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, June 25, 2025

WMM presents Suzannah Johannes + Marmoppes + Keelon Vann

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

2. David Byrne & Ghost Train Orchestra – “Everybody Laughs”
   from: Who Is The Sky? / Matador Records / September 25, 2025
   [In 2023, as his triumphant American Utopia era came to a close, David Byrne began jotting down the occasional groove, chord or melody and assembling them into demos he recorded with just an acoustic guitar atop a programmed beat or loop. The prior three years had given him, and much of humanity, the opportunity to ask, “Do I like what I’m doing? Why am I writing songs, or working this job, or whatever? Does any of it matter?” Byrne’s attempts to answer those weighty questions can be found on Who Is The Sky?, a first-time collaboration between himself, Grammy-winning producer Kid Harpoon aka Tom Hull (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus) and New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra, and featuring guest appearances by Paramore’s Hayley Williams, longtime collaborator St. Vincent and The Smile drummer Tom Skinner. The album builds upon the optimistic themes laid out by American Utopia and its supporting tour, but more specifically spelled out by the Grammy-winning Broadway show and subsequent movie. With this offering, Byrne continues his lifelong exploration of human connection and the potential for societal unity against the chaotic backdrop of the world. Who Is the Sky? is particularly personal, cinematic, humorous and joyful, but often with a lesson baked in – that love is unexplainable, that enlightenment means very different things to different people and that it’s always a good idea to moisturize, whether you wake up the next morning with skin like a baby or not. Most importantly, the songs evince Byrne’s gift for riding the razor’s edge of avant-garde and accessible pop. // Since co-founding Talking Heads, David Byrne has been involved with photography, drawing, installations, performance, design, as well as a solo music career. Recent works include American Utopia on Broadway (and the Spike Lee directed film), SOCIAL! Social; Distance Dance Club, Theater of the Mind, and his non profit Arbutus and its primary project, Reasons to be Cheerful, an online news magazine. http://www.davidbyrne.bandcamp.com]

3. Religion of Heartbreak – “Forget About You”
   from: Dream Reflection – EP / Religion of Heartbreak / February 3, 2025
   [ROH is the band formerly known as Monta At oddsIt 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. 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, an offshoot of Monta At Odds, dives deep into darkwave and EBM territories, crafting a sound that’s nostalgic and cutting-edge with Dedric Moore on vocals, guitar, synths, programming; Mikal Shapiro on vocals; and Krysztof Nemeth on baritone guitar and electronic percussion.]

[Religion of Heartbreak play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO, on Thursday, June 26 at 7:00pm with Hex Cassette, and Yama Uba.]

4. The Royal Chief – “Hi-Def (Radio Mix)”
   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 21st Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 6, 3:00pm to Midnight, in West Bottoms at Lemonade Park, Stockyards Brewing, Livestock Exchange Lot, The Campground, Voltaire, The Ox Cafe & Bakery(VIP Venue) with KRYSTLE WARREN / LAURA NOBLE & FRIENDS / THE MGDS • RUDY LOVE AND THE ENCORE / SEYKO • STRANDED IN THE CITY / FRIENDLY THIEVES • LITTLE MISS DYNAMITE / FLAT SUSAN • ROYAL CHIEF • SASS-A-BRAS / THE WHIPS • JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER / SARA SWENSON • TALIA KEYS • JELLY ROSE / MARIACHI ESTRELLA & GRUPO FOLKLÓRICO ALMA TAPATÍA / TERI QUINN & THE COYOTES • 3 TRAILS WEST / DJ THUNDERCUTZ • NATURE BOYS • TIMBERS / SKY SMEED • JULIE BENNETT HUME & ERNEST JAMES / DJ NANA G • LINEA FRONTERA • DYM N D / RURAL GRIT ALL STARS • THE APOLOGIES / JOHN KECK • OSEZUA • BOBBY SCHARPING / ART AS MENTORSHIP PRESENTS THE REBEL SONG ACADEMY More info at: http://www.cmfkc.com

5. Mavis Staples – “Godspeed”
   from: “Godspeed” – Single / Anti / June 10, 2025
   [Written by Frank Ocean. A legendary performer who will turn 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.]

6. Tre’ Mutava – “Walls Talk”
   from: “Walls Talk” b/w “Where Have You Been All My Life?” – Single / Currently Crafting / May 30, 2025
   [Born in 2001 in Marietta, GA — Tre’ grew up with a love of gospel music, inspiring him to write his own. His first performance of an original song was for his elementary school while knowing only two chords on his guitar, but he knew that this is what he loved. Upon entering high school, he became interested in producing after hearing the musicality of artists’ works like 21 Pilots, Jon Bellion, and AJR. He was recognized initially by fans on the 4th single of his debut album, “GO! (feat. PEABOD),” in 2021. “The Movies” proved a cinematic experience for listeners through Tre’s unique vocals and inclusion of choir, horns, and strings. In addition to his personal works, Tre’ has been recognized for his production and co-writing work on songs like “Sunset” and “Take Me Back” by Noah Anthony, “Find You” by Jaishon Jenkins, and “Imagination” by Bobby Labrecque. Most recently, he was featured on The Whips’ album, How To Hold A Grudge, on their track “Please Help Me.” More info at: http://www.tremutava.com]

7. Wednesday – “Elderberry Wine”
   from: “Elderberry Wine” – Single / Dead Oceans / June 9, 2025
   [Wednesday, the North Carolina rock band led by generational songwriter Karly Hartzman, share a twangy and timeless new single titled “Elderberry Wine,” alongside a video directed by Spencer Kelly.\ // “‘Elderberry Wine’ is about the potential for sweet things in life (love, family, success) to become poison if not prepared for and attended to correctly,” Hartzman explains. “Elderberry is known as a healing fruit, and is an ingredient in many tonics and syrups to aid the immune system. One time however, my sister consumed them raw and it immediately induced vomiting. So ‘Elderberry Wine’ is ultimately a love song about creating just the right environment for fulfillment. There’s a delicate balance that needs to be created, especially in love, for two lives to intersect without poisoning each other.” // “Elderberry Wine” is the first taste of new music from Wednesday since the release of 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 Altantic, 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 at 7:00 PM ]

8. Chad Brothers – “Family Tree”
   from: “Family Tree” – Single / Chad Brothers / January 23, 2024
   [Chad Brothers is a Kansas City-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. // You can Watch + listen to “Family Tree” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_TIRVvgO70 one of Chad’s most recently-written original songs.}

[Chad Brothers plays Mike Kelly’s Westsider, 1515 Westport Road, KCMO on Thursday, June 26 ay 6:30pm opening for Big Love Carwash.]

10:29– Underwriting

9. Suzannah Johannes – “Bordeaux 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. 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. 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 Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street, KCK on Saturday, July 19, at 6:00pm. Kansas.]

10:34 – Interview with Suzannah Johannes

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. 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.

Suzannah Johannes plays Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street, KCK on Saturday, July 19, at 6:00pm. Kansas. More info at: http://www.suzannahjohannes.com.

Suzannah Johannes Thank you for being with us on WMM.

In 2008, Suzannah Johannes was an up-and-coming singer-songwriter with a debut EP—S/T—from Range Life Records. 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.

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.

Suzannah Johannes is a singer-songwriter based out of Lawrence, Kansas. 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, and plenty of YouTube tutorials.

In 2006 or 2007, she won the KJHK Farmers Ball and used the prize money to record at Black Lodge Studio with Josh Adams and David Wetzel. Four tracks from those sessions became his debut EP, released by Range Life Records in 2008.

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.

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.

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.

Suzannah is playing a matinee show from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19 at Hillsiders in Kansas City, Kansas.

After the Kansas City album is released on Friday, August 29, she will have a release show on Thursday, Sept. 11 at The Ship, and another show in Lawrence on Saturday, Sept. 13.

More information about her upcoming albums and shows can be found on her website, http://www.suzannahjohannes.com.

Suzannah is releasing (Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard on Aug. 29, and Los Angeles: The Missing Album on Jan. 2, 2026):

10:44

10. Suzannah Johannes – “St Megan”
    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. 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. 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 Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street, KCK on Saturday, July 19, at 6:00pm. Kansas.]

10:48 – More Interview with Suzannah Johannes

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. 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.

Suzannah Johannes plays Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street, KCK on Saturday, July 19, at 6:00pm. Kansas. More info at: http://www.suzannahjohannes.com.

Suzannah Johannes Thank you for being with us on WMM.

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.

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.

Suzannah is playing a matinee show from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19 at Hillsiders in Kansas City, Kansas.

After the Kansas City album is released on Friday, August 29, she will have a release show on Thursday, Sept. 11 at The Ship, and another show in Lawrence on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Suzannah is releasing (Kansas City: Hanz Bronze Boulevard on Aug. 29, and Los Angeles: The Missing Album on Jan. 2, 2026):

Suzannah Johannes Thank you for being with us on WMM.

Suzannah Johannes plays Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street, KCK on Saturday, July 19, at 6:00pm. Kansas. More info at: http://www.suzannahjohannes.com.

10:57

11. Suzannah Johannes – “Rebecca”
    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. 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. 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 Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th Street, KCK on Saturday, July 19, at 6:00pm. Kansas.]

10:00 – Station ID

12. Marmoppes – “Gyatt Time”
    from: “Butterfly” – single / Big Nip Records / March 17, 2024
    [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes More info at: Marmoppes- https://www.instagram.com/marmoppes/ ]

11:02 – Interview with Marmoppes

We are happy to welcome back members of the Kansas City suoer group, Marmoppes who return to Wednesday MidDay Medley to share new music and perform LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Marmoppes include: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, since the fall of 2023 Marmoppes have released five singles: “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” (Sept. 5, 2023), “Butterfly” (March 17, 2024), “Yr Chemical” (April 28, 2024), “Gyatt Time” (Sept. 20, 2024), “Nos” (March 23, 2025) Marmoppes will premier their brand new single on WMM. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes

Simon Huntley, J. Ashley Miller, Alyssa Murray and Ernest Melton Thank you for being with us on WMM.

Simon Huntley is a British-American musician, percussionist, producer, composer and visual artist combining classical sentiments with new world rebellion. Growing up in France then relocating in 2011, Simon now divides his time between the United States and France, investigating and collaborating with the world’s best talent including: QUIXOTIC, A$AP Rocky, Mireya Ramos, Tech9, Making Movies, Calvin Arsenia, Mike Dillon + Nikki Glaspie, Chipotle, Hilton Hotels, Qatar Airways, and many more. Preformed in venues such as: Red Rocks Amphitheater—Colorado / The MGM Grand—Las Vegas / Faena Hotel—Miami / T-Mobile Arena. // And events such as: Invision Festival—Costa Rica / Alaska World Arts Festival—Alaska / Fringe Festival—Edinburgh / Live At Heart—Sweden / Wanderlust—Canada + California // As well as festivals, PACs, Live TV and Radio.

J Ashley Miller is a recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Foundation Generative Performing Artist Award. He’s a self-taught musician & composer. For nearly 20 years he has worked as Composer / Producer/ Recording Engineer / Founder of The Infoaming Vertex in Kansas City, Missouri, a recording studio which he built in 2006. For the last 12 years he has produced, engineered and mixed nearly 100 full length albums and countless smaller projects for both local and international artists including Calvin Arsenia and SSION // With SSION he co-wrote and produced 2 full length albums. The videos were always a central focus for the project, and he fine tuned his ability to work with a director and bring about a coherent final product. // He founded the musical entities Metatone and Jametatone with multiple released from 2013 through 2022. // He once told an art writer that his training was “tens of thousands of hours on computers and playing in bands”, as well as a conductor, music director, producer, performance artist, filmmaker, and recording engineer (among other interests). “I got into all of this by shooting live music films and really tailoring compositions to our filming locations,” Miller said, citing site-specific performances at La Esquina, Oppenstein Park, and Turkey Creek. Filmed and recorded onsite, in one take (multi-camera, multi-track), the final product of these shows was the resulting film or album. // Miller founded the performance group Quadrigarum for site-specific projects and to showcase the chariot instruments he designed, using wheel-mounted guitar picks and an amplified single-stringed guitar on a wooden frame. Chariots are a core element of the Atemporchestra, an ensemble of eclectic instrumentation (including pan flutes, vibraphone, drums, horns, computers, and keyboards, for starters) that he originally put together from the TEDxKC show.

Alyssa Murray recently released her album ‘SCROLLIN’ in 2023. that called “a sonic kaleidoscope of synth-tastic beats and experimental delight. Written, performed, and produced by Alyssa Murray and mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights and Measures Soundlab in Kansas City, MO. // Always feeling a strong pull towards songwriting, Alyssa studied piano, voice, and guitar in her teens deep diving into such influences as Fiona Apple and Stevie Wonder. Further pursuing her passion for jazz and improvisation, Alyssa moved to Kansas City to study jazz-piano at the UMKC Conservatory while immersing herself in the local music scene. Alyssa has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has studied under the direction of Bobby Watson and Dan Thomas; as well as classical repertoire with Karen Kushner and Diane Petrella. // In addition to her solo performances, Alyssa Murray plays with Marmoppes. Alyssa Murray also plays in the trio, Easy Match with Claire Adams and Steve Gardels.

Ernest Melton is a saxophonist, composer, and band leader currently residing in Kansas City, Missouri by way of Goldsboro, North Carolina. He relocated to his mother’s hometown of Kansas City, Missouri at the age of ten where he picked up his first saxophone at Longfellow Academy of the Arts. Bored with the classical curriculum of the music department, Ernest studied more contemporary genres of music and the guitar until the age of fourteen when he joined his first jazz program through the American Jazz Museum of Kansas City. Playing mostly tenor sax by the age of fourteen, Ernest joined Lincoln High School jazz band and many other musical programs around the Greater Kansas City area. Naturally excelling, Melton left school at the age of sixteen to study music on his own. With kind neighbors and a supportive mother, Ernest was free to practice the saxophone, study albums, and write compositions at any hour of the day. It was during this time he found his first major influences in jazz like Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Kenny Garrett, and Pharoah Sanders. Pharoah’s polyphony were like echoes of Melton’s father, a Primitive Baptist preacher, and became a large influence of his playing. An avid composer as well, Ernest studied with tutors in classical orchestration, big band arranging, and Afro-Cuban drumming. He cites Charles Mingus, Igor Stravinsky, and Wayne Shorter as his favorite all around composers and still tries to implement their techniques in his music today. After being accepted into Berklee College of Music he decided not to attend and began his career playing music in bands of every genre around the Greater Kansas City area. In 2018 Ernest released his first full length album entitled, “The Time Of The Slave Is Over”, which received raved reviews at home and abroad by media such as Plastic Sax, Quest TV, and JAZIZZ to name a few. Ernest Melton has played all over the country and plans to continue to travel abroad. // Ernest Melton released the single “Waves” on April 21, 2025. He released the single, “Sonnet for Sanity”on December 18, 2020 and the single, “Chronicles of Conception” on April 21, 2020, and “Narrative for Natives” on March 9, 2020. Ernest Melton released the album “The Standard Imperfections” on September 1, 2019. Ernest Melton is also featured on the BodaciousThang singles, “Drank!” on August 7, 2019 and “Say Hi” released Sept. 2, 2020 on Juicy Burrito Records. ]

11:09 – Marmoppes LIVE

13. Marmoppes – “Butterfly” (LIVE)
    “Butterfly” was released as a single on Big Nip Records on March 17, 2024
    [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes More info at: Marmoppes- https://www.instagram.com/marmoppes/ ]

11:12 – More Interview with Marmoppes

We are happy to welcome back members of the Kansas City suoer group, Marmoppes who return to Wednesday MidDay Medley to share new music and perform LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Marmoppes include: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, since the fall of 2023 Marmoppes have released five singles: “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” (Sept. 5, 2023), “Butterfly” (March 17, 2024), “Yr Chemical” (April 28, 2024), “Gyatt Time” (Sept. 20, 2024), “Nos” (March 23, 2025) Marmoppes will premier their brand new single on WMM. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes

Simon Huntley, J. Ashley Miller, Alyssa Murray and Ernest Melton Thank you for being with us on WMM.

Last time Marmoppes were on WMM was Wednesday, April 16, prior to their live performance on April 18 for The Love Note at The Strand Theatre.

Earlier Marmoppes played The Ship performing live to the film Nosferatu.

The mix of film and music has been a constant for Marmoppes

11:17 – Marmoppes LIVE

14. Marmoppes – “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig (LIVE)
    “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” was released as a Single on Big Nip Records on September 5, 2023
    [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes More info at: Marmoppes- https://www.instagram.com/marmoppes/ ]

11:20 – More Interview with Marmoppes

We are happy to welcome back members of the Kansas City suoer group, Marmoppes who return to Wednesday MidDay Medley to share new music and perform LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios. Marmoppes include: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, since the fall of 2023 Marmoppes have released five singles: “Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” (Sept. 5, 2023), “Butterfly” (March 17, 2024), “Yr Chemical” (April 28, 2024), “Gyatt Time” (Sept. 20, 2024), “Nos” (March 23, 2025) Marmoppes will premier their brand new single on WMM. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes

New Music from Marmoppes: 4×10 = 75

Marmoppes discography:
4 x 10 = 75 – June 25
“Nos” – March 23, 2025 (Big Nip Records)
“Gyatt Time” – Sept. 20, 2024
“Yr Chemical” – April 28, 2024
“Butterfly” – March 17, 2024
“Cerulean Blue Truffle Pig” – September 5, 2023

Simon Huntley, J. Ashley Miller, Alyssa Murray and Ernest Melton Thank you for being with us on WMM.

More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes

11:24

15. Marmoppes – “4 x 10 = 75″ (CD #15) (3:39)
    from: “4 x 10 = 75” – single / Big Nip Records / June 25, 2025
    [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes More info at: Marmoppes- https://www.instagram.com/marmoppes/ ]

11:28 – Underwriting

16. Keelon Vann – “Poison”
    from: T H I R D (•) / Keelon Vann / May 23, 2025
    [Keelon Vann, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist who doesn’t believe in genre. Keelon Vann is a KC native who has been deeply moved by music since childhood. His earliest influences stem from R&B, Soul, and Funk—artists such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke, The Temptations, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, James Brown, and Prince. Vann taught himself to play guitar, evolving his sound and adding new icons to his growing list of influences—Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King. A former NCAA Division II College Footbal Athlete at William Jewell College, where Vann also served as a Choral Music Scholar in both the Concert Choir and Schola Cantorum balancing athletics, academics, and music. Vann has remained steadfast in his artistic path. Keelon just released his 3rd album, T H I R D (•), pronounced “Third Eye.”]

11:31 – Interview with Keelon Vann

Keelon Vann, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist who doesn’t believe in genre. Keelon Vann is a KC native who has been deeply moved by music since childhood. His earliest influences stem from R&B, Soul, and Funk—artists such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke, The Temptations, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, James Brown, and Prince. Vann taught himself to play guitar, evolving his sound and adding new icons to his growing list of influences—Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King. A former NCAA Division II College Footbal Athlete at William Jewell College, where Vann also served as a Choral Music Scholar in both the Concert Choir and Schola Cantorum balancing athletics, academics, and music. Vann has remained steadfast in his artistic path. Keelon just released his 3rd album, T H I R D (•), pronounced “Third Eye.” 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.”

Keelon Vann thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Keelon Vann, a 26-year-old American singer-songwriter and guitarist, seeks to break barriers by honoring the classics while drawing inspiration from modern productions. The Kansas-born artist doesn’t believe in genre. “It’s pretty hard to put you in a box,” said Steve Kraske of KCUR 89.3 Radio. It is, however, to Vann’s dismay that such fusion of sounds may lead to quite an unorthodox niche—but according to Vann, art transcends genre and exists to inspire and to heal. This is Keelon Vann.

Born on August 28, 1998, to Juanita Moten and the late Kwasi Vann, Keelon Vann is a Kansas City native who has been deeply moved by music since childhood. His earliest influences stem from R&B, Soul, and Funk—artists such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Musiq Soulchild, Luther Vandross, Robin Thicke, Boyz II Men, Eric Benét, Maxwell, Usher, Justin Timberlake and more. He also draws from timeless legends including Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, The Temptations, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Prince, among many others. These artists were foundational in shaping Vann’s vocal talent.

Upon picking up the guitar, Vann expanded his musical world. Teaching himself to play, he discovered Blues and Rock N’ Roll, evolving his sound and adding new icons to his growing list of influences—Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Albert Collins, Freddie King, Gary Clark Jr., John Mayer, and a furthermore extensive list.

A graduate of Piper High School and former NCAA Division II College Football Athlete at William Jewell College, Vann also served as a Choral Music Scholar in both the Concert Choir and Schola Cantorum. Balancing athletics, academics, and music has never been easy, but through it all, Vann has remained steadfast in his artistic path.

Now with three independently released albums:
ŠUÑFŁØWĘR PÂRĀDØX
Tales of the Gypsy,
T H I R D (•)

11:54

17. Keelon Vann – “Heaven Help Us”
    from: T H I R D (•) / Keelon Vann / May 23, 2025
    [Keelon Vann, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist who doesn’t believe in genre. Keelon Vann is a KC native who has been deeply moved by music since childhood. His earliest influences stem from R&B, Soul, and Funk—artists such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross, Sam Cooke, The Temptations, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, James Brown, and Prince. Vann taught himself to play guitar, evolving his sound and adding new icons to his growing list of influences—Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King. A former NCAA Division II College Footbal Athlete at William Jewell College, where Vann also served as a Choral Music Scholar in both the Concert Choir and Schola Cantorum balancing athletics, academics, and music. Vann has remained steadfast in his artistic path. Keelon just released his 3rd album, T H I R D (•), pronounced “Third Eye.”]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, July 2, we’ll talk with Mara Williams Assistant Managing Editor for Race and Equity Issues at The Kansas City Star and J.M. Banks – Kansas City Star Culture and Identity Reporter who will discuss Season Three of The KC Star’s new 5 – week series, VOICES OF KANSAS CITY starting July 9, airing Wednesdays at 7:00pm to 8:00pm featuring the stories of eight young black educators in Kansas City. More info at http://www.KansasCity.com. Also next week, Spencer Thompson about the return of Kansas City’s popular comedic horror show, The Spooky **** Show, created by local Kansas Citian, Derek Trautwein returning to Kansas City Fringe Festival (July 17-27), More info http://www.kcfringe.org // And Beth Watts Nelson joins us to share her latest release.

Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachel Christia, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!

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

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 #1101

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, March 26, 2025

WMM presents: Stephonne + Danielle Ate The Sandwich + The Fur and The Fang

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

2. Debbie Friday – “1/17”
   from: “1/17′ / Sub Pop Records / March 20, 2025
   [Debby Friday is sharing “1/17”, an anthemic and salacious new dance pop single for 2025, available now worldwide from Sub Pop and in Canada from Royal Mountain Records. // Written and produced during a whirlwind European tour, “1/17” marks an exciting evolution for Debby Friday as she unveils a softer, more playful side of her artistry. Featuring hypnotic vocals and cheeky lyrics with nods to ancient Greece and nude selfies, the track exudes charm and lightness. With threads of experimental dance-pop woven seamlessly throughout, “1/17” is a refreshing addition to Debby Friday’s sonic world and a promising kickoff to her new era. // “1/17” was produced by Friday and Darcy Baylis, mixed by Alex Gamble, with assistance by Taylor Finnigan, and mastered by Levi Seitz. // Its soaring and singular shot official video is directed by Friday and frequent collaborator Kevan Funk (“WHAT A MAN,” “SO HARD TO TELL”), and filmed at Toronto’s historic Massey Hall. // Friday says of the visual, “It’s based on an amalgamation of two experiences that I had. The first was when I won the Polaris Prize at Massey Hall, which felt like a peak moment in my career. The second was when, nine months later, I played a festival show to absolutely no one in the audience. I’ve spent the past year detaching myself from the highs and lows of this business and trying to see everything as a sign. Of what? I don’t know. But I’m sure in the end, it’ll all mean something.”]

3. Billie Marten – “Feeling”
   from: Dog Eared / Fiction Records / July 18, 2025
   [New Single from Billie Marten’s 5th LP DOG EARED. Dog Eared is a warm, rich and textured record that bristles with confidence and self-belief, with Billie already approaching the prolificacy of a “lifer” with so much life left to live. It’s a left turn from her previous recordings, albeit a subtle one, taken with a deftness of touch. A musician embracing change, while staying true to her core self. There’s a certain strength of conviction here that finds its voice more prominently in the extensive pool of her acclaimed American contemporaries, of which she now surely stands shoulder to shoulder with. With Dog Eared, Billie calmly posits herself at the top of the tree of not just British contemporary folk artists, but with British songwriters at large. // Of the record’s opening number, “Feeling”, Billie explains: “I’ve discovered that I have a really particular long-term memory: I have specific sensory recollections from when I was two onwards, that I can recall easily now. One of these is marking out roads in my grandmother’s patterned carpet, for my Dad’s old 1950/60s toy cars to drive on. I used to trace patterns in everything: fabric seats at the dentist, carpets, wallpaper and walls, raindrops on car windows. Everything had a pattern to be noticed.” // “Another strong memory is the feeling of big, warm hands when you’re a child and how comforting and safe that feels. The notion of age being so far away from you, but you know it’s a future inevitability, and that you’re on your way there. The inarticulateness of that ‘feeling’ you can’t describe yet, but you’re aware of a push in the world that you don’t yet understand.” ”Feeling” is really set alight by Núria Graham’s guitar part, the one you hear from the outset. It sparks the album info life and really sets a benchmark in terms of rhythm. This is an album of rhythmic focus.”]

4. Yukimi – “Peace Reign (Radio Edit)”
   from: For You / Ninja Tune / March 28, 2025
   [Debut Solo Album from Yukimi, the celebrated vocalist and co-founder of Grammy-nominated band Little Dragon, shares her new single “Peace Reign.” A hopeful song about believing and striving for a peaceful world, the song starts with a sweet message from Yukimi’s son, “you have to believe it for it to come true, it’s right in front of you.” This is the latest offering from her debut album For You due March 28th via Ninja Tune.
   “Peace Reign is about not giving up on the dream that this world can be a peaceful place. Believing in hope and a brighter future for the generations to come,” says Yukimi.
   Her debut solo album sees her step away from a band formation to create some of her most beautiful and intimate work to date: both intensely personal and brilliantly relatable. On For You, Yukimi elegantly entwines musical styles from jazz, soul and electronic pop to hip hop, roots and psychedelia, but the themes of her solo songs dig deeper than ever, across love, loss, feminine energy and innate resilience. // For You will include previously released singles “Stream of Consciousness” featuring British singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas. The collaboration marks Yukimi’s first time writing and creating music with another woman, which allowed her to fully delve into her feminine energy; “Sad Makeup,” which was written “about those days when you try to push down and control a sad feeling” says Yukimi; “Winter Is Not Dead,” inspired by those long, dark winters in Scandinavia; and the self-empowering debut single “Break Me Down” which was also in collaboration with Lianne La Havas and Little Dragon bandmate and long-time friend Erik Bodin.//Reflecting on For You, Yukimi shares: “I want this music to really be a force to connect people to each other, and step away from the madness of everything on the planet right now. And I’m excited about embarking on that journey on my own – the expression really feels pure.” // To celebrate the album’s release, Yukimi will embark on a full North American tour beginning in April, making stops in major cities including New York, Toronto, Chicago, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Full tour details and ticket information can be found at https://yukimi-music.com/. // Renowned for her distinct and graceful voice, Yukimi has captivated audiences since co-founding Little Dragon in 1996. With the band, she has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, from Coachella and Glastonbury to NPR’s Tiny Desk—while collaborating with an impressive roster of artists, including Mac Miller, Kali Uchis, Gorillaz, JID, KAYTRANADA, Flume, and De La Soul. Her ability to transcend genres and craft deeply moving music has cemented her status as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music.]

5. The Faint – “Desperate Guys”
   from: Wet from Birth / Saddle Creek / September 14, 2004.
   [Wet from Birth is the fourth studio album by The Faint, formed in Omaha, Nebraska, the band consists of Todd Fink, Graham Ulicny, Dapose and Clark Baechle. The Faint was originally known as Norman Bailer and included Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes, with whom The Faint toured in 2005). He quit shortly after the band was formed, though the Faint continued to share a spot with Bright Eyes on Saddle Creek Records. // The band originally consisted of Clark Baechle, Todd Fink (formerly Todd Baechle), and Joel Petersen. Growing up, Fink, Petersen, and Baechle skateboarded in their free time, until Fink developed knee problems, which shifted their hobbies towards making music. They signed to Saddle Creek Records and released a few singles, but were unable to establish widespread sales. After adding Matt Bowen, the Faint released Media. At the end of 1998, Jacob Thiele joined the band, and shortly thereafter, Matt Bowen was replaced by Ethan Jones. They toured the U.S., playing what would become the songs that would comprise the next album, Blank-Wave Arcade, which had a more dance and techno-influenced sound and was an underground hit. Before recording the album, however, Jones left the band and was replaced on bass guitar by Joel Petersen, who played both bass and guitar on the album. Partway through the creation of Danse Macabre, the Faint added Dapose, a death metal guitarist formerly of LEAD. Their next album, recorded with Mike Mogis and released in 2004, was called Wet from Birth. Conor Oberst claimed in an August 2020 interview with Pitchfork Magazine that The Faint were offered a major label record deal, but turned it down out of loyalty and commitment to Saddle Creek, which at the time was still a collaborative project between members of The Faint, Cursive and Bright Eyes. // In May 2008, the Faint announced that they had split from Saddle Creek, and that their fifth studio album would be self-released under their own label, blank.wav. The album, entitled Fasciinatiion, was released on August 5, 2008, in the U.S. The first single from the album was “The Geeks Were Right”, which was released on Boys Noize Records. It was also announced that the band would tour North America with British electronic group Ladytron during the spring. // Since the release of Fasciinatiion, two of the band members, Clark Baechle and Todd Fink have been quietly, with little advertising, performing under the name Depressed Buttons, playing remixes of other artists, and DJing for various small clubs and venues. // The band performed an original song “Teach Me Teacher” on the children’s show Yo Gabba Gabba! in the third-season episode “School”, which originally aired September 19, 2010. // On October 30, 2012, Saddle Creek Records released a deluxe edition of Danse Macabre with the original album remastered, bonus and unreleased tracks, and a DVD of archival footage, live projections from that era’s tour dates, and live footage. The band announced that it would play Danse Macabre in its entirety along with fan favorites during a tour of 24 cities across North America. // In 2016, Graham Ulicny (of Reptar) replaced Jacob Thiele on keyboards. Thiele died on February 13, 2020.]

[The Faint play The Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO on Friday, March 28 at 8:00pm with special guests Plack Blague]

6. Honeybee – “i wish i knew you then”
   from: “i wish i knew you then” – Single / Honeybee / March 28, 2025
   [New honeybee single from their upcoming EP “midtown girl”, to be released on June 6, 2025. // The track was written by the songwriter and lead singer, Makayla Scott, who wrote to us, “i wish i knew you then is inspired by all the stories Al (honeybee bass player and Mak’s partner) has told me about their life prior to us getting to know each other. Sometimes when we are reminiscing and giggling about the past, I get hit with a big wave of fomo – sad i’ve missed out on so much. but they always say that the timing of our relationship is perfect and that they’re glad we met when we did. Still, I would have LOVED to hang with kid AL and play horses or dogs or any of the 2000s era Madden games!” // Honeybee released their EP Saturn Return on March 29, 2024 part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2024. // Honeybee started as the solo project of Singer/Songwriter Makayla Scott and now include 3 or 4 of her friends umping in… Honeybee released the songle “I Know What Love is” on January 27, 2023. Makayla Scott also played with the band Blue False Indigo Makayla Scott studied music at Drury University graduating in 2017. Honeybee played Manor Fest 6 at 6:30 PM at Arizona Trading CO. 1722 Oak Street KCMO with The Highwater, and Jass.]

7. David Luther – “Wrecking Bay”
   from: “Wrecking Bay”- Single / David Luther / March 28, 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.”]

8. Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Truly Great Thing”
   from: Extended Play / Parlour Door Music / November 1, 2024
   [Krystle Warren & The Faculty are: Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Jonathan Anderson. Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) Krystle Warren & The Faculty were involved in many musical projects. Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023. They released and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When Covid delayed the upcoming release of Extended Play, Krystle and members of The Faculty along with some of their frequent collaborators formed The Crew to release the 4-song CREW EP on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew was made up of: Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP were donated to the various causes and organizations // // The Faculty was formed with Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Dave Moore. While the four boys had classes and gigs, Krystle floated around New York and made a lot of friends. She busked and wrote songs, and, with the help of her band members and Ben Kane, who had an internship at Electric Lady Studios and was sneaking them in at odd hours, Krystle turned those songs into an e.p. called Diary. // Diary led to Circles, which Ben Kane co-produced with Voodoo engineer Russell “The Dragon” Elevado. Circles was bought by Because Music in France, but Krystle still recorded Love Songs in New York, a double album that invokes a Blakean duality with its two subtitles, ‘A Time to Refrain from Embracing’ and ‘A Time You May Embrace’. // Love Songs​ was produced with most of the Faculty (Zach was on tour with Amos Lee) and a slew of guest musicians in Brian Bender’s Brooklyn studio, The Motherbrain. Bender’s assistant, Jonathan Anderson, would later go on to replace Dave Moore on keys. // The Faculty has always been a tenuous project for everyone involved because of the distance and the schedules. While everyone remains close friends, the band members are spread across the globe. Krystle in France. Riddleberger in New York and Zach in Woodstock. Jonathan in Los Angeles. And then they are all working musicians, touring, recording, and collaborating with an impressive list of artists. Musicians like, in no particular order: D’Angelo, Hercules and Love Affair, Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers, Joan As Police Woman, Jonathan Wilson, Emily King, Janet Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Amy Helm, Taylor Swift, Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, The Knights, Bleachers, Emmylou Harris, Amos Lee, Mayra Andrade, Lana Del Rey, Broken Social Scene, Teddy Thompson, Lakecia Benjamin, and honestly that’s less than the half of it. // So they have been busy, and they have gained a lot of experience since the days of sneaking into ElectricLady late night or playing for meager pay and free wine at an East Village Italian resto. And while Diary, Circles, and Love Songs​ were recorded with everyone in the same room (​Three the Hard Way, Krystle’s solo album, was pared down to her and Kane collectively), Extended Play​ was recorded disparately and assembled together by the steady hands and ears of Kane and Krystle. There is distance between the musicians in the recording process, but there is still a close emotional connection that can be heard in these songs. // The songs that make up ​Extended Play​ are songs of experience—the lyrics reflect on a crush from high school, a departed musical hero, and others who live in memory. There is nostalgia in Extended Play, and a forlornness. // Krystle describes “When I Look Back,” the last song of the album, as “an apology to my teenage self.” Twenty years ago she was writing songs about what happened day-of because being young is about immediacy and living in the present tense. Now the songs are about years past because life slows down, and we are allowed the time to “look back.”// But as Krystle sings in “Rising,” “Future lingers while past is present.” She’s writing about the past because we are all our collected histories—or as she puts it in “When I Look Back”: “there’s still something of her that stays.” The future, of course, still lingers, always there waiting for us, for the next move. The album ends with a recording of Audre Lorde’s gravelly voice. She says, // I’m going on to something else, the shape of which, I have no idea. ‘Only thing I know is, it’s going to be quite different. What I leave behind has a life of its own – I’ve said this about poetry … Well in a sense, I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been. // Krystle Warren & The Faculty still have more to come. They have built twenty years of memories, experiences, recordings, and shows, and with the release of Extended Play,​ they continue to show a commitment to growing as musicians together, even if apart. The Extended Play bio written by Phil Anderson]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:31 – Interview with Stephonne

Stephonne is in the house. Joining us today to debut his new single “It’s Gonna Be Alright.” 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

Welcome back to the show. We are nearly three months into the year and Stephonne has already produced another epic tribute show, this time to Mary J. Blige at the Fifth Floor in the historic West Bottoms. Stephonne was also 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 Stephonne as a performer, but also in the community building work that Stephonne does.

Stephonne is a multifaceted performer, actor, drag performer, singer-songwriter, model. Stephonne has been a big part of the Wednesday MidDay Medley, as one of our most frequent guests, and someone we call on when we’re celebrating anniversary shows. We have loved watching Stephonne’s journey as a musical performer. This has been a journey of discovery of self.

Part of Stephonne’s most recent work is being on the board of Kansas City Folk Festival.

KC Folk Fest Fundraisers:
Pickball – Saturday, April 19, at 10:00am, in Gillham Park, sign up by April 11, 2025
FolkyOkie Karaoke, April 23 , at 7:00p at The Ship 1221 Union, KCMO West Bottoms
Rural Grit Happy Hour, Monday, May 5, at 6:00pm at The Brick, 727 McGee, KCMO

Kansas City Folk Festival is Saturday May 17, 12:00pm to 8:00pm with Sunny War, Nokisee Fields, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stranded in The City, Rural Grit Happy Hour, Dalima Kapten, Gracie Caggiano, Wim Frederick, Pheenix Leeor, Mitxi Mckee, KC Queertet, No Divide KC Spotlight, KC Fringe Showcase, KC Young Audiences, Heartland Song Network, Poetry, Craft Market, Food Trucks, and more, More infoat: http://www.kcfolkfest.org

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

10:40

9. Stephonne – “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright”
   from: “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” – Single / Stephonne / March 28, 2025
   [Co written by Stephonne Singleton with Shawn M Stewart.]

10:43 – More Interview with Stephonne

Stephonne is in the house. Joining us today to debuts his brand new single “It’s Gonna Be Alright.”

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

10:53

10. 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.]

11. Julien Baker & TORRES – “Sugar in the Tank”
    from: “Sugar in the Tank”- Single / Matador Records / December 13, 2024
    [This was the first single from Julien Baker and TORRES upcoming 12-track album SEND A PRAYER MY WAY to be released April 18, 2025. // After playing “Sugar in the Tank” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Julien Baker & TORRES closed out 2024 with the release of their critically acclaimed debut single “Sugar in the Tank” via Matador Records. Since then, they have also shared the official video for the track which was shot in collaboration with the queer country dance party Stud Country. // Formed by their shared experiences of growing up queer in the south, “Sugar in the Tank,” which is now #3 greatest gainer, and #30* at AAA, not only reflects Julien Baker & TORRES’ love of country music, but joyfully reclaims the genre’s traditions and iconography which until only recently felt exclusionary. The single is a beautiful duet that is authentically country as it is a celebration of the songwriter’s roots. // “Sugar in the Tank,” is a stunning duet—a heartfelt celebration of identity and belonging, steeped in the timeless essence of country music. // “Straightforward country — guitar strumming, banjo picking, pedal steel guitar — perfectly suits the all-out declarations of love in “Sugar in the Tank.” -The New York Times // “the pair’s voices fit together like puzzle pieces, making ‘Sugar in the Tank’ a must-listen for any country music fan out there.” Billboard]

11:00 – Station ID

12. Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Fumbling”
    from: Fumbling / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / March 21, 2025
    [Fumbling by Danielle Ate the Sandwich, is the artist’s 8th full length release of original music. Produced by Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, and Danielle Anderson. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Recorded in Kansas City, KS. Photography by Paul Andrews. Danielle Anderson: vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo. Fritz Hutchison: drums, bass, banjo, guitars, keys. Alison Hawkins: vocals, keys, fiddle. Joy Zimmerman: vocals. Marco Pascolini: pedal steel. Alberto Racanati: trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Aryana Nemati: flute. Laurel Parks: violin. Sascha Groschang: cello. Community Choir on ‘Peace to You Brother’: Annie Kalahurka, Morgan Fender, Forest Kinsey, Mark Orr, Jamie Campbell, Jessica Campbell. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]

[Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays a FUMBLING album release show Saturday, March 29 at 7:00pm, at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO Featuring Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, Michelle Bacon, and Marco Pascolini. Info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]

11:04 – Interview with Danielle Anderson

Danielle Anderson performs as Danielle Ate the Sandwich. Danielle is a singer/songwriter, recording artist, and comedic performer based in KCMO. Danielle Anderson jois us to talk about her new album FUMBLING from Danielle Ate The Sandwich, released March 21, 2025. Danielle has released over 300 YouTube videos, conducts an annual community songwriting project called the 24 Hour Album, and has released 8 full length albums of original music. She has opened for Mumford and Sons, Jake Shimabukuro, and had the opportunity to write the soundtrack to the Emmy nominated HBO documentary, “Packed in a Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson.” In 2023, Danielle was awarded a 2-year studio residency at the Charlotte Street Foundation, and was the recipient of an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC in 2024. Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays a FUMBLING album release show Saturday, March 29 at 7:00pm, at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO. Info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com

Danielle Anderson, thank you for being with us on WMM.

We just heard the title track from Danielle’s 8th full length album Fumbling.

Produced by Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, and Danielle Anderson. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Recorded in Kansas City, KS. Photography by Paul Andrews.

Danielle Anderson: vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo.
Fritz Hutchison: drums, bass, banjo, guitars, keys.
Alison Hawkins: vocals, keys, fiddle.
Joy Zimmerman: vocals.
Marco Pascolini: pedal steel.
Alberto Racanati: trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet.
Aryana Nemati: flute.
Laurel Parks: violin.
Sascha Groschang: cello.
Community Choir on ‘Peace to You Brother’: Annie Kalahurka, Morgan Fender, Forest Kinsey, Mark Orr, Jamie Campbell, Jessica Campbell.

Danielle Ate The Sandwich’s 8th album received an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC.

11:12

12. Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “It’s Not Jupiter”
    from: Fumbling / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / March 21, 2025
    [Fumbling by Danielle Ate the Sandwich, is the artist’s 8th full length release of original music. Produced by Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, and Danielle Anderson. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Recorded in Kansas City, KS. Photography by Paul Andrews. Danielle Anderson: vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo. Fritz Hutchison: drums, bass, banjo, guitars, keys. Alison Hawkins: vocals, keys, fiddle. Joy Zimmerman: vocals. Marco Pascolini: pedal steel. Alberto Racanati: trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Aryana Nemati: flute. Laurel Parks: violin. Sascha Groschang: cello. Community Choir on ‘Peace to You Brother’: Annie Kalahurka, Morgan Fender, Forest Kinsey, Mark Orr, Jamie Campbell, Jessica Campbell. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]

[Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays a FUMBLING album release show Saturday, March 29 at 7:00pm, at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO Featuring Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, Michelle Bacon, and Marco Pascolini.. Info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]

11:16 – More Interview with Danielle Anderson

Danielle Anderson performs as Danielle Ate the Sandwich. Danielle is a singer/songwriter, recording artist, and comedic performer based in KCMO. Danielle Anderson jois us to talk about her new album FUMBLING from Danielle Ate The Sandwich, released March 21, 2025. Danielle has released over 300 YouTube videos, conducts an annual community songwriting project called the 24 Hour Album, and has released 8 full length albums of original music. She has opened for Mumford and Sons, Jake Shimabukuro, and had the opportunity to write the soundtrack to the Emmy nominated HBO documentary, “Packed in a Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson.” In 2023, Danielle was awarded a 2-year studio residency at the Charlotte Street Foundation, and was the recipient of an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC in 2024. Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays a FUMBLING album release show Saturday, March 29 at 7:00pm, at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO. Info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com

Danielle Anderson, thank you for being with us on WMM.

We just heard another track from Danielle’s 8th full length album Fumbling.

Danielle had the honor of working with IX Film Productions to create a new music video for the title track of the new album, Fumbling. The result is a beautiful one shot video that takes Danielle through the chaos of life, growing up, making choices, and fumbling through it all.

The video was filmed in Kansas City, MO, by Patrick Poe & Lolo Loren, with production design by Amber Joy. The video features lots of amazing local talent!

Starring:
Ellie DeShon – Mom
Thomas Smith – Dad
Amber Joy – Sister
Jerry Mañan – Friend/Groom
Tiffany Michelle – Friend
Stephanie Stevens – Friend
Forest Kinsey – Priest/Partygoer
Gideon Madison – Partygoer
Ace Lovelace – Partygoer
Lily Gojcevic – Partygoer
Mykah Mleek – Partygoer
Mason Vietti – Partygoer
Liam Chewning – First AC
Isabelle Torri – Hair & Makeup
Bob Colladay – Car

Danielle on Fumbling Tour Dates around the US!

FUMBLING TOUR DATES
March 29th | Kansas City, MO
April 12th | Warrensburg, MO
May 31st | Lawrence, KS
May 10th | Denver, CO
June 12th | Littleton, CO
June 15th | Fort Collins, CO

WEST COAST FUMBLING TOUR
September 11th | Reno, NV
September 12th | Roseville, CA
September 13th | North Bay, CA
September 14th | Sunnyvale, CA
September 20th | Los Angeles, CA
September 22nd | Sun City, AZ
September 23rd | Phoenix, CA

Last summer at the KC Fringe Festival, Danielle presented THE GREATEST GARAGE SALE EVER a one woman comedy cabaret featuring original characters and songs by Danielle Anderson with five performances July 20 thru Sat., July 27 The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 West 19th, KCMO.

On February 23, 2024, Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “Turtle by Jer” – Written by Jerry “Jer” Slougherman and Danielle Anderson. Performed by Jer. Mixed by David Bashford

On January 14, 2024 Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 6-track release, “2024 (The 24 Hour Album)”.

On February 20, 2022 Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-track release, “Continued Curfew (24 Hour Album 2022)”.

Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the 7-song album, 24 HOUR ALBUM (2021), on April 25, 2021. The 7 songs on this album were written and recorded in 24 hours on April 24th-25th, 2021, during Danielle Ate the Sandwich’s 6th annual 24 Hour Album.

On May 28, 2021 Danielle Ate the Sandwich released, It’s Not a Burden (Original Songs from the Documentary Film) on Youngest Daughter Records. It’s Not A Burden is a powerful and brilliant film about the joys and pain of raising elderly parents. The songs are produced by Joanna Katcher.

Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “A Weight, A Wall” on June 1, 2021.
Danielle Ate The Sandwich released the single, “Goodbye to You” on August 22, 2021.
Danielle Anderson, thank you for being with us on WMM.

11:25

13. Danielle Ate the Sandwich – “Not Easy To Do”
    from: Fumbling / Danielle Ate The Sandwich / March 21, 2025
    [Fumbling by Danielle Ate the Sandwich, is the artist’s 8th full length release of original music. Produced by Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, and Danielle Anderson. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Recorded in Kansas City, KS. Photography by Paul Andrews. Danielle Anderson: vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo. Fritz Hutchison: drums, bass, banjo, guitars, keys. Alison Hawkins: vocals, keys, fiddle. Joy Zimmerman: vocals. Marco Pascolini: pedal steel. Alberto Racanati: trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Aryana Nemati: flute. Laurel Parks: violin. Sascha Groschang: cello. Community Choir on ‘Peace to You Brother’: Annie Kalahurka, Morgan Fender, Forest Kinsey, Mark Orr, Jamie Campbell, Jessica Campbell. More info at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com]

[Danielle Ate The Sandwich plays a FUMBLING album release show Saturday, March 29 at 7:00pm, at Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, KCMO Featuring Fritz Hutchison, Alison Hawkins, Michelle Bacon, and Marco Pascolini.. Info at: http://www.greenwoodsocialhall.com]

11:28 – Underwriting

15. The Fur and the Fang – “Mr Lorry”
    from: EP 4 /The Fur and the Fang / December 17, 2024
    [Zachary Hodson (formerly of Dolls On Fire) on vocals, guitars, keys, percussion; Valerie Schurman on vocals, kazoo, percussion; Seann McAnally on vocals, bass; Joe Frogge on vocals, ukulele. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Drei Katzen Studios. All music and lyrics by Zachary Hodson. Performed by the Fur and the Fang except Bad Gospel music and lyrics written by Seann McAnally performed by the Fur and the Fang. Album art generated by DJ Flickster. The Fur and the Fang are Campfire acoustic singalong meets sweaty barnstomping hootenanny. More info at: http://www.thefurandthefang.bandcamp.com]

[The Fur and The Fang play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North KC, on Friday, March 28, at 7:00pm with The Village Prairie and Cee Dee Vee. http://www.therinokc.com]

11:33 – Interview with Zach Hodson, Valerie Schurman and Joe Frogge

Joining us in our 90.1 FM Studios is KC music veteran Zach Hodson, formally of the critically acclaimed Dolls On Fire. Zach’s new band is The Fur and The Fang where Zach on sings, plays guitars, keys & percussion; also joining us in the conversation is: Valerie Schurman who sings, plays kazoo & percussion; and Joe Frogge who sings and plays ukulele. Seann McAnally on vocals & bass is also in the band. The Fur and The Fang describe their sound as: “A campfire acoustic singalong meets sweaty barn-stomping hootenanny.” The band released, EP 4 on December 17, 2024. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Drei Katzen Studios. All music and lyrics by Zachary Hodson. More info at: http://www.thefurandthefang.bandcamp.com

The Fur and The Fang play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North KC, on Friday, March 28, at 7:00pm with The Village Prairie and Cee Dee Vee. http://www.therinokc.com

Zach Hodson, Valerie Schurman and Joe Frogge thanks for being with us on WMM

The Fur and The Fang is:
Zach Hodson on sings, plays guitars, keys & percussion;
Valerie Schurman who sings, plays kazoo & percussion;
Joe Frogge who sings and plays ukulele.
Seann McAnally on vocals & bass is also in the band.

The Fur and The Fang describe their sound as: “A campfire acoustic singalong meets sweaty barn-stomping hootenanny.”

The band released, EP 4 on December 17, 2024. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Drei Katzen Studios. All music and lyrics by Zachary Hodson.

11:41

16. The Fur and the Fang – “Bad Gospel”
    from: EP 4 /The Fur and the Fang / December 17, 2024
    [Zachary Hodson (formerly of Dolls On Fire) on vocals, guitars, keys, percussion; Valerie Schurman on vocals, kazoo, percussion; Seann McAnally on vocals, bass; Joe Frogge on vocals, ukulele. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Drei Katzen Studios. All music and lyrics by Zachary Hodson. Performed by the Fur and the Fang except Bad Gospel music and lyrics written by Seann McAnally performed by the Fur and the Fang. Album art generated by DJ Flickster. The Fur and the Fang are Campfire acoustic singalong meets sweaty barnstomping hootenanny. More info at: http://www.thefurandthefang.bandcamp.com]

[The Fur and The Fang play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North KC, on Friday, March 28, at 7:00pm with The Village Prairie and Cee Dee Vee. http://www.therinokc.com]

11:44 – More Interview with Zach Hodson, Valerie Schurman and Joe Frogge

Joining us in our 90.1 FM Studios is KC music veteran Zach Hodson, formally of the critically acclaimed Dolls On Fire. Zach’s new band is The Fur and The Fang where Zach on sings, plays guitars, keys & percussion; also joining us in the conversation is: Valerie Schurman who sings, plays kazoo & percussion; and Joe Frogge who sings and plays ukulele. Seann McAnally on vocals & bass is also in the band. The Fur and The Fang describe their sound as: “A campfire acoustic singalong meets sweaty barn-stomping hootenanny.” The band released, EP 4 on December 17, 2024. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Drei Katzen Studios. All music and lyrics by Zachary Hodson.

The Fur and The Fang play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North KC, on Friday, March 28, at 7:00pm with The Village Prairie and Cee Dee Vee. http://www.therinokc.com

Zach Hodson, Valerie Schurman and Joe Frogge thanks for being with us on WMM

The Fur and the Fang Discography
The Fur and the Fang released the 4-track EP, EP3 on December 17, 2024
The Fur and the Fang released the 5-track EP, EP3 on July 23, 2024
The Fur and the Fang released the 4-track EP, EP2 on August 25, 2023
The Fur and the Fang released the 4-track EP, EP1 on February 28, 2023
The Fur and the Fang released the 6-track EP, A Furry Fangy Holiday 2023 Dec 20, 2023

The Fur and the Fang released the single, “The Horrors We Don’t Know” on Oct 31, 2023.

Zach Hodson, Valerie Schurman and Joe Frogge thanks for being with us on WMM

The Fur and The Fang play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North KC, on Friday, March 28, at 7:00pm with The Village Prairie and Cee Dee Vee. http://www.therinokc.com

11:54

17. The Fur and the Fang – “I Could Never Tell A Lie”
    from: EP 4 /The Fur and the Fang / December 17, 2024
    [Zachary Hodson (formerly of Dolls On Fire) on vocals, guitars, keys, percussion; Valerie Schurman on vocals, kazoo, percussion; Seann McAnally on vocals, bass; Joe Frogge on vocals, ukulele. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Drei Katzen Studios. All music and lyrics by Zachary Hodson. Performed by the Fur and the Fang except Bad Gospel music and lyrics written by Seann McAnally performed by the Fur and the Fang. Album art generated by DJ Flickster. The Fur and the Fang are Campfire acoustic singalong meets sweaty barnstomping hootenanny. More info at: http://www.thefurandthefang.bandcamp.com]

[The Fur and The Fang play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North KC, on Friday, March 28, at 7:00pm with The Village Prairie and Cee Dee Vee. http://www.therinokc.com]

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

NEXT WEEK, on April 2 – Fallestine “Fally” Afani of I Heart Local Music and the Lawrence Music Alliance joins us as Guest Producer for SPOTLIGHT ON PALESTINIAN ARTISTS a special presentation for Arab American Heritage Month featuring music from Saint Levant, Elyanna, DAM, and More!

Big THANK YOU TO THE FABULOUS 44 PEOPLE WHO DONATED in support of Wednesday MidDay Medley for KKFI 90.1 FM’s during our On-Air Winter Fund Drive! With the help of my amazing co-hosts, we raised $2,693.00 toward our goal of $2,685.00. We achieved 100% of our goal for KKFI 90.1 FM. Thank you Betse Ellis, Rachio Head, and Mikal Shapiro and J Kelly Dougherty and all our fabulous donors and listeners!

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

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 #1088