 singles and videos continue to push boundaries! New experiences, both sonic and visual, await us from the upcoming sophomore LP, STEPHONNE. // Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. Stephonne released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne released the single “I think its Gonna Be Alright” I April 2025. Stephonne released the single, Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) on May 21, 2025. // More info at: http://www.stephonne.com]

11:15 – More Interview with Stephonne

Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Along with your work with KC Folk Fest, you have also worked with Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show.

Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows.

Each Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Award receives an unrestricted cash grant of $10,000, recognition by Charlotte Street at the time of the award announcement and throughout 2023. The 2023 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Awards recognize two exceptional artists in the fields of dance, theatre, music, opera, sound art, performance art, multimedia performance, spoken word, puppetry or hybrid performance-based forms. Along with Stephonne Singleton and Tiara Nicole was the other recipients of the 2023 Generative Performing Artist Awards. Since 1997, 29 performing artists and 106 visual artists in the Kansas City region have received this highly regarded award.

All of the 2023 Charlotte Street Award Fellows were selected through competitive processes beginning with open calls for applications from artists based in the five-county Kansas City Metro Area. Artist selections were made by a panel of jurors consisting of renowned and qualified arts professionals. Jurors participated in interviews, presentations, and studio visits, resulting in the selection of 10 finalists for the Generative Performing Artists Awards and 12 finalists for the Visual Artist Awards.

Stephonne’s Statement:

As a generative performance artist and musician, my music is a result of radical and unconditional love that I have for my life and human connection. That love persists, despite living in a world that relishes my artistic contributions but not the color of my skin nor my queerness. It is within this relentless predicament that I find myself, my melodies, and my lyrics. I share my struggles, triumphs, and journey to self-love through performance. I create music and live experiences that break through the boxes of race, gender, social status and genre so that others may see their reflection in my art. All of my musical influences come together to create something inimitable but familiar. Music has always understood me and It is through music that I continue to define and understand myself. I want my audience to feel accepted and understood by my art, to feel seen – and then to better understand themselves and those around them.

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

11:22

Stephonne – “1”
from: “1” – Single / Stephonne / August 21, 2024
[Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Trombone – Trevor Turla. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, organizing Tribute Shows, working as a Resident Artist at Charlottee Street studios, playing Music Festivals, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, collaborating with The Black Creatures, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, Jass, Eboni Fondren, putting out EPs, and singles. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022 it was in the TOP TEN of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. Stephonne was a featured performer at the 23rd Annual West 18th Street Fashion Show on Friday, June 2, 2023, and also in the 24th annual West 18th Street Fashion Show.]

Ivory Blue – “Echo”
from: “Echo” – Single / IVORY BLUE / September 5, 2025
[What IVORY BLUE says: “Echo” is about the energy in the world and how we get back what we put into it. The theme came to me when I was in the hospital, listening to stories from all kinds of people who were there. Our situations were different, but we were part of the same community striving for the love and connection we all deserve. I wanted this song to capture the echoes of our actions, our struggles, and our hopes all returning to use like a gift from above.” // Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Mirrors” pon August 1, 2025. //IVORY BLUE released the single “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. // IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017 when Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at KC Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]

11:28 – Underwriting

Big Fat Cow – “Cat Call”
from: Behold The Soil! / Big Fat Cow / August 1, 2024
[Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com]

[BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade!]

10:34 – Interview with Noah Cassity and Cole Waters of Big Fat Cow

Joining us from the band Big Fat Cow are Noah Cassity, and Cole Waters. to talk about the release of their new EP “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” on September 26, 2025. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade! More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com

Noah Cassity and Cole Water thanks for being with us on WMM

Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz since 2022.

Big Fat Cow’s first endeavor was a folk album (Glutton for Punishment) written and recorded by Noah Cassity and mastered and digitized by Kole Waters. Wanting to perform the songs live, Noah recruited the help of Kole on lead guitar alongside childhood friend Alex May to play the bass. Kole was able to bring in Matt Chipman to play drums and finish out the band.

Noah Cassidy – lead vocals & guitar
Kole Waters – guitar & vocals
Alex May – bass guitar & vocals
Matt Chipman – drums

Meeting for the first time in KA studios, the newly formed quartet ripped into Noah’s folk songs, turning them into the rock, indie, americana and country inspired pieces that you know today. Each member of the band took and ran with the folk songs that Noah recorded and made it their own, pulling in inspirations from each of their unique musical backgrounds.

Big Fat Cow has made themselves a household name in the Kansas City music scene, leaving an impression on everyone who comes out to see them play. With songs you can dance to and songs that will make you cry in the basement of a DIY show, Big Fat Cow is sure to leave their mark.

“A band this good shouldn’t get saddled with a name this bad … you’re just going to have to tell your friends that you’re going to see Big Fat Cow, and wince while you do it.” – Too Much Rock

The KC based band, Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest.

Gremlin Goop (released 9/1)

The track is an outward embrace of being tagged “an artsy punk band playing on the side of a gravel road.” The slow, vulnerable intro escalating into sink or swim pacing and squealed protest is signature “cowpoke fuzz,” the band’s internalized blend of post- and cosmic country, alt-Americana, and punk rock.

In Goop, there’s an emphasis on highlighting each member’s further skillset and influence, which could be an interesting conversation point for the members to talk about their respective contributions.

BIG FAT COW play a “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” RELEASE PARTY, on Saturday, September 27. 2025 at The RINO 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO – Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30 with special guests: Timbers, Michael B. Tipton & The Scoundrels, and Flash Floods. Presented by Swade!

11:41

Big Fat Cow – “Gremlin Goop”
from: “Gremlin Coop” – Single / Big Fat Cow / September 1, 2025
[From their upcoming EP – GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com]

11:46 – Interview with Noah Cassity and Cole Waters of Big Fat Cow

Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling.

The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassidy on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums.

Joining us live on the show is Noah Cassidy who is the lead vocalost & plays guitar, and Kole Waters who plays guitar & provides vocals and recording and mastering.

Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz since 2022.

The cattle’s broadly appealing, yet super unique brand of post-country, a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling.

The herd’s captured a bit of what some suit from a less evolved time would’ve called “It.”

Kole Waters is also in the band Dreamist who release the album Shouldn’t Be from midnomid collective on September 13, 2024

Their 7-track debut album LP. “Made for everyone who cannot live within the margins of the culture imposed upon them.” // Written by Dreamist and Former Members Robert Graves and Travis Barker. Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Kole Waters at KA Productions. Released by Midnomid Collective. Album Art by Jaelin Kingsley. Album Packaging Formatted by Jacob Kingsley.

Dreamist is a Post-Emo four-piece based in Kansas City, MO. // Dreamist is the result of the love of art that can simultaneously convey the visceral and esoteric. Holding post-hardcore aggression in one hand and the understated finesse of ambient and art rock in the other; Kole, Eli, Mitri, and Jacob embrace a full spectrum of genre to convey the many highs and lows of the human experience. Whether it is with voice, guitar, drum, synthesizer, or sample, Dreamist creates a space of vulnerability and catharsis in every performance and recording. // Too Much Rock writes: “The band’s songs are long, drifting from twinkling emo into post-rock climaxes. From sung to screamed. From beautiful to brutal. And all of them back again. While Waters’ is generally the pretty guitar, both he and Elisha Ruhman can make their guitars howl. That’s when the crashing drums of Mitri McCawley come into play. Whether on bass or keyboards, Jacob Kingsley filled in the gaps, giving body and weight to the compositions that otherwise might float away on a bed of lighter than air guitar effects.” // More info at: http://www.dreamistkc.com]

Noah Cassidy and Kole Waters thanks for being with us on WMM

For more on Big Fat Cow, please visit https://bigfatcowband.com and/or follow https://www.instagram.com/bigfatcowband/.

11:54

Santigold – “L.E.S. Artistes”
from: Santigold / Downtown Music / April 29, 2008
[]Santogold is the debut studio album by musician and singer Santigold (who performed as Santogold at the time of the album’s release). The album was recorded within eight weeks in New York City at Schoolhouse and Pitch Black Studios. It was written and produced primarily by Santigold and former Stiffed bandmate John Hill, alongside contributions from other producers, including Diplo, Switch and Disco D, and vocal appearances from Spank Rock and Trouble Andrew. // This album incorporates a variety of musical styles, such as new wave, punk, electro, reggae and dub, with the aim of defying boundaries and genre classification. This genre-defying approach awarded the album with praise from music critics. It earned multiple spots on music publications’ year-end lists of the best albums of the year, as well as on several decade-end lists. The record charted in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, France and Belgium, and spawned the singles “Creator”, “L.E.S. Artistes”, “Lights Out”, and “Say Aha” // Santi White was born September 25, 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents Ron White, an advisor to mayor John F. Street and Aruby Odom-White, a psychiatrist. She attended Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, and later attended college at Wesleyan University, where she double-majored in music and African-American studies. Santi has described herself as “super-social and a connector of people” in her youth, growing up in Philadelphia. // She is known professionally as Santigold (formerly Santogold). She obtained her pseudonym in the 1990s after a friend gave it to her as a nickname. She worked for Epic Records as an A&R representative but left the position to co-write and executive produce How I Do, the singer Res’s debut album. // She was the singer of Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed, which released the EP Sex Sells (2003) and the album Burned Again (2005). Both records were produced by Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer. While in the band, White was offered a solo contract by Martin Heath of London-based independent label Lizard King Records. // Her debut studio album, Santogold (2008), was released by Atlantic Records and met with widespread critical praise for its cross-genre blending of dub, new wave, and hip hop music. Its second single, “L.E.S. Artistes”, peaked within the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart. // Her second album, Master of My Make-Believe (2012), was met with continued positive reception and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200. It spawned the single “Disparate Youth”, which entered the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and moderately entered charts in several countries. Her third album, 99¢ (2016), her second mixtape, I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions (2018), and her fourth album, Spirituals (2022), were each met with continued praise. The latter was described by The Guardian as a “whirlwind album full of feeling and fervour”. // Additionally, Santigold has collaborated with artists including Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Kanye West, David Byrne, Mark Ronson, Karen O, ASAP Rocky, and Diplo. Her awards include “Best Breakthrough Artist” at the 2008 NME Awards, and the Vanguard Award at 2009 ASCAP Awards.]

[Santigold plays the Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway, KCMO on TWO NIGHTS! Monday, September 15, and Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 pm.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on September 17, Nick Carswell of Lawrence Music Alliance joins us to share details about the MixMaster Music Conference Sept. 19 & 20 // Brody Lowe shares new electronic music // Fritz Hurchison will be here // And we will also talk with Mark Ronning of Pool Culture.

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

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 #1112

WMM PLAYLIST from August 27, 2025

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

New & MidCoastal Releases + TheBabeGabe & TyFaison + Mitzi McKee + Don Simon & Morgan Holcomb

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

Cass McCombs – “Peace”
from: Interior Live Oak / Domino / August 15, 2025, 2019
[First single from Cass McCombs new album Interior Live Oak. Pubnlicity material reports this is Cass’s most personal album to date, and, more than any previous record, shows Cass’ vast range as a lyricist and musician. It draws from everything Cass has created over two decades of experimentation to cut through with a direct and clarifying light. Throughout, his attitude is hopeful, which may sound odd for someone who often sings about the more extreme aspects of modern life. Interior Live Oak, however, is the resolve of someone who has lived those extremes. NPR MUSIC writes: “Cass McCombs’ songs are slow, languid and beautiful, which feels like the right counterbalance to our fast-paced times.” MOJO writes: “Steadily, Interior Live Oak becomes the kind of record it’s impossible to be casual about… Those who find themselves in his songs can expect to be transformed, no longer just lover, friend, chance encounter, but an epic hero, warrior, a creature in the throes of metamorphosis.” // Cass McCombs was born 1977 in Concord, California. He is an American musician, best known for blending genres such as rock, folk, psychedelic, punk, and alt country, he has played in numerous bands in the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest during the 1990s, often in DIY spaces, before relocating to New York City. He moved to San Francisco in 2001, where he recorded his debut E.P., entitled Not the Way E.P., released on Monitor Records in Baltimore. McCombs then recorded a Peel Session for John Peel in 2003, and that year released his first LP A, also touring with Baltimore’s OXES as his backing band. McCombs and his band spent much of 2003 and 2004 touring, performing everywhere from the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival to house shows. McCombs otherwise divided his time amongst the Pacific Northwest, England and Baltimore. In spring 2005 he released PREfection on Monitor Records and 4AD, and in support of the album he toured with Modest Mouse. Later that year, he moved to Southern California to begin work on his third full-length, Dropping the Writ, which was released on October 9, 2007, by Domino Records. It was named one of Amazon.com’s Best Albums of 2007. Also in 2007 he toured with Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti. He signed a multiple-album deal with Domino Records, who released his following four records including Catacombs (2009), which was voted one of the “50 Top Albums on the Year” by Pitchfork. It was followed by Wit’s End (2011), Humor Risk (2011), and Big Wheel and Others (2013). He toured with John Cale in 2012, and also performed at the benefit concert Occupy Sandy. Other bands he has performed or toured with include Ariel Pink, Cat Power, Band of Horses, Andrew Bird, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Peter Bjorn and John, Papercuts, The Shins, Iron and Wine, Deerhoof, The Walkmen, Jana Hunter, Thurston Moore, Joe Russo and The War On Drugs. His single “Bradley Manning” premiered on the Democracy Now News Hour in 2012. His songs have been featured in films including the surf film The Present (2009), and Ralph Arlyck documentary Following Sean, as well as notable skate videos featuring Jason Dill, Jerry Hsu Chima Ferguson and Dylan Rieder. His song “Bobby, King of Boys Town” appeared in HBO show Girls (Season 2, Episode 9 – “On All Fours”). In 2014 he did a co-headlining fall tour with the Meat Puppets. McCombs is a member of The Skiffle Players, who released their debut LP, Skifflin’ on February 12, 2016. In June 2016, McCombs performed at the Primavera Sound and Field Day music festivals. McCombs ANTI- Records debut, Mangy Love was released on August 26, 2016. // Cass McCombs released Tip of the Sphere on Anti Records on February 8, 2019.]

Kathleen Edwards – “Save Your Soul”
from: BILLIONAIRE / Dualtone / June 3, 2025
[Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer Kathleen Edwards returns with her highly anticipated new album, Billionaire, August 22 on Dualtone Records. Evoking her debut, Failer, the new 10-song album is full of Edwards’ trademark lyrical sharpness and unflinching observations and was produced by Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson. Celebrated as one of the forebears of modern alt-country and Americana music, Edwards is beloved by fans and fellow musicians, and praised by The New York Times for her, “droll, observant and unsparing tone that is all her own. In her best lines, Edwards has the conversational vernacular and emotional eloquence of a great short-story writer.” Since debuting in 2003, Edwards has released five albums, including 2020’s Total Freedom — her first after stepping away from music for almost a decade. Released to overwhelming acclaim with pieces at The New Yorker, The New York Times, Rolling Stone and more, Pitchfork called it,”a creative breakthrough, written solely for the thrill of discovery,” while Rolling Stone declared it as, “devastatingly great.” Most recently, Edwards released a covers EP featuring special guests Isbell, Bahamas and Daniel Tashian and including renditions of Isbell’s “Traveling Alone,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Human Touch,” The Flaming Lips’ “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate,” Tom Petty’s “Crawling Back To You” and more. She has been nominated for multiple JUNO and Americana Awards and, in 2012, was awarded the SOCAN Songwriting Prize.]

Jon Batiste – “BIG MONEY”
from: BIG MONEY/ Verve – Interscope / August 27, 2025
[Multi-GRAMMY® and Academy Award® winner Jon Batiste today announced his new album BIG MONEY, out August 22 via Verve/Interscope. Described by The Guardian as “a certified musical genius,” Batiste continues to defy categorization with BIG MONEY—a bold, groove-driven statement about humanity, capitalism, and Americana. Stripping things down to their most essential elements, the album delivers a richly textured sound layered with spirit, irony, joy, and depth. Written and recorded mostly live in single takes over the course of just two weeks, BIG MONEY captures the raw immediacy of creative expression. The emphasis on collective energy and spontaneity draws on the roots of American music as a communal force—and offers an antidote to modern disconnection. // At the heart of the album is its title track—a percussive, hook-laden anthem sparked by a moment of inspiration following Batiste’s 2024 performance at The Ryman Auditorium. He wrote the song on guitar before he even knew he was making a new album. On the surface, it’s an infectious call for ambition. Beneath the rhythm, it’s a layered meditation on capitalism, survival, and what we choose to value. // “This is the circus of love. Under our tent there is revival and joy,” Batiste says. “You don’t lose your soul—you gain it. When Mama says, ‘Don’t be a dummy, everybody chasing that BIG MONEY,’ Mama is pushing you—while warning you. It cuts both ways.” // The track, anchored by Batiste’s guitar and retro-soul revivalist Nick Waterhouse, is brought to life by the soaring vocals of The Womack Sisters—a rising trio and granddaughters of soul legend Sam Cooke—who echo the refrain: “Might as well live for something you can feel…something that’s real.” // Batiste co-produced the album with longtime creative confidant Dion “No ID” Wilson. Other collaborators include Andra Day, Randy Newman, and a tight-knit group of musicians, songwriters, and engineers. Rather than aiming for polish, the sessions prioritized feel and presence—capturing performances in real time and preserving their imperfections as part of the record’s spiritual DNA. // Anchored by lyricism, heart, and the power of collaboration, BIG MONEY reframes and recasts Americana for a new generation—drawing on Batiste’s New Orleans roots, his gospel and protest music lineage, and his love of raw, immediate expression. The sonic palette spans blues, soul, reggae, and minimalist balladry, daring to classify them all as part of a new, evolving genre: New Americana. // Variety has called Batiste “a protean pianist and megawatt personality”—a description embodied here as he dances between styles and philosophies without losing cohesion. Each track builds on the last to create a unified vision of music as both resistance and release. // “However you interpret the songs,” Batiste says, “you can’t help feeling them. You can’t help accepting an invitation into the tent. Come in and have fun…some deeply serious fun.” // Earlier this year, Batiste made headlines for his powerful performance of the National Anthem at the 2025 Super Bowl, which brought his singular artistry to one of America’s most-watched stages. He also took home two GRAMMY® Awards—Best Music Film for the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary American Symphony, and Best Song Written for Visual Media for “It Never Went Away,” the Oscar-nominated track he co-wrote with Dan Wilson for the film. // BIG MONEY follows Beethoven Blues, released November 15 via Verve/Interscope. The album marked Batiste’s biggest sales week to date, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart and No. 9 on the Top Album Sales chart. It also entered the Billboard 200 at No. 64—his highest debut on the chart and his fifth career entry. Beethoven Blues held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Classical Crossover Albums chart for nine consecutive weeks and topped the Billboard Classical Albums chart for five weeks. Showcasing his interpolations of Beethoven’s most iconic works through an expansive and innovative lens, the album expands the boundaries of classical music by infusing it with spontaneity, soul, and inclusivity. // Batiste will support BIG MONEY with a national headlining run, The BIG MONEY Tour: Jon Batiste Plays America, kicking off August 27 in Kansas City, MO. The tour will stop at more than 30 venues across the country, including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Grand Ole Opry, and a co-headline date with Diana Ross at The Muny in St. Louis, MO. Full tour dates below and ticket information are available at jonbatiste.com.]

[Jon Batiste plays The Midland Theatre 1228 Main St, KCMO, TONIGHT – Wed., Aug. 27, at 8:00, doors at 7:00pm.]

KeiyaA – “stupid prizes”
from: “stupid prizes”- Single / XL Recordings / August 20, 2020
[After five years of navigating loss, grief, and anger, Chicago-born, NYC-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer keiyaA emerges in the light of reinvention and healing, shaped by years of solitude spent in the unending tide of mess and renewal, returning to share her findings with unapologetic clarity. Her new single “stupid prizes,” accompanied by a self-co-directed music video with Caity Arthur, is a soulful, arresting prelude that marks a powerful next chapter. Known for her penetrating explorations of Black womanhood and liberation, rich harmonies, and fearless experimentation, keiyaA reintroduces her artistry with the same emotional intensity and sonic innovation that defined her 2020 debut Forever, Ya Girl, arriving in the wake of her first theatrical stage play, milk thot. // Speaking about “stupid prizes,” keiyaA says: “i wrote, recorded, and produced “stupid prizes” all in one sitting, at home late at night in my living room in Brooklyn. i sampled Percy Faith, an orchestral composer known for creating rich and luscious scores and show tunes, helping contribute to this classic “American” sound. i sought out to create this sort of bed of irony, to speak and sing about being miserable on top of this beautiful, dreamy and romantic music. which speaks not only to what it can feel like navigating my internal and external worlds, but also what it feels like being a marginalized person in America.” // In 2020, keiyaA released her self-produced debut album Forever, Ya Girl, a genre-defying blend of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and experimental music that earned widespread critical acclaim. The project went on to receive Pitchfork’s “Best New Music” designation, landed on year-end best-of lists from The New York Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian, and was later named to Pitchfork’s Best of the Decade So Far list. It also drew praise from artists including Solange, Jay-Z, Earl Sweatshirt, Blood Orange, Kimberly Drew, and Moses Sumney. The album announced keiyaA as one of music’s most vital new voices and producers, and the attention it garnered gave her the access to expand on her creative vision—one that has since grown into a thriving garden of projects, performances, and collaborations, each distinct but rooted in her singular artistry. // Since the release of Forever, Ya Girl, keiyaA showcased her dynamism through a Tiny Desk concert and appearances at Solange’s El Dorado Ballroom show at BAM, Wales Bonner’s Togetherness presentation at the Guggenheim, ESSENSE’s Girls United Summit, and MoMA PS1’s Warm Up series. She walked in Telfar’s 20th-anniversary show, contributed music to the brand’s Moose Knuckles collaboration, and scored Nike’s Come Thru series. She also performed at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, as well as in her hometown of Chicago at Pitchfork Music Festival and Theaster Gates’ Kenwood Garden community space. // Earlier this year, keiyaA expanded her artistic expression with milk thot, her first full-length stage production, which premiered at Abrons Arts Center in New York City. The performance combined live music, poetry, and choreography to delve into topics such as self-image, family lineage, and societal consumption. Developed during a residency at Abrons, milk thot marked a significant evolution in her multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. // In 2025 keiyaA will release her much anticipated sophomore album. // KeiyaA released her break through album Forever, Ya Girl through Forever Recordings on March 27, 2020 This album was part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. The debut album from KeiyaA originally from Chicago, now based in NYC. Written and produced by keiyaA, featuring additional production from dj blackpower & dj cowriiie. Mixed & mastered by BSTFRND. // Chakeiya Camille Richmond was born July 28, 1992. She is known professionally as Keiyaa (stylized as KeiyaA), is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a record producer. She independently released her debut album Forever, Ya Girl in 2020. // Chakeiya Camille Richmond was born and raised in Chicago on the city’s south side. During childhood she sang in the Chicago Children’s Choir until switching to the alto saxophone in seventh grade. She cited soul artists including Chaka Khan, Patrice Rushen, jazz musicians like John Coltrane and Miles Davis and R&B groups such as SWV as early musical influences. She also finds inspiration in goth and post-punk/alternative rock artists like Nirvana and Siouxsie and the Banshees. // Richmond attended University of Illinois at Chicago and Columbia College to study jazz and play alto sax before leaving due to disillusionment with the program’s hierarchical nature, as well difficulty balancing school with working full-time. Shortly after she decided to pursue music professionally. // While still playing and performing on alto sax, she collaborated with Chicago musicians including Noname and Vic Mensa. She decided to switch her focus to solo work producing and singing R&B and electronic music. Perform-ing under the name Keiya, she released her debut EP, WORK, in July 2015. It was described as “emotional, sleepy, and yet strikingly optimistic” by These Days magazine. Shortly after its release she moved to New York. She added an additional “A” to her name (KeiyaA) in order to differentiate herself from other performers on streaming sites. // KeiyaA’s debut album Forever, Ya Girl was released in March 2020 and self-produced under her personal label Forever Recordings. It was reviewed by Olivia Ovendon for KEXP as featuring “powerful mantra-esque lyrics, and woozy, heady, immersive beats in captivating fashion.” Esquire described the sound as “downcast grime and smooth R&B.” Pitchfork writer Clare Lobenfeld rated the album an 8.2/10 and praised its “resolute realness that can only happen outside the major label gaze.” Forever, Ya Girl was named to Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian’s “Best Albums of 2020” lists. // Keiyaa resides in Brooklyn.]

Kat King – “It’s In A Dream”
from: “It’s In A Dream”- Single / Kat King / July 11, 2025
[Kat King released the single “Somersaults”on May 2, 2025.// Kat King released the single “I Might Like It” through Manor Records on February 28, 2025 / / Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. Produced by Isaac Flynn of Hembree. // Kat King released the EP Domestic Bliss on April 5, 2024. Domestic Bliss was in the Top 25 of WMM’s 129 Best Recordings of 2024. // On October 6, 2023 Kat King released the single. “Bight-Eyed.” // On June 16, 2024 Kat King released the single “Baby Talk.” // On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017. // Kat King’s career started as far back as 2nd grade in small town Kansas. As a solo singer-songwriter act, she produced one 13-song album and three EP’s. Now based in Kansas City, Kat King graduated into a 5-piece indie-pop rock group who are gearing up for the release of their second EP together. Their infectious energy has landed them on some of KC’s biggest stages.]

[Kat King plays The Ship 1221 Union Ave., KCMO WEST BOTTOMS on Saturday, October 25.]

Paris Williams & Bloom Allen – “Truthfully” (radio edit)
from: Give Em Hell, Truthfully – Single / BitterSweet Sound / August 12, 2025
[Paris Williams is a 26-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the EP COCOA on December 10, 2020 . // He released the single , “Austin”on February 18, 2021. // Paris Williams released the single, “Sweeter” on July 9, 2021. // He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. // He released the single ,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. // He released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. // Paris Williams released the EP REBEL HEART on January 31, 2023. This release was part of WMM ‘s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. // Paris Williams released the single, “Pack Light” on July 25, 2023. // Paris Williams with Globetrotters & Kaleab Samuel released the single, “C.est La Vie” on September 14, 2024, // Paris Williams with Globetrotters & Kaleab Samuel released the single, “Ayo (Feat TyFaison)” on September 18, 2024. // Paris Williams & The Human released the 10-track album, A Paris Williams Joint through Bitter Sweet Sound on November 19, 2024. This release was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // Paris Williams & TheBabeGabe released the single “Me Again” on April 28, 2025, // More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

[Paris Williams plays Turnaround Fest August 29 – 30 at White Schoolhouse, 1510 N. 3rd Street, Lawrence, KS. with, Dalima Kapten, The Elektrik Band, Flora From Kansas, Teazers, Discotek Mama, and 95 Sweetbird – All Ages.]

Significant Brother – “Look At You Now”
from: Low Tempo, High Times / The Record Machine / July 18, 2025
[Written, performed, mixed by Alex Ward“Look At You Now” is one of three mew singles released from the upcoming solo debut album LOW TEMPO, HIGH TIMES. The single “Temporary Phase” was released on June 20, 2025. // The Single. “Less Me, More You” was released on August 22, 2025. // Significant Brother is the indie-rock solo project of Alex Ward – a longtime collaborator in bands like Hembree, The Noise FM, and Scores. After more than 25 years playing in bands, Alex decided it was finally time to release music that didn’t rely on his bandmates texting him back. // Significant Brother’s debut album, Low Tempo, High Times, is a five-year collection of tracks pulled directly from the “could this be a song?” folder on his desktop. These were the oddballs, the misfits, the tracks that didn’t quite fit with his other bands but were too personal (or too weird) to let go. Nearly every sound on the album was written, performed, and mixed by Alex — sometimes at 3 a.m., usually in gym shorts, and never far from his cat Carl. The result? Dreamy, low-key, yet danceable songs about navigating aging, relationships, and the end of the world — set to a melodic, slightly offbeat soundtrack.]

10:28 – Underwriting

10:30 – Interview with Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon

Morgan Holcomb is a senior at Smithville High School in Smithville, Missouri. For over a year, she has hosted The Local Show with Morgan, a program spotlighting local and regional artists. The show airs Sunday evenings from 5-8 p.m. on Warrior Radio, the school’s online station, and is also syndicated on community radio stations Oak Grove Radio in Minneapolis, Kansas, and Radio Joe in St. Joseph, Missouri. After graduation, Morgan plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, where she will major in marketing and minor in broadcasting.

Don Simon teaches broadcasting, business, and marketing at Smithville High School in Smithville, Missouri. Now in his fourth year as a high school teacher, he previously worked in a variety of legal and business roles in the Kansas City area. He is a former Board Member of 90.1 FM KKFI, he has worked with the Art Institutes of Kansas City, Artist Inc., Folk Alliance International, and has consulted artists and worked in record labels and festivals.

Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon join us in our 90.1 FM studios to share details about Warrior Radio, an award-winning, Internet student-run station for Smithville High School, in Smithville, Missouri. More info at: http://www.tinyurl.com/Warrior-Radio

Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon Thank you for being with us on WMM

About Warrior Radio: Curated by high school students, Warrior Radio is on the air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Live365 streaming service.

The following link is http://tinyurl.com/Warrior-Radio.

From Smithville to the World…it’s Warrior Radio, an award-winning, student-run Internet station! Part of the Smithville Media Network.

The station can also be accessed by downloading the Warrior Radio app from Google Play or the Live365 app to a mobile phone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play and adding Warrior Radio as a “Favorite.” Or listen on ROKU, AppleTV, Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, or other streaming devices by adding the Live365 app

645 S. Commercial Ave., Smithville, MO, United States, Missouri (816) 532-0405

Morgan Holcomb is a senior at Smithville and is host of “The Local Show with Morgan,” Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00pm, spotlighting local & regional artists.

It’s The Local Show with Morgan! Three hours of local and regional artists every Sunday. This week, new music by 90 MInute Cassette, Land Lion, and Kasey Rausch.
If you want to hear your music on a future episode of the Local Show, email or share your MP3s and album art to: broadcastingshs@smithville.k12.mo.us.

Morgan plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, and major in marketing and minor in broadcasting.

Don Simon teaches broadcasting, business, and marketing at Smithville High School. Now in his fourth year as a high school teacher, he previously worked in a variety of legal and business roles in the Kansas City area.

Morgan Holcomb and Don Simon Thank you for being with us on WMM

For more information about Warrior Radio you can visit: http://www.tinyurl.com/Warrior-Radio

10:51

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

[Katy Guillen & The Drive set out for a 32 city tour September 19 through November 23, 2025 with a show at Knuckleheads on Friday, November 14 at 8:00pm.]

Religion of Heartbreak – “100 Degrees”
from: LUNATE EP / Kosmic City Records / September 12, 2025
[Religion of Heartbreak transform perpetual longing into dance floor salvation with their new single “100 Degrees,”another taste of their upcoming EP Lunate (September 12). Mikal Shapiro’s sensually detached vocals float over Dedric Moore’s pounding EBM foundation, where snakey synth leads coil around italo disco-ized bass lines in a haze of post-wave nostalgia. The track resuscitates lost loves through desperate dreamscapes that spark second chances, casting shadows from the past while the fog machine churns at maximum capacity. // “100 Degrees”captures that feeling when eyes meet across a crowded floor and resistance becomes impossible—a moment when dancing eyeliner moves and syncretic chemistry collide. This is electronic pop music for the romantically wounded, the perfect soundtrack for those who prefer their heartbreak served with a relentless beat. // Religion of Heartbreak Bio: Music for those broken moments and flashes of love. // Religion of Heartbreak formed out of a desire to make music with a darker dance floor focus. The combination of Mikal Shapiro’s vocals battling against Dedric’s icy synths, mechanized beats and dub-inflected electro-bass creates a juxtaposition that works in all the right ways. // Religion of Heartbreak delves into the sounds of Darkwave, EBM, and the darker side of Synth Pop. The grooves are there. The songs are clever, and always filled with a sense of lost love as we follow our dark hearts. // Religion of Heartbreak delves into the sounds of Darkwave, EBM, and the darker side of Synth Pop. The grooves are there. The songs are clever and always filled with a sense of lost love as we follow our dark hearts. // ROH is the band formerly known as Monta At Odds. It was recently announced that Krysztof Nemeth was stepping away for Religion of Heatbreak to focus on his band ReViser also with Dedric Moore and with Breaka Dawn. // On June 27, 2025 Religion of Heartbreak released the single “Love Tourniquet” through Kosmic City Records // On February 3, 2025 Religion of Heartbreak released the 5 song EP Dream Reflection with Dedric Moore on vocals, guitar, synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals, Krysztof Nemeth: baritone guitar, electronic percussion; Alexander Thomas on electronic percussion on MGGG, Dream Reflection, Skeptic; Regan Moore on electronic percussion on Dark Hour of Meditation // Dream Reflection EP carries forward the motorized heartbeat of classic darkwave while forging its own metallic path. Drawing from EBM and Synth Pop traditions, this five-track release sees the Monta At Odds offshoot strip away unnecessary embellishments, leaving only the essential elements and textural remnants that speak to our collective digital malaise. // The EP’s centerpiece and title track emerges like a ghost in the machine, with Mikal Shapiro’s coolly delivered vocals floating above Dedric Moore’s gritty synth programming and precision-guided guitar along with Krysztof Nemeth’s synth pad percussion. Each track builds upon this foundation, from the robot-dance urgency of “Forget About You” to the beautiful desolation of “Skeptic,” creating a cohesive statement about modern isolation and the personas we construct. The result feels familiar and alien—like catching your reflection in a black mirror and seeing someone else staring back.]

[Religion of Heartbreak plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 7:00pm with Carrellee and Sleep Akima, Juliette Frost opening.]

11:00 – Station ID

Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo – “Your Scream and Shout”
from: Inverted Shadows / Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo / Fall, 2025
[From upcoming debut album Inverted Shadows. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. // Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also worked the front-of-house. Mitzi and on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Sat., Sept. 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, Kissy Fit and Cat Voltron.]

11:03 – Interview with Mitzi McKee

And now we happily welcome back to Wednesday Midday Medley, Kansas City based Mitzi McKee who grew up in a musical and theatrical family in Phoenix, AZ, and has played in several punk bands over the years, along with performing in over 40 plays & musicals since the age of 5. Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi began playing out solo here in KC back in 2022, frequenting The Pairing and Chartreuse Saloon, until forming the Precious Cargo in 2024 with longtime friends & previous bandmates Brendan Bennett (bass) of The Stonebreakers & Nuthatch 47, and Caleb Robertson (drums) of Valency. Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo are proud to be releasing their debut album, Inverted Shadows, later this fall.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, West Bottoms, KCMO on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00pm with Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Stephonne, Supermassive Black Holes with Les Izmore.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.

Mitzi McKee thanks for being with us on WMM.

We just heard “Your Scream and Shout”

We had Mitzi on WMM on July 3, 2024. That was over a year ago and so much has happened since then…

The Pairing closed.

Mitzi and wife had a baby, Charlie – a new addition to their family.

Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo have recorded a new album called Inverted Shadows

Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo have been playing out more.

Mitzi McKee grew up in Phoenix, Arizona in a musical theatre household, and performed in nearly 40 stage productions in Phoenix.

Mitzi McKee played in punk & hardcore bands for over 10 years.

Mitzi played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun,

and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair.

Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency.

Mitzi began playing out solo here in KC back in 2022, frequenting The Pairing and Chartreuse Saloon, until forming the Precious Cargo in 2024 with longtime friends & previous bandmates Brendan Bennett (bass) of The Stonebreakers & Nuthatch 47, and Caleb Robertson (drums) of Valency.

Mitzi McKee and the Precious Cargo are proud to be releasing their debut album, Inverted Shadows, later this fall.

11:12

Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo – “Metamorphosis”
from: “Metamorhosis”- Single / Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo / August 6, 2025
[First single, ‘Metamorphosis’, off our upcoming debut album Inverted Shadows. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. // Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also worked the front-of-house. Mitzi and on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.]

11:15 – More Interview with Mitzi McKee

We are talking with singer-songwriter Mitzi McKee

Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she worked the front-of-house.

The Precious Cargo were formed in 2024 with longtime friends & previous bandmates Brendan Bennett (bass) of The Stonebreakers & Nuthatch 47, and Caleb Robertson (drums) of Valency.

Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.

She/her. Musician, mama, actress, baker, cook. Thinks mostly in movie quotes. Punx 4 lyfe

Mitzi writes: I actually didn’t join AA until last December, having already white-knuckled it for 29 months. My addictive tendencies, while not succumbing to alcohol, were manifesting in other ways that were of no help at all to my mental health & family life. At the urgent behest of my wife & father, I finally sought out a queer group (which I didn’t think existed in town; BIG thanks to Annie Thrax for the tip-off 😘) that met on Sunday nights, in the backroom of the very same bar where I’d started my heaviest drinking by that point, way back in the summer of 2014. The group was a revelation.

People like me, having dealt with things I had too, all coming together to essentially do some real growing up and become the people we wanted to be. It’s honestly akin to a second therapy session every week, and I highly recommend ripping off the bandaid for anyone who’s been thinking of going but has been hesitant. I’ve realized, and have happily accepted, that I need the group in my life. The camaraderie of the people. The catharsis of speaking my piece every week. It mentally cleanses me somewhat. And I truly couldn’t be more grateful to still be sober, and to have the support of the folks in this lovely group.

Mitzi talked with Mark about her receiving her first-ever recovery milestone coin in front of the whole group after revealing her 3-year soberversary had passed. She talked all the hard work she has been putting in so far in her maturity & self-care, and that even though the learning journey never ceases. “Take it from someone who almost did: Don’t ever give up on yourself. There is always a light.”

Mitzi works as a construction tech at Kind Mind Organization & Renovation

Mitzi McKee is married to Tarryn Godwin-Failla

Their oldest child Lyric James is now in First Grade

Mitzi McKee Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.

11:25

Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo – “Threads and Branches”
from: Inverted Shadows / Mitzi McKee and The Precious Cargo / Fall, 2025
[From upcoming debut album Inverted Shadows. Mitzi’s band, Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo, call themselves a “spacey KC rock & roll trio” w/ Mitzi on guitar, piano, & vocals; Brendan Bennett on bass, & Caleb Robertson on drums Mitzi has lived in KC since 2011 where she began singing in the jazz fusion band Valency. // Mitzi has also played drums, keyboards, and sang backup in the KC proto-punk Iggy & The Stooges cover band, No Fun, and the New York Dolls cover band, Trashed with Britt Adair. Mitzi played her first solo show in 2022 at the Pairing, where she also worked the front-of-house. Mitzi and on first Saturdays, at Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads.]

[Mitzi McKee & The Precious Cargo play a Single Release Party @ miniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 at 7:00pm with Shapiro Brothers, and Cat Voltron.]

11:28 – Underwriting

TheBabeGabe X The Human – “Miss U”
from: HONEYPOP: RELOADED / Seven Rings Media / August 15, 2025
[This isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. // Production by The Human which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom. // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.”

[TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS. on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.]

11:33 – Interview with TheBabeGabe & TyFaison

TheBabeGabe and TyFaison are 2/3rds of the BLACKSTARKIDS. After the break-up of the band last year, longtime friend TyFaison is collaborating with TheBabeGabe in launching her solo career. Years of being the girl in the the alt-rap trio, TheBabeGabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy to the released of her debut mixtape HONEYPOP, on March 5, 2025 and five months later, HONEYPOP: RELOADED on August 8, 2025. RELOADED isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. Both albums introduce to the world a young black girl from KC hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, and Glass Animals. That confidence shines through as she pulls from influences such as Doja Cat, Tyler The Creator, Missy Elliott, & Janet Jackson to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound.

BabeGabe thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

HONEYPOP and HONEYPOP: RELOADED were both produced by “The Human” which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom. On Bandcamp we found that TyFaison made a 14 track album when he was 13. He released Space Cult on August 31, 2013, followed by the 12 track album, internet en casa, which was released September 26, 2015, and the 12 track album, scottie, which was released on October 8, 2016. (Ty told us there were several others before these that he didn’t put on Bandcamp.) The first album from BLACKSTARKIDS, LET’S PLAY SPORTS was released August 1, 2019, followed by SURF in February 2020, WHATEVER MAN on October 22, 2020, PUPPIES FOREVER on October 15, 2021, CYBERKISS on September 23, 2022, SATURN DAYZ on September 20, 2024, and HEAVEN ON EARTH in September 20, 2024. With Medici as “The Human” Ty produced Paris Williams 2024 album A PARIS WILLIAMS JOINT released November 19, 2024, and the full length album MANGO MARAI & SATURN STAR, released in December 2024.

TyFaison Thanks for being with us on Wednesday Midday Medley

TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.

Formerly a member of alternative Kansas City trio BLACKSTARKIDS, rapper-singer TheBabeGabe reemerges on her debut solo mixtape HONEYPOP. Released on March 5, the 12-track project is a detour from the original Gabe, born Gabrielle Kearney, that BLACKSTARKIDS loyalists met in 2019. Just five months separated from the group’s final release, Heaven on Earth, Gabe’s fearlessness shows in her delivery and vision, no longer being hindered as a lone female voice.

Over spaced-out beats by BLACKSTARKIDS alum TyFazion, one-half of production duo TheHuman, Gabe’s deeply reflective on HONEYPOP, whether she’s intensely expressing the burdens she carries (“Soul Food”) or seamlessly fitting herself in the current drum and bass wave (“Futuristic Lovers”). Gabe’s individuality knows no bounds, and on HONEYPOP, she gets to know explorative versions of herself.

Gabe and Ty met in high school, where they first planned to collaborate on a project together, but it was following the disbanding of BLACKSTARKIDS, including former member Deiondre, that the artist sat with herself to rediscover her musical perspective.

When we first heard BLACKSTARKIDS – “Sounds Like Fun!” from: SURF on Bedroom Records, released February 28, 2020, we lost our minds. It was one of our most played song on the radio show that year and landed at #2 in WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2020.

Blackstarkids were/are phenomenon who came out of Raytown, Missouri and SURF became the soundtrack for the summer of 2020.

Blackstarkids are a pop/R&B/hip-hop trio based in Kansas City, Missouri. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective).

The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019.

The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020.

Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020,

Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their 3rd album of 2020.

Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.”

Ty wrote, “The Kansas City scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”

11:42

TheBabeGabe X The Human – “Minutes”
from: HONEYPOP: RELOADED / Seven Rings Media / August 15, 2025
[This isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. // Production by The Human which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom. // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.”

[TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.]

11:45 – More Interview with TheBabeGabe & TyFaison

TheBabeGabe and TyFaison are two thirds of the acclaimed BLACKSTARKIDS. After the break-up of the band last year, longtime friend TyFaison is collaborating with TheBabeGabe in launching her solo career. Years of being the girl in the the alt-rap trio, TheBabeGabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy to the released of her debut mixtape HONEYPOP, on March 5, 2025 and five months later, HONEYPOP: RELOADED on August 8, 2025. RELOADED isn’t a remix album, these are 12 new songs. Both albums introduce to the world a young black girl from Kansas City hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, and Glass Animals. That confidence shines through as she pulls from influences such as Doja Cat, Tyler The Creator, Kelis, Missy Elliott, & Janet Jackson to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. HONEYPOP and HONEYPOP: RELOADED were both produced by “The Human” which is the production duo of Kansas City based TyFaison and Medici from Manchester, United Kingdom.

BabeGabe and TyFaison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, October 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.

The following notes are from: TheBabeGabe’s HONEYPOP Era: A Black Girl Weirdo Anthem By Jaelani Turner-Williams March 19, 2025

TheBabeGabe:

“When I was working on this project, there was so much going on in my personal life and then we’d just disbanded the group, so I was just kind of lost on what’s next,” Gabe tells AFROPUNK. “I just had doubts about going as a solo artist. It’s not always easy for people who are in bands to make that transition, so just worried about that and then coming out of a label situation that didn’t go as well. So, I feel like this project in a way really healed me and Ty specifically because we got to regroup together and figure out what’s next.”

“We were both going through the band breakup. It was kind of hard for us and so we really took that time to come back together and figure out what’s going to be next. I’ve known Ty for so long and I feel like it just makes sense that me and him really locked in on this project,” Gabe shares.

“I feel like a lot of the songs on ‘HONEYPOP,’ they would not make sense to do in BLACKSTARKIDS, but those are the songs I’ve been wanting to make for so long,” Gabe says. “After ‘Saturn Dayz,’ we were going to take a break initially and just say, ‘Yeah, let’s do the solo run,’ so we were already prepared to do the solo albums.”

“Everybody thought I was the weirdest girl ever ‘cause I love Tyler, the Creator. And it’s so crazy now because like the kids absolutely love him, but [initially] they were like, ‘Girl, he’s kind of different. What’s the appeal here?’”

It has been written that Gabe in a transitional stage with HONEYPOP.

“I definitely feel like growing up, I wasn’t as welcome in certain communities just because I liked things that might not have been [accepted in] my culture. I really want those girls who feel like, ‘I like this and I like that’ to feel welcomed into what I’m doing because I know what it feels like to feel outcasted, in a way.’”

TheBabeGabe and TyFaison thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS. on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.

We close w/ TheBabeGabe X The Human – “FUTURISTIC LOVERS” For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening.

11:55

TheBabeGabe X The Human – “FUTURISTIC LOVERS”
from: HONEYPOP / Seven Rings Media / March 5, 2025
[Production by The Human // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.” // With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, Glass Animals, & more. That confidence shines through on braggadocios tracks like Only See Me, Pulse, and Pep Rally where she raps, “hoe shut the fuck up when I’m talking, got a pretty face but this mouth repulsive.” Pulling inspiration from future peers like Doja Cat & Tyler, The Creator, Gabe is quick to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. There’s no shortage of variety with sticky hooks, soulful ballads, Janelle Monáe -esque pop hits, somber reflective cuts, and boomy west-coast kickbacks. // No song boasts this genre-bending ability better than the double track RIOT GRRL//DRAMA QUEEN. Starting with an inspirational pop-punk banger that could make any Olivia Rodrigo fan nod in approval, it soon turns to the emotional DRAMA QUEEN, seeing Gabe grapple with difficult changes and struggle to find the best way forward. Listening to Gabe can often feel like hanging with your bestie in that you’re getting both the yap sessions about the everyday as well as the venting about life’s drama and all its uncertainties. // These confessions, boasts, hooks, croons, screams, beats, and sounds all come together to create an extraordinary portrait of a young artist figuring it out. It’s an unfiltered showcase that sees Gabe pull back the curtain and step forward so you can meet her where she’s at. So when you listen, you’re seeing her for who she really is. And for many, that’s someone you can see yourself in. That’s TheBabeGabe. // TheBabeGabe was one-third of the Kansas City based BLACKSTARKIDZ Gen-Z upstarts BLACKSTARKIDS have released their sixth studio album Saturn Dayz on Sept. 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track 7th studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on Oct. 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. Music writer Bill Brownlee talked with us about how the band created a double album, but the record company decided to release as two separate albums. The music from both albums relate to each other. Before the release of Saturn Dayz the band released their single and video “SOULMATEZ!” on August 30, 2024. “SOULMATEZ!,” is a magnetic, blissed-out bop that brings together pop, indie, and alt-rap, reminiscent of Dev Hynes-era Solange mixed with De La Soul. // The follow up to BLACKSTARKIDS’ acclaimed 2022 album CYBERKISS* which featured standout singles “CYBERKISS 2 U* ft. beabadoobee” and “SEX APPEAL,” SATURN DAYZ is an otherworldly, genre-crossing testament to their unrelenting artistry and is their most impressive work to date. PRESS HERE to pre-save SATURN DAYZ. // Putting out music at a prolific rate and making waves for their formidable songwriting and producing talents, as well as their endless energy and truly limitless sound, BLACKSTARKIDS have received critical acclaim from New York Times, MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, SPIN, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more. Blending garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie, such as on their beloved album Puppies Forever which features anthemic singles “ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS,” “JUNO,” and “FIGHT CLUB,” BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom and have previously toured with the likes of The 1975, COIN, Glass Animals, beabadoobee, Christian Leave, GroupLove. // Incorporating each member’s wide-ranging influences into their blissful DIY sound, such as Toro Y Moi, NERD*, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest, BLACKSTARKIDS first captivated the internet with their “black coming of age trilogy” of projects Let’s Play Sports, Surf, and Whatever, Man that feature critically acclaimed singles including “BRITNEY BITCH” and “FRANKIE MUNIZ.” // Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of KC in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On Oct. 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. KC is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The KC scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]

[TheBabeGabe plays The Bottleneck 737, New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS.on Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm opening for Niontay with Tah, Naasha,, Lov3, L4va, and Melak.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on September 3 – we welcome special guests: Bill Sundahl joins us to share all of the details of the 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest. We will feature music from the Festival. AND…we also welcome very special Guest and the Crossroads Music Headliner – Krystle Warren.

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

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 #1110

The World of Lotuspool Records with Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The World of Lotuspool Records with Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

Zoom – “Balboa’s Cannon”
from: Helium Octipede / Lotuspool / October 5, 2018
[Helium Octipede originally released in 1993 by Tim Kerr Records, the same label that William S. Burroughs was on at the time. Lotuspool re-released Helium Octipede in 2018, which included a 180 gram vinyl release of the album. I picked this song because Zoom is our flagship band. They were the reason we started the label. It was their EP, “Rockin’ In Rio” that inspired us all to move to Lawrence to start the label. Oddly enough, Lotuspool didn’t release the Rockin’ in Rio EP till 2018, when we released it on 8-track and digital. // Mark Henning on vocals, guitar & percussion; Jeremy Sidener on vocals, bass, & percussion; Chris Cosgrove on drums, bass & percussion; Steve Tubbert on guitar, percussion & other [Radon]. Produced June 1-9, 1993 at Zeno studios, Phoenix, AZ.]

10:03

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio.  I’m Mark Manning. Today we’ll welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is the co-founder of Lotuspool Records. He also is lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters who released their 7th album, the 13 track album, Suneaters IV: Absinthe Makes The Heart Grow Fingers, on September 23, 2022. Lotuspool Records, was born in 1992. Chris writes “We started the label when we were very young, and the bands that were on it were very young, too,” he reported. “Back then, you could put out an indie record and get a lot of attention and press. At that time, there was a lot of support for indie music. Around 2000, Lotuspool went on an unofficial hiatus. The label was never inactive, but Garibaldi spent most of 2000s doing Los Angeles connected gigs. In 2011, Chris Garibaldi relocated to Parkville, he and Scott Hartley — bassist in the Suneaters — brought a new vision for Lotuspool Records. The label has been the home for releases for Heidi Lynne Gluck, The Bump Band, Bully Pulpit, The Whips, Poster Children, Zoom, Voice of Action, June Henry, Hollow Body, Chris Cardwel, and many others This year the label is celebrating 33 years!

Chris Garibaldi, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Chris: We will spin tracks from: Heidi Lynne Gluck, James Grauerholz, June Henry, Krafty LoveLordz, Suneaters, Bully Pulpit, Poster Children, Panel Door, Hum, The Bump Band, The Whips, Mild 7, and Voice of Action.

We started with Zoom – “Balboa’s Cannon”

Chris: I picked this song because Zoom is our flagship band. They were the reason we started the label. It was their EP, “Rockin’ In Rio” that inspired us all to move to Lawrence to start the label. Oddly enough, Lotuspool didn’t release the Rockin’ in Rio EP till 2018, when we released it on 8-track and digital.

Zoom was Mark Henning on vocals, guitar & percussion; Jeremy Sidener on vocals, bass, & percussion; Chris Cosgrove on drums, bass & percussion; Steve Tubbert on guitar, percussion & other [Radon]. Produced June 1-9, 1993 at Zeno studios, Phoenix, AZ.

Heidi Lynne Gluck – Pony Show / Lotuspool Records / August 26, 2016

Chris: “Title track from Heidi’s 2016 release on Lotuspool. This was another 180 gram vinyl release and is one of the best albums we’ve ever released. I’m a huge Heidi fan.”

10:10

Heidi Lynne Gluck – “Pony Show”
from: Pony Show / Lotuspool Records / August 26, 2016
[Chris: “Title track from Heidi’s 2016 release on Lotuspool. This was another 180 gram vinyl release and is one of the best albums we’ve ever released. I’m a huge Heidi fan.” // Heidi Lynne Gluck is a Canadian-born artist who calls Lawrence, Kansas home. After transplanting herself from the plains of Manitoba to the midwestern United States, Heidi quickly became an in-demand player, performing on stage and in the studio both as a solo artist. Heidi is every musician’s dream to play with, given her impeccable ear for nuance and detail. She is a versatile singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing bass, keys, vocals, guitar, accordion and lap steel. // Heidi has collaborated live and in studio with dozens of musicians, including Tom Brousseau, John C Reilly, Juliana Hatfield, Margo and the Nuclear So and So’s, The Roseline, Lily and Madeleine, Frogpond, and 95 Sweetbird. Heidi’s music channels 70’s folk rock with a groovy Wurlitzer laying the bed for her warm, matter-of-fact delivery. Subtle acoustic guitar lines snake around crunchy electrics, embellished with ethereal pedal steel guitar. // She’s been featured on The Moth, The Great American Folk Show, The Mystery Hour and NPR live sessions. Her songs have been placed in The Listeners documentary and Tig Notaro’s hit show, ‘One Mississippi’.// She has recorded three albums. Heidi recorded and produced the majority of these albums at home. // Her message is uplifting and nurturing without being cloying, encouraging you to acknowledge your pain and face the unknown with strength and grace. Heidi Lynne Gluck released a remixed version of her song “Severence” through Dynamite Red on March 11, 2024. Heidi Lynne Gluck released the album, MIGRATE OR DIE on July 7, 2023. The album was #1 on WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. She released the singles: “All I See Is Magic” on May 25, 2023, “I’m Not Free” on June 2, 2023 and “Skyscraper” on June 7, 2023 Heidi released two singles with Tom Brosseau, “Under African Skies” on Feb. 17, 2023 ang “Sunflower” on Dec. 15, 2022. Heidi Lynne Gluck released the 8th edition of the Too Much Rock, limited edition, 7” vinyl Single Series on Aug. 3, 2018, featuring her original song, “Party Line.” and the B-side, “Good Guys and Bad Guys” a new version of Camper Van Beethoven song. Heidi Lynne Gluck released her critically acclaimed album, PONY SHOW through Lawrence based Lotuspool Records on Aug. 26, 2016. This was the follow-up to her critically acclaimed release THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ROOM, released April 28, 2015. Heidi Lynne Gluck also plays with the band the Roseline and was a featured vocalist on “Beauty in the Distance” with Asterales.] Heidi Lynne Gluck played 90.1 FM’s Crossroads Music Fest, September 10, 2023. Heidi Lynne Gluck joined us live on WMM on June 8, and August 24.]

10:15 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio.  I’m Mark Manning. Today we’ll welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the world of Lotuspool.

We just heard the Title track from Heidi’s 2016 release on Lotuspool The Pony Show.

Next up: To A Hustler – James Grauerholz

Song from the double album anthology, Life’s Too Good To Keep. Released in 2024 in a project that took five years to complete.

James was a key figure for Lotuspool in the early 90s. He let us use his studio, his equipment, and his talents. He co-engineered the initial Panel Donor release.

10:19

James Grauerholz – “To A Hustler”
from: Life’s Too Good To Keep / Lotuspool Records / November 1, 2024
[Written in 1993. Recorded by James Grauerholz live to stereo DAT in KJHK’s on air studio in 1994 in Lawrence, Kansas. / James Grauerholz writes: “A talented young man named Jamie, who after ur brief love affair had to move San Francisco, where I bitterly imagined him meeting with disappointment.” // Mark Henning writes in the album’s liner notes: To anyone in the Art, Literary & Music world, James has long been known as ‘The Burroughs Guy’. From 1974 until William Burroughs death in 1997, James has handled the business of William S. Burroughs Communications, acting as his manager, bibliographer, editor, literary executor and companion. To this day he continues to helm the business of Burroughs. What has been little-known up until now is that James has led a double life as an accomplished musician and songwriter with an extensive body of work stretching back from the late 1960s to the present. In fact, music was his first passion. // James set out to be a singer-songwriter before fate led to his calling with William S. Burroughs and despite the demands of his literary responsibilities, he continued to write music as a creative outlet. Over the years James witnessed and has been an important figure in many extraordinary musical eras. He was referred to as the ‘Zelig of Punk Rock’, having been part of a small coterie who helped kick-start the CBGBs scene in NYC from 1974 through the end of the decade. If you haven’t read the book ‘Please Kill Me’ by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain, do yourself a favor and pick it up. James’ stories are among the best in it. His ‘mates’ during that time were the likes of Lester Bangs, Howard Brookner, Robert Palmer and Robert Quine -to name only a few. // The Zelig comparison is dead accurate, but it goes far beyond Punk Rock. James was there for the Midwestern Country-Rock explosion of the early 1970s. The legendary oral history ‘Cows Are Freaky When They Look At You’ paints a hilariously warped picture of the people in James orbit during those K.C./Lawrence years prior to him moving to NYC. He was there for the AOR singer-songwriter movement of the late 1970s, mixing his songs with Boz Skaggs in San Francisco. He was at the Hacienda in Manchester when Factory Records ruled the scene and where New Order, The Smiths and The Fall took the world by storm. He was around when New Wave and Hardcore emerged AND he was a steadfast contributor to the evolution of underground music of the early 1990s. In Lawrence, KS where James has lived since the early 1980s, and where Zoom and Lotuspool Records evolved, James lent his opinions, his studio, his gear, his chops and his time, unselfishly on innumerable occasions to help fledgling bands get a leg up. // Through all of these eras, James’ voice as a songwriter has held its own piece of real estate. Each of the twenty-two tracks represented on this double album bear a style that is distinctly his own, both lyrically and compositionally. It is worth adding that James is one hell of an accomplished guitar player too. Assembling this collection was no easy task, despite James’ impeccable documentation of his own catalog. Tapes were baked, no stone was left unturned and several ‘new’ discoveries were made that hadn’t made their way into the master list. // What you have here is a collection of songs that span thirty years, or as James so aptly puts it ‘My Life In Four Acts’ -with each side of the two LPs representing an Act. Though much of the material could easily be considered Great American Songbook in style (hooks everywhere, turns of phrase that remain stuck in your head, broad themes of love, loss & loneliness…), there is also a deeply personal and distinctly Queer element to the songs. One must not forget that back in the 1970s hardly anyone was doing this. In fact, James may have created his very own lane. There were Queer outsider artists like Tom Wilson doing more ‘camp’ numbers, but NO ONE was doing pop-type radio songs represented here. Some of the songs could even qualify as a new genre: Gay Yacht Rock. One must also wonder whether, despite the appeal factor, maybe James just wanted to keep the songs for himself as a log of his own personal journey? // You, the listener can decide for yourself. We hope you enjoy these four acts as much as we did while assembling them. For me they just keep getting better the more I listen.” – Mark Henning (Zoom, National Trust, Voice of Action)]

10:23 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the world of Lotuspool.

We just heard To A Hustler – James Grauerholz – from the double album anthology, Life’s Too Good To Keep. Released in 2024 in a project that took five years to complete.

Next up: “Close” – June (August) Henry

From the 2020 album South Ramp, originally released under the name August Henry. August transitioned to June and is now our most popular artist.

Second generation Lotuspool. June is the spawn of Matt Hyde, the other Lotuspool founder.

10:27

June Henry – “Close”
from: South Ramp / Lotuspool Records / 2020
[Chris: originally released under the name August Henry. August transitioned to June and is now our most popular artist. June Henry is a second generation Lotuspool. June is the spawn of Matt Hyde, the other Lotuspool founder. // June Henry released The Exhumation of Princess Pavement on February 14, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. // June Henry is a 22-year-old is a Lawrence KS. Based, freak folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.. Her music explores themes of mental illness, queerness, and growing up. // Prior to her official debut, Henry had collected her music in a Google Drive folder, shared only with a small group of friends. Bedridden in 2022, she was convinced to release this music in her first official album Class Pet. // It’s not really something I know how to do, as much as something I have to do to stop myself from exploding,“ from June Henry’s Spotify bio. // Since her debut, she hasn’t gone more than a couple months between releases- creating a niche audience and some of her most popular songs, such as Void-Adjacent and Excoriation. // In 2024 she has released 9n singles, two 4-song EPs., the 11 track album, The Exhumation of Princess Pavement, released February 14, 2024, the 14 track album Between Singles and One-Offs, exclusive CD comprised of singles and EP tracks released May 27, 2024, the 17 track album Podium, released June 30, 2024. // June Henry released the single “method act” on December 16, 2023. // June Henry released the single “fall into” on December 2, 2023. // June Henry released the 3-track EP “the light I SPIT OUT” on November 14, 2023. // June Henry released the single “vampire song” on November 3, 3023. // June Henry released the 5-song EP “flat earth romcom” on September 22, 2023. // June Henry released the 11-track album “something friend” on June 20, 2022. // June Henry released the 15-track album “class pet” on March 15, 2022. // June Henry released the 7-track album, “SOUTH RAMP” through Lotuspool Records when she was “a gay boy in high school (released as August Henry.) // June Henry has been posting a bunch of tunes on bandcamp! These are official releases along with things that have been archived from streaming platforms, AND many demos and voice memos from long ago. Her personal favorite is “the trouble i made”, which features five tracks written and recorded in high school. The first one, “straight boys, was recorded when June was fourteen. Check http://www.junehen.bandcamp.com for even more releases from June Henry.]

10:30 – Underwriting

10:32 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio.  I’m Mark Manning. Today we’ll welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the world of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is also the lead singer, guitarist for the band Suneaters

Chris: “One of the mistakes we made as kids running the label was that we made a lot of short-term decisions,” Garibaldi says. “We didn’t have foresight. We were too concerned about paychecks and debt. And now it’s like, ‘Let’s take the thing that we do well, which is to foster interesting music, and not worry about the little things.’ Let’s see if we might be able to figure out something that might make the music bigger. That’s the goal.”

Up next: Krafty LoveLordz with “Baggin’ Babes”

Recorded in 1990, released in 2015 on the Krafty LoveLordz anthology album, Head Case.

A lot of Lotuspool roots stem from the LoveLordz. Bully Pulpit and Suneaters have ex-LoveLordz in them.

10:36

Krafty LoveLordz – “Baggin Babes”
from: Head Case / Lotuspool Records / August 4, 2015
[Labeling themselves, “The second most awesome band to come out of La Grange, IL!” The Krafty Lovelordz were all about granola bars, burritos and massive amounts of coffee. They were the ultimate testimony to what happens when bored teens pick up instruments after consuming all the SST, Touch & Go, Twin Tone, and Homestead LPs that one could find in the mid to late 80s. Recorded in 1990, but released in 2015 on the Krafty LoveLordz anthology album, Head Case. A lot of Lotuspool roots stem from the LoveLordz. Bully Pulpit and Suneaters have ex-LoveLordz in them. ]

10:39 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio.  I’m Mark Manning. Today we’ll welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the world of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is also the lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: Krafty LoveLordz – “Baggin Babes” from: Head Case / Lotuspool / Aug. 4, 2015

Next up: Suneaters – “Burden in the Hand”

Released in 2022 on the album, Suneaters IV: Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fingers.
Suneaters IV is my greatest musical achievement as it got on The Big Takeover’s list of Top 200 albums in 2022.

10:43

Suneaters – “Burden in the Hand”
from: Suneaters IV: Absinthe Makes The Heart Grow Fingers / Lotuspool Records / September 23, 2022
[Suneaters’ seventh album, “Suneaters IV: Absinthe Makes The Heart Grow Fingers” is an homage to late 80s digging through record store “alternative” bins looking for appealing art and unique song titles. // Find herein some surf vibes, a dash of Cars and unexpected Americana. Other touchstones include Built to Spill, Dinosaur Jr, Guided By Voices, Minutemen and Television. Mix in frenetic jams, a la Meat Puppets and a dose of Animals era Pink Floyd and there you have it. // Incorporating the touch, the feel of their previous releases, but now with eager brevity, this latest incarnation of Suneaters subtracts excesses and adds copious hooks. Featuring driving rhythms courtesy of new drummer and longtime Lawrence Kansas club owner, Nick Carroll, Chris, Mike and Scott explore the landscapes of their most cherished indie/punk/new wave rock. Children of the 70s exploring music of the 80s and 90s in the 2020s. // Suneaters are an American psychedelic, rock and roll band formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 2008. Its core members are Scott Hartley, Chris Garibaldi, Chris Cardwell, and Michael Judd. Suneaters’ debut LP “One” was released in October 2011 on Lotuspool Records, an independent record label started by Chris Garibaldi in the early 1990s. Suneaters advocate what they call a DIT (Do-it-together) culture – a variation on the DIY (Do-it-yourself) punk rock ethos. DIT emphasizes collaboration, collective action, art sharing, and experimentation in fracturing the dominant music industry paradigms. // Suneaters released the albums: Suneaters I in 2011, Suneaters XIII in 2012, Suneaters II: Loving Relationship in 2015, Suneaters XII: L’appel Du Vide in 2017, Suneaters III: Unfathomable Darkness in 2019, Suneaters XI: It’s The Future in 2021. // Chris Garibaldi writes: Suneaters IV is my greatest musical achievement as it got on The Big Takeover’s list of Top 200 albums in 2022.]

10:45 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the world of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is also the lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: Suneaters – “Burden in the Hand” from: Suneaters IV: Absinthe Makes The Heart Grow Fingers / Lotuspool Records / September 23, 2022

Next up: Bully Pulpit with “The Art of Disappearing”

Released in 2023 on Natural Flavors, the fourth and best album by Bully Pulpit.
Bully Pulpit was the third band signed to Lotuspool after Zoom and Panel Donor. They average a new album every 10 years and we are hoping they can pick up that pace since every album seems to top the last.

10:49

Bully Pulpit – “The Art of Disappearing”
from: Natural Flavors / Lotuspool Records / June 23, 2023
[Bully Pulpit released their fourth album, “Natural Flavors” on June 23, 2023. The band of Chicago natives is currently comprised of Matt Hohmann (guitar) Tom Banks (vox, guitar), Jim Valentin (bass, synthesizer), and Jim MacGregor (drums, guitar, keyboard). “Natural Flavors” includes tracks written and recorded with previous member of the Pulpit, Liz Bustamante (drums, percussion). // The album’s opening track, “The Art of Disappearing” was adapted from the Naomi Shihab Nye poem of the same title. Nye graciously granted use of the lyrics when she heard the song. // Matt Engstrom and Soren Pedersen recorded the album over a series of sessions while Engstrom manned the dials for the final mixes and mastering. // As is the case for the last three Pulpit albums, Lotuspool mainstay artist/designer Michael Legleiter created the album’s artwork with photography submitted by the band and clever use of AI. // Thomas Banks on guitar & vocals; Matt Hohmann on guitar; Jim Valentin on bass & synthesizer; Liz Bustamante on on drums & percussion; Jim MacGregor on drums, guitar & keyboards; Matthew Mrozinski on tenor saxophone. Recorded by Soren Pedersen. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered By Matt Engstrom. Album was released in the US, but the album was pressed in the Czech Republic. The LP was released in an outer sleeve with a sticker reading “Made In Czech Republic”.]

10:53 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is also the lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: The Art of Disappearing – Bully Pulpit from Natural Flavors / Lotuspool Records / June 23, 2023

Next up: Poster Children with “Grand Bargain!”

Lotuspool has released all the Poster Children albums that were engineered by Steve Albini. They did other things with him (Eps and singles), but we re-released Daisychain Reaction and Flower Plower. Grand Bargain! was Poster Children’s latest album and the album where they returned to working with Steve after a long stretch of albums done by other engineers.

Lotuspool is extremely proud to work with Poster Children since Rick and Rose helped us start Lotuspool back in 92’. We also are all disciples of Steve Albini’s and are heartbroken that he’s gone.

10:57

Poster Children – ”Grand Bargain”
from: Grand Bargain / Lotuspool Records / May 18, 2018
[Rick Valentin on vocals & guitar; Rose Marshack on bass & vocals; Jim Valentin on guitar & keyboards; and Matt Friscia on drums. Engineered and Mixed by Steve Albini at Electrical Audio (July 30-31 2016, July 29-30 2017, August 25-26 2017). Mastered by Bob Westonat at Chicago Mastering Service. All Songs written by Poster Children. // Poster Children was formed in Champaign, Illinois in 1987 by Rick Valentin (guitar, vocals) and Rose Marshack (bass, vocals). Jim Valentin joined on guitar in 1991 and Matt Friscia (drummer #7) joined in 2001. // They have released twelve studio albums, on various independent and major labels, and one feature-length film, “Zero Stars.” // Known for their strong DIY ethic, the band members toured incessantly in the 1990s, driving their own van around the US and Europe, creating their own artwork and T-shirt designs, and operating their own record label. Poster Children were also pioneers in several forms of electronic technology relating to performance art, including enhanced CDs, webcasts, and blogs. // In 2023, the band re-released their first album, Flower Plower, in a deluxe double-vinyl set on Lotuspool Records and University of Illinois Press published Rose’s book, Play Like a Man, recounting her time in the band and indie rock scene of the 80s and 90s.]

11:00 Station ID

11:00 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Chris Garibaldi is the lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: Poster Children – ”Grand Bargain” from: Grand Bargain / Lotuspool Records / May 18, 2018

Next up: Panel Donor with “Lt. Weightmen”

Song from the second Panel Donor album Lotuspool released, 1996’s Lobedom and Global.
Matt Nalbach, a longtime friend and band mate of mine, was the in-house Lotuspool engineer and while he didn’t engineer the album version of Lt. Weigtmen for Panel Donor, he did engineer the demo. He was wearing a Lyons Township High School Weightmen tee shirt when he recorded the song and thus inspired the song’s title. The relevance of Lyons Township High School is because a LOT of Lotuspool acts include people who went to Lyons Township High School. The comedy of the shirt is that none of us were on the weight lifting team when we attended LT.

Lyons Township High School Alums:
Zoom
Bully Pulpit
Poster Children
Hollow Body
June is the offspring of an LT grad
Krafty LoveLordz were an LT band
Mild 7
Suneaters
And Voice of Action

11:04

Panel Donor – “Lt. Weightman”
from: Lobedom & Global / Lotuspool Records / October 1, 1996
[Guitar, Vocals – Jeremy Sidener on guitar & vocals; Brandon Aikin on guitar, vocals, & Moog Synthesizer; Charlie Hines on sass, loops & tapes; Jeff Conaway on drums, loops and tapes. Mastered by Brandon Aikin, Brian Byers. Producer – Christina Files. Engineered by Dave Schuman and Michael Deming at Studio .45, Hartford, CT, July 25-August 1, 1995. Artwork by Bob Deck, Brady Vest, Liz Ebert/ // Two editions exist: a Release version in silver-backed letterpressed digipak, and a Promo version in a letterpressed digipak on yellow art paper, with the band’s name spelled incorrectly on the spine. // Panel Donor was a brilliant collection of musicians with a flair for the delightfully bizarre. // Originally helmed by Brandon Aikin (vocals, guitar), Jeff Conaway (drums), and Charlie Hines (bass), Panel Donor added Zoom bassist, Jeremy Sidener (vocals, guitar) to create their most notable album, “Lobedom and Global”. // With a mighty run from 1994 to 1997 and a single show reunion in 2017, Panel Donor is a cherished and missed juggernaut from the 90s indie/math rock era.]

11:08 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: Panel Donor – “Lt. Weightman” from: Lobedom & Global / Lotuspool Records / October 1, 1996

Up next: Hum with “Diffuse”

Released in 1993 on Lotuspool’s first compilation album, Feast of the Sybarites.
Chris writes: “I believe Hum recorded the track in the same session as their massive RCA release, You’d Prefer An Astronaut. They gave us the track for free and it is now our most streamed song of all time.”

11:12

Hum – “Diffuse”
from: Feast of the Sybarites / Lotuspool Records / October 1, 1993
[A collection of Lotuspudlians. Chris writes: I believe Hum recorded the track in the same session as their massive RCA release, You’d Prefer An Astronaut. They gave us the track for free and it is now our most streamed song of all time. // Jeff Dimpsey on bass guitar, Tim Lash on guitar, Bryan St. Pere on drums, and Matt Talbott on guitar and vocals. // Hum is an American alternative rock band from Champaign, Illinois, United States. They are best known for their 1995 radio hit “Stars”. After initially disbanding in 2000, Hum was largely inactive (save for sporadic performances) until reuniting in 2015 for a series of short tours. On June 23, 2020, the band announced and released Inlet, their first album of new material in over twenty-two years. There is another lost media album called Menthol, which is not anywhere online. // The initial lineup of the band formed in 1989, with guitarist Andy Switzky, guitarist Matt Talbott, bass guitarist Akis Boyatzis and drummer Jeff Kropp. Talbott and Switzky met at a cafe named Treno’s, in Urbana, Illinois, where Switzky worked. Discussions about music led to the two forming the nucleus of Hum. Talbott had previously played in the local group We Ate Plato and was presently a member of Honcho Overload; Switzky had performed in the semi-serious live band Obvious Man and had studio experience with Designer Mustard Gas. // The group performed at Akis’ basement for their initial months. At the suggestion of Rick Valentin of Poster Children, the band chose the name Hum (over contenders like Grendel’s Arm, Pod, and Feedbag), an intentional vague description of their sound and went through a second drummer before overhearing Bryan St. Pere playing along to a Rush record out of his apartment window and recruiting him. // This lineup was not to last long, though, as Boyatzis left home for Greece in 1990. Local musician Joe Futrelle, who played with Switzky in Designer Mustard Gas joined briefly, before leaving for more serious musical pursuits and was replaced by Rod van Huis, later of Steakdaddy Six. For personal reasons, he amicably left the band and went on to perform in the Great Crusades. With the addition of Balthazar “Baltie” de Lay, of the band Mother (later Menthol), the band recorded their first demo in famed engineer Steve Albini’s basement in Chicago. // The band recorded eight songs in first or second takes, with only vocal overdubs and had an official demo to shop around, named Kissing Me Is Like Kissing an Angel. At this point, Switzky was the group’s primary singer, guitarist and songwriter, which remained the case when their first album, Fillet Show, was released by local label 12 Inch Records in 1991. The album features a faster, heavy sound somewhere between punk rock and heavy metal, with more overt political and humorous material than the later oblique lyrics that Matt Talbott would write. // Pressure grew on de Lay to focus his efforts on Mother and other pursuits, so he too left on good terms with the other members of Hum. Left without a bassist again, Talbott suggested Jeff Dimpsey, his bandmate in Honcho Overload. In that group, and during his brief stint with the Poster Children, Dimpsey played guitar and Talbott actually played bass, but the transition was smooth, and the band recorded two singles, “Hello Kitty” and “Sundress”, the former on 12 Inch, and the latter on the new Champaign-based label Mud Records. Around this time, the Champaign scene started to coalesce with members of one band joining up with members of another to form an indefinite amount of one-off side projects, and the Parasol Records distribution company helped promote local acts nationally and brought in alternative music to record stores in Champaign, Illinois. // In the interim between these singles and the next album, creative differences grew between members of the band, and Switzky left. The remaining members recruited a local fan named Tim Lash, almost a decade their junior, to play guitar. His previous experience had been in a speed metal group The Grand Vizars (with Joe Ludwinski from Scurvine and Matt Friedburger from The Fiery Furnaces), and once casually remarked to the band after a show that if they ever needed a guitarist, they could give him a call. // The classic lineup of the band was in place, and the quartet headed to Idful Studios with Brad Wood producing Electra 2000. The album was released in its first two pressings by 12 Inch Records and distributed through Cargo Records. The lyrics were far more non-linear and conceptual, and introduced some of the space and science imagery that would dominate later songs. The album produced no singles, but due in no small part to distribution by Parasol, caught the attention of representatives from RCA Records. The band was signed, and hooked up with local club owner and sometimes-musician Ward Gollings as tour manager. They switched to producer Keith Cleversley for their major-label debut You’d Prefer an Astronaut in 1995. The album would produce their biggest hit, the single “Stars”, which ended up peaking at #11 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and #28 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. They also supported the album with promotional appearances on Space Ghost Coast to Coast, The Howard Stern Show, 120 Minutes, and a video that was included in an episode of Beavis and Butthead. // The album swiftly sold 250,000 copies, and Hum played their largest dates promoting the record. Further singles “The Pod” and the promotional “I’d Like Your Hair Long” failed to generate much interest, and the band spent much of the rest of the year and 1996 on the road. In late 1997, they teamed with Mark Rubel at Pogo Studios to record their fourth album, Downward Is Heavenward.]

11:17 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: Hum – “Diffuse” from: Feast of the Sybarites / Lotuspool Records / October 1, 1993 – A collection of Lotuspudlians.

Up next: The Bump Band with “Snookie’s Vibe”

From the album, Our Music, which was recorded in 1983 and shelved due to Bump Funk’s issues with his label at the time.

Chris writes: I’m close friends with Bump’s son, the rapper J. Scott and when J. brought me this album, we realized Lotuspool had to put it out, so the album was released in 2022.
Nick Spacek, KC journalist has been tremendously kind to this album.

11:21

The Bump Band – “Snookie’s Vibe”
from: Our Music / Lotuspool Records / March 4, 2022
[Bump Funk on keyboards, Wanda Byrd on vocals, Robert Clarkson on guitar, Herman Lacy on drums, Terry Grimmett on saxophone. Music By, Arranged By – Jerald Scott. // Jerald Scott (known as Bump Funk) was legendary in the Kansas City soul music scene. From the late 60’s to the early 80’s, Bump and his bands electrified crowds across the country with live performances that rivaled the largest names of that era. After performing with a number of groups, Bump assembled a band of musicians that most shared his talents and passions, “The Bump Band.” // “Our Music”, the Bump Band’s only full length album, was recorded in 1983. It was never released due to “industry challenges.” The original recordings were forgotten for decades, but were recently discovered in Bump’s attic. When Bump’s son, Jeremy Scott, and the folks at Lotuspool Records listened to this lost treasure, it was undeniable that “Our Music” had to be shared. // The release of “Our Music” is a dream come true for Bump. It’s also a loving tribute to the band members no longer with us (Herman, Terry and Wanda). We hope you enjoy the vibes! // From the album, Our Music, which was recorded in 1983 and shelved due to Bump Funk’s issues with his label at the time. // Chris Garibaldi of Lotuspool Recordswrites: I’m close friends with Bump’s son, the rapper J. Scott and when J. brought me this album, we realized Lotuspool had to put it out, so the album was released in 2022. // Nick Spacek, KC journalist has been tremendously kind to this album.]

11:27 – Underwriting

11:29 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: The Bump Band – “Snookie’s Vibe” from: Our Music / Lotuspool Records / March 4, 2022

Up next: The Whips with “Ready or Not (Featuring Anna Duntz)”

From The Whips first full LP, How To Hold A Grudge released in 2023, this is a monster pop album. The Whips, like June Henry are going to break. Too much talent, too much hustle to fail.

Second generation Lotuspool, son of Zoom’s drummer.

11:32

The Whips – “Ready Or Not (Feat. Anna Duntz)”
from: How to Hold a Grudge / Lotuspool Records / September 1, 2023
[The Whips are Miles Patterson on drums, Quinn Cosgrove on bass, Max Indiveri on guitar, and Coop on piano. The Whips are a funk/soul band based in Kansas City. The Whips released their 12 track debut album HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE on Lotuspool Records on September 1, 2023, Recorded with Audio Engineer Chris Cosgrove. the album features an array of their favorite local musicians guest in various tracks including: Malek Azrael, Anna Duntz, Atomic Blonde, Die Jane, Tre’ Mutava, Lymerrick & Lucy Brock. // The Whips released their EP STARDUST & MOTOR OIL on Midtopia Records on August 2, 2024. It was pat of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. The Whips released their single, “Begin Again”on February 2, 2024. The Whips released their single, “As Long As You Want Me” on March 8, 2024. The Whips released their 6-track Debut EP, NEVER CHANGE, OR DO on August 20, 2021 on Draft Crew Records. The Whips released multiple singles in 2021. // Fueled by stimulants, a love of funk music, and the need to compensate for something, four lifelong friends set out to travel the country competing to embarrass each other and rope unsuspecting strangers into their escapades. Is this Tru TV’s Impractical Jokers? No this is The Whips! Hailing from the longitudinal center of the United States, The CEOs of Midwestern Funk continue to cruise the sweet freeways of the U.S. of A. to swap sweat with fans of the high-stakes funk pop filled with both hooks AND grooves so syncopated that they reset all clocks in a 40-mile radius. // They also surf the waves of the web with their rapidly accumulating internet following gained from viral videos of their funkiest moments. Build a song? That was them! Call and response game? That was them! The Hindenburg disaster? no comment. Each member of The Whips has pledged their life, and the life of their firstborn child to the pursuit of high-energy funk that makes your toes tingle and they have NO BACK-UP PLAN! They’re so funky, sweaty, and mildly famous online, so what are you waiting for? Join The Whips today and recruit two friends to be your own boss! // More info at: ww.thewhipsband.com]

11:36 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: The Whips – “Ready Or Not (Feat. Anna Duntz)” from: How to Hold a Grudge / Lotuspool Records / September 1, 2023

Up next: Mild 7 with “Rain Sweat”

Recorded in the late 1980s, but released on the Mild 7 EP in 2013, this is another LT high school legendary gem. This tape got passed around our school for years. I’m glad we finally got to put it out.

11:39

Mild 7 – “Rain Sweat”
from: Mild 7 EP / Lotuspool Records / April 20, 2013
[MILD 7 TAKES IT EASY, RIDER – Grifting the moniker from a much‐loved brand of Japanese cancer sticks, Mild 7 arrived on their scene exceeding the limits of domestic space. Partners in smoke Darin Walsh and Thomas F. Banks (Bully Pulpit, Hollow Body) first bonded as sophomore year imports to Lyons Township High School, where they began to collaborate on a set of acoustic duets to be performed on suburban street corners and at Cool Kid parties. / At some point 1986 arrived and their pal Jim Valentin (Poster Children, Salaryman) fired up his Fostex 4‐track to collect a short batch of these esoteric compositions. The resulting tracks document their arcane adolescence devoted to preternaturally skewed desiderata; these interests expressed via acoustic guitar tunes are sonically indebted to the hard‐working vocabularies of DIY jazz, acid folk, and sundry SST artists of the day. // Chris Garibaldi of Lotuspool Records writes: Recorded in the late 1980s, but released on the Mild 7 EP in 2013, this is another LT high school legendary gem. This tape got passed around our school for years. I’m glad we finally got to put it out.]

11:41 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is lead singer, guitarist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: Mild 7 – “Rain Sweat” from: Mild 7 EP / Lotuspool Records / April 20, 2013

Up next: Chris Cardwell – “Aurora”

11:45

Chris Cardwell – “Aurora”
from: Burning Heart / Lotuspool Records / September 21, 2018
[Sometimes you shouldn’t argue with the evidence in front of you. Songs you just have to let guide you. Roll over you. They might show you the promise in a small inflection, the charity in the pick and bend of a steel string, the gift of a vulnerable pause. // Like toes in the sand, the songs feel right. Heart meet sleeve. Sounds keen and kind, welcoming and modest like the soft seed from a sycamore pod. // Reluctant confessions cling like hickory smoke to his pensive sounds. Cardwell, like a Kristofferson from Kansas up to his elbows in Sunday mornings, has spirit and weary pegged. The saunters of a song rendered to give shape to memories. Like when you hear a song for the first time and know instantly it’s the one that’s been bouncing around in your head since the day your eyes opened. // Listening while your wheels purr from Bird City to Flint Hills, Chris, companion sitting shotgun, might just help you understand where things went wrong. Or he might stroll by in song to explain why lovers abandon themselves for a small taste of endless. So pay attention! .. The fraternity of Van Zandt, Parsons, Prine and Buckley finds an eager pledge in Cardwell. Sympathetic and honest with a splash of divinity, his scuffed soul makes it’s way into your bar. It buys you a cold one, loans a smoke and makes you a good friend. One you can always rely on.

11:47 – Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi from Lotuspool Records

Today on WMM we welcome Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi co-founder of Lotuspool Records for a special look inside the World of Lotuspool.

Chris Garibaldi is lead singer, guitarist and occasional trombonist for the band Suneaters

We just heard: Chris Cardwell – “Aurora” from: Burning Heart / Lotuspool Records / September 21, 2018

We close with – Voice of Action and “Sell Everybody Out”

Released on the self-titled album, Voice of Action in 2018.
Mark Henning of Zoom’s last band.

Mark and Scott Hartley are two guys who have been enormous contributors to Lotuspool throughout the years. They both played together in grade school in a band called The Locals. Mark might argue that Lotuspool’s roots arguably started there.

Chris Garibaldi, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

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

11:53

Voice of Action – “Sell Everybody Out”
from: Voice of Action / Lotuspool Records / October 19, 2018
[VoA is a collection of Mark Henning’s more recent compositions. He spent the late 90s and early-to-mid aughts making broad gestures in the studio with The National Trust and wanted to move towards something he could show up and play without seventeen other musicians. // He helmed the legendary, but criminally overlooked early 90s band Zoom, who shape-shifted the first four years of the decade and invented a brand new sound on their last LP, “Helium Octipede”, a collaboration with the dark prince of American Underground Rock-n-Roll, the one-and-only Greg Sage (Wipers). The Creator of it all. // He spent many years in Chicago and New York making playing and making records with the likes of Brian McMahon (Electric Eels), Chris Connelly (Ministry & Revolting Cocks), Neil Rosario (Dolomite/National Trust), Hamish Kilgour (The Clean), Dwight Twilley, The Lowdown Dirty D.A.W.G.S. to name a few. // He is joined by Jeff Panall on drums (Songs Ohia, Hot Dog City) and Alissa Hacker on bass (Twat Vibe, Office).

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

Next week, on Wednesday, August 20, Brad Smith joins us to discuss Enigmatic Brunch and in our second hour Jim Hubbell joins us as “Guest Producer” to share his Electronic Dance Music DJ Skills with a special show show the roots of a melody sampled in dance music.

A really big THANK YOU to every one of you who donated during Wednesday MidDay Medley and our Summer Fund Drive for KKFI 90.1 FM. We had 47 individuals donate a total of $3529.00 in support of Community Radio. Special thanks go to my co-hosts and guests: Betse Ellis, Mikal Shapiro, Sandra Draper and Steve Tulipana and Lincoln Dreher!!!

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

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 #1108

WMM Playlist from July 30, 2025

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

WMM’s Favorite MidCoastal Releases of 2025…So Far! (Part 3) + Bobcat Attack + Guest Producer SYLKYSAN

“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]

Anna Moss & Calvin Arsenia – “It Was Only a Dream (Live)”
from: “It Was Only A Dream (Live)” – Single / Moss Tones / May 16, 2025
[With the world outside her window rapidly unraveling into chaotic madness, Anna Moss found herself holed up alone in her New Orleans home during 2020’s unprecedented global pandemic. Frozen in a state of paralyzing panic, crippling anxiety, and isolation, she was armed with only a guitar, and the voices in her head. A working musician her entire adult life, touring gigs and studio sessions had suddenly screeched to a harrowing halt. // Online, friends and fans sparred feverishly, screaming at each other and into the ether, while the realities and insecurities of her precarious situation sent the singer/multi-instrumentalist spiraling into a deep depression. // Manifested from the nadir of her own darkness and demoralization, Moss mined a medicinal muse from within, incessantly writing on guitar and rediscovering her salvation in song. Intimate, delicate, dreamy, messy, a flurry of new tunes began to flow freely, slowly liberating Anna from the suffocating clutches of her own despair. Emerging from the ashes of this traumatic, dehumanizing spell: a phoenix of deeply personal compositions that would eventually comprise Amnesty, Anna Moss’s solo debut LP released in March 2024 via Empire Records. // An intoxicating gumbo of bedroom pop and existential R&B, Amnesty is at once Anna’s potent opening salvo and a righteous rebirth, too. Paeans born of an emotional purge peel back the rawest, realest layers to reveal ruminations on an artist’s humanity. Throughout Amnesty, Moss treads distinctly different topography than with the idiosyncratic Handmade Moments—her long-running political folk-hop duo with partner Joel Ludford. Rich in ethereal harmonies, subtle sensuality, and melodies majestic, her album’s stripped-down, organic-soul sound leans into throbbing basslines and pulses with a buoyant thump. // Born and raised in the rural Ozark Mountains but currently rooted in the Crescent City, initially Anna had no intention to embark on a solo side project, never mind record an album. However, by January 2021, the pandemic still had the city—and Anna’s sanity—in a veritable vice grip, and this project gave her dreary days a purpose. Once she’d sketched out this smattering of brave new songs, she marched down to Royal Street—a busy busking hub in the famed French Quarter—ostensibly to rehearse the numbers in NOLA’s oldest neighborhood. // These nascent sidewalk sessions—low-pressure performances often powered by car batteries with tourists milling about—saw Moss connect with a fresh collaborator in Brazil-born drummer Fernando Lima, as Ludford provided electric bass. Amid blooming magnolias, Creole cottages, and the stoic oaks, seeds were sown for a glorious new beginning. // Ten tracks brimming with sultry instrumentation and a sharp-tongued chanteuse at the wheel, Amnesty embraces minimalism, yet arrives abundant in earworm escapism. With whispered sweet nothings and a healthy dose of sardonic wit, the protagonist elucidates themes of compassion, abolition, and forgiveness. On album opener “Slow Down Kamikaze”, breezy flute and a mellifluous vibe deftly disguise a rather heavy dialog that dares to dream oneself invisible. The vulnerable “Colors” chases the demons away with laconic, shoegaze strumming, a hazy shade of welter, and everybody crumbling to find a clue. // “Day After Day” is a first-take meditation on learning to love yourself; razor-sharp “Sickness In The Spirit” unpacks paradoxes and personal reckonings to make room for moral inventory. Biblical blues for a new world order, the gripping “Penis Envy” traces its genesis back a dozen years, a dusty, dormant idea finally brought to biting fruition once Anna arranged it for guitar. A defiant, Freudian refutation of the story of the Garden of Eden, Moss drinks down the evils of patriarchal dogma and returns serve, swingin’ for the fences with trademark style and verve. // A testimony to unconditional love and unwavering understanding, “Neverending” unspools an enchanting swirl that welcomes French vocalist Cyrille Aimée for a debutantes’ duet. Longtime California collaborators Rainbow Girls lend a canyon of heavenly harmonics to the Topanga-tinged title track, as “Amnesty” splits the difference between serenity and seduction. On first single “Gravy”, a disarming, irresistible chill is drizzled with muted trumpet courtesy of Ashlin Parker (Dumpstaphunk, Trumpet Mafia). Other guest contributors to Amnesty include Alex Toth (Rubblebucket) and Grammy-winning trombonist Miles Lyons (SOUL Brass Band). // Anna Moss wrote, arranged, tracked, and mixes Amnesty in her New Orleans home studio, assisted by engineers Bob Gaiser and Christian Lee King. /// On June 23, 2023 Calvin Arsenia released his 14 track album Paradise. Available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. 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 where at 24 he 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, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of VERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com][Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on Jan. 18, 2023, June 21, 2023, and our 1000th Show on June 28, 2923.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays ULAH-PALOOZA at ULAH 4709 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS. Two days of music and in-store performances! Saturday, August 2 at 12:00pm Noon with Calvin Arsenia followed by Caitlin Natalia, Marküs Raines, Day & Tizah, Heath Church, Nathan Corsi, Julie Bennett Hume, David George, Jamogi, playing until 8:00pm, and continuing on Sunday, August 3 at 12:00 Noon with David Luther, followed by The Canterberries, Christian Dixon, Gracie Caggiano, Russell The Love Muscle, Marty Bush, Joshua Jamês, Emma Jo, Zava, and DJ Ashton Martin, playing until 9:00pm. Presented by You Found Music, The David Luther and ULAH and all in support of ULAH’s GoFundMe campaign. Learn more by visiting http://www.ulahkc.com]

The Matchsellers – “The Same Moon”
from: Psychobiography / The Matchsellers / August 2, 2025
[Julie Bates is a classically trained violinist from Kansas City. Andrew Morris is a Chicago blues guitarist from Warsaw, Indiana. They met in Leipzig, Germany. During their year of living in the former East Germany, the pair began reanalyzing the songs of their homeland, and developed a tight yet gritty bluegrass style. In the summer of 2013 they left their jobs to hit the road and haven’t looked back. // In the band’s most recent iteration, mandolinist Brian McCarty brings an invaluable lifetime of experience in the Bluegrass tradition, while Brandon Day thrills audiences with his intricate bass solos. // On February 14, 2025 The Matchsellers reeased the single, “I Can’t Believe We’re Still In Love.” // On May 3, 2024 The Matchsellers released LIVE AT THE WAREHOUSE. // On October 28, 2022 The Matchsellers released The Wishful Thinker’s Hall of Game // On February 12, 2016 they released their album, SONGS WE MADE UP, one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 116 Best Recordings of 2016.. In late 2014 they released their debut full length recording, “Kosciusko County,” one of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. The Matchsellers have toured 3 European countries and 25 US States, performing 180 shows a year, including last year for the KC Fringe Festival, Bluegrass Bazaar in Flint, Michigan, Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK, and a 1st place win at the Eddie Owen Presents songwriting competition in Atlanta, GA.]

[The Matchsellers play a Psychobiography Album Release show Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 7:00pm in The Ruby Room at Musical Theatre Heritage in Crown Center Shops, Level 3 2450 Grand, KCMO.]

Lee Walter Redding – “All My Text Messages Are Verification Codes” (CD #4) (3:00)
from: Student Loan Forgiveness Program – EP / Lee Walter Redding / July 18, 2025
[Lee Walter Redding released the single “It Should Be Ours” on February 24, 2025. // On July 15, 2022 Lee Walter Redding released the EP live From The Argyle Wallpaper. Lee Walter Redding on vocals, guitar; Justin Rogers on bass; Andy Kirk on guitar/synth and Justin Skinner on drums. // Lee Walter Redding released “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” on April 9, 2021. Lee told us that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. More info at: http://www.leewalterredding.bandcamp.com] [Lee Walter Redding was our guest on WMM on July 13, 2022]

David Luther – “Wrecking Bay”
from: Who You Are / David Luther / April 25, 2025
[David Luther released the first single “Smile About Something” on January 21, 2025. David Luther released the 2d single, “If Love Just Ain’t Enough (feat. Garrison Starr) on February 28, 2025. all singles off of David’s upcoming album EWHO YOU ARE expected April 25, 2025. // David Luther Broxterman recorded his first self-titled EP in 2009 with Nashville producer Neilson Hubbard. The EP featured backing vocals from Americana artist Garrison Starr. This experience was the catalyst that would send him on his path to a music career, gigging part-time to begin with while working full-time as a social worker. // In 2020, during the heart of COVID-19, David knew it was time to embrace becoming a full-time musician.. Stepping away from social work and side jobs, especially as a single father of two boys, was a faith move then. During this time, David collaborated with David George and Pat Tomek on his EP Take Me Home, which was released in 2022. The EP included the anthem Home To Kansas City and World’s Gonna Change, a song co-written by David, Brandon Mashburn, and Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. George and Tomek’s dedication and artistry to the project, along with the exceptional musicians and singers, inspired David. Shortly after, David worked with his sister Anna Taylor and producer Brandon Mashburn on the single I Will, released in 2023, a song to draw attention to things that unite rather than divide us. // In July 2024, David again joined Neilson Hubbard, studio musician Juan Solórzano, and engineer Dylan Alldridge in their East Nashville studio to record a new full-length Americana album. The album, Who You Are, features partner Kelly Dougherty on several songs and Garrison Starr on If Love Just Ain’t Enough. The songs on the LP are a journey of David’s songwriting, many coming from painful places in the past and leading up to the last song he finished the night before the last days of recording, the title track. // David is grateful for the people in his family and community who have come alongside him, often carrying him and sometimes dragging or chasing him down his path. He says he can’t imagine how he’d still be doing this without their ongoing help and encouragement, especially that of his partner and manager, Kelly Dougherty. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but there’s no going back.”]

[David Luther plays KC Wine Company 13875 S Gardner Rd #1 Olathe, KS, Sat., August 3, at 2:00PM]

[David Luther plays ULAH-PALOOZA at ULAH 4709 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS. Two days of music and in-store performances! Saturday, August 2 at 12:00pm Noon with Calvin Arsenia followed by Caitlin Natalia, Marküs Raines, Day & Tizah, Heath Church, Nathan Corsi, Julie Bennett Hume, David George, Jamogi, playing until 8:00pm, and continuing on Sunday, August 3 at 12:00 Noon with David Luther, followed by The Canterberries, Christian Dixon, Gracie Caggiano, Russell The Love Muscle, Marty Bush, Joshua Jamês, Emma Jo, Zava, and DJ Ashton Martin, playing until 9:00pm. Presented by You Found Music, The David Luther and ULAH and all in support of ULAH’s GoFundMe campaign. Learn more by visiting http://www.ulahkc.com]

Lucy Gray – “Purple Skies”
from: “Purple Skies” – Single / Lucy Gray / July 25, 2025
[Music & Lyrics by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Vocals, Ukulele by Lucy Gray Hamilton. Bass, Guitar & keyboards by Gregory Gagnon. // Lucy Gray released the single “Sixteen and Happy” on May 24, 2024. Produced by Gregory Gagnon- ShapeNote Studios & Robert Rebeck- Westend Recording Studios (Kansas City, MO). This recording was made possible by the Heartland Song Network and Gregory Gagnon of ShapeNote Studios. // ‘sixteen & happy” for me is a lot of things. It’s being sad on your birthday. It’s how crushing it can be when someone you were once so close with isn’t around anymore. It reveals how hard it is to acknowledge true feelings and how it can take time to express them. My deepest gratitude to Heartland Song Network and Greg Gagnon at ShapeNote Studios for making this recording possible!” – Lucy Gray // SONGWRITER, COMPOSER, MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST – Lucy Gray grew up performing on festival stages from the young age of 7 while studying classical & fiddle style violin. By the age of 9 she was performing her own original songs leading her to 4 awards for songwriting & composition, invitations to speak at events, repeated radio spins, tv appearances & most recently a grant to record her latest single!]

Boxknife – “Ready or Not” – Single”
from: “Ready or Not” Single / Squarestab Records / August 1, 2025
[Boxknife released their EP Manifestering on May 20, 2022. The band released their debut single “The Tower” just prior to that date. Boxknife, a queer dark-pop band from Kansas City made up of Stephanie Bankston, Britt Wild, Mia Morrow, and Brook Worlledge who formed from the ashes of the band Lovergurl. Keyboardist and vocalist, Stephanie Bankston was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a graduate of The University of Missouri. She moved abroad in her 20s, and lived in Seoul, Korea, where she played in a mostly female band called BaekMa (“White Horse”). Stephanie returned to Kansas City in the Fall 2015. Brook Worlledge, is a Kansas City native. She is the band’s lead vocalist and drummer and writes songs for the band. Brook is a defender of the proletariat. Brook’s influences range from The B-52s, The Velvet Underground, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Brit Wild has played to Wick and the Tricks and other bands in Kansas City.]

[Boxknife play the Video Premiere Party and Single release for “Ready or Not” Friday, August 1, at 9:00pm at the Union Library, 1317 Union Ave, in West Bottom, KCMO with drag by Cee J The Troll and Mx. Virtue, with Musical performance by @theblackmariahtheater and Tarot by Mama Matthew.]

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

[Radkey plays and presents RADFEST 3 on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 6:00pm to 11:00pm at Lemonade Park 1628 Wyoming Street, KCMO with Frogpond, The Rackatees, and Gascan.]

10:29 – Underwriting

Bobcat Attack – “Found In The Grass”
from: The Year of The Bobcat / Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine / Aug. 1, 2025
[Bobcat Attack released the single “Bird of Prey” on January 10, 2025 Bobcat Attack is the alter ego of electronic musician Nathan Reusch. Reusch has a passion for blending dub, techno, and ambient electronica into his own improvised vision. His compositions, crafted with synthesizers, drum machines, and modular synths, create a pulsing soundscape that is both intimate and lush, setting him apart in the electronic music scene. // Reusch first started making electronic music influenced by emo/punk in the early 2000s, opening for acts like Taking Back Sunday, Mewihoutyou, Coheed and Cambria, to more fitting artists like Joy Electric, Atom & His Package, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Yacht. In 2003, he started his indie label, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he founded KC’s Middle of the Map Fest; his time and focus on making his music came to a halt. The pandemic inspired Reusch to dust off his Bobcat Attack moniker and renewed his interest in making music. After a few months of waywardly trying to figure out patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. // After a year of playing and organizing shows with the KC Synth Collective, he is regaining his footing; Reusch is ready to release his first new material in nearly two decades. Bobcat Attack bridges the gap between ambient, dub-techno, and house music. The result is a rich textural environment of blooming melodies, entrancing techno beats, and ambient soundscapes that immerses the listener in a vibrant, flooding forest of electronica. His arrangements are patient and complete, and there’s always a discovery bubbling underneath the surface. // Bobcat Attack’s debut single release, “Pallas,” (Sept. 20, 2024) was the inaugural release on Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine imprint. This collaboration between fellow electronic musician and collaborator Mark Ronning (Mr. Golden Sun/Pool Culure) and Reusch’s label, The Record Machine,]

[Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.]

11:33 – Interview with Nathan Reusch

Bobcat Attack is Nathan Reusch co-founder of The Record Machine an area music label that is celebrating 22 years! Nathan Reusch first started making electronic music under the name Bobcat Attack influenced by emo/punk in the early 2000s, opening for acts like Taking Back Sunday, Mewihoutyou, Coheed and Cambria, to more fitting artists like Joy Electric, Atom & His Package, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Yacht. In 2003, he started his indie label, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he founded KC’s Middle of the Map Fest; his time and focus on making his music came to a halt. Under Nathan’s leadership The Record Machine has been the label for Static Phantoms, Monta, Various Blonde, Cowboy Indian Bear, LaGuerre, The Philistines, and Black Light Animals and many more. Nathan is also a DJ. The pandemic inspired Reusch to dust off his Bobcat Attack moniker and renewed his interest in making music. After a few months of waywardly trying to figure out patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. His debut track, Pallas, released September 18, 2024 was the inaugural release on Les Bon Bons Electriques imprint on The Record Machine label. This collaboration between fellow electronic musician and collaborator Mark Ronning (Mr. Golden Sun/Pool Culure) and Reusch’s label, The Record Machine,

Nathan Reusch thanks for being with us on WMM.

Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.

Last year the Kansas City record label The Record Machine launched a new imprint, “Les Bonbons Electriques”. Creative collaboration between label-owner Nathan Reusch and musician Mark Ronning began as a shared passion for synthesizers and has turned into an expansion of The Record Machine’s label.

On September 20th, 2024, Bobcat Attack, the moniker of electronic artist Nathan Reusch, released his first single. September 20th marked the beginning of Les Bonbons Electriques, an imprint of The Record Machine, a collaboration between Reusch and electronic musician Mark Ronning (Pool Culture, Mr. Golden Sun). Les Bonbons Electriques (“electric candy” in French) is a new imprint that will focus on artistry, experimentation, and electronic music. For Reusch’s project Bobcat Attack, where his modular synthesizer is the center of his electronic, ambient, and dub techno-influenced music, Les Bonbons Electriques is the perfect label match.

Les Bonbons Electriques began as a series of pop-up shows to feature Kansas City electronic artists, inspired by Ronning’s foray into modular synthesis during the pandemic. When Reusch and Ronning connected in 2022 over a shared passion for modular synthesis, they formed a fast friendship and, from this, a creative collaboration was born. Now, the name “Les Bonbons Electriques” will be both a live performance series as well as a record label imprint of The Record Machine.

The initiation of this new imprint comes with exciting new artists and releases. Bobcat Attack’s first single “Pallas” is releasing on September 20th, a pulsing track with a bouncing melody over ambient architecture. And, on October 4th, indie pop band, The House, will be releasing their single “Honey”, a soaring tune with electronic augmentation over chamber-pop arrangements. This first duo of releases serves as the perfect representation of the space that Les Bonbons Electriques can occupy: a spectrum of organic and inorganic sounds, from those fully distorted, filtered, and modulated by electronica to acoustic instruments wrapped up in swirling, synthesized ambience.

Connect with The Record Machine and Les Bonbons Electriques
@therecordmachine
@lesbonbonselectriques
@bobcatattack.me
@thehouse.band

Nathan Reusch thanks for being with us on WMM.

Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.

10:49

Bobcat Attack – “Drifter”
from: The Year of The Bobcat / Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine / Aug. 1, 2025
[Bobcat Attack released the single “Bird of Prey” on January 10, 2025 Bobcat Attack is the alter ego of electronic musician Nathan Reusch. Reusch has a passion for blending dub, techno, and ambient electronica into his own improvised vision. His compositions, crafted with synthesizers, drum machines, and modular synths, create a pulsing soundscape that is both intimate and lush, setting him apart in the electronic music scene. // Reusch first started making electronic music influenced by emo/punk in the early 2000s, opening for acts like Taking Back Sunday, Mewihoutyou, Coheed and Cambria, to more fitting artists like Joy Electric, Atom & His Package, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Yacht. In 2003, he started his indie label, The Record Machine, and in 2011, he founded KC’s Middle of the Map Fest; his time and focus on making his music came to a halt. The pandemic inspired Reusch to dust off his Bobcat Attack moniker and renewed his interest in making music. After a few months of waywardly trying to figure out patches and midi cables, he joined KC’s Synth Collective and found a group of similarly-minded electronic musicians. // After a year of playing and organizing shows with the KC Synth Collective, he is regaining his footing; Reusch is ready to release his first new material in nearly two decades. Bobcat Attack bridges the gap between ambient, dub-techno, and house music. The result is a rich textural environment of blooming melodies, entrancing techno beats, and ambient soundscapes that immerses the listener in a vibrant, flooding forest of electronica. His arrangements are patient and complete, and there’s always a discovery bubbling underneath the surface. // Bobcat Attack’s debut single release, “Pallas,” (Sept. 20, 2024) was the inaugural release on Les Bon Bons Electriques – The Record Machine imprint. This collaboration between fellow electronic musician and collaborator Mark Ronning (Mr. Golden Sun/Pool Culure) and Reusch’s label, The Record Machine,]

[Bobcat Attack plays YEAR OF THE BOBCAT EP release show on Thursday, July 31 at miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, with FaceFace, Hautlle and Slow Poke.]

Maya Mikity – “As One”
from: “As One” – Single / Sailing Wonder / April 16, 2025
[Maya Mikity is a local KC pop singer-songwriter based in the U.S. She this dance/EDM track titled in a collaboration with Triangle. “As One” is currently featured as the theme song for ZIP FM, one of Japan’s leading radio stations, and has also been added to many major playlists like Electronic House Chill Out and EDM NOMAD. It has also been playing on radio stations all around the world. “As One” is one of 10 single Maya Mikity has release this year so far.]

T.A. Rell – “4oreign (Radio Edit)”
from: Love Pages: Pt. 1 – EP / T.A.P. OUT Music / March 27, 2025
[“4oreign: was originally released as a single on April 13, 2024. Arick “TA. Rell” Ridgell is a 23 year old producer/writer/artist who recently has began emerging by way of the internet. The Kansas City,Missouri native was born August 29,1990. He’s an alumni of Center High School (Kansas City,MO, 64131), and a current student at Longview Community College (Lee’s Summit,MO), where he’s currently looking to obtain a degree in Audio Engineering. He’s what you’d call a mixing pot of R&B, country, gospel, pop, rock and roll, etc… TA’s “style influenced by a variety of artists such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Smokie Robinson, The Temptations, Jamie Foxx, Tank, Tyrese, Musiq Soulchild, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, amongst others. T.A. tries not to trap himself in the box on genres but tries to use his love for all music to unlock the hearts and souls of listeners around the world. ]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – Special Guest Producer SYLKYSAN

SYLKYSAN is Sandra Draper. Sandra is a member of KKFI’s Board of Directors, Sandra was born in Kansas City and attended Paseo High School. Sandra became a student at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and eventually returning to Kansas City to complete her last year graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree studying history and communications at The University of Missouri at Kansas City. She is the mother of four children three sons and one daughter. While her children were all born on different years 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981 two of her sons were born on the same day, and her daughter and other son were also born on the same day. For the past year Sandra has been volunteering at KKFI and has been in training to host and produce her own radio show, Silky San’s Soul Sensation coming soon in the overnight hours on 90.1 FM

Traffic – “Rainmaker”
from: Low Spark of High Heeled Boys / Universal Island Records / November 1, 1971
[The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is the fifth studio album by English rock band Traffic, released in 1971. The album was Traffic’s most successful in the United States, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and becoming their only platinum-certified album there, indicating sales in excess of one million. However, it failed to chart in the United Kingdom. The album features the minor hit “Rock & Roll Stew” and the title track, which received heavy FM airplay. // It was Traffic’s first studio album to feature percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, and the only studio appearance of drummer Jim Gordon and bassist Ric Grech. Grech had previously worked with Traffic singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood in the short-lived supergroup Blind Faith. This is the only Traffic album to feature two lead vocals by Jim Capaldi (“Light Up or Leave Me Alone” and “Rock & Roll Stew”). His only other solo lead vocal on a Traffic studio album was on “Dealer” from Mr. Fantasy (1967). // As with other Traffic albums, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys featured varied influences, including jazz, folk music and Classical. The name of the album’s title track was suggested by the actor Michael J. Pollard. // The LP’s front cover is notable for its top right and bottom left corners being clipped, giving the illusion of a three-dimensional cube. This effect would be repeated on their next album, Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory. On original pressings of the UK and some European versions, the title of both the album and song are shown as ‘The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys’ (with a hyphen) on the record labels. // The title of the album and the eponymous single on it became the source of some controversy in the UK upon initial release. At that time, the phrase “high-heeled boys” was often used by British writers as a slang term referring to organized-crime assassins. When it became clear the song was not inspired by this and was using the term in a non-descriptive sense, the issue faded away. // The album was certified gold less than a year after its release in the United States, and eventually certified platinum in 1996. It was remastered and reissued with one bonus track on 19 March 2002.]

Creed – “Weathered”
from: Weathered / The Bicycle Music Company / January 1, 2001

Pleasure – “Sassafras Girl”
from: Joyous / Craft Recordings / 1977
[Pleasure is an American Band from Portland Oregon. They became apart of the underground music scene in the 70’s with the hit Glide from the album Future Now. Pleasure is an American band from Portland, Oregon, United States. Blending soul, funk and jazz with a street edge, they became a cult group on the underground black music scene of the late 1970s. Their song “Glide”, from the album Future Now, went to #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart in 1979; it was their biggest hit. The band broke up in 1982. // A new version of the band re-formed in 2019 and released an album, Now Is the Time. // Pleasure was formed in Portland, Oregon in 1972 as a merger of two local bands: The Franchise which included drummer Bruce Carter (December 28, 1956 — August 12, 2006), bassist Nathaniel Phillips, and guitarist Marlon McClain, and The Soul Masters. The rest of the band members included keyboardist Michael Hepburn / Donald Hepburn. Saxophonist Dennis Springer, trombonist/guitarist Dan Brewster, vocalist Sherman Davis, and percussionist Bruce Smith have been part of the group along the way, including trumpet player Tony Collins and lead vocalist/guitarist Randy Hall. // In 1974, Grover Washington who was a big fan of the band directed them to seek out The Crusaders’ Wayne Henderson. Impressed with what he heard, his enthusiasm led them to a deal with Fantasy Records. This was the beginning of a six-year relationship with the label and a four-year relationship with Wayne Henderson who through his own production company “At Home Productions”, was the band’s producer and mentor. // In 1979, the band released the album Future Now, which included the hit “Glide”; it went to #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Billboard R&B chart. // Pleasure managed to fuse many styles of music including jazz, funk, soul, and rock along the way and achieved national recognition and excellent record sales, along with catching the ear of many hip hop artists who were inspired to sample much of Pleasure’s material. // This success was visibly evidenced with the now well-established African-American classic cult film, House Party featuring Kid and Play, and recently the comedy film Uncle Drew. Bruce Carter’s drum solo on “Bouncy Lady” along with songs “Let’s Dance” and “Joyous” were used in the Ultimate Breaks and Beats Series. // “Joyous” was also used on Janet Jackson’s 1997 release, The Velvet Rope (“Free Xone”), and “Future Now” was used in Will Smith’s 2002 release, Born to Reign (“1000 Kisses”). “Celebrate The Good Things”, “Thoughts Of Old Flames” and others are still being sampled and used today. // After their breakup in 1982 most members managed to stay active in the music scene one way or another through teaching, producing other acts, songwriting for Disney, and touring with artists such as Kenny G, Herb Alpert, The Crusaders, The Whispers, United We Funk All Stars, the Dazz Band and Cool’R. // Michael Hepburn (owner of the name and co-founder) is still performing, producing and is presently working as a Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the King County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. // Pleasure now is composed of Michael Hepburn, Nathaniel Phillips, Douglas Lewis, Dennis Springer, Brian Foxworth, and Tiffany Wilson, and released an album on Pleasure Records in 2019 called Now Is The Time. They also released “One More Time” from the current album as the “A” side of a 45 rpm vinyl record by Neil Pounds under his UK label Six Nine Records Ltd. The “B” side of their 45 is “For Your Pleasure,” which is the introductory selection on the album.]

The JWB – “Groove Axis”
from: Groove Axis / Groovward Publishing / October 19, 2010
[The JWB is James Ward Band. The JWB is a Jazz Fusion band formed over 20 years ago. The JWB combines Jazz, R&B, Funk, and Gospel music. This is a Family Band that consists of Angela Ward on Keyboards, James Ward on Bass, and Jaylen Ward on Drums. Other members of the band include Clifford Mills on Vocals and Percussion, Travis Johnson on Guitar, and Gerald Dunn on Sax.]

Clifford Mills – “In My Dreams”
from: Unchained – Single / Sony Music / August 15, 2022
[Clifford Mills first got started with my singing career in church (Handy Chapel AME) in Joplin, Mo. at the age of 5. At that age I sang my first solo (“99 and a Half Won’t Do”). When I reached high school I sang in my first secular group by the name of “The Confessions” at Central Sr. High in Kansas City, Mo. The release date of my CD entitled “Unchained” was September 22nd 2022. with two songs. Only Time Will Tell and In My Dreams..]

11:25 – Underwriting

Donny Hathaway – “Love Love Love”
from: Extension of a Man / Atco / June 18, 1973
[Extension of a Man is the final studio album released by the R&B/soul singer Donny Hathaway on Atco Records in 1973. // The release was his last solo studio album. It is noted for including a young Stanley Clarke of Return to Forever on a couple of tracks, as well as drummer Fred White, brother to Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White, who worked with Hathaway in Chicago in the early days. White also played with Hathaway on concert dates and is featured on Hathaway’s live performance recordings. // The opening instrumental track pays homage to the melody of “Here Comes De Honey Man” from The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. // Donny Edward Hathaway (October 1, 1945 – January 13, 1979) was an American soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter, backing vocalist, and arranger who Rolling Stone described as a “soul legend”. His most popular songs include “The Ghetto”, “This Christmas”, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, and “Little Ghetto Boy”. Hathaway is also renowned for his renditions of “A Song for You”, “For All We Know”, “Jealous Guy” and “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”, along with “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You”, two of many collaborations with Roberta Flack. He has been inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame and won one Grammy Award from four nominations. Hathaway was also posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Dutch director David Kleijwegt made a documentary called Mister Soul – A Story About Donny Hathaway, which premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 28, 2020.]

Otis Redding and Carla Thomas – “Tramp”
from: King & Queen / Atlantic Records / March 16, 1967
[King & Queen is a studio album by the American recording artists Otis Redding and Carla Thomas. It is Thomas’ fourth album and Redding’s sixth and the final studio album before his death on December 10, 1967. Influenced by Marvin Gaye’s duets, the album features ten covers of soul classics and the eleventh finishing song co-written by Redding. // The album includes crossover hits “Tramp” and “Knock on Wood”. Following Redding’s death, the single “Lovey Dovey” was also released. The original album’s liner notes were written by Tennessee Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. It was released on March 16, 1967, by Stax Records. // Producer Jim Stewart had the idea to produce a duet album with Otis Redding and Carla Thomas, as he thought it would help their musical careers’ progress, and that “[Redding’s] rawness and [Thomas’s] sophistication would work” well together. Another reason to combine the two artists was in the hopes of achieving a success similar to that which Motown singer Marvin Gaye had with both Mary Wells and Kim Weston. Carla Thomas was already successful in the R&B business; she had already had many singles appear in both the Hot 100 and Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles charts, most recently her 1966 song “B-A-B-Y”. Redding agreed to record with Thomas, simply stating, “Well, hey, you from Memphis, you from Tennessee, you can hang”. At the time the album was recorded in January 1967, Thomas was studying at Howard University in Washington D.C. for an M.A. in English. Recorded in about six days (another source states only three days), the album features eleven songs: ten covers of soul classics, and an eleventh song, “Ooh Carla, Ooh Otis”, that Redding co-wrote with Al Bell. It features house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s, pianist Isaac Hayes, and the brass section the Memphis Horns. Six out of eleven songs were cut during their session; the rest were overdubbed by Redding in the following days owing to their concert obligations. // Three singles were released from the album: “Tramp”, the first cut song, was released as a single in April and peaked at number two on Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and at number twenty-six on Billboard Hot 100; “Knock on Wood” peaked in September at number eight on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and number thirty on the Hot 100 charts; and “Lovey Dovey” was released late in 1968, and charted at number twenty-one on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles list and number sixty on the Hot 100. The album was released on March 16, 1967.]

Johnny “Guitar” Watson – “Superman Lover”
from: Ain’t That A Bitch / High Fashion Music / September 19, 1976
[John Watson Jr. (February 3, 1935 – May 17, 1996), often known professionally as Johnny “Guitar” Watson, was an American musician. A flamboyant showman and electric guitarist in the style of T-Bone Walker, his recording career spanned 40 years, and encompassed rhythm and blues, funk and soul music. // Watson recorded throughout the 1950s and 1960s with some success. His 1954 instrumental single “Space Guitar” was the first of his recordings to showcase his electric guitar playing. His creative self-reinvention in the 1970s, with funk overtones, saw Watson have hits with “Ain’t That a Bitch” and “Superman Lover”. His highest charting single was 1977’s “A Real Mother for Ya”. // Watson was born in Houston, Texas. His father John Sr. was a pianist, and taught his son the instrument. But young Watson was immediately attracted to the sound of the guitar, in particular the electric guitar as played by T-Bone Walker and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. // His grandfather, a preacher, was also musical. “My grandfather used to sing while he’d play guitar in church, man,” Watson reflected many years later. When Johnny was 11, his grandfather offered to give him a guitar if, and only if, the boy did not play any of the “devil’s music”. His parents separated in 1950, when he was 15. His mother moved to Los Angeles, and took Watson with her. // In his new city, Watson won several local talent shows. This led to his employment, while still a teenager, with jump blues-style bands such as Chuck Higgins’s Mellotones and Amos Milburn. He worked as a vocalist, pianist, and guitarist.[3] He quickly made a name for himself in the African-American juke joints of the West Coast, where he first recorded for Federal Records in 1952. He was billed as Young John Watson until 1954. That year, he saw the Joan Crawford film Johnny Guitar, and a new stage name was born. // On June 7, 1953, Shorty Rogers included Watson as part of his Orchestra to perform at the ninth Cavalcade of Jazz concert, held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, California, which was produced by Leon Hefflin, Sr. Also featured that day were Roy Brown and his Orchestra, Don Tosti and His Mexican Jazzmen, Earl Bostic, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong and his All Stars with Velma Middleton. // Watson affected a swaggering, yet humorous personality, indulging a taste for flashy clothes and wild showmanship on stage. His “attacking” style of playing, without a pick, resulted in him often needing to change the strings on his guitar once or twice a show, because he “stressified on them” so much, as he put it. Watson’s 1954 instrumental single “Space Guitar” was his first recording to show his “sheer off-the-wall madness” on electric guitar, although it did not chart. According to music historian Larry Birnbaum, for “Space Guitar” he “came into his own as a guitarist”. Watson would later influence a subsequent generation of guitarists. His song “Gangster of Love” was first released on Keen Records in 1957. It did not appear in the charts at the time, but was later re-recorded and became a hit in 1978, becoming Watson’s “most famous song”. // He toured and recorded with his friend Larry Williams, as well as Little Richard, Don and Dewey, the Olympics, Johnny Otis and, in the mid-1970s with David Axelrod.[3] In 1975 he was a guest performer on two tracks (flambe vocals on the out-choruses of “San Ber’dino” and “Andy”) on the Frank Zappa album, One Size Fits All. He also played with Herb Alpert and George Duke. But as the popularity of blues declined and the era of soul music dawned in the 1960s, Watson transformed himself from southern blues singer with pompadour into urban soul singer in a pimp hat. His new style was emphatic – wearing gold teeth, broad-brimmed hats, flashy suits, fashionable outsized sunglasses and ostentatious jewelry. // He modified his music accordingly. His albums Ain’t That a Bitch[3] (included funk blues singles “Superman Lover” and “I Need It”) and A Real Mother For Ya (1977) fused funk and blues. Reviewing A Real Mother for Ya, Robert Christgau wrote in Christgau’s Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981): “Watson has been perfecting his own brand of easy-listening funk for years, and this time he’s finally gone into the studio with his guitar Freddie and his drummer Emry and a bunch of electric keyboards and come up with a whole album of good stuff. The riff-based tracks go on too long but go down easy and the lyrics have an edge. Granted, Watson can’t match George Benson’s chops, but this is dance music, chops would just get in the way. And I prefer his Lou-Rawls-without-pipes to Benson’s Stevie-Wonder-ditto”. The title track, “A Real Mother for Ya”, released in 1977, was Watson’s highest charting single. // Watson’s album Love Jones was released in 1980. The death of his friend Larry Williams by gunshot in 1980 and other personal setbacks, led to Watson briefly withdrawing from the spotlight in the 1980s. “I got caught up with the wrong people doing the wrong things”, he was quoted as saying by The New York Times. // The release of his album Bow Wow in 1994 brought Watson more visibility and chart success than he had ever known. The album received a Grammy Award nomination. In a 1994 interview with David Ritz for liner notes to The Funk Anthology, Watson was asked if his 1980 song “Telephone Bill” anticipated rap music. “Anticipated?” Watson replied. “I damn well invented it! … And I wasn’t the only one. Talking rhyming lyrics to a groove is something you’d hear in the clubs everywhere from Macon to Memphis. Man, talking has always been the name of the game. When I sing, I’m talking in melody. When I play, I’m talking with my guitar. I may be talking trash, baby, but I’m talking”. // In 1995, he was given a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in a presentation and performance ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium. In February 1995, Watson was interviewed by Tomcat Mahoney for his Brooklyn, New York-based blues radio show The Other Half. Watson discussed at length his influences and those he had influenced, referencing Guitar Slim, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He made a special guest appearance on Bo Diddley’s 1996 and final studio album, A Man Amongst Men, playing vocoder on the track “I Can’t Stand It” and singing on the track “Bo Diddley Is Crazy”. // “Johnny was always aware of what was going on around him”, recalled Susan Maier Watson (later to become his wife) in an interview printed in the liner notes to the album The Very Best of Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson (1999). “He was proud that he could change with the times and not get stuck in the past”. // Watson died of a heart attack while on tour on May 17, 1996, collapsing on stage at the Ocean Boulevard Blues Cafe in Yokohama, Japan. At around 7:40, when performing the first verse of “Superman Lover”, his first song of the night, he made a gesture as if pushing the microphone stand towards the audience, with his hand on his chest and fell down on his back. He was pronounced dead, at a nearby hospital, less than two hours later. Two days afterward one of Watson’s band mates told the audience, “Johnny once said that if he were to die, he wanted to die on stage”. He was 61. Watson left behind two children. His remains were brought home for interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California, and buried in the Great Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Enduring Honor, Holly Terrace entrance. Since 2022 his son De Jon has been employed with the American professional baseball team the Washington Nationals. // Watson stated: “I used to play the guitar standing on my hands, I had a 150 foot cord and I could get on top of the auditorium – those things Jimi Hendrix was doing, I started that shit”! // Frank Zappa stated that “Watson’s 1956 song ‘Three Hours Past Midnight’ inspired me to become a guitarist”. Watson contributed to Zappa’s albums One Size Fits All (1975), Them or Us (1984), Thing-Fish (1984) and Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention (1985). In an August 1979 issue of Musician magazine Zappa said, “To me, it seems incomprehensible that a person could listen to ‘Three Hours Past Midnight’ by Johnny Guitar Watson and not be moved to get violent… I mean, that’s really saying something. Same with the guitar solo on ‘Story Of My Life’ by Guitar Slim. I mean, that stuff used to make me violent. I’d just want to get an icepick and go out and work over the neighborhood!” // Steve Miller recorded Watson’s “Gangster of Love” on his 1968 album Sailor. Miller then made a reference to his song title in his 1969 song “Space Cowboy” (“And you know that I’m a gangster of love”) from his 1969 album, Brave New World. Miller’s 1973 hit song “The Joker” included the lyric “Some call me the gangster of love”. Miller had also borrowed the sobriquet for his own “The Gangster Is Back”, on his 1971 album Rock Love. // Jimmie Vaughan, brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan, is quoted as saying: “When my brother Stevie and I were growing up in Dallas, we idolized very few guitarists. We were highly selective and highly critical. Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson was at the top of the list, along with Freddie, Albert and B. B. King”. Watson influenced Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, Etta James, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. // Bobby Womack said: “Music-wise, he (Watson) was the most dangerous gunslinger out there, even when others made a lot of noise in the charts – I’m thinking of Sly Stone or George Clinton”. // Etta James stated, in an interview at the 2006 Rochester International Jazz Festival: “Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson … Just one of my favorite singers of all time. I first met him when we were both on the road with Johnny Otis in the ’50s, when I was a teenager. We traveled the country in a car together so I would hear him sing every night. His singing style was the one I took on when I was 17 – people used to call me the female Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson and him the male Etta James … He knew what the blues was all about”. James is also quoted as saying: “I got everything from Johnny … He was my main model … My whole ballad style comes from my imitating Johnny’s style… He was the baddest and the best … Johnny Guitar Watson was not just a guitarist: the man was a master musician. He could call out charts; he could write a beautiful melody or a nasty groove at the drop of a hat; he could lay on the harmonies and he could come up with a whole sound”. // Interviewed after his death, blues producer Mike Vernon said of Watson, a friend and colleague: “In the blues world, there are very, very few innovative talents of the size of a Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson… John has constantly experimented, he’s tried to stay with the times, and created a lot of fantastic music which the anoraks of the blues world tend to pooh-pooh. A talent like John’s is very hard to keep in check”.]

The Force M.D.’s (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

Force M.D.’s – “Love is a House”
from: Touch and Go / Tommy Boy Music / January 1, 1987
[The Force M.D.s are an American R&B vocal group that was formed in 1981 in Staten Island, New York. Although the group has old school hip hop roots, it is perhaps best known for their soulful R&B tunes such as “Tender Love,” “Love Is a House,” “Tears,” and “Here I Go Again.” They are considered major forerunners of the new jack swing movement. // The band was originally named The L.D.s, and then became the Force MCs.Though the group was not quite always as recognizable as other New York R&B acts when it first started, they were among the first R&B vocal groups to intermix doo-wop-affected singing with and sometimes over hip-hop beats. // The group was composed of brothers Stevie D., Antoine “T.C.D.” (February 3, 1963 – January 18, 1998), and Rodney “Khalil” Lundy, and their uncle Jessie Lee Daniels (July 4, 1963 – January 4, 2022). Later, friends Trisco Pearson (October 23, 1962 – September 16, 2016) and Charles “Mercury” Nelson (December 19, 1964 – March 9, 1995) from the Mariners Harbor housing projects joined the group. // The group began performing on Times Square, New York City street corners and during trips on the Staten Island ferry. After the L.D.s connected with DJ Dr. Rock (Roger Daniels) they then performed as “Dr. Rock & the Force MCs.”[2] The group was discovered by hip hop promoter Vansilk in summer 1981. The three members were Dr. Rock, Stevie D. and Mercury. In collaboration with Dr. Rock, the group continued to perfect their unique sound, which was unusual at the time: a fusion of doo-wop harmonies and hip-hop that involved singing, rapping and group member’s “human beatbox” melodies at underground hip hop shows. They gained even more credibility and respect from local fans after competing in an emcee lyrical battle against the well known Cold Crush Brothers from the Bronx in 1983. // By 1984, the group signed with Tommy Boy Records. This is the same year the group changed their name to the Force MDs, which stood for “Musical Diversity”. They had developed into a quiet storm/contemporary R&B group, with its top-ten R&B hit, “Tears”, from the debut album, Love Letters. (With the exception of their first album, the group was the first act on Tommy Boy to have major-label distribution through its then-parent Warner Bros. Records.) // The group produced a collection of R&B hits throughout the 1980s, and received overwhelming commercial success from the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-penned love song “Tender Love” from their second album, 1985’s Chillin’. The song was featured in the 1985 feature film and soundtrack Krush Groove, and proved to be a success, peaking at No. 10 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming an instant R&B classic after it stayed on the chart for 19 weeks. “Tender Love” was also one of the tracks that helped Jam & Lewis garner a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year. The song “Itchin’ for a Scratch” was performed by the group in the 1985 feature film Rappin’, and was also part of the soundtrack. // In 1987 they finally scored their first R&B #1 hit, “Love Is a House,” from their third album, Touch and Go. // By the late 1980s the group’s popularity began to wane. A fourth album, Step to Me, was released in 1990, which featured record production by Full Force, Marley Marl, Monte Moir (of the band The Time), and others. Members Pearson and Nelson left soon afterward, replaced by original member Rodney “Khalil” Lundy (who had initially left the band early in their career) and new member Shawn Waters. The group then released the album Moments in Time in 1994, but failed to chart or produce any hits. In 1996 the group appeared on several tracks on the Ghostface Killah album Ironman. // hree of the group’s members died during the latter half of the 1990s: Nelson suffered a fatal heart attack in 1995; former collaborator DJ Dr. Rock died suddenly of AIDS in 1996; and in 1998, Antoine Lundy died of Lou Gehrig’s disease. // Surviving members of the group’s classic lineup – Daniels, Pearson, and Stevie D. Lundy – along with Rodney Lundy returned with a comeback album, The Reunion, in 2000, but it failed to chart or register any hits. Damen Heyward, a native of The Bronx formerly of the mid-/late-1980s group 4 By Four, later joined the group as well. After leaving the group, Heyward went on to tour with artists such as Joe. // Trisco Pearson died on September 16, 2016, at age 53, after a battle with stage 4 cancer. His death was announced by Bow Legged Lou of Full Force. Jessie Daniels died on January 4, 2022, at the age of 58.]

Alicia Keys – “Underdog”
from: ALICIA / RCA – Sony Records Corp / September 18, 2020
[Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer and songwriter. A classically trained pianist, Keys began composing songs at the age of 12 and was signed by Columbia Records at 15. After disputes with the label, she signed with J Records to release her debut studio album, Songs in A Minor (2001). Met with critical acclaim and commercial success, the album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won five awards at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards. It contained the Billboard Hot 100-number one single “Fallin'”. Her second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), was met with continued success, selling eight million units worldwide and spawning the singles “You Don’t Know My Name”, “If I Ain’t Got You”, and “Diary” (featuring Tony! Toni! Toné!).[8] Its release earned an additional four Grammy Awards. // Her 2004 duet with Usher, “My Boo”, became her second number-one single in the US. Keys’s first live album, Unplugged (2005), spawned the single “Unbreakable” and made her the first female artist to have an MTV Unplugged project debut atop the Billboard 200. Her third album, As I Am (2007), sold seven million units worldwide and yielded her third Billboard Hot 100-number one single, “No One”. In 2007, Keys made her film debut in the action-thriller Smokin’ Aces, and performed the theme song to the James Bond film Quantum of Solace with her single “Another Way to Die” (with Jack White) the following year.[10] Her fourth album, The Element of Freedom (2009), peaked atop the UK Albums Chart, sold four million copies worldwide, and was supported by the singles “Doesn’t Mean Anything”, “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart”, and “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)”. // Keys guest appeared on Jay-Z’s 2009 single “Empire State of Mind”, which became her fourth number-one hit in the US. Her fifth album, Girl on Fire (2012), was her fourth non-consecutive album to peak the Billboard 200, and was supported by its lead single of the same name; her sixth album, Here (2016), peaked at number two on the chart. Her seventh and eighth studio albums, Alicia (2020) and Keys (2021), spawned the singles “Show Me Love” (featuring Miguel), “Underdog”, “Lala” and “Best of Me”. Her ninth, Santa Baby (2022), was a holiday album and her first independent release. In 2023, she wrote, composed and co-produced her first Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen, which won two Tony Awards. // Keys has sold over 90 million records worldwide, making her one of the world’s best-selling music artists. She was named by Billboard as the Top Artist of the 2000s in the R&B/Hip-Hop category, and placed tenth on their list of Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years. She has received numerous accolades in her career, including 17 Grammy Awards, 17 NAACP Image Awards, 12 ASCAP Awards, and an award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and National Music Publishers Association. Keys was also honored with the Producers & Engineers Wing Award and the Global Impact Award by the Recording Industry Association of America. VH1 included her on their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and 100 Greatest Women in Music lists, while Time has named her in their 100 list of most influential people in 2005 and 2017. Keys is also acclaimed for her humanitarian work, philanthropy, and activism. She co-founded the nonprofit HIV/AIDS-fighting organization Keep a Child Alive in 2003, for which she serves as Global Ambassador.]

Steel Pulse – “Worth His Weight in Gold (Rally Round)” (CD #23) (4:34)
from: True Democracy / Electra Records / May 4, 1982
[Steel Pulse are a roots reggae band from the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England. They originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, and were composed of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals), and Ronald McQueen (bass); along with Basil’s brother Colin briefly on drums and Mykaell Riley (vocals, percussion). Steel Pulse were the first non-Jamaican act to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Collectively the band has won one Grammy award with nine nominations. // Frontman David Hinds of Steel Pulse in concert in Antwerp, 2022. // Basil Gabbidon and David Hinds became inspired to form Steel Pulse after listening to Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Catch a Fire. The band formed in 1975; their debut single release “Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku” arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. They followed it with “Nyah Luv” for Anchor. They were initially refused live dates in Caribbean venues in Birmingham due to their Rastafarian beliefs. During the popularization of punk rock in the mid-1970’s, Steel Pulse began to play punk venues such as the Hope and Anchor in London and The Electric Circus in Manchester in 1976. // Aligning themselves closely with the Rock Against Racism organization and featuring in its first music festival in early 1978, they chose to tour with sympathetic elements of the punk movement, including the Stranglers and XTC. Eventually they found a more natural home in support slots for Burning Spear, which brought them to the attention of Island Records. // Their first release for Island was the “Ku Klux Klan” single, about the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage; the song was ranked the 460th-greatest song of all time in Rolling Stone’s 2020 edition of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. By this time, their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn Brown (keyboards), Steve “Grizzly” Nisbett (drums), Alphonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Mykaell Riley (vocals). Their debut album, Handsworth Revolution (recorded in 1977 and released in early 1978), was part the evolution of roots reggae outside Jamaica. However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island Records had soured by the advent of their third album, Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever). // The band made their US concert debut at the Mudd Club in New York in 1980. // Tom Terrell, who would later serve as their manager, was instrumental in masterminding a Steel Pulse concert on the night of Bob Marley’s funeral, which was broadcast live around the world from the 9:30 Club, 930 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., on 21 May 1981. // In 1982 Steel Pulse formed their own label Wise Man Doctrine Records. They also reached a distribution deal with Elektra Records for the US market. They released True Democracy, distinguished by the Garvey-eulogizing ‘Rally Round’ cut. A further definitive set arrived in Earth Crisis in 1984. However, Elektra chose to take a leaf out of Island’s book in trying to coerce Steel Pulse into a more mainstream vein, asking them to emulate the pop-reggae stance of Eddy Grant.[5] Babylon the Bandit was consequently weakened, but did contain “Not King James Version”. // Steel Pulse released Babylon The Bandit in 1985, for which the band won a Grammy award. // Their next move was to MCA for State of Emergency (1988), which retained some of the synthesized dance elements of its predecessor. // Rastafari Centennial, Steel Pulse’s first live record, was recorded live at the Elysee Montmartre in Paris, over three nights in January 1992, and dedicated to the hundred-year anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassie.[6] It was the first recording since the defection of Alphonso Martin, leaving the trio of Hinds, Nisbett and Selwyn. While they still faced criticism at the hands of British reggae fans, in the United States their reputation was growing, becoming the first ever reggae band to appear on the Tonight television show. Their profile was raised further when, in 1992, Hinds challenged the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission in the Supreme Court, asserting that their cab drivers discriminated against black people in general and Rastafarians in particular. The lawsuit was later dropped by Steel Pulse. // In 1989 the group contributed I Can’t Stand it to the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s film Do The Right Thing. // In 1994 the group headlined some of the world’s biggest reggae festivals including Reggae Sunsplash USA, Jamaican Sunsplash, Japan Splash and Northern California annual Reggae on the River Festival. In 1986, Steel Pulse contributed a version of “Franklin’s Tower” on Pow Wow Records’ Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead compilation. They recorded The Police’s “Can’t Stand Losing You” for a reggae compilation of Police tunes that appeared on the Ark 21 label. Rastanthology, a 17-song collection of Steel Pulse classics, was released on the band’s own Wise Man Doctrine label in 1996. // In 1997 the band released Rage and Fury. // Until February 2001 it had been many years since Pulse had performed in their hometown of Birmingham. They decided to perform at the Ray Watts memorial concert, which was held at the Irish Centre. Pulse shared the stage with Watts’ band, Beshara, along with other artists from Birmingham. // In 2004 Steel Pulse returned to their militant roots with African Holocaust – their eleventh studio album. With guest appearances by Damian Marley, Capleton, and Tiken Jah Fakoly (on the track African Holocaust), the album is a collection of protest and spiritual songs, including “Global Warning” (a dire warning about climate change), “Tyrant”, a protest song against political corruption, and “No More Weapons”, an anti-war song. Also featured on the album is a cover of the Bob Dylan song, “George Jackson”. // In 2007 the band released a music video for the track “Door of No Return”. The video was produced by Driftwood Pictures Ltd., and was shot on location in Senegal and New York City. The video was directed by Trishul Thejasvi and produced by Yoni Gal. The video had its world premier at the Times 51st BFI London Film Festival in October 2007. // In a 2013 interview with Midnight Raver, David Hinds indicated that a new studio album and documentary, tentatively titled Steel Pulse: The Definitive Story, would be released in 2014.[10] However, on 10 July 2014 Midnight Raver reported that, according to Hinds, both the studio album and documentary will be delayed until at least 2015. // In anticipation of a new Steel Pulse album, the Roots Reggae Library has indexed two compilation albums of the latest Steel Pulse singles. The albums are called Positivity and Jah Way, both named after tracks on the albums. // In October 2018 Steel Pulse announced their new album, the first in 14 years, Mass Manipulation, was released on Rootfire Cooperative[13] a non-traditional label which provides interest free loans and label services to independent musicians.[14] The single “Stop You Coming and Come” was released on 7 December. The album was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Awards. // On 22 March 2023 the Easy Star All-Stars released a cover of “Five Years” in collaboration with Steel Pulse, from their album Ziggy Stardub, a reggae reimagining of David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. A music video, directed by Robert Bartolome, was released on the same day. // Former drummer Conrad Kelly died on 8 May 2024, at the age of 65. // A Grammy Award was given for their 1986 album Babylon the Bandit. Steel Pulse has also been nominated for albums Victims (1991), Rastafari Centennial (1992), Rage and Fury (1998), Living Legacy (2000). and Mass Manipulation (2019).]

Maysa – “Pouring Rain”
from: Blue Velvet Soul / Shanachie Ent. Group / June 18, 2013
[Maysa Leak (born August 16, 1966) is an American jazz singer better known by her mononym Maysa. She is well known by fans of smooth jazz both for her solo work and her work with the British band Incognito. // Leak attended Milford Mill High School in western Baltimore County.[2] After receiving her degree from Morgan State University, Maysa headed to Southern California to perform with Stevie Wonder’s female backup group Wonderlove.[1] While with Wonder, Maysa was a vocalist on the Jungle Fever soundtrack. It was during an over-the-telephone audition in the early 1990s that Maysa became a member of the British jazz/funk/R&B band Incognito and, in 1992, she relocated to London and recorded Tribes, Vibes & Scribes, featuring the hit single “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”. Maysa recorded her self-titled debut in 1995. Maysa has also collaborated with jazz performers such as Gerald Veasley, Rick Braun, Will Downing, Jason Miles’ Soul Summit, Rhythm Logic, Jonathan Butler, and Pieces of a Dream. Maysa continues to live in Baltimore. She has a son named Jazz.]

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

Next week, on August 6 – Mark Welcomes Special Guests Day Shepherd, Paul Jesse, and Keyon Woods

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper

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 #1106

Wednesday MidDay Medley

Wednesdays, 10 – Noon, on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

Tag Archives: new-music

WMM PLAYLIST From October 15, 2025

WMM PLAYLIST from October 1, 2025

Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

WMM presents: Play Loud! 20 Years of recordBar + Nan Turner + Amy Steinberg + Til Willis

WMM Playlist from Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Nick Carswell & Mix Master Music + Brody Lowe + Fritz Hutchison + Mark Ronning

WMM PLAYLIST from September 10, 2025

WMM PLAYLIST from August 27, 2025

The World of Lotuspool Records with Guest Producer Chris Garibaldi

WMM Playlist from July 30, 2025